I spent that afternoon in the castle’s conference room.
Seated with me around the circular table were Henry and Logan. While my relationship with Logan was technically one of master and servant, his position as a quasi-executive had become firmly established. Since his competence was common knowledge, no one within our ranks had raised a voice against his elevation.
A knock sounded at the door, and a kobold subordinate entered. He set glasses before us with practiced efficiency.
"Good work," I said.
"Pardon me, my lord."
The kobold bowed and withdrew. Henry immediately downed the contents of his glass. After emptying it, his eyes drifted toward mine.
"Boss, what in the world is that?"
It was a fair question. Henry and Logan had been served fire wine and black tea, respectively. My glass, however, contained three reddish-black dumplings. At a glance, it was impossible to tell what they were.
"A luxury item for the undead," I replied. "Would you like to try one?"
"Heh, don't mind if I do."
Henry pinched a dumpling from my glass and tossed it into his mouth. While he chewed, I turned to Logan.
"Would you like one as well?"
"…I will pass," Logan said, crossing his arms and shaking his head.
A moment later, Henry’s face twisted into a grimace. He glared at the remaining dumplings as if they were personal enemies.
"Bleh… my tongue is going numb. Isn't this a bit much on the spice?"
"The undead have lost their sense of taste. Since spiciness is actually a form of pain, it is the only sensation we can still perceive."
I placed one of the dumplings into my mouth. As I ground it between my molars, a sharp stimulus, like the prickling of needles, began to spread. The sensation grew more intense the more I chewed.
These dumplings were a recent invention. They were made by kneading various spices together and imbuing them with a blessing of holy magic. No thought had been given to flavor—only heat. Since I lack a stomach, I simply incinerate the remnants with magic once I finish chewing.
The blessing was faint; for undead of my or Grom's caliber, it was harmless. At most, it provided a sharp, tingling stimulation. Thanks to that heat and the holy blessing, I could experience the phantom sensation of a meal. For the undead, who find almost all food and drink utterly tasteless, it was a precious indulgence.
Henry seemed to accept my explanation, though he looked pained as he swallowed. He glanced toward Logan.
"I see. Definitely a luxury item, then. Did you refuse because you already knew how they tasted?"
"Precisely," Logan replied, sliding his tea toward Henry.
It was a small gesture of consideration. Henry accepted the drink with visible gratitude.
Setting their interaction aside, I spread a map of the continent across the table. Once they had settled down, I began the meeting in earnest.
"To get to the point, I have gathered you here to consult on our future invasion plans."
"Figured as much," Henry said with a grin. "I thought it was about time."
Henry was a natural-born battle-junkie. He belonged to the Demon King’s Army purely because he sought combat. There was no grand ideology or moral compass guiding him; he was a warrior who cared little for the concepts of good or evil.
Though the battle with the Technomagic Kingdom was still fresh, I wanted to make my next move soon. I intended to keep the surrounding nations in a state of perpetual tension. Specifically, launching attacks across the continent was the most effective strategy. The more a country remained unscathed, the more likely they were to interfere in matters that did not concern them.
"Henry, what is the status of the Gun Unit?"
"Fairly good. They’re coming along. Depending on the battlefield, they’ll probably be more effective than mages or archers."
The Demon King’s Army was organizing specialized units in preparation for a multifaceted war. The goal was to increase our overall lethality through high-level specialization.
"And the Magic Cannons? Are they ready for operation?"
"Yeah. For now, they’re at a level where we can deploy them in actual combat."
Henry answered with confidence. As the head of military affairs, he possessed leadership qualities that matched his rank. I had heard he was deeply respected by his subordinates and active on the front lines. Even without my direct intervention, the military was operating smoothly.
Following the conflict with the Technomagic Kingdom, our forces had seen a significant increase in power. It would be no exaggeration to say that we were currently the strongest force on the continent. That was an indisputable fact.
However, we could not afford to be careless. History proves that no matter how powerful an empire is, it can fall in an instant. I myself was the one who had once slain a Demon King and ended an age of darkness. I knew better than anyone that conceit was a death sentence. I had to prepare for every possible variable.
"According to my spies, no nation is currently planning to openly wage war against us."
"The way you say that makes it sound like there's plenty going on behind the scenes," Henry noted.
"Alliances are being forged in secret, and others are attempting to develop dedicated countermeasures, much like the Technomagic Kingdom did. Most of the details are classified, but the geopolitical map is definitely shifting."
I explained the situation, recalling various intelligence reports. After hearing a few examples, Henry let out a boisterous laugh. He leaned forward, a predatory smile on his face.
"Hahaha, perfect! Things are finally heating up. So, Boss, which country are we hitting?"
I pointed to a specific location on the map.
"Strictly speaking, it is not a country, but the Slave Autonomous District would be a convenient target."
The Slave Autonomous District occupied the lands to the north and northwest of the Demon King’s Domain. It was a lawless zone that belonged to no recognized nation; instead, various warlords claimed territories and ruled them as they saw fit. It was a peculiar place that sustained itself primarily through the production and export of slaves.
Despite its lack of formal order, the region possessed enormous military strength. It was arguably sturdier than many established nations, having reigned for centuries without falling under foreign control.
I had chosen the Autonomous District for a reason: its sheer depravity. The district had been quietly encroaching on the territories of the small nations and the Empire that I had previously dismantled. They were reportedly plundering occupied towns and villages, capturing refugees, and selling them into bondage. Since they were running rampant as they pleased, I decided it was time to break them.
"I see. That district is a perfect choice," Henry agreed from a military standpoint. "If we seize their slaves, we can replenish our own ranks as much as we want."
While seizing slaves to bolster one's army was the exact same method the district used, it wasn't a concern I dwelled upon. The Demon King’s Domain had already committed numerous massacres. I saw no reason to hesitate now. A Demon King must be committed to his role as the villain.
"Logan. What is your take?"
When I asked for his opinion, he answered with cold resolve.
"I approve of the invasion. There are elven slaves in that land as well. I have long wished to settle that debt."
A hard edge of determination anchored Logan’s words. Having him take the lead would be a significant advantage.
Now that I had the consent of these two, the actual invasion would likely begin after I consulted the other executives. However, I didn't expect any opposition. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
"We will inflict devastating damage on the Slave Autonomous District, but we will not annihilate them entirely. That is the ironclad rule."
"The usual deal, then. Understood," Henry said.
"The Elven Clan will cooperate fully once again," Logan added. "Do not hesitate to ask if you require anything."
"I appreciate it. You have my thanks."
Satisfied with their responses, I adjourned the meeting. The next target had been set.