The interrogation of the captured demons came to an end ten days later.
Unfortunately, they yielded no new information, so I handed them over to the Research Institute.
The Director was delighted, claiming they would make excellent specimens. No doubt the sacrifice of those demons will eventually contribute to some new invention.
I have already dispatched my spies to search for the humans who made contact with them. We have narrowed down the likely nations involved; while we lack definitive proof, I doubt we are far off the mark.
We have now moved into the phase of closer scrutiny. As soon as those responsible are identified, I will personally infiltrate their location and abduct them. Then, I’ll have Luciana use her Charm to make them spill their secrets. Whether their actions directly involved me or not, I wanted to understand their endgame.
Unchecked threats are a nuisance I would rather avoid. If the scope remained small, I could overlook it—after all, a minor incident has little effect on the world at large. However, it is a different matter entirely if the target involves an entire nation or continent. The incident involving the Great Spirit and the Technomagic Kingdom was a clear example of that.
I will do whatever it takes to eliminate the root cause.
(Though I find it hard to believe such a disaster will keep repeating...)
Even so, I cannot afford to be complacent. The Will of the World has a way of manufacturing problems out of thin air. Even now, while it might seem unrelated, there is a possibility that force is pulling the strings from the shadows. I must remain ever-vigilant.
I cut my train of thought there and leaned back into my throne.
As an undead, I am a stranger to physical exhaustion, yet my mind still suffers from wear and tear. When I overtax my nerves, I find myself craving rest. Lately, my executives have been showing a great deal of concern for my well-being. Apparently, I look tired.
They shouldn't be able to judge my state by my complexion as they could when I was alive, yet they worry nonetheless. I have been with them for a long time now. Perhaps they have grown attuned to even the smallest changes in my demeanor.
(Perhaps I do need a change of pace.)
The thought crossed my mind unexpectedly. Come to think of it, she had once lectured me about the importance of hobbies and recreation. At the time, I had been driven to the brink by the weight of the mission to slay the Demon King. From her perspective, it must have been a state she couldn't ignore.
Looking back, it was a shameful display. As her attendant, I should have been the one looking after her. That part of me hasn't changed, even after casting aside my humanity. I truly have a clumsy nature.
If I were to pick something I wanted to do, I suppose it would be traveling. I miss the days of wandering the world while honing my skills. Visiting new landscapes and savoring local delicacies was a source of pure joy. It was also how I broadened my horizons.
Of course, a Demon King can hardly afford to go on a leisurely stroll. I have to remain on high alert at all times. It wouldn't even be funny if I let my guard down only to be assassinated. All my efforts would vanish into thin air.
In my previous life, I fought as the hope of the people. I carried a heavy burden then, but the weight I carry now is far greater. Rash actions are out of the question. I’ll have to think of another way to relax.
Just then, a knock echoed from the other side of the doors. I pulled my mind back to the present.
"Maou-sama, might you have a moment?"
It was Grom’s voice. I wondered if it was a report.
"Enter."
"By your leave."
Grom glided into the room with his usual fluid grace. Yura sat perched upon his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"..."
I stared at Grom. He quickly averted his eyes, a distinctly awkward air hanging about him. Since he showed no sign of speaking first, I decided to take the initiative.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Answering Master's question: Individual Name Grom’s proposal. This position allows me to reach the highest bookshelves. It is efficient and highly logical for travel."
"D-Don't just speak without being asked!" Grom sputtered, clearly flustered. For some reason, he hadn't wanted me to mention it.
(Is it really something he wants to hide that badly?)
I found it odd. It was a proposal that clearly demonstrated his kindness. It was certainly easier for Yura to reach the books if she sat on his shoulder, and it was far more efficient than her having to ask him for help every single time.
I welcomed the sight of my subordinates getting along. If their relationship was strained, they wouldn't be able to coordinate when it truly mattered. Currently, the ties between the executives and sub-executives seemed strong. I hadn't heard any rumors of infighting, nor had I witnessed any myself.
Grom and Luciana bickered constantly, but that was just their brand of banter. If anything, they were on the friendlier side.
I decided to offer Grom some words of appreciation.
"My apologies for the trouble. I appreciate you looking after her so diligently."
"N-No, it is truly nothing of the sort..." Grom replied stiffly. He seemed genuinely embarrassed. Perhaps he didn't like having that side of his personality exposed.
Since lingering on the topic would only make things harder for him, I decided to pivot.
"So, did you need something?"
"Yes. I have a brief report, and this one mentioned she wished to see you, Maou-sama..."
Grom glanced at Yura on his shoulder. It was rare for her to want to see me. In fact, I think it was the first time she had ever made such a request.
Intrigued, I looked at her. "Yura, what is it?"
"Proposing a request to Master: Let us patrol the castle interior together."
"A patrol? Did you find something suspicious?"
I immediately cast my Sensing Magic, scanning every inch of the castle in a heartbeat. I detected no hostile reactions. There were no traces of magical interference either. My security measures were absolute; the castle was perfectly safe. There was no practical need for a patrol.
However, the fact that the suggestion came from Yura gave me pause. She was the Great Spirit's Avatar—a unique existence far removed from my own power. Perhaps she had sensed something using a method I couldn't replicate. It wasn't an impossible thought.
But just as the concern rose, Yura shook her head.
"Answering Master's question: No suspicious activity has been detected. This patrol is a measure for prevention and early discovery."
Yura spoke with firm resolve. Contrary to my suspicions, it seemed she hadn't actually sensed anything out of the ordinary. I was relieved, for the moment.
Meanwhile, Grom spoke to Yura in a rebuking tone. "Maou-sama is a busy man. He doesn't have time for your games."
"Objecting to Individual Name Grom’s opinion: This is not a game. Confirming the safety of one's residence is a vital duty."
Yura shot back, refusing to yield. She was surprisingly stubborn.
Still, what did he mean by "games"? I pondered the phrase for a moment until a single theory took root.
(Wait... is she using the 'patrol' as an excuse for a walk?)
I didn't recall doing anything to make her particularly fond of me, but she might just be acting on a whim. Simply asking for a walk would be a bother and likely result in a rejection. That was why she had framed it as a "patrol." She was certainly clever enough to think of that.
"Maou-sama, my deepest apologies. I shall see to it that she is properly cautioned..."
"No, that won't be necessary," I said, cutting off Grom’s apology. I looked back at the girl on his shoulder. "I happen to have some time. As Yura suggests, let’s patrol the castle."
"I-Is that so? Very well... Yura, get down from my shoulder. You mustn't impose upon Maou-sama."
"Stay as you are," I commanded. "Grom, you're coming with us."
I had no urgent business at the moment. Preparations for the invasion of the Slave Autonomous District were in their final stages, but we wouldn't be deploying today or tomorrow. Even if we were, a short walk through the halls wouldn't hurt. It wouldn't take long.
Grom looked at me with a hesitant, almost fearful expression. "...Is that truly acceptable?"
"It is. You have my permission."
As I nodded, Grom pressed a hand to his chest and snapped his back straight. The sudden movement nearly sent Yura tumbling off.
Oblivious to her plight, he made a grand declaration.
"Thank you! Unworthy though I may be, I, Grom, shall carry out this patrol with all my heart! As long as I draw breath, no evil shall escape my sight!"
Coming from an undead like Grom, the phrase "as long as I draw breath" felt incredibly out of place. Furthermore, he was currently standing in front of me—a "Great Evil" of global proportions. It wasn't a matter of him overlooking me or not.
"...I suppose so," I muttered, swallowing my critiques and giving him a simple nod.