“Are you starting to have second thoughts about being the Demon King?” Logan asked.
I shook my head, denying the suggestion immediately. “No. That isn’t it.”
I could say with absolute certainty that it was how I truly felt. I reflected on my own thoughts, choosing my words carefully as I spoke.
“I have no hesitation regarding the pursuit of peace itself. As the World's Last Demon King, I fully intend to continue committing every atrocity necessary. However, when it comes to fulfilling my personal desires, my judgment is wavering.”
It was a vague feeling I had harbored for the past six months. No—if I were being honest with myself, it had likely been even longer. I had simply kept the lid tight, refusing to look inside. But now the feeling had surfaced, manifesting as a doubt that stood squarely in my path. It was a problem I was bound to face sooner or later.
Logan gazed up at the night sky. Eventually, he spoke. “The fate of the world versus your own heart. You’re saying you can’t decide which to prioritize.”
“……Precisely.” I nodded, filled with self-loathing.
To put it bluntly, that was the heart of the matter. I couldn't choose just one. Though I had tried to rationalize it in various ways, it all came down to that. I was nothing more than an indecisive fool.
Realizing this, I felt the strength drain from my body and stared blankly at the sky. If I were still human, I probably would have let out a dry, hollow laugh.
“Pathetic, isn't it? After destroying entire nations with overwhelming violence, I’m losing sleep over something like this. It’s almost laughable.”
“…………”
Logan remained silent. His eyes were fixed intently on the distance. I wasn’t particularly looking for comfort, so I simply continued my self-mockery.
“I thought I had hardened my resolve the moment I became the Demon King. But in reality, I was half-baked. I told myself I had sacrificed everything for world peace, and yet, I want to see her again. I want to tell her that I have inherited her will. I want to introduce her to the subordinates I’ve gathered in the Demon King's Army. When I stop to think about it, I’m full of nothing but selfish desires.”
Looking back, my immaturity was painfully apparent. These were emotions I hadn't been able to sever, even after becoming an undead. I still harbored lingering attachments. It was truly base of me—there were times I felt like cursing my own existence for it. However, I couldn't deny the feelings that had taken root in my heart. They were, without a doubt, my own.
“I don’t want her story to end in tragedy. Don’t you think it’s far too cruel? I still refuse to accept it. For a Hero who gave everything to end on the executioner’s block… there is something fundamentally wrong with that.”
I poured out the impulses I had carried since the Valley of the Dead. The true feelings I could never tell another soul overflowed as if a dam had burst. Noticing this, my shoulders slumped slightly. Even though it wasn't something I should have said, I had ended up baring everything.
After a moment of silence, I apologized to Logan. “……Forgive me, I became too emotional. I suppose this makes me a failure as a Demon King.”
“I don’t think so,” Logan said immediately.
A firm conviction rang in his voice. He turned to me, his gaze almost piercing.
“The burden you’re carrying isn't something that can be settled lightly. It isn’t something you can just decide on the spot.”
“But I—”
“If you were truly obsessed with the role of the Demon King, you wouldn’t permit Resurrection magic in the first place. And if you were truly indecisive, you would have just kept blindly wishing for Claire’s return without a second thought.”
Logan continued, his words preventing any counterargument. He exuded an almost intimidating intensity.
“The fact that you hesitate and reflect upon yourself… that is your humanity. That is your answer. It might sound negative to call it 'half-baked,' but I think it’s exactly how you should be.”
“My humanity……” I repeated his words. I could feel them sinking deep into my chest.
“It’s a good sign that you’ve had the chance to worry like this. It’s a problem that only became visible because things have finally stabilized. You’re moving forward. Why do you feel the need to rush when you’re an undead? You have an eternity to reach a decision that satisfies you.”
“However, postponing judgment only invites trouble later—”
“Dwight Harvelt. You are far too stiff and serious about everything. It’s a bad habit of yours from the old days.” Logan let out a sigh, making no effort to hide his exasperation. His tone had softened, returning to the familiar cadence of an old friend.
“Learn to be a bit more flexible. You need to come to terms with yourself. You have plenty of subordinates who are experts at that, don't you? Follow their example. And if that’s too hard, then talk to them. Don't bottle it all up alone. There are plenty of people who want to look after you…… enough to eavesdrop with zero tact, apparently.”
Logan glanced over his shoulder. I followed his gaze.
Peeking out from the shadow of the roof were three faces. From right to left, they were Diera, Luciana, and Grom.
Realizing they had been spotted, Diera was the first to scramble out. “Nuoh!? We’ve been found out completely!”
“Hey, Bone Minister! It’s because your breathing was so loud!” Luciana shouted in protest.
Grom, the target of her ire, countered while clattering his jawbone at high speed. “You fool! I do not breathe! If anything, it was the clatter you made!”
Each of the three reacted in their own chaotic way, and the quiet atmosphere of the roof was shattered instantly.
“You all……” I was at a loss for words. I must have been more agitated than I realized if I hadn't noticed their presence at all. For my Perception to fail this miserably, my heart must have been in total turmoil.
Just how long had they been listening? I wanted to ask, but the situation was far too frantic for that.
“M-My Demon King! This is not what it looks like! I merely came to rebuke the former Demon King and the Succubus for their impudent eavesdropping……”
“Grom! Do not tell such lies!” Diera barked. “When I arrived, you were already hiding! You are the one who deserves the most blame!”
“Yeah, yeah!” Luciana added. “You were acting all suspicious while polishing the Throne until just a minute ago!”
The three of them engaged in a pathetic, undignified squabble. Logan simply shrugged and sighed, looking utterly finished with the situation. He clearly realized that the time for serious conversation had passed.
Eventually, once the chaos settled slightly, Diera walked over to me. Scratching her cheek, she spoke with a hint of bashfulness.
“Well, you know. If a woman like me could manage the title of Demon King, there is no reason for you to fret so much. Have a little more confidence in yourself!”
Next, Luciana stepped forward. She puffed out her chest and gave me a playful smile. “Lady Diera is right. You overthink things, Demon King-sama. Why not just relax a little? If you ever trip up, I’ll be there to bail you out.”
Finally, Grom approached. Exuding a quiet, reverent warmth, he knelt before me. “We are always on your side, My Demon King. Please, do not hesitate to rely on us.”
“……My thanks.”
That was all I could manage to say. I couldn't think of anything clever or profound to offer in return.
I felt a profound sense of relief deep within. It was a good thing I was a skeleton; otherwise, I surely would have shown an even more unsightly side of myself. The shackles on my heart felt just a little bit lighter.