"Goodness, he was a truly formidable opponent this time! I thought I might actually lose my life, I tell you. Even I must admit he possessed strength worthy of a self-proclaimed Demigod."
Grom spoke with his usual theatrical flair as he sat in a chair within a room of the Royal Castle, laughing cheerfully.
It was hard to believe he had been reduced to dust only a short while ago.
Grom had been restored after I infused him with my own magic power and miasma. If anything, his presence felt even more substantial than before. His immortality was as persistent as ever.
While I had been certain Grom could be revived, seeing him return to his old self so effortlessly left me feeling something akin to exasperation. Swallowing back my mixed emotions, I asked him a simple question.
"Are you feeling alright now?"
"Yes, I am in peak condition! As you can see, not a single scratch remains. This is all thanks to you, Demon King-sama. You have my deepest gratitude."
"Think nothing of it. It is my duty to protect my subordinates."
As Grom stood to offer a bow, I felt a private sense of relief. He had challenged the Demigod with immense resolve, and because I had chosen to respect that will, he had been destroyed to the point of near-extinction. Though his efforts had ultimately decided the outcome of the battle, if any single factor had been different, I might not have been able to bring him back.
When I thought of it that way, it was a stroke of luck that we had both returned alive.
"The only regret I have is that I was unable to witness your valiant figure, Demon King-sama. How exactly did you manage to strike down the Demigod?"
"Hmm, well..."
The memories of the battle returned to me. Just as I was about to recount the events, the door to the room swung open.
Diera, the former Demon King, appeared with her characteristically agile movements. She cried out the moment she spotted Grom.
"Oh! So thou hast been safely resurrected!"
She rushed over and began poking and prodding Grom without the slightest bit of restraint. She seemed to be verifying his health, though Grom himself merely flickered his eye socket flames in irritation.
"Predecessor. Did you not see the 'No Entry' sign posted on the door? What on earth possessed you to interrupt my conversation with the Demon King-sama?"
"Do not be so stiff. We are companions, are we not?"
Laughing jovially, Diera slapped Grom on the shoulder. Grom looked thoroughly annoyed, though the only reason he didn't retaliate was likely because I was watching. He knew he would be scolded if they started a brawl.
"I merely came to check on thee. I had heard thou didst wage a life-or-death struggle against a Demigod. I am simply glad to see thou art well."
While playfully pestering Grom, Diera reached into her robes. She placed a small glass bottle on the desk, filled with a transparent liquid.
"Here, 'tis undead liquor. Drink up and be grateful."
I scrutinized the bottle. Just focusing on it gave me a sensation similar to a burgeoning headache. The liquid was clearly saturated with a holy aura; just bringing my hand near the glass made my fingertips go numb.
"...Where did you get this?"
"I brewed it myself! 'Tis a masterpiece—fire liquor infused with divine magic. The mouthfeel is quite mellow now."
Diera explained with a proud puff of her chest. She had clearly prepared it out of goodwill, but the holy aura was far too concentrated. She had likely been overzealous during its creation.
If a living person drank this, it would have no ill effects. In fact, it would probably grant them a temporary constitution that repelled the undead. However, if Grom or I were to consume it, it would act as a lethal poison, melting our bodies from the inside out. It was several times more vicious than a poorly cast holy magic spell.
And yet, Diera offered this lethal concoction with a bright smile. I could sense no malice in her. She truly seemed to have made it as a simple get-well gift. Realizing this, I reached out and accepted the bottle.
"...I shall save it for later. My thanks."
"I shall be waiting to hear thy thoughts on the vintage!"
Diera said triumphantly. With her expectations so high, I couldn't simply pour it away. I decided I would attempt a tasting once I had made thorough preparations. As long as I wasn't completely purified, I could surely manage.
After that, we engaged in a bit of idle chatter. Once the conversation reached a natural lull, Diera stood up.
"Well then, I shall take my leave. I must go inspect the new model tank."
Come to think of it, her modified tank had been utterly destroyed during the battle with the Steel Knight. She had been so devastated I thought she might stay in bed for days, but it appeared she had already overcome the loss. She was moving forward.
I had been quietly tolerating her involvement in weapon development despite her not being an official member of the Demon King's Army. I intended to step in if she went too far, but since she seemed to understand the boundaries, I saw no need to interfere.
As she opened the door to leave, Diera suddenly turned back. The smile faded from her face as she spoke my name.
"...Dwight."
"What is it?"
"Thy resolve is truly something to behold. Continue to carry out thy own justice. Thou hast my support."
Diera spoke with an uncharacteristic tone of deep affection. Though caught off guard by the unexpected sentiment, I gave her a firm nod.
"—I know."
"Kuhaha, thou hast a good look in thy eyes."
With a light chuckle, Diera finally departed. The sound of her brisk footsteps quickly faded down the hall. Grom shook his head, making no effort to hide his exasperation.
"She is as noisy as ever..."
"Indeed."
That was simply Diera’s normal state of being. There was nothing more to be said about it. As silence returned to the room, Grom asked me a question as if suddenly remembering.
"By the way, what are your intentions moving forward? The Holy Staff Kingdom and the Technomagic Kingdom seem to have suffered a staggering blow now that they have lost their new hero."
"I plan to discuss that with Luciana shortly. Grom, I want you to attend as well."
"Ha! Leave it to me. I shall squeeze every drop of wisdom from my skull to ensure I am of use to you, Demon King-sama."
Grom straightened his posture and saluted. There was an absolute, unwavering loyalty in the gesture. I knew that even if it meant his own destruction, he would never betray me. I could see that level of spirit and resolve in his eyes.
Of course, a situation that could actually destroy Grom was not something that would occur easily. Even if he were completely defeated, he seemed like the type who would simply reappear a few days later as if nothing had happened.
Looking at my reliable, loyal vassal, I reflected on recent events.
I had taken yet another step down the path of atrocity.
It was a cliché sentiment, perhaps, but I carried the weight of every life sacrificed for my goals. The Demigod had now joined that number. I had trampled upon his justice.
Since I had emerged victorious in that clash of ideals, I had to be even more diligent. The realization of world peace was drawing near. I intended to fully inhabit the role of the "evil that never perishes," dominating the flow of the world to ensure its stability.