The Great Spirit gazed up into the void.
After a pause of several beats, she changed the subject as if she had just remembered something.
"By the way, it appears you assumed my likeness."
"Yeah, I made use of it."
When I was subjugating the beasts in other nations, I had used a magic phantom to disguise myself as the Great Spirit.
By doing so, I had saved the continent without softening the public perception of the Demon King. I had effectively pinned every single one of my accomplishments onto the Great Spirit.
Since she had been fighting the beasts in a similar manner elsewhere, I figured it was an appropriate choice. For a transcendent being like her, it would not be seen as strange for her to appear in multiple locations simultaneously.
As a result, the people had begun to worship her. I heard she was being treated almost like a guardian deity. Considering her position and purpose, that was not entirely inaccurate.
On the other hand, the Demon King's—my—reputation was plummeting.
Rumors were spreading that I was the source of the recent turmoil. Similar whispers were echoing on other continents as well: that the Immortal Demon King, no longer content with ruling this continent, had finally begun his invasion outside the sea.
Certainly, commanding deformed monsters was the quintessential work of a Demon King. Everyone was convinced of it, and no one found the explanation lacking. As evidence of this, the Demon King featured prominently in almost every baseless rumor or conspiracy theory.
The people likely wanted to believe it was the truth.
Predictably, this ill will was thinner within my own territory where restoration was underway, but I still heard voices suggesting that an undead-wielder like myself was more than capable of such a feat.
As the people gradually regained their composure, they found themselves in need of a target for their anger and grief. And that target was the Demon King. Since they could hurl their hatred at me without any lingering guilt, I was the ideal lightning rod.
Personally, I found this to be a positive development.
The very concept of evil was concentrated on the Demon King. This made it easier for former enemies to set aside their differences and join hands.
I had been concerned that the arrival of the beasts would cause the public's focus on "evil" to splinter. If they were willing to believe it was all my doing of their own accord, it was incredibly convenient. If the world at large learned that beasts from outside the world existed, it would only invite unnecessary chaos. It was far more peaceful if everything was interpreted as the Demon King's machinations.
Public opinion was currently in an almost ideal state.
That said, using the Great Spirit’s form without her consent was a separate matter. When I apologized for it, she responded with her usual detachment.
"I do not mind. I only wished to confirm it. However, please obtain my permission beforehand in the future."
"I understand. I promise."
I nodded sincerely. In return, the Great Spirit posed a question in a slightly awkward tone.
"...Was it worth changing your appearance?"
"Thanks to that, I was able to maintain the Demon King's dignity. You have my gratitude."
"I am glad to hear that."
The Great Spirit spoke while looking out over the castle town. I stole a glance at her profile, but I could not discern any emotion. I wondered what the intent behind her question had been. At the very least, she did not seem offended. That alone was a relief.
"Do you have a plan for the future?" she asked.
"I intend to continue the restoration within my territory while keeping an eye on the other nations."
"I plan to remain on standby for a while. If a beast appears on this continent, I will go to deal with it."
"Will you not go to aid the other continents?" I asked, feeling a spark of interest.
The Great Spirit shook her head.
"There are other defense mechanisms besides myself, so it is unnecessary. They have their own pride, and unasked-for aid would be viewed as an insult. Defending this continent—my jurisdiction—is my primary duty."
"I see."
I gave a short nod. The conversation died there, and a hush fell over the balcony. It was a silence that, strangely, did not feel awkward.
Eventually, the Great Spirit spoke without any preamble.
"Is there not something you wish to ask me?"
"...You knew?"
"Naturally. I am the Great Spirit, after all."
Her response was slightly tinged with pride.
I did not think being the Great Spirit was a sufficient reason for her to read my mind, but pointing that out would have been boorish. Since she claimed as much, I would take her at her word. Regardless, since she had opened the floor, I decided to take advantage of her consideration.
"What I want to ask is about the Will of the World—and its true identity."