While I watched in exasperation, Diera and Henry continued their game.
Diera had challenged him yet again, refusing to learn her lesson, and Henry had been more than happy to oblige. A battle maniac at heart, Henry lived for any form of competition. I had heard rumors that a gambling house had recently opened in the Royal Capital and that Henry spent most of his time there.
Incidentally, Diera appeared to be a regular there as well; word was that she was constantly squandering her funds in a most flamboyant fashion. Every shred of the Preceding Demon Lord’s former dignity seemed to have vanished. She no longer bore any resemblance to my former arch-enemy. Every time I received another pathetic report about her antics, I was left with a feeling I couldn't quite put into words.
Eventually, dusk began to settle over the castle. The matches finally concluded once Diera had suffered her tenth consecutive defeat.
Henry took his leave, a bottle of liquor in one hand. He was in high spirits, having secured ten straight victories in a display of absolute dominance. It must have been quite an exhilarating experience for him.
Diera, on the other hand, sat across from me on the verge of tears. She vented her frustrations in a trembling voice.
"That man... he knows not the meaning of the word 'mercy.' I am the Preceding Demon Lord, for heaven's sake!"
"Henry never compromises in a contest, Diera. You should know that by now."
"Well, yes, but still..." Diera groaned in dissatisfaction. She lacked the words to offer a proper rebuttal. Deep down, she knew she couldn't truly blame Henry for her loss.
Seeing her state, I made an offer. "If you are that frustrated, would you like to play against me next?"
"Absolutely not!" Diera shouted, pointing a finger at me. "You would only try to manipulate the game to let me win! That is more insulting than being held back against!"
It was a sharp accusation. Since I had indeed intended to subtly guide her toward a victory, I found myself at a loss for words.
Diera was simply terrible at games played on a board. There were several different varieties popular among the staff, but she was unskilled in every single one of them. Among the strategy genre in particular, she reigned supreme as the undisputed weakest player.
Within the executives of the Demon King's Army, Luciana, Henry, and Yura held the top positions. Grom, Logan, and I were likely around the intermediate level, while the others were roughly equal in skill, their victories inconsistent. The only exception was Dorda; if the game was themed around naval warfare between pirates, he would leap to the head of the rankings.
Among them all, Diera was perpetually in last place.
After grumbling for a while, Diera rested her chin on her hand and looked at me. Her eyes had already regained their usual composure. She posed a question with a sudden, serious air.
"By the way, Dwight-yo... what do you intend to do from here on?"
"Regarding the invasion war?"
"Indeed. I thought it might be about time for you to make a major move."
Diera spoke while tapping the table rhythmically with her finger. I did have a plan in mind, but I hadn't discussed it with her yet. In fact, I hadn't even briefed the executives. I had intended to wait until the specifics were finalized before revealing it, but it seemed she had seen right through me.
She was remarkably perceptive in these matters. Diera was always reading ahead; she possessed a sharp eye for observation and a broad perspective. It was truly a wonder why she was so incompetent on a game board.
Since it wasn't a secret I needed to keep from her, I decided to be open.
"I am planning to establish a Demon King Castle on every continent. I want to exert direct pressure on the nations across the sea."
"Ho... a grand plan indeed. However, even if you build a castle on every continent, who do you intend to put in charge? Do you plan to manage every single one yourself?"
"I'll be making the rounds, but I intend to appoint a representative for each castle. I’ll entrust the day-to-day operations to the local commander."
On this continent, every nation lived in fear of the Demon King. While there were similar reactions across the ocean, the distance provided by the sea meant they didn't feel the same sense of urgency. The further a region was from the Demon King's Domain, the more pronounced this tendency became. It wasn't uncommon for minor conflicts to still break out in those distant lands. To them, the Demon King was an "overseas problem."
I had to make them understand that the threat was directed at the entire world.
Establishing Demon King Castles on each continent was not particularly difficult in itself. I simply needed to secure suitable land, raise a castle and a city, and establish a branch of the Research Institute. If the Research Institute Director relocated there, the defenses would be impenetrable. From there, I would simply proceed with building the bases one by one.
The Director, a unique phantom, possessed the ability of Multiple Existence. She was capable of increasing her own numbers without limit. Her nature was fundamentally different from a mere clone or projection. Every single one of those countless Directors was the main body.
If she knew she could conduct research on a new continent, the Director would likely jump at the chance to relocate. If she were stationed permanently in the castles on each continent, most of my logistical and defensive concerns would vanish. She was a completely unexpected windfall, but she had become the strongest shield in the Demon King's Army.
As I was imagining the Director happily packing her bags for the journey, Diera made a proposal in a casual tone.
"If you wish, I could lend you a hand as well."
"I would appreciate that."
"Think nothing of it. Ostensibly, I intended to be a mere neighbor, but I find myself belonging to the Demon King's Army as a matter of course now anyway."
Diera spoke as if she had finally come to terms with her position. Though we had avoided the topic, she was a vital member of the Demon King's Army—a fact recognized by everyone, including herself. Diera’s assistance would be a massive boon. Such formidable military power was still a rare commodity. Furthermore, she possessed a natural charisma that made her highly reliable in diplomatic matters.
"It will be several years at the earliest. I just want you to keep in mind that this is the direction we are heading."
"I understand. I feel like I might accidentally forget, but you can just explain it to me again when the time comes."
Diera stood up, glancing briefly at the abandoned board and pieces with a bitter grimace. I thought she was going to leave the room, but she paused at the door and looked back.
"Dwight-yo."
"What is it?"
When I responded, the playfulness vanished from Diera’s face. In that moment, her eyes were the eyes of a conqueror who had once waged war against the entire world. She grinned fearlessly, baring her fangs.
"Perhaps you truly are the one who can realize the goal of the Eternal Demon King."
"...That is my intention."
"Kuhaha! That's the spirit! You have my support!"
Diera nodded with satisfaction and waved her hand as she walked out. I felt the tension that had unconsciously built up in my shoulders finally release.
It seemed the dignity of the Preceding Demon Lord hadn't entirely faded after all.