I teleported to the basement of the Research Institute.
The spacious area was partitioned into several rooms, resembling the interior of a luxurious mansion at first glance. The only signs that it served as a prison were the complete lack of windows or doors leading to the outside world.
An Anti-Teleportation Barrier encased the suite. It was a mechanism designed to constantly drain the magic power and miasma of anyone inside, making escape virtually impossible.
I walked through the living quarters. Gwen was napping on a sofa, and on the table beside her, books were piled high. They were her only precious distraction in this confined space, and I had them delivered periodically at her request.
I spoke to her as she breathed softly in her sleep.
"How are you faring?"
"Moderately well, truly. It’s a relief to be in a situation where I’m not being glared at by the Director."
Gwen sat up and stretched lazily. She wasn't being sarcastic; she seemed to mean every word.
The Director's constant scrutiny would be a significant mental burden for anyone. An ordinary person would likely lose their mind in such an environment, yet Gwen was merely weary—a testament to her strength.
I muttered, somewhat impressed. "I’m surprised you can endure this environment so well."
"Of all people, Harvelt-san, you're the one saying that? If you're so sympathetic, how about letting me out of here?"
"That, I cannot do."
When I answered immediately, Gwen puffed out her cheeks. She knit her brows as if sulking.
"Hmph. Still no trust? And after we shared such a passionate bond, too."
"Don't fabricate memories. There is nothing between us."
"Ahaha! You really are amusing."
Gwen lay back down on the sofa and laughed playfully. It seemed she was enjoying herself by teasing me. Twisting her upper body to look at me, she asked, "That aside, do you still think I’m going to betray you?"
"I cannot entirely rule out the possibility."
"Please don't say such sad things. I keep telling you, I’ve already reformed. I have no intention of harming anyone."
Gwen let out a heavy sigh. Resting her chin on both hands, she closed one eye.
"Don't you think the 'defeat a powerful enemy and turn them into an ally' trope is a classic for a reason? The Demon King’s Army has already followed that script a few times. It should be my turn next!"
"The others possessed character that warranted trust. That is the only difference."
I didn't deny her logic. It was true that there were those in the Demon King's Army who were once enemies. Through the appropriate interactions, they had become trustworthy allies.
Gwen, however, was not to be trifled with. Because there was something unfathomable about her, I kept her completely imprisoned. She possessed an aura that suggested she might have some secret plan to slip away at any moment, and it was Gwen’s nature to ensure that such a feeling never felt like a mere trick of the imagination.
"I’m the only Beast of the Outside World left here, you know. There are plenty more out in the cosmos, but none of them are eccentric enough to come to my rescue. Knowing you, Harvelt-san, you’ve probably been conducting Outer Space Exploration this past year, haven't you?"
"Naturally."
One year ago, I annihilated the individuals who planned the invasion, save for Gwen, but they were not the only threats. Beasts of the Outside World still roam the cosmos. Wary of another invasion, I had ventured into space to take the initiative.
Through a barrage of Forbidden Magic, I slaughtered a vast number of them. Several individuals possessing tremendous power attacked me, but none could surpass me. Having absorbed the False God and countless other beasts, I had attained a level of transcendent power that was incomparable even to when I first became the Demon King.
Even against the Beasts of the Outside World, I was invincible.
Currently, this world is protected by a large-scale Barrier, acting as a deterrent to prevent new threats from arriving. Unless another being on the level of the False God appears, they won't leave a single scratch on it.
Gwen let out a massive yawn and turned her sleepy eyes toward me.
"I don't have the spirit to attempt a counterattack in this situation. If I pick a fight with you, I’ll really be killed this time. To be blunt, there's zero chance of winning. No, really."
Gwen, grumbling as if exasperated, suddenly corrected her posture. She bowed her head deeply on the sofa.
"So, please, let me join the Demon King’s Army! I'll do chores, anything! If you let me out of this place, I’ll handle whatever impossible task you throw at me—"
"I'll think about it."
I replied curtly and turned on my heel. Immediately, a voice of protest followed me.
"Geez! It’s always that, isn't it?! I’ve been a good girl this whole time, haven't I?! You could at least show me your 'lovey-dovey' side by now... wait, please hold on! Hey, Harvelt-san!"
Ignoring her calls, I teleported to the ground floor of the Research Institute. The Director was waiting there.
"Thank you for your hard work, my Lord."
"Is she always like that when I'm not around?"
"No, she is generally quite docile. She mostly just requests to meet with you. She doesn't seem to have much interest in speaking with me, either," the Director stated calmly.
Since it was a matter unrelated to her research, she was remarkably detached—so composed that it was hard to reconcile with her usual manic energy.
"I see..."
"Do you intend to release her?"
"Eventually. Gwen has likely learned her lesson by now."
When the time is right, I will simply send her back into space. If she plots revenge, I will destroy her once and for all. Gwen isn't a fool; she likely won't try to approach this world ever again.
"Apologies, but please continue the surveillance for now."
"Understood! Leave it to me!"
Leaving the matter to the saluting Director, I returned to the castle.