I continued my stroll through the night sky after that.
Thoughts continued to pile up, leading me through a cycle of internal monologue as I changed the subject time and again, half-convincing myself to move on. My footing faltered occasionally, but I would snap back to my senses each time and adjust the spell keeping me aloft.
It wasn't a physical ailment. If anything, the cause was likely the exact opposite.
"..."
As I stared down at my own blackened hands, I felt a presence manifest behind me. I turned to find Grom standing there. He placed a hand over his chest and bowed to offer his report.
"Demon King-sama, construction of the fortress on the Southern Continent has been completed. I humbly ask that you oversee the deployment of forces at a later time, I do."
"I understand."
Nodding at the report, I resumed my walk. After a brief pause, Grom spoke up again.
"...Might something be weighing on your mind, perhaps?"
"I am merely on guard against a new problem. It is hardly what one would call a worry."
I shared the details of my conversation with Gwen. I also explained the countermeasure she had proposed. Grom was already aware of the Will of the World and the Savior, and he seemed to grasp the mechanics of the plan immediately.
He stroked his chin with a solemn expression.
"Hmm. So, we provide a hero and gather the Will of the World there... Quite a clever method, it is. As expected of a Beast of the Outside World, indeed."
"I intend to carry out this plan."
"I am in favor of it as well, I am! It is an excellent strategy to keep complications to a minimum. I shall personally select someone worthy of being called a hero, I will."
"Yes, I leave it to you."
Grom was involved in nearly every sector of the Demon King's Domain. He was one of the Chief Executives, second only to me. He knew the talent available across the various regions and would be able to find a candidate suited for this countermeasure.
The conversation trailed off, and silence fell between us. I continued my stroll without concern. Having finished his report, Grom seemed content to stand silently behind me. Just as I thought he would take his leave, however, he spoke up abruptly.
"It seems you truly are troubled by something after all, you are. If I might suffice, I would ask that you let me hear of it. I promise I shall not speak of it to another."
"..."
I stopped walking and looked back at Grom. The flame flickering in one of my eyes had grown faint, smoldering as if buffeted by the wind.
So he saw through me after all.
Among my subordinates, Grom watched me the most closely. He often noticed even the slightest shifts in my mood and was always quick to offer his support. He must have sensed it from my demeanor this time as well.
It was true; I was currently troubled. I had been averting my eyes from the feeling, but there was no doubt about it now. Although I had tried to bury it under a mountain of work, it was exposed during these moments of quiet. Reconfirming the role I had to play as the Demon King might have had the opposite of its intended effect.
Acknowledging his insight, I muttered my reply without facing him directly.
"I'm sorry."
"There is no need for the Demon King-sama to apologize! Being allowed to offer counsel is the height of honor, it is."
I sensed Grom bowing. He spoke with a calm, steady composure, maintaining his usual tone. I didn't know what he was thinking deep down, but I knew he was worried. However, he refrained from showing it, making a conscious effort to remain a stable confidant for me to lean on.
I could not let his goodwill go to waste.
"..."
I attempted to voice the trouble in my heart, yet I reflexively hesitated. I felt a sudden sense of dread at the prospect of speaking the words aloud.
However, I couldn't stop now. I was not alone. I had people I could rely on. I had already decided that I would not bottle everything up by myself.
After a long silence, I finally confessed my worry.
"—I was thinking... that I want her to see the world as it is now."