I took my seat. My racing heart gradually steadied as the tension of the moment began to bleed away.
I had been more nervous than I realized. I forced the stiffness from my limbs and turned my gaze toward the Great Spirit. She remained silent for a long moment before quietly sitting back down.
"...It seems there is no falsehood in your words. I apologize for the tactless question. I have no objections."
I couldn't read her inner thoughts, but it appeared I had satisfied her for the time being. I doubted the Great Spirit would have been reserved if she still harbored doubts; the fact that she had backed down meant there was truly no longer an issue.
As the Great Spirit settled into her chair, Gwen clapped her hands together to draw everyone’s focus. She moved to bring the meeting to a close.
"Now then, does anyone else have an opinion they’d like to share?"
With her hands on her hips, Gwen scanned the faces gathered around the table.
Grom was weeping, tears streaming uncontrollably from his empty sockets. He tried to stem the flow with a cloth, but it was a futile effort. He let out a low, sobbing groan of devotion.
Luciana wore a radiant smile. When our eyes met, she tilted her head slightly, her gaze filled with quiet appreciation and encouragement.
Henry downed his glass in celebration. Emptying it in a single breath, he reached for the wine bottle without pausing, clearly intending to forgo the glass entirely for his next drink.
Logan sat with his arms crossed. Despite his characteristically grumpy expression, the corners of his mouth were turned up in a faint, unmistakable smirk.
Dorda let out a resonant howl. Caught up in the excitement, he hammered his fists against the Round Table with enough force to splinter the wood. It was a magnificent display of destruction; I would have to see to the repairs later.
Yura looked from one person to the next, clearly bewildered by the chaotic range of emotional responses. After a moment of deep thought, she tentatively raised a small fist to join the atmosphere.
Diera laughed with regal abandon. In the midst of the commotion, she had managed to pilfer Henry’s alcohol and was now drinking it with visible, trembling delight.
The Great Spirit observed the scene as a detached bystander. Finally, she looked at me, gave a small nod, and vanished without a sound.
While their reactions lacked any sense of uniformity, they had all shown a general level of understanding. No one appeared to harbor any lingering objections. There were likely differences in how each individual interpreted my words, but my declaration had reached them all the same. Whatever their personal impressions, I was content as long as they accepted my path.
Sensing that the atmosphere had peaked, Gwen wrapped things up with a satisfied smile.
"Well then, that's all for my explanation. Thank you for your attention."
Gwen offered a polite bow and placed a hand on my shoulder. "The baton has been passed," she whispered. "The rest is up to you."
"..."
The meeting had concluded safely, but the real work was only just beginning. There were many preparations to oversee.
I stood up and issued the orders I had prepared. "In seven days' time, we shall resurrect the Former Hero. Until then, return to your respective duties."
I paused, casting a long look over my executives. These were the ones who had supported the Demon King's Army alongside me. I owed it to them to speak plainly.
"No matter the outcome, I intend to survive. I will not abandon my post as the Demon King. I will devote all my strength to achieving world peace."
Having said my piece, I turned and left the room to the sound of their sudden, thunderous cheers.