As I watched the Great Spirit fly off with a sense of gratitude, Luciana tapped my shoulder.
She pointed toward the west. "Right then, we're heading back to our posts as well."
Luciana flapped her wings and began to hover. I could have teleported them directly to their stations, but she seemed intent on returning under her own power. Henry reached out as if to grab her hand, but he veered toward me at the last second.
He thumped his fist against my chest. "Boss, don't you go losing to that Former Hero."
"It's not a certainty that we'll even come to blows yet."
"Oops, yeah, that’s right." Remembering our earlier talk, Henry finally grabbed Luciana’s hand.
The two soared into the sky. Their movements were far more agile than wings alone could account for; they were likely using magic to accelerate.
"Stick to your unyielding convictions! Don't overthink the details—just go at it with everything you've got!"
"Demon King-sama, good luck! We'll be waiting for good news!"
Leaving those shouts behind, the two vanished into the distance. I had known them for quite a while now, and their simple, unadorned kindness genuinely moved me.
(I should head back to the Research Institute Director soon.)
There was nothing left for me to do here. It would be better to wait in front of the magic circle and ensure I was in top condition for what was to come. Just as I prepared to turn on my heel, a voice rang out to stop me.
"Halt! Hast thou forgotten someone?!"
The sharp cry echoed from far away. The speaker, possessing a voice that carried with remarkable clarity, approached at a frantic pace. It was Diera, sprinting toward me and scattering the wind in her wake. She skidded across the ground, sliding to a halt directly in my path. Yura and Dorda appeared shortly after.
Stopping in my tracks, I looked at Diera. "What is it?"
"Given how things have played out so far, it was obvious the remaining Executives would show up! Canst thou not read the room?!"
"...My apologies."
For some reason, I was being scolded, but I offered an apology regardless. To be sure, I had noticed the three of them; they had been waiting in the distance since I was speaking with Grom. I also knew they had been eavesdropping on our conversation using Yura's Spirit Magic. I had wondered what they were up to, but it seemed they were simply waiting for the others to leave. I'd assumed they had nothing to say, given they were content to watch from the sidelines.
"Well, fine. Since time is pressing, I shall keep this brief. Consider these the precious words of a Senior Demon King."
Placing her hand on my shoulder, Diera spoke with a look of triumph. I wasn't particularly looking for "precious words," but pointing that out would only make her cross. Reading the room and remaining silent, Diera held up one finger.
She began her advice in a calm, measured tone. "First, dialogue. Considering the history between thee and the Hero, thou must have much to discuss. Speak thy fill."
"And what do I do after that?"
"Slash at her with everything thou hast from the very start. Thou art going to end up fighting anyway." Diera answered immediately, her hand tightening into a fist.
It was a method very much like her, and it wasn't really advice at all. While I looked on with more than a little exasperation, Diera traced my cheek with her fingertip. Then, she lightly gripped my chin and forced me to meet her gaze.
The air of levity vanished instantly.
"This is a serious matter. We are talking about a confrontation between a Hero and a Demon King. What possibility is there for it to end peacefully? The two are destined to fight. Even if thou shouldst wrest control of the Will of the World itself, that dynamic shall not change."
Diera brought her face close, glaring at me. We were so close that our noses almost touched. She continued speaking without looking away for even a second.
"Knowing how clever thou art, I am certain thou hast already realized it deep down."
"That..."
"I understand the desire to join hands with the Hero and build peace together, and I shall not deny those feelings. I also know that thou hast steeled thy resolve accordingly, but—"
Diera cut her words short. Deep within her eyes, a dark flame flickered—an intimidating presence befitting a Former Demon King. With a spirit intense enough to make the earth tremble, she wove her final warning.
"Do not underestimate her. The Hero who slew me possesses a spirit of such nobility that even in death, it might eclipse thine own. The slightest opening in thy heart will prove fatal."
"I know."
"...Then it is well! After all, thou art none other than the Sage who defeated me! I have faith in thee, yes."
Softening her attitude instantly, Diera pulled her face away without a fuss. She laughed cheerfully while slapping my back without reservation. The intensity from just a moment ago felt like an illusion, but I knew she had been entirely serious.
Diera was testing me. Among the Executives, she alone possessed a different perspective. As a fellow Demon King, she was trying to ascertain my true worth. Though her eccentric behavior usually stood out, her essence hadn't changed since her active days—if anything, it had evolved. If she judged me unworthy of being the Demon King, she would undoubtedly try to seize control for herself. I had caught a fleeting glimpse of those true intentions during our exchange.
Having completely returned to her usual self, Diera turned the conversation to Yura and Dorda. "Do you two have any advice to give as well?"
"Grievance to Individual Name Diera—it is difficult to follow up after your statement."
"Do not mind me. Just say what thou wishest to convey," Diera said with a wry smile.
Hearing that, Yura stepped forward. She gave a single, crisp salute, then spoke while standing at attention.
"Plea to Master: You must return alive by any means necessary. I do not care what methods you use."
"I understand," I replied with a nod. Yura appeared visibly relieved.
Next, Dorda stepped out to take her place. Hoisting his axe onto his shoulder, he made his demand.
"New... ship... I crave. Upon return... build it."
"Understood. I'll include it in the schedule."
It was a request born purely of self-interest, but it was typical of the Great Pirate Dorda. To prepare for future maritime battles, his request was one I should certainly grant. As I was adding ship construction to my mental to-do list, Diera called my name.
"Dwight."
She raised one arm in front of her face. A Mixture of Scales and Carapace emerged from her fingertips, spreading until it completely covered her arm up to the elbow.
Displaying it to me, Diera spoke familiarly. "When thou art in real danger, do not hesitate to call. This Senior Demon King will come running—for a fee."
"Shouldn't that be free of charge?"
"I have gambling debts to settle. I cannot afford to do charity work."
Looking off toward the horizon, Diera answered with an awkward, guilty expression. When Yura leveled a probing stare at her, she began to whistle tunelessly. It was a pathetic sight to behold.
(The gaps in this Senior Demon King's character are truly jarring...)
The heavy atmosphere from before was completely ruined. It seemed her serious side never lasted long. Perhaps that was simply Diera's nature.