After parting ways with the pair, we resumed our walk through the castle.
Our next destination was the courtyard. There, soldiers of the Demon King’s Army were busy conducting their drills. As I stood watching the maneuvers, a voice drifted down from above.
“My, my, if it isn’t Harvelt-san. You’re looking well!”
The voice was bright and cheerful. I looked up to find Gwen. She was sitting cross-legged in midair, resting her cheek on her hand with a faint, playful smirk on her lips.
Grom immediately projected a menacing air, directing a sharp rebuke toward her.
“Demon King of Tentacles, descend at once. Your behavior is insolent!”
“Oh, don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud. I just happen to like high places, is all.”
Lightly brushing off his criticism, Gwen landed before us with feline grace. Her eyes met Grom’s, and for a moment, the air crackled with the intensity of their clashing wills. Gwen, however, seemed to be finding the confrontation quite entertaining.
I wish they would try to get along...
Gwen was now one of the pillars of the Demon King’s Army. Known as the Demon King of Tentacles, the world she managed existed under a very peculiar set of circumstances. The entirety of its human population had been processed into brains and kept in permanent storage. Their consciousnesses were uploaded to a Mental World, where the people lived under the illusion that they inhabited the True World, enjoying a life of perpetual bliss and peace.
Should anyone realize the truth of their reality, they were pulled back into the Real World. There, they were forced to choose: receive a physical body and join the Demon King’s Army, or have their memories wiped and return to the Mental World.
So far, the vast majority had chosen the former. After all, any human capable of discerning the world’s secret tended to be blessed with an abundance of curiosity. They weren't the type to return quietly to a dream.
Because of this, the Demon King’s Army in Gwen’s world saw little actual combat. Their primary duties involved the management and cultivation of brains. Consequently, her ranks were filled with scientists and researchers—people whose ideas had long since abandoned ethics and common sense.
Yet, those in the Mental World were undeniably happy. As long as the truth remained hidden, there was no conflict—only a life of peaceful fulfillment. It was a methodology that ignored all conventions, a style that was quintessential Gwen.
I spoke to her, as she seemed to be in high spirits.
“I’m surprised to see you. I expected you to skip this gathering as well.”
“I did think about playing hooky, honestly,” Gwen admitted with a sigh. “But I figured it wouldn't hurt to show my face for once. Besides, if I keep missing these things, a certain someone gets very grumpy, you know?”
She spoke with feigned distress, her gaze shifting meaningfully. She was staring straight up at Grom.
Understanding the implication, Grom snorted in annoyance, though he didn't hesitate to retort.
“We occupy the Seat of the Demon King. It is only natural that we fulfill our duties.”
“Spoken like a true Rank 2. I respect you from the bottom of my heart! No, really, I do!”
Gwen shrugged, her voice a flat, rehearsed monotone. It was glaringly obvious that she didn't mean a word of it.
“Well, I heard everyone would be attending this time, so I read the room and made an appearance. I’d appreciate some praise for being such an honor student.”
Resting a hand against her chest, Gwen spoke with playful theatricality.