The Demon King of Tentacles was in top form today.
Her penchant for finding pleasure in mocking others was reflected even in the world she oversaw. She ruled over a humanity reduced to nothing but brains. By periodically adjusting their numbers, she maintained a steady population. It was less like governing and more like rearing livestock.
Providing a false sense of tranquility for her own amusement might be considered in poor taste, depending on one’s perspective. Yet, it was undeniably one answer to the question of World Peace. A system of absolute management excludes all exceptions. Through that meticulousness, she had created a world where everyone felt happy.
It was a domain that no other Demon King, myself included, had dared to touch. Being a Beast of the Outside World, she had constructed that system with effortless ease.
As I reflected on Gwen's achievements, a voice echoed from the distance.
"Gwen-san! Wait for me! Don't leave me behind!"
"Ugh..."
Gwen’s face twisted in an overt grimace the moment she heard her name. For someone who usually wore a mask of theatrical affectation, it was a rare, genuine reaction. That look was, unmistakably, her true feelings.
The Research Institute Director came flying from the direction of the voice. She slowed down as she reached us and grabbed the hands of Gwen, who was already attempting to make a break for it.
"I finally caught up! You’re moving too fast, Gwen-san. Were you really that eager to see the Lord Demon King?"
"Ahaha. What a hilarious joke. I think I might die of laughter," Gwen replied, her face expressionless.
Her eyes were completely dead.
Seeing this, Grom struggled desperately to suppress his laughter, turning toward the wall as his shoulders shook.
The Director released Gwen’s hands and bowed to me.
"Hello, Lord Demon King! It’s been half a day, hasn’t it?"
"Indeed."
The Research Institute Director was a multi-bodied existence. Her nature was similar to self-replication, but in reality, it was an even more Absurd Capability. The Director maintained a permanent presence in every world. Unlike Logan, she provided no administrative support, choosing instead to immerse herself entirely in her research.
Each of her bodies acted independently while sharing a collective memory. Under normal circumstances, such a state would drive anyone mad, yet the Director managed it flawlessly. Furthermore, through five centuries of research, she had amassed knowledge and technology that no one could hope to rival.
"Oh, that's right! A new Magical Apparatus is finished! It’s still in the prototype phase, but it’s far more stable than the previous models. Once the final adjustments are complete, I intend to have it officially commissioned..."
The Director prattled on. She looked positively radiant as she spoke, her enthusiasm boundless. Her eyes shone with a pure, brilliant light, but deep within them lay a peerless chaos.
Gwen, who had discreetly put some distance between herself and the Director, whispered to me with a look of pure annoyance.
"Hey, Harvelt-san. Please kick this person out of my world."
"I refuse. She is an indispensable asset."
"Well, I know that, but..."
The World of Brains was only possible because of the Research Institute Director's Power. Without her management, the entire system would collapse in an instant. Gwen understood this perfectly well; she wasn't actually serious.
Ignoring Gwen’s internal plight, the Director leaned in toward her.
"My goodness, things would have been so difficult without your cooperation, Gwen-san! Truly, I can't thank you enough!"
"Haaa..."
Gwen gave a hollow, listless reply. She let herself be pulled along by the Director without a fight. It seemed she’d decided that resisting was simply too much effort. Even Gwen, shrewd as she was, was no match for the Director.
I spoke up to the bedraggled Gwen.
"The Director is fond of you. Do try to get along."
"...Yeah, yeah, I hear you."
Gwen answered with a sigh and turned to leave, dragging the Director with her. Then, she stopped and looked back as if remembering something. She mimed raising a glass with one hand.
"Let's get drinks tonight. We're both Demon Kings, so you can listen to me vent for a while, right? Naturally, it’s Harvelt-san’s treat."
"Very well. I can manage that much."
"Excellent. I’ve got your word on it. I’ll be looking forward to it!"
Gwen waved a hand languidly as she and the Director walked away. Once they were out of earshot, Grom scratched his chin and grumbled.
"They certainly are a pair of free spirits, aren’t they?"
"That is precisely why they work so well together," I replied.
Grom gave a deep, solemn nod of agreement.