The Melancholy of the Demon Army Officer
Translator: Tsukii
Editor: Derpy
Read at Watashi wa Sugoi Desu!
Author’s Note:
Calm before the storm chapter
Chapter 110 – Conflict [A]
“I apologize for visiting this late at night, Leonhart-sama.”
“――Well, it’s just the right time for me to take a break, so I don’t mind.”
After finishing the meeting between the great demon generals, Lee headed directly to Leonhart’s castle.
Even though the curtain of night already fell, Majin Leonhart kindly welcomed Lee to his office.
Considering the time, it wasn’t weird if such a visit was frowned upon. Even if majins and apostles had no need to sleep, it was silently agreed upon that night time was their private time. Of course, it depended on the individual—and if it were any other way around, the demons would have rushed at them no matter what time it was—but that was because of the absolute status of the majin, any tyranny they committed was allowed.
With that in mind, the existence of Majin Leonhart was very comfortable yet also intimidating for his subordinates. After all,
…A majin of the highest rank is being considerate toward us after all.
Leonhart hardly made obviously unreasonable demands, and even if there was failure on a military operation, he wouldn’t show any anger as long as it wasn’t caused by personnel’s negligence. There were even times where he calmly accepted and showed concern toward them instead.
In the first place, a majin who would try to hang out with his subordinates outside of work was considered an extreme minority.
Most majins would draw a line between their respective apostles or majins of similar rank. It was considered natural to dominate subordinates and use them as they liked. There was no need to be considerate to subordinates—inferior life forms, in some perspectives. Even among demons, that was considered an obvious value. They treated majins who possessed overwhelming power with awe and bowed their heads. It was outrageous to think of rebelling, and it would be useless even if they tried. Majins had the Invincibility Field that rendered any attacks that didn’t come from fellow majins or the maou ineffective, thus making any attempts meaningless. However,
“Rather than that, I heard you came here right after the meeting concluded. How about eating as you report?”
“Hah, but…”
“Don’t be reserved… Rather, I had them prepare some things for you since I heard you’ll be visiting. Just give up and dig in.”
“…Thank you for your consideration.”
Don’t worry about it, said Leonhart casually. He wore a straight face and didn’t think it was a big deal. All he did was just treat the subordinate who came to visit with his castle’s proud dishes. The chefs of this castle were the children of fellow human chefs in charge of the Maou Castle’s kitchen, educated to be chefs, and had them work in this place. It was customary to bring human chefs to cook, or have some demon or gal demons who were good at cooking to be in charge of it. But human children that were born with such a background were acknowledged as an exception by Leonhart and previous maou, and allowed to bring their family to work in this castle. As a matter of fact, Great General Lee and other demon generals would have a taste of their dishes whenever they came to visit, but since the quality of the dishes weren’t inferior to that of the Maou’s Castle, it showed that things were going well. Therefore, being able to eat at this place and having Leonhart’s concern was supposed to be something to be happy about. Yet,
…What I am about to do… will trample over that care…
Even though it was his duty, the burden felt heavy. It was because Lee was half-convinced that he had to mention the part that Leonhart might not want to have touched upon.
It was him considering to spit on the master he respected. He had to do it despite understanding that, making it even harder for Lee.
It would be a lie to say Lee actually wasn’t interested, but his guilt over it was greater.
Even so, he needed to say it eventually. Although Lee was silent for a while, Leonhart didn’t hurry him and quietly waited for the report. Perhaps it was only Lee who felt the heavy atmosphere. While Leonhart casually drank the tea in his cup, he exuded his usual atmosphere.
It would be better if any of Leonhart’s three apostles were present, yet only at a time like this they were absent. It was rare to happen. They were likely busy with other duties though.
…But maybe it’s better they aren’t present, considering the topic…
Lee had no idea whether Leonhart’s apostles knew about it, but the awkwardness they would have after the report wouldn’t change regardless.
As expected, he ought to report soon. Since he needed to say it either way, there was no point in hesitating.
“Well, regarding the report――Ah, well, about the strategic goal discussed during the meeting…”
“Aah, was it already decided?”
“…Yes. We already put down several candidates… it’s just, regarding that matter, we need to ask for permission, or rather, for the reason of something…”
“…? Aah, I don’t mind. Just say it.”
Not only was the introduction too long, Leonhart probably felt Lee’s hesitation. Leonhart furrowed his eyebrows a bit. Even as the tension increased,
…Eeih, just do it!
Lee summoned his resolve and said it outright.
“It makes me hesitant to mention it after all this time, but… well, among the great nation candidates for our strategic goal… that nation is included in the list――”
“――What?”
As Lee said that, Leonhart’s expression stiffened as he expected.
Leonhart revealed a bit――he likely held back out of consideration to his subordinate――of majin-like hostility as he asked.
“…What do you mean? That place is ―― No, let’s hear the reason first.”
“Ha, hah… well, at the suggestion of Great General Barca, there was information that that nation was about to go to war with a neighboring nation…”
“…Continue.”
“Yes sir. On top of that, after their war concludes, if the Demon Army invades the winning great nation, the nation would be easily defeated since they are exhausted from the recent war… Because of such circumstances, those two nations became candidates for the strategic goal.”
“…I see.”
As Lee watched Leonhart narrow his eyes, Lee was aware his own expression became stiff.
However, Lee had to do everything to fulfill his duty as great demon general, so he continued his words.
“…After scrutinizing the geography, the quality of soldiers, loot that could be obtained, and various other information, the great demon generals and generals participating in the meeting agreed it would be a good target.”
“…”
He said it. Lee managed to say it fully.
Leonhart stayed silent with a stern expression and put his hand on his chin. Perhaps he was thinking?
However,
“…Fuh… I see.”
Leonhart sighed then his expression returned to normal and said calmly.
“…I understand the reasoning. I also understand how it would be a good target.”
“…Then…?”
Aah, Leonhart nodded once.
“Give me a day to think it over. I’ll give my answer the day after tomorrow.”
“One day, is it…?”
After saying it, Lee regretted his voice was mixed with a tone of disappointment.
“…Are you dissatisfied?”
“! N-no! I definitely am not!”
In response to Leonhart’s sharp gaze and short tone, Lee hurriedly denied it.
But Leonhart’s expression quickly returned to normal and sighed as he rubbed his eyes with his finger,
“…Sorry about that.”
“Eh?”
Even though Lee squeaked in response to the sudden apology, Leonhart didn’t seem to care and continue,
“I just want to sort things out a little. I will think it over all day tomorrow and make my decision by then.”
“Ha-hah! Certainly! Then――”
“Aah, just leave the document right there. I’ll read it later. Let’s eat for now then you may leave after that.”
“…Understood… Um, Leonhart-sama――”
“…What is it?”
“…Ah, no, it’s nothing.”
The following question was already lodged in Lee’s throat, but he couldn’t say it. Lee stood up then bowed deeply,
“Well then, please excuse me.”
“Aah.”
Leonhart also stood up as he responded, then Lee bowed to Leonhart once again and left.
Before Lee left the room, the last thing he saw was Leonhart’s back as he looked outside the window,
…As expected… I guess it’s that kind of thing…
Although things proceeded more smoothly than Lee expected, he could feel the subtle conflict in Leonhart.
It wasn’t uncommon to spend a day or two deciding the strategy. There were even times where another meeting was held when it was hard to come to a decision. Leonhart himself didn’t participate in the meeting this time, so he might need time to check the document and come to a decision.
However, for Majin Leonhart who showed calm and excellent judgment most of the time, he now seemed to be showing a glimpse of emotion other than rational judgment. 1
That day, Leonhart did nothing special and spent the night in his office.
He didn’t feel like eating, sleeping, or having fun at night that day, and he refused because he wanted to think of something and he was doing so in his office.
Both Carol and Pale were slightly worried and doubtful about that but agreed to abstain. And when they tried to cheerfully help him, Leonhart softly refused them. He didn’t mind them wanting to stay awake, so he commanded them to standby as he would call if he needed them. They wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing their master was awake. That would go against their role as apostles, and if Leonhart instead ordered them to not worry and sleep or that they shouldn’t enter the room, it would instead become blatantly obvious that they would become even more worried instead.
Therefore, Leonhart calmly made that order to his apostles. Kesselring left Leonhart’s castle a few days ago so she wasn’t here. She was likely going through some tests around this time. Leonhart also worried about that, but he was sure she was headed in the right direction. He would help her if something happened, so Leonhart wasn’t all that worried. Instead, the problem was,
“…What should I do about this…”
Leonhart sat on the sofa in his office, crossed his legs, and rested his forehead on his right palm while thinking.
It wasn’t that uncommon for Leonhart to lose himself in thought like this these days. Many things happened, and things that happened due the generation change gave him a lot to think about.
However, it would last about an hour at most. It usually only took several minutes. He would no longer ponder on it when the night passed.
It was probably because it was his hometown.
Looking at the map on the table and the meeting report left by the great general, Leonhart thought.
His gaze was pinned to the map. Pinned to the huge nation drawn adjacent to the Demon Army’s territory.
It was considered the oldest of human nations. And it was the dominating nation with the largest territory. Leonhart snorted as he saw that,
“I never thought it would grow this big… We never know what would become of something I guess.”
When Leonhart became a majin, he put a condition to not interfere with his homeland.
When the contract was signed, his settlement was never touched by the Demon Army from then until now.
Perhaps because of that, his hometown developed and established a nation. As expected, Leonhart had complicated feelings over it.
That said, if he was asked if it was something so precious that couldn’t be replaced, Leonhart would say no.
It was considered Leonhart’s last responsibility. It was his responsibility for failing to lead his people until the end, and to protect the place he was born and raised in.
And it was also considered his goodwill.
If compared to the precious things he had now, it was something with not much worth.
Considering Leonhart’s status now, he ought to abandon it without hesitation.
Moreover, it was coupled with rational judgment. All the things necessary for him to convince his heart were prepared.
Even so, Leonhart couldn’t come to a conclusion.
“…”
He looked at the document in front of him.
It was the so-called “clearance to operate”.
It was something that all the great demon generals put up together.
The Demon Army would act as fishermen in turbid waters and stain the two warring nations with blood――such was the order issued.
Of course, it wasn’t uncommon for the Demon Army. Invading human nations still occurred even now all over the world.
If anything, the Demon Army normally wouldn’t completely destroy a nation and would immediately retreat after causing damage to some extent.
They would usually stay on said territory for a few months to a few years. They would grant the area the threat the Demon Army posed to others while making full use of the exploits in the area.
Massacres and looting were left to the discretion of each army, but fatal damage that would drive a nation to ruin wasn’t allowed. It was important to do so to continue being a threat. The Demon Army did destroy several small nations in the last few decades, but after the Demon Army left and the area was left without a ruler, some nations would claim it or a new nation would be born there. It wasn’t that big of a deal.
However, things are different now. Maou Nighcisa gave his decree this time. It would be the first large-scale invasion of the Demon Army.
They would carve the terror of the new maou into humanity and dye the great nation in blood.
Therefore, they will completely destroy it this time. The goal was to turn that location into hell.
Leonhart could understand that. He personally didn’t have a taste for massacre and didn’t enjoy human suffering――he would help them if he could.
But as a demon army officer, as the supreme majin who held the greatest status as majin, he already understood the rationality of this operation.
As a majin, that order was absolute. Leonhart himself was already convinced about it.
Therefore, all he needed to do was to sign the document. It was what he must do.
He had done similar things several times and he should be prepared. There was no need for him to hesitate after all this time.
“…………Damn it.”
Even so ―― his pen didn’t move.
Even though he already understood it logically.
Even though he knew his homeland no longer had such worth after all this time.
Does his wish of wanting to avoid staining his homeland with blood still remain within him?
“What should I do…?”
He put the pen down again and thought about it, but reached the same conclusion each time.
It was obvious to him that carrying this out would be the easiest way.
There was no need to choose the hard way.
After all, it would be his subordinates that would be sacrificed over it.
Although they wouldn’t lose, since it was still a war, casualties would naturally occur. Leonhart didn’t feel hesitant about it. As cold as it sounded, death was natural in war. He also had his mindset as a warrior and thought it was an obvious thing to happen.
But being in a position with responsibilities, as a person who worked closely with his subordinates, he would seek the best result he could achieve in war.
That was his responsibility as a person with authority.
It wasn’t funny if his mercy toward the enemy resulted in damage to his allies.
If he still insisted on acting on his ego, he ought to act brazenly without shame instead. Acting out of instinct and desire despite knowing the damage was also the right of those in power.
He shouldn’t feel guilty over it. He ought to brazenly flaunt his pride and only then his subordinates would follow.
That was why there were many who followed his lead. There were those who lowered their heads to follow him.
As subordinates of the maou, as the majins who ruled many, the balance between the two was important. As a matter of fact, it was exactly because he kept showing results that he was where he stood right now.
Leonhart’s experience and judgment appealed that he ought to sign the order.
He ought to get it over with. It was a necessary sacrifice. There will be tons of similar things happening from now on. He shouldn’t hesitate over this. It was merely his homeland in the past, and he shouldn’t bring misfortune to others just because of that.
Just because of that. Yet just because of that――
“――Leonhart-sama!”
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