Combatants Will Be Dispatched - Volume 5 - Chapter 2.2

2 

Previously, at the Demon Lord’s Castle’s underground facilities. 

Hearing Viper’s request to be executed, Heine drops her gaze inside her cell. 

“Um… What’re you talking about? Aren’t you technically the Demon Lord right now? You’re a really important person. I’m pretty sure the demons are gonna be in a bind if you suddenly kick the bucket.” 

Seeing I’m clearly not a fan of her death wish, Viper gives me a gentle smile as if to reassure me that she’s not simply being self-destructive. 

“I have already ordered Camille, my lady-in-waiting, to take the demons to the allied kingdom of Toris. Our alliance negotiations had included terms of that sort… However, in the event that they’re denied entry by Toris, I do have one request.” 

Viper, looking every bit the ruler, fixes her gaze on me. 

“I’m told by our scouts that you’re currently settling the Cursed Forest and building a city there. Perhaps you could use laborers? I know it’s presumptuous of me to ask, but the soil in the demon territory can no longer grow crops, and we’re now out of water. If you can guarantee them the minimum amount of safety, I have no doubt they’ll be happy to live and work in your city.” 

Alice and I exchange looks at the unexpected proposal. 

“<What do we do, Alice? She’s offering to give us the residents of her country. But isn’t the whole point of invading and settling this planet to make room for people from Earth to live here?>” 

“<We won’t be migrating anyone from Earth until we’ve done more surveying. We haven’t researched yet all the planet’s viruses. It would be less than ideal if we moved people here only to have them die from some mystery ailment… Still, we should be the most hated enemy for the Demon Lord’s Army. We killed their previous Demon Lord, after all. I’m not sure why they’d even wanna come work for us.>” 

Viper probably realized we’re using our own language to communicate after listening to several of our conversations in Japanese. 

She shows no sign of unease, waiting with a serious expression until our discussion is over. 

“I gotta ask you something, Ms. Demon Lord. Why us instead of the kingdom of Grace? I mean, we’re the ones who…you know…offed the last Demon Lord. And we’re an evil organization, so…” 

“Concerning my father, I don’t believe it was a matter in which you had any choice. After all, we were the ones who started the invasion, so we have no right to complain. As for why I’d like my people to be settled in your city, Mr. Six, well… I’ve heard beastfolk are treated quite well in your organization. Orcs are treated as livestock in Grace, so I believe your city would be a better choice…” 

Beastfolk? What’s she talking about? I don’t think Rose counts as “beastfolk” or whatever. 

…Oh! I guess she means people like Tiger Man! 

Well, I suppose he looks closer to a demon than a human, but he’s just a mutant who was made through surgical enhancement. He’s technically not a beast man. 

“…What do you think, Alice? Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.” 

I mean, I’ve heard there are quite a few attractive races among the demons like succubi and vampires. 

Yep, I remember what Heine said way back when. 

I haven’t forgotten what she offered me that time she tried to recruit me into the Demon Lord’s Army. 

“No objections on my part. We’re short on labor at the moment. Besides, we came here to negotiate at an advantage. An unconditional surrender is way better than we bargained for. That just leaves the question of reparations for the Grace Kingdom…” 

Viper looks a bit reassured at the exchange between Alice and me. 

“I’m afraid this castle now only has a small quantity of treasure, as well as the mystery facilities. I’m quite certain that’s not enough to serve as reparations. Instead, as Demon Lord, I’ll offer my life and body as recompense.” 

Well, her life is one thing, but her body… 

Wait, no, that’s not the important thing right now. 

“As mentioned earlier, my public execution will no doubt help quell the rage of the victims. Of course, I understand it’s not enough. As for the rest, it may be depleted, but they may have the entirety of the demon territory. So please… Can you please save my people…?” 

She looks straight at us with an expression prepared to face even death. 

Oh no, she’s serious. 

I’ve gotten so used to dealing with unserious people on a daily basis that I can’t help but be put on the back foot dealing with someone this sincere. 

I mean, Snow’s gone quiet, intimidated by Viper’s commitment. 

As for Rose… Dammit, I don’t know what the hell she’s thinking, but she’s taking a nap in the room she wandered into. 

Why the hell is she sleeping in enemy territory? I don’t understand what’s going on! 

And just as I start to panic… 

…Heine raises her voice from inside her cell in Viper’s defense. 

“Okay, I get it! If that’s not enough, you can do whatever you want with me, too! So please…” 

“Well said! Given how many times we’ve fought, I just don’t feel that guilty about doing things to you for some reason, Heine.” 

Right as I give an immediate answer to Heine’s exclamation, I see the color drain from her face. 

“H-hang on, Six. I mean, we’ve known each other a while… C’mon, you know I had to say that as a member of the Elite Four. It’d be a problem otherwise…” 

…Just then, Alice starts nodding intently and speaks up. 

“As expected of the boss of an industry rival. Self-destructing is one of evil’s most coveted exit strategies, after all. Well said.” 

Alice is bubbling with glee. Why is she impressed by Viper’s statement? And, um, I don’t think this is quite the same as self-destructing. 

“For now, we’ll figure out what to do with you after we take you back to our hideout. We’ll take temporary custody of you and Heine. Leave the negotiations with the kingdom of Grace to me. If you’re moving to our city, at the very least, I’ll guarantee the lives of your people.” 

Hearing Alice’s confident statement, Viper lets out a sigh of relief. 

She looks as though a great weight has just been lifted off her shoulders. 

Alice spends a while studying Viper’s reaction. 

“…And welcome to the Kisaragi Corporation. It might be a short stint, but try to enjoy yourself. We’re always happy to add a high-level evildoer like a Demon Lord to our ranks.” 

With that, she smiles cheerfully at Viper.