CHAPTER 25
The Ex–Demon Lord’s Plans for the School Festival, Part II
Call it coincidence or inevitability, but the period after lunch was set aside to prepare for the school festival.
“Well, then… The school festival means two things for you as students. First, it’s a festival, just like the name implies. It’s a time to let loose and have fun. And the second is that it’s…a major turning point in your life.”
Standing behind the podium, Olivia was in homeroom-teacher mode as she looked out on all the students.
“And I’m not exaggerating, either. Among you, I’m sure there will be those getting a clearer picture of their life path. That’s what makes this a turning point. Also…” Olivia paused for a moment and cleared her throat. “During the festival, you’ll be fighting to make the most profit by yourselves. As for the homeroom teacher, we’ll be assigning scores that reflect your individual performance. These can be grounds for you to advance a level and instrumental in moving your future careers forward. These points will knock your starting point up a level when you’re choosing your future occupations. Meaning this festival is a watershed moment in your life. That’s why you should all give it your best,” she concluded, leaving the podium, and…
She looked straight at me—well, her and every other student.
The instructors were essentially going to be hands-off from here on out, leaving the students to their own devices. Which was why it called for someone to be a program director.
And this role seemed to fall on me. It could have been because I’d been sticking out like a sore thumb lately. It didn’t seem like I could refuse, which is why I got out of my seat and made my way to the front of the classroom.
“All right. I’m afraid I’m not as competent as you think I am, but I’m honored that I get to fill this role.” I looked out across the classroom from the platform that was normally reserved for instructors.
The gazes staring back at me were half full of respect and admiration—and the other half full of jealousy and hatred. The former was of the commoners, and the latter, the aristocrats. You couldn’t exactly say they were unified at the moment… In fact, things were looking pretty grim.
“First, I have news for everyone. For the school festival, we will be putting on a play as another main event, in addition to our traditional Sword King Battle Tournament. We have been given the honor to perform it.”
This announcement electrified the classroom as the commoners relished the opportunity to be in the limelight, and the nobles reveled in their delight at the unexpected privilege.
Maybe the play would bring us together, if only for that.
“We were told we may write the script as we see fit. That said… Our subject matter is limited, given the restrictions.”
In the modern world, the concept of freedom of expression was largely ignored. In plays, dramas, literature—any creative work was subject to censorship, and any criticism of the royal family or Demon Lord was strictly prohibited. Violators were charged with heavy crimes.
When I had been the ruler, this was not the case. All forms of expression had been accepted, whether it was opinion, ideology, or religion. Times had changed for the worse.
“As for me, I think we should choose an act from the heroic ballad of the Great Demon Lord. All in opposition, please raise your hands,” I said, even though I knew no one would.
It was the most simple, boring choice but the best one. As long as we didn’t stray from the source material, there wouldn’t be any problems, and it would be received well by the public.
The epic of the Great Demon Lord was ancient, but it was a timeless classic, though the Demon Lord himself was conflicted about it for a number of reasons.
Anyway, with none opposed—
“No way! We can’t do that! The ballad of the Demon Lord? No chance I’m doing that!”
…Okay, so we had one.
It was the outsider of the class, Sylphy Marheaven. Her red hair fluttered as she shot up from her chair and shouted at me while glaring. “A story about the Demon Lord is a total snore compared to my sister Lydie! All he did was pick on those who were weaker than him with brute force! If we go with her adventures, I’m sure it’ll be an epic drama that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats!”
…Oh, how I wanted to snap back with a smart-ass comment—and punch the living shit out of her.
That my life had been boring? That I bullied those weaker than me with force? Cut the crap. Back in those days, I’d been in constant crisis and agony.
That’s right—
And it was all your fault!
With Lydia, the two of you ruined every last one of my plans! This is why I had to go through unnecessary suffering. And endure stomach ulcers. And develop a bald spot that you both roared over with laughter.
“Hey, Baldy. Shiny as ever.”
“You should change your name from Varvatos to Gleamatos. It’d suit you way better!”
They had mercilessly teased my baldness. I was still mad at her for it.
Also, to suggest Lydia had interesting adventures? Yeah, maybe. On the outside anyway.
As the involved party, getting mixed up with that fool was no joyride. Just thinking about it made me feel on the verge of a panic attack… Ah, my stomach…! It hurts…!
“And so! I won’t accept anything other than the story of her adventures! With Ireena as the star, of course!”
Ireena in the lead role. This was one point where we could agree. I would love to see my dear friend in the spotlight. After all, she was like a daughter to me.
“Sylphy. I hate to disappoint, but at the headmaster’s request, Ireena and I will be taking the lead roles, which is why I think the tale of the Demon Lord would be the best choice.”
“I don’t give a damn about—”
“Quiet, Sylphy! Don’t cause Ard any trouble!”
“GWEH?!” Sylphy succumbed to silence, teary-eyed, when she’d been rebuked by Ireena.
Good work. You’ve never been more of a lifesaver than in this very moment.
“…Well, then. Despite some grievances, it’s been decided that our play will focus on the Great Demon Lord…with me as Great Demon Lord, and as Sylphy has requested, Ireena as Lydia the Champion.”
The commoners looked satisfied enough, but the glares of animosity directed at me from the nobles could kill. It wasn’t like I was doing this for fun. Who in their right mind wanted to play a depressed and glorified version of themselves?
“…Let’s move on and discuss the details.”
This didn’t take much time at all. Since it was required that the script highlight Ireena and me, we could narrow the scenes down to something that focused on the Demon Lord and the Champion.
We decided on a tale where we had suppressed an Evil God.
Everything had been going smoothly so far.
“All right… Is there anyone who would like to play the role of the Evil God?” I asked.
The class was silent. It was understandable enough. In this era, Evil Gods were depicted as wickedness incarnated and regarded as a source of disdain. No one was really out of their seats, jumping up at this opportunity. Even professional performers felt the same way, which was why this role was always decided by lottery.
Maybe we need to do that, too , I thought.
“Guess there’s no choice. If no one else wants to do it, I will,” Sylphy volunteered, raising her hand with a small sigh.
…She’d always been this type of girl, taking on tasks that everyone else refused to do.
From the outside, she appeared to be a troublemaker, but…she was, in fact, someone who cared about and tried to help other people more than anyone else.
Well, it usually backfired, and she did end up causing trouble…but I knew her true nature and couldn’t truly say I hated—
“I’ll play the Evil God and challenge you, fair and square! You’ll pay for what you did to me when we were sparring earlier!”
…I guess this was what I got for trying to praise her.
Anyway.
We’d all agreed on the play, leaving the script writing to the students who boasted it as their expertise. Once that was complete, we’d move on to rehearsals.
“Any last comments about the play? No? In that case, let’s discuss our booth… But before that…” I had to explain to our classmates about the mess that Ireena, Sylphy, and I had found ourselves in.
There was sure to be backlash, and I braced myself for it…
“A competition to outsell Class A? Sounds good to me. I never liked those guys anyway.” The commoners were unified in their hatred of nobles in that class.
“Hmph. Our personal opinions don’t matter. Obviously, we would aim for the Excellency Award regardless.” The nobles wanted the prestige and offered no complaints.
Evidently, I’d happily miscalculated their reactions. I’d worried over whether we’d be able to agree on anything, but it seemed that had been for naught.
“All right. Raise your hand if you have an idea for our booth.”
A number of hands immediately shot up. I chose one at random.
“What if we make an attraction using illusionary magic?”
“Hm… Could you be a bit more specific?” I asked.
“I was thinking we could use illusions to allow guests to vicariously experience the life of the Great Demon Lord, and—”
“Hmph. Commoners are so vulgar. Experiencing the life of the Great Demon Lord? How disrespectful,” one of the nobles muttered.
I didn’t see any problem with it, but when it seemed most of the students agreed with this point, I discarded the first suggestion.
There were a number of ideas after that, but we didn’t hit on any winners…
“Wow, commoners. Your thoughts don’t amount to very much. You can’t come up with a single decent idea.”
“Huh? You’re ones to talk.”
As the usual arguments threatened to break out, a stormy mood roiled into the classroom.
“Ard, may I?” As if waiting for an opportune moment, Ginny smiled and timidly raised her hand.
“Do you want to share an idea?”
“Yeah. It’s novel and traditional and certain to turn a profit. What’s more, it has a history of previous sales to serve as a precedent.”
Oh, that sounds incredible.
“…I guess this suggestion is inevitable from a Salvan.” Olivia murmured something rife with meaning. She seemed to know what Ginny had in mind.
As for the proposal… “The Erotic Maid Café. A most excellent and lucrative attraction.”
…What a weird name.
“Um, what is it? This so-called Erotic Maid Café?”
“I’m so glad you asked! Maids are tidy and chaste with a pure-white dignity, free from anything bad. But as their master’s property, they have to obey every single command. I believe everyone knows that this innocence is the breeding ground for dirty thoughts.”
No, we really don’t. Who would ever think that of a maid?
“But! What we want to do is dare to push the limits—to subvert the tropes and be sensual! In particular! We want to take the image of a squeaky-clean maid and turn it on its head! We’ll arouse the desires of gentlemen by having the cutesy and sultry maids serve in their usual way—but seductively! That is the Erotic Maid Café! My mother came up with it back in her school days, and it was an enormous success at her festival! They had the most sales in school history!” Ginny explained with passionate gestures.
“The girls will serve in new-and-improved maid outfits! The boys will work in the kitchen! I’ve already finished designing the maid outfit. I’ll pass out the designs right now!”
Ginny distributed her papers, looking all giddy. She had come well prepared. She must have really wanted to do this café idea. Her excitement was childish and honestly adorable—
I looked at the paper passed to me. “…Um, Ginny. Isn’t this a bit much?”
The design on the paper was far from innocent.
First, the top. Wasn’t it more like a bathing suit than an uniform? And there was awfully little coverage. To the point where private areas could peek out if the maid wasn’t careful.
The bottom half didn’t bother to hide anything at all. The skirt was too short, leaving undergarments in full view.
This was…this was an evil scheme for them to entice men with their womanly wiles.
As expected of a succubus. No one was better suited to draw up this plan.
“H-hmm. Th-this seems pretty solid.”
“A-and it’s had a lot of success in the past, too.”
“We have an obvious market, compared to the other suggestions. We can’t get any better than this.”
The boys were all for it. Each one tried to string together some logic, but they really just wanted to see the girls in those outfits. It was almost miraculous that all the girls in our class set the bar high when it came to looks. Anyone would agree Ireena was the cutest, though.
Not that it mattered. As for the girls…
“Wh-what the—?! There’s no way I could wear this!”
“Any woman who would wear this is sick! A total pervert!”
Naturally, there was a loud protest. Nothing to do about it, I suppose. There was no way this would get off the ground. I felt sorry for Ginny, but—
“Sigh. You don’t seem to get it. Hear me out. It won’t just be visitors coming to the café; we’ll be entertaining our peers at the academy, who want to come to unwind and catch their breath.”
“That’s exactly why we don’t want to do it! If we’re caught in these outfits, our time at school—no, our entire lives will be—”
“Yes. You’ll be charming students of the academy. In other words, you’ll be able to entertain Ard.”
A moment passed. The girls instantly closed their mouths, putting an end to their protests, and fell into a deep silence.
“And there isn’t anyone in this class who isn’t confident in her body. Imagine yourself in a suuuuper-sexy outfit, serving Ard. I’m sure you all know the future that awaits if you successfully seduce him, right?” she asked.
“All right! I’ll give it all I’ve got!”
“Wow, Ginny, you’re a genius!”
“Ah, I’m burning up with excitement! I’ve gotta choose the right underwear for the deed!”
The girls bustled like generals setting off for war. On the boys’ side, I felt a wave of murderous intent rising off from commoners and nobles alike.
Is this seriously the only proposal everyone can agree on?
…Honestly, I couldn’t bring myself to appreciate such a plan, but…
“I suppose it’s fine. I agree to it, too,” I said.
Sylphy flared up at this. “What?! Y-you’re into this sorta thing…? C-come to think of it, the Demon Lord acted straitlaced, but he was actually a horny lecher who did all sorts of nasty stuff…! I knew it! Are you sure you’re not the Demon Lord…?!”
Hey! Stop screwing around. Who are you calling a horny lecher?
What do you know about me anyway? To say I was doing all sorts of nasty stuff in secret? With who?
Okay, fine. I admit I had a harem. An all-male one. Every single one was a gross dude.
What kind of kinky stuff would I be doing in secret? Let me hear it. I mean, you should know the truth, of all people.
Ah, dammit. Just thinking about it made me angry. As in the last world, this made me want to sock Sylphy right in the head…but if I did that, it’d be the same as me acknowledging that I was the Demon Lord. Which is why I acted cool and responded with my words.
“Sylphy. I’m not one to relish in scandalous affairs. But in order to win the battle, we must choose the most reliable path… Isn’t this what Lydia the Champion—who you love and adore—once said?”
“O-oh, wow! Y-you’re right…!”
“Well, at any rate, these outfits will be reserved for those who want to opt in. There may be others who want to serve customers without wearing these costumes. Please prepare a proper maid uniform for those participants. Is that all right, Ginny?”
“Yes, of course.”
This addendum was made with Ireena in mind. After all, she just loved to be challenged, which meant she would want to serve customers. Which was a good thing in and of itself. In fact, it was wonderful.
But personally, I didn’t want her to expose her skin to the masses. And not because I had some gross desire to monopolize her by claiming her body was mine or something. It was just that…I wanted to protect the purity of my daughter in a way.
“Urrrrrrrrrrrgh……! W-well, my sister Lydie did say boys liked sexy stuff… I-I’ve got no choice if I wanna win! I’ll roll up my sleeves and then some!” Sylphy’s eyes were burning with passion, as crimson as her hair.
Ginny had a few words of her own. “…No, that’s all right. You wouldn’t be much help,” she mumbled, zeroing in on Sylphy’s chest.
I wondered if the person in question was aware of this, too, as Sylphy’s face grew bright red and tears pooled in her eyes. “I-I’ll definitely be a big hit! Lydia said my tiny breasts were a rare treasure!”
That’s just a lie you tell yourself.
Lydia swung both ways and had slept with well over a hundred women to my knowledge. And they all had huge honkers. Plus, she’d asked me once: “Hey, Var. What are girls with small tits even living for? ” She was the type of person to say this stupid shit.
…Well, at any rate.
“It seems the school festival will be a circus…”
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