Chapter 34

“Eh? A workplace visit…?”

“That’s right. If you see me working diligently, you’ll be able to show me some respect. If you’re going to complain, you should observe me thoroughly for once.”

“Oh my~, that sounds interesting. Would it be alright if I went too~?”

“Of course. Please come, Lateia. As the Demon King’s wife, I’ll make sure you receive the absolute best hospitality!”

Actually, this was one of my goals.

I had never shown Lateia the side of me that was hard at work.

If I was going to do this, I wanted her to see me in my element.

Now, I don’t think many wives often visit their husband’s workplace, but I believe showing that side is important. If more wives saw how hard their husbands were pushing themselves, wouldn’t more of them see their partners in a new light?

Conversely, I think it would be fine for husbands to decide on a day where they thoroughly take over their wife’s work for about three days. Once you understand how exhausting the work is, a natural feeling of consideration for the other person should sprout. Especially those who dismiss housework as “just chores”—they’re exactly the ones who should be made to do it properly once.

I got sidetracked, but if I could get her to see the moment I shine the brightest, perhaps Lateia’s love for me would deepen even further.

After all, Lateia is (and this is a good thing) far too kind.

She went so far as to accept my proposal without knowing much about me. I’m happy about that, but remaining in the dark about what kind of work I do isn’t ideal.

“Fine. I’m scared to let Mama go to the demons’ headquarters alone, so I’m coming along.”

“Umu, feel free to come whenever—is what I’d like to say, but if you show up suddenly, the other staff might get confused. Give me some potential dates in advance. We’ll decide on a visitation day. The regulations state that anyone wishing to visit must give notice at least one week prior.”

“See, that right there… that’s what’s not very Demon King-like about you…”

At my workplace (the castle), I obtained permission for my wife and daughter to visit.

Well, “permission” is a strong word; since I’m the highest authority, I can technically do whatever I want. However, if I don’t report things properly, compliance and such are quite strict these days, so… well, that’s how it is.

If acting like a dictator made us stronger, there would be no issue, but as long as the data shows that organizations with solid compliance are stronger, I have no choice but to adopt it.

Then, the day of the workplace visit arrived.

“Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm…”

“My Lord Demon King, you are absolutely failing to stay calm. You look extremely unnatural.”

I was told this by my secretary, Torualina, who is usually far too composed.

“I’d rather know when you ever lose your composure. Tell me. I’ll test it out next time.”

“Why on earth would I have to tell you that, my Lord? Here, there are many approval documents today as well. Please sign them.”

I looked over the documents and began signing them one by one.

To be honest, I just wanted to sign the papers without reading them.

If I were to send them all back at the very last minute, operations would stall completely. Besides, no document with such a major problem should ever make its way through the rounds to my desk in the first place. But if I sign them half-heartedly, Torualina gets angry at me.

“Are we still maintaining this shrine with the transportation magic circle? It’s just bleeding red ink at this point. Can’t we just abolish it?”

“No, there are still two households living there who can’t get home without that magic circle.”

“The Demon Kings of old would have just forced them to relocate… Can’t we at least build a tourist attraction at the destination to increase the number of users?”

“When you try to do those ‘hometown revitalization’ type projects, you just end up with shady industry grifters showing up to swindle us out of our money.”

I see, so unless it’s done exceptionally well, we just end up losing out… It’s a difficult business.

Just then, there was a polite knock at the door.

“Come in,” Torualina called out, granting permission.

Beyond the door stood a demon guide, followed by Lateia and Angelica.

“Oh my, so this is Garto’s office~. It’s quite grand, isn’t it?”

“It’s plainer than I thought. There aren’t even any skulls lying around.”

Why on earth would I need to keep bones in my workspace? That’s just creepy.

“Welcome, both of you. Please, feel free to observe my work to your heart’s content today. This is my secretary, Torualina.”

Torualina offered a bow.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Torualina, and I serve as the secretary here.”

“I am his wife, Lateia. Thank you for looking after my husband.”

“U-Um… I’m the daughter, Angelica… I’m a Hero…”

Angelica was the only one visibly nervous, which was understandable. Anyone would feel restless being dragged into a room full of adults. Besides, she stood out, so she was drawing a lot of stares.

“This way, please. I’ll prepare some tea for you now.”

Torualina guided the two to the guest table.

“I’ve heard that demon tea has a unique flavor that many find disagreeable, so I’ve prepared a blend commonly circulated in the human world. Since sweets can also be a matter of preference, I’ve chosen something as inoffensive as possible.”

You don’t need to go out of your way to explain all that.

Now then, I would have the two of them observe my work from the guest sofa.

Torualina would keep them company and chat with them as needed, so they shouldn’t get bored. Based on the seating arrangement, they could easily observe my work even while talking.

I had even moved the sofa slightly just for today. I really am quite the tactician.

I summoned an official from the Ministry of Construction to hold a hearing regarding the establishment of a new tower.

Next, I called in an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss which practitioners to dispatch to the human kingdoms.

Furthermore, I confirmed the methods of a new type of fraud with an official from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Umu, I am doing work truly befitting a Demon King!

Since my days usually revolve around signing documents, I had intentionally scheduled extra meetings with the staff.

Throughout all this, the two visitors were forced to witness my professional conduct whether they liked it or not. This was sure to raise my stock!

“Hey, Demon King.”

See, Angelica must have a newfound respect for me!

“You really aren’t like a Demon King at all, are you…? You’re like… ‘THE Bureaucrat’…”

Wait, this reaction is different from what I planned!?