Chapter 46

It’s sudden, but my full name is Garto Ryuzen.

Since Lateia exclusively calls me Garto and most others call me the Demon King, I don’t usually think about my surname.

But it goes without saying that the Ryuzen family is a prestigious house among prestigious houses.

If it weren’t, I wouldn’t have been able to ascend the throne. For a long time, the Demon King has been chosen from the Ryuzen line. It is a family of great history and lineage.

And yes, the Ryuzen family does indeed have relatives.

To be honest, those with close blood ties mostly died off in past succession struggles, so not many remain. As a result, there aren’t many who could be called “men of influence,” but they do exist.

They exist strictly on a “well, technically they’re there” level, so I had completely forgotten about them until that day.

“We shall now convene the Demon Central Committee.”

The chairman made the proclamation.

“Everyone, salute the Lord Demon King!”

Everyone stood and bowed to me.

Each of them holds an important position. If Angelica were here, she’d probably say they all look like “boss characters.” In fact, only the Demon Sixteen Generals—the top sixteen strongest characters besides myself—and my secretary, Torualina, are permitted to participate.

It’s a familiar sight, but frankly, I find it stifling.

This committee has far too many ritualistic elements… I understand it’s an important decision-making body, but shouldn’t we move toward streamlining it more?

—I’ve submitted that proposal several times in the past, only to have it rejected with claims that tradition shouldn’t be destroyed recklessly.

The Demon Central Committee decides on agendas by majority vote, so even as the Demon King, I cannot force things through alone. One could say that’s exactly why it has such high value as a decision-making body.

Strictly speaking, I could bypass the committee and issue a mandatory imperial decree.

But if I did that, I’d definitely be criticized for disregarding the committee, and I’d rather not deal with that.

It’s one thing to get yelled at for being extravagant, but it would be pathetic to be nagged at for forcing through “simplification”…

The committee proceeded uneventfully.

Since there were no contentious topics this time, it looked like it would end without a hitch. Yes, I want to get home quickly and eat Lateia’s home cooking.

The final agenda item of the first half ended, and it was time for a break.

I headed straight for the restroom.

Going during the meeting makes you stand out, and since everyone speaking is someone important, leaving during anyone’s turn causes friction. It gives the impression that you’re slighting them…

Honestly, it’s hollow having to worry about such trivial things, but it’s hard to improve the “human relations” side of things.

When I returned from the restroom, the demons in the conference room were chatting. During this time alone, everyone is relaxed. I wish they’d conduct the actual meeting with this same energy.

“Lord Demon King, congratulations on your remarriage.”

The one who greeted me was Annais, someone who hides their entire body in a jet-black robe and a mask that covers their face completely.

“Annais, it’s hot in the summer, so you should probably stop wearing that outfit. You must be sweating buckets inside, right?”

As the Demon King, I keep track of my subordinates’ conditions.

“No, no… I’m staying properly hydrated, so it’s fine. It’s nothing if you just think of it as a sauna…”

Since we aren’t on a battlefield, I think it’s fine to show their face, but I suppose there’s some kind of personal pride involved. Fashion is all about stoicism.

“Also, I’ve put on some weight recently, and I’m embarrassed to show my face… Since I usually keep it hidden, the hurdle for revealing it has gone up…”

“I see. Everyone has it tough, don’t they…”

It’s not easy trying to look strong. When a plain-looking middle-aged guy gets selected for the Sixteen Generals, everyone tries all sorts of tricks to project a “powerful character” aura.

Hiding one’s face is a common method, but it has the weakness of making it increasingly difficult to actually show your face like this.

“Setting that aside, I’m glad you’re congratulating me on my remarriage.”

Since I remarried the Hero’s mother, there must be some who think it’s out of the question.

“Yes, after all, this essentially settles the matter of the successor. Isn’t that a wonderful thing for the future of the demon race?”

“Eh? Successor to what?”

I asked blankly.

I wondered if there was some traditional performing art in danger of dying out. Since demons are long-lived, succession is usually relatively simple.

“No, no—the next candidate for Demon King! I mean the Crown Prince!”

The Crown Prince! Now that he mentioned it, I hadn’t decided on one for the longest time!

“Well, since the late Queen Sasaya didn’t have any children, everyone was waiting with bated breath to see who the next Demon King would be. But finally, a good candidate has emerged!”

It’s true that because there weren’t many people with close blood ties, I suppose there were rumors floating around about what would happen with the Crown Prince.

I didn’t have anyone particularly close to me, and I had intentionally avoided making an announcement because if I chose someone carelessly, they might try to take my life just to become the Demon King.

“By the way, when you say a Crown Prince has emerged, who are you talking about?”

“Why, that would be Angelica, who has become your stepdaughter, my Lord.”

Annais answered matter-of-factly.

Are you serious!?

Sure, she’s my child now, but we aren’t related by blood, and she’s the Hero, you know? Is that really okay?

I asked about that in a roundabout way.

“As for being the Hero, the consensus is that someone with that kind of impact—formerly our greatest enemy—is actually fitting for a Demon King.”

Ah, so it’s a “permitted” development…

“Besides, as you well know, my Lord, there aren’t any decent members left in the Ryuzen family… No matter who you nominate, it wouldn’t feel right. This way, there’s actually less of a sense of unfairness.”

The Ryuzen family has really fallen into ruin…

Regardless.

I never imagined that Angelica would become the candidate for Crown Prince…