“Ah! Uncle Jin!”

“Mr. Jin.”

“…Oh, Uncle Jin.”

After discussing tomorrow's plans, I went to the room where Lutra, Beane, and Alex were staying.

“Did they make sure you ate properly?”

“Yep! It was really delicious!”

“Yes, and everyone has been very kind to us.”

“…The food was good.”

It seems Libera's subordinates had been taking good care of the three.

“That's good to hear. Starting tomorrow, I'll be working here, but what do you all want to do? You can stay here and be protected as you were today, or I can send you to another demon village.”

I had already informed the Demon Lord's army about the three of them, and they had agreed to continue offering them protection. Since their village had been destroyed by the humans, I could also send them to another demon village or town that seemed safer.

Of course, even if they chose to go to another village or town, I'd check in on them regularly. With teleportation magic, I could visit them anytime.

“Beane wants to help Uncle Jin!”

“Hmm, help?”

“I also want to help Mr. Jin! You saved our lives, gave us beautiful clothes, and delicious food. I want to help you in any way I can!”

“…I see. It may be difficult for you to directly help with my work, but I'll see if there are any other tasks you can do. Thank you, and let me know as soon as you find something you really want to do.”

It might be good for them to keep busy instead of just sitting around. The less they dwell on their village or lost families, the better.

Of course, I’m not planning to involve them in any work in human towns or villages. I’ll ask if there’s any suitable work for them here at the Demon Lord’s castle.

“Uncle, I want to get stronger! I want to train so I can take revenge on the humans!”

“……”

Alex still harbored hatred for the humans, which was understandable. There was no way he could just let go of his desire for revenge under the current circumstances.

But even if it was fueled by revenge, having the will to live was important. And in this world, it was always a good idea to be physically strong.

“Alright. I can't train you directly, but I’ll ask someone else to.”

“Really, Uncle?!”

“Yeah. But remember, if you don’t work, you don’t eat. Like Beane and Lutra, you’ll need to do some proper work. In your spare time, I’ll find someone who can train you in combat. Does that sound good?”

“Yeah, that’s fine!”

I really want to bring an end to the war between humans and demons as quickly as possible for the sake of these kids. I’ll ask someone to take care of them and make sure they’re looked after if anything happens to me.

And so, today marks the day I start acting as the Demon Lord… Ugh, I really hate this. It means I’ll become the humans' number one enemy.

“Good morning, Demon Lord!”

“Mm, good morning.”

When I entered the conference room from yesterday, the four Demon Generals were already there. I thought I had woken up early, but apparently not early enough.

By the way, I’ve been given a private room inside the Demon Lord’s castle. Apparently, sharing a room would undermine the dignity of the Demon Lord.

I also use barrier magic when I sleep, so there’s no way I can be assassinated. Plus, I found out I can sleep in my armor— it’s light, and the joints aren’t restrictive, so it’s quite comfortable.

“As we discussed yesterday, we have sent notices to the villages and towns in demon territory. Within a few days, word will spread that a new Demon Lord has been born.”

“Good. Keep up the good work.”

There are demons capable of flying and others who can communicate telepathically, so even without telephones or other means of communication like in my original world, messages can still spread quickly.

I’ve also sent word about improving the treatment of human prisoners. They are to be provided proper meals, and violence or sexual assaults are strictly prohibited, with punishments for any violations. I want to improve their conditions as much as possible before we release them.

“Now, as planned, we will head to the battlefield and stop the fighting.”

“Understood! Please be careful, Demon Lord.”

“I look forward to witnessing your power, Demon Lord.”

“Don’t go getting yourself killed too soon!”

First, we’ll head to where humans and demons are currently fighting and halt the combat. Rescuing demon prisoners is important, but with every passing second on the battlefield, lives are being lost. I must stop the fighting as soon as possible.

“Demon Lord, please use my life however you see fit!”

“Mm, I’m counting on you. But I absolutely won’t allow you to throw your life away.”

“Yes, sir!”

This time, Libera will accompany me. My teleportation magic only works in places I’ve already visited.

To reach the battlefield, I’ll teleport as close as possible and then use wind magic to fly the rest of the way. Since Libera is from the dragon tribe and can fly, she’s the ideal companion for this mission.