“Demon Lord! Thank you so much for saving my daughter!”

“Sniff… Thank you!”

“Thanks to you, my daughter, who I thought was lost forever, has returned home! I am truly grateful!”

The woman and her family shed large tears of relief and joy over their reunion.

“I… I can’t count the times I thought of ending it all… The humans humiliated me, beat me repeatedly, and all I wished for was to see my family one last time. Thanks to you, Demon Lord, my wish has come true. Thank you so much!”

“…”

This girl had been imprisoned in the basement of a noble’s mansion in the human city. Thanks to healing magic, her physical wounds were healed, but not long ago, her body had been covered in bruises.

Damn it. I should’ve at least punched that noble once. I’ll have to check how he was dealt with the next time I visit that city. If the punishment was too lenient, maybe I’ll cause a bit more trouble.

“I’m glad you all survived. Even if humans attack again, I will protect you. Live in peace and happiness.”

“Yes, Demon Lord!”

“Long live the Demon Lord!”

“Long live the Demon Lord! Long live the Demon Lord!”

...A spontaneous Demon Lord chant started up.

At least the rescued people, their families, and the townsfolk seemed to regain some spirit.

I managed to save a few human and demon lives through my actions.

For once, I feel like I’ve earned the right to hold my head high.

“...Good, using teleportation magic for this many people wasn’t a problem.”

“As expected of the Demon Lord!”

Together with Libera and ten human captives, I teleported to a designated location. While a bit tired from transporting so many at once, it wasn’t unbearable.

“Now, the issue lies with these humans.”

“…”

Yep. If the phrase “dead fish eyes” had a picture, it’d be them.

These humans had been overworked without proper food or rest, only to be caught in a demon attack. For a moment, they might’ve thought they’d be saved.

But then I appeared, overwhelming the humans and taking them captive. To make matters worse, I teleported them—a legendary magic—to an unknown location.

...Yeah, they probably think they’re about to be used as test subjects for magic experiments or sacrifices in some ritual.

“It might be hard to believe, but I mean you no harm. If you behave, I promise to return you to your city eventually.”

“…”

...Right. They’re not listening at all. I guess that’s understandable.

“You insolent humans! The Demon Lord is speaking to you!”

“Calm down, Libera. They’re just overwhelmed. Let them adjust gradually.”

“Yes, my lord!”

“Demon Lord, I’ve been expecting you!”

“Ah, Madre, you’ve come at just the right time.”

A demon woman suddenly appeared in front of me and Libera.

She had pink hair with two horns protruding from it, a bikini-like outfit even more revealing than Libera’s, bat-like wings on her back, and a pointed black tail… Yes, Madre is a succubus.

“Hmph, it’s you, Madre…”

“In accordance with your orders, Demon Lord, I have prepared this place. How does it meet your expectations?”

Looking around, I saw that Madre had set up simple accommodations and fencing as I requested. In fact, the area was larger than I had anticipated.

“Excellent. You’ve exceeded my expectations, Madre.”

“Thank you, my lord! It is my greatest honor to receive your praise!”

“...Indeed.”

...But could she not casually cling to my arm like that? If not for my armor, the sensation of her soft chest would’ve been… distracting.

“H-Hey, Madre! Don’t get so close to the Demon Lord. Back off!”

“Tch.”

At Libera’s reprimand, Madre reluctantly released my arm, though clearly displeased.

That was close… A succubus’s charms are highly effective on an old man like me.

Madre is one of the Demon Lord Army’s officers. She was present when I was summoned, so she knows I’m just a regular-looking human man. And yet, she still approaches me.

It seems succubi are drawn to strength rather than appearance. This world truly overflows with dreams and fantasy… though I don’t have the luxury to enjoy it.

“For now, let these humans bathe, provide them with decent clothes, and ensure they get proper meals.”

“As you command!”

The facility for holding human captives was set up by Debra and Madre a bit away from the Demon Lord’s castle. In the future, other human captives from demon towns will be relocated here.

Eventually, the plan is to exchange them for demon captives in human settlements and return them to their own communities.