“It seems you’re all dressed more decently now.”

“...”

I had separated the human captives by gender, let them bathe, and given them clean clothes. Still, their eyes retained that dead fish look.

Previously, they had been wearing filthy, tattered clothing that reeked, and some women’s chests had been entirely exposed.

Although they were so emaciated that it didn’t stir any feelings, it was still unhealthy for my old-man heart.

Look, I’m the kind of guy who nearly reacts just from a girl brushing against my armor.

“So, the humans are cleaned up as offerings for a demon ritual?”

“…”

No, no, that’s not what’s happening!

A relatively young male prisoner finally spoke up, only to start spouting something absurdly pessimistic.

“Here, I prepared some food for you. There’s even meat I personally hunted. Appreciate it.”

On the table where the captives sat, there was food that Madre had cooked. This succubus can apparently cook, too.

For the record, demons and humans eat essentially the same things: vegetables, meat, fish—you name it. Our tastes are also similar, as good food tastes good to everyone.

I hunted the meat and fish myself. With my detection skill, hunting was a breeze.

“So, they’re fattening us up as offerings for a ritual?”

“No, it’s probably our last decent meal before we’re used as test subjects.”

“…”

Wrong on both counts!

Why are they so obsessed with negative interpretations? Well, considering their mental state, I guess it’s not unreasonable.

“Shall I use my charm skill to force them to eat?”

“No. Unless it’s an emergency, that skill is forbidden. If they don’t want to eat, leave them be.”

Madre, the succubus, has a charm skill that can hypnotize and manipulate those without resistance. It’s a frightening ability.

“Damn it. Either way, we’re going to die, so I might as well eat!”

“That’s right. If it smells this good, I don’t care if it’s poisoned!”

No, seriously, it’s not poisoned, and you’re not going to die.

One prisoner, unable to resist the aroma of the food, reached out and began eating. Seeing this, the others soon followed suit.

“It’s delicious!”

“A proper meal for the first time in ages!”

It must’ve been a while since they had a decent meal. They began devouring the food with incredible speed. Thankfully, I had reduced the portion sizes to prevent overeating in their weakened state.

“Now, as for your future… I promise to exchange you for demon captives held by the humans and return you to your towns eventually. Until then, you’ll work on farming here.”

“Farming!?”

Having calmed down slightly after eating, they seemed capable of more reasonable reactions.

“Yes. While I plan to release you, negotiations with the humans could take time. In the meantime, I want you to sustain yourselves as much as possible.”

It would be wasteful to simply feed them, so they’ll work on farming while they’re here. Of course, I don’t intend to force them to work like slaves, but they will need to contribute to some extent.

“...Will there be quotas or dangerous tasks?”

“There will be no quotas, and you’ll have some free time. However, if you slack off, there will be punishments like missing meals. That said, farming is not dangerous. If any monsters appear, Madre will handle them.”

“Punishment is missing meals!? Not whipping or beatings?”

“Free time is allowed!?”

It seems they were treated harshly in the demon town they came from.

“Yes. If you work sincerely, I’ll consider reasonable requests. However, if you attempt to escape or rebel, you will face severe punishment.

Let me be clear: this place is deep within demon territory. If you try to flee, you’ll either be captured by demons or killed by wild monsters long before reaching a human settlement. Trust me, it’s better to wait quietly for your release.”

“...”

They seemed to understand my words but looked skeptical. Well, building trust will take time.

After giving instructions to Madre, Libera and I left for another battlefield.

“Madre, I leave the rest to you.”

“Understood, Demon King! Even at the cost of my life, I will fulfill your orders!”

“No, sacrificing your life is unnecessary. If your life is in danger, prioritize your own safety and escape. That’s an order from me!”

Seriously, if it comes to it, just leave the captives behind and run. Madre’s life is far more important. I also plan to assign additional personnel here soon. Their safety is paramount.

“Such kind words… I am deeply moved!”

“If anything happens, contact me via telepathy. I promise to come to your aid immediately.”

“Demon King…”

“Ahem! Demon King, let’s head to the next location quickly!”

“Tch…”

Madre clicked her tongue at Libera…

That was slightly scary…

But Libera’s right. Right now, people—humans or demons—could be losing their lives on the battlefield.

We must hurry to the next location.