"Alright, let’s get moving."

"Understood, Demon Lord."

"Call me Jin while we’re here, Luga."

"My apologies... Jin-sama."

"...…"

Before me stood Lugaro, one of the Four Generals, now disguised as a human mage in a robe. Thanks to his transformation magic, his blue skin now appeared human-toned, and his horns were completely concealed. From any angle, he looked like an ordinary human.

Well... an exceptionally handsome one.

This might invite unnecessary trouble. A more average appearance would’ve been better, but while the magic could alter skin tone and conceal horns, it couldn’t change his bone structure.

"First, we’ll focus on gathering information. I’ll handle locating the captured demons in this city. Your job is to find out where the lord resides and gather intel on the war situation between humans and demons."

Lugaro and I had entered a human city. I first entered alone, found an isolated spot, returned to the Demon Lord’s castle using teleportation, and then brought Lugaro back with me to the city via teleportation magic.

Our primary objective was to rescue captive demons, with the secondary goal of understanding the current state of human affairs.

"Understood."

"Make sure not to cause any disturbances."

"Of course. I’ve infiltrated human settlements a few times in the past, so I’ll be fine."

"Good. If anything happens, contact me immediately using the telepathy skill."

"Understood."

Apparently, Lugaro had previously worked as a spy infiltrating human settlements. While he harbored resentment toward humans, he wasn’t the type to go on a rampage like Jilbe.

The telepathy skill made communication easy and efficient. If something went wrong, we planned to regroup and escape the city using teleportation magic. Not that I expected any major issues—honestly, I could take over the city by myself if it came to that.

"Still, without flying, it takes forever to scout the entire city…"

Yesterday, I used wind magic to fly and search for demons, which was much quicker. Now, I had to move on foot at a reasonable pace to avoid attracting attention, which slowed things down.

I needed to rescue as many captive demons as possible before the humans reacted. Time was of the essence.

"Alright, I’ve located them. There are seven demons in this city. Time to use the telepathy skill..."

'Lugaro, can you hear me?'

'Yes, Demon Lord. Loud and clear.'

'I’ve confirmed the number and locations of the demons in this city. Have you identified the lord’s residence?'

'Yes, sir! I’ve located the lord’s mansion and confirmed he is inside. I’m currently gathering additional intel at a tavern.'

Impressive. While he claimed to be skilled in stealth magic, I was initially skeptical about how effective he’d be in a human city. It seemed my concerns were unfounded—having competent subordinates made everything so much easier.

'Good work. Wrap up your intel gathering and rendezvous with me.'

'Understood! Your praise is most appreciated!'

"Alright, there are others in the mansion besides the lord, but I’ll avoid unnecessary commotion and meet the lord directly."

"Yes, sir!"

Using my presence detection skill, I scanned the large mansion where the lord resided. There were several people inside. The lord’s presence was on the second floor, along with two others nearby.

Lugaro and I teleported to the second floor, directly above the room where the lord was located.

"What the—!?"

"Who are you?!"

I carefully broke through the roof without making too much noise, entering the room where the lord was. One of the individuals in the room drew his sword and pointed it at us in alarm.

"Ugh…!"

"Gah…!"

I used a weakened version of my Demon Lord Intimidation skill, crushing their will to fight.

"First, calm down. I mean no harm. I’m here to negotiate."

"N-Negotiate...?"

Honestly, barging in through the roof in ominous armor isn’t exactly a great way to start negotiations, but here we are.

"Who... who are you?!"

This middle-aged man with a beard seemed to be the lord of the city. Unlike the ostentatious lords I’d encountered in other cities—decked out in jewels and fine clothes—this one looked rather plain, like your average commoner.

"I am the Demon Lord. Surely you’ve heard the rumors by now?"

According to the intel Lugaro gathered earlier, word of a new Demon Lord had already spread through this city. If the common folk knew, the lord of the city must have some information as well.

"I see... so you’re the new Demon Lord causing all this commotion. Stand down; we cannot defeat him."

"You’re quite perceptive. That makes things easier."

I deactivated my Demon Lord Intimidation skill. It seemed this lord had some understanding of who I was.

"My lord, step away from him!"

"It’s fine. Calm yourselves. If they meant us harm, we’d already be dead."

"Ugh…"

"Now then, new Demon Lord, you mentioned negotiations. Let’s hear what you have to say."

"...…"

Despite being faced with the sudden intrusion of a Demon Lord, this man maintained a composed demeanor.

This one has some nerve.