"…And so, rejoice. Fourteen of you will be released unharmed."

"……"

Strange. Despite the fact that they’re being freed to return to a human city, their reaction is underwhelming.

"You ungrateful fools! The Demon King himself has decreed your release, and this is how you act?!"

"Enough, Madre. Stand down."

"But, my lord…"

…Unfortunately, I understand their feelings.

Yesterday, they were slaves in a demon village. Suddenly, they were brought here, given proper meals and clothing, and now, the next day, they’re being released to a human city. Yeah, I get it. It seems suspicious.

As someone mentioned yesterday, it’s no surprise they’d think they’re being offered as ritual sacrifices. Even I didn’t expect the release to happen this quickly.

"If no one volunteers, I’ll choose for you. Perhaps the young and the women should be prioritized?"

"Fine, I’ll volunteer!"

"Damn it, me too! Just don’t harm the children or the women!"

…I’m not going to harm anyone. I’m literally freeing you.

"I will go as well. My life won’t last much longer anyway," said an elderly man, raising his hand.

…That’s not the point, old man. But yes, sending the elderly first makes sense. It’s also better for us to keep younger men for farm work.

"Alright then. We’ll choose the elderly, children, and those whose illnesses couldn’t be fully healed by magic. Additionally, the brave ones who volunteered will come along as witnesses. This way, you’ll feel more at ease. Rest assured, as long as you cooperate, you’ll all be freed soon."

I selected the elderly, children, and the sick, along with the two brave volunteers. They’ll witness the release in the city, ensuring the others trust us and cooperate. I like men who show courage and sacrifice themselves for others. I’ll make sure to release them soon too.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lugaro."

"Not at all, Demon King."

I brought the humans to the designated location outside the city. Lugaro had been observing the city from a safe distance.

"Wait, is that… the city of Arminel?!"

"No way! I’ve seen that city before—it’s definitely Arminel!"

"What?! Then this demon might actually be telling the truth!"

It seemed some of them recognized the city, lending credibility to my words.

"Like I said from the start. The lord of this city will bring the demon captives shortly. Once that’s done, you’ll all be free. As soon as the demons leave the city and you confirm their release, you two will return to the group. Cooperate, and you’ll all be released soon enough."

I was starting to worry the negotiations had failed as almost an hour had passed since the lord left his manor.

But just in time, the city’s massive gates opened, and seven shackled demons were brought out.

"Is this for real…?"

"Are we really being freed…?"

"I’ve told you from the start. Now, let’s begin the prisoner exchange. Cooperate, and your freedom will follow shortly."

The two volunteers would return and relay the news of the humans’ release. That should ensure the rest of the captives remain cooperative.

"So, as promised, you’ve brought our kin."

At a spot away from Arminel’s gates, Sandor appeared with the demon captives. Ten human knights surrounded him protectively. The demons were shackled, likely to prevent any trouble.

Meanwhile, I stood in my armor, with Lugaro by my side and the fourteen human captives behind us. They were clean, dressed in new clothes, and looked nothing like prisoners or slaves.

"Yes, Demon King. Though we cut it close, we’ve managed to gather the demons as you requested."

Close indeed. I thought they’d arrive faster since I’d given them the location, but I suppose dealing with nobles complicates things. I’ll allocate double the time for the next city.

"Good. Had you been late, I would’ve entered the city myself. Let’s begin the exchange."

The captives were brought forward, and the knights unshackled the demons.

The process was simple: both sides remained still while the captives walked slowly to the opposing side.

"Go on."

"Alright…"

"Is this… really happening?"

The captives advanced cautiously. The tension in the air was palpable, though I doubted either side would make a move.

Eventually, the captives crossed paths and reached their respective sides, marking the successful completion of the prisoner exchange.