Chapter 20: The Lifted Veil

‘…….’

I lowered my gaze, the bleak future constantly flashing in my mind.

If there was a world or a god dictating and observing all of this, whatever form it might take, it certainly wouldn’t be that of a ‘human’.

Humans possess the richest spectrum of emotions among all living beings.

If they embodied beings who, despite trying to make rational decisions, are ultimately swayed by emotions, they wouldn’t be this cold and merciless.

‘Ah.’

Death was right at my doorstep. Unable to support my rapidly failing body, I leaned against Deon Hart.

Even lifting my head was too much effort, and as it fell back, Deon’s complicated expression filled my vision against the backdrop of a black night sky dotted with three round moons.

He wore a look that said he didn’t know what to say.

The Hero simply offered a weak smile.

You don’t have to say anything. Just stay alive.

But if I had to choose the words I wanted to hear….

‘My name.’

Not the title of Hero, but my name.

But you wouldn’t know it. You couldn’t possibly know my name, which even I have forgotten.

Once one becomes a Hero, regardless of their past life, their entire existence boils down to ‘killing the Demon King’.

No one calls them by name, and consumed by their purpose, they themselves can’t even recall it….

‘…I take that back. I don’t want to see you lose your name.’

I hope the next Hero isn’t Deon Hart, but someone else.

Watching death slowly reach for him, the Hero slowly closed his eyes.

Either way, the result was out, so whether it was a success or not, he felt relieved. Death even felt welcome.

It meant he could finally rest.

‘My name, it’ll still be mentioned at my funeral, at least once.’

If.

If I were to come back alive and witness my own funeral.

Would you remember my name?

──My vision went black.

***

The administrator of the ‘First City,’ one of the four major cities under the Demon King’s recognition, was uncharacteristically trembling as he stood outside the city gates.

An ‘administrator’ was comparable to a ‘lord’ in the Human Realm.

For an administrator, who was practically a king within their city, to be this nervous and come out to greet someone, there was only one explanation.

The rumored visit of the ‘Commander of the 0th Legion.’

Even other legion commanders would warrant him bowing and scraping, let alone the arrival of such a significant figure whose very nature was shrouded in mystery.

If asked for his feelings, he would have to say, ‘Troubled.’

Think about it.

Not knowing their temperament, he couldn’t easily flatter them, nor could he afford to be stiff and unyielding.

And what if he failed to please them? He might be permanently separated from his beloved head.

‘Make a mistake and you die. Make a mistake and you die….’

His mouth ran dry. His back was already soaked with sweat.

Wiping his equally damp hands on his trousers, the administrator waited for the door of the carriage that had stopped before him to open.

Ultimately, there was only one way.

To act in a way that wouldn’t offend them and to figure out their personality as quickly as possible.

So, he had to be on high alert. The opponent was the Commander of the 0th Legion, who even the Demon King supposedly treated with respect. If he accidentally incurred their wrath, the consequences were obvious.

‘I want to live long and enjoy this power!’

The carriage door opened, and a handsome man leaped out.

Neatly combed hair and a refined appearance. A sinister magical power that seemed at odds with his aristocratic looks.

Is that the Commander of the 0th Legion? No, there’s magical power. The Commander of the 0th Legion was definitely said to be ‘human’ and shouldn’t possess any magical power.

As expected, that man was likely the right-hand man of the 0th Legion Commander, and with an extremely courteous gesture, he held the carriage door as if waiting for someone to emerge.

Then, a figure in a black robe slowly descended the carriage steps.

‘That’s him.’

He knew it without being told.

That relaxed demeanor, that nonchalant attitude, even the sense of intimidation emanating from beneath the robe.

After all, wearing the robe that was practically a symbol of the 0th Legion Commander, who else could it be?

His build was surprisingly small. In fact, if he had encountered him drunk and oblivious on the street, he might have even picked a fight.

But right now, he wasn’t drunk, his mind was clear, and therefore, he could read the atmosphere better than anyone.

Who else would a handsome man with immense magical power treat with such deference? Who else would a man carrying a blood-soaked medical bag fuss over so attentively?

Whose reactions were those people, covered in blood as if they had just fought monsters, so carefully observing?

And finally….

‘Who is the most relaxed?’

Gulp.

He swallowed hard again, quietly cleared his throat, and took a step forward.

Then, bowing respectfully towards the robed figure, he spoke.

“Welcome to the First City.”

***

Due to the continuous monster attacks, there had been some delay, but it wasn’t as if they would be stuck in that place forever. I had always thought they would arrive eventually.

Yes, I only ‘thought’ it.

In other words, I wasn’t mentally prepared yet.

“……”

I sat blankly, staring at the open carriage door.

‘I don’t want to get out.’

It was already too late, but getting out here meant I really had no choice but to protect this city from those terrifying monsters.

The chances of my incompetence being exposed would also increase. Ah, thinking about it makes me want to stay in even more.

Before getting out, I tugged at the hood of the robe Ed had put on me, hesitating. Ed, who was holding the door outside the carriage, called to me with a questioning tone.

“Lord Demon?”

“…Coming.”

Reluctantly, I got up from my seat.

As I slowly descended the carriage steps, I met the eyes of a plump demon who seemed to be the city’s administrator.

I didn’t know if that was his usual expression, but his face was stiff.

‘…There’s no way that’s his usual expression. He definitely doesn’t like me.’

They were probably expecting a capable Corps Commander to protect their city, but instead, they got some unknown nobody. There was no way they could be smiling about that.

He was probably internally despairing, thinking, ‘Our city is doomed!’ or perhaps bursting with anger, ‘Damn that Demon King!’

I’m not the kind of oblivious person who would offer a cheerful greeting in this situation.

So, I kept my mouth shut. But perhaps he had composed himself in that short time, because he took a step forward and bowed respectfully.

“Welcome to the First City.”

And what followed was a string of praises.

It was an unparalleled honor to have the Commander of the 0th Legion visit, and the city’s people would all be reassured.

It was praise, but not the kind that felt like blatant flattery, more like natural praise.

That’s when I was sure.

This guy is a pro! The quick emotional adjustment and the smooth flattery, he’s done this more than once or twice.

I didn’t dare to interrupt, simply admiring him internally, when Ed, who had been subtly observing me, stepped forward with a stern expression.

“Enough with the flattery.”

“!”

Isn’t that too harsh?

He already seemed displeased about some nobody showing up. How would he feel if that nobody started acting high and mighty?

Usually, in these situations, the subordinate who acts up gets more blame than the superior who stands silently behind.

As expected, the administrator’s eyes widened in surprise.

But then, like a professional, he masked his expression with a forced smile and nodded.

“I understand. I was too excited by the unprecedented visit of the Commander of the 0th Legion and acted impolitely. Please accept my apologies.”

“I am Ed, adjutant to Demon Hart, Commander of the 0th Legion. If our purpose was merely sightseeing, I might have indulged your words until the end, but unfortunately, our objective is to protect this city, so let’s get down to business.”

“Thank you for your graciousness.”

When the administrator, having bowed deeply once more, raised his head, Ed had completely transformed into a superior receiving a report.

Pen in hand, he shuffled through the paperwork he had been holding since they were in the carriage and began asking questions.

“How many days apart have the monster attacks been occurring?”

“Ah… there hasn’t been a specific pattern. But if there’s one thing I can be certain of, it’s that they will attack again within a week at the very least.”

“What was the scale of the assault, and how many were there? Could we say that almost all the monsters in the surrounding area participated?”

“Yes, that’s right. They need to eat to survive, so it felt like all the monsters in the vicinity gathered as it was a matter of survival for them. The assault was terrifying. In fact, while there was fighting, it felt more like we were overwhelmed by their sheer desperation.”

“Desperation… so they were that desperate… well, if desperation was the main problem, then it’s as good as solved.”

‘As good as solved.’ It sounds positive, which is good, but… why is he looking at me when he says that?

I wondered if it was my imagination, but the way he naturally averted his gaze when our eyes met made me sense something ominous.

There’s definitely something going on!

H-hey? Just a moment….

“Any notable characteristics?”

I was ignored!

“It would be more accurate to approach the battles as defending a fortress rather than just fighting monsters.”

“That is what he says, Lord Demon.”

“……Huh?”

They had been having a conversation without me this whole time, and now they’re calling on me for this. What do they expect from me?

So, I kept my mouth shut, wondering what they wanted. Ed, who had been patiently waiting for an answer, urged me again.

“What are your thoughts?”

“……”

There was nothing to think about.

I had no intention of going out to look for monsters and getting into trouble. I would rather stay here, anxiously waiting for them to come.

But I couldn’t say that.

“Lord Demon?”

“They said they’ll attack within a week, so we should wait. There’s no need to go out to greet them.”

“Then the corps members, during that time….”

“Are free until the monster attack. They can drink, they can shop. However, they must be ready to respond immediately when the attack occurs.”

The corps members’ faces brightened at those words.

Seeing with my own eyes that my decision was right, I puffed out my chest with pride for once.

It was a natural choice, as it might take up to a week, and I couldn’t just have them wait idly.

Of course, since I was their superior, they would have done so if I had ordered it, but that would have significantly increased their resentment towards me, which wasn’t a good idea.

So, it was better to take this opportunity to earn some goodwill and build some favor with them.

That way, my chances of survival might slightly increase.

‘You understand? So, when the monsters attack, you need to protect me first?’

While I was smiling contentedly to myself, the administrator, who had been waiting for an opportune moment, cautiously interjected.

“We have prepared accommodations for you. Would you like to go there?”

“Oh.”

From his words to his actions, he was very skilled at not offending the other party. Truly a professional.

I nodded and looked back at the corps members, who were looking at me with sparkling eyes.

“Then we’ll just find out where the accommodations are, and then you’re all free. Do whatever you want.”

“Waaaaaaaaah!!”

“Long live Lord Demon!!”

Listening to the cheers of the corps members, I nodded with satisfaction.

Yes, yes, go have fun.

I’m going to do everything I want too.

‘It’s been a while, I should get some drinks.’

It was a rare visit to a city. Moreover, this First City’s other name was none other than the ‘City of Pleasures.’

Alcohol, gambling, prostitution—the things related to pleasure were the representative symbols of this city!

Among them, what appealed to me the most was naturally alcohol.

Excited by the thought of drinking, I suppressed my excitement outwardly and hummed a tune inwardly as I followed the administrator, who was leading the way.