Tilea's Worries

A week had passed.

I wonder how Dryas-kun and the others are doing?

The money Oru stole is meant for the royal capital's reconstruction.

It's called the "Revival Fund."

I've asked Dryas-kun's strategist team and Oru's Second Division team to develop plans for using the Revival Fund.

Originally, I intended to leave it to Oru's Second Division. After all, they sowed these seeds.

Having committed theft, they should take responsibility to the end. It would be good if they could work for everyone and atone for their crime, even a little.

Everyone objected to this, saying that leaving it to Oru would be like throwing money down the drain.

Everyone ganged up on Oru, leaving him teary-eyed.

Dryas-kun's criticism was especially harsh. Oru, of course, showed his hostility toward Dryas-kun, attacking him relentlessly.

Making Oru take responsibility...

It's partly about accountability, but it's also for Oru's own good. He might seem fine now, but someday he could be tormented by guilt for stealing such a large sum.

If he works for the royal capital's citizens, his guilt might be somewhat alleviated.

But Oru often goes overboard.

Dryas-kun and the others' concerns aren't entirely wrong. I want him to take responsibility, but I don't want to waste the Revival Fund.

So, after thinking it through...

I had Dryas-kun's strategist team participate in the planning too. If the two teams compete, they might come up with something better.

Oru was also full of enthusiasm. It might have worked out unexpectedly well.

First, let's inspect the Second Division where Oru and the others are.

I descend the stairs of the Evil God Army's Underground Empire.

Arriving at the Second Division's barracks, I put my hand on the doorknob.

I quietly open the door about twenty centimeters and peek inside.

Huh!?

Wow, amazing.

It's like a war zone.

Commands are flying back and forth.

People holding multiple reports, having difficult meetings.

Others using magic phones for calls.

The whiteboard is filled with complex diagrams.

And files covered with sticky notes are piled on the table.

It's like Wall Street in New York, or the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

What is this?

Sure, everyone was unusually excited when I said I'd take command, but...

This is too serious.

I was planning to inspect, but I'd just be in the way, wouldn't I?

I try to quietly close the door and retreat, when...

"Well, if it isn't Tilea-sama."

Oru spotted me at the entrance and greeted me.

"Hey, Oru."

Since I've been spotted, there's no helping it.

I raise one hand slightly to return the greeting.

"Tilea-sama, what brings you here today?"

"Well, I wanted to see how things are going... Are you managing alright?"

"Leave it to us. Everyone has taken to heart Tilea-sama's 'Citizens First' policy. We will create an empire worthy of Tilea-sama's residence."

This is it.

This is why I wanted to check.

You still don't understand "Citizens First." Why would it be my empire when I'm advocating for citizens?

Oru has a confident expression.

He doesn't have the slightest awareness that he's wrong.

Should I lecture him again?

No, everyone is working hard, that's a fact.

I can't pour cold water on that.

They have motivation. Let's first see the completed plans.

People won't be moved by constant criticism.

That's the words of a famous great person.

However, if they bring me a half-baked plan, I might end up shouting.

"I see, I'm glad you're all working hard. But don't overdo it, okay?"

"Tilea-sama, we're only on our seventh day without sleep. There are no weaklings here who would give up at this level."

Stop with the "I haven't slept" boasting.

And you're definitely slipping in some "I'm amazing" talk.

Knowing these guys, they might not have been awake for seven days straight, but they could have pulled an all-nighter or only slept for two or three hours.

"Really, don't push yourselves too hard. Rest is important too."

"Your words are too kind. Everyone will tremble with emotion at Tilea-sama's consideration. We will work day and night without rest, so please await good news."

Oru bowed deeply.

Yes, that's why I'm telling you to rest.

What is he actually listening to?

Sigh~ But it's too late now.

It's Oru, after all.

Anyway, let me make some tea for everyone who's working hard.

"Since I'm here, how about some tea—"

"Tea! Tilea-sama desires tea!"

"Ah, wait, hold—"

"Edim! Are you there? Come here immediately!"

Oru runs to the back of the room without waiting for me to stop him.

This impetuous guy!

Listen to what I'm saying.

I hurriedly chase after Oru, and find him with Edim.

"There you are, Edim."

"Ortissio-sama, here's the report you requested. Please sign—Kyaaah! What are you doing?!"

Oru roughly snatches the report Edim brought and slams it to the ground.

The document seems to have just been inked, and the impact causes it to blur.

It's now illegible.

"That's not important now. Tilea-sama wants tea. Go make it immediately."

"Huh!? No, but... that's terrible. It took me seven hours to make that!"

"Fool! Do you intend to ignore Tilea-sama's orders?"

"...No, I'll prepare tea right away."

Edim responded in a mechanical voice and headed to the kitchenette.

Ah~ I've completely interfered.

Oru goes overboard.

I should have been more careful with my words.

I feel bad for Edim.

And then...

Edim brought tea.

First, mine.

An exquisite tea cup filled with tea brewed from extremely expensive tea leaves.

And it seems he also brewed tea for Gil-kun and the other Second Division members.

Everyone must be thirsty after working so hard for so long.

Edim, such a thoughtful child.

However, there's none for Oru.

It seems he's quite upset about earlier.

Oru doesn't seem to notice, but when he realizes there's no tea for him, it could cause trouble again.

I have no choice.

I'll give Oru my—oh, Gil-kun gave his tea to Oru.

Gil-kun is like Oru's wife.

He's so attentive.

Seeing this, Edim looked uncomfortable.

I understand.

Now Gil-kun is the only one without tea.

"I'll go brew some for Gil-kun."

"N-no, no! I can't trouble Tilea-sama like that. I'll go make it."

"Of course! Edim, what's the meaning of making Tilea-sama anxious? Go quickly. You idiot, can't you even count people properly?!"

Once again, Oru's abuse flies.

Edim glared at Oru for a moment, then ran to the kitchenette.

"Oru, you shouldn't be so harsh to Edim."

"How kind you are. Even for a half-demon, a being as common as dirt, Tilea-sama shows consideration. Serving such a compassionate ruler fills this Ortissio with tears of gratitude."

The army members nodded in agreement with Oru's words.

And criticism gathered on Edim for trying to trouble such a great ruler.

Something's not right.

I'm still not used to these guys' sensibilities.

But it seems my fault has put Edim in a bad position.

As I sip the tea Edim brewed, I start to feel uncomfortable.

Alright, I'll keep quiet now.

It seems my actions are causing unnecessary trouble. I shouldn't disturb these guys who are working hard for the royal capital's citizens.

And after the break, everyone returned to work.

Of course, this was after I repeatedly ordered the army members, "Don't mind me, get back to work."

They're really troublesome guys.

Then I continue to observe everyone.

Everyone's tension is high, perhaps because I'm watching.

Especially Oru.

Perhaps wanting to show he's capable, he's raising his voice unnecessarily.

"Edim! What about the development report for Den-en-chofu? Submit it quickly!"

"...Ortissio-sama, you're saying that knowingly, right? Or are you just naturally dense? That report is the one you just crumpled up."

"Hmm?"

"Don't 'hmm' me. It's the document you're stepping on right now!"

Pointed out by Edim, Oru lifts his foot and picks up the document.

"Hmm, I can't see it."

"Of course not! If you slam it down like that, the ink will naturally blur. Th-the document I spent hours making!"

"Is that so? Well, a copy will do then."

"There is no copy! How could I prepare a copy with such a tight deadline?!"

"You fool! It's common sense to make three copies: one for storage, one for use, and one for lending! What do you think of Tilea-sama's words?!"

No, that's not right.

The more I hear Oru's words, the more I want to retort.

Edim's shoulders were trembling.

He seems on the verge of explosion, furious.

Should I stop this?

No, if I interfere, it might develop into more trouble.

While I'm conflicted, the conversation between Oru and Edim continues.

"Tch, useless fellow. Can't be helped. Verbal report will do. So, is the soil in Den-en-chofu really fertile? It's a crucial point in deciding the Evil God nation's granary area. We can't waste development funds. Failure is not an option."

"I understand."

"Really? Did you check properly?!"

"Of course. I had experts investigate. The soil survey report gave it a double circle rating."

"Fool! Can you trust documents made by mere humans?! Go check it directly."

"I did inspect it. I surveyed it somewhat with my own eyes. It was fertile."

"Then, did you properly taste the soil?"

"Huh?"

"I'm asking if you tasted the soil! Just looking isn't enough. Check with all five senses. The development funds are Tilea-sama's important funds. Always, but especially this time, Tilea-sama has given instructions. Don't waste a single coin."

Oru glances at me while speaking passionately.

He's like a patriotic warrior.

He's probably showing off because I said not to waste money.

Given what I said, I can't help it.

I nod slightly.

Oru looks delighted with a full smile.

But more importantly, you're not following the basic condition of "Citizens First"!

I'm starting to want to lecture him again.

No, no, no. I mustn't.

People don't grow if they're only scolded.

I've understood that well over the past year. No matter how many times I caution them, these guys' chuunibyou hasn't improved at all. This year, I'm changing my style.

Yes, I'll go with the Yamamoto Isoroku approach.

This development of Den-en-chofu?

It must be part of national prosperity.

If it becomes a rich granary area, it will be a significant plus for the royal capital's citizens.

Oru's "check with all five senses" is excessive, but the investigation should be thorough.

The development budget is limited. We shouldn't decide carelessly and waste it.

I fold my arms and continue to watch the two.

"Ortissio-sama, what do you mean by the 'taste of soil'?! Don't joke around. I gathered renowned agricultural doctors for the survey. Den-en-chofu is the most fertile land in the royal capital. Please be satisfied with that."

"You truly disregard Tilea-sama. Didn't Tilea-sama say it before?! Fertile land is 'alkaline.' Crops won't grow in 'acidic' soil. Listen, check with that dirty tongue of yours whether Den-en-chofu has an 'alkaline' taste!"

"N-no, I don't understand. What does 'alkaline' even taste like?"

"I see. I must teach you from the basics, ignorant one."

Oru ordered Gil-kun to bring some soil.

...This is starting to look bad.

And it's because of my careless casual talk.

"Now, eat it."

Oru grabs a handful of soil and holds it in front of Edim's mouth.

"Y-you're joking, right?"

"I hate jokes. Come on, don't dawdle. This is the taste of 'alkaline.'"

"W-what are you doing?! Stop—Eek, bleh, bleh! Terrible. S-soil in my mouth!"

This is bad.

This is completely out of line.

Oru is trying to force-feed soil to Edim.

I need to stop this immediately.

"Oru, that's enough! Can't you see Edim is troubled?"

"Tilea-sama, I apologize. I've shown you something shameful. Such incompetence, it's only natural for Tilea-sama to be angry."

Oru bowed deeply again.

No, I don't need your apology.

"No, no. Don't apologize to me. From what I've been seeing, Edim is pitiful, isn't he? Everyone, get along."

"Understood. Though he's an incompetent half-demon, he's one of Tilea-sama's pieces. Please give me a little more time. I will surely make this useless vampire somewhat decent."

Hey, hey, you're still provoking him that much?

Even Edim might snap...

If the vampire Edim goes on a rampage, the damage would be extraordinary.

I glance at Edim.

Edim is looking down, with his head bowed.

The trembling of his shoulders, which had been shaking minutely, has stopped.

But rather than his anger subsiding...

Ah, the calm before the storm?

I can't tell because I can't see his expression.

But the fuse might be lit. Maybe I should say something to calm him down.

"Edim, listen."

"Tilea-sama!"

Edim burst out, unable to contain himself.

"U-um, what is it?"

"Tilea-sama, please hear me out. I, Edim, for the sake of Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama's domination, hereby propose the dismissal, no, the execution of Ortissio."

He knelt on one knee and made his proposal with incredible intensity.

It seems he's finally snapped.

I was too late to cool him down.

Edim's serious expression—this might be for real.

Even if "execution" isn't meant literally, it means he can't be friends anymore.

He's declaring the end of their friendship.

What should I do?

I've mediated fights between Oru and Edim countless times.

This time might be pretty serious.

And yet Oru...

Normally, being hated by a vampire would make one nervous or fearful.

But the person in question is unfazed.

However, regarding Edim's direct appeal, he seems surprised, his eyes wide.

And understanding the situation, his face gradually flushed red, transforming into an angry expression.

"Edim, you ungrateful wretch!"

"Grateful? Don't be ridiculous. I'll say it as many times as needed. I might owe you, but I'm certainly not grateful."

"Y-you! It was I who gave work to a good-for-nothing like you. What audacity!"

"Keep your delusions in check. I have my own work. Yet I'm greatly inconvenienced being treated like your slave."

"What slave?! If you're a slave, work like one before complaining!"

"I am working! Twenty-four hours a day, without a moment's rest!"

"Hmph, stating the obvious. Vampires don't need sleep!"

"Even so, a day only has twenty-four hours. I'm saying your work allocation is absurd. Even working twenty-seven hours wouldn't be enough."

"You! Being just three or four hours over is pathetic. It's about spirit. You complain because you lack loyalty. It was the same during the evil demon subjugation. You're a useless coward. Why don't you learn from me a bit?"

"...You're picking a fight, aren't you? Even if you're not, I'm buying it."

"Hmph, someone like you buying a fight? Interesting. Come at me from wherever you want. I'll kill you and feed you to the fish!"

"Fine by me!"

Edim started raising his magical power.

W-w-w, this is really dangerous.

"Edim, calm down."

I hurriedly step between them to mediate.

"T-Tilea-sama..."

I made eye contact with Edim, who lowered his fist.

And then...

Suddenly Edim came towards me.

Is his anger directed at me now?

Is he angry that I silently watched Oru's rampage?

"U-um, wait a moment."

"Tilea-samaaaa!! Kill him! I can't take it anymore. I'm sick of it!"

Edim threw himself into my chest and started crying loudly.

"Y-you, that's disrespectful."

"Oru, leave it."

"But!"

"Oru! Won't you listen to me?"

"Y-yes, sir."

Oru reluctantly complies.

I pat Edim's head soothingly, waiting for him to calm down.

Edim speaks between sobs.

How terrible Ortissio is,

How stupid Ortissio is,

How despicable Ortissio is,

It's just endless.

A storm of complaints.

No matter how much I talk about Oru's good points, he doesn't understand.

There is no good Ortissio.

He goes as far as to say a good Ortissio is a dead Ortissio.

"I understand, I understand, so calm down."

"Hic, hic, sob."

Edim sobs.

I pat his head for a while.

Then, as if calmed down, his crying stops.

And then,

"Tilea-sama, I have a request."

Edim separated from me, composed himself, and bowed his head.

"W-what is it?"

Edim's request after being so excited... I have a bad feeling about this.

"Please kill me or kill him."

He made an outrageous demand.

"You're joking, right?"

"I'm serious."

E-Edim-san's killing intent is scary.

He's glaring at Oru as if he could kill with his eyes.

S-stop it. Don't make such a face.

Even though I know the killing intent isn't directed at me, it's still a bit scary.

With such eyes, Edim is forcing me to make an ultimate choice.

I almost want to say yes.

With Edim's killing intent like this,

Oru should be trembling and might even wet himself.

I look at Oru.

Oru had been silently observing for a while.

There wasn't a trace of agitation.

He was composed.

In fact,

"Haha, you half-demon! I thought you were going to say something, but that's laughable!"

He dismissively said that.

He's laughing off Edim's statement.

"O-Oru, you..."

"Tilea-sama, the mission won't be affected if one errand boy disappears. Please don't worry about me, just decisively punish this disloyal one."

He's completely normal.

He's not afraid of vampires. In fact, he seems to be mocking them.

I can't tell if he's a big shot or a small fry.

Anyway, that's Oru for you.

As expected, he says to execute Edim.

No, what's with that confidence?

Do you think I'll choose you in this ultimate choice?

Oru, I'm basically on the side of children and women. Edim is a girl, so she falls into both categories.

I'm not making an ultimate choice, but in this case, I'd choose Edim...

"T-Tilea-sama?"

Worried that I didn't respond immediately, Oru's face transformed into that of a pitiful puppy.

No, what's with that face?

Even if you make such a face like an abandoned puppy...

I'm on the side of women.

I won't change my policy!

Ugh. What's with that melancholic expression?

Oru's eyebrows drooped, showing a half-crying appearance.

I-I'm on the side of children.

"Ugh, ugh, T-Tilea-sama."

Yes, I can't abandon him.

A grown man is crying.

When someone is this pitiful, gender and age don't matter. Oru is treated coldly by everyone in the Evil God Army. If I turn my back on him too, he might commit suicide.

"A-alright, I understand both of your feelings."

"So, execute him!"

"So, execute him!"

Oru and Edim spoke simultaneously.

They're both pointing at each other.

No, don't both lean forward like that.

"Both of you, calm down."

"Tilea-sama, please. Please kill Ortissio. His existence is all harm and no benefit. Tilea-sama, please think carefully. Has he ever been useful? No. Never. As far as I remember, I only see him dragging everyone down."

Edim rattled off with tremendous force.

"Tilea-sama, such all-talk half-baked people are not needed in the Evil God Army. He's a fool lacking in both intelligence and physical strength. Please give the word to this Ortissio. I'll clean up the Evil God Army's scum for you to see."

Oru retorts, not to be outdone by Edim.

"While I might concede on physical strength, I don't want to hear about intelligence from you."

"Oh? So you admit you lack strength? At least you have some self-awareness as a half-baked person."

"Grr, that's not what I meant. Anyway, I'm saying having an idiot like you in the Evil God Army is troublesome for Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama."

"What! A half-demon dares to call me an idiot?!"

"That's what I'm saying! Can't you even understand words?"

The argument between Edim and Oru is only heating up.

What should I do?

If I support one, I can't support the other.

Ah~ This is troublesome. Really troublesome.

As I was worrying and fretting,

"Sister, what seems to be the matter?"

"Ah, Timu."

"Tilea-sama, I hope you are in good spirits."

"Dryas-kun too."

Timu and Dryas-kun have appeared.

Timu, with his silver hair flowing, is as cute as ever.

Dryas-kun's handsome voice is still intact.

These two really make a picture.

They have presence.

Even their entrance scene had such impact, as if accompanied by a deep, resonant sound.

"Sister, if you're troubled by anything, please tell me."

What should I do?

Should I consult with Timu too?

Timu is friends with both of them, after all.

"Well, Oru and Edim are—"

"Hmm? You two, could it be that you've done something foolish and impertinent to trouble my sister?"

"N-n-not at all!!"

The two shook their heads rapidly at Timu's question.

No, if you shake your heads that much, they might come off.

They're shaking their heads vigorously from side to side.

Huh? They were at each other's throats just now.

They're in sync.

As Miless-chan also said, these two are birds of a feather.

They're currently at odds due to a misunderstanding, but they might actually get along well.

"Sister, what have these fools done?"

"Well, they're not getting along, and I'm troubled. I want to make them reconcile somehow, do you have any ideas?"

"I see. Troubling you is unforgivable. Normally, they would be tortured and executed, but this is your earnest wish. Leave it to me."

"What will you do?"

"Well, if they continue to complain, I'm thinking of sewing their backs together to help them get along a bit."

The two are trembling rigidly after hearing Timu's extreme statement.

Yes, they're definitely in sync.

Even their vibration frequency is the same.

"Timu, that's not funny even as a joke."

"Sister, I'm serious. These fellows seem to have developed an undue familiarity with you. I cannot forgive them for belittling our great lord."

"C-Camilla-sama, please wait. I would never, ever do anything to belittle Tilea-sama."

"Excuses? Even now, you're bringing trivial disputes to my sister for direct judgment, aren't you?"

"Th-that's not it. It's a misunderstanding. There's no dispute. I respect Ortissio-sama. We get along well. R-right, Ortissio-sama?"

"Y-yes, that's right. C-Camilla-sama, Edim and I are the best of friends."

"Really?"

"Y-yes, sir. Just now, I was about to engage with Edim as a bosom friend."

"Oh~ Is that so? Bosom friends, you say! Interesting. Let me see that trust. Sister, let me borrow these two for a bit."

"Huh!? But..."

"Sister, please leave it to me."

Hmm, how could I say no to a request from my beloved sister?

Of course, it's a yes. I'll leave it to her.

Having received my permission, Timu grabbed Edim and Ortissio by their collars and left the room.

Edim and Oru are being taken away by Timu.

Their faces are pale blue.

They're like calves being led to slaughter.

Should I follow them?

Let me ask Dryas-kun, who's calmly seeing them off.

"Dryas-kun, will Timu and the others be alright?"

"There's no problem."

"I-I see, then that's fine."

Dryas-kun gives his assurance, but the rampages of chuunibyou patients are sometimes unpredictable.

I'll go check on them later.