Tilea's Worries

The Dark God Army's diplomatic team is heading towards the border of the Dark God Army and the Demon King Army, the Chishima-Karabuto region. The team is composed of the diplomatic envoy Ortissio, deputy envoy Edim, and Edim's four trusted generals: Darf, Cas, Mirio, and Jin. Along with four soldiers from the second division, they form a group of ten members.

The journey from the Arcdas Kingdom to the Chishima-Karabuto region spans several hundred kilometers. As they move further from the capital, the security deteriorates. For such long journeys, the number of guards typically increases. It’s not uncommon for famous merchant caravans to have over a hundred skilled adventurers. A small caravan of ten people would appear as an easy target for bandits.

Indeed, this carriage has already been attacked by bandits multiple times.

Little do the bandits know that inside are monstrous beings beyond their understanding...

*Sigh* This is so depressing.

Alhas Edim sighs deeply to herself.

What am I supposed to do?!

Frustrated, she opens the carriage window and sees more bandits attacking. There are about thirty of them, riding horses and shouting as they approach. They are roughly five hundred meters away.

Taking out her frustration, she unleashes a barrage of magic bullets at them. Boom, boom, the bandits' heads explode one after another.

"Arghh!"

"Help!"

"Spare me—" Boom.

...Boring. They’re just target practice.

After annihilating the bandits, Edim returns to the carriage.

They should be arriving at Karabuto soon.

What a mess. The preparation for this mission was far from adequate. Despite all the research on diplomacy and the connections she relied on to prepare for these negotiations...

Ortissio had forcibly dragged her out to depart before she was ready.

She had protested that she was still preparing, but he wouldn’t listen. The only saving grace was that she managed to bring along Darf and the other four generals. But the plan was still a mess.

She glares at Ortissio with resentment.

“What’s the problem? Got something to say?”

“No, nothing...”

“Hmph, then wipe that gloomy look off your face. You’re a member of the prestigious Dark God Army. Have some pride.”

Whose fault do you think this is? Because of you, our preparations are incomplete, and we have to play this by ear.

“Ortissio-sama, we can’t turn back now. I’m not suggesting we do. But may I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“Are you really sure about this?”

“You’re still harping on that? You worry too much. What good is all your fancy diplomatic research going to do?”

Damn it. Even a fool like him can hit the mark sometimes. Yes, no matter how much she researched diplomacy, it was all human-oriented manuals. They don’t apply to demons. But going in unprepared is just too risky.

“Listen, demons and humans are fundamentally different.”

“You may be right. But doing nothing is still better than not trying at all, right?”

“It takes too long. We just need to project an aura of dignity and authority.”

“B-but...”

“Enough. You’re a proud member of the Dark God Army, aren’t you? Stop being so negative.”

I can’t believe your baseless confidence.

All they have managed to prepare for this unprecedented diplomatic negotiation is the outfit Ortissio insisted on. They’re all dressed in black military-style uniforms. Sure, they look impressive.

But so what? The important part is what's inside, and we’re a complete mess.

As Edim worries about Ortissio’s actions, time passes.

And then...

They arrive at a fort in the Karabuto region, set up by the Demon King’s Army.

What the...?

She gasps.

Even though they had sent an envoy in advance for the negotiations, the sight is still overwhelming.

The Demon King’s Army's intimidating welcome nearly freezes her body and soul. Hundreds of demons are lined up, including demon lords, dragonkin, beastmen, and other strange beings. Each one clearly different from humans, each radiating immense magical power.

They are sizing us up. These countless non-human entities silently exert pressure on us.

Ugh, I feel like I’m going to be crushed by this intimidation.

But I’m the deputy envoy of this diplomatic mission. I’m also a direct subordinate of Camilla-sama. I can’t let them see me falter!

With trembling legs, she musters all her strength to hold her ground.

Damn, this is tough.

The pressure is so immense it’s making her cry.

If it’s this bad for me...

She glances sideways.

Her most trusted right-hand man, the brave and wise Darf, is also trembling. Cas, Mirio, and Jin are pale, almost about to collapse.

Even these four, the strongest of the first-generation vampires, are struggling. She had considered bringing more subordinates but was right to limit it. Anyone else would have likely been killed by the intimidation alone.

On the other hand, Ortissio and his group, claiming to be combat specialists, seem unaffected. As annoying as it is, they’re still demons.

“Edim, what are you standing there for? Move it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ortissio urges her on, and they walk through the ranks of demons lined up on either side.

Is there a trap? Will they attack suddenly? Each step is taken with utmost caution.

Then, a demon lord steps forward from the line. A dragonkin covered in tough scales, exuding immense magical power.

W-what a massive amount of magical power!?

This one is in a league of his own.

He’s in the same class as Camilla-sama, a whole different level from a half-demon like me.

“Welcome, envoys. I am Po, one of the Six Demon Generals of the Demon King’s Army. I greet you on behalf of Governor Hidler.”

As expected, one of the Six Demon Generals...

I’d heard of them, but what an overwhelming presence!

This is the power of a high-ranking member of the Demon King’s Army.

“Thank you for the welcome. I am Ortissio, envoy of the Dark God Army.”

“I-I am Edim, the deputy envoy.”

Following Ortissio’s lead, she hurriedly introduces herself.

“Hmm, Ortissio... you were that little punk in Camilla’s squad. I remember you.”

“Hmph. Don’t think I’m the same as before. I’m now a proud member of the Dark God Army’s leadership.”

“Indeed. My apologies. You are our honored guests.”

Despite Ortissio’s rude remarks, Po, the Demon General, courteously guides them.

They are led into a room.

The room is empty, with only strange symbols inscribed on the floor.

Is this a teleportation magic circle? It seems to have some special enchantment woven into it.

I see. They’re taking precautions to ensure their base remains hidden.

They must consider this place important enough to use such measures. We’re likely being taken to the Demon King’s castle.

Ugh, I’m shivering. It feels like walking into a lion’s den. But this is a chance to enter the enemy’s stronghold. While the success of the negotiations is crucial, I’ll also gather as much information about the Demon King’s Army as possible.

With resolve, she steps into the teleportation circle.

The scene shifts. In an instant, they are transported to another room. It’s an empty room, only containing the teleportation circle. This seems to be a transit room.

“Come, this way.”

Po continues to lead them. The diplomatic team follows him out of the room.

The sight is...

Amazing.

Looking around, there are various decorations. It looks like a collection of artworks from around the world, with countless sculptures and paintings. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling is made of gemstones she has never seen before. Each piece is likely of the highest quality, glowing fantastically even to her untrained eyes.

Though not spacious, it rivals the underground empire of the Dark God Army in opulence. Assembling such treasures requires immense economic and military power.

The Demon King’s Army is indeed formidable!

But even as Edim contemplates the threat of the Demon King’s Army and tries to gather information,

“Hmph, cramped. It doesn’t compare to our Dark God Army’s base! Hahaha!”

Ortissio continues to spew venom while being guided.

Well, whatever. Ortissio being useless was expected. There’s no point in explaining the necessity and significance of information gathering to him. Involving him would be more trouble than it’s worth.

Po, the Demon General, ignores Ortissio’s constant insults and continues walking. Occasionally, he glares at Ortissio but doesn’t react otherwise.

Finally, they are led to a luxurious room. It appears to be prepared for the diplomatic team.

“You may rest here.”

“Understood. When will the meeting take place?”

Our preparations are severely lacking. If they say it’s immediately, we’ll be in trouble. But I have to ask.

“Governor Hidler will arrive in two or three days. We will inform you of the meeting time later. If you need anything, feel free to ask my subordinates.”

Po answers courteously and leaves the room. What a capable individual. He ignores Ortissio’s absurd remarks and focuses on what needs to be done for diplomacy. I hate to admit it, but he’s far more competent than Ortissio.

I wish I had a superior like that...

Well, no use complaining. We still have time. I need to gather information.

The room prepared for

 the diplomatic team, the corridors they walked through, everything was splendid. I want to see more. Troop strength, logistics, the faces of the soldiers, there’s so much to collect.

As she quietly leaves the room to explore...

“No entry beyond this point!”

She is immediately spotted by a guard. Without stealth skills, she can’t proceed further.

Too naive. It won’t be easy to spy on sensitive information. Moving around too much might provoke them.

While gathering information on the Demon King’s Army is important, prioritizing diplomacy might be wiser. She decides to give up on information gathering. It’s time to change strategies. With only a few days until the meeting with Hidler, she needs to plan.

Returning to the room, she calls for a strategy meeting with Darf and the others.

“Darf, about the meeting with Governor Hidler—”

“Edim-sama, it’s an emergency!”

Darf, with a panicked look, points to the center of the room.

There...

What the hell are you doing, you maniac!!

Ortissio is stealing the decorations from the Demon King’s Army! He’s directing his subordinates to remove paintings and sculptures and pack them into their luggage.

W-what the hell are you doing...?

I have to stop this!

If I don’t, we’ll be killed by the Demon King’s Army before the negotiations even start.

“Ortissio-sama, what are you doing?! You’re the diplomatic envoy!”

“So what? There are perfectly good decorations here. Why waste this opportunity?”

“B-but, it’s extremely improper for a diplomatic envoy to steal from the host. It’s unbelievably rude.”

“Stealing? Don’t be ridiculous. All the treasures of this world belong to Tilea-sama. These decorations are no exception. We’re merely moving Tilea-sama’s belongings to the underground empire where she resides.”

“You’re right, but please stop now. This will affect the negotiations.”

“No.”

“W-why not?!”

“You only care about this negotiation. But I have other responsibilities. I’m constantly harassed to upgrade the decorations in the underground empire. Do you know how hard it is to gather such treasures in this era? I won’t miss this chance.”

Ortissio’s eyes are bloodshot. There’s no stopping him. If I try, he might actually kill me.

So that’s why we used such a large carriage for a small team.

This idiot had this in mind all along.

Damn it, I need to stop him before the Demon King’s Army notices. Luckily, they haven’t yet, but soon one of the guards will...

Too late...

A demon, possibly serving as our attendant, enters with tea and looks shocked at the scene.

His mouth hangs open, and he trembles in disbelief.

Well, of course. The diplomatic envoy is leading the theft of decorations. It looks like a group of lunatics.

All because of this envoy.

“Y-you, what are you...”

This is bad.

Reacting instinctively, she approaches the junior demon with a smile. She signals Darf and the others to watch for anyone else coming.

“Sorry, we’re just a bit disorganized right now.”

“Huh? Disorganized? You thieves! Someone—mmph!”

Before he can shout, she quickly gets behind him and chokes him.

“Guh! Gah! Damn you!”

He’s strong.

This demon, just a gatekeeper, is trying to tear her arm away with incredible strength.

My grip is slipping...

I can’t let him shout. Gritting her teeth, she tightens her grip with all her might.

Go down!

After a few minutes of intense effort, she finally manages to choke him unconscious. It worked because she caught him off guard. In a fair fight, she might not have won.

Panting, she looks at the unconscious demon and sighs.

What a mess...

She needs to convince Ortissio to stop stealing. This alone is tough. Now she has to deal with assaulting a guard. This could require significant concessions in the negotiations.

Ugh, could we pass this off as an accident?

No, the Demon King’s Army won’t be that lenient. They’re ruthless beings who once fought the gods.

She recalls the tragedy of Rekiiki, the diplomat boiled alive for angering a king.

Her blood runs cold. Anxiety overwhelms her, making her pace the room.

Oh no, such a blunder before the negotiations...

Crunch!

Huh? What was that sound?

Noooo!

Turning around, she sees Ortissio stepping on the unconscious demon’s face. The demon twitches, clearly near death.

“W-what have you done...”

“Oops. Didn’t see him there.”

Ortissio nonchalantly responds.

“Oops? This won’t end with an ‘oops’!”

“Well, I didn’t expect him to be lying there. Besides, it’s your fault for not helping.”

Ortissio, arms full of paintings and sculptures, says without a care.

What should I do?

If I’m going to die, I might as well kill him first.