Chapter 204
Chapter 204: Treatment of the Human Race
Captives of Evaroti.
The term resonated heavily in my stomach, threatening to bring up the gourmet meal I had just consumed.
‘—The baron’s household is probably doomed.’
Barbara’s half-resigned words echoed in my mind.
‘We managed to let the small children and women escape before winter came, but the fighters, the elderly, the injured, and the sick were left in the capital. All the ones who could fight have probably died in battle, and those who couldn’t fight are likely not alive if they got caught…’
The Demon Lord’s army doesn’t often take prisoners. When they do, it’s usually healthy young men and women for slavery, while the injured and sick are often casually killed for fun.
Moreover, even among slaves, they’re not used as proper labor slaves but are often treated as disposable training partners like the soldiers I first fought when learning my “name”.
There’s no need to make humans work when the Demon Kingdom has the more convenient beastmen as labor… Humans are forced to do the dirty work even the beastmen dislike, dying in terrible conditions. This is the common fate of humans in the Demon Kingdom.
And what’s worse, death isn’t even the end of it.
‘If you leave them dead for too long, they might eventually get turned into undead materials by Enma.’
When I pointed this out, Barbara looked horrified.
‘—Enma!? The Enma who goes, “If you don’t go to bed early, Enma will come and turn you into a doll~”?’
‘That’s the one.’
Indeed—Enma, the “Doll Maker,” was used as a common scare tactic to put children to sleep. Having vanished from public view for over a hundred years, Enma had become more myth than reality within the allied nations.
But—
He is active.
In fact, he’s as lively as ever.
Almost to the point of wanting to crush my ribs in a hug.
‘I thought he was destroyed by the Holy Church…’
‘The last record of conflict was over a hundred years ago, and since then, he’s been missing… Well, the truth is, he was let go! Publicly announcing that would only worry the populace, so the Holy Church kept it quiet. As for where he ended up, turns out he cleverly escaped to the Demon Kingdom and was granted a title of Count.’
‘Whoa…’
‘By the way, I learned necromancy from Enma.’
‘Whaaat…’
Barbara, in her translucent ghost form, looked like she wanted to die. Yet, realizing she could have ended up permanently responsible for holding the carriage seat nicely, she paled.
I learned that souls can turn even bluer.
Anyway.
It’s too pitiful to think about Barbara’s close ones becoming materials for the undead. I tried summoning names of the people she remembered through necromancy—but—
The result was I could summon only a few souls that barely retained their sense of self.
The remaining ones showed no reaction. Perhaps they had already vanished, or maybe they were still alive.
I couldn’t tell. But now that I was away from the front lines, I had no way to check, nor could I recklessly get involved in the treatment of captives, as that lay under the jurisdiction of the front-line commander.
In any case, survival seemed hopeless. Given I could no longer summon them, Barbara also resigned to the belief that they had all passed on to the afterlife—
—The treatment of captives.
The fact that the Demon Lord explicitly mentioned it suggested it wasn’t just a handful. Are there a decent number of the capital’s citizens captured? But what does that have to do with me?
Moreover, I was curious about not just the captives but also how the capital was being handled—
‘…Hmm.’
Rubyphia spoke up with interest at the Demon Lord particularly calling my attention, but she turned her face away, carrying the sleeping beauty off.
‘…Hmph.’
Aiogias, glancing at the wall clock, wore a slightly disappointed expression while quickly leaving the room.
‘Well then, see you next week~’
The food fighter left clutching a plate of dessert. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone exit while eating; that’s just plain rude!
And, aside from the Demon Lord and me, the only one left was the green dude.
‘Do you have something to say?’
The Demon Lord turned to Emelgias.
‘No… but I heard about the treatment of Evaroti.’
Straightening up, Emelgias glanced at me before returning his gaze to the Demon Lord.
‘We, the Izanis tribe, also contributed to the conquest of the western Defteros Kingdom, so I can’t see it as someone else’s problem. Is this a confidential matter, Father?’
What a cheeky guy, boldly demanding to be informed about it too.
‘Hmm… It isn’t exactly confidential.’
For a brief moment, the Demon Lord contemplated.
‘…Well, it will eventually become public knowledge. If you wish, you can join us, Emelgias.’
Upon receiving the Demon Lord’s permission, Emelgias looked at me with a smug expression, as if he’d just hit the jackpot. Huh? What’s with that? Are you trying to pick a fight? I’ll crush you!
‘Hold on, hold on. Your thinking is like a thug, so calm down.’
I took a deep breath at Antendeixis’s soothing voice. …It’s okay, I’m calm. For now.
‘—Actually, Zilbagias. I’m thinking of appointing you as the governor of Evaroti.’
But with those nonchalant words from the Demon Lord, my composure was blown away like scrap paper.
‘‘Huh?’’
Our foolish voices coincided—mine and Emelgias’s.
A governor?
‘Yes. It’s not a continuation of our earlier conversation, but I plan to slightly change the Demon Kingdom’s policies. Specifically, I will temporarily allow autonomy for the former citizens of the Defteros Kingdom in occupied territories instead of strictly eliminating or enslaving them. This will be an autonomous district centered around the capital, Evaroti.’
—Why? Why has the Demon Kingdom, that has mercilessly been slaughtering humans, suddenly decided to—
‘Is that really necessary, Father?’
In my stunned silence, Emelgias interjected.
‘That’s because—Stegnos.’
When the Demon Lord called him, a goat-headed devil butler entered, carrying documents.
‘Look at this. I want to hear your opinions too.’
Stegnos presented the significantly thick documents, which Emelgias and I each took half of and began reading.
The contents varied. Harvest yields of various domestic crops and statistics from the last few decades. Gradually, the yields are increasing… There were also data on fisheries and livestock. Damn it, don’t count the Reiju tribe’s human slaves as livestock, I’ll kill you—and what’s this? A report on disputes among demons that the Demon Lord judged? Water rights disputes are commonly heard, but apparently, there are also livestock thieves. Talk about broke demons—ah, and this is conflict among tribes of beastmen? There are a lot of livestock thieves. A report from the Beastman King—
Once I skimmed through, I noticed Emelgias was still reading. Hurry up and finish that half, you.
As I continued to stare at him, feeling the pressure, Emelgias furrowed his brows in annoyance, maybe due to my gaze, and finally flipped through the last pages with a feigned sense of urgency before tossing the documents to me.
In exchange, I provided him with surveying data from the Korvto tribe. Fluctuations in the population of various races, including demons, beastmen, and night elves, concerning price controls for food items and data on currency circulation. They did quite a thorough investigation—wait a minute. The trends in population—comparing that with the earlier document on harvest yields, considering agriculture, livestock, and fisheries…
When I looked up, I met the Demon Lord’s gaze, who seemed to be entertained by my revelations.
‘…What do you think?’
Next to me, Emelgias was still in the midst of reading. He abruptly looked up, as if about to say something, but his green eyes only jittered anxiously, blocking his words.
‘Zilbagias. What do you think?’
‘…I feel the increase in harvest yields is rather slight.’
When I pointed it out, the Demon Lord chuckled softly.
‘…It appears to be growing steadily.’
Emelgias murmured as he looked at the documents… Doesn’t he get it?
‘…’
The Demon Lord likely understood by now that I did get it.
‘Indeed, they are growing, but—’
I murmured in response.
‘Considering the land’s expanse, that’s too little and isn’t keeping up with the population increase…’
Upon hearing my words, Emelgias’s eyes widened, and he hastily started re-examining the documents in his hands.
‘Yes, exactly. However, the issue is a bit more complex than you think, Zilbagias.’
The Demon Lord sighed, though he was still chuckling.
Complex…? I lowered my gaze back to the papers and noticed the explosive growth signaled by the beastmen and the marginal increase in night elves, and I suddenly realized.
—So that’s it. I had unconsciously been thinking in human terms.
These beings are different from humans!
They are carnivorous omnivores!!!
Surely—Garunya had mentioned that while she liked baked goods like cookies, her body would itch if she ate too many.
The beastmen from the village near the abandoned fortress, where I had run into Faravgi, also prioritized hunting in the forest over agriculture.
Beastmen allied with the Demon Kingdom were often cat or tiger kinds and had a particularly high dependency on meat.
Furthermore, coupled with the night elves. Those who mocked the forest elves as ‘herbivores’ preferred blood and flesh above all.
The current food production of the Demon Kingdom conflicts with the national character. The lackluster harvests are due to unrefined agricultural practices, alongside the fact that the beastmen responsible show little motivation! But still, the harvest should be sufficient for feed—ah, hence the livestock thieves! Livestock doesn’t grow overnight, so they have no choice but to steal from elsewhere! This thievery leads to a counterproductive cycle that further hampers livestock production…
They must have been compensating for the deficiency through hunting until now, but the increase in population has made it increasingly impossible to fill the stomachs of the beastmen with just the bounty of the forest—
‘What an opportunity…’
Antendeixis murmured. Indeed, who would’ve thought the Demon Kingdom had such a weakness?
No matter how strong the magical power is, if there’s no food, they can only die. The Demon Kingdom relies entirely on beastmen for simple labor. If those beastmen become starving beasts, unable to work—there won’t be any war!
…Wait.
The Demon Lord must also be aware of this issue.
On top of that, he brought this to me. …He wants me to be the governor?
He’s proposing autonomy for the former citizens of the Defteros Kingdom, for humans? Why?
—What strength does the human race possess that races like theirs do not?
I recalled the landscape I had seen from the skeletal carriage before reaching the front lines. Fields of wheat that stretched to the horizon. The western Defteros Kingdom was a rich granary…
‘…Are you intending to allocate humans to food production? Designating it as an autonomous district aims to allow centralized management and eliminate external interference for stable production…’
As I spoke, letting out a pained groan, the Demon Lord nodded with satisfaction.
—I’ve skimmed through the agricultural books that are commonly read in the Demon Kingdom. They were summarized versions written in demon script from texts written by humans.
Well, what can I say, they were both good and bad books written by scholars. They were systematic and well-written, but they lacked any practical measures against disasters or diseases, along with the wisdom of the field.
Because, you see, in my former life, I was the son of a farmer. Though I’ve almost forgotten it, I recall learning various tips from my dad and the old folks in the neighborhood—
They were expecting beastmen, who had little experience with agriculture, to cultivate fields using those kinds of books; of course it wouldn’t work out.
They should have employed local farmers as teachers, but with their harsh invasions, the residents had scattered and died. Even if they captured skilled farmers, the soil types differ depending on the location, and the circumstances vary based on the types of crops, so they couldn’t adapt to everything.
Each land must have had its own methods.
However, the Demon Army wiped all that out.
Because the Demon Lord is aware that the bill has come due—
Now, he’s trying to do things properly.
Damn, they only think of their own convenience…!!
‘…But, Father. Are you sure this child will be the governor?’
Emelgias spoke up, sounding displeased. It seemed he didn’t like that I was unexpectedly appointed to a new position that came with this major shift in the Demon Kingdom’s policies.
‘He’s only five years old, right? Surely that’s too much of a burden.’
What are you thinking, giving such a kid this responsibility!? The green dude insisted, but… he’s naive.
It’s different, you know.
‘—I turned six the other day.’
I stated flatly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Emelgias double-take at me.
‘…No, even so, he’s six years old. That’s still too young.’
Regaining his composure, he continued to oppose me consistently.
‘Hmm… But Zilbagias has spent half a year in the Demon World. His age in the mortal realm is nothing but a slight discrepancy.’
The Demon Lord adjusted himself in his chair and crossed his arms.
‘Moreover, I prioritize ability over age. Zilbagias has read through the documents, noticed the issues, and developed his reasoning to grasp my intentions.’
Silently, the Demon Lord fixed his gaze on Emelgias.
‘—Do you not think he is sufficiently qualified?’
It was practically questioning if he was qualified to speak up.
‘…Ugh.’
Emelgias let out an inaudible groan. I could see his fists clenched so tightly beneath the table that blood might start to seep.
‘Additionally, managing humans will significantly affect the treatment quota for the Reiju tribe, but with Zilbagias, adjustments will be easier. After all, Zilbagias doesn’t belong to either of your factions. Entrusting it to either side might make it seem like I have favoritism. Under the current circumstances, a neutral party like Zilbagias is the most suitable candidate. …Aiogias, eager for agriculture, would have eagerly taken on the task.’
To neutralize the somewhat tense atmosphere, the Demon Lord chuckled lightly.
‘However, it remains uncertain whether humans will comply quietly and work diligently, and rigid Aiogias might interfere excessively. This would squander the opportunity to learn the advantageous farming techniques of the humans. Our race’s bad habit of trying to control everything can backfire…’
And then he looked at me.
‘In that regard, Zilbagias is, for better or worse, not very demon-like.’
—I struggled to keep my face from stiffening, forcing myself to relax.
‘I’ve heard that most of this child’s friendships are with other races. Additionally, as you mentioned, Emelgias, he is quite young. He can adapt to the unknown realm even more flexibly than we can. Moreover, humans, while weak, are cunning and unpredictable adversaries, but seeing Zilbagias negotiate on equal terms with night elves, he should hold his own.’
Letting out a sigh, the Demon Lord leaned back in his chair.
‘—Therefore, I’ve decided to appoint Zilbagias as governor.’
…This is turning into quite the predicament.
To think that the Demon Kingdom would grant humans autonomy now… Damn, yet while I found a weak point in their food situation, they would have me oversee its improvement—how ironic…!
Sure, there’s also the option to deliberately fail, but if I do, they’ll just remove me and assign Aiogias! Surely night elves and demon officials would support him, making it difficult to hide any data!
Moreover, being the governor means I’m the one controlling things as the Demon Lord’s representative!? How should I handle the humans…!?
Wait.
How should I treat the humans?
‘Um… Father. So, recognizing them as an autonomous district means we can interpret it as humans becoming citizens of the Demon Kingdom, right?’
When I carefully asked, the Demon Lord appeared confused for some reason.
‘Citizens? Why would it be that?’
‘Uh?’
Because it’s… an autonomous district…
‘…Oh. It seems you’ve missed a crucial point. Ha ha ha…’
After laughing heartily, the Demon Lord sneered.
Cruelly.
‘—Humans as citizens? That’s out of the question. They are merely lowly slaves. However, unlike how they were treated as livestock until now, we’ll allow them a bit of decision-making. Of course, that’s only after they’ve delivered results.’
Otherwise—
‘Don’t misunderstand. The aim of this autonomous district is to allow the humans some freedom in order to learn their superior agricultural techniques and livestock knowledge. Utilizing the former territory of the Defteros Kingdom, stabilizing livestock operations would be an ideal outcome. Meanwhile, I’ll focus on controlling the Demon Kingdom. The competition for livestock is a very troublesome issue involving territorial disputes among demons, but… we have no choice but to deal with them one by one.’
The Demon Lord growled, showing his teeth with displeasure.
‘So… the treatment of humans is merely as serfs, then.’
When I asked, the Demon Lord nodded, seemingly impressed.
‘Serfs. Now that I think about it, that word does exist. Precisely that. …However, if knowledge is accumulated, and their methods can be applied to the beastmen, they will become obsolete. Gradually, we will replace them with our own beastmen.’
He stated it nonchalantly.
Replacement—wait, does that mean—
‘One generation of humans might be a stretch, surely two generations, roughly twenty years, will be necessary for that. By then, the autonomous district will be dismantled. It’s advisable to castrate the men moderately, as breeding too much could lead to complications.’
Telling me to—
As a Demon Lord’s Prince, not only to bring humans under my control…
But also to extract their wisdom, with a plan to dispose of them once they are no longer useful…
He wants me to manage such a region… this Demon Lord…!?
‘Zilbagias.’
The Demon Lord smiled. As a ruler. Or perhaps as a father.
‘—Are you going to do it?’
