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Chapter 486: Clans and Strategy

The serialization of the comic adaptation has started! It’s receiving great acclaim! Thank you, Noi-sensei…!

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The northern front is currently the only front where the Demon Lord’s army hasn’t ‘pushed’ in.

The reason is simple.

It’s hard to attack and there’s little reward, so no tribe is eager to join the fray.

To begin with, even a mere handful of Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors are formidable. Warriors clad entirely in Shinuchi, powerful in magical strength. Even without counting the demon contract, they possess strength that rivals average demon races.

In the northern front, especially within the Dwarf Union Kingdom’s territory, dwarves make up the majority of the fighting force, and small forts are manned by hundreds of Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors. Moreover, the castles and fortresses themselves, along with infrastructure like bridges and roads, are a bonus of being ‘Dwarf-made’ infused with magic.

Naturally, when it comes to war, the ‘roads’ and ‘bridges’ themselves will obstruct the enemy with all their might.

It’s like stepping into a forest where the Forest Elves hide. If one manages to get past it, they would find the Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors, ready and waiting in fortresses or castles imbued with protective magic.

There’s no need to argue how terribly difficult (or troublesome) it is to invade.

Up until now, it’s been rare for the Demon Lord’s army to break through the dwarves by force. More often than not, the dwarves, exhausted after a protracted siege and cut off from supplies and water sources, abandon their defensive positions and retreat.

Moreover, when retreating, they bury or collapse mines and tunnels (as dwarven strongholds are often integrated with mines) and completely obliterate production facilities.

Even if they succeed in taking a base with great difficulty, there’s almost nothing to gain from it. On the contrary, there are countless traps carefully set by the dwarves left behind.

Because of this, even among the demon races seeking war achievements, the northern front is overwhelmingly unpopular. The little tribes that lack the prowess for a frontal assault, as well as the stamina for a long siege, can only weep as they decline the opportunity to participate.

Flipping the coin, the only ones who can fight on the northern front are influential clans or extreme powerhouses.

For example, if the Demon Lord were to deploy, not just a Dwarf fortress but one or two kingdoms would easily vanish into thin air. A master of flames that can even burn stone and metal, Rubyphia could surely do something similar.

However, the Demon Lord sees no point in achieving further results, and it would be a huge waste to turn all valuable Dwarf Blacksmiths to ashes.

Also, Rubyphia has dreams of burning the Dwarf’s stone mountains rather than that and attacking the eastern front to clear routes through the Elven forest, turning the Holy Great Tree to cinders.

With that said, the Corvto tribe had been chosen to take charge of the northern front this time.

“Topazia is not participating.”

“That’s what I hear… well, I suppose war might be too much for that girl.”

As the Demon Lord confirmed with a somewhat solitary tone, Spinethia chimed in.

“She’s still a knight’s attendant, after all…”

Topazia has actually never achieved any war merits. Though she was carried onto the battlefield while still asleep for her ‘real debut’, she’s unwilling to engage in combat.

To be honest, ever since forming a contract with a demon, she has been sleeping more than awake, and it’s questionable whether she can even wield a lance properly.

Still, her magical power has been growing tremendously, and she has the notable achievement of having knocked out Aiogias, which puts her in a position of esteem. Though… the Corvto tribe seems to have accepted this and given up on changing Topazia further.

“However, I heard about the joint front, but I didn’t expect you to participate, too.”

When the Demon Lord remarked with surprise, Spinethia made a slightly bitter face.

“Well, I do have some Corvto blood in me…”

In fact, Spinethia’s grandmother is from the Corvto tribe. Demon races actively marry within clans for bloodline magic, so if traced back, many influential clans are related. Spinethia’s connection to the Corvto bloodline is rather strong.

Currently, the Corvto tribe, aligned with Rubyphia, is in opposition to the Sauroe tribe, aligned with Aiogias, but personally, Spinethia feels a sense of familiarity with the Corvto tribe.

“And besides, I’d like to rack up some war achievements if I can.”

Once the cooperation with the Corvto tribe was decided, Spinethia decided to participate. She’s one of the few demon races who can achieve results even facing the Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors.

“Also, it’s kind of like cleaning up after the Izanis tribe—”

With a sigh mixed in, she said that far, then suddenly covered her mouth in realization.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, um, isn’t this a matter of politics…?”

“Ah, I see, is that all?”

The decision to ban political discussions at the dining hall, with immediate expulsion for breaches, was made by none other than the Demon Lord himself. However, oblivious to Spinethia’s worry, he shrugged it off with a laugh.

“That rule is meant to prevent unnecessary disputes among participants. There are only the two of us now; don’t worry about it.”

“That’s a relief.”

Spinethia breathed a sigh of relief. After all, it was the Demon Lord who brought up the topic, so it would be absurd to be expelled over this.

“Really… what on earth did the Izanis tribe do…?”

Seizing the chance, she began to complain without restraint.

Without waiting for the royal succession war, Emelgias pounced on the youngest brother (only to be repelled), and Nephradia spread flyers to take revenge for her son, demolishing the Night Elf spy network.

Regarding the latter, the Izanis tribe somewhat made amends by supporting the rescue operation of surviving spies, but it hardly matched the scale of the damage dealt, and the repercussions on various fronts were still lingering.

Fortunately, even in a battlefield considered ‘not very rewarding’ like the northern front, the spear work can be seen as part of atonement—but the Izanis tribe, who excels in wind magic, shines in outdoor battles and is ill-suited for combat in enclosed spaces.

Dwarves sitting in entrenched forts or tunnels are the worst opponent.

— Then Aiogias put a stop to it.

“If it’s a castle siege, the Sauroe tribe using the Hunting Domain would be more suitable.”

Aiogias proposed that the Sauroe tribe take the field in place of the Izanis tribe.

In reality, it was a mutually beneficial proposal. The Izanis tribe could avoid unnecessary casualties in the battlefield they dislike. The Sauroe tribe could gain a significant favor from the Izanis tribe and as they excel in castle sieges, dispatching wouldn’t be too burdensome. In the past, the Sauroe tribe has achieved remarkable results on the northern front.

By playing the intermediary role, Aiogias would also enhance his influence over both sides, thus preventing any further loss of his weakened faction’s pieces.

“It seems the Izanis tribe was somewhat prepared for a few sacrifices.”

In fact, there were quite a few within the Izanis tribe who were worried about being seen as weak for insisting on replacement by the ‘Sauroe tribe’… but it was resolved by the authority of Aiogias as the faction leader.

(…Perhaps Aiogias is also trying to weaken the Izanis tribe’s influence.)

Taking advantage of the Izanis tribe’s predicament, it seemed he aimed to increase dependency on his own faction.

(…But I don’t really care about that.)

Honestly, Spinethia has no interest in these machinations.

The ones influencing the game are Aiogias and Rubyphia.

She’s just a piece on the board. What benefit could a piece possibly gain from pondering the moves of the players?

— It was not due to the noble mindset of thinking that ‘if a piece gains self-awareness, it becomes a hindrance to the players.’

It was a rather backward thought that pondering matters beyond her influence would only lead to misfortune.

“…………”

With a dazed gaze, Spinethia stared at the empty giant sherbet bowl.

Whether the Demon Lord knew her inner thoughts or not, he cast a concerned look in her direction.

“You must be struggling with various matters as well.”

“…No, not really.”

Spinethia snapped back to her senses at the rare sympathetic tone from the Demon Lord.

“I see. As a Demon Lord, I cannot overly favor one power, but… I can lend an ear to your complaints. I might even offer some advice based on experience.”

“That would… be encouraging.”

Spinethia awkwardly smiled back at the Demon Lord, who managed a similarly awkward grin. The Demon Lord’s advice—while it seemed immensely helpful, she had heard enough about the bloody battles during her father’s succession war to know it wouldn’t be a pleasant topic.

“If I get desperate, I might rely on Father.”

“Haha, very well. However—”

He started to say something, then fell silent.

(…If I’m in a situation where I’m desperate, let’s hope I’m still alive to discuss it.)

It was an ominous statement, so she swallowed it.

“…What? Father?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Spinning her head curiously, Spinethia awaited the Demon Lord’s next words, but he shook his head instead.

“…There’s something I’d like to ask you, Spinethia.”

“Ask away.”

“It’s about Emelgias. When that guy… attacked Zilbagias. It turned out to be just a misunderstanding, but was there any sign of an incident, something that could be deemed a precursor?”

At the Demon Lord’s question, Spinethia’s expression stiffened slightly.

“…Let me clarify to avoid any misunderstandings; I’m not intending to blame you. Even if you sensed an anomaly, I promise I won’t blame you for not stopping Emelgias or taking measures.”

“…No, that’s not it.”

Spinethia lowered her gaze and pondered for a moment.

“…Honestly, it felt relatively… just like any other day. Aiogias seemed dissatisfied, and he acted unnecessarily high-handed towards me. If we talk about Zilbagias, he was jealous regarding being granted a fort… but that’s about it.”

Saying that, Spinethia realized it wasn’t a satisfactory response that could satisfy her father.

“…Hmm. I see.”

However, the Demon Lord did not appear disheartened but instead stroked his chin, leaning back in his chair lost in thought.

—In this moment, he felt less like the Demon Lord and more like Goldgias, just a singular demon race, Spinethia felt.

“…Got it. Thank you.”

Spinethia, who kept silent in order not to disrupt her father’s time being himself, eventually caught the Demon Lord’s gaze as he lifted his head and graciously thanked her.

“It’s no big deal.”

“…Conversely, do you have anything you’d like to ask me?”

With continued modesty, Spinethia was playfully inquired by the Demon Lord.

—Something she wanted to ask.

At that moment, what came to Spinethia’s mind was the fort Zilbagias had received—according to him, just something he borrowed—Aurora Fort.

Additionally, he had apparently been involved in a ‘highly confidential national project’ according to her youngest brother who had requested a magical tool embedding Hunting Domain, even at the young age of six.

“Father, about Zilbagias…”

“Mhm.”

“I was once asked by him for a small magical tool with Hunting Domain embedded in it.”

“Oh? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

—First I’ve heard? That means that magical tool doesn’t reflect her father’s will?

(But what kind of national project could be unrelated to Father’s intentions…?)

She felt her doubts and curiosity growing even more.

“According to my youngest brother, he wanted to confirm if that magical tool would be useful for his research, and although I asked what kind of research, he wouldn’t tell me.”

After all, it was precisely because something suspicious was going on at that fort that Emelgias speculated about ‘a new high-speed communication technology that would threaten the Izanis tribe’s dominance’ and acted out.

“When I pressed him, he said, ‘if it’s necessary, Father will tell you.'”

So, she casually decided to ask.

“What research is Zilbagias conducting?”

—At that moment.

The Demon Lord’s face tightened immediately, shifting from a father to a stern king.

(…Uh oh.)

Spinethia thought she might have overstepped.

At least, it’s certain that the ‘something’ he was involved in made her father wear such a face. Perhaps it would have been better not to ask.

(…But he’s only six years old!?)

Why on earth is a child involved in such a major project!?

(What is going on——!?)

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