Myohail unexpectedly throws a question at me.

I pause for a moment before speaking.

“…I roughly know.”

“Oh ho? That’s a bit unexpected.”

So far, only two Demon Lords have appeared in this world.

The first Demon Lord was defeated by a hero and his comrades. The second Demon Lord was defeated by a coalition of heroes from around the world, led by the hero Alonso Izakhel.

It’s a story from a long, long time ago.

Yet, it’s still passed down among the empire’s people through fairy tales and legends.

Of course, most of the stories are about the heroes, not the Demon Lords.

So, Myohail’s question was bound to be strange.

Myohail strokes his beard and says,

“History doesn’t remember the Demon Lords. It only remembers the good deeds of heroes and warriors.”

“That’s just how history is.”

“True. History is written by the victors. Hehe…”

It’s hard to guess a cat’s emotions, but I think Myohail might be making a bitter expression right now.

Considering his age, he must have seen not only the two Demon Lords but also the heroes and warriors.

Perhaps Myohail knows the truth that history doesn’t remember.

That truth must be painful.

People prefer to believe in happy lies rather than painful truths.

“The Demon Lord is one who rebels against the gods. In other words, a sinner who defies the divine order of the world. That’s why they’re called the enemy of the world.”

“You’re quite talkative today, Myohail.”

I cut him off there.

I didn’t want him to beat around the bush.

“If you have something to say to me, just say it.”

“My, my. This old man’s ramblings have gone on too long. Hehehe. As expected, you’re quick to catch on. It’s nothing much, just one thing I want to ask the Count…”

Myohail’s eyes look up at me.

Again, I couldn’t read his expression.

“…Last time, in the underground treasure vault, the Count made an interesting remark.”

But the next moment, his words hit me like a bolt from the blue.

“Then, is what the Count is about to do a rebellion against the gods?”

I stand there, staring at Myohail.

The sun has completely set, and darkness envelops us.

In that darkness, only Myohail’s eyes are shining.

For the first time, the sharp gaze of a feline felt so dangerous.

“A rebellion against the gods…?”

“You know, don’t you? Reviving the dead is an act of defying divine will. I thought it was just a joke at the time, but if the Count is seriously preparing for it, I can’t just let it slide.”

“…Do I look like someone who jokes?”

“Of course not. Hehe. But it should be a joke.”

Myohail’s hand cuts through the air.

At that moment, the wind blowing on me stops.

I realize I’m trapped in a space created by Myohail’s magic.

“Otherwise, this old man might have to restrain the Count.”

“…I thought you didn’t interfere in worldly affairs.”

“Hehe. I am one who receives the imperial stipend. I can’t ignore those who threaten the imperial family and this country.”

I see… So, Myohail is on the side of the imperial family after all.

This is quite a headache.

Myohail was originally a strict bystander character.

In the original story, even if the protagonist asked for advice, he would never directly intervene.

That’s why I never thought Myohail would interfere with me.

Myohail begins to interrogate me, cornered as I am.

“If the Count wasn’t joking back then, do you really intend to meddle with the taboo of reviving the dead?”

But I have no intention of backing down now.

I answer with ‘pride’.

“Yes. Their lives are mine. I will revive them as I see fit.”

“How arrogant. Hehe… Are you not afraid of the gods?”

I think of that bastard in paradise, and my irritation spikes.

“…I’ve never been afraid of that damn guy.”

“Huh…”

My blasphemous words leave even Myohail speechless for a moment.

In this world, gods are worshipped beings, absolute entities who bestowed magic and magical power upon humans.

But knowing the true nature of the gods, they’re just annoying to me.

Moreover, Tristan, cursed with no magical power, has no respect for the gods.

Myohail quietly opens his mouth.

“Count… Are you truly planning to become the Demon Lord of this era?”

“If necessary, I will.”

“…Even if it means turning the world against you?”

“Yes. If necessary, I will.”

“……”

Myohail closes his mouth.

A heavy silence settles between us.

I ponder.

If Myohail uses magic, my personality traits would be rendered useless in an instant.

Even the ancient Moon Magic is still far from being a match for a Sage.

Should I just surrender quietly?

As I ponder, Myohail finally speaks.

“Hehe… Truly, you are the son of William.”

At that moment, I feel the wind.

Myohail has lifted the barrier.

At the same time, the suffocating hostility towards me disappears.

And as if nothing happened, Myohail yawns and says,

“I understand what the Count is thinking. Do as you please from now on.”

“…You’re not going to inform the imperial family?”

“Hehe… I lied a bit earlier. What the Count said is correct. I turned my back on the world long ago. What happens to the imperial family or this country is none of my concern.”

His words were cold.

I only knew Myohail’s settings. So, I couldn’t know what his life had been like all these years.

But… considering he didn’t show up even when the players stormed in, his statement about turning his back on the world must be true.

“This is a secret, but this old man once, consumed by wrath, destroyed an entire country. I did something worthy of a Demon Lord…”

His voice in the darkness carried regret.

It was a deep sorrow that I couldn’t possibly understand.

“Since then, I’ve had no attachment to this world. No… Wait, let me correct that. Recently, I’ve gained one.”

As if recalling something joyful, Myohail laughs heartily.

“Hehehe. Recently, I gained a cute disciple. That child is my attachment. As long as the Count doesn’t lay a hand on my cute disciple, I don’t care.”

“…You’re quite ruthless. Your disciple isn’t just Wendy, is it?”

“Ugh, Mondri is old and creepy. And that guy will find his own way. He’s tenacious enough to survive even if the world ends. Hehehe.”

It was a statement made without knowing the future, but I could only shake my head in disbelief.

After all, the tragedy that will unfold next year is something even Myohail wouldn’t believe.

I knew from the start that this would be a lonely fight.

At least, Myohail’s declaration that he won’t interfere is a big help.

As I thought, he was a bystander from the beginning.

“You said earlier that history is written by the victors. It might be interesting to overwrite this world’s history with that of a Demon Lord. Hehe…”

If Myohail had a human body, he might be wearing the expression of a sage who has seen through the world.

“Is that all you wanted to say to me?”

“Yes. This old man should be going now. It’s time for my cute disciple to prepare dinner. Hehehe.”

With a light gesture, Myohail passes by me and slinks towards the mansion like an ordinary cat.

Watching him, I wonder if Myohail never intended to stop me in the first place.

At that moment, Myohail’s voice comes from behind.

“…I’ve lived long enough to see many who tried to revive the dead. And I know their fates well.”

It’s unclear if he’s talking to himself or to me.

But I know the last words are meant for me.

“…I hope you meet a different end than them.”

“…Yeah.”

I don’t know if he heard my answer, but when I turn around, Myohail has completely disappeared into the darkness.

“I should get to work too…”

I stop in front of a tree by the lake.

It looks like an ordinary tree, but it’s actually a device created by magic.

It’s similar to the one in the underground treasure vault, but this one was set up for a specific user from the start.

As I place my hand on it, the thick tree swallows my hand.

Soon, I’m faced with a staircase disguised as a tree.

Descending the deep staircase, I eventually find myself in a space beneath the lake.

It’s not as grand as the treasure vault, but it’s a fairly large space with various magical tools neatly arranged.

It’s a workshop built with a hefty sum, sturdy and secure.

This place allows for secretive work.

At that moment, Albert, who noticed me, looks up from his desk.

“Oh… The Count is here? You’re a bit late.”

“What were you doing?”

“It’s been a while since I last worked, so I was warming up. As a little exercise, I was drawing some magic formulas on small items. Want to see?”

Albert, having removed his glasses, hands me a thin ring.

“I made this earlier as a test.”

At first glance, it’s an ordinary silver ring.

But upon closer inspection, the ring is densely inscribed with tiny magic formulas.

Seeing so many formulas inscribed on such a small item, I can feel his skill.

As if reading my thoughts, Albert smirks.

“How is it? I engraved the formulas and infused a small amount of magical power. It’s a one-time use, but it can be handy in emergencies.”

“Hmm…”

I nod and try to put the ring on my finger.

Unfortunately, the ring is a bit too small and doesn’t fit.

Seeing this, Albert makes a face of regret.

“Ah, I made a mistake… I got the size wrong… Ugh. Sorry. I’ll make another one right away.”

“It’s fine.”

Embarrassed, Albert scratches his head.

Even craftsmen make mistakes.

As I try to return the ring, Albert waves his hand.

“Ah, just give it to someone. It’s a perfectly good item, no need to waste it.”