“B-But, Miss Luna will protect us, right...? She’ll make sure we won’t...”
“...Yeah.”
Kyon suggested desperately, but Momo still looked uneasy. While Luna was feared and revered by all in the country, she had little interest in their village. ‘Just do what you want’ was her go-to line. For better or worse, the Bunnies had been left with full autonomy. Luna’s status prevented her from spending much time in the village, but even the middle-aged man sent from the Church as the substitute lord of the land showed no interest in the village’s welfare. While he didn’t show any open prejudice towards the Bunnies, perhaps because of their status as a village that belonged to a Holy Maiden, it was written all over his face that he wanted nothing to do with the village. The Bunnies had pleaded with him about their miserable situation, only to be met with a sneer. He was no more than a statue to them.
While things had improved since Luna became their lady, there were countless Bunnies who had abandoned their homes and left the village of Rabbi to find a new land for themselves after generations of mistreatment. In the end, the population of Rabbi had decreased from two thousand Bunnies to three hundred, including children.
(If a battle broke out here and now... There would be no one left alive in this village.)
There were sure to be countless people who would want that bucket. Nobles, Bandits... that bucket could even turn a good man bad. Momo recalled what the man called Demon Lord had said:
Just one of these could start a war.
Momo couldn’t help but tremble and swallow some saliva.
“Kyon, put out a strict gag law.”
“O-Okay...”
“And let’s gather the men to rebuild the fence. And gather all the weapons in...”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea...”
“...Why not?”
“They’ll think we’re hiding something.”
While Momo tried to solidify their defenses out of fear, Kyon objected with child-like logic. True, it wasn’t smart for them to shore up their defenses out of the blue. Everyone would wonder what caused them to take such actions.
“Right. If we make any sudden moves, they’ll wonder why...”
“Mm-hm. I just think we should carry on like nothing’s changed...”
In fact, since no one ever visited the crumbling village of Rabbi, it was a perfect spot for keeping the Bucket a secret. If they kept their heads low, the Bunnies could keep this a secret for at least a while. Then, a voice suddenly rang in Kyon’s and Momo’s heads.
Uh... Kyon and Momo, was it? Can you hear me?
A Communication from the cause of all of their new-found troubles, the Demon Lord. He was just trying to see how things had turned out after his departure.
Agghhhh! What’s this scary voice in my head, hoppity!?
Oh, no... He’s completely cursed us, hippity.
What do you mean ‘curse’!?
While Kyon and Momo were taken by surprise at first, Communication was a very useful tool once they had gotten used to it. Since the participants could communicate remotely, it was almost like a cell phone. The two Bunnies spoke concisely about what had happened, and the Demon Lord seemed satisfied.
Hm. A sudden move would arouse suspicion from neighboring villages. That was a good call.
But I think we’ll be found out eventually, hoppity...
No matter. We’ll put up some defenses of our own. Stay out of trouble until I return.
The Demon Lord had finally found his bridgehead. He had no intention of giving up this village, no matter the cost. In fact, he was ready to take on any invaders with no mercy.
And, as to where the fertilizer should be used...
After some more notes from the Demon Lord, the communication ended. With a sigh, the two Bunnies looked at each other. They were feeling dread and relief at once. A difficult emotion to describe.
“Who was that man, hoppity...?”
“Calm down, Kyon. No one’s here, hippity.”
“...Right back at you, Momo.”
Rattled by the surreal form of communication, they couldn’t help but keep using their Bunny catchphrases, even though no one was around.
“A-Anyway. Let’s try using the fertilizer tomorrow.”
“Yes. The thing inside that bag... is amazing.”
The Bunnies had a special power. While ‘the ability to grow carrots’ may not sound like much, its effects were tremendous. They were able to grow the best crop on the continent. The other crops in this world didn’t even come close to holding a candle against the carrot. Until now, the scorched land and lack of water had sabotaged their yield, but that was all about to change. In fact, not just their farms, but the entire continent was about to undergo a drastic change...
The Holy Nation
—The Holy Castle, Holylight
Holylight was a nation ruled by a trio of Holy Maidens. Below them were the Holy Church and the Holy Knights’ Order, both on equal footing. All three branches joined forces to protect the nation from any foreign hostilities. The Church welcomed all into their organization, from orphans to high nobles, as long as they showed potential for wielding magic. Similarly, the Knights’ Order welcomed all with combat potential. Naturally, each organization rigorously tested their applicants, although they allowed anyone to apply. This was a rare custom not only in Holylight, but even in neighboring countries.
However, nobles have been encroaching upon the Knights’ Order, beginning to control the organization. Flashing anything from power, valor, and money, the nobles gradually wrapped their fingers around the Order. This was because the opinion of the Knights’ Order carried considerable weight when it came to the selection of Holy Maidens.
On the other hand, members of the Church were not as easily bought out. Along with talents for magic, as they were servants of the Angel, strict virtue was required of them. Not even the nobles could have bribed their way into the Church. So, they honed in on the Knights’ Order, slinking their way into the organization in order to select Holy Maidens that would serve their cause.
And now, they had influenced the selection of two Holy Maidens nearly perfect for their cause. Luna Elegant, who was talented in magic but lacked interest in politics, and Killer Queen, who was a top-tier fighter with no eye for politics nor money. Having two thirds of the Holy Maidens showing no interest in politics or power-plays was an ideal situation for them, as they could do as they pleased.
With that situation as their backdrop, the third Holy Maiden was holding a meeting with two of the top nobles in the country.
“How wonderful to see Miss Luna realizing her responsibilities as a Holy Maiden...”
A man said with an oily smile, jiggling his fat body. His name was Dona Dona, the most influential noble in the country, with many nobles under his thumb. True to the stereotype, he lusted after young women and money alike. At the same time, he was a natural born politician. The command he held over the nobles was formidable. In addition, he was the puppeteer behind Holylight’s economics, as he held many mines within his land, he had been hiking up the prices for Spell Stones year after year.
“...Joyous,” spoke Marshall Harts, sitting across from Dona. Built far too muscular for a noble, he even donned armor at the table. While over sixty years of age, with his white hair tied up in the back, his eyes shone with intensity. A veteran warrior in charge of the more militaristic nobles.
“But I am worried... that she’s being taken advantage of by that man who claims to be the Demon Lord.”
Sitting farthest from the entrance at the roundtable, the final Holy Maiden spoke, shaking her pink hair. Her name was Angel White. Everything from her hair, eyes, and lips were of a light pink. Even the air about her seemed divine... Her beauty was out of this world.
Looking at her, Dona Dona audibly swallowed. His perverted thoughts were written all over his face. He was scheming to take the Holy Maiden for himself, one day.
“No need for concer
n, m’lady. At your command, I shall take care of him...” Dona Dona said, moving his slimy gaze down towards the Holy Maiden’s breasts. Anyone could see that his hands were squeezing down those ample peaks in his mind. In fact, his hands were making the gesture under the roundtable.
Of course, the topic of today’s meeting was the Holy Maiden Luna. To their surprise, she had decided to rule a land she had completely left to the Church’s representative up to this point. Was this a baby step in the right direction, or an indication that something was wrong? White didn’t know what to make of it.
Leaving White to her contemplation, the two nobles clashed.
“...Miss Luna trusts this man. There’s nothing for us to do.”
“Hmph! The city is already filled with wanted posters of his!”
“...Dona. What harm has this man caused, exactly? You dare punish a man in Miss Luna’s trust for a few bad rumors?”
“Billitzo has reported that an entire remote village of his had been burned down! Besides, he threw Miss Luna’s guards into the air!”
Without even attempting to conceal their animosity toward the other, the two nobles stared down. Not only were their views of the nation polar opposite to one another, their personalities were just incompatible.
“...According to my source, it was only a farm house that was burned down. Billitzo’s crying wolf.”
“Harts! You accuse a noble of lying!?”
“...Regardless of rank, I trust the words of those worthy of my trust. I believe my subordinate over Billitzo.”
The stare down ensued. Because of the division under the surface among the nobles, who controlled the economy, and the armed forces, Holylight was in the midst of a long-term slump.
“It’s not every day that she shows initiative for something... I won’t interfere, just yet.”
“If you say so, m’lady...”
“...Understood.”
While Dona agreed with visible disdain, Harts simply closed his eyes.
As soon as the two nobles had left the room, Queen burst through the door, and made a ruckus as she took her seat. As if she had nowhere else to put them, her feet were strewn on top of the roundtable. Her demeanor was utterly devoid of etiquette or manners.
“I heard you were in pretty big trouble the other day... I’m glad you’re safe.” White said, but Queen didn’t seem all there. Perhaps she didn’t even hear her sister speak.
“...I’m in love.”
“What?”
“I’m in love with that guy... I remember it clear as day. The coolest guy I’ve ever seen.”
“W-Wait a minute... What are you talking about?”
White and Queen had known each other for a long time, and she had gotten accustomed to Queen’s outrageous demeanor, but she still couldn’t believe the words that had come out of her sister. White had considered Queen to be the furthest person in this world from romance.
“You’re not talking about the rumored Dragonborn...? Um, Queen. You know Dragonborns don’t exist, right...?”
“Says you, sis! ‘Cus you didn’t see him with your own eyes! His punch! His stance! His gallant face! His rocking one-liners!”
“C-Calm down...”
“I got to find Sir Zero, quick... Aghhh! I want to bury my face into that jacket...!”
“What? Are both of my sisters broken...!?”
Angel White... the one and only level-headed Holy Maiden. Naturally, she was often left to pick up the mess. And it didn’t look like that was going to change anytime soon.
† † †
A few days later...
“This is the Holy City, huh...? It’s bigger than I imagined.”
The Demon Lord was blown away by his first encounter with a large city in a fantasy world. He was most surprised by the deep moat surrounding the city, which was filled to the brim with water. Sure, it must have been effective defensively, but the value of water in this city seemed to be different from the rest of the country.
“It-It’s amazing! It’s my first time in the Holy City, too!”
“You know, Aku... The Holy Castle over there is my home.”
“You live in that giant castle!? Wow, Miss Holy Maiden, you’re amazing!”
“Yep. I’m the best Holy Maiden there is... And I’m going to rule this nation, some day!”
(What an idiot.)
As far the Demon Lord could imagine, if Luna were to take control of this country, she would wreck the economy or cause a coup within the first three days. He guessed that her Politics stat, if there was such a thing in this world, would be at 1, or 2, at best.
Mister Secretary, there seems to be some sort of checkpoint at the entrance.
I see. They do have some crime-prevention systems, then.
Even in modern day Japan, security at airports was tight, not to mention in other countries. Entering another country could take a considerable amount of time thanks to cross-referencing each applicant with crime databases around the world. Since there was a wanted poster going around of the Demon Lord, he expected that their entrance might be a bit of a struggle.
“As planned, Luna?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure they’ll know you’re my servant.”
“An associate... You must be dumber than a chicken.”
While the Demon Lord planned to squeak by with Luna’s clout, the guard seemed to have gotten the memo already. They made it through the gate, almost too easily.
(I doubt they’ll throw me a welcome party, but... Not going to turn me away at the gate, huh?)
It did seem a little odd, considering how he treated Luna’s guards.
Perhaps there’s someone, whether it be another Holy Maiden or a noble, who wants to have a word with you, sir?
That’s my guess, too. Let’s see what’s behind door number one.
And so, the Demon Lord entered the Holy City. It didn’t feel like he could get away with doing a little research in quiet before heading back out.
Dinner Party
—Nighttime in the Holy City
(Now we have a room...)
Using his gold medallion, the Demon Lord had secured a place to stay in the Holy City. A pretty famous, high-class hotel, in fact. Considering his lack of funds, he could have gone with a cheaper inn, but he felt it best to advertise his tycoon image if he wanted to advertise his resort and hospital down the line. The same pitch could carry different weight depending on what’s in the presenter’s pocket.
“What was the place called? Artemis?”
The restaurant Luna had mentioned had a pretty tame name for once. Although, it was kind of sad that the Demon Lord felt joy in hearing a name that wasn’t jarring to him.
“Yes. A respectable establishment patronized by cultured individuals like myself.”
“Cultured, huh...? Why are you staying with us at the inn, anyway?”
“W-Why should you care... where I stay!?”
(I care because I paid for the room!)
The Demon Lord felt the urge to pinch Luna’s mouth shut. As he didn’t want to cause a scene, though, he ended up walking down the street looking like he had a bitter lime in his mouth. Of course, being the quartet of a Holy Maiden, the man who called himself the Demon Lord, a stunning woman in a lab coat, and a girl in a white dress who looked like a princess... They already garnered some attention. Whispers could be heard in the street as they passed by.
It’s been a while, hasn’t it...? Mister Secretary.
...Sure has.
He agreed without much thought, but he was clueless what Yu found so nostalgic about this situation.
They’re just like the pitiful crowds in occupied territories surrendering to our forces. It feels like it was just yesterday when Shizuka took away the arms and legs of that child who threw a stone at us.
H-Heh heh...
He could only muster a twitchy chuckle as Yu recalled the scene in ecstasy. This incident had been drawn up by him as an episode in the game. For his advisors, th
ese stories were a reality. Shizuka especially had a few of these gruesome tales under her belt, shedding light on how dangerous she really was. Many of the countless episodes he had written served to illustrate the ruthlessness of the Empire. For Akira Ono, the creator of the game, these had only been sprinkles of backstory for his characters. Realizing that all of them had really taken place, the Demon Lord internally shuddered.
Aku timidly spoke to the now silent Demon Lord.
“Master Demon Lord... Are you sure I can go into such an extravagant restaurant?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. You look like a princess, Aku.”
“A p-princess...”
Watching her blush and shy away, the Demon Lord calmed his nerves. It seemed like Aku was starting to become a sort of rock for him.
(In any case... The cityscape is dreamlike.)
He thought, gazing on the glittering Holy City. Lighting up the night, there were streetlamps that illuminated the city in various colors, almost as much as a modern-day metropolis was lit up. There was even a fountain on the main street, and he could spot many lovebirds nestling around it.
(And people here are dressed completely different.)
Of course, they were much cleaner than what the Demon Lord had gotten used to seeing, but he noticed that many of the outfits he saw were fashion-conscious. Their hairstyles seemed particular too, and it looked like many people put work into them. During the day, he had gotten the impression of a bustling city, but at night, the city came alive with nightlife like it did in Shibuya. Various signs using Spell Stones aligned the streets, and dolled up women stood in front of bars to call in pedestrians. At this rate, there was sure to be a red-light district, somewhere.
(Holy City by day, and something else by night...)
“Interesting,” the Demon Lord thought. He seemed to like that the city wasn’t just prim and proper. While he didn’t dislike solemn atmospheres that could be found at temples, he didn’t dislike bright, bustling cities like this, either.
“Luna, this is an interesting city.”
“R-Really? I didn’t expect the compliment from you...”
Demon Lord, Retry! Volume 1 Page 16