The King's Responsibility
1119 Words
"Does anyone have anything to report?"
At Satania’s words, the leader of the constructs was the first to respond.
"Port… fishing port… construction… basically… complete… but… no… fishing boats… might… need… to purchase…"
Ira had already confirmed this matter the day before, running around to check on things.
"Mr. Ira mentioned this to me yesterday."
The ghostly girl, whose translucent body had a black-and-white hue, spoke as she pulled out a notebook, reporting to Satania.
"Due to financial constraints, purchasing fishing boats from other countries is essentially out of the question."
Though the official reason was financial, in truth, the Demon Lord’s treasury could easily afford to buy a few fishing boats, even five or six at once. However, if they were to approach other nations only to purchase a handful of boats, it would be somewhat humiliating.
While the culture of the Demon Lord’s domain did not emphasize appearances, some things were simply too disgraceful to ignore.
Everyone present understood this well.
Under Satania’s curious gaze, Ira spoke from his seat in the corner.
"We have determined that, if we are to purchase fishing boats, we should look to other monster territories."
Had this been the Empire, Ira would have taken his time explaining this decision to Isabella, watching her despair as he slowly guided her through the reasoning. But here, that was unnecessary.
Satania was not suited to be a lone, exalted ruler; she did not need to learn such things. And though Ira felt a little guilty about it…
As a teacher, he was perhaps a bit unqualified.
(Isabella: @#￥%&! )
Instead of explaining things in detail, Ira turned to look at Sernata.
"I later sought out Sernata. According to her intelligence, sea monsters—such as sirens—have joined the territory of the Gorgons."
As Ira spoke and Sernata nodded in agreement, Satania fell into deep thought.
"Hmm… The Gorgons, then? Are we buying from them?"
Everyone present knew the real answer, but Satania seemed to genuinely believe they were going to conduct a normal transaction.
If that were the case, they wouldn’t have brought it up in this manner.
"Unfortunately, it seems the Gorgons have no intention of paying their seasonal tribute before winter ends… In fact, I believe they may not intend to pay it at all."
As Ira stated this, Satania lifted her head to meet his gaze. She then looked around at the gathered leaders and asked,
"Have the Medusas also betrayed us? How many territories have chosen to rebel?"
At these words, the insectoid leader clenched their hands tightly. Other military leaders also hung their heads in silence, suppressing their emotions.
"There are a total of seventy-four monster territories. Based on my intelligence network, only forty are confirmed to be paying their tribute on time this season."
Sernata shook her head, sighing.
"While these numbers are confirmed, even when the season ends, I don’t expect that number to rise significantly."
"…Meaning…"
"Meaning thirty-four territories no longer recognize me as their Demon Lord?"
Satania spoke with a heavy sigh. Ever since her father fell on the battlefield, the Demon Lord’s domain had been on the verge of fracturing. The fact that the situation had remained stable until winter was already a small miracle.
But the way she spoke was too sorrowful—far too humble for a ruler.
"However, our Demon Lord is still our Demon Lord. She does not need the recognition of traitors."
Hirina murmured softly, but though her words offered comfort, they did not truly put Satania at ease. She merely forced a smile, pretending not to care.
"…"
Of course, she couldn’t fool anyone.
Except for Vira, no one else knew what to say…
"Demon Lord."
The leader of the Black Knights, clad in dark armor, spoke in a voice as warm as the sun.
"Do not concern yourself with the opinions of other territories. We have always known that you are the one and only Demon Lord."
His words helped, but not enough.
"I understand. Let’s continue discussing the Gorgons…"
For Satania, who seemed eager to focus on official matters, Ira pondered for a moment before speaking.
"As for how to handle the Gorgons and other rebellious territories, we need your decision."
Satania thought for a moment before answering,
"Hmm… Mr. Ira can decide—"
Ira: "No way!!"
"Eh?!"
Startled by Ira’s sudden outburst, Satania stared at him in confusion.
Ira softened his tone and spoke calmly.
"As Demon Lord, you are responsible for all monsters under your rule."
He looked around at the leaders, then locked eyes with Satania, speaking in a warm yet firm tone.
"For the loyal territories, you must show them that their loyalty has meaning. For the rebellious ones, you must decide their fate."
"You are the Demon Lord, not us. You can ask for our opinions, and we will provide them. But ultimately, the one who must make the decision—the one who must say 'yes' or 'no'—is you."
In the silence that followed, the gathered leaders exchanged glances, clearly pleased by Ira’s words.
"Your command determines the fate of others. Whether you declare that traitors shall be destroyed or that they shall be guided back to the right path—this is your responsibility."
As Ira finished speaking, Satania fell into deep thought.
Technically, such words should not be spoken in court, but in the Demon Lord’s domain, formalities mattered little. So Ira had no reason to hold back.
A ruler must bear the burdens of rulership. Satania needed to understand that.
And, knowing her, she would take this lesson to heart. She would study seriously, with all her might.
She was… quite an adorable kind of ruler.
"Hmm… So, I shouldn’t just hand the decision over to you? If I want to be more responsible… But I really don’t know what to do. What should I do?"
Seeing Satania’s genuine confusion, Ira felt that the court session had somehow turned into a lesson. He patiently continued his teaching.
"Ask us. We all have our own thoughts on the matter."
"But… Oh, I see! I am the one who must make the decision, right?"
Satania suddenly brightened, then cleared her throat and spoke with gratitude.
"Ahem. Thank you, Mr. Ira. This is my first time being a ruler, so I don’t understand these things very well."
It seemed she had grasped at least part of Ira’s message.
With renewed determination, she turned her gaze to the gathered leaders, standing tall.
"Then, regarding the rebellious territories, what are your opinions?"
Her voice rang loud and clear, filled with the confidence of a ruler.
Something had changed in her. From that moment forward, she was different.
- Writer
