Ira, the trusted agent
940 Words
"Miss Seranata, inform your subordinates to issue a final ultimatum to the Lizardmen territory, demanding they pay all the taxes owed before the end of winter. After that, deal with the Centaur and Medusa territories," Ira commanded. While Satanye was still in a daze, Ira took up the responsibility of overseeing the plan. He looked at Seranata and continued, "As I said earlier, attacking the Medusa directly is a poor choice."
So, Ira's decision was...
"Then, let's attack together. Kill the lords of those territories or make them completely submit to the Demon Lord's domain. We must also find ways to strengthen our control and prevent further betrayal," Ira said indifferently, in his usual calm manner.
Seranata smiled and gave a curtsey, signaling that she understood what to do.
"Black Knight, Insectman, Headless Knight, Construct, and Selina, I leave the coordination of the battle forces to you... but perhaps the Succubus doesn't need to participate," Ira casually added. Based on his prior understanding of these creatures, he devised the strategy for the battle, saying, "If they re-submit, that would be ideal. But if they gather forces to resist, we'll rely on you all."
"Of course, I will participate as well," Ira added. While his words might have seemed somewhat overstepping—after all, it was Satanye's role to issue such commands—no one minded this.
"Ah, really?" "Are we going to fight alongside you?" "I never imagined this day would come," the others exclaimed in surprise.
Everyone seemed genuinely excited, as they never expected they would fight side by side with Ira Elkaras. Ira was a living legend, his name synonymous with fear and respect. His status and reputation were widespread, and he was regarded as one of the few elite figures in the world.
To put it in game terms, Ira would be one of the rare SSR characters from the Empire faction, a figure both feared and revered.
If Ira were an enemy, he would be an overwhelming terror. Very few would dare confront him head-on. His name alone could silence even the bravest of monsters in the controlled territories.
But as an ally?
It was a completely different story. Just like when a nightmare-like character like Mikayla’s Marnenya becomes a player’s companion, it would be an unexpected joy.
"Kill them? Well..." the Black Knight Captain said, sighing lightly. Known as "Little Black," the Black Knight was generally considered a kind-hearted leader. He added, "I hope they can repent."
"Little Black," the Headless Knight Captain reminded. Upon hearing this, the Black Knight realized his words may not have been appropriate. He sighed and said, "They never formally declared their rebellion; they just... stopped listening."
But for a kingdom under a king’s leadership, that was more than enough to warrant a death sentence.
Much like how Ira escaped the Empire... although Isabella rescinded the arrest order, it was hard to say if it was an apology or just a sign of weakness. After all, when she was king, Isabella was a cold and rational ruler.
"We won't cause excessive bloodshed," Ira said simply.
"If we can't make the traitors fearful and force them to submit, they will betray us again," Rainbow Shell, the Insectman leader, offered a different opinion. Even the Black Knight, who was reluctant to engage in too much killing, reluctantly agreed with Rainbow Shell's view.
"Just build the roads," Ira said casually, noting the puzzled expressions around him. He continued, "The more convenient the transportation and information, the harder and more costly betrayal will be."
Seeing that no one seemed to fully understand, Ira sighed and prepared to elaborate further.
"No, no, no! Ira, if you start explaining, we'll be talking about lunch soon! Just tell us what to do!" Vera interjected, showing an understanding of Ira's innovative approach. She then asked, "But why didn’t you mention me before? Is my Undead Army not good enough for you?"
Ira paused, surprised, and asked, "The Undead Army? You?"
His words, almost unintentionally, seemed to dismiss Vera's idea.
"Under the ground! Under the ground!" Vera replied confidently, as if showing off a toy. "As long as I provide mana, the skeleton army will appear!"
"Mana? Well, forget it." Ira sighed, fully aware of Vera's limited mana reserves. He glanced around at the expectant faces of the leaders.
"Then, it's decided. Let's use crimson blood to reforge Satanye’s majesty!" Ira's voice carried a chilling command, making the leaders, who had witnessed him on the battlefield as an enemy, feel a shiver. But almost immediately, they were swept up in a sense of joy. Ira was on their side now! They were invincible!
"Yes, yes, yes! For Demon Lord Satanye!" "We know the enemy's fate!" "Ira... He's amazing! We can't lose!"
The leaders were filled with excitement.
However, Satanye, still unsure, hesitated. "But, Ira, didn't you say earlier...?" She meekly asked, looking at Selina with a pleading expression, "If this is bad for the Demon Lord's domain, we could still refrain from punishing the traitors, right?"
Satanye truly was a cute ruler.
"Hm?" she looked up as Ira gently patted her head, unsure of how to respond.
"That doesn’t matter. You are the Demon Lord, Satanye," Ira explained, looking her directly in the eyes. "Even if you want to pluck the stars from the sky, we'll bring them to you. And the ones we face are just weak crawlers."
Satanye felt an overwhelming pressure from Ira's leadership aura. It was clear why Isabella had resisted the temptation to abdicate, but for some reason, her tail wagged happily.
It felt so easy, for the first time, to be a ruler.
- Writer
