#889 Democracy’s Power

It’s still me, Ritheseus.

Well, I kind of saw this coming.

Typically, it always ends up in a battle, given the way things usually unfold.

Good thing I did some light training and stretched before coming here. 

I wouldn’t want to pull a muscle in the heat of the moment.

“Y-Y-Y-Y-Your Majesty! Such barbarity at a ball is unprecedented!”

“Why not? It serves as an excellent diversion.”

The Demon King and some haughty, noble-looking fellow are in conversation.

The noble, a middle-aged man, is drenched in sweat, clinging desperately to the Demon King.

He must be in charge of organizing tonight’s ball.

Sorry for messing up your program on such short notice.

But don’t worry, this should be over soon. Then, we can return to the elegance and tranquility of the ball.

“Prepare yourself, feeble human...!”

My opponent... what was his name again? Rogodias, I think, a large man, is ready for battle, discarding his jacket and cracking his knuckles.

“You’re actually going to fight yourself, Mr. President? Is this some kind of conspiracy? Planning to make me punch the king of a neighboring country and then execute me for it?”

“Relax, I’m not that sneaky. The Demon King and I have an agreement – whatever happens in this fight, no one is to be blamed.”

“Let’s hope you don’t regret that generosity...!”

Rogodias tenses up.

His muscles bulged, popping the top button of his shirt.

This is all too cliché...

I, on the other hand, stand ready in my formal ball attire, tie and all.

“Hmph, foolish human. For a mere human to challenge a demon... Only a hero with some annoying skills might pose a challenge. And I know you’re no hero. I’ll just pummel you and demonstrate our racial superiority.”

“You’re mistaken again,” I say. “There is no superiority or inferiority between humans and demons... or any species, for that matter. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.”

“Gubwahahaha! Are you preparing your excuse for when you lose with that clever sophism of yours? Tell me then, what are humans good at that they can challenge the mighty Rogodias?”

Let’s see...

Well, there are many things, but for now, let’s demonstrate this particular point.

“...Democracy, maybe?”

“Huh? What’s that?”

As expected, the unfamiliar concept catches the demon off guard.

“It’s a new way of thinking among humans. Our nation is now governed based on this principle.”

“I see... Let’s see how powerful this demon-cranky or whatever is! Whatever puny trick humans have come up with won’t work against a demon like me!!!”

As if to say that the time for talk is over, the giant demon attacks.

It seems that, just as his appearance suggests, he’s primarily a power fighter who specialize in physical combat.

In contrast, I’m rather slim and small. 

I must look like an easy target to a burly guy like him. He probably thinks he can crush me in one blow.

“Die nowwwwwwwwwwww!!!”

However, I have democracy on my side!

Watch my secret weapon...

“Democracy Punch!”

“Gugh!”

Rogodias, charging at me, was flung back even faster in the opposite direction. 

He couldn’t even brace himself after I punched his face.

He bounced like a ball.

“What?! How can I, of all demons, be blown away by a puny human’s frail arms?! How can I, the largest in the Demon King’s Army, be helpless?!”

“Democracy Kick!”

“Ugh!”

I won’t let up.

To demonstrate the great power of democracy, I unleash its full force!

“Democracy Chop! Democracy Headbutt!”

“Ugh?! Gah?!”

“Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy, Democracy!!!”

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!”

He’s sent flying, marked by the barrage of my democratic onslaught.

Thankfully, the fight has moved to the palace courtyard.

Had we stayed in the ballroom, the ceiling would’ve been destroyed, ruining the Demon King’s palace. 

Moving the location was a wise choice.

“Oof!”

I catch Rogodias mid-air.

Even though we’re in the courtyard, this is still the Demon King’s domain. The well-kept garden is in full bloom with roses, and it won’t do to let Rogodias’s (still alive) body crash and ruin it.

“Take him to the medical room. Or a hospital.”

I hand over the bulky man’s body to the castle guards, not wanting to carry him any longer.

The noble demons who attended the ball witnessed everything.

“Beaten so one-sidedly...?!”  

“I heard Lord Rogodias was a promising officer from the Malicious-Holy Sword lineage...! A true embodiment of brute strength, even a contender for the next Heavenly Four...!”  

“That elite soldier, completely bewildered, suffered a defeat...?!”

Was that his standing?  

Should I have given him more of a chance and let him have his moment, then?

Either way, I’d win in the end.

“Heh, did you see the power of the new and young Human King?”

Demon King... 

It’s not Human King, it’s Human President.

“Humans are not to be underestimated. Even in these few seconds, you must have deeply understood that.”  

“...”

Silent nods from the ball attendees.

“We only won the war due to luck and because the former Human Kingdom lacked proper reasoning. Our victory hinged on such factors, but now, there’s no flaw in the resurrected Human Kingdom that could justify their defeat. Ignoring this and waging war again would make us, the demons, the ones lacking reason. And who knows which side the goddess of victory will smile upon then.”

Everyone is captivated by the Demon King’s speech.  

No one can interject.  

Sure, my overwhelming victory played a part, but those who can speak to the heart are truly first-class leaders.

“Let no one think that just because we’ve won once, we’ll win again easily. This complacency should have been shattered by today’s battle with Lord Ritheseus. A strong neighbor should be a friend, offering two kinds of reassurance: one, that they won’t become an enemy, and two, that we can face challenges together.”

He’s such a natural at this.

Everyone’s all ears.

This is what leaders have to do: seize every opportunity to guide.  

Definitely a learning experience for me.

“And now, I am overjoyed to announce that my subordinate, Eryngear, will be marrying. It’s a personal matter but significant for our two nations. As a Demon King, I wholeheartedly bless their union!”

Thunderous applause follows his announcement.

I feel that my marriage to Eryngear will likely progress well, a step forward for our world.

“Wait just a minuteeeeeeeeeee!!!”

But just when I thought all was settled, an unexpected objection arose!

“I cannot accept this marriage! Ritheseus is to marry ME!!!”

Who might they be?!  

Ah, that familiar face - it’s Lady Shaymiri!

A demoness from a distant island, far from the mainland.  

I had been involved with her during some allegiance issues with the mainland before!

“Good timing that I came here! I’ve had my eye on Ritheseus’s talents, too! I’ll take him back as the future ruler of the Demon Isle!!!”

Lady Shaymiri still hasn’t given up on me?!

And here comes Eryngear’s retort!

“Don’t joke with me! You saw it; His Majesty himself has blessed our marriage! Don’t you dare barge in now!!!”  

“Huh? I’m of higher status than you, duh! If you want to strengthen ties with the Human Kingdom, it should be someone like me who marries! A mere soldier should gracefully step aside!”  

“High status? That’s exactly why he can’t marry you and leave for the Demon Isle! Ritheseus is the most important person in the Human Kingdom! He can’t just become a son-in-law! Think about the concept of status moreeeeee!!!”  

“Ngh!”

The two beauties quarreled over me.

High-ranking demons witnessed their actions at the ball, and my reputation spread even further as a result. 

A word from the Demon King, representing his people, “Hahaha, being popular with the ladies is also a necessary trait for a top ruler! Ritheseus is indeed a promising leader for the future!!!”

And so, my fame echoed throughout the Demon Kingdom.  

Maybe this will also contribute to human-demon harmony?