#805 The Gathered Sumo Wrestlers – The Demons’ POV

My name is Lucife Focale, the Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom.

I hold a hectic position. 

So hectic, in fact, that even if I had three or four clones, it wouldn’t be enough. And yet, here I am again this year.

I’ve found myself at this event called Orkubo’s Castle.

As Prime Minister, I don’t have the time to participate in such recreational activities. If I have any spare time, I should be reviewing bills and policies. Despite that, I’ve ended up taking part once again due to various pressing issues.

First, there’s the sudden establishment of the so-called Human Republic. 

For someone in my position who’s responsible for the policies of the demon race, this news came completely out of the blue.

What’s this all about?

Well, I’ve been pondering over how to handle the old Human Kingdom.

You see, the annexation of this former nation has been a burden for our side until now.

The previous Human King and his obsequious church had governed so irresponsibly that the land was left barren, the people were impoverished, and the territory was hardly appealing.

If anything, we were forced to invest time and effort into rebuilding, and in some cases, we even had to divert our resources, potentially jeopardizing our well-being. It was, to be blunt, a huge liability.

Such was the state of the Human Kingdom when they first came under our army’s control.

Even if the nation was in ruins, we could have squeezed them dry and drained them of every last drop until they benefited us.

However, our ruler, Demon King Zedan, is a compassionate soul.

He would never allow such a cruel reign. Rather, he sought to relieve the Human Kingdom that had been oppressed by the tyrants while also ensuring that the already well-governed Demon Kingdom didn’t suffer the slightest bit. 

Needless to say, the brunt of this balancing act fell upon me.

That’s why the domestic difficulties in the post-war period have been incomparably greater than during the war itself. I’m actually quite impressed I haven’t worked myself to death over these past few years. 

I owe my survival to the hot springs I’ve been frequenting. Without them, I would most definitely be dead a long time ago.

So, integrating the Human Kingdom into the Demon Kingdom has been nothing but a burden. 

If they could stand independently and leave our protection, we would welcome it with open arms.

It would mean one less burden for us. In fact, I wish they’d gain independence as soon as possible.

I would finally be able to recall Governor-General Malvastos, who has been governing the Human Kingdom on behalf of the demon army for so long, back to the homeland.

It’s been a shame to have such a rare talent, hailed as the Fifth of the Heavenly Four, wasted on governing a foreign nation.

This whole situation is just a hassle and offers no benefits whatsoever!

Why did we even conquer this nation in the first place? ...Whoops, I seem to have gotten a bit carried away with my complaints...!

Ahem. In any case, I’m all for establishing this Human Republic, and I’ve decided to visit the Human Kingdom myself to discuss the details.

Unfortunately, this coincided with the yearly hosting of Orkubo’s Castle.

And since Demon King Zedan, who actively participates every single time without fail, decided to attend, I had no choice but to accompany him!

Thus, here I am at Orkubo’s Castle again this year...!

No matter.

I am looking forward to meeting my comrades-in-arms from the Selfless Workaholics.

I’m particularly excited to see Lady Zoth Syra, who I heard recently got married. I haven’t had the chance to congratulate her yet, so I’m planning to take this opportunity to do so.

But it’s kind of impressive, isn’t it? A Prime Minister of the Mermaid Kingdom is on good terms with the Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom.

Then, there’s Lord Silver Wolf, another hard worker who’s undoubtedly a powerhouse as the master of the Adventurers’ Guild.

...The bonds between us hard workers are not to be underestimated.

One can’t help but question if it’s genuinely just and fitting for this world to place the weary and worn-out souls in top positions. Is this really how things should be?

Putting all that aside, here I am at the venue for Orkubo’s Castle today.

I was quite surprised to see that it’s different from last year’s event.

From what I’ve heard, last season was on the verge of cancellation due to an unexpected snowstorm. Yet, with a bold shift in plans, they managed to pull it off in the end.

I suppose they are operating normally this year.

It’s fine either way. After all, I’ve registered again this year.

Not as a spectator, but as a player, mind you!!!

Why am I so enthusiastic about it, you ask?

If I’m going to participate despite being busy, wouldn’t it be better to choose a less physically demanding way to get involved?

Well.

That’s true on one hand.

But on the other hand, I have my reasons for choosing to participate, even if it means exerting the little energy I have left.

This event... Surely, that big-shot Great Demon King Baal is participating!

For him, who keeps harping on about “culture here, culture there” like a fool, such a novel event is like a scrumptious bait.

And since it’s a competition, there’s nothing odd about giving him a good thrashing in public!

I’ve got a heap of grudges piling up since he was king; it’s time to settle them legally!!!

That’s yet another reason I signed up for Orkubo’s Castle.

Come on, Great Demon King!

Show yourself! I’ll beat you up thoroughly this time!!!

Alas, Lord Zedan tells me, “My father is sitting this one out, you know.”

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!

Him?! The Great Demon King?! He usually can’t resist attending parties and festivals, even without an invitation!

Why not this time?!

“He seems to have injured his back. Despite his usual vigor, age has finally caught up with him. You should be careful, too, Prime Minister.”

I AM being carefulllllllllllllll!!

Right now, every part of my body is aching! I have manipulative therapy sessions every week!

Don’t forget, Your Majesty; I’ve been serving since your father’s time!!!

“But, hahahaha...! Prime Minister Lucife Focale, you don’t need to worry! You made it all the way to the tower in Orkubo’s Castle main match before. You’ve set a new record as the oldest finisher!”

That’s because...!

I thought the Great Demon King was in the competition!

I couldn’t bear being eliminated before him, so I gave it my all!

I thought the fewer the people ahead, the higher the chance to find him!

I intended to watch his disgraceful elimination before making a grand exit myself!

I desperately made my way through that wall of terribly fat flesh!

If he wasn’t there from the start, there’s no way I could find that bastard! 

Seriously!!!

“You’ve been manipulated by the Great Demon King all your life, haven’t you, sir?”

Hush, Mamoru of the Heavenly Four, who’s also my companion this year!

Is it just you again?!

Where’s your superior, Belphgamilia?!

“There’s no way he’d come, sir... He said it was bothersome and decided not to come... again.”

Again?! 

For the love of Hades, every single one of them is hopeless!!!

“Well, it’s fine. Since we’re here for the event, let’s enjoy it to the fullest with the people present. I heard the main part of this year’s Orkubo’s Castle is yet to come.”

“Huh? There’s more?”

“Lord Arowana of the Mermaid Kingdom is hosting a sumo wrestling tournament on the same day. It was held in the Mermaid Kingdom last year, but this time, they’ve decided to hold it at Orkubo’s Castle to make it more accessible for humans and demons.”

Hm, I see...! 

So, the plan is to deepen their interactions with the demons and humans, with whom they’ve had little contact until now.

Since ancient times, we’ve been separated from merfolk by the sea, so this is indeed a clever strategy to invigorate our diplomatic relations.

...No, no, I’m getting into work mode again.

Now that I know the Great Demon King isn’t participating, I want to withdraw quickly from this turmoil.

Or at least, from its center.

“Rest assured! I’ve submitted registration papers for both the Prime Minister and myself!” exclaims Lord Zedan.

“YOUR MAJESTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!”

What in the world is he thinking?!

Just when I thought he was a wise ruler, he pulled off an unbelievable blunder!!!

“If the purpose of this event is inter-species interaction, then we, the leaders, should be the first to participate. It’s our duty as political strategists. Once you’re on the sumo ring, enjoy it to the fullest.”

That may be true, but...!

“Forget the small details. You should enjoy a round of sumo wholeheartedly. Once we’re in the ring, I’m just another participant and not some king. Feel free to clash with me with all your might if we happen to match.”

How can I possibly do that, Your Majesty?!

It was awkward enough winning against you during last year’s competition!

I’d rather lose first than face you again!

What?! Lord Arowana is also participating, and he’s the one I should watch?!

I’d like to avoid facing him as well!

But what if the Demon King and Lord Arowana end up fighting, and the match ends awkwardly, affecting future interactions between the Demon and Mermaid Kingdoms?!

Do I have to step in to prevent that?!

Why does it always end up with me having to deal with more troubles?!