#670 The Ultimate Hard Worker

Lucife Focale, Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom, speaking.

A fool has once again come to waste my time while I’m drowning in piles of political work.

Our former lord... Great Demon King Baal.

“Hey, Lucife Focale, let’s go and conquer a castle.”

“If you want war, start with a coup and overthrow your son.”

Well, I’ll do everything in my power to stop that, though.

Under Demon King Zedan’s reign, the kingdom has become much more stable and prosperous than it was when you were still in power. 

So even if his retired predecessor shows up now, trying to stir up trouble, as the current Prime Minister, I’ll do my best to stop you. 

And while I’m at it, I’ll subjugate you lawfully and settle my decade-long grudge.

Looking at my fierce eyes, the Great Demon King quickly corrects himself. 

“No, you misunderstand! It’s a sport-like siege, not a serious one!” 

“Sieges as a sport...that’s a sign of troubled times.”

As the prime minister of a nation, I thought the world was moving toward peace, but was I wrong?

Is this the Degenerate Age?

“No, there’s no bloodshed or danger of dying. We simply siege the castle!”

“Ah, so you apply tactics?” 

“Spoken just like a true prime minister!”

By investigating the besieged enemies, we pick out those easily swayed to our side and make them double-cross.

Even if they don’t obey, spreading rumors of their betrayal will create distrust and discord among those inside the castle.

If we attack during this time of disunity, even the toughest of defenses can be easily breached.

This is what we call a bloodless siege.

“Noooo! Ugh, explaining this is such a hassle, so I’ll get straight to the point. There’s this place called Orkubo’s Castle, okay?!”

“Orkubo’s Castle?”

Did such a fortress exist in the Demon Kingdom and the former Human Kingdom? 

After listening to the explanations from the Great Demon King, I finally understand what this “Orkubo’s Castle” really is. 

In short, it’s a playground disguised as a castle.

It’s a casual game where challengers compete to see who can avoid getting disqualified by various non-lethal traps.

If it’s just a game, he should have said so from the beginning instead of using scary words like “castle siege,” which leads to misunderstandings.

“Normally, nobody would really think of doing a real castle siege, you know. You’re just too serious.”

“It’s precisely because I’m serious that your reign didn’t fall apart. Please don’t forget that.”

“In the end, I was forced to abdicate, so it’s the same as having my reign fall apart, right?”

That’s right.

But unlike you, who is now out of power, I, the Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom, have no time to play.

So please go home before I call the sentinels.

“That’s why I’m saying let’s go play at Orkubo’s Castle together.”

“You...!!!”

Didn’t I just say that I have no time to play?! 

As it is, I already have more administrative duties to take care of on behalf of His Majesty than any other retainer.

There’s no way I could just leisurely play around like you do.

I’m different from a freeloader like you.

Learn to take a hint!

“Don’t worry. Zedan himself goes to Orkubo’s Castle every year.”

“His Majesty does?!” 

Come to think of it!

During this time of the year, the Demon King has been absent for the past few years. Has he been actually indulging in some foolish pastime?!

“He says it’s a good opportunity to interact with the common people. He believes that the correctness of his policies is reflected in their everyday lives. Boring guy, right? He should just enjoy himself without trying to justify it with pseudo-intellectual reasoning.”

“I think you should be thinking about things other than just having fun...!”

However, as expected of the great ruler Lord Zedan, he has profound thoughts even on trivial matters.

Unlike the idiot in front of me...!

“Come on. Why don’t you come with me to Orkubo’s Castle to confirm the correctness of your own policies by having fun together?”

“No, thank you.”

“But we went to the hot spring inn last year and rekindled our old friendship. I thought you’d gladly accept this time too?”

Well, if I have any free time, I’d rather soak in the hot spring to relieve the stress from work.

Nothing beats that when it comes to soothing your aching bones from the stress of administrative work.

I’ve been going to the ryokan every month since last year. In fact, I’m planning to go there early this month if I can finish my work on time!

* * *

Thus, driving away the persistent Great Demon King who kept clinging to me... all happened around autumn.

Since then, a major change has hit the entire nation.

The Human Kingdom was buried in deep snow, causing transportation in various regions to come to a standstill.

After winning the war, the Human Kingdom is now under our demon race’s rule.

Being a ruler comes with a grave responsibility, so we received a request from the army’s Occupation Office to provide support without hesitation.

I was the one who oversaw the distribution of resources, which made me absurdly busy, almost abnormal even.

By the time we managed to clear away the snow and made progress in the recovery work, I was exhausted and feeling faint.

I want to soak in the hot spring as soon as possible...!

“Demon Kingdom Prime Minister Lucife Focale. Your work this time was outstanding. As I thought, your assistance is still essential for political affairs. I’m disgraceful as the Demon King.”

I received praise directly from Demon King Zedan himself.

What laudable words...!

If this is the ruler who now dominates this world with such self-restraint, I can pledge my loyalty with peace of mind...!

“It was anticipated that the heavy snowfall would cause severance of various highways and lead to many isolated villages, but thanks to Lord Saint’s efforts, the situation has been greatly improved. In addition, your office’s support has been delivered smoothly to the affected areas, and everyone can spend the winter with peace of mind.”

“I am humbled by your praise. However, everything is thanks to Your Majesty’s revered greatness. My own meager abilities and the efforts of others are only effective because we are all under Your Majesty’s guidance.”

“The fact that I have good retainers supporting me is everything. When I forget the importance of this, my reign crumbles beneath my feet.”

What a well-disciplined demon king he is. 

I want a certain idiot to learn from him...!

“However, I’m afraid, Your Majesty, that it is too early to think everything has been settled.”

“What do you mean?”

“All events happened far from here. Governor Malvastos always sends the latest and most detailed information and fulfills his duty as a local commander brilliantly. However, there are always things that can’t be fully grasped with hearsay alone.”

“You mean to say I must check the situation with my own eyes?”

“If it’s just a small matter, Your Majesty can leave it to each responsible person. However, it has become an important matter of this scale...”

One must verify the truth of the matter with their own eyes, not just rely on reports.

If His Majesty himself visits, the locals will be encouraged, leading to further loyalty to the Demon Kingdom.

“That’s reasonable. As expected of the Demon Kingdom Prime Minister, your suggestions are always filled with deep consideration for me.”

“Generous words, Your Majesty...!”

“Let’s schedule a visit to the former Human Kingdom for a natural disaster inspection immediately. We should also contact Governor Malvastos at the Occupation Office beforehand.”

With this, we should be able to completely control the natural disasters in the former Human Kingdom.

Demon King Zedan’s worldwide domination has only just begun. We can’t afford to stumble over something like this.

...I’ve done all I can on this matter.

Oh how it’s been a while since I’ve had such a tight schedule.

I’ve cut my sleep time to the bare minimum and managed to get everything done. Now, I’ll just go to the hot spring ryokan to relieve my fatigue.

It’s been days since I’ve had a day off...!

“Well then, Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait.”

The Demon King stopped me as I was respectfully leaving.

“Prime Minister, why don’t you come with me to inspect the area?”

“Pardon? Are you ordering me to accompany you on your journey, Your Majesty?”

“The important thing is to see it with your own eyes, as you said. Besides, you’re also one of the most important people in our nation as the prime minister of the Demon Kingdom. I’d like to see how the current Human Kingdom looks through your keen insight.”

“Uu...!”

When he said that, I felt like my own words were cornering me...!

What about my long-deserved day off after 37 consecutive days of work...?!

“Also, I just received some interesting information. It seems that Orkubo’s Castle, which was thought to be canceled due to heavy snow, will still be open to the public. They have come up with something creative.”

Did that come from that fool, the Great Demon King?

“This is a great opportunity. Prime Minister, why don’t you participate in that festival? As for me, I plan to conquer all the obstacles and climb the main tower this year! Aim for the highest-level course!”

Even though I rejected the invitation from his stupid father, his sensible son is inviting me next...?!

I can’t possibly reject His Majesty’s proposal, too!

And so, as the Prime Minister, I ended up participating in the castle siege, but what awaited me was not just any siege...

...It was a battle!