GalaxyTL
The punishment we decided on, as expected, received a fierce backlash from the humans. Apparently, our decision to not only avoid execution, but even provide them with normal food, clothing, and shelter, was far removed from human common sense.
“Do you even realize how much it’ll cost to guarantee them food, clothing, and shelter!?”
“Hah? If you consider the fact that we’ll be able to use them, free of charge, as personnel for investigating the abolition of the slave system, and that they’re the main culprits, so we’ll be able to resolve things quickly, the labor costs will be significantly reduced… It’ll all balance out, won’t it?”
“I-It won’t be easy keeping an eye on them! What if they rebel…?”
“Hmm, we’ll export magic tools from the Demon Continent. Abolishing the slave system is an issue we also need to address on the Demon Continent. We’ll provide that much aid.”
The human officials kept objecting, one after another, but Dad and Father-sama refuted each and every one. They’re impulsive and don’t listen, but at times like these… They’re so reliable.
“I-It sets a bad precedent! If this is allowed, there might be more criminals in the future, thinking that they too will be forgiven…”
“All the citizens are demanding their execution! This might lead to a riot!?”
It’s true, that is a problem. There are so many humans. If the unsatisfied citizens riot, we won’t stand a chance.
“Hmm, then we shall broadcast my voice and image throughout the country. I’ll give a speech. State that this incident is an exception. We can also publish special editions for those in remote areas. They won’t complain if they know it was a special exception granted by the Demon King himself. It’ll also serve as a warning for those thinking of following in their footsteps. Rumors will quickly spread, if many people hear it.”
“W-why does that magic tool exist…!?”
So Father-sama will be doing it himself. It’s definitely the most effective approach. Even if it was the emperor’s decision, it might not be enough to stop a rebellion. But they’ll be convinced that even the emperor had no choice but to obey the Demon King. It’ll at least significantly reduce the possibility of a riot within the country.
“Indeed. I wanted to keep a record of my daughter’s growth! It was just recently developed! I’d never imagined it would be useful in a place like this!”
He’s talking about the camera, video recorder, and screen, I’m sure. I’m so glad Father-sama’s frivolous inventions came in handy! I wonder if it’s okay for me to ignore the soldiers turning pale and muttering, “So the organization chose to pick a fight with a doting father like that…”
And so, they steadily discussed the details, and just a few days later, the nationwide broadcast happened. “Nationwide broadcast,” a term coined by Dad, of course.
But some voiced concerns about how it might make the citizens direct their frustrations towards the Demon Continent. But—
『Not only was my beloved daughter kidnapped, but you humans were the ones who broke the taboo, targeting those of the Demon Continent. If this were any other time—we would retaliate. …But we will back down. If you can accept our decision, regarding the punishment for these criminals.』
—This, very Demon King-like speech should take care of it. I don’t know, don’t want to know, and am trying to forget about the long passage after that, about how his daughter has the heart of an angel despite everything.
And for some reason, I was dragged into it, at the end. Just one line? H-Hey, tell me sooner!? I frantically tried to recall memories from my office worker days that seem to be fading into the distant past. Remember that time, when you were suddenly asked for your opinion during a meeting…！
『Um, nice to meetchu… I’m Meg. Um, you might not agwee with the decision… but I think it’s necesshary, so we don’t repeat the same twagedy. So I’d be gwateful if you could undeshtand!』
It seems like my heart temporarily regressed back into that of a child, because of the extreme nervousness. Basically, I messed up. Uwaaah! I’m such a weak little girl when it matters most!
But maybe that actually worked in our favor because they’re now saying there’s a real angel on the Demon Continent. I’ll find out about that much later, though.
『As you can see, my daughter is an angel. But I do not intend to ask you to suppress your feelings towards those criminals.』
Father-sama gently patted my head and continued. The bragging was unnecessary, but I agree with his next words.
『I cannot stop you, if you were to express your distrust when you encounter them. I would ask that you avoid any physical violence, however.』
That’s right, we never said to forgive them.
『I cannot bind your hearts. It is also your right to not forgive them.』
And so Father-sama concluded his speech, stating that all they had to do was accept this decision. Those were good words. Father-sama’s points have gone up!
The emperor then gave his speech, and the nationwide broadcast ended, but… I wonder if it reached everyone? And was the message conveyed properly? I was anxious until we received a report from the soldiers. Ah, of course it was a huge success! Even though they’d sent out a notice about the nationwide broadcast, there was apparently a huge commotion. Well, of course. It’s a magic tool that’s never been seen before, even on the Demon Continent. It can’t be helped that humans who aren’t used to magic would make a fuss.
“I apologize for having you involved with the post-incident processing. But it was a big help. I’m grateful.”
Once things had settled down a bit, the emperor actually came to Dad’s room. Is that okay, Emperor!? But his guards seemed used to it, so it seems like this has become normal. Dad…
“We were supposed to say goodbye that time, but to think I’d be asking for this much from you… We’ll be able to take care of everything else from here. But you even gave us magic tools for the nationwide broadcast… Are you sure it was okay?”
“I don’t mind. So next time we visit, you are to welcome us.”
“That’s… only natural. It’s not really a reward, but… how about this. We will welcome anyone recommended by Zahariash-dono. No matter how many generations pass.”
Time flows differently for humans and us. So that’s a promise that’ll be passed down for generations of emperors. We won’t know for sure until it actually happens, but I can feel the sincerity!
The emperor and Father-sama firmly shook hands. “You should also visit the Demon Castle sometime,” Father-sama said, and the emperor, who seemed a bit happy about that, looked like a young man his age. Yeah, it’s good to be able to make that kind of expression! Thanks to this incident, this country and the Demon Continent have taken a step towards each other. We have to think of the good things too.
“Ah, and there’s one more thing… a personal request.”
The emperor then offered his hand to Dad, who said this as he scratched his head.
“This kid… Licht… could you arrange it so he can meet with the female adventurer, Seravis, every now and then?”
“Eh, is that… okay…?”
Licht, surprised at hearing his name out of the blue, asked this.
“Yeah, you said she’s your lifesaver. Practically your parent. I’ll arrange it if you wish.”
“Ah, thank you very much…! Please!”
Licht, his cheeks flushed, bowed his head happily. Yeah, thank goodness…！
“You’ll have to be supervised during the visit, but… I’ll try to have the same person there each time. It’ll be easier for you, if the same person’s listening in on your conversations.”
The emperor, placing a hand on his chin, said this. It’s true that if the guards are different each time, what we talk about will spread. I want to believe that it wouldn’t leak outside, but… I’m grateful for their consideration.
“Eugene-dono, do you have anyone you know? It would be best if it was someone you’re acquainted with…”
“No, he’ll be a knight, won’t he? I don’t really know anyone in the knights.”
A knight? Ah, now that I think about it, I do have someone in mind. Let’s see, that person is…
“Liger-san! From the Eastern Knights!”
“Hmm? You know Liger? …Ah, now that you mention it, I did hear about something like that.”
Apparently, he’d also been told about that time, when I healed his wound, including how I was seen teleporting. He’d said he was wondering because my hair color didn’t match what they’d heard. I’m not surprised!
“Liger is trustworthy, and he can keep a secret. If it’s a request from Meg-dono, his benefactor, I’m sure he’ll be happy to do it.”
The emperor smiled and nodded, saying he’d put in a word. That’s good! I’m sure he’ll be relieved to repay the favor. And I’m glad because I don’t have anyone else to ask!