A Hundred Year Changes

Heiness told me about there being an alliance which was formed by the surviving heroes. When I first arrived here in this world, I learned at that time that the nations were not united as they were now. Each had their own motives in their movements and choices.

Some wanted to improve their economy by making connections to other countries, but didn't provide much for aid against the demon king's army. While some were blatantly hostile, waiting for the opportunity to take over the land, increasing their territory.

At most, the one with the closest ties were the northernmost nation, and the southernmost. The northern nation was the one to successfully summon heroes from another world, formerly known as the Olaian Kingdom, now known as the Teruma Empire. I can pretty much guess who was at the reins of that empire. This empire was now basically the head of the alliance. And the furthest away from me. What a shame.

Then, the kingdom I'm currently at was still called the Kels Kingdom. This nation was once the one who needed the most help in the past, and that was why we the heroes were stationed here. Reason was that the demons came from the south. Thus, Kels Kingdom was the most imminent to be destroyed.

If we were to put a compass between Teruma Empire — it irks me to even utter that name — and Kels Kingdom, then to the west was the country now called the Stella Kingdom, formerly known as the Nivek Empire. It was quite a large country in the past, the one I mentioned that was willing to take advantage of the crisis to take land and expand their territory.

Then to the east was the Haruto Kingdom — ugh, criiiiiinge. None of us were japanese, you know, so you might have an idea what kind of person was ruling it now — it was formerly known as the Zura Republic, the opportunistic bunch in the past. But that republic system of theirs was changed by the hero who took control.

There were also a few smaller countries ruled by heroes. However, those four were the largest and I had to be wary of. I'm surprised those big four had not consolidated all those smaller countries into theirs.

As for how these happened, not long after the death of the demon king, a war suddenly erupted. They were spearheaded by the surviving heroes. Of course, there was no way for the nations to defend themselves against the ones who defeated the demon king, and it was so sudden that others could barely prepare for their attack.

I wondered why the war started. But what Heiness learned was that they rose up against the government to stop the oppression to the people and bring proper peace by uniting all nations. Wow, how noble.

I'm sure they just want to play kings and queens.

That aside, I wonder if some were still able to go back home. I would like to know how.

"So, were there heroes that were able to leave this world?" I asked the two knights.

"We… it was not explicitly told… but there were a few records of heroes disappearing before and during the revolution."

That's it, huh? Disappearance could mean a lot of things. So I couldn't get much essential information about returning to my world. But if it's during the revolution, I imagine some were just killed somewhere.

"I see. So, have the "heroes" wiped out the entirety of demon kind?"

Why did I ask? Well, I'm just thinking of doing a few things if it would be useful.

"I read that there were a staggering amount of casualties."

"But that would also mean that they are close to being an endangered species… But at the moment, I heard no news about them."

Well, if they had a good hiding place and if a lot escaped, then they should be doing fine at the moment. But of course, something might have happened, so there's a chance they were pretty much dead or useless now. That being said, demons are generally stronger than normal humans, so their chances of survival were high.

"By the way, Heiness, you seem to know a lot about the heroes."

She averted her eyes away.

"I… I used to read a lot about them when I was little, and they became my role model as I grew."

"The great heroes who slayed the demon king and saved humanity. The paragon of justice and bringer of peace. Are those what they are described as? Or something close?"

"... Yes, something like that."

That almost made me laugh.

"Neolen, do you also see them that way?"

"Master, to be honest, I only see them as remarkable individuals. Their skills and abilities were something to be lauded... But I guess they were good people."

"Huh…"

I leaned my back on the chair.

"I'm impressed they managed to accumulate that much good reputation. But I guess having the word "hero" attached to their names contributed a lot to that reputation. But, what a load of crap."

Disdain was evident on my face. The two knights appeared to shrink as they saw how displeased I was.

"Those bastards are pieces of shit that only care about their own survival when they're pushed to a corner. Willing to sacrifice someone with no second thought."

"Master, why do you hate them?" Neolen asked.

"You think they are so pure and noble? Hah! This is like a game to them due to the power they possess. And I assure you, once that image of a game they have disappears, despair will consume their minds and hearts. It happened once… in that cave."

Heiness's eyes widened as she looked at me.

"Do you mean, that time when they entered that place and declared you dead?"

"The place where I was subjected to indescribable torment which felt like it lasted for an eternity. They offered my life to save theirs… but now, I will take theirs."

Heiness had a conflicted expression on her face as she looked down.

"I… I thought… they were the incarnation of justice, and paragon of goodness... Heroes."

She looked to be heartbroken at the realization.

"But they're still heroes, in your and other's perspective, but they're just not good heroes."

"Even so… I upheld that belief my entire life… they inspired me to become a knight."

She grasped her own hand tightly.

"That is quite a surprise. So I suppose they're not so different from bad government officials," Neolen said, but he didn't look hurt that much.

It looked like he was just fascinated about it. So he doesn't care much about anything, huh. Most likely just his own.

"In any case, I want to know about you, Heiness."

"M-Me?"

"Yes, tell me about your family for starters."

"... Um, yes."

She was from Zeres household, and daughter of an Earl. However, she was born from the second wife of the Earl. Apparently, Kels men can now have multiple wives at the same time, it wasn't like that in the past. And Heiness was the eldest child from the second wife.

Furthermore, she also has a younger brother from the same mother. The same as her, he was striving to become a knight, and thus joined the Knights Academy. In contrast, she also has a fiance, but the marriage was still being worked on.

Hm, could I have her come back and act as my spy or something? Need to think about that. However, she was already too pale, so who knows what others will think. But maybe something can be done about it.

"Tell me about this academy."

"Yes. When a child reaches the age of thirteen, they can enroll in the academy where upon graduation, they can become knights after four years. They will be taught magic and swordsmanship, there is also archery, spearmanship, depending on what the student wants to learn."

"Huh… Was the king the one who proposed that?"

"Yes, later when he first sat on the throne."

"Only nobles?"

"There are commoners, but they need to be under a scholarship."

"Let's see. It might be fun…."

The two of them looked puzzled as to what I was thinking to be fun.

"That aside, Heiness, I want to ask something… but, before that, I'll have you know that I intend to wreck what those heroes built."

"Yes, master. I expect it will come to that."

"But, are you willing to kill your brother to follow me?"

"..."

She was unable to answer, as though she was mulling over what she should say. I needed to make sure, I needed to at least hear it from her mouth first.

I don't want her encountering her brother and end up not killing him if ordered so, or if he stands in our way. Then in some miracle, or some bullshit to be exact, she just goes on to try and kill me, rambling that she now has "freedom" and will kill me for the world or something.

Then, with her brother or old colleagues, they fight me to the death. Then by the power of FRIENDSHIP, they were able to kill me.

Power of friendship, how absurd. But of course, my link to her was absolute, so she cannot be free. But, it's not like my link forces them to do something, they were intelligent undead after all. It was more like that their minds were adjusted to have utmost loyalty to me, and thus cannot disobey my wishes — meaning they have a will of their own, but influenced.

I can command her to kill herself, and she would. If I say something was white, then it is white even if it's black.

But at the moment, she found herself hesitating, perhaps her former human side had influence in her hesitation. She may hesitate, but everything will still end up the way it's supposed to be and she shall carry what was needed of her.

"...Master, if it's for you, if my brother gets in our way, I will kill him."

I understand this must be somewhat hard, but I had no kind hearted sympathy left to spare if it meant leaving those who stand in my way alone.

"I will trust you on that."

Heiness bowed her head deeply.

"Yes."

"What about you, Neolen, anyone you hesitate to strike down?"

"Hmmm… I couldn't think of anyone, master."

Can this guy perhaps be somewhat heartless while he was alive, or just doesn't care much about anything else. That said, he was very brave when he faced me. Perhaps he does care about some, but he wouldn't find himself hesitating.

Maybe Heiness was just soft.

"Okay…"

I stood up.

"Alright, then lead the way to the nearby village."

"Yes, master."

As we were about to walk, I stopped.

"Wait. I have something to address."

This was just something personal.

"You, know, you referring to me using the word "master" just doesn't sound right…"

It's hard to explain, it just felt wrong. Like, that word was not right for me.

"You do not like the word "master?" Heiness asked.

"Something like that, can we use another word?"

"Um, Lady?" Heiness suggested.

"Eh, a bit better, but there must be something…?"

"What about "Mistress"?" Neolen said.

"Ooooh, Mistress, that sounds grand, especially when I'm referred to as such."

It sounded like some big shot. Mistresss, you know, with all that "s''. Sounds good. It means superior, but it has another meaning though. You know, that word also means another girl getting it on with a husband who still has a wife.

Like why? I mean, why use the same word? Can't the world just not do that to the word "mistress"? You already have the word "paramour" for that! Ugh, whatever, mistress was good enough.

I could have them call me by name, but that wouldn't work with our relationship. It must be shown that I'm higher. Plus, it feels good to be a master of some minions.

"Good job, Neolen! I like it."

"Hehe, thank you, Mistress."

"Hm hm, Excellent! Alright let's go and take some life force!"