A troublesome guy appeared

"O demon king who is doing his best to treason! Bow down before my sword!"

　A nameless hero shouted, clad in shining mithril armor and wielding an over-decorated treasured sword.

　When I came to Clover's west gate after receiving a report that the private army unit that had left to search for me had returned, it was this all of a sudden.

　I ignored the glitter in front of me and pointed my finger at the idiot who brought this guy.

"Why did you bring such a troublesome fellow, you bad dog!"

"I'm crazy, you sukekomashi bastard! Get beaten by your wife and explode! And I'm a wolf!"

　The bad dog, Thorn, my private army commander, bared his fangs and shouted. Behind them, the members of the private army were also cursing me, saying that I was a skeletal machine, an enemy of women, and a worthless Pooh Taro. Hello.

"I've already been hit hard! Kusuha's massive offensive arm to the point of sinking into the ground!"

'Damn! 』

　The private soldiers laughed at me with their voices beautifully harmonized. OK, you want to make me cry for the first time in a while, right?

"If you're brave enough, I'll massage you for the first time in a while."

"If you can do it, do it, Bakabakka!"

"Hey, don't ignore me!"

"Shut up! 』

"Oh yeah..."

　The golden pika is saying something, but I don't have time to care. I take out the iron sword for practice from the storage and prepare it. Thorn and the others also prepared their weapons and entered a battle stance.

"Are you okay with such a cheap weapon? Huh?"

"Temera is enough for practice. If this guy breaks, I'll fight you with a proper sword."

"Don't lick me... don't lick me forever! I'll make you cry!"

"Hahaha, you're the one crying!"

　Thorn swings the magic sword I gave him and dances. Hmm, you're moving faster than the last time I faced you. But it's still late. At this level, interception――the danger perception skill issued a warning.

"Do it!"

　With Thorn's signal, five spears of light flew in, fully releasing their destructive power. The ground shattered with a roar, and the rolled up earth and sand rained down.

"Did you do it!?"

"Flag B"

"Oh!?"

　I instantly transferred behind Thorn and kicked his unprotected buttocks, increasing the cracks. The tip of the toe just sank into the area around the anus. This guy is probably irrecoverable, he's convulsing after wiping his bubbles.

"The captain has been killed!"

"Hey Captain!"

"Because you say unnecessary things like you did it..."

　The remaining members curse Thorne. You guys have no mercy on Thorn, who is fainting while wiping foam from his mouth.

"Well, are you guys prepared?"

"Huh... the captain is the weakest among us private soldiers...!"

"Not the weakest"

"No! The atmosphere is important for this kind of thing! That's why I'm hiding!"

　Kurapika, a fairy, begins to concentrate magic power, and Gary, a lizardman, prepares a magic spear. The other members also prepared their weapons.

"Very well, you can come here. I will show no mercy!"

　Close the distance with a namakura for practice. Apparently, they're coming with the strategy of holding me down in the vanguard and killing me with Kurapika's magic. Then this hand is decided.

"Gya!? Come! The devil is coming! Stop it!?"

"Wow!?"

　He knocks Gary, who wields a magic spear, down with two hits, knocks Homura, a red-skinned demon tribe, who attacks him with a heavy mace made of black steel, into the air with a single blow, and uses divine silver dagger dual-swords to attack the leopard beastman Noir with all his strength. toss away.

"Hahahaha! You were a little late! Eat it, exploding light bullet!"

　Kurapika fired an explosive light bullet with a face that was convinced of his victory, and it hit me directly. A flash of light ran through the clover, and a blast and roar shook the earth.

"I did it! I did it, everyone! I took my revenge!"

"What did you do just now...?"

　Blow away the drifting smoke with wind magic and grab Kurapika's head. If the opponent wasn't me, it might have worked, but unfortunately Kurapika's magic wouldn't even hurt someone with a high POW like me.

Nande!? Intact Nande!?"

"Kuhahaha, did you think I could do something with your magic?"

　Kurapika, whose head was grabbed by the eagle, mustered the last of his energy to concentrate his magical power, but he forcibly took away that magical power with primordial magic.

"Ahhhhhh!?"

　Kurapika, who had all of his magical power stolen, pulled the whites of his eyes and fainted. At the very least, with mercy, I'll restore a little bit of magic power and cover it with a blanket. I'm having some kind of jerky convulsions, but I'll be fine, maybe.

　I thought the Noir I threw away was kind of quiet, but it collided with the castle wall and stretched out. Huh, what a shameless bastard. It seems to have gotten a little stronger, but not yet. It seems like you're forgetting something...?

"Wicked demon king! Prepare yourself!"

"Whoa!? What are you doing, you gold!"

　I was suddenly slashed from behind by a gold pika. What the hell is this guy?

"You are an evil demon lord who wields your power and oppresses innocent citizens! You will be defeated!"

"No, I'm the boss of these guys, or rather, the monarch. In a normal country, if a knight points his blade at the king and attacks him, he'll be executed, right?"

"...that's for sure"

"It's like playing around with each other after understanding various things.It's like a kind of ritual where you hit your high emotions after a long time? That's kind of like that. , the proof is over! So let's go home."

　When I pointed to the road that stretched beyond the west gate, the golden pika tilted its head and started walking towards it――.

"Do you really think that this kind of thing will deceive me!?"

"No, you're pretty good."

　I applaud Kinpika-kun, who turned around and stepped on the ground. Yeah, the current Noritsukkomi was perfect. I think you have talent as an artist.

"For the time being, let's introduce ourselves before slashing.

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry."

　I wonder if the roots are good, Kinpika-kun suddenly lost his momentum and apologized. This should be pushed and pushed.

"What affiliation do you belong to? Let's go to the office for a moment. Give me the weapon."

"Ah, no, it's me."

"Don't worry, I'll listen to what you have to say. Hey, guards, come on."

　A few guards who were taking care of the private army unit run towards us. I pick up the treasured sword from Kinpika-kun, take away the scabbard and put it away. Hmm, it's a pretty good sword, even if it's over-decorated.

"Um, return the sword..."

"No, no, the murder weapon is evidence. I won't confiscate it, and I'll return it properly after the interrogation is over. Let's talk at the office now. Hey, please take care of this guy."

"Yes, yes, I understand."

　I hand over the treasured sword to the Usagi Beastman security guard and take Kinpika-kun to the nearby office. There are several security guard stations in Clover, but of course there are larger stations near the east and west gates that lead to the outside. Right now there aren't many people coming and going, so I'm free, but if more people come and go due to trade in the future, I'm sure there will be more troubles.

　That's why Kinpika is the first person to be taken away as an outsider. It's really fateful that the hero (provisional) who tried to take my life as the first person to commemorate. For the time being, I made him sit on a chair that was placed in the room immediately after entering the staff room, and sat on the chair on the opposite side of the table.

"Well, let me tell you a little story. Let me introduce myself, but my name is Taishi Mitsuba. I am a brave man who has been officially recognized by the Kingdom of Calendil and the Kingdom of Miscronia, and a brave demon who is also recognized as a nation by both countries. He's also the head of state of the Federation, so what about you?"

"I'm Ernest Vilflag..."

　Observe the gold pika who called himself that. He is in his late teens, fair-skinned with chestnut hair and amber eyes, and is a handsome young man with a beautiful face. I think he'd be really pretty if he dressed up as a woman. Is he as tall as I am? Although he wears shining armor that seems to be made of mithril, he is now depressed and sitting in a shoddy chair.

"Ernest Vilflag. Please record it."

"Yes"

　The guard who was standing diagonally behind me replied and started taking notes. I take out two wooden tumblers from the storage on the table and pour cold herbal tea from the pitcher I also took out from the storage.

"Well, let's calm down and take a break. It's herbal tea collected from the Sea of ​​Trees. It's not poisonous, so don't worry."

　Saying that, I drink tea first to prove my statement. The security guard who was waiting behind me was also looking wistful, so I took out a tumbler and poured it over and gave it to him. Ernest also took a tumbler and took a sip of tea.

"Then let me ask you, what is your affiliation?"

"This is the Kingdom of Miscronia..."

"A little more detail. Which guild in which city? Or is it a temple? If you have an ID, show it to me."

"Oh yes, I'm sorry... it's the Keen Gate Vault Temple."

　I inspect the ID card that Ernest-kun took out of his pocket. Yeah, it certainly seems to be the affiliation as he testified.

"I see, that's for sure. Please refrain from this too... Oh, don't worry, I won't take away your ID card. So, about your actions this time... you know it's bad, right?"

"Yes... but,"

"No, no demonstrations, no strikes. They're threatening you with a drawn sword in front of you, and then actually slashing you from behind, you. You're a red-handed criminal of armed intimidation and attempted murder. Well, let's be honest. The Brave Demon Federation is still in the process of developing legislation, so the criminal code is not yet complete.How much crime would it be in the Kingdom of Miscronia?」

"Um, according to the law, the crime of armed threat is a fine of 20 gold coins or 3 months of labor, and attempted murder is 400 gold coins or amputation of one leg. In the case of commoners, their property will be confiscated and their families will also be executed for implication.

　Another guard who was flipping through the pages of a thick book――the code of the Kingdom of Micronia handed down the sentencing that would be applied to Ernest in the Kingdom of Micronia. Wow, it's pretty heavy.

"Actually, I'm married to two princesses of the Kingdom of Miscronia... isn't it strange to treat them like that? They're red-handed."

　Ernest's face, after hearing the charges and sentencing, has gone from pure blue to sallow. picture? I'm innocent of missing a nobleman in the Kingdom of Miscronia? Well, I was a direct request from the royal family, and in the first place, I didn't do anything wrong to get caught or to leave evidence, so maybe a little?

"Ah, um, this is different... I'm a hero, um, to defeat the Demon King."

"No, the Kingdom of Micronia, the Kingdom of Kalendale, and the Kingdom of Geppels have not officially recognized me as a demon lord, nor have I been designated as a subjugation, right?"

　I just confirmed this with Mr. Iru the other day. That's why, there shouldn't be anyone who would openly call me a demon lord and come to subjugate me, but if you still came, this Ernest-kun is either a disappointing guy or a guy who is too naive and easy to deceive. I guess. No, he's a miserable guy either way. He's a sad handsome guy. Yeah.

"No, but God said that there is a divine enemy in the Sea of ​​Trees..."

"You didn't name me, right? It's not a monster somewhere in the Great Sea of ​​Trees, is it? The land where this clover is located is also a land occupied by a dangerous monster that looks like a mass of evil spirits. What is it?"

"Huh? No, because Viscount Kigor and the chairman of Mizra Company are suffering because of the Demon King of the Sea of ​​Trees..."

"We built a highway that crosses the Great Sea of ​​Trees from Clover to the east and west. It's not yet in full operation, but once it's up and running, the caravans traveling between the Kingdoms of Miscronia and Kalendale will no longer have to go through the Kingdom of Goebbels. You won't have to pay customs duties, and you'll be able to come and go faster.Because the trade route will change.Isn't Viscount Kigol and Mizra Company the ones who would be in trouble if the trade route changed?"

"Ah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

　Ernest-kun couldn't say anything back to me, I just got confused when I met him. Or rather, this brave man was able to reach Clover like this.

"You're Ernest, aren't you? You came from Micronia Kingdom, didn't you? Why did you enter Clover from the West Route?"

　If you're coming to Clover from the Kingdom of Micronia, the eastern route should be overwhelmingly faster.

"That route is heavily guarded by the Miscronian Royal Army…only merchants with permits can pass through."

"I see. That's why I entered the Kalendale Kingdom via Geppels Kingdom and came all the way from the west route... wait, isn't the Kalendale Kingdom regulated?"

"No, when I was in trouble about what to do, I met Mr. Thorn and the others by chance... After talking about going to Clover and defeating the Demon King, he asked me to accompany him..."

"That bad dog... I need a tougher punishment later."

　Even in the Kalendale Kingdom, the roads shouldn't have been opened to the public yet, but I thought it was a guide for a bad dog. Shall I shave that bad dog's body for the crime of inviting sickness?

"For the time being, the Keen Gate Vault Temple, Viscount Kigor, and Mizra Company…we will formally protest against the Kingdom of Miscronia."

"yes..."

"So, about your charges... If you think about it normally, you know it's a capital punishment, right? It's only natural that you pointed your blade at the head of state in another country, right?"

"Uh, uh..."

　Ernest is half-bare. No, even if you make such a crying face, it will be troublesome.

"But well, I am the head of this country.

　Ernest raises his face and stares at me with wet eyes. Stop it, I'm straight.

"I will protest against the Kingdom of Miscronia, so I don't know what kind of punishment will be given over there. No. I will tell the other side about that.

"That's right..."

"Um, that's right. That's why I'm going to sentence you to two weeks of labor. If you work at Clover for two weeks, I'll forgive you. Don't worry, I'll treat you like a slave or something like that. I'm not going to do anything. I'll feed you properly and prepare a bed.

"yes"

"Look at this country, or rather, the life of Clover, with your own eyes through labor. On top of that, if you are confident that I am a villainous demon king and point your blade at me, then I will accept it with dignity. Is that okay?"

"...yes!"

　With a clear light of will in his eyes, Ernest replied cheerfully. Yeah, this is the end of the matter. If you're lucky, you'll be brainwashed.

"I'm sorry, but I will keep this sword until you are acquitted. As for the armor... do you have a change of clothes or luggage?"

"Ah, I can use treasure boxes."

"I see...then wouldn't it make sense to keep only this treasured sword?"

　I return the sword to Ernest. He looked back at me with a strange expression.

"Is that ok?"

"If you have a treasure box, there's no point in stealing one weapon. There may be other weapons in the treasure box, and even if you take out all your weapons and hand them over to me, that's all. I can't even prove that.In that case, it's safer to return this treasured sword and share the recognition that you have a weapon.And if you go on a rampage with a weapon..."

"if you do?"

"It's just that I didn't see it. I'll kill you quickly while praying that no one is dead. I'll find your family and loved ones and kill them all. I live in the Federation of Brave Demons. People are my family.

　She shrugged her shoulders and showed a smile. Ernest shivered as if he felt something cold. what is he afraid of

"Well, it won't happen. No one will be happy. Mr. Ernest, I just want to live a quiet and happy life. I want to wipe away all the misfortunes I see and just be happy with my family in this clover." I want to live in. I want to use my strength occasionally to open up the Sea of ​​Trees, make magic tools and other things at will, flirt with my wife, and play with my unborn child. If that's all you want, why won't you let me go?"

　Ernest-kun didn't answer anything to my words and seemed to be thinking deeply. I stand up from my seat and turn my gaze to the security guard who was in charge of recording.

"There are still empty rooms in the guard quarters, right?

"That's fine, but what are you going to do after that?"

"Show him various things and let him do whatever he wants.

"Ryokai. Ah, what about meals?"

"Let me eat properly. I will accept it as an expense, so please report it to Yamato. This is a nuisance charge."

　Hand over the jars of sake to the guards one by one.

"Oh, we are Kouboku? So we can't accept bribes."

"Hahahaha, this is what it is, a bonus from a boss to a subordinate who is working hard. It's a so-called special bonus. So it's not a bribe."

"I see, there's no problem if it's a special bonus from your boss."

"I feel like I'm seeing something I shouldn't be seeing..."

"Ernest-kun, the world doesn't go well with just beautiful things."

　Saying that to Ernest, who has a face that looks like he's swallowing something bitter, he laughs. I was afraid of the stray hero's attack, but fortunately I was able to overcome this without hurting anyone. Come to think of it, wasn't it Thorne's nice play to bring Ernest to Clover instead of leaving him alone? It was me who wanted to stop the punishment of hair clipping in honor of that achievement.