“I guess no one is thinking of coming. Let’s just do it among ourselves.”
When the messenger who said they would come to clarify the assassination of Bellamont’s eldest son didn’t arrive, Elly started the conference.
Pastel quietly sat next to the princess. If it weren’t for her pink hair, one might mistake her for a demon, given her shameless demeanor.
“Ugh, it’s more noticeable when I’m the only one standing.”
The discussion flowed smoothly, revisiting the news about the Demon King’s discovery, which could be considered the main event.
“It’s a pity that the Demon King doesn’t reveal himself in the end. If it’s a type that can’t grasp the situation, that’s another story, but he should at least show his face to us.”
A demon glanced at Mr. Penguin and lamented similar to the droopy Mr. Penguin.
“Really, is that so?”
The Demon King flinched.
It might’ve been more courteous to reveal his identity instead of hiding as a pink-haired person!
“As I mentioned, he plans to stay hidden for a while for safety. Since the Demon King is not yet a fully mature adult, he has to refrain from external activities, and internal activities can’t help but be cautious.”
“That’s right, that’s right!”
Beyond courtesy, this might be correct!
Pastel nodded vigorously.
Nod, nod! Nod, nod!
The excessively noticeable pink-haired girl’s enthusiastic nodding caught everyone’s attention before they all subtly looked away.
“Regardless of suspicion, it’s a time we should be cautious.”
Mr. Penguin spoke in his droopy state.
“Before I came, I heard directly from Duchess Nastasha that Marquis Craft was appointed as Governor, secretly tasked with hunting down the Demon King.”
The previously deflected gazes shifted back to the girl who wanted to be left alone.
“Aaaah!”
“Mr. Penguin! Please stop talking!”
Everyone’s avoiding my mention, so why is Mr. Penguin the only one digging into me!
“The Governor is not because of that, but due to the central political faction rivalry. The notion of hunting down the Demon King seems like a stretch from Duchess Nastasha.”
Even Elly, who explained it away, looked subtly at her.
If there were a spy here to report the identity of the Demon King, wouldn’t she be the most suspicious?
Elly, don’t you dare give me that look, knowing I’m the fake Demon King!
Pastel had long forgotten her earlier exclamation of, “Wow! If I report this, I could wipe them all out?!”
Her fingers began to twitch.
“Well, umm. I did receive the imperial decree to hunt down the Demon King.”
Elly’s expression turned shocked.
“Huh? Is that true? What? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Oh?”
Now that I think about it, I forgot.
Or is it because the decree to hunt the Demon King was an unconscious secret I kept from the demons?
Wow, maybe that’s really it!
“Yup, yup!”
Pastel was just someone who knew how to separate public and private matters!
Feeling competent again, Pastel stopped her twitching fingers and began to speak.
“It’s not really a secret. If we borrow soldiers from the Demon Realm Stock Company, it’ll be known anyway.”
It’s more like a confidential deal with a media embargo.
Just keeping it secret for a while to catch them off guard before the Demon King can respond.
But then, what about Duchess Nastasha, who gave advance warning to the Demon officials by speculating about such facts?
A sly republican.
“Aaaah!”
“What is this?!”
The conference room erupted into chaos. Whispers grew louder, and everyone exchanged glances. Someone called for their subordinates and quickly sent a message.
“Hahaha.”
Pastel awkwardly laughed at the exaggerated response.
“If I were to report, would I take everyone down here?!”
But that won’t happen, so!
Hahaha!
The commotion quieted. Conversations and movements ceased, leaving only the sound of intake breaths.
“Phew, looks like everyone is calming down!”
Pastel felt proud of her eloquence. After all, clear communication without misunderstandings must be a talent of someone as popular as her.
“But I already know the identity of the Demon King. Even before receiving the imperial decree.”
She pointed at herself nonchalantly.
“We’re so close that we confuse each other when looking in the mirror.”
It really is confusing.
When looking in the mirror, the thought pops up, “Huh, isn’t this girl turning purple?” bubbles up.
“Of course, you might suspect me. I acknowledge that’s a rational, logical, and objective judgment.”
Pastel pointed to Mr. Penguin, whose gaze had intensified.
“But that’s why you should trust me.”
Her gestures elegantly circled around to point at herself.
“I haven’t reported you!”
Her hand pointed to the window.
“I didn’t secretly bring in troops.”
Her hand gestured to her hair.
“Nor did I hide any intentions.”
Pastel smiled innocently.
“Please judge me rationally, logically, and objectively. Knowing I could have wiped you out but chose not to, I am on your side.”
Oh yeah.
I think I’m doing a good job of selling myself.
At this rate, there’ll be no one who won’t come over!
Silence fell.
Elly splashed her face with cold water. Her expression turned complicated, but after a swift judgment, she opened her mouth.
“Right. I did plan to mention the imperial decree later, but it seems Craft ended up saying it first.”
“Oh?”
Elly acted as if she knew all along, even though she didn’t.
Pastel’s heart raced, eager to see how impressive this princess would be in her improvisation.
“The Demon King has other intentions for this meeting. Everyone’s suspecting Craft, so it was to create an opportunity to dispel that suspicion.”
Elly pointed at Pastel.
“It seems Craft’s demeanor is causing a sense of dread, but don’t worry. Everything is according to the Demon King’s plan.”
“Huh?”
Is that so?
Did I set such a plan in motion?!
Demon King Pastel, amazing!
Maybe purple is actually more capable than pink?
“I hope this opportunity will eliminate suspicion and instill trust in the Demon King. Since he cannot reveal himself, he feared that his qualifications for the throne might be doubted.”
A silence fell over the conference room.
–Hearing such worries from him. Even if qualifications were questioned, starting today, those feelings will completely disappear.
–It’s not that I think so, but there are indeed some who worry that the Demon King is being overpowered by Craft. But now, there’s nothing to doubt!
–If someone who hasn’t reached adulthood can concoct such schemes, I can only wonder how bright the Demon Realm’s future will be! Hahaha!
Demon King Pastel, so smart!
Even without showing his face, he proved his qualifications!
Or is it Elly, the improvisation master who spun this all on the fly?!
At that moment, Mr. Penguin, who seemed to be doing his own thing, stepped up.
“What I was worried about is this.”
“Aaaah!”
“Mr. Penguin! Please stop worrying!”
“I find it comforting to catch a glimpse of the Demon King’s thoughtful insights and feel hope for the bright future of the Demon Realm.”
Noting the earlier embarrassment still weighing in his mind, Mr. Penguin’s beginning got a bit lengthy.
“But such unilaterality from the Demon King is dangerous. The outcome is not bad, but we can’t judge solely by results. Trusting Marquis Craft too much and setting risky plans is an undeniable fact.”
Mr. Penguin passionately asserted.
“What era are we in? We need to revisit the lessons from the time of the Great War.”
Elly sipped on her green tea. With a disinterested gaze, she looked at Mr. Penguin and remarked, “So you’re saying the Demon King is wrong? Even after all this effort from the Demon King, you still suspect his qualifications?”
Oh no.
How dare anyone question the supreme dignitary’s efforts.
Mr. Penguin was taken aback.
“I’m not saying the Demon King is wrong. I acknowledge his talent, but I oppose his methods of decision-making. It’s a systemic issue. The Demon King is brilliant, but the decision-making system is flawed.”
“Oh my! That’s not it! You’re saying the Demon King shouldn’t act unilaterally because his qualifications are lacking!”
A certain demon stood up furiously.
“I have never harbored such foolish thoughts, so I cannot resonate! How dare you suspect His Majesty the Demon King!”
“That’s not it! Please listen.”
Mr. Penguin tried to elaborate.
Elly clicked her tongue, cutting him off.
“To think you would suspect the Demon King after all this effort. Redmond, I’m disappointed.”
“Princess! Please listen for a moment. I have no ill intent!”
Elly ignored him and surveyed the conference room.
“Surely no one here agrees with that statement, right? If there is, I’ll personally relay your position to the Demon King.”
Announcing she would report to the supreme dignitary.
Everyone suddenly became of one mind.
–What? Is there someone who agrees?
–I may be close to Redmond, but I didn’t share such thoughts. Hmmm! Maybe it’s time to become a bit less close!
–Redmond! How dare you doubt the Demon King! I’m absolutely against that misguided attitude!
–Exactly! That’s wrong! Redmond, learn respect and courtesy!
–Yes! Yes! Learn courtesy toward the supreme being! Pastel agrees!
Mr. Penguin was sweating bullets.
“Well, that seems to be the case.”
Elly wore a satisfied smile.
“Even so, having one person express a different opinion in a meeting is a healthy occurrence. If a misguided remark is corrected, there’s no need to trouble the Demon King with it.”
Mr. Penguin bowed his head deeply.
“I shall correct….”
His exhausted body slumped into the chair.
Wow!
Having quietly waited, Pastel’s eyes sparkled.
I feel like I fit in well with this culture!
Is this destiny?!
Demon King, could it be my calling?!
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