The Seven Demon Elders knelt on the spot at the same time.
The Demon Lords followed suit, then so did all the people of Dilhade who had gathered here, as if they were pledging their allegiance to me.
“We have been expecting your return for two thousand years, O Demon King of Tyranny, Anos Voldigoad-sama.” Melheis declared.
In the midst of this silence, his voice echoed throughout all of Midhaze.
“Lift up your faces, descendants of the demon race.” I said.
“Let me see your faces.” (Anos)
The demons silently raised their heads and looked at me.
“Two thousand years ago, we demons were at war with the humans and the spirits.” (Anos)
I leisurely stepped forward, and sent my message to all the demons in Dilhade, to all the humans in Azeshion, and to the world at large.
“Many lost their lives in the process. We killed and were killed. Destroyed and were destroyed. Our nation burned in the flames of hatred, and yet, we continued to fight.” (Anos)
They were all listening to my speech without making a sound.
“But what were we fighting for?” (Anos)
This question had always been swirling in my mind.
“It was for our friends, our children, our parents, our subordinates, and for our lords. The only thing I was sure of was that I took up the sword to protect them.” (Anos)
That was the case for many of us.
It would mark the beginning of that tragic Great War.
“However, that sword was drenched in blood every time it cut down an enemy. This demon sword, which had buried so many lives in order to protect, was cursed to unwillingly harm even those it cherished. Whenever it struck down its enemies with its blade, it always received its due. Without realizing it, demons, humans, and every other person, carrying their own cursed demon swords, swallowed up everything in the horrors of war, and tore everything to pieces.” (Anos)
The flames of war continued to spread.
As long as you kept killing, you would be killed in return.
But if you didn’t kill, you would still be killed eventually.
“There was only one way for those who have taken up their own cursed demon swords to put an end to this conflict between them. They had to gather their courage, trust each other, and lay down their swords at the same time. But it wasn’t an easy task for both sides who despised each other and had fallen into paranoia.” (Anos)
I took a quick breath, and spoke.
“Even so, these people responded to it.” (Anos)
As if welcoming a hero, I slowly extended my right hand, and turned my palm upward.
The one who stepped forward was Lay, dressed in his formal Hero outfit from two thousand years ago.
He was carrying the Sword of Three Races at his waist.
He had prepared himself to reveal his true identity.
“This is the man who crossed blades with me countless times during the human-demon war. He is the champion of Azeshion who defended humankind to the very end, the Hero Kanon.” (Anos)
Lay drew the Sword of Three Races Evansmana, and proved that he was Kanon by showcasing its blessed light.
Then, I extended my left hand to one more person.
The one who slowly emerged from behind the door was Reno.
“This is the Mother of All Spirits, and the Queen who governs the Great Spirit Forest of Aharthern: the great spirit Reno, who cherished, nurtured, and protected the spirits two thousand years ago.” (Anos)
I extended my right hand once again.
And pointed it at Shin, who walked over and lined up next to Reno.
“This is my right-hand man, the strongest swordsman of all demonkind, and the one who protected Aharthern in Reno’s absence. He is the Spirit King Shin, who is proof of the friendship between demons and spirits, and the Great Spirit Mother Reno’s husband.” (Anos)
Finally, I extended my hand to introduce one last person.
Misa came straight out, wearing Avos Dilhevia’s cloak and mask.
When a magic circle appeared at her feet, her mask and cloak disappeared.
She was wearing a black dress with a tinge of blue underneath.
“This is the Child of God Avos Dilhevia, the great spirit born from the rumors and lore of the Demon King of Tyranny. Having been reincarnated by the holy sword of the Hero Kanon, she, too, has buried the hatchet and come here. Her name is now Misa.” (Anos)
Lay flashed his Sword of Three Races and thrusted it into the center of the audience platform. Then Shin, Reno, and Misa each drew their swords, and thrusted them into the floor one after another in the same spot.
“Two thousand years have passed since then. The world is now at peace, and the conflict has ended. But we must never forget that it took a great deal of courage to bring about this day. And if each one of us doesn’t engrave it into their minds, another great war will burn this country again someday.” (Anos)
Along with my words, I drew my sword and thrusted it into the same spot as the others.
“There’s no more need for any blades of hate. These hands are now for joining forces with our neighbors.” (Anos)
I extended my hand, then Lay, Misa, and Reno put theirs on top of mine.
Humans, demons, and spirits were unmistakably joining hands.
After two thousand years.
Here, at last, my wish had come true.
The people of Dilhade bowed deeply on the spot, as if to indicate their agreement to my speech.
“I now issue a decree. All who live in Dilhade, be they demons, spirits, or humans, are to be treated equally and fairly.” (Anos)
The Seven Demon Elders and the Demon Lords all spoke in unison.
“As you wish, My Lord.” (Demon Elders and Demon Lords)
“I swear to all of you, my people, that I will grant you an audience. If you ever suffer a tragedy that you can’t overturn even with your pride and entire soul, come and see me. I shall grant one wish for each of you.” (Anos)
When I said that, there was a bit of buzz in the crowd.
“…I-I implore your grace, O Great Demon King…!” A man shouted.
“Lift up your face, stand up, and name yourself.” (Anos)
The man who stood up in silence had a stubble of beard and was looking a bit gaunt.
However, there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
“My name is Leon Greisel, Your Majesty. I would like to ask permission to speak at the risk of punishment…” (Leon)
“Very well. Speak.” (Anos)
Leon bowed politely and spoke up.
“My daughter, who will be ten years old this year, has a heart disease… one that no spell can cure… and I am afraid she will not last until next year…” (Leon)
“Bring her to me.” (Anos)
When I said that, tears fell from Leon’s eyes.
“I promise to save her.” (Anos)
“…I am humbled by your generosity…!” (Leon)
Leon bowed his head and quickly walked away.
Surely to go fetch his daughter.
“Hear me, my people. I’m not fit for politics. However, I’m proud to say that this country has several outstanding Demon Lords. It’s thanks to their daily efforts that so many cities have maintained peace. There is no more need for an old-fashioned Demon King to meddle with every little thing now.” (Anos)
After saying this, I turned my Magic Eyes toward the entire populace of Dilhade to inscribe the faces of every single one of them into my memory.
“But just remember this.” (Anos)
I held up my index finger.
“First: this country will not tolerate injustice.” (Anos)
Then I raised my middle finger.
“Second: this country will not tolerate malice.” (Anos)
Finally, I raised my ring finger.
“And third: this country will not tolerate tragedy.” (Anos)
I slowly spread my arms open, and gently grasped the nation.
“Whenever these three laws are violated, no matter who the culprit is, the Demon King of Tyranny will fight and destroy them with his life on the line.” (Anos)
This was an oath I was once unable to fulfill——
A promise I could never go back on as a king ruling over his people.
