The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 36

Samson turned the direction of the conversation toward the Hero.

Elias couldn’t help but furrow his brow at Samson’s sudden move.

“Regardless, to hand over the speaking rights to the Hero in a situation like this? What an airheaded fool, doing something so unnecessary…”

Although they had become allies under the Demon King’s assurance, Elias remained wary of the Hero.

As someone who had fought directly against that person in the past, Elias was keenly aware of his immense power, and he also knew that he was not just a brute but a cunning individual as well.

A dangerously formidable being who combined military might with strategy.

Once such a person gained momentum, it was impossible to predict how things would unfold, so Elias thought it wise to prevent any noticeable actions from the Hero.

However, this muscle-bound Samson, unaware of the situation, rashly pulled the Hero into their conversation…

He foolishly brought the Hero into this important dialogue that could determine the fate of the Demon Kingdom, simply because he could boast of having a prior connection to him.

In other words, by permitting the Hero to speak even once, it meant that moving forward, the Hero could participate in future meetings without issue. What was that muscle-headed Samson thinking, giving the Hero a chance to establish his presence like this?

While harboring concerns about future events, Elias also thought that, on another note, this might somewhat quell the backlash from the hardliners, including foolish Samson.

“If the Hero were to speak here, he would surely support my opinion. After all, he must know how foolish it is to engage in battle at this point…”

As the Hero was also a person who could think, he should have reached the same conclusion.

Thus, not based on trust but purely on calculations, Elias predicted the Hero’s course of action.

And then…

The Hero, after a moment of contemplation, spoke up.

“I believe, much like Demon General Samson, it would be best to launch an attack as soon as possible.”

“!? … What the hell?!”

*

Samson’s proclamation dragged me into the conversation out of nowhere.

I couldn’t help but feel a wave of confusion, like a passerby being pulled into a fight between two people in the middle of the road.

“W-why is he suddenly dragging me into this? If they’re going to fight, they should do it among themselves…”

But, despite the abruptness of the situation, I had no choice but to regain my composure as quickly as I could.

As someone essentially just here as a mere observer and newcomer, this moment was crucial for how the Demon Races would perceive my existence moving forward.

Though I was under the protection of the Demon King, I knew very well from the history of my original world that trusting only one person’s belief in such a power dynamic could lead to failure.

“Moreover, given my current status as a human, my first impression is likely not favorable. I need to provide the best response I can…”

With that pressure weighing on me, I started determining what I should say.

Honestly, from my subjective standpoint, the obvious choice would have been to side with Elias.

As she pointed out, mindlessly attacking the enemy at this stage was not a wise choice.

In this emergency situation, the forces of the Racial Alliance would surely be wary and prepared, using every means at their disposal, anticipating whenever the Demon Races might attack.

Additionally, even though their supplies had been cut off, their numbers were at least three times that of our own forces.

Depending on the situation, a hasty attack from our side could provide the enemy with an opportunity to break through, and I concluded that it was a dangerous gamble.

Yet…

“With my limited perspective…”

Separating those thoughts.

“I too believe, as Demon General Samson said, that it would be best to launch an attack as soon as possible.”

The words supporting Samson, the hardliner, slipped from my mouth…

“Hmm.”

“…”

In response, a broad smile appeared on Samson’s face.

On the other hand, Elias wore an expression that clearly conveyed, “What’s this jerk doing?”

*

The meeting continued for a while longer.

Although the atmosphere tilted toward launching an immediate war due to the Hero’s proclamation, the firm opposition from the cautious faction led by Elias and the Demon King’s mediation resulted in a temporary conclusion that the meeting would reconvene the following day.

“Mama, you worked hard.”

“Yeah. Eliza, you did well too.”

“Seriously… that Hero seemed quite clever the other day, but what’s up with him saying that today? Has he really gone blind in his quest for glory like Beelzebub said?”

“Hmm…”

Eliza expressed some dissatisfaction about the Hero voicing an opinion differing from theirs, which she had somewhat trusted.

Listening to her daughter, Elias could only slightly furrow her brow without providing a clear answer.

As someone who had expected the Hero to adopt a cautious stance, she was filled with questions about his behavior in the meeting.

Of course, it could simply be that he had become infatuated with glory as Eliza said, but Elias felt there was something more to it than just that.

“Could it be… is that Hero actually trying to lead the Demon Kingdom to defeat? No… still, that seems too far-fetched, but…”

As doubts about the Hero grew within her, Elias, feeling fatigued, began to return home alongside Eliza.

And then…

“Huh?”

“!…”

In the next moment, they froze in place before the familiar figure who was about to leave the castle.

Their surprise at the sudden appearance of the very Hero they had been contemplating left them momentarily speechless.

“Hero? Why are you here…?”

Eliza began to speak sullenly, laden with dissatisfaction, but at that moment, Elias stepped in front of her, casting a cold gaze at the Hero.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Yes. I… yes, I do.”

The Hero responded somewhat formally while looking at Elias.

Elias, now wearing a more serious expression than before, regarded the Hero and asked,

“It seems this isn’t a topic you’d want to discuss openly. If so, would you mind sharing in a quieter place?”

“Yes, please.”

The Hero nodded in agreement, and with that, Elias thought perhaps her lingering doubts could finally be resolved as they proceeded together to a nearby private room.

*

The next day. The commanders and Elite Guard reconvened in the Conference Room.

Determined to conclude yesterday’s discussion, the first to speak up was, of course, Samson.

“I thought about it all night, and my stance remains unchanged, Your Majesty. Please grant us permission to sweep away the weakened dogs of the Racial Alliance from the Demon Kingdom as soon as possible.”

“Grant us permission, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm…”

The Demon King paused to consider Samson’s words for a moment.

Then her gaze shifted toward the Hero, who had supported Samson’s opinion yesterday.

“Hero, do you still hold the same opinion? Do you also see this as the perfect opportunity for our grand offensive?”

“Yes, I do, Your Majesty.”

Without a hint of hesitation, the Hero answered the Demon King’s question.

Observing them assert the same argument as yesterday, the Demon King began to suspect that perhaps this meeting wouldn’t end today.

Turning her head, she looked at Elias.

Having fiercely opposed until the end yesterday, the Demon King expected that she would provide the same answer, but she proceeded to ask regardless.

“Elias, what do you think?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have also come to the conclusion that it would be best to continue the war, as suggested by the other commanders.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

Contrary to the Demon King’s expectations, Elias expressed a completely different opinion from the day before.

Witnessing her change in stance, Samson and the other hardliners initially reacted with a bemused look on their faces.

And in that moment…

Elias, coldly turning her gaze from the Hero, who was smiling lightly at her, thought to herself,

“That annoying jerk…”