Chapter 161: A demon lord's work isn't a god's

TN Note: Big thanks to Lion san for the draft, and you lot for the detailed editing notes in advance.

P.s.

call me a petty teddy, but for those who think I simply copied-pasted and edited Lion san's work, the reason it takes a while for me to release a new chapter is because this whole thing was 100% self-typed, Lion san's work was used for reference only.

Finally, thanks for putting up with my late translation without raising pitchforks.

Without further ado, enjoy.

161話 神ならざる魔王の所業

A demon lord's work isn't a god's

カリギュリオは,自身を優しく包み込む暖かさを感じ,目を覚ました.

Feeling a gentle warmth enveloping him, Calgurio awakened.

(こ,ここは?)

(This, this place is?)

自分が今まで何をしていたのか,俄かに思い出せないカリギュリオ.

Calgurio suddenly couldn't recall what he had been do up till now.

銀髪の十歳を少し超えたばかりと思われる少女が,天使のような微笑を浮かべて何事か作業を行っていた.

A silver-haired shoujo who looked around 10 years, angelic smile on her face seemed to be working on something.

横目で見れば,倒れた仲間――断言は出来ないが,クリシュナだろう――に手を翳し,その手から虹色の光が倒れた仲間に注ぎ込まれている.

Looking around, his fallen comrade――whom he was uncertain, but probably Krishna――had the girl's hand raised over them, and from her palm a rainbow colored light imbuded into them.

暫くすると,その者――やはりクリシュナだったようだ――も薄目を開けて,此方と視線が交差する.

After a while, that person――who was Krishna after all――opened his eyes, and their gaze met.

ただし,目覚めたばかりの自分と同様に現在の状況に戸惑い,現状を理解出来てはいないようであった.

However, he seemed as confused as he was when he had just awakened, and couldn't comprehend the situation.

銀髪の少女はカリギュリオ達が目覚めたのに気付く事なく,次々に同じ作業を繰り返していく.

The silver haired girl didn't notice Calgurio and Krishna waking up, and continued on repeatedly with her work.

部屋に集められていた100名程に対し同じ作業を終えた時,ようやく満足そうに頷くと此方を向いた.

When she had completed her work on about 100 individuals in the room, satisfied, she nodded her head and faced Calgurio.

「よう,目覚めてるんだろ? 調子はどうだ? 名前,思い出せるか?」

"Yo, you're awake now? How do you feel? Can you recall your name?"

気軽な口調で,話しかけて来る少女.

The girl spoke with a casual tone.

しかし不快さは感じなかった.

However, no discomfort was felt.

少女が可憐だった事も理由の一つだろうが,少女の持つ気配がカリギュリオに叛意を持つ事を許さない.

The shoujo's lovely appearance was one reason, the other being the girl's presence that quenched any rebellious thought against her.

戸惑うカリギュリオやその他の仲間の様子を見て,

The perplexed Calgurio looked at his comrades,

「あれ? 失敗したか? 術式は完璧だったハズなんだけどな......」

"Huh? Was it a failure? I was certain the ritual was a perfect success......"

と困ったような表情をする少女.

The shoujo had a troubled expression on her face.

どうやら自分達は,何らかの術に掛けられたようだと悟るが,身体に異常は感じない.

Apparently, they were subjected to some sort of ritual, but their bodies didn't feel abnormal.

強いて言うと,力が入りにくい気がする程度である.

If he must say something, he couldn't seem to muster any strength.

そこまで確認していると,唐突に,魔物の国に侵攻して戦争中であった事を思い出す.

After confirming this, suddenly, he recalled they had invaded Tempest and are currently at war.

「あ,悪魔は? あの赤い髪の悪魔はどうなった? 我等は生き延びたのか?」

"Whe, where's the demon? What happened to that red haired demon? Have we survived?"

叫ぶカリギュリオ.

Shouted Calgurio.

その発言で,ようやく仲間達も直前までの記憶を取り戻し,現状の異常性に思い当たったようである.

With this statement, the others had finally regained their memories, and realized the abnormality of the current situation.

確か,カリギュリオ達は悪魔に殺害されたはずなのだ.

Certainly, Calgurio and co should have been slain by the Demon Diablo.

自分の攻撃が一切通用せず,悪魔の手刀が自分の心臓を握り潰したのを,カリギュリオは思い出したのだ.

Calgurio remembered how all his attacks were in vain, and the demon Diablo with his hands like a sword, pierced and crushed his heart.

だからこそ,自分が生きている事に疑問を覚えるカリギュリオ.

That was why Calgurio his situation of being alive.

「お,思い出せたか? 自分の名前も覚えているか?」

"Oh, did you remember? Do you remember your name?"

質問に頷きつつ,

While nodding in reply,

「我輩は,カリギュリオと申す.

帝国機甲軍団・軍団長であり,此度の作戦の総司令官を任されておる.

作戦内容は機密事項故,ここでは言及出来ぬが,許されよ.

それよりも,貴殿が我等を救って下さったのか?」

"My name is Calgurio.

Corps captain of the Empire Armored Corps, I was entrusted as the supreme command of this operation.

Since the contents of said operation is classified, I can't explain about it here, please forgive me.

Besides that, are you the one who saved us?"

勢い込んで聞く.

He asked going with the flow.

あの状況で自分達を救出するなど,余程の者でなければ不可能であろう.

To be able to save them from such a situation, it's impossible unless she wields great power.

あの悪魔は,正しく悪魔の王たる実力者であった.

That demon, or more precisely someone with the strength of the lord of demons.

TN note: 悪魔の王 translates into King of Demons, but since 魔王 means Demon Lord, so I used lord instead of king.

その悪魔を前にして自分達を救出可能となると,風の噂に聞く"勇者"しか心当たりが無い.

To be able to save them from such a situations, it could only be the rumored "hero" and no one else.

帝国近衛のNo.110ならば可能かも知れないが,一人で出来るかと問われれば疑問が残る.

It might be possible if it's the Empire's royal guard No.1~10, but whether they could do it alone was questionable.

まして,近衛ならば顔も知っているし,カリギュリオに隠し立てする意味もないはずだ.

Besides, if it was a royal guard he would have recognized her, and Calgurio had no reason to keep it as a secret.

自分の知りえぬ人物で,それ程の実力者に思い当たる人物など居ないのである.

Someone who he didn't know, she was too strong to be someone unheard of.

「ん? 作戦も何も,お前達の軍を全滅させたのは俺達だぞ?

多分勘違いしているだろうから説明してやるけど,お前達は死んでいる.

というか,従軍した兵士は全員死亡したんじゃないかな?

生き残りがいるかも知れないけど,それは後でいいだろう.

どうやら記憶も大丈夫なようだし,術式は成功か.

じゃあ,改めて.

初めまして,俺がリムル.魔王リムルだ.

この国で王様をやっている.ヨロシクな!

後,一応言っておくけど,お前達を蘇生させたのも俺だから.

まあその辺も含めて,ボチボチ説明してやるよ」

"Hm? Operation or whatever, we're the ones who annihilated your army you know?

Since it looks like you misunderstood something I'll give you an explanation, you're all already dead.

Or rather, didn't every soldier in the army died?

Maybe some of you may have survived, but lets talk about that later.

But since it looks like you perfectly retained your memory, the ritual was a success.

Now, lets start again.

Nice to meet you, My name is Rimuru, Demon Lord Rimuru.

I'm the king of this country, best regards to you lot!

Now then, I'll tell you this again, but I'm the one who resurrected you all.

As for further details, we'll explain to you bit by bit later."

カリギュリオは何を言われているのか理解出来ず呆然となる.

Calgurio who couldn't comprehend the words spoke simply gawked.

言葉が脳に達し,意味が理解出来るにつれて,カリギュリオの目は限界まで見開かれて,目の前の少女を凝視した.

The words reached his brain, their meanings understood; Calgurio widened his eyes to their limits, and stared at the shoujo before him.

この少女がリムル.

This shoujo is Rimuru.

自分達が障害と考え,排除すべく動いた敵.

Someone they thought of as a obstacle, the enemy they must eliminate.

現,八星魔王の一柱である,魔王リムルその人.

A member of the current Octagram, Rimuru herself.

この少女が!?

This Shoujo is!?

生き返らせた,だと? 誰を? 俺達を,か!?

Resurrected, was it? Who? We were?!

驚愕と混乱,そして恐怖が心を埋め尽くした.

Shock and turmoil, then fear filled his heart.

それはカリギュリオだけではなく,生き返った者全てが同じ反応をしていたのだが.

Calgurio wasn't the only one; everyone who was revived had the exact same reaction.

混乱が落ち着くまで,今しばらくの時が必要であった.

It would appear some time is needed until the chaos settles down.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

混乱するカリギュリオ達を横目に,俺は天幕から外に出る.

Casting a side-glance at the confused Calgurio and co, I had exited the test.

天幕の中の100名は,ディアブロが殺した者達で,この軍団の総司令官及び参謀達だった.

The 100 individuals, those slain by Diablo, are the corp's supreme commander and his advisors.

言うなれば,この侵攻を行った最高責任者達である.

So to speak, the ones with the highest authority in this invasion.

丁寧に術式を試し蘇生させたのだが,効果は完璧なようであった.

I had methodically tried out a resurrection method, and the effects were perfect.

無論,責任を取らせる為である.

Of course, this is in order for them to take responsibility.

なので,天幕は厳重に結界にて封鎖を行い,ソウエイの監視下に置いてある.

And so, there's a heavy barrier lockdown around the tent, and it is under Souei's surveillance.

逃亡は不可能であろう.

It's impossible to escape.

最も,生き返らせたと言っても,実は仮初の生であった.

Well, even if I called it a resurrection, it is only a temporary one.

きっちりと奪った魂を,わざわざ返却する理由も無いのだ.

There is no reason for me to return the souls I have taken.

攻めて来たのは向こうの都合であり,そこで死ぬのも自業自得である.

They were the one who attacked us, so their death was them reaping what they sown

ただし,色々な理由があって,今回の蘇生術式を施術する事にしたのだ.

However, for various reasons I've decided to perform the resurrection ritual.

この術は,仮初の生を与える術である.

This ritual, only grants someone a temporary life.

シオンの死亡事件以降,智慧之王による魂の解析は順調に進められていた.

After the incident of Shion's death, Wisdom King Raphael had been smoothly analyzing the soul.

クレイマンから奪った"聖霊の宝玉"は,原材料は人間の魂から出来ていた.

The raw materials of the "Soul Jewel" taken from Clayman are human souls.

エネルギー量に換算し,人間1万人分の魂に相当する.

In terms of energy, it's equivalent to 10,000 human souls.

しかし,その力は時間制限付きのものである事から,一瞬だけの燃焼により力の増幅を行っているのは明白だった.

However, this strength carries with it a time limit, and could burn off strength to provide amplify strength for an instant.

事実,智慧之王の解析では,人間100名分程の魂を融合し,瞬間出力を高める事が出来るようにしただけの宝珠だったのだ.

In fact, according to Wisdom King Raphael's analysys, 100 human souls could be fused to make a Jewel that could increase strength for an instant.

名前の割りには大した事の無いアイテムである.

Comparing it to its name it wasn't that great an item.

一種のドーピングに該当するのだろうが,こんな物に頼るのでは先が無さそうだと思い,分解させて魂に戻したのである.

It's probably similar to doping, however I think relying on such a thing would not fare well in the future, so I simply decomposed it into souls.

まあ,復元も可能だからこそ実行したのだが,その魂を研究に流用していたという訳だ.

And since we would simply revert the process, the souls were used in research.

人に限らず,魂には質と量が存在する.

Not limited to humans, all souls have quality and quantity.

質はともかく,動植物に入っている魂のエネルギー量は極小であった.

Quality aside, the souls of plants and animals contain very little energy.

それに比べて,人間の魂には莫大なエネルギーが込められている.

Compared with that, a human's soul contains an immense amount of energy.

これは等しく平等に,誰にでも一定数与えられているのは確認済みであった.

It was confirmed that everyone would have the same equal amount of energy.

その魂のエネルギーを使いこなせるかどうか? それがスキルと呼称する,魂の力である.

And to actually utilize the energy of the souls? This was referred to as, soul force.

魂に刻まれた情報が,力を行使する元になる.

The information engraved onto the soul, would become the origin of its powers.

では,エネルギーに直接情報が刻まれるのかというと,そうではない.

Then, does the energy directly engrave the information onto the soul, that's not it.

まず,自我があり,それを包む心核がある.

First, there's the ego, wrapped around in the core.

ここに,全ての情報は刻まれる.

This, is where all the information is engraved on.

その心核を覆うエネルギー結晶が魂となるわけだ.

And so in conclusion the crystalized energy encases the core and becomes the soul.

宝珠も,この心核の投影する受け皿として開発したものであった.

The Possession Jewel was developed in order to project the core.

TN Note: read chapter 119, cheers to Lion san for remember what it's called.

心核にはエネルギーが無い状態.だが,自我はある.

The core has no energy. However the ego does.

魂の力が無いからスキルは行使出来ないけれど,自我を持って行動する事は可能なのだ.

Without the soul force skills couldn't be activated, but it's possible for the ego to operate.

それは,宝珠は魔素にて魂のエネルギーを代用させているからである.

And the possession jewel is used to substitute the soul's energy with Magical essence.

だが,エネルギーの質が違う為,限界があるのは否定出来ない.あくまでも,迷宮を楽しむ為の玩具なのだから問題は無い.

However, it's undeniable there would be limits due to the difference in the quality of energy. Since in the end it's simply used as a toy in the dungeon thus there are no problems.

何が言いたいかというと,心核にスキル情報が刻まれていても,魂の力が無ければ行使出来ない,という事なのだ.

In the end what I wanted to say is, even if the skills are engraved onto the core, if there's no soul force it couldn't be used, that's about it.

今回,カリギュリオ達の蘇生には宝珠を用いている.

This time, the possession jewel is used to resurrect Calgurio.

魂を奪い,そこから心核を抜き取って,宝珠に移したのだ.

The soul was reaped, the core taken out, and moved into the jewel.

宝珠を創るのは簡単だが,エネルギーには各人から抜き取った"魂の力"の百分の一以下の少量を流用している.

Making the jewel was simple, it requires less than 1% of the soul force's energy.

実質,俺に損失は無いが,強いて言えば労働力か.

In actuality, I don't really lose anything, just a bit of labor cost.

死者の肉体を魔法で治癒し,宝珠を埋め込む.

regenerating the flesh of the dead with magic, then embedding the jewel into them.

そして心核を流し込むのだ.

And finally transferring the core.

簡単に言うけど,智慧之王さんの圧倒的な演算力あっての作業であるのは言うまでも無い.

It sounds simple, but without Wisdom King Raphael's overwhelming calculation abilities this task couldn't possibly be undertaken.

個人特定すら難しいその作業を,肉体の遺伝子情報と魂の記録を照合し,一瞬で個人特定をするその様は,正しく先生とお呼びするしかない見事さであった.

Specifying an individual alone is already a difficult task, but to also match their genetic code to the soul data, and identify that individual instantly, it was so well done I should call Raphael -sensei instead.

こうして,肉体の復元が可能だった者には,宝珠を用いて蘇生する事に成功したのであった.

With this method, it was possible to restore the flesh, and after using the jewel the resurrection would be a success.

この蘇生にも問題が無い訳では無い.

However, that doesn't mean this method is flawless.

まず,大きく弱体化する.

Firstly, the individual is weakened greatly.

魂の力を全て,俺が奪った訳だから当然だ.

Naturally, it's because I've snatched the entirety of their soul force.

今後はスキル使用は不可能だろうし,下手すると魔法の使用にも影響が出る.

It would be impossible to use skills form now on, and if they're unlucky their magic usage would also be affected.

だが,鍛えた肉体や修練を積んだ技術は残るので,スキルに頼りっぱなしで無かったならば問題では無いだろう.

However, since any physical training results or experience is still retained, so as long as they aren't dependent on their skills it would not be a problem.

そして,もう一つの問題.

Then, the second problem.

此方はどうしようもない.

Something I can't do anything about.

肉体が残っていない者の蘇生が出来ない事,だ.

If their corpse isn't around anymore, they couldn't be resurrected.

当然だ.

It's to be expected.

俺も万能の神では無い.

I'm not an omnipotent god.

肉体情報も無く,魂の記録を元に無から有は創り出せないのである.

Without a physical record, it's impossible to create something for the soul data out of nothing without anything to base on.

人形に入れる案もあるのだが,果たしてそこまでする価値はあるのか?

There are also cases of them being put into dolls, but is it worth the cost?

そもそも,人形の数も足りないのだ.俺がそこまでする義務は無いし,それを行う利点も思いつかない.

To begin with, I don't have a sufficient amount of dolls; I don't any obligation to do so, nor do I see any benefits in doing so.

残念ながら,運が悪かったと諦めて貰う事にする.

Unfortunately, they can only blame their bad luck and give up.

肉体が一部でも残っていれば魔法による修復は可能――蘇生魔法が不可能と言われる理由が,魂の再現が出来ない事――なのだが,全く肉体が残っていない者も居たのだ.

Even if only a portion of their flesh remained it's still possible to reconstruct it with magic――The reason resurrection magic couldn't be used is because their soul couldn't be reproduced――Even so, there are those whose didn't have any remains at all.

ウルティマの"破滅の炎"で完全焼失した者や,テスタロッサの"死の祝福"により遺伝情報を完全破壊された者達だ.

There are those who were perfectly combusted by Ultima's "Nuclear flame" and those whose genetic code was completely destroyed by Testarossa's "Death strike"

後は,恐怖や絶望により魂そのものの死を迎えた者達.

And then, there are those whose soul simply accepted death due to fear and despair.

こればかりは,精神的な治癒魔法の手段を持たない俺にはどうする事も出来ないのだ.

Against these, I who have means of spiritual healing could do nothing about.

結局,蘇生不可能だった者達は,全員で20数万名余にも上った.

In the end, those who cannot be resurrected, number over 200,000.

94万名の内,20万名が死亡.

Of the 940,000 individuals, 200,000 died.

だが,本来なら全員死んでいたのだし,この数で済んで幸運だったと言えるのではないだろうか.

However, they were suppose to be completely annihilated, so when you compare the numbers you could say they were luck to have so few deaths.

実の所,テスタ達が遣り過ぎだとは思ったが,肉体の損傷を防ぐように指示はしなかった.

In truth, I thought that Testa had truly went overboard, but I haven't gave any instructions to avoid damaging their flesh.

理由は簡単.

The reason is a simple one.

そんな事に気を取られて,此方に被害が出たら意味が無いからである.

If they were overly focused on this and end up getting injured for that, then it would be meaningless.

俺にとって大事なのは身内だけであり,何の関係も無い他人と身内を比べるならば,迷う事なく身内を守る.

To me my retainers are what's most important, comparing them to some unrelated stranger, I would choose to protect my retainers without hesitation.

まして,侵略して来る敵兵にも慈愛の心で,などと聖人君子のような事を言うような脳ミソお花畑にはなりたくもない.

Above all, to do something like having a compassionate heart towards invading enemy soldiers, I don't want to be a virtuous saint with a field of flowers for brains.

TN Note: probably meaning being nice to everyone, like those protagonists in crappy animus anime, I meant anime!

なので,蘇生出来ない者がいたが,それは気にすべき点では無いのだ.

And so, even though there are some that couldn't be resurrected, that's besides the point.

無いのだが......俺が平和な国である日本での感性のままだからか,亡くなった方に対しては何とも言えない気持ちになった.

That's probably not it but......Since I still retained the sensitiveness of someone in a peaceful country like Japan, I held an unspeakable feeling in regards to someone's death.

自分の仕出かした事が間違っているとは思わないが,未だに慣れる事は無い.

I simply aren't used to saying I did nothing wrong yet.

冥福を祈るのは偽善だろうけど.

I think praying to the souls of the deceased would be simple hypocrisy.

それでも,俺は今後も自分の領域を侵す者へは容赦しないし,徹底的な恐怖を与える事を是とするのだ.

Even so, From now on and unto the future I will not forgive anyone who dares invade my territory, and have them experience complete fear.

カリギュリオ達へ術式を施術し,効果を確かめた.

After performing the ritual on Calgurio and co, the effects are confirmed.

問題ない事は確認出来たので,大規模に実施する事にする.

Confirming that no problems are present, a wide scale casting was planned.

迷宮入り口周辺の開けた場所に,凡そ70万名もの遺体が並べられていた.

In an open area around the vicinity of the dungeon are about 700,000 corpse laid side by side.

戦闘終息と同時に,ゲルドが回収して来たのだ.

After the war had ended, Gerudo had recovered them.

第一次戦闘の被害者も,転移して回収済みである.

The victims of the first battle, has also been transferred and recovered.

ここに並べられた遺体が,今回の犠牲者の全てであった.

The bodies laid down here, are all victims of this battle.

大規模術式展開.

Wide scale ritual: Sacred・Birthday activate.

天幕から此方を伺っていたカリギュリオ達が,驚愕に目を見開いている.

Calgurio and co who were previously questioned looked out the tent, and widened their eyes in shock.

あの調子では,目が開きっぱなしになるのではなかろうか.

He looked as if he had been constantly widening his eyes.

TN Note: not entirely sure what the author meant, I guess he/she meant Calgurio and co looked as if their eyes had been continuously widened without rest due to how frequently they do so?

まあ俺の知った事ではない.

Well, that's not something I would know about.

さっさと終わらせる事にしよう.

I'm just trying to end this quickly.

全ての遺体に,複製した宝珠を埋め込んでいく.

All of the bodies already had a replicated possession jewel embedded into them.

遺体の修復は,アダルマン以下,神聖魔法の使い手が総出で行っていたお陰で,今は全員綺麗な状態であった.

As for the recovery of the corpses, thanks to Adalman using holy magic at full throttle, they were restored to a perfect state.

ここ最近,皆寝る間を惜しんで活躍してくれていた.

Recently, due to everyone playing an active role they were unfortunately lacking sleep.

死霊であるアダルマンは,寝る必要は無さそうだったけど.

As for the undead type Adalman, he has no need no sleep.

そんな訳で,綺麗な状態の遺体に次々と宝珠を埋め込み終える.

Thanks to that, he had finished embedding the possession jewel into each and every perfectly recovered corpse.

続いて,〈反魂の秘術〉ならぬ〈授魂の秘術〉を行う.

Following up, what was performed isn't the 〈Soul recall arcane〉, but rather 〈Soul Grant arcane〉.

TN Note:〈授魂の秘術〉, Gave up after 5 minutes on the dictionary. So big shout out to Alfha san who worked with Lion san.

魂の再生と違い,これに要するエネルギーはそれ程必要としない.

Unlike the restoration of the soul, the energy consumption isn't as high.

個々人の特定に莫大な演算が必要なのだが,実行するのは智慧之王だ.

There's a high amount of calculation required for each individual, but the one doing it is Wisdom King Raphael.

全て先生にお任せである.

I leave everything to you Raphael Sensei.

俺には到底出来そうもない,複雑怪奇な術式であった.

If it were me I wouldn't be able to do it, it's some strange complicated ritual after all.

だが,傍から見ていたカリギュリオ達には,俺が全て執り行っているように見えたのだろう.

But, to Calgurio and co and were looking at me, it would probably appear as if I handled it by my lonesome.

何時しか平伏し,何か拝み奉るような仕草を始めていた.

Before I noticed they started prostrating, began forming some gesture as if they were worshipping something.

ちょっと,そんな事されたら居心地悪いんだけど?

Wait a sec, if you start doing this I'm going to feel uncomfortable you know?

だが,術式が終了するまでは苦情を言う事も出来ない.

However, I didn't voice out my complaints until the ritual ended.

そんなこんなで一昼夜,居心地の悪い中で70万名近くの〈授魂の秘術〉を行使したのだった.

And so with that uncomfortable feel, for one day and one night, I've performed the 〈Arcane soul grant〉 onto about 700,000 people.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

翌日,蘇生した者達に食事が振舞われた.

On the next day, meals were served to the resurrected.

蘇生した直後は混乱も大きく,とてもではないがそれどころでは無かったのだ.

There was a mass panic right after the resurrection, that's not exactly it but it wasn't far from it.

TN Note: it was kinda confusing to interpret this one.

大きな鍋にて色々な野菜や肉が煮込まれた,シチューのような独特の味わいのする食べ物.

Vegetables and meat were braised in a big pot; it was a stew that had a unique taste.

具が沢山盛られて,温かい.

Ingredients were piled up like a mountain, it was amiable.

混乱が収まり,現実を認識しつつあった帝国軍将兵にとって,そのスープは筆舌に尽くしがたい温もりと感動を与えた.

After the chaos had settled, the soldiers who had recognized reality had received a bowl of soup that filled them with an hard-to-describe warmth and moved their hearts.

空腹にも気付かず,張り詰めていた空気がほぐされる.

The tension in the air had dissipated, and they had forgotten the hunger of their stomachs.

魔王の配下により一度殺された,それは確かなのだと実感する.

They had already been killed once by the subordinates of the demon lord, they had confirmed and understood this.

だが,自分達は生きている.

However, they are now alive.

魔王は"仮初の命"と言っていた.

The demon lord had called it a "temporary life".

安心しろ.普通に生きる分には,何の不都合も無いよ.

Feel at ease. If you wish to lead a normal life, you would feel no inconvenience.

恋愛して家庭も持てるし,子供も作れる.

You could fall in love and start a family, even have kids.

ただし,魔物の国に対し不利益となる行動には制限が掛かるけどな!

However, taking any actions that would be a demerit to Tempest would be restricted!

宝珠に刻み込んだ"呪"によって,二度と敵対行動は取れなくしている.

A "curse' has been casted into the jewel, preventing them from ever taking hostile actions ever again.

そこは了承して貰いたい.

They've seem to have acknowledged this.

全員蘇生し,混乱が収まった時に,そう告げていたのだ.

After everyone has resurrected, and the chaos had subsided, I've informed them of this.

だが,そんな"呪"など必要ないだろう,そうカリギュリオは確信していた.

However, such a "cursed" is probably unneeded, Calgurio looked convinced.

TN Note: Of course it's unneeded, they're practically worshipping you now you silver-haired loli-god.

誰が二度も,この様な愚行を重ねるものか.

Nobody would want to take such foolhardy actions twice.

数百年前のヴェルドラによる災禍の際は,その結果を見て恐怖のみが伝わった.

When Veldora caused a great disaster several hundred years ago, the results were fear being spread around.

だが,都市一つ消滅し,そこの住人全てが消え去ったとしても,それに匹敵する災禍を人の手で演出する事は可能なのだ.

But, with a whole city razed, and every resident annihilated, it's compared to a calamity that man could possibly manipulate.

だからだろうか? 恐怖は伝わったが,決して倒せないとは誰も思わなかったのだ.

And so what about it? There were horrifying tales, but nobody ever doubted their chances of defeat.

或いは,生き残りが多数いたならば,もっと根源からの不可侵性が伝わったかも知れないのだが.

Alternatively, if there were a large number of survivors, the rumors of how this land could never be invaded would spread even further.

その点に関しては,今回は間違いが起きようがない.

In that regard, it would definitely happen this time.

一度死んだ上で,生き返らせて貰ったのだから.

That is because they have been revived after experiencing death once.

神ならざる魔王の手で.

Not in the hands of god, but a demon lord.

愚かなる我等は,余りにも増長していたのだと思い知らされた.

The foolish them, had the feeling they had experienced a growth.

いや,そもそも本当に魔王なのか?

No, to begin with was she really a demon lord?

そこから疑問を禁じえないカリギュリオである.

Calgurio couldn't help but pondered over this question.

クリシュナ等は,一晩で信仰の対象へと魔王を崇め奉るようになっていた.

Overnight, Krishna and the others had changed their target of worship to the demon lord.

先に魔王を拝んだのは自分なので,文句も言えないし言うつもりも無いのだが.

Since he was the one who started worshipping the demon lord first, so he can't really complain about it.

魔王が言う,"仮初の命"だが......

The demon lord said a "temporary life", but......

実は,何の問題も無いのだ.

In reality, there aren't any problems.

確かに,能力を行使する事が出来なくなり,魔力を行使する事も苦労するようになってしまった.

True, since abilities could no longer be used, and using magic has become laborious.

だが,鍛え抜かれた肉体は,未だ自分の意思に応えてくれるのだ.

However, his well-trained body still responded to his will.

肉体が老化し,生物としての寿命を迎えるまで,生きる事を許されたのである.

Their bodies would age, they would soon meet their end, they were allowed to live.

皆が感謝と畏怖の念を抱いているのに,魔王に対して叛意を持つ者など出よう筈もない.

Everyone was so thankful and in awe, no one held any hostility towards the Demon Lord Rimuru.

だが,それとは別の点で問題があった.

However, there's another problem.

帝国に戻るのかどうかで,意見が別れる事になりそうだったのだ.

Should they return to the empire, the opinions were split.

ともかく一度戻る事を主張する者.

there were some that said they should return once first.

このまま魔物の国に恭順すべしと主張する者.

There were also some that said they should simply relocate to Tempest.

真っ向から意見の対立を招いたのだ.

This has led to clashing opinions.

両者の言い分は理解出来るし,家族を持つ者が帝国に戻ると主張するのも当然だった.

The underlying reason for both sides were understandable. Those with families in the empire would naturally opt to return.

しかし,下手に帝国に戻ると言い出すと,魔王の不興を買いかねない.

However, if they simply returned irresponsibly, they would invoke the Demon Lord's displeasure.

助命して貰った以上,魔王の出方に従わなければならないだろうから.

Since they had received mercy, they should comply to the demon lord's demands.

どうしたものかとカリギュリオが思案していると,魔王から召集がかかったのである.

Right when Calgurio wondered what to do, he received a call from the Demon Lord.

呼び出されて,参謀数名と魔王の御前に出頭する.

When he was called, he saw several advisors alongside the Demon Lord.

畏まるカリギュリオに対し,

Calgurio presented an humble attitude,

「まあ寛いでくれ.今日は相談があるんだ」

"Do relax yourself. I've came to consult about something with you today."

そう言って,魔王リムルは,可憐な少女の笑顔で邪悪に嗤った.

Saying such, the Demon Lord Rimuru, the lovely shoujo had made an evil smile.

結論から言えば,魔王の命令によって,カリギュリオ達の帰還は認められなかった.

To conclude the talk, The Demon Lord's orders, were she couldn't allow their return just yet.

あくまでも条件付で,である.

There were conditions attached to this of course.

現在,帝国と魔物の国は交戦状態にある.

Currently, the Empire and Tempest were at war.

停戦に至っていない以上,戦闘行為は継続しているのだ.

Since the war hasn't ceased, acts of battle would still continue.

戦時条約を結んでいないので,捕虜という概念はお互いに存在しない.だが,カリギュリオ達は生き返らせて貰った身であり,魔王の言葉に逆らうつもりは無かった.

Since they didn't write any wartime treaties, the concept of prisoners of war didn't exist. Since the demon lord was the one who resurrected them, they didn't think of rebelling.

まして,現在戦争継続中.

Let alone that, the war is currently ongoing.

そんな中で,自分達を解放出来ない事は,カリギュリオにも十分に納得出来る話である.

Under these circumstances, they couldn't release them, Calgurio was pretty convinced about this.

カリギュリオ達が魔王を攻める事が出来ないにしても,後方支援に回し別の部隊を動員する事も可能となるだろうから.

Even if Calgurio and co couldn't directly attack the demon lord, they could still possibly be mobilized as backline supports.

なので,戦争終結する迄は,魔物の国の下に居るようにと命令されたのである.

And so, until the war has ended, they are ordered to live in Tempest.

その時に言われたのが,

I then told them this,

「お前達の食事も無料じゃない.

30万名分までなら賄えるが,70万名分ともなると他国から購入する必要がある.

なので,食べる分は働いて貰うぞ!」

"The food doesn't come for free.

We could cover meals for 300,000 people, but if it's 700,000 we're going to need to import from other countries.

And so, pay for your food bills with labor!"

との事だった.

And that's how it is.

なるほどもっともな事ではある.

As one can see this was reasonable.

ゲルドという将軍に紹介されて,彼の監視下で建築作業を行う事になった.

General Gerudo was introduced, and under his supervision they would begin constructions.

何でも,30万人以上が生活出来る工業都市を建設するのだとか.

The plan is for them to build an industrial city that could house over 300,000 residents.

鉱山から取れた鉄鉱石等を首都に運ぶのが効率的でないとかで,鉱山の麓に町を作れと命令を受けた.

Since mining for iron ores and such and then transporting it to the capital is inefficient, we're ordered them to build a city at the foot of the mine.

馬鹿みたいに簡単に引き受けるゲルド将軍.

The honest straightforward General Gerudo easily accepted.

「何なら,終戦後にお前等の中の希望者も住まわしてやるから,精々頑張って良い町を頼むぞ.

お前は強欲そうな顔をしているし,丁度いい.

車を大量生産する為の工業都市だ,精々儲けが出るように機能性重視で開発をしてくれよ!」

"If anything, if anyone wants to live here after the war then you better work hard on the town.

You all seem greedy, that's just what I need.

Why don't you mass produce cars in the industrial city, focus on functionality and development and make a lot of profit!"

笑顔の魔王にそう告げられて,拒否権等無いのだと悟るカリギュリオ.

Looking at the smiling demon lord, Calgurio realized he had no right to decline.

言っている意味は良く理解出来ないが,期待されたのは間違いないだろう.

He couldn't quite understand what was said to him, but he understood she held expectations for him.

心が高揚するのを感じ,若干戸惑った.

His heart felt elevated, but also slightly puzzled.

不満がある訳では無いのだが,この会議も何もなく思いつきだけで出された命令に従う魔物達に途轍もなく不思議な気持ちにさせられたのだ.

He wasn't dissatisfied, however this meeting wasn't something thought of on a whim, it was a mysterious feeling of watching monsters obey by their own free will.

町を作れ!

Build a town!

その命令は,軌道を引く道を整備する所から始まるのだ.

Following this order, the laying of rails began.

ゲルド将軍も,人手が足りなかったので丁度良い,と笑っている.

Gerudo showing was smiling at the great timing since he was just short on manpower.

軍団を率いていたのだから,人員編成は得意だろ? そう簡単に言われた.

Since he had led a corps and thus was proficient at assigning roles? It could be simplified as such.

どうなっておるんだ,この国は?

What's with this country?

そんな悩みが一瞬心に浮かんだが,魔王に対する不敬に当たると慌てて考えを放棄する.

This came to mind for a second, however since this was something disrespectful to the Demon lord so he hastily casted aside his thoughts.

それから直ぐに,カリギュリオは悩む間もなくなる程に扱き使われる事になるのだが,本人は未だその事に気付いていない.

Soon, Calgurio would be worked so hard he had no time to think of complaints, although it would appear the person in question hasn't realized this yet.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

カリギュリオが退出すると同時,ディアブロが入って来た.

Just as Calgurio had left, Diablo had entered.

「手筈通りに進みましたね,我が主よ」

"Preparations are proceeding as planned, my master."

と話しかけるディアブロに頷き返す.

A nod was returned to Diablo's words.

一度,帝国軍が全滅する様を見せつけ,慌てたネズミが逃げ出すのを敢えて見逃す.

Once it witnessed the total annihilation of the empire's forces, a frightened mouse scampered back.

これにより,帝国は自軍が全滅――文字通りの意味で――したと思い込む.

And so, the empire's armies are completely razed――in every sense of the word――would be the thought.

クリシュナが懺悔するように,皇帝に緊急通信を行ったと俺に報告して来たが,それもディアブロに放置させていただけの事.

Krishna had came and confessed that the emperor had tried to contact him with an emergency line, and I left it to Diablo.

ミランダという名の女の死体は発見出来なかったので,間違いなくソイツがネズミ,つまりはユウキのスパイだろう.

The corpse of the women called Miranda wasn't discovered; no doubt she's the mouse, Yuuki's spy.

恐らくは,三巨頭の頭の一人.

It's likely she's one of Cerberus's head.

カリギュリオはミランダに,それと気付かぬように思考誘導を受けていたのだ.

It's also likely that Calgurio didn't realize Miranda's thought guidance.

詐欺の手口のようなものだが,持ち前の強欲さを刺激されているだけなので,本人は気付いてもいないだろうけど.

Using tricks like that of a fraudster, she simulated his avarice nature, it would seem Calgurio himself wasn't even aware.

そのミランダも,カリギュリオの敗北を予見し,大急ぎで逃げ出したのだが......監視していたディアブロには筒抜けであった.

That Miranda had probably foresaw Calgurio's defeat and escaped...... And Diablo who was in charge of surveillance had oversaw this.

更にその外側を,ソウエイの手の者が監視していたのだから,どの道逃げ場は無かっただろう.

And at the outskirts, there is Souei who is responsible for surveillance there, so in the end there's no escape.

敢えて,情報をユウキや帝国皇帝に伝えさせる為に,逃がしたのである.

She was probably trying to report intelligence to the emperor and Yuuki, and thus had escaped.

この情報で和睦を申し出て来るならばそれでいい.

If this information could bring about peace then that would be great.

だが,尚戦争を継続するというならば,完全に叩き潰す.

However, if they continue this war, we would crush them completely.

特にユウキは,逃がすと厄介になりそうだ.

Especially Yuuki, if he escapes then things are going to get messy.

帝国と和睦を結ぶにしても,ヤツの身柄だけは確保しておきたい.

If we will reconcile with the empire, then we're definitely demanding custody of Yuuki.

戦争は未だ継続中なのだ.叩ける時に叩いておくべきだろう.

The war's still ongoing. And let's hit them as hard as we can while we still can.

今回の防衛戦は,完全なる勝利だった.

This defensive war is our complete victory.

カリギュリオには食費がどうのと尤もらしい事を言って脅したが,実質損害は軽微である.

We've managed to convince Calgurio with a plausible explanation like food expenses and threatened him a bit; the actual damage we've taken is minimal.

回復薬を大放出し,皆が痛い思いをしたのは確かだが.

Thanks to the large amount of recovery potion pasted, certainly there are only memories of pain.

その他の損害は,森が一部開拓された程度のもの.

Other damages include a part of the forest being logged.

神話級防具一式に,伝説級も三組手に入った.

But we're managed to attain 1 god class equipment, and 3 sets of legendary class equipment.

まして,魂を94万名分手に入れたのだ.

Not to mention the souls of 940,000 individuals I now have.

大勝利と言っていい.

As said previously it's our complete victory.

配下の誰を進化させるかは思案中だが,近い内に褒美として一大発表と同時に行うつもりだ.

I'm still thinking about which one of my subordinates to evolve, but I plan to announce it in a near-future announcement as a reward.

勿論,身内だけで.

Of course, only among my retainers.

まだ戦争は終わっていない.

The war isn't over yet.

海路上を通り,飛行船部隊が300隻移動しているのを把握していた.

I had already confirmed that there is an airship platoon of 300 vessels headed here from the sea.

まだまだ油断は出来ないのだ.

We can't be careless here.

一つの勝利に浮かれている場合では無いが,信賞必罰は大切である.

We shouldn't be excessively happy about a single victory, but rewards and punishments are still necessary.

魔王として覚醒して,俺への忠誠が薄れるとも思えないが,ともかく一度実験しておきたい.

Even though I don't think their loyalty to me would waver even after awakening as a demon lord, nevertheless I would want to experiment this

それが終われば海上の航空戦力を叩く.

After that we'll head off to crush their air forces above the seas.

次は,此方の番なのだ.

Next time, it's our turn.

こうして,魔物の国は帝国軍の侵攻を退け,反撃に移る事になる.

And so, after Tempest has successfully repelled the empire's invasion, their counterattack begins.