“Good job~”
“Ah… good job?”
I reflexively replied after being greeted in a surprisingly casual way by a child I didn’t know.
“…Who was that?”
“Ah… now that you mention it, Rey hasn’t seen them before, huh?”
The child passed by, so I missed the chance to ask who they were.
I decided to ask Pilkaya, who was next to me, and it seemed like he knew who the child was.
“Is it the halfling who started working at the inn?”
“No, no. That’s Rigma.”
“Ha…?”
I knew Rigma could change their appearance, but… wasn’t that child acting completely different from Rigma’s usual self?
“Was it an act?”
“No, that was one of the avatars Rigma often uses. Unlike me, Rigma doesn’t just control each avatar on their own, they give each one its own ego.”
So, even though both Pilkaya and Rigma use avatars, their methods seem different.
“So, does that mean Rigma’s personality is split?”
“Yeah. The Rigma you know — their usual form, their true form, the one at the first inn, and the new one they created — that’s all the Rigma Rey knows.”
That means the Rigma I’ve met so far all have the same personality. But their older forms, which they’ve used for a long time, probably have different personalities.
“The child from earlier is named Karmal. That’s one of the avatars Rigma used when they were spying while pretending to be a child or a halfling.”
“So, that personality got fixed in that form?”
“Yo, what are you two talking about in this corridor?”
“Rigma…”
Just as we were discussing it, the person responsible for the conversation appeared. From the looks of it, it seems like Rigma didn’t know that the avatar Karmal had met with us.
“We just met Karmal. Rey was explaining since it was their first time meeting.”
“Ah… that brat. I thought a small halfling would be better for managing the dwarf’s side of the inn.”
“Unlike Pilkaya’s avatar, you don’t share consciousness between your avatars, do you?”
“Not when they’re separate. It’s more convenient because they can act independently. Once they integrate, I get the information from them. For now, I plan to keep it like this.”
Thinking about it, Rigma’s method has advantages that Pilkaya doesn’t have. Pilkaya manages the surveillance of the outside world, while Rigma handles the employees. It seems Fiona’s strategy fits well with the characteristics of the Four Heavenly Kings.
“Well, just try to get along with them. You’re used to dealing with kids, right?”
“I’m older than Rigma, though~”
“Huh, really?”
Pilkaya said something unexpectedly defensive. I thought Rigma was the oldest, with Pilkaya or Primilla being the youngest, but it turns out Pilkaya is older than Rigma…
“As a spirit, you’re still a kid. But as for me, I’m already an old slime. I think I could retire and live out the rest of my life.”
“Please don’t say that in front of Fiona. She might agree and end up becoming a shut-in.”
“As long as you’re doing your best, the Demon King probably won’t give up their role.”
That means, if I lose my motivation, the entire Demon Army would happily retreat and become shut-ins…?
Well, I guess that’s one option.
If things continue this way, my skills might make it easier to live in the dungeon, and a self-sustaining underground paradise might not be out of reach.
“Well, that’s a last resort…”
“Better ask for it soon~”
In that case, it’s probably going to be even more trouble for you. If a store or farm is needed, you’d be the first to be called upon.
◇
“Hey, Kamaru.”
“What?”
It seems this person was captured in a different place before me. With our appearance, which might seem like that of a child to humans, I thought they were a kid, but it turns out they’re an adult named Kamaru.
“I understand that we’re working under the demon clan to gain our freedom.”
“That’s good. There’s no benefit in resisting, you know.”
As the leader here, I was taught the general duties of working at the inn, but somehow, I couldn’t settle down.
“But what was that? A lookout?”
“Ah…”
They’re probably a demon with dragon blood. Which means their power is formidable without needing any tests. So why is this woman staring at us like that? What could be her intent?
“Ripianem-sama, the new recruit is scared, could you step back a little or hold back your power?”
This person is amazing… Seeing them speak up to that demon made me realize I should never defy the leader. If anything were to happen, there’s no way I could speak up to a demon in my position. Therefore, a leader who can do that confidently is a rare and valuable existence.
“Hmm… I see. Then I will step back and listen.”
I wonder if she could go somewhere else… It seems like she’s just monitoring our work. With someone like that watching, I can’t afford to make mistakes. So, I decided to seriously focus on the unfamiliar tasks at the inn.
◇
“Ugh…”
Ripianem looked somewhat dissatisfied.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t you say you were going to the trap dungeon today?”
“Ah, it’s you, Rey. I already went there. And since Kamaru was teaching the new recruit, I was listening in… but…”
She faltered at that point. What’s going on? Was there some problem?
“They were handling it well.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Yes, but… as someone who has heard the same thing many times, I wonder why they keep misjudging their power and causing destruction every time.”
Don’t do that. It wasn’t just a minor mistake where something got broken. They probably destroyed an entire room. I remember something similar. After five rooms were destroyed, I was asked by Rigma to rebuild them. Was that your doing?
“…For now, why don’t you start training to control your power?”
“Oh, I’ve been doing that. Look.”
What Ripianem showed me was a small iron sphere?
“I squeezed this iron lump without breaking it and turned it into a sphere. How’s that? Pretty well done, don’t you think?”
“Isn’t that more like training your grip strength rather than controlling your power?”
“What!?”
It seems Ripianem still has a long way to go in controlling her strength. I wonder if this tragic monster, who struggles with this overwhelming power, will ever become a proper living being someday.
◇
“Ripianem-sama, we have enough manpower.”
“Do not worry. My control over my power has improved compared to before.”
“However, the thing you’re currently crushing is a farming tool.”
“Hmm… Then, I suppose I should use this sword.”
“Please stop, or the entire field will be destroyed.”
Later, Ripianem, who had gained confidence, was stopped by Primilla .
She had originally said she was only good at fighting, but it wasn’t modesty—she had really meant it.
I felt a bit sorry for her. It seems the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings struggles because they are so powerful…
“By the way, Fiona-sama, you’re stronger than Ripianem, yet you control your power so well.”
“Yes, despite appearances, I am quite skilled. Let me demonstrate with Rey.”
I was petted on the head…
I see, it doesn’t seem like Fiona-sama’s strength is that much greater than Ripianem’s.
Wait, I almost thought that felt kind of nice. From Fiona-sama, of all people…
“It’s starting to hurt a little.”
“It’s because you’re probably thinking something rude.”
“Sorry…”
“Being honest is a good thing.”
I’m glad… she stopped petting me in a way that would strain my neck.
Wait, Ripianem, don’t look over here. Don’t come near me.
“I think I could do that much too.”
“Please don’t, my neck will snap off.”
With that, the sad monster, Ripianem, sadly walked away.
◆
“Ripianem. Rigma. Pilkaya. Primilla . Are you all really willing to follow me?”
“Yes, we are in service to the Demon King. Please give us any orders.”
“I understand your strength. Are you truly willing to follow me?”
“Are you dissatisfied, Demon King? Even so, we can manage.”
“I know. But… is it really okay for me to be the Demon King?”
“Of course. What problem could there be?”
“I see… well then, I look forward to working with you.”
