Chapter 112

Defected Dark Healer’s Rise to Wealth

I, Kiwi Alaya, was in the throne room of the Demon King’s Castle.

This place was one of the most important locations in the Demon Kingdom of Augron—one could even call it the very heart of the nation. In fact, aside from myself, the only ones present were the overwhelmingly imposing master of the Demon King’s Castle, Demon King Lumac, and the breathtakingly beautiful yet reserved secretary, Emeralda.

For someone like me, an exhausted, ordinary human, being in such an exalted place felt completely out of place. And yet, I found myself being summoned here time and time again.

After all, I was now a high-ranking official of the Demon Kingdom.

If anything, being summoned was only natural for someone in my position.

…That said, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had been called here today as a criminal. After all, it was right after I had reported the issue with Mask the Melon to Demon King Lumac.

Or at least, that’s what I thought.

“—I was thinking it’s about time we crushed the Western Elf Nation.”

That was the very first thing Demon King Lumac Augron said as he sat on his throne, legs crossed.

With an incredibly bright and cheerful smile, no less.

“I’ll be counting on your strength as well, Kiwi. Let’s beat them to a pulp together.”

That’s what he said.

As a mere Dark Healer, I could only smile awkwardly in response.

Perhaps taking my uncertain smile as an expression of absolute loyalty as a Demon Kingdom official, Demon King Lumac nodded approvingly and added,

“I expect nothing less than another heroic performance from you, Kiwi.”

…No, no, wait.

Is the Demon King under the impression that I’m some kind of berserker? Forget crushing anything, I don’t even have the arm strength to best an elderly clergyman.

This all started about thirty minutes earlier.

That morning was like any other.

I woke up, got ready, and headed to the office reserved for Demon Kingdom officials. Waiting for me there, as always, was Milphobia.

Ever since she transitioned from being my familiar—which was more of a guest status—to my personal secretary, she had been performing her duties with remarkable efficiency.

For example, she would gather updates from the Alaya General Hospital, the research institute, and my team of medical officers, then summarize them for me every morning and evening.

But today was different.

“Lord Alaya… Demon King Lumac has requested an audience.”

Her voice was unusually low and slightly trembling.

More than that, there was an emotion in her gaze—pity. Or perhaps sorrow.

She had the look of someone sending off a beloved koi fish to be chopped on a cutting board.

“I apologize, Lord Alaya… I completely miscalculated the timing to inform you about the matter.”

“The matter?”

“The issue with Mask the Melon.”

“Ah. That.”

“Yes. Last night, I found the perfect moment to report it to His Majesty, but…”

Ah, right. That had happened.

To be honest, I’d been so busy working at Alaya General Hospital that I had completely forgotten about my bounty situation.

“So, what do you mean by ‘miscalculated’? Was His Majesty angry?”

“No, during last night’s audience, he only responded with a single ‘I see.’”

“Then why this morning?”

“Well, the thing is…”

Milphobia hesitated—uncharacteristically so.

I waited for her to continue, and eventually, she explained the situation.

“Late last night, an urgent report came in— the Kingdom Army launched an ‘Elden Assault.’ The Demon Army is now forced to fight on two fronts against both the Western Elf Nation and the Kingdom Army.”

I had no choice but to nod in understanding.

If it had just been about Mask the Melon, maybe my reputation wouldn’t have taken too much of a hit.

But since it coincided with a major Kingdom Army offensive, that changed everything.

From Demon King Lumac’s perspective, it meant two major headaches had landed on his plate at once.

Of course, that would sour his mood.

“I apologize, Lord Alaya. I assured you I would handle this, but depending on His Majesty’s mood, you may face some sort of penalty.”

“No, Milphobia, this isn’t something for you to apologize for. No one could have predicted the Kingdom Army’s movements. It is what it is.”

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and made my way to the throne room.

I had sown this seed; I had to reap it myself.

At worst, I’d just have to grovel for my life.

I had no pride to speak of when it came to survival. Back when I served the Kingdom as a torture assistant, I had begged Agito for my life, after all.

If the penalty meant losing my status as a Demon Kingdom official, so be it.

In fact… that might even be a relief.

With such thoughts in mind, I arrived at the throne room—only to be greeted by Demon King Lumac’s bombshell declaration.

“Um, Your Majesty. May I ask a question?”

“Of course. Speak freely.”

“I thought I was being summoned regarding the Mask the Melon incident?”

I tried bringing up the matter I had assumed was the reason for my summons.

But—

“Ah, that? Do as you see fit, Kiwi. It’s of no concern.”

It was brushed aside effortlessly.

Wait, “do as I see fit”?

“I-Is that really okay? No punishment?”

“None at all. I hear no one died as a result.”

“That’s true, but… I did have an altercation with the Magic City police.”

“You mean Deus? I heard he’s been training hard after being shamed by your subordinate. That just means the Magic City police will get stronger.”

“I also took control of a criminal organization involved in the production and distribution of illegal drugs…”

“Milphobia informed me that you’re using it for research that benefits the Demon Kingdom. No problem, then.”

“…Are you sure there’s really no punishment?”

“Kiwi, are you trying to get scolded?”

Demon King Lumac rested his cheek on his hand, laughing in amusement.

“Well, I do need to keep this quiet from that stubborn old man, Gunken, but aside from that, it’s not a big deal. Right now, we have more pressing concerns.”

“The Kingdom Army’s renewed invasion?”

“You’ve heard already, I see.”

As I nodded, Lumac let out a weary sigh.

“Why is the Kingdom so eager for war?”

“You have my sympathies.”

“Do you? Do you truly understand this frustration?”

Lumac chuckled.

It wasn’t a bright or warm laugh—it was something darker, more malicious.

“I’ve had enough. I’m sick of always being on the defensive.”

“So… what are you saying?”

“It’s about time we started a war of our own.”

His grin was brimming with sadistic delight—like a cat toying with a dying cicada.

“Kiwi Alaya, I am assigning you a new role.”

“You will carry out a special operations mission.”