I thought, “You’re way too trusting.”
But I immediately reconsidered.
No, it’s actually the opposite. They’re likely keeping a deliberate distance from beings like us, who aren’t of the demon race.
A terrifying person. What makes them truly scary is how difficult it is to see that on the surface.
“It feels like something awful will happen if we don’t meet their expectations…”
I had no complaints about the product. The fact that the Demon Lord’s army can produce top-grade healing potions so effortlessly is genuinely unsettling.
With these potions, the beastfolk should be satisfied, and trade should proceed without issue.
…Which means that if something goes wrong, the responsibility will fall squarely on me.
“Sorry, Zino. I can’t do it. The idea of fighting against an army led by the Big Boss and their generals is unimaginable.”
Even though it’s called an army, right now, they only have their key figures:
The Demon Lord, their close aides, the Four Heavenly Kings, and—well—the head chef, I guess.
If we wanted to strike, now would be the best chance.
But even if Zino, I, the elves, and the halflings all joined forces and worked together, I don’t see any scenario where we’d win.
“That’s why I said it. Give up on reckless plans and adapt to this world instead.”
I already have. I’ve surrendered to the Demon Lord’s army.
Who cares what the Goddess says? Future threats? Who cares about those?
The threat before me right now is so terrifying that I can’t even think about anything else.
“Well, even if they’re halflings, they’re still another race. I just hope they’ll trade with us fairly.”
Well, it should be fine. The alchemist was human, after all.
That means the beastfolk are probably desperate enough for healing potions that they’re not picky about race.
As long as they don’t try to take advantage of us, I hope to strike a good deal.
“Hey, old man. I’ve got something good here—care to buy it?”
I entered the largest store in the beastfolk’s main city.
As expected of a merchant, the shopkeeper didn’t comment on the fact that I was a halfling. He just evaluated the goods objectively.
In that case, this is as good as won.
The healing potions made by Premilla are on an entirely different level from the average stuff.
“Could we arrange a regular trade deal?”
“Of course. We’ve got a great alchemist, after all.”
“Jealous. Ever since the dungeon appeared, the standards for healing potions have changed, and it’s been tough.”
The deal was struck, and the beastfolk merchant, perhaps feeling slightly more comfortable, began venting his frustrations.
“You mean those folks selling stuff inside the dungeon?”
“Yeah, we can’t compete with their quality or prices. Almost all of our customers have been drawn to them.”
“So you’re buying this healing potion for the few remaining customers?”
“Exactly. I thought the dungeon had taken over all demand, but I guess people hate the hassle of going there. It’s always crowded, and they sometimes run out of stock, too.”
The merchant concluded with a note of envy, arranging the healing potions on the shelf.
Well, this can be considered a success.
At this rate, maybe we could corner the beastfolk’s healing potion market entirely.
“I’ve wrapped up deals with most of the key players, Boss.”
“Surprisingly, a lot of beastfolk were already using Tokito and Tokitō’s shop.”
According to Lopez, nearly all the beastfolk now buy their healing potions from Tokito’s shop, and we’ve also secured the demand from the remaining exceptions.
In other words, all the healing potions for the beastfolk are now being supplied by us.
Lopez sure knows how to get things done.
“Originally, customers had already started gravitating toward the shop you manage, Boss. But now, we’ve fully secured one of the lifelines of the beastfolk.”
…I see, that’s how it is.
I suppose it’s true. Now that all their healing potion supply depends on us, we’ve essentially become their lifeline.
But this world also has healing magic and other means, so it’s not like we’ve achieved total control.
“If we were to stop supplying them, chaos would ensue. But at that point, they’d likely look for alternative sources or turn to the Saintess for healing.”
“Yeah, we can’t completely incapacitate the beastfolk. The timing will be up to you, Boss. This is your area of expertise, right?”
What do they think I am?
I’m the kind of guy who botches rockfall trap timing and ends up summoning royal soldiers to the dungeon.
“Well, don’t expect too much from me. Besides, just monopolizing the healing potion market without causing chaos seems profitable enough.”
“That’s the scary part about you, Boss…”
What’s so scary about that?
Well, whatever. If even Lopez, a halfling, finds me intimidating, maybe the beastfolk will too.
And if they fear the demons, that’s probably a good thing.
“Anyway, good work. Take some time off and rest.”
Kazama and the other three can handle the shop’s operations, so giving Lopez some time off isn’t an issue.
But this guy is a bit of a workaholic…
If worse comes to worst, I might have to ask Rigma to step in and force him to rest.
“Not only are you expanding through economic means, but you’re invading too, huh? Seriously, our Boss is terrifying…”
“Ah, Ray. Done for the day?”
“Lady Fiona. Yes, I’ve run out of magic, talked to the other reincarnators, and just finished receiving Lopez’s report.”
Lady Fiona herself…
It seems she had another enjoyable day, which is a relief.
“Speaking of Lopez, he went to sell potions to the beastfolk, didn’t he?”
“Yes, it seems we’ve secured control of the beastfolk’s potion distribution.”
“Oh, my. That’s impressive.”
“So it looks like we’ll be getting a steady stream of funds. Is there anything you’d like to buy, Lady Fiona?”
So far, currency from other races has mostly been used to pay employees.
That shows just how self-sufficient this underground demon world is.
Since that’s the case, I figured I’d ask if there was anything extravagant she’d like.
“Resurrection potions… magic power for treasure chests…”
“Ah, sorry. Something realistic, please.”
“J-just kidding.”
Really? It didn’t sound like a joke…
“But…”
Lady Fiona’s usual clumsy demeanor shifted to a regal and imposing expression as she whispered:
“As long as you’re here, that’s enough.”
“…Uh, th-thank you.”
So this is what makes demons loyal.
No wonder the Four Heavenly Kings are so devoted.
That said, I may be a demon, but I’m also a reincarnator.
Lady Fiona doesn’t seem to care about that distinction, but I wonder if she’s had reincarnated companions before.
“Lady Fiona, did you ever have other reincarnated companions in the past?”
“Why do you ask?”
“It’s just simple curiosity.”
“I see… Yes, I did.”
That makes sense. No wonder she accepted me so easily.
“But they betrayed me, so I killed them all.”
…What did the previous reincarnators do!?
Right. I almost forgot she’s the Demon Lord.
She may have been acting like a harmless, cute creature recently, but with a past like that, I’ll need to make sure I stay useful.
“Ray.”
“Y-yes?”
“Don’t betray me, okay?”
“Of course!”
I should probably remind the other reincarnators about this.
If she starts harboring distrust toward us, we’ll all get caught in the crossfire…
“I’m sorry, but as heroes, we’re obligated to defeat the Demon Lord.”
“…”
“I’m sorry, but we want to return to our world. You’ll just have to be sacrificed for that.”
“…”
“As a former comrade, I’ll make sure it’s painless.”
“Traitors.”
Unforgivable. Those former companions and the ones who caused this.
I won’t trust anyone.
All those opportunistic leeches who flocked to the winning side disgust me.
I’m alone. Completely alone now.
Would it have been better to let those ashes kill me back then?
No. Because I’m not in the wrong.
“Someone… Is there anyone who will be my ally?”
It hurts. It hurts. My slashed arm, my burned leg, my pierced eye.
The betrayal.
“There were no allies after all…”
