The underground passage leading from the safe room in the basement. While supporting Mukomuu as they stumbled along and carrying the unconscious Iwagane on my back—courtesy of Zombie Thief—I retraced my steps to reach the staircase.
Then—
“Lord Kiwi! You’re safe!”
At that spot, where a large cauldron that seemed to be part of the new potion’s development stood, were Shes and Otokai —the two who had been holding off the demonic guards on the ground floor of this building.
“We were so worried about you! You disappeared right after storming this building, leaving us all behind!”
“Oh, I apologize for that.”
I couldn’t help it—my curiosity had gotten the better of me.
When we infiltrated the research facility identified by Zombie Thief as the source of the new potion, using Shes’ holy technique, Illusion for Demons, I was already brimming with excitement. Then, I happened to witness the moment Mukomuu was packed into a wooden crate and transported to this building.
…Well, isn’t that practically an announcement that they’ve got something they don’t want anyone to find out about? How could I not investigate?
Thus, upon arriving at the building, I left the messy work to Shes and Otokai and searched every nook and cranny myself. And when I found a secret room in the basement—a classic move—my rationality started doing a little dance.
Of course, that’s just an excuse.
“I’ll be more careful next time.”
I resolved to reflect on how my curiosity had run wild this time and to avoid repeating the same mistake. Well, as much as possible. Still, I’d like to pursue knowledge within reasonable bounds that don’t cause undue worry.
“By the way, Kiwi, those two demons… they’re the masterminds behind the new potion, right?” Otokai peered over my shoulder.
Her crimson eyes locked onto Mukomuu and Iwagane.
“What’s the plan? Hand them over to the enforcers? Given how many Fallen they’ve created even during wartime, they’d probably be executed for treason against the Demon Kingdom.”
“No, of course not.”
That would be far too wasteful.
Sure, these two have undoubtedly harmed the Demon Kingdom. But even so, their brilliant minds aren’t something to be casually discarded.
“I’m planning to have Mukomuu continue her research and accumulate knowledge on magic infusion techniques for potions.”
“Uh… isn’t that kind of personal? Are you sure you can make that decision without consulting the Demon King?”
“No problem.”
I could state that with confidence.
Demon Kingdom officials are granted a certain degree of discretion, and the criterion for whether it’s overstepping is whether their actions benefit the kingdom.
In this case, my decision clearly aligns with the Demon Kingdom’s future interests.
“What about Iwagane, the spiderfolk? Don’t tell me you plan to…”
“Indeed. I intend to utilize him effectively.”
I nodded firmly.
There’s a saying: even fools and scissors have their uses. No one is truly unnecessary—be it human or demon. If someone seems unnecessary, it simply means they’re being misused.
“I’ll be taking over Iwagane’s position—his entire network. The safe room, the club, and even the research facility will now operate at my discretion.”
“Wha—? Take over entirely? Wait, wait, does that mean you’ll be running a club while hyping up the floor yourself?!”
“No, that’s not it.”
I cleared my throat and continued.
“I’m taking over his status and influence. Iwagane will work under my command from now on.”
“Wow… That’s cold.”
“Heh… It’s perfect. All profits from the club will be directed toward research and development. What a fantastic system.”
“Now that I think about it, yeah, it’s kinda shady, but it works out great. The Demon Kingdom gets rid of the drug, and you get to pursue knowledge. It’s a total win-win.”
“That’s win-win, but yes, you’re right.”
And, catching the root cause of the new potion means gaining access to Iwagane’s client list. With that, we can track down and (forcibly) rehabilitate those addicted to the new potion.
There’s nothing wrong with my plan.
…Ah, what a delight! I get to contribute to the Demon Kingdom while gaining more fellow research enthusiasts. How fortunate!
I glanced back at Mukomuu and flashed a friendly smile I’d practiced in secret.
“Heh… Now then, let’s work together from here on out, shall we?”
“Eek! Y-Yes, sir…!”
For some reason, Mukomuu flinched, her shoulders jerking. She seemed frightened.
Why? My words should have been perfectly clear.
Conversations can be tricky.
Anyway, our course of action was set.
While I wanted to withdraw for now and discuss the new potion in detail with Mukomuu, someone interrupted.
“—W-Wait! Please, not that!”
The voice came from Iwagane, who had regained consciousness while being carried by Zombie Thief. It seemed he’d been listening to our conversation.
Well, that was fine. The problem wasn’t his eavesdropping.
“You said ‘not that,’ but what are you referring to?”
“U-Using me! If you’re going to do that, then just turn me over to the Demon King instead!”
“Hm? Why? You’d be executed.”
“That’d be better!”
Iwagane’s eight compound eyes turned a pitiful shade of blue as he cried, his voice mixed with sobs.
“If I stay out here and people find out I’m following your orders… the organization will find me and eliminate me!”
“Organization? Eliminate…?”
“I’m not just the owner of a club or research lab. I’m just someone entrusted to manage them! I’m just a cog in a much larger organization!”
His desperation seemed genuine. He wasn’t making excuses or spouting nonsense.
It looked like I’d need to hear more about this.
