"Because Platanus is only twenty-three years old. While he may be capable, there are plenty of bureaucrats and ministers older than him. Appointing such a young man as chancellor would certainly provoke resentment."
"If he's capable, then he should do it."
"What?"
"It's a king's prerogative. Promote your favorite subordinates. It's common to have young people close to you based on favoritism."
"But, Crow, it's not that I have objections. It's the people around…"
"Silence them."
"Eh?"
"Silence anyone who has objections to Platanus being chancellor. Any method is fine. They can die or be exiled. If necessary, exterminate their entire families under charges of treason to make Platanus chancellor."
"…"
Prince Heath was speechless, and I looked towards Platanus.
He wore a disturbingly happy smile.
"Platanus. Silence the entire population. Implement national policies that will satisfy all citizens. Amend the laws. Make everyone agree that you being chancellor is the best outcome. You can do it."
"…Delightedly!"
"Hey, hey, hey! Crow! Are you planning to monopolize the top echelons of state power with insiders?"
Instructor Cattleya was adorably fuming.
"Nearly all the soldiers in this country have received decorations from Instructor Cattleya during their cadet days. All soldiers would rejoice at your ascenshion to the top of the military."
"What about the current marshal?"
"Demote him."
"What!?"
"He's surely inferior to Instructor Cattleya in combat ability, leadership, command ability, and popularity. Just fire him. If he resists, kill him."
"You…!"
"Iris. You're excellent at executing orders from superiors but lack the ability to command subordinates."
"…I can't argue with that."
"So, you'll always be Cattleya's deputy. You'll hold the title of general, but all actual command authority will reside with Cattleya. You'll support her closely."
"…Alright… Crow. That's a wonderful proposal. I've always waited for the day Instructor Cattleya would rule the military…"
"Whoa!? Iris!?"
"The day has come for the Instructor to receive the treatment befitting her abilities. I'll support her fully."
"Hey, hey, hey!"
Instructor Cattleya was taken aback, not just by me but also by Iris's reaction.Platanus, sitting next to me, nods repeatedly, echoing, "As you say. Your argument is indeed valid."
"And what am I supposed to do? Still pretend to be a maid as usual?"
Saffron mutters, clearly uninterested.
"You're still connected to those in the assassination guild, right?"
"Well, yes. Though I wouldn't call our relationship 'good.'"
"Let's hire all of them. I'll pay whatever they ask, so get in touch with all the assassins and have them infiltrate the homes of all the nobles and influential figures in this country, as well as the towns they govern, to gather information. If they prove to be hostile towards us, they are to report back or eliminate them as part of an organization, a spy agency we're creating. You will be in charge of recruiting and training these members. Officially, you'll be the head maid, but in reality, you'll be the head of this spy agency."
"That sounds tedious. I don't wanna."
"Work out the specifics with Platanus. Once you have enough members, your job will mostly involve relaying Platanus's orders to your subordinates."
"Hmm. Maybe I'll give it a shot."
"Cineraria, for you, I was thinking…"
"Hold on."
Cineraria cuts me off.
"We'll help you with the Demon Lord's subjugation, but beyond that, we're not planning to hang around with you guys."
"…"
"Of course, we're not interested in being killed off by the Demon Lord along with all of humanity. But that doesn't mean we have any obligation to follow your orders. Besides, I don't like the idea of the king and the chancellor being men. Even if Instructor Cattleya becomes the marshal, in the end, it means men will be giving orders from above."
"The highest authority in this country will be a woman."
"What?"
"Upon defeating the Demon Lord, the Hero Shion will attain a status and authority surpassing that of the king. In other words, Shion, a woman, will be at the apex. Also, I intended for you to lead an independent organization, but if you're not interested, that's fine. I was going to ask, not order you anyway."
I shift my gaze away from Cineraria.
"So, if Cineraria is going to operate independently, let's discuss the roles of the others…"
"Wait, wait! What were you planning to have me do?"
Cineraria, feeling ignored, starts to panic.Well, it's no surprise she's panicking.
Given her history of being deceived by Geranium, she's naturally wary of following someone else's orders, but she also seemed lost without an employer.
Well, I'll just casually assign her tasks, not as orders but under the guise of delegating responsibility.
"We'll need to make use of the bodies of those who oppose us by turning them into zombie soldiers under your command."
"For what purpose? Human zombies aren't that useful, you know?"
"It's a deterrent. We'll spread the word that those who oppose us won't just be killed; they will suffer eternally on the front lines of the battlefield, even after death. As the head of the corpse divishion, you'll use zombie soldiers to eliminate any opposition in cases of civil unrest or rebellion, converting the fallen enemy soldiers into more zombie soldiers. And we'll make sure to showcase this all over the country. We'll display the fate of those who oppose the hero's party to the whole world."
"…"
"Crow…"
Cineraria, clearly appalled, goes silent, then Jasmine hesitantly raises her hand and speaks up.
"I understand your feelings, but ruling by fear will only bring resistance. Please remember the kindness you showed us when we were vulnerable. No matter the reason, your current actions are too hasty."
"Fear is Cineraria's role, but Jasmine, you will provide mercy."
"Eh?"
"Jasmine, you will become the Holy Mother of the church we're establishing to venerate the hero. Heal the wounded and sick across the country with your Healing Sword. While you're welcome to travel, it would be best if you stayed in the capital, promoting the idea that those who do not oppose the hero receive generous blessings. Of course, this includes caring for the surrendered enemies as well."
"Me, a Holy Mother…?"
"Eternal suffering for those who resist, and peace and prosperity for those who cooperate. It won't be long before every citizen venerates the hero, and there are no opponents left. Specifically, it involves eliminating power-hungry tyrants jealous of the hero's status and their private armies. This should be over within three years."
"Three years!?"
Heath exclaims in shock.
"First off, nothing starts until Heath ascends the throne. Heath, you need to take the throne by tomorrow or the day after."
"Tomorrow!?"
"There won't be any coronation ceremony. It's a waste of time and money. Anyone who complains about your ascenshion, eliminate them immediately. If they hesitate, threaten them with the wrath of the hero."
"…"
"Let me make this clear, if you haven't ascended within three days, I'll ask Shion to destroy the capital. Hurry up."
"…"
From that moment, Heath had nothing more to say."Amaranth approached me, saying, 'Crow, what should I do? Cineraria may have expressed herself that way, but I have no complaints about following your orders. From today, I intend to serve you.'
'Then, I’d like you to be Shion's guard. How about being the hero’s partner?'
'The hero's? But does a hero stronger than me need a guard?'
'For now, Shion can only fight for one hour a day. That’s why a partner is necessary.'
'Hmm. However, after prolonged battles, it takes me months to recover my magical power. Specifically, after the battle with Geranium, I’ve exhausted my magical power, and it will take at least two months before I can be of any use again. I need to store up magical power in my magic-class sword before I can use the Demon Sword or the Rakshasa Sword again.'
Amaranth mutters, showing the bracelet-shaped magic-class sword on her left wrist.