"Saffron, you need to quickly complete the task you were assigned. The establishment of the new intelligence agency is drawing near."
"It's fine by me, but you know, the assassin guild's headquarters is far."
"What are you talking about?"
I couldn't help but interrupt Platanus and Saffron's conversation.
"It was your idea in the first place, wasn't it? Such a hassle."
Responding for the overwhelmed Platanus, Saffron got up from the sofa and answered.
"Remember? We were talking about hiring members from the assassin guild I was part of to form an intelligence agency."
"Ah..."
With Heath as the king, Platanus as the chancellor, and Instructor Cattleya as the marshal, I had planned for us to completely control the country in terms of nobility, politics, and military. Central to that plan was the establishment of the intelligence agency.
Even if we filled the top positions with people close to me, if the subordinates, followers, and the public didn't fully support us, the organization would be extremely vulnerable.
Especially among those with a strong desire for power, there might be some who would try to trap us by any means possible.
Not everyone in this world is as reasonable and accommodating as former Marshal Crocus, who readily passed on his position to Instructor Cattleya.
Our forces, having gathered all the saintly swords, could easily win against the entire military might of the country if it turned against us. However, I know all too well how terrifying and cunning human ingenuity can be, as Geranium's schemes almost led to our destruction.
It's unlikely now, but there's always the risk that causing a rift in our relations could lead to infighting and self-destruction.
To prevent this, I planned to establish an intelligence agency headed by Saffron, placing spies near powerholders, military officials, and others in each territory.
The idea came to me as I observed Saffron, a former assassin who is outwardly considered just a maid and not even recognized as a saintly sword wielder.
"Since it was originally my place, I guess I'm the best person to negotiate with the members of the assassin guild. But you know, those people are seriously dangerous. They're all into body modification-level training, inventing new kinds of drug weapons and gadgets; I don't really want to get too close."
"Huh."
Considering Saffron's ability to wield the power of the Vacuum Sword, she was indeed an exceptional assassin.
Sensitive to the presence of others and able to dodge arrows by sensing murderous intent.
"Such individuals are only dangerous if they're not on our side. If it comes to it, use the power of the saintly swords to eliminate them. Even if Instructor Cattleya can't, Iris should be able to move. Anticipate rough situations and negotiate with them on our behalf."
"That's why it's a hassle because it's far. I'm a delicate maiden, you know? You're asking me to walk all the way to the dangerous hideout of those guys?"
"You're the only one who knows where the headquarters of the assassin guild is. Get ready quickly."
"Ah, come on. We've gathered all the saintly swords~. Do we really care about other humans anymore~? Let's just relax until the Demon Lord revives~."
Saffron was whining on the sofa like a child.
"I mean, everyone's been so busy lately, it's boring. Cattleya, Iris, Platanus, everyone. I'm lonely~"
It's surprising to hear Saffron say she's lonely.
Originally, a girl who only did assassinations on her own is now disliking the decreased time with her companions, much like a regular girl.
Well, she's definitely not ordinary.
"Then, how about we go to the assassin guild with the Pegasus Sword, Saffron? It could be part of our dungeon search."
The moment I suggested this, Saffron sprang up excitedly.
"That sounds great! Let's go on a long trip together for a change! Dungeon raiding is fun!"
"No... the dungeon raiding should be enough with those three and Shion. You need to negotiate with the assassin guild..."
"Eh~ Don't be a spoilsport~"
Why does dungeon raiding, a dangerous task, become part of her entertainment?
I really can't understand her at all.
"Alright. There will probably be multiple dungeons, so the more, the merrier. You can join the dungeon raid after you've dealt with the assassin guild."
"Yay! I'll do my best! I'll crush those guys from the assassin guild in no time!"
You're not supposed to crush them. Persuade them.
"..., I would have liked to accompany you if possible..."
"Platanus, you have chancellor duties, right? Plus, it's better not to leave the capital with too many people, as it temporarily divides our forces."
"Indeed... I was interested in these dungeons, but perhaps another time."
Platanus, continuing his paperwork, muttered with genuine disappointment.
"Then, we'll depart first thing tomorrow morning. Let's meet at the location of the Pegasus Sword."
"Roger!"
Saffron saluted me with a beaming smile.
By the way, now that I'm supposed to operate the Pegasus Sword to transport everyone, will the Pegasus Sword accept my control as it currently stands?
Curious, I headed to the stable where the Pegasus Sword, named Lamrei, was kept, and I took hold of its reins.
"Come to think of it, we've been through a lot together, haven't we?"
I stroked the neck of the Pegasus Sword as I held the reins.
Because of this horse, even someone as useless as me was able to be somewhat useful to everyone.
Well, without Holly around, this guy wouldn't listen to a word I say.
With that thought, I tried mounting the Pegasus Sword for a test.
The first time I rode it, it reared up and went wild.
I expected a similar reaction now that Holly wasn't around, but,
"… Eh?"
The Pegasus Sword remained calm as I got on.
Confused, yet curious, I moved the reins, and it responded to my directions.
"Um… Fly!"
Half-jokingly, I commanded the Pegasus Sword to fly, and to my surprise, it actually began to float.
"…!"
Normally, commands for riding include moving forward, accelerating, slowing down, stopping, or changing direction, but not ascending or descending. Such feats are impossible for horses that can't fly.
However, drawing on my experience being possessed by Holly, I mimicked the movements and managed to control the Pegasus Sword.
Then, the Pegasus Sword flew up into the skies above the royal capital in an instant.
For the first time, I was able to control the Pegasus Sword freely without Holly being present.
"… You…"
Astonished, I gazed at the Pegasus Sword as we flew around the skies above the capital.
There's no one here but me.
No one is listening to my voice.
So,
"Do you… know what I am? Did you know that I'm… the Demon Lord?"
The Pegasus Sword doesn't answer.
It just continues to fly around, following my instructions as always.
The only difference is that Holly isn't here.
"Till the end, will you stay with me?"
The Pegasus Sword doesn't respond.
Yet, I couldn't stop talking to it.
"Then… just a little longer. Stay with me… just a bit more…"
I continued to speak, unable to stop myself.
We've faced many hardships together... no, you've been my partner.
"After I'm gone... you should carry Shion."
"Shion is not good at riding, so fly gently, okay?"
"And when the Demon Lord is revived..."
"Please carry Shion to where the Demon Lord is."
"Because I'll be there."
Pegasus Sword Lamrei doesn't respond.
It simply continues to soar through the sky as always.
"Take care of Shion and Holly."
In the days that followed, time flew by quickly.
Guided by Saffron, we headed to the headquarters of the assassin guild and received a rough welcome. However, normal humans stood no chance against the saintly sword wielders, and we easily subdued the assassins, capturing them and making contact with the man at the top of the guild.
Surprisingly, this man turned out to be Saffron's father.
While it was quite a shock, his attitude of threatening people, sending assassins, and even having his subordinates hidden in the ceiling, walls, and floors during negotiations angered me. So,
"You only talk through threats because you're a coward, right? It's because you're afraid of dying that you do such things."
I held back Shion and the others with a hand gesture, telling them "don't make a move," and then I yelled at Saffron's father.