When the conversation came to an end, Alveiro said, “Then, let’s start the formation ceremony, Commander Yuki. Please do so.”
“Okay.” (Yuki)
When I nodded, the three who had been a little distracted instantly refocused. The surrounding atmosphere also changed.
Then, the three of them pulled out the swords at their waists and pointed their blades at each other.
I said, “–We were born on different days, at different times, and in different races, but we share the same heart. We may die at different times, but we share the same will.”I continued my words as I looked at the three of them, “Therefore, we will help each other, save the weak, comfort the people, and protect the nation together. We may differ in every way, but as friends, we pledge to protect each other and live righteously.”
I, too, pulled a sword from my waist, not Enne, but one of the same design as theirs, and struck them lightly with my blade.
After a short but thorough ritual, Alveiro addressed the group, “I, Alveiro Verbaan, the 24th Emperor of the Order, hereby approve the formation of the 0th Order. I look forward to working with you, Commander Yuki.”
“Ah, it is a pleasure to work with everyone as well.” (Yuki)
It was short, yet that was just how the ceremony of the formation of this country’s knighthoods was supposed to be.
Commander, huh? Well, the job was actually quite different.
We all simply shared the same desire to protect the country.Even the emperor was a mere member of the order, and therefore, the 0th Knights would not move at the request of anyone, but would only cooperate and protect the country when a threat to the country appeared.
It was a unique order that shared the same purpose.
This changed my title from [Emperor] to [Commander]. I, personally, feel more at ease this way.
I even wonder why I actually accepted the seat of emperor after all these years.
“By the way, this is an excellent sword. I can tell from the warped, single-edged blade that it is exotic, but isn’t it quite expensive? Where did you have it made?” (Alveiro)
Alveiro asked, looking at the sword he had just pulled out with interest after the serious exchange was over.
“Of course, I used some pretty good materials to make those swords after all. Well, I don’t mind handing them over. It’s for the formation of this group after all.” (Yuki)
“…Well, if you put it that way, was it made by Commander Yuki himself?” (Alveiro)
I replied in a surprised tone, “Oh, I see, Alveiro doesn’t know that I make my own weapons. Enne – my main weapon – is one I made myself. By the way, this sword…uh, yeah. It’s got some cutting power, but it’s difficult to use, so it’s for ceremonial purposes only.”
Helger and Calcade seemed to have noticed this already. While looking at the swords, they said, “Hmmm…it certainly looks difficult to handle”, “I’ve never handled a single-edged sword either”.
“…I’ve been thinking for a while now. Commander Yuki is quite versatile, isn’t he?” (Alveiro)
“Haha, a Demon Lord can do many things. –I’ve got a long life span as well, so even if you all die of old age, I’m sure there’s something I can do to help. I will still be the 0th Knight Commander by then.” (Yuki)
We have different lifespans.
So, there would be times in the future when someone else would take over after all of them die.
This sword was prepared for that time.
“So, even after many years have passed, if someone shows it to me, I will know that they are your descendants or related to you. At that time, I will help them as much as I can, so don’t lose it.” (Yuki)
At my words, the three of them looked at each other and then bowed deeply to me.
–Thus, ending my term as Emperor of the Rogard Empire.
◇◇◇
A month had already passed since the Magic Festa.
Various things in Rogard’s empire had completely left my control.
In other words, I have returned to being a simple Demon Lord.
A Demon Lord without any work or fences, free and unrestrained, living true to his desires.
Until the Magic Festa, I had to work every day as an emperor and as one of the planners, and I was quite busy, but now that I have nothing to do, my days were not so busy again.
I had to take care of Lefi and Lyuu, as well as Illuna and other’s enrollment, which was much more important to me than the work I did in the Rogard Empire. I was happy to be able to do so.
Well, I have more time to spare, that was for sure.
