World Management (3).

The first aim was achieved, so I was free to move on to the next one.

The spirits were just a test for what I wanted to know, and now I got the result.

I was done dealing with the otherworlders, so I let them return to their daily lives.

That also served as a small power boost for them.

They have the power, and now, all that is left is to control it. That, I will teach them, but on a later date.

After moving out of Ur-Gracia, I found myself flying at sonic-speed, heading towards the Sarion Empire.

They were kind of like a super nation right behind the Eastern Empire and the Silverion Empire.

Even the Dwarven Kingdom can not compare to them with respect to influence and authority.

I didn't want to make up a whole scene, so I went in secrecy.

I also had to camouflage our appearance as we could easily attract attention.

Milim's pink hair stood out like a dwarven golden coin on the ground, and mine was even better.

This time around, I was prepared to interact with strangers, so I had no need to use my 『Existence Concealment』 skill, but rather, my 『Universal Shapeshift』 did the deed.

Milim had no such skill, so she had to rely on me to fix her appearance.

I had her hair tied up into buns, with an ordinary straw hat I made up adorning her head, covering the entirety of her pink hair.

She now looked like any ordinary foreigner, whilst I took in the appearance of a young man with light blue hair and the usual golden eyes.



Well, it's kinda how I looked on earth, but with a few differences.

Those differences would be the eye and hair color. Another thing would be that I looked somewhat younger than this when I was sixteen.

Milim: 「Wow. You really changed your appearance. The only thing that remained is your golden eyes.」

Sariel: 「Yep. That's what I looked like back on earth.」

Milim: 「Back on earth? Wait, you're also an otherworlder?!」

Sariel: 「Well, yeah. But my circumstances are different. One could say that I'm special. Hehehe.」

Kalisha: 「Right. Being born a demon is considered special and good in your world. How unique of an individual you are.」

Now that I think of it, I would be discriminated if I were to return to earth with my identity as a demon revealed. How funny.

Milim: 「Well, whatever. Let's get to it!」

Saying that, she dragged me towards the street of the great kingdom.

At this point, I would admit it was like a vacation with how Milim made me act.

I mean, it has all been good and all, but I haven't really gotten the opportunity to show her the important stuff I always do.

Kalisha: 「Rather, there is no important stuff to show off.」

Yes, it is simple. Blame it on the world. It has always been like that.

Every time something goes wrong, the world is to blame.

I can always cooperate with that.

As I was dragged through the streets of Thalion, I made sure to have Raziel-san make me an organized analysis of the kingdom.

'So, Raziel-san. Using that new intrinsic ability of mine, could you tell me a bit about the inner workings of this kingdom.

You know, their ongoing project and their relations?'

Kalisha: 「*Sigh* You're already abusing your authority.」

「Understood. Sarion's most notable scientific achievement is "Sorcerous science" (Science Magic).

Sorcerous Science is a field of study originally created by the Empress Dowager and uses Aspectual magic to alter pre-existing natural phenomena.

To even understand the basic theory of sorcerous science requires a mastery of the principles of Aspectual magic and intense study.

The widespread practice of sorcerous science within Sarion is a testament to the amount of powerful mages within the country.」

I see. They must be geniuses if they were able to apply science into magic without even having the basic concept of science guiding them.

That specifically goes to the empress Dowager.

She brought it up by herself, so it's safe to say that she was a naturally born genius.

「Moving on, one of the most marvelous products manufactured by their country are their Homunculi.

With it, they are capable of imbuing their spirit into disposable but highly realistic fake bodies.

Their existence is something of an open secret, and they're most commonly used by the nobility and rich as a safety measure when traveling abroad.

A prominent noble from Silverion was somehow able to have one tailor made as a replacement body for their daughter upon a tragic incident, implying that they're offered for sale to high profile foreigners or that they have some vested interest in either the noble or the daughter.

This is most likely possible due to a pact.」

Eh? Silverion? Wait, do they have a diplomatic relationship with Silverion already?

I remember them meeting before, a discussion concerning the outbreak of the first great war.

I didn't know it reached this far.

A few details of the meeting were given to me, but this much was kept in secret.

「Judging from the provided information, it is most likely.」

Wow. That would definitely help in the long run.

「Another leader of one of the thirteen kingdoms within Sarion was noted to also have easy access to their nation's Homunculus, with them typically using one when they are required to travel outside their country on official business by possessing a human homunculus as an additional form of security.

This allows them to hide their elven heritage from slavers, hide their identity, and protect their actual body, as their soul can simply return to it should his homunculus body be injured or killed.

As implied by given information, it's possibly imperial protocol for any high ranked noble to use a homunculus body when traveling abroad.」

I see. If I reckon correctly, there was an instance where it was advised that Empress Elmesia use one during her visit to Silverion for her safety and their nation's security.

This was actually gotten from a detailed analysis provided by Raziel-san.

From her deductions, it was known that a homunculus was being used.

With that information at hand, Alya also had to take preventive and safety measures.

Elmesia would be able to get away with any intended assault, but we would suffer the direct consequences without any repercussion reduction factor.

I, for one, would prefer to stay wary compared to the ignorance I usually display.

This factor was immediately taken into consideration, but no damage was suffered whatsoever as a result of their genuineness.

After verifying that safety was assured, I bothered less about the result of the meeting.

I had put more attention into my own problems and left the rest to Alya.

It seems like that was the best decision. I'm really proud of her.

I can't say, "I raised that girl" or anything of the sort, but I'm proud of contributing to the success of a great empress.

Did I even contribute a thing? It all depends on how a third person views it.

Alright, enough about that. What's more?

「Notice. Due to friendship between the Empress Dowager and the founding king of Dwargon Guran Dwargo, the relationship between the two countries has always been rather close.

They maintain trade policies and friendship with each other, although it seems they don't meet with the Emperor very often.」

Ah. That is true. Sylvia and Guran were both disciples of the great ancestor Twilight Valentine.

They naturally had a close bond. I would be surprised if they didn't.

Alright. That's cool. No wonder they both survived that big war.

Also, another thing to take note of was my role in this whole event.

Not that I had any, but I did do something sneaky.

All the souls that were stripped of their living status were in my tyrannous hand.

I had absorbed them all. The number was a lot. A little over a million.

There was the deal with Raziel-san, but as she had not expected this sudden acquisition of souls, she couldn't fulfill the request on time.

Perhaps the reason she rarely speaks up recently would be because of her being busy with the job I gave out.

I really hope she finishes her work sooner. I miss her sassiness already.

Kalisha:「But Raziel is right here.」

Oh, shut up! Do you know how painful it is to be alone?

Kalisha: 「I am also here.」

Raziel-san is sassy and useful. You're stupid, dumb, foolish, useless, and brainless.

You're not even supposed to be categorized as a living thing. You're supposed to identify as a stick or something.

Even upon that fact, you would be an insult to all the useful sticks out there, suffering to make ends meet.

Kalisha: 「..... Ouch…」

Hm! I'm satisfied now. That's payback for all the mean things you've said to me.

With the information provided to me by Raziel-san, I was kinda happy.

The world was developing as Veldanava wished.

Eternity was lost, but diversity grew in color, and it was something we always wanted.

Although we had different ways, we wanted the same thing.

To sit back and enjoy what life held in store for us. It's not the bad side, though.

Now that it has come to this, I will make sure to carry his will.

I will ensure the growth and safety of the world he once loved.

That way, wherever he is, he would be happy.

Moving on, Milim dragged me to a shop for home accessories.

It was at that time that I remembered something vital.

Sariel: 「Ah, Milim. You don't have any proper gowns. I'll get you some real quick.」

Milim: 「W-Wah! Of course I do!」

Sariel: 「Milim, I swear, if you're referring to that strippers night gown, I'm gonna imprison you in hell for a complete millennium with no entertainment.

Your best friends will be lesser demons, and I'll personally ensure that you are constantly fed raw broccoli for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Boredom will be the next best thing by the time I'm done with you. Choose your choice.」

The threat was lain, and the result was instantaneous.

Milim: 「Uwawawawah!! I'm sorry! I swear—I'll cooperate! I'll cooperate!! Please!!」

Sariel: 「Good girl~ I knew you'd make the right decision.」

Milim: 「Y-You're so mean...」

Sariel: 「Listen, Milim. For me, it's better to be flat naked for all to know that there's a brain problem than to wear that piece of cloth for all to call you a loli slut.」

Milim: 「Hmph! Fine…」

Sariel: 「Hm? Are you rebelling ever so lightly?」

Milim: 「N-No! Please get me some clothes!」

Sariel: 「Hm! With pleasure.」

I felt like I was too harsh, but it was for a right call.

I will never allow Milim to wear such indecent clothing even after reaching the end of my lifespan.

If I'm correct, that will be never, so that's that.

I ended up buying a proper hat and a short pink shirt with blue pants.

It fits her very well.

She did complain about being uncomfortable with it, so I knew that a little adjustment would be needed.

I also bought her a nice blue emerald ring. It was really attractive, so I figured I'd buy her a sample.

She actually had no idea what it was.

Milim: 「Can I eat it now?」

Ah, she's as clever as Veldanava. How lucky I am. *Sigh*

Sariel: 「Milim. It is not for eating. How did you even wear your demon lord's ring?」

Milim: 「Ramires helped me to wear it.」

I actually regret buying the ring now. Perhaps a random dude in love could have had a better use for it (proposal), unlike me.

Meh, I'll just have to help her wear it whilst teaching her about its importance.

Thinking so, I knelt down to put it on her index finger and spoke.

Sariel: 「Just as appreciating the food served to you before eating has its significance, this is another important thing you need to learn.

Back in my world, there are five different fingers with different names.」

She listened intently as I spoke, taking mental note of the things I said.

I pointed her fingers for demonstration.

Sariel: 「This is the thumb. It is observably the biggest finger on your palm.

The next beside it is the index finger. The one we normally use to point at things or someone.

Beside the index finger is the middle finger. It is the tallest yet deadliest finger that could save and end a life.」

Milim: 「Eh?」

To this, even she felt confused.

I wasn't exactly ready to elaborate, but a piece of advice would do.

Sariel: 「You are too young to know for now, but just keep it in mind to never raise a middle finger at anyone.」

She did not clearly get what I meant, but she nodded firmly to convey her cooperation.

Sariel: 「Good. Next is the ring finger. Well, as for that, just let me know if anyone tries to put a ring on your middle finger. I'll be there to settle it all.」

Once again, she fell for the confusion that swarmed her mind but nodded eagerly.

Sariel: 「Then finally, the smallest but mighty finger, the small finger, otherwise known as the pinky finger. It is mostly used to make to-be-fulfilled promises.」

I stood up from my initial position and looked straight into her eyes.

I was done putting the ring on for her, so I continued speaking whilst looking at her.

Sariel: 「It is pretty much as important as the rest of the fingers.」

Milim: 「I see. I had no idea our fingers could be so important. I thought it was only important for eating food.」

This brat...

Is food the only thing she thinks of?

Sariel: 「Great. Now that you know, you should also have it in mind that the rings given out to people are pretty important with their meaning and significance.

Some could be as a sign of friendship whilst others may be as a declaration of love and affection.

This makes the receiver and ring giver enter a relationship if the terms and conditions listed out are accepted by both parties.」

Milim: 「Hm. I get what you mean and all, but—like, why is the finger near the pinky finger called ring finger? Does it have anything to do with rings?」

I already expected such a question. She was still as sharp as ever.

Sariel: 「Yes. The ring finger is normally only used when a declaration of love is made. They are only to be used by those with a close relationship.」

Milim: 「Really. Then you kinda made a mistake here. Don't worry! I'll fix it!」

I didn't get what she meant, so I just ignored her altogether.

We strolled around the streets of Sarion, brushing through the various shops that were around.

It was quite the time spent.

Milim: 「Ha! And you said this wasn't a vacation.」

Sariel: 「I would normally be busy with assigning territories to the various monsters in the forest, but with you around, I don't think it's possible.」

I can't imagine Milim patiently sitting it out until I was done with it all.

I would be free if Treyni was used to the job, but she was a noob.

I had to show her the ways. Tina was also quite busy managing the underworld gate, so it all depended on me.

Not that I minded a bit, but I did deserve a vacation of the sort.

Plus, I'd rather spend it with Milim than with anyone else considering the small number of times we've spent together.

I was dragged to a restaurant, and without me knowing, it would be the last place I would visit.

The reason?

Sariel: 「M-Milim. Please relax. My money...」

It wasn't even mine to begin with.

As the shameless demon I was, I borrowed (was given) money from Rose, who was rather happy to lend a cash (hand).

Surprisingly, she didn't ask for anything in return like she would always do.

It made me slightly nervous. She was never one to give something out for free if my thoughts about her served me right.

Perhaps there is a catch.

「Note: Somebody, guess this catch or whatever.」

Even upon that fact, it still hurt to see the money getting wasted on someone else's void-like belly.

Is there a black hole in her stomach or what!?!

I found myself asking such questions as the sight before me threw me off.

Milim would casually devour a plate of food, costing at least two dwarven gold coins in no less than four seconds with the silly excuse of being hungry.

Hunger—my ass!! You're a spiritual life-form damn it!!

I could only complain inwardly as my heart sank deeply at the sight of this phenomenon.

I ended up paying for it all, and at the end of the day, we both left the restaurant with different energies.

Milim left with an obviously joyous expression while I kissed my fortune goodbye with the motivation a snail would give.

Milim: 「My uncle is so rich!! I get to eat all the food I want!」

Sariel: 「My niece is a glutton. She could acquire an ultimate skill by her will to eat alone...」

This is the biggest amount of money I've ever spent, and weird enough, I didn't spend such amount on myself.

Kalisha: 「Enough with the whining. True men never whine over such trivial matters.」

Sariel: 「Spirits of your age should be calling themselves millionaires already.

You haven't even spent a peny's worth on yourself since birth.

You should be glad to have a forgiving master like me for spoiling you on a daily basis; otherwise, you would have been dead by now looking at your level of intelligence.」

Kalisha: 「O-Ouch, K.O...」

Instead of sucking it up and accepting the harsh reality, I decided to take out my anger on Kalisha.

She would make the perfect punching bag.

Before I could continue doing anything else, the ring on Milim's middle finger began to vibrate ever so lightly.

It was her demon lord's ring, signifying a call from Guy.

Sariel: 「Alright Milim. That's all for the day. I don't have money to rent an inn for ourselves, so I think we'd have to part ways here.」

Milim: 「Aaw, done already? I thought we were just beginning.」

Sariel: 「Remember what I said? Too much of something is not good. Overdoing it would just ruin the excitement we would have on our next date.」

Milim: 「Date?」

Sariel: 「Ah, yes. A date is like an event set for recreation or an outing event with a friend.

To simplify it, you can see it as an event where friends or relatives hang out with each other and have fun.

Besides, I'm pretty sure that you're being summoned for a very important reason. Perhaps I may even interfere? Who knows?」

There was the other definition of it, but there was no need to bring it up.

Besides, I had made my definition quite easy to understand.

「Note: He would later come to regret this decision.」

Milim: 「Hmph! If you say it like, how can I disagree? *Sigh* Fine!」

She grumpily agreed. She was kinda pumped up for our next adventure, but Guy ruined it all.

I smiled at her, seeing as she was willing to cooperate.

She had been so obedient today, so it naturally made me happy.

Sariel: 「Thank you for being understanding. I know you wanna enjoy life more, but you should also know when to call it quits, okay?」

I spoke to her in a gentle yet firm tone, which carried out my intention.

Milim: 「Alright then. I get it. I'll be heading off now. Bye!」

I smiled and patted her head. She was really bored without anyone but Gaia to hang out with, so I was the next best thing.

Sariel: 「Yeah, be careful not to get caught answering the call or flying away.」

I waved her off as she made her way through the crowd. I would like to escort her out, but she was capable of doing so herself.

I hadn't actually finished showing her around the world, but I did promise her to do so later.

I can't imagine what she'll do to Guy for messing up her free time.

It's not like it's my problem. He caused it all.

As my day ended, I had it in mind to return to the forest to rest, but my thoughts were interrupted by a sudden confrontation.

「Excuse me, sir. Can I have a word with you?」

Well shit. I'm busted.

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「Note: Well, the end of this chapter has arrived. Sorry for the late release, I've been busy watching Hentai. 😭🤫🥹🙏

Well, that's an obvious lie on my part. I was so entranced reading some Tensura fanfics that I forgot about my own work requiring attention. 😂🤣😅🥲

This may seem like some slice of life chapter (and it technically is), but it leads to a grander event underway. Get ready for the upcoming chaos.

I forgot to state this earlier, but I had some old enemies to deal with (exams), so I ended up posting the prequel chapter of this story much later than expected. Sorry about that, too.

As usual, it's just me talking trash to increase my word count, so you can save yourself by ignoring the rest of my trash talk.

I've got some sick ideas for the chapters ahead. Well, I don't know about you guys, but I think they will turn out to be epic and all.

I hope you enjoyed the chapters preceeding this, and I wish to see more votes from those who enjoy my story. Well, see yah all later.」

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Word Count:「3660」