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We finally reached the Nigel Kingdom. I didn’t know what kind of country it had been because Fraus’ army had already come so close to the capital. The towns and villages along the way were nearly destroyed. Looting and massacres had become the norm.

From a non-biased standpoint, the situation wasn’t particularly good or bad. Overall, it was stable, but not as stable as Viridis. That, in itself, wasn’t surprising.

“This was expected. After all, the spirit here wasn’t exploited.”
“You’re right. I can feel its power even now. The signs of the world’s collapse are being suppressed, most likely because the Spirit of Darkness is working hard.”
“I think that you also are working quite hard, Lullus.”
“Well, I’ve grown a little stronger as a spirit. I have quite a bit of leeway.”

I thought about what Lullus just said about having grown stronger as a spirit. From the world’s point of view, the spirits were the strongest beings. And it was a given, as she was travelling alongside me. But even if I weren’t a full-fledged god, I still wouldn’t lose to a spirit.

And if there was someone else who could get close to my status, that would be the Hero Ichinari. Still, whether he managed to do it or not would depend on how he used his skills. Given he was able to boost his status 10-fold, he could reach my level.

“How about we go pay Nigel’s king a visit?”

Our destination was the center of the royal capital. I hoped the conversation would go smoothly once we got there.

◇◇◇

The royal capital of Nigel was bleak. Although there was tension in the air due to the war, it didn’t feel all that different from the Fraus’ capital. In terms of development, Fraus was probably ahead, but this place didn’t seem particularly unsafe. The people didn’t seem like the type to start trouble, and I didn’t feel like I’d be harassed or kidnapped even if I wandered around alone.

People greeted me in a friendly manner.

Maybe it was because I disguised myself as a Demon. Which led me to wonder if they would have treated me differently if I looked like an Elf, for example.

Eventually, we arrived at the royal castle on foot. The gate was open, but the gatekeeper stood there, watching the passersby closely. Just as I was pondering whether to sneak in, someone spoke out to me.

I wasn’t using Stealth because I wanted to show that I was open to discussion. If I suddenly popped out and said, “Hello,” the demons here would certainly be on edge.

“What business does a child have in the royal castle?”
“My name is Finis. I’m 0 years old. Before I was an ordinary person, but then I was killed and brought back to life as a Demigod and God’s gofer. I would love to avoid destroying this castle, so let me in.”
“Hahahaha. That’s enough with your jokes. Go home.”

I hadn’t lied, but the demon didn’t believe me. The fact that he let me off with just this made me think he was probably a decent guy. I never expected I’d actually get in like this, but I gave it a shot, figuring that walking through the front gate would be the best-case scenario. If that didn’t work, then I’d just fall back on using Stealth.

Just as I was thinking that, a woman in a luxurious dress appeared from the back and told the gatekeeper, “It’s fine, let the girl pass.”

The gatekeeper’s jaw dropped in surprise, but he quickly straightened up and responded clearly, “Of course!”

“Can I come in?”
“It’s better than having you destroy the castle.”
“I wouldn’t do that. It was just a joke.”
“If that’s the case, then I won’t have to worry about my weakened heart giving out. Thank you for not seeing it through.”

With a few witty jokes exchanged, the woman led me to the throne room. It wasn’t a grand audience hall but a more personal and slightly luxurious room. A fancy office, if you will.

“Just to make sure, you are the queen of the Nigel Kingdom, correct?”

I addressed her while standing tall, not kneeling, but the queen didn’t seem bothered.

“In the flesh. I am Kafix Nigel. You’ve done well to come here, God’s gofer.”
“So you believed me.”
“You were similar to the being going around and releasing the spirits; the rest was my intuition.”

It was great that her intuition would spare us the small talk.

“That makes matters quick. Will you hand me this kingdom’s spirit?”
“I wouldn’t mind doing so. However, I have some questions before that.”
“If that’s all you want, that’s fine with me. Also, if possible, I’d like to snatch the spirit right in front of Fraus’ eyes after they make their way here.”
“Kukuku. You don’t strike me as a normal gofer.”
“As I already said, I was originally an ordinary person who was simply picked for the role.”

I did feel like I was already quite used to acting as a god, though. Still, I had some unresolved feelings about Fraus’ heroes and Princess Topersion—and I really wanted to see the regret on their faces.

“So, what is it that you want to ask?”
“Can I assume that Nigel Kingdom’s dearest wish won’t be fulfilled?”
“I do not know what that wish is, but it likely won’t be fulfilled. No matter what we do, the world will soon collapse.”
“I see. I already knew this, but still…”

Queen Kafix stared off into the distance. Tears spilled from her eyes, but she didn’t bother to wipe them away. This seemed like something a handsome man would do for her. Above all, the queen was stunning, and she would’ve made a nice painting.

Reading the mood, I remained quiet, but after waiting for a bit more, I decided to speak to her. Besides, the queen seemed to understand that I was in a position of greater power.

“Why are you willing to hand over the spirit to me? You don’t seem like you want to hand it over.”
“Because the liberation of spirits isn’t the true purpose of the Demon King.”
“So you knew of Zygos’ true purpose.”
“Whatever it may be, I am a subordinate of Lord Zygos. I know him well.”

(Does this woman have telepathy? What a useful ability. Can I maybe use her to serve as my Demon Lord radar?)