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A day passed after the commotion in the Sacred City.
As the streets calmed down and things returned to normality…Crim and Suzaku were summoned by King Theodolite.
They were to meet not at the cathedral so central to the kingdom, but in Theodolite’s office, within his own manor.
There…Suzaku informed Theodolite of the events that played out at the foot of the World Tree not so long ago.

“I see… The World Tree Seyfert and the Underworld Tree’s seed. I had no idea all of that was happening over there.”

Theodolite fell silent, processing the entire story that Suzaku had just shared.

“…How messed up is it that all the systems push players into fighting each other non-stop, but secretly favor alliances…something’s wrong with those devs.”
“”I keep saying that.””
Theodolite pressed his temples as he forced the words through his lips, and was met with a beautifully harmonizing response from Crim and Suzaku.

“Then… Suzaku, you want to ensure the expedition into the old capital in two months is a success, all to help that NPC girl Da’at Cliferd?”
“…Yes, so please do this.”
“Ah, you don’t have to bow like that!”

The moment Suzaku’s head lowered, Theodolite jumped from his seat to stop him, then feigning a cough to compose himself and address Crim.

“I’ve decided, I’ll help you. We’ll stop all aggression until the old capital has been cleared.”
“That sounds good… But are you sure?”
“…I’ll tell you something, and only because I respect you, Suzaku.”

Theodolite’s voice turned to a whisper, leaning forward as he explained his reason to agree, which also meant revealing state secrets.

“Quite a lot of voices in the city have raised their voices, questioning the decision to continue warring at the present time…precisely because they too want to get ready to check out the old capital.”

All the players were excited by the news of a new area becoming unlocked, but the looming threat of a Dominion War breaking out at any moment kept the members of the Holy Kingdom at edge, actively interfering with their own enjoyment of the game.

“I can’t say many have been pleased with the current stalemate either. Except that it was our side that began this war, making it trickier to gracefully retract it as well… But I’m sure everyone, regardless of where they stand, will happily take a break if your side also appears to take some hit.”

He took a moment to catch his breath, turning a piercing gaze to Crim.

“…There’s nothing I despise more than having to say this, but thanks to you, I’ve staunched the infection riddling this country. Now I’m fully capable of instating this Holy Kingdom as the fourth major power in the continent, *and finally break off the long-lasting monopoly demon players have had.*”

His gaze did not waver even for an instant.
The first server had remained largely peaceful, but it was true that there was a power imbalance between human and demon players.
And if they ever felt like it…the three Demon Lords could easily join forces and completely rule over the entire server however they saw fit.
The three had already proved that they would work together if the situation called for it… Other than that, they had no intention of forming deeper alliances. Not to mention that Sorleon and Shao were both too self-centered to budge on their position as leaders, and with their personalities at odds, such an alliance would fall apart.

Knowing Sorleon, Crim was almost convinced that if she dared suggest such a plan too, he would react by declaring war on her instead.
She did not know Shao nearly as well…but he gave off the impression of responding in kind to underhanded tactics. If she took a wrong step, he would stab her in the back the moment the opportunity presented itself.

In short, attempting to abuse their collective power could easily result in full on war between all three Demon Lords. The current balance of power was on delicate seesaw…even if most of the players had no way of knowing that.
In fact, many human players believed the opposite was true, which was also the spark that had ignited the previous clash.
Now, the Holy Kingdom Schwertrot, which Theodolite had just wrested the reigns of, was also the place where all those dissatisfied players found a home.

“So the reason why thou used such roundabout methods to rise to power…”
“It was to ensure I had the power to keep you three Demon Lords in check, and stop you from toying with this world as you please. If I notice even a hint of something happening behind the scenes, I’ll use any method available to me to oppose you.”

His eyes were locked on Crim’s, every voice spoken with authority, like he was shouldering the voices of all the human players in the first server.
Both Crim and Suzaku were impressed to see him like that.

“…You know, I’m sorry. I never really respected you as much as I should have.”
“Indeed, I shall keep thine words inscribed in my mind, and watch that such a day never arrives.”

As Suzaku and Crim appeared taken aback by his words, he dodged their eyes, looking away in embarrassment.

“Now then… Can I count with thine support when the old capital unlocks in two months?”
“Yes, I promise I’ll be there too.”

Crim confirmed that one last time as they exchanged a handshake, a very lax one from his side. The corner of his mouth also curled up a bit, while a vein popped on his forehead as he warned her.

“But just so we’re clear, I’m only agreeing to this because Suzaku was the one who asked… I’d never do anything for you, so don’t get the wrong idea..!”
“Yes, yes, I understand that very well and all. Do it for the reasons that thou wishest, I just hope to see thee there.”
“…Hmph!”

As soon as their hands broke apart, he huffed and looked away. He really was making no efforts to hide his distaste of Crim.

*This guy really behaves like a clingy puppy the moment he starts feeling comfortable.*

Meanwhile Crim found herself having an increasingly positive attitude towards him, but she had tormented him enough for one day, and left him to brood on his own.