The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 169

“I see. Merell, what is this ‘alliance’ about? I want to know your true intentions.”

I decided to get straight to the point.

“Y-yes… While I used the word ‘alliance,’ it’s more about living without interfering with each other. We demonfolk live on the Demon Continent, and you live on this continent. The idea is that we each continue our respective lives as they are.”

Just as Leanne had explained to me earlier.

“My impression, though, is that you’re the ones attacking us. That stampede the other day is a good example.”

“There are indeed some among the demons who aim to reclaim this continent. That’s mainly the military faction.”

The military, huh…

“Well, soldiers live for war, so I get it, to some extent.”

“Exactly. I used to be part of the military, so I understand. Soldiers are incredibly radical. Domic, for instance, was the perfect example of that.”

I figured as much.

“So, the military is running amok?”

“Yes. The majority of the demons aren’t interested in reclaiming this continent. After all, being driven to the Demon Continent happened hundreds of years ago. We’ve built lives there since then. Sure, the Demon Continent is full of monsters, and crops don’t grow well, but it’s not so unlivable that we can’t make do. Most people wouldn’t risk abandoning their current lives. In fact, most demonfolk don’t even know much about this continent.”

That makes sense.

No matter how tough life gets, ordinary people usually strive to protect what they have.

“I get it. But what I don’t understand is why you’re trying to stop the military from running wild. Why not just leave them alone?”

“It’s not that simple. The military has stirred up the people, loudly declaring their intent to reclaim this continent. While there are some who agree with them, the majority either oppose it or are indifferent. The problem is that the military has started requisitioning supplies from civilians to prepare for war. For people already living on the edge, this is unbearable. That’s why we’ve risen against them.”

So that’s how the anti-military faction came to be…

It’s a tale as old as time.

“What do you think about all this? You were in the military, right?”

“Uh, well, not much, really… Being in the military paid well, so I have savings, and I’m not struggling to get by. If they want to reclaim this continent, they can go ahead and do it. If they stop, that’s fine too.”

“Then why did you join the anti-military organization?”

“Ah, sorry. When I said we rose up, that might’ve sounded cool, but I’m actually a newcomer. I left the military and was planning to return to the countryside, but I got scouted. They said I was valuable for knowing the military’s inner workings, and the pay was good, so…”

This one doesn’t have any strong ideals.

Pretty much a mercenary.

She probably only joined the military in the first place because it paid well.

“Were you chosen as the envoy because you’ve been to this continent before?”

“That’s right. Plus, I can fly…”

Ah, right—she was flying back then.

“So, realistically, can your organization do anything about the military?”

“Eh, probably not? I mean, I’m still new, so I don’t know the full scope of the organization. Winning against the military seems tough, though… But it sounds like they can at least force a retreat. Apparently, there are already a number of operatives in the port town where the military’s ships set out.”

She’s completely detached from it all.

This one treats it purely as a job.

“By the way, what about Sven? Is he coming here?”

“Oh, Sven-sama? I don’t think he’s coming. He’s on extended leave, training somewhere. He said fire magic didn’t work, so he’s trying to master another type of magic.”

What a diligent guy…

“I see… So, once this negotiation is over, are you heading back to the Demon Continent?”

“Yes. Once I’m back, I’ll join the infiltration operation in Ludo—the town where the military fleet set out. It’s also where the military garrison is.”

“Infiltration? Isn’t your face already known?”

“I’m pretty good at disguise magic. Back at the ruins, you didn’t notice me, did you? To be honest, I didn’t break through your barrier—I was there from the start.”

I’d been wondering how she managed to break through my barrier, but it turns out she’d been inside from the start.

“AI-chan.”

“Yes?”

When I called out to AI-chan, she stood up and walked over to Merell. Then, she touched her.

“Hmm? What is it? Don’t eat me, okay?”

“Installation complete.”

“Huh?”

As AI-chan returned to her seat, Merell tilted her head in confusion.

“Back to the topic—if we sign this non-aggression pact, your forces in the north will retreat, correct?”

“That’s right. Of course, if we fail, our apologies. In that case, you’ll have to deal with the army yourselves. From our perspective, if the treaty succeeds, we’d like you to follow up and destroy them. The human navy has greater numbers and strength anyway.”

“Got it. Merell, sorry, but I need to step out for a moment… Leanne, come with me.”

I stood up, prompting Leanne and AI-chan to do the same, and we exited the tent.

“What do you think, Yuuma-sama?”

Once we were outside, Leanne asked.

“The logic tracks, and as the king suggested, there’s no harm in using them. In any case, it doesn’t change what we need to do. We don’t have any plans to attack the Demon Continent, do we?”

“None at all.”

“Then I think it’s fine. Even if they fail, it doesn’t affect us.”

“Understood. I’ll discuss it with my uncle.”

Leanne nodded, and we reentered the tent.

Inside, Big Centipede-chan was looming over Merell, peering down at her. Merell, on the other hand, was looking downward, teary-eyed, doing her best to avoid meeting Big Centipede-chan’s gaze.

Ah… I should’ve dismissed it earlier.