The Demon King Seems to Conquer the World

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The ship flying the white flag dropped anchor and stopped near us. A small boat was lowered, and four people got in, with rowers propelling the boat toward us. The rowers were probably just regular sailors, but one of the other two was likely a government official from the Entak Dragon Kingdom, and the other someone handling diplomacy for the Kururuan Dragon Empire. As for the remaining person, I could guess who that might be.

We threw down a rope ladder, and as the boat approached, three people climbed aboard. As expected, one of the three was a Shanti. Once on deck, the three of them looked around. Then one of them whispered into the Shanti’s ear.

“Forgive our sudden visit. We have come to negotiate a ceasefire. Who is in charge here?” (??)

The Shanti spoke in Shan language. Apparently, the Kururuan Dragon Empire’s diplomat didn’t have a good Shan speaker, so they needed a translator.

I spoke in Telor, making an effort to sound displeased.

“If I’m not mistaken, that person is a slave. What kind of sensibility does it take to bring one of our own people here as a slave? How can you be so disrespectful in a diplomatic setting?” (Yuri)

Hearing this, the Shanti interpreter looked bewildered. It seemed he didn’t understand. Maybe this person could only speak Shan and Arn languages but didn’t understand Terol. The other two, realizing the validity of my objection, looked at me with a startled expression.

“My deepest apologies. He was the only suitable interpreter available.” (??)

The speaker switched to Telor.

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“And who are you? An envoy of Kururuan?” (Yuri)

“No, I serve His Majesty the Dragon King of Entak. I am the ambassador stationed in Kururuan. I usually work at the embassy in Ashreia.” (??)

“Did you bring this person here? Should we consider this disrespect your responsibility, and thus the responsibility of the Dragon Kingdom?” (Yuri)

Knowing full well that couldn’t be the case, I questioned the ambassador from the Dragon Kingdom. There was no way the ambassador sent by the Dragon Kingdom to Kururuan would bring a Shan interpreter from his own country. There would be no situation in which they could be useful. It was almost certain this interpreter was a slave used in the Kururuan Dragon Empire.

As expected, when the issue of responsibility was raised, the ambassador gave a grave look to the other Kuran. He seemed to be signaling with his eyes that he couldn’t protect them if the issue came up. Naturally, without consulting the king, the ambassador couldn’t let his country bear the guilt of a diplomatic incident of unpredictable scale. If he acted on his own in such a way, he could be held accountable and executed, or at the very least, he’d have to take his own life.

“What’s the matter? I asked whose foolish idea this was. Or did you come just to show off your enslaved compatriot?” (Yuri)

“We are deeply sorry.” (??)

The other Kuran knelt and placed his hands on the deck. He bowed his head until his forehead almost touched the deck, assuming a posture akin to a crouched prostration.

“It was my mistake to bring this man. Please, forgive me.” (??)

“And who are you?” (Yuri)

“I am Halifa, Prime Minister of the Kururuan Dragon Empire.” (Halifa)

The Prime Minister? Unless there was an even higher position called the Grand Vizier, this man was the top official responsible for the practical governance of the Kururuan Dragon Empire.

“I gather that this enslaved young man here was brought along to facilitate communication in case no one on this ship spoke Telor, correct?” (Yuri)

“You are precisely correct.” (Halifa)

“So, how do you plan to take responsibility for this insult?” (Yuri)

“I will free this man and his family from slavery on the spot. If necessary, our country will issue a formal apology.” (Halifa)

He apologized with dignity. To improvise a solution after realizing that I had lost my temper and then to calmly bow down and provide this answer while setting aside his pride is not something many people could do. Most would have been much more flustered in this situation.

Judging by his demeanor, he likely suspects that I am Yuri Hou.

“Do you have a family?” (Yuri)

I asked the interpreter in Shan, switching languages.

“Ah, yes. I do.” (??)

“I’m sorry to spring this on you, but the Prime Minister here has said he will free you from slavery. If you wish, you could board this ship and return to your homeland right away. Since your family will also be freed, I can arrange to have them sent over. What would you like to do?” (Yuri)

“…I see.” (??)

The enslaved interpreter appeared deep in thought, clearly struggling with his decision. He didn’t immediately express a desire to return, suggesting some inner conflict or complexity I wasn’t aware of.

“…I won’t return. My family is a Kururuan.” (??)

“Kururuan? So, your wife is a commoner?” (Yuri)

“Yes. I served at the Dragon Palace, and my wife’s status… It’s a bit complicated due to their social structure, but you could say she’s a commoner.” (??)

I didn’t fully understand, but it seemed there were some complicated circumstances at play.

“I see. You don’t have any objections to being freed from slavery, do you?” (Yuri)

“I am very grateful. I don’t know who you are but thank you very much.” (??)

The slave translator bowing his head slightly.

Then, that’s fine. Forcing him to leave might only cause more trouble.

“Raise your head. I accept your apology.” (Yuri)

I said in Terol. The man who had introduced himself as Halifa slowly stood up.

“You want to have a meeting with our country. Then, aside from Halifa, the other two should return to their ship.” (Yuri)

“W-wait a moment… but…” (??)

The ambassador from the Entak Dragon Kingdom spoke up, his voice troubled. It seemed he was concerned about fulfilling his role as a mediator, and felt he needed to be present to properly handle the situation.

“You have a trade agreement with us, so it’s acceptable for you to come under a white flag. However, bringing a person from a warring nation aboard without permission is not. You should have first come alone to seek agreement on your role as a mediator, only then bringing others.” (Yuri)

I made a rather demanding statement. However, the content was perfectly reasonable.

To put it in perspective, it is like a mutual acquaintance opening your front door and letting in someone you are fighting with without asking your permission first. They should have knocked alone and asked if it is okay to bring someone inside. In reality, it isn’t just a fight. It was a literal life-or-death conflict, so if they intend to mediate, they should have been all the more careful. It’s nothing short of shocking insensitivity. Most likely, Halifa here had been in a hurry and pressured them greatly, which is why they hadn’t thought things through. However, as a diplomat, he should have realized this on his own. Failing to do so is his oversight.

“A mediator’s role is valid only when both conflicting parties acknowledge it. Our nation was not consulted beforehand. The proper procedure is to first approach and discuss matters on your own. We can’t accept someone unilaterally claiming to be a mediator without any prior agreement.” (Yuri)

“But…” (??)

“I promise that Halifa will be returned without any harm. For now, please go back to your ship.” (Yuri)

Even after I said this, the ambassador didn’t immediately move. He was probably hesitating, wondering if there was a way to salvage the situation. What I said was perfectly reasonable, but if we didn’t bring it up, it could have been overlooked. Perhaps he thought we might overlook some skipped formalities, given that we were friendly nations, and they were in a rush. However, we have our own reasons. We needed to get them to get off this ship.

“Excuse me, might we have a moment to consult among ourselves?” (Halifa)

Halifa asked.

“I don’t mind.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Halifa began speaking with the ambassador in Arn language. After exchanging a few words, the ambassador started to speak, his tone apologetic.

“…We sincerely apologize for the great disrespect we have shown your country. As you requested, we will disembark. A formal apology will be delivered later…” (??)

It seems they will leave.

“That’s fine. I’m not particularly angry.” (Yuri)

I just needed them to disembark because they were obstructing a frank conversation I wanted to have with Halifa.

I’ve realized recently that I have a rather genius talent for picking apart others’ faults. It’s not a talent I’m particularly happy about, but when it comes to this, not even Myaro could handle it as well as I can.

“Then, we shall take our leave.” (??)

“Hey.” (Yuri)

I called out in Shan. The ambassador and the interpreter, who were about to disembark, turned back to face me.

“If you wish to return to your homeland, it might be possible for you to do so during an extended leave or something similar. It all depends on the negotiations from here on out but keep your hopes up.” (Yuri)

When I said this to the interpreter, he showed a pleased expression, perhaps because he missed his homeland after all.

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