Work in the Open

So, what exactly is work done in front of the camera?

Macht poured tea not for himself, but for Gluck.

"The hero Himmel has defeated the Demon King."

I've heard a little about it.

Gluck glanced at Macht.

"The Demons King has been defeated. What are your thoughts?"

"Nothing much to say." Macht continued pouring tea, this time for himself.

"I see."

Gluck stood with his hands behind his back, watching the bustling crowds on the street from the high platform.

"Weise has been bustling with activity these past few days, like a festival."

"People are celebrating the victory of the brave Himmel."

"I intend to formally appoint you as the Gluck Family's magician in the name of commemorating the arrival of world peace."

"This will make your work much easier when you're in front of the camera."

"Why did you do this?" Macht handed the tea to Gluck.

Gluck looked at the steaming black tea on the table.

"A nostalgic taste... Do Demons also enjoy black tea?"

"I'm just Imitation humans."

"Then why did you choose this type of tea?"

"The servants said this was your wife's favorite dish."

"I see. So, this was unintentional on your part?"

Macht remained silent.

"Macht, you are very good at handling interpersonal relationships."

"Although you are nominally a guest of our household, the servants will not easily tell you my affairs."

"Demons are adept at deceiving humans. Whether you do it intentionally or not, I hope you can use this skill to your advantage."

Macht thought for a moment.

"I see. You want me to handle your relationships with other nobles."

"That's right." Gluck took a sip of his black tea. "The more allies the better; killing should only be a last resort."

"Macht, could you sense the 'malice' in my words just now?"

"I have no concept of 'evil'," Macht smiled, "But I can tell that Lord Gluck is enjoying himself."

Gluck smiled too.

"You can tell I'm enjoying myself. And you seem pretty happy too?"

"Macht, you don't know the difference between justice and evil."

"Then I will tell you what justice is and what evil is."

"You just need to do as I say, tell me what to do, and kill according to my instructions."

"That way, you might be able to understand those concepts."

"What if I still don't understand by then?"

"After all, I used your power. I'll stay with you until you understand these concepts."

"Understood."

"Speaking of which, have you figured out how to deal with me, this troublesome person, after you've quelled Weise's rebellion?"

Gluck turned to look at Macht.

What do you think?

Gluck smiled.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Macht also smiled.

Macht and Gluck stood in the crowd, with Gluck introducing Macht to the citizens.

Macht and a nobleman are talking in the study.

Macht played chess with an elderly nobleman.

Macht dances with a blonde aristocratic girl.

Macht was following a nobleman.

Macht served Gluck and the nobleman opposite him a fine meal.

Finally, at the round table, Macht stood solemnly behind Gluck's seat.

"Over the years, you have devoted yourself to the Fortress City Weise. Many people have been saved because of your help," a nobleman said. "Tell me, why have you chosen to live peacefully here?"

"From the chain of revenge arose the bloody war between humans and the Demon King's Army. I believe that mutual understanding and acceptance are the first steps to achieving coexistence between humans and Demons," Macht replied with a smile and elegance.

"What a brilliant idea! We wholeheartedly agree with your perspective," the old nobleman replied. "If only all Demons were as friendly as you."

"Macht, we hope to truly believe in you. Can you fight for the people of Weise?"

"This is getting tricky," Gluck said.

"I understand," Macht replied. "The enemy is heading towards Weise. They've entered my magical perception range."

"Enemies? What an interesting phrase." Gluck chuckled. "A remnant of the Demon King's Army is advancing towards the Fortress City Weise..."

"The nobles intend to test your loyalty, how foolish! How could you possibly have such a thing as loyalty?"

Macht smiled but didn't say anything.

"Go ahead and do it. Slaughter all of Weise's enemies. But the motive for killing your own kind isn't to gain the trust of the Weise people," Gluck said calmly, narrowing his eyes. "After all, you have no loyalty whatsoever."

As you wish.

"General 'Lightning' Schullack."

Macht stood beside the slowly dissipating bodies of the Demons.

I used to think you were a smarter guy.

"Without the Demon King's leadership, you're nothing special."

"Lord Macht!"

"Lord Macht has defeated the enemy again!"

"Wow! Lord Macht is amazing!"

"I want to give Macht life..."

"Who gave you the right...? I'm younger and prettier, Lord Macht would definitely like me..."

Beside the same high platform.

"I've heard you can work as a magic instructor," Gluck said, sipping his tea. "Could it be that you can also use human magic?"

"It was a girl Solitär who taught me," Macht replied. "She was very interested in studying human magic."

"That spell that swept across the battlefield just now was Ordinary Attack Magic, right? You can use that kind of spell too? I remember humans only invented it a few years ago."

"Forgive my bluntness, but the creator of this magic is my old friend, the 'Corrupt Sage' Qual." Macht placed his right hand on his chest. "This is magnificent Demons magic; humanity's mastery of this magic is incomparable to mine."

Gluck glanced at Macht.

"Very well, I have a suggestion."

Inside a church.

"This is my relative's child. His parents have passed away."

Gluck pointed to a brown-haired boy who was praying.

He comes to church to pray like this every day.

"He used to come and play with my daughter a lot when she was little."

"At the time, he thought he wanted to become a magician."

"He needs something to distract him right now. Teach him magic."

"Is this an order?"

"That's right."

As you wish.

After the boy finished praying, he left the church.

"Lord Duncan, it's a pleasure to meet you." Macht knelt on one knee before the eight- or nine-year-old boy. "My name is Macht, and I am in charge of magic instruction for the Gluck Family."

"... I know you," Duncan replied, "You're the one who defeated the Demons attacking Weise, aren't you?"

"Lord Gluck instructed me to teach you the knowledge of magic."

"I can't believe you. My parents were killed by Demons."

"So if one of your parents was killed by Demons and the other by Human race, would you be unable to trust either of those races?"

Duncan remained silent.

"And perhaps that's precisely why my guidance is all the more meaningful."

Duncan paused for a moment.

"You're very strong?"

"Yes, I am the strongest among the Seven Sages of Destruction."

"Can I become strong too? Strong enough to kill you?"

Macht smiled.

"That depends on you, Mr. Duncan."