Starting Today, I'll Be the Demon Lord

"How much have you had to drink to get this drunk? The fragrant wine isn't even that strong!" Ash looked at Yu Lian as if he were a visual spectacle. If the other party hadn't just ripped apart his resume like it was his underwear, Ash would have wanted to shove a whole course of antibiotics down his throat.

"Hmm, I don't interact with Commonwealth soldiers much. Are all of you as humorous as you are?" He forced a rather ugly smile.

"Mr. Jiang Yudong's request to me is both unreasonable and inhumane. You must understand that, right? So, I need your help. Didn't you almost throw someone to the Sand Crocodiles yourself earlier?"

"Damn it, that's not the same thing! That mine boss isn't related to me, but Councillor Jiang is my employer! Have you ever seen a mercenary throw their employer to the crocodiles? At most, I can promise to help you persuade him. But I can't do anything else. If I help you again, will I still be able to work as a mercenary!"

"When you first arrived in the Fairy Star System, you double-crossed Great Pirate Saltai, stole a truckload of Mandro Alloy, and sold it at the Alliance's New Ceres starport."

"...You dare threaten me!"

"If your guild leader knew you sold private photos of the Guild Inspector's sister to Great Pirate Gong Xiao..."

"How can I help you?" Ash grabbed Yu Lian's hand, brought it to his chest, and forced a kind smile.

"In a little while, the understanding and sensible Miss Frederica and Miss Penny will deliver a late-night snack to the Councillor that will prevent him from getting out of bed tomorrow. Don't worry, it'll just keep him from getting out of bed. It won't threaten his life, and it might even make him healthier by expelling toxins. You just need to stay silent."

"This, this... Alright."

"Also, when the time is right, I will indeed launch an attack on the Sandfolk army, and I will need your strength then. Don't worry, the Governor's Mansion will pay you your full mercenary compensation afterwards!"

"&...)￥#@!%￥" The string of characters above was spoken in a dialect from a remote region of the Alliance that even Yu Lian could barely understand. We can roughly translate it as "Are you crazy?" or any other profanity.

"You even... the sister-in-law of your guild's director..."

"Let's make a plan." Ash quickly suppressed his anger and put on a smile again.

"Actually, it doesn't need to be a complicated plan. Just follow my orders when the time comes. Don't worry, we will definitely win. Even if I die on the battlefield, I will definitely die before you."

Such comfort was of no help to him at all. The extraordinary mercenary, who had been spirited and cynical just a few minutes ago, lay on the sand, his eyes vacant and unfocused, like a stone chicken drying in the wind.

Yu Lian felt a little bit guilty.

Although this guy owed him ten million Star Credits in the past—no, in the future—and hadn't paid them back, they had still shared drinks and gone on adventures together several times. He loved to brag in front of Yu Lian, and his boasts were often illogical and self-aggrandizing, but they had also greatly expanded Yu Lian's understanding of Psionics and various secrets. He could be considered a half-mentor and half-rascal friend.

Thinking of this, Yu Lian patted his shoulder. "I have a very promising clue about an ancient ruin, but the time isn't quite right yet. Anyway, we'll go together when the time comes..."

I don't want to go with you, you spawn of Tzeentch! You bastard of a demon! Gallstone coughed up by the Spirit of the Universe!

Ash wanted to say this, but he could only express his grief and indignation with his eyes! He nodded heavily and stiffly, and left unsteadily. He was even more unsteady than old Mr. Wang Yougui had been earlier.

You look like a middle-aged loser office worker who got fired by a new supervisor fifteen years younger than him, only to come home and find his wife playing a threesome with the plumber and the cable guy! Yu Lian thought.

In short, the rest of the matter was easily handled. The very next morning, the spirited Councillor Jiang Yudong was found lying down, looking noticeably thinner. It was said that the Councillor had started having bowel movements every hour from midnight until six in the morning, and it wasn't until then that his mercenary found him nearly dehydrated behind a rock in a secluded corner.

The Councillor had thus fallen ill. Although Dr. Banks and the convoy's doctor dared to stake their professional lives on it, Councillor Jiang Yudong merely had acute enteritis. A few days of rest, some plain congee and saline solution, and he would be back to his lively self.

But no matter what, the Councillor was truly on his last legs and lacked any spirit.

"To move him rashly at this time could be life-threatening. I must be responsible for Councillor's life," Yu Lian told everyone, then added, "This isn't just because he's the Councillor. As soldiers of the Commonwealth, we cannot abandon any citizen, any national who deserves our protection. In short, for Mr. Jiang's life and for everyone's safety, I implore you all to temporarily follow our lead, remain in this relatively safe canyon, observe the situation, and await a better opportunity to enter the city."

Yu Lian's words were so politically correct that everyone exchanged glances, unable to refute him on moral grounds. With the Councillor incapacitated, the representatives of the people lost their backbone. They were naturally at a disadvantage facing a military officer, and the one who had been the most vocal was now the most timid.

"Furthermore, most of the civilians in the convoy are short on food and supplies, but we military personnel do not have any extra. I have already discussed this with Councillor Jiang, and I implore everyone to contribute some supplies to help them. Please rest assured, I am not coercing you morally, nor do I have the authority to requisition your supplies. Therefore, all supplies you contribute will be recorded, and the Governor's Mansion will pay for them afterwards. Councillor Jiang guarantees he will supervise the Governor's Mansion's payment; this is his promise as a politician!"

I never said that! the Councillor, lying in his RV, almost choked. But he couldn't even get out of bed now, let alone go out and refute it.

As soon as these words were spoken, the "buzzing" that had just subsided erupted again. Some faces were grim, some were dumbfounded, some gritted their teeth, as if their ancestors' graves had been dug up.

Ina looked at Yu Lian worriedly, then at the people in front of her who looked quite imposing, and placed her hand on her gun.

At this moment, Yu Lian spoke again. "Well, perhaps the Governor's Mansion's credibility cannot be trusted by everyone. Therefore, I have persuaded Miss Frederica to guarantee it for you all. If the Governor's Mansion does not compensate you for your losses at market price afterwards, the Purple Faith Group will bear all costs."

Clearly, the Purple Faith Group's reputation in the universe was far from the casual mention Miss Frederica made. Everyone looked at the purple-haired girl in shock. Although she was young, she remained composed and smiling despite the many gazes, as if she were naturally meant to stand in the spotlight.

The nouveau riche of New Jade Gate felt ashamed and immediately believed her a bit more.

"My father is indeed a member of the Purple Faith Group's board of directors, and I myself have the authority to mobilize certain resources of the group. Of course, the transaction between me, Second Lieutenant Yu Lian, and your Governor's Mansion has nothing to do with all of you. You only need to know that everything you contribute today will be reasonably compensated."

A promise from an Alliance heiress was probably more credible than that of a Commonwealth officer. Their expressions softened slightly, and they began to whisper amongst themselves, their attitudes loosening considerably.

At this moment, old Mr. Wang seemed to finally understand something. He discreetly gave Yu Lian a thumbs-up, then loudly declared, "Alright, alright, you country bumpkins! You're all so high and mighty usually, what are you panicking about at a critical moment? Little Dong, you too, stop showing off when you're fleeing for your life, just lie there honestly. Disperse, disperse! These kids are the experts. They saved your lives, at least. Have some shame! Listen to what they said! Go back and check your supplies, see what you can give to others. Didn't they say the Governor's Mansion will cover it, and the Alliance's young lady is willing to guarantee it? What are you still worried about? Are you all squirrels! Hurry up, hurry up, disperse, disperse, and get to work!"

The old gentleman at this moment was completely different from his pitiful state last night. His voice was loud, his complexion ruddy, he wore a leather hat, a cowboy outfit, and a mink coat, with a "Mirror Box" tucked into his belt. Yu Lian felt an immense sense of familiarity.

Of course, the "Mirror Box" was not the legendary guerrilla warfare artifact, the Mauser pistol, but merely resembled it. In reality, it was a Felka Kinetic Pistol produced by the Alliance's Arthurra Arms Factory. It had moderate power, good accuracy, and most importantly, a simple, durable, and wear-resistant structure, making it the best-selling "self-defense" firearm among civilians.

"Thank you." Yu Lian expressed his gratitude to the two precocious young girls, especially Miss Frederica. Anyone normal would guess that the real decision-maker here was this young lady from the Alliance.

"This is also for our own good. Politicians can easily cater to the short-sightedness of their voters, forcing themselves to become foolish, because only then can their votes convince them that they are one of them. But I was born into a merchant family; I am realistic and pragmatic, selfish yet cautious," the young girl said with an air of maturity.

Yu Lian felt like laughing, but before he could, the young girl spoke again.

"This is all what my family says; I don't really understand it all." The young girl added this as an afterthought, revealing a sly yet playful smile, which finally made her seem her true age.

"Also, don't think all Alliance girls are like me. Actually, I'm too unconventional, and I'm not very popular in Nefi (the Alliance capital)."

If all Alliance girls were like you, this universe would be much more interesting.

"Of course, it's also for the Councillor. I personally don't have any ill will towards Mr. Jiang. We went through a lot of danger together on the way, and Mr. Jiang kept encouraging us and truly tried his best to save all the refugees we encountered. He's a warm-hearted gentleman. His final actions don't negate his previous efforts. As a foreign tourist who was warmly hosted by him, I truly don't wish to see him lose his integrity due to the public's foolishness and short-sightedness, as well as his own final timidity."

"Yes, Mr. Councillor is a good person. We received a lot of help from him when our family arrived in New Jade Gate," Penny added. "It's just that, like Dad, they both tend to forget who they are once they become successful. Do all men over forty become like this?"

Yu Lian had spoken with the young girl's father, Mr. Pierce, who was engaged in import-export trade and now wanted to make some industrial investments. He was a cheerful, perhaps overly cheerful, gentleman. Yu Lian felt that this type of person wasn't suited to be a businessman, but the adult world was complex, and who knew if that was his only side? Also, like all greasy dads over 40 with a beautiful and well-behaved daughter, Mr. Pierce was a doting father but was always looked down upon by his daughter. It seemed the sorrows of the world were indeed similar.

"Then, as agreed, this is the collateral." Yu Lian handed over a bag of Mithril. It was his share of the spoils from the Enlighteners' ruins.

The young girl did not accept it and instead asked, "...What will you do if the Governor's Mansion refuses to pay this money?"

"So this bag of Mithril is yours. Take it back to Alliance territory and find a good time to sell it. It'll be enough to buy food and supplies for over a thousand people for more than a year," Yu Lian said.

"Yeah, that's a lot of money. Mr. Yu Lian, aren't you heartbroken at all?"

Yu Lian smiled. "Heh... If people want to achieve anything, the first rule is not to care too much about money. It's a tool, a prop, a weapon, even a toy, but never let the toy play you."

Frederica pondered for a moment and couldn't help but smile too. "After this, your nobility and compassion will spread among the upper echelons of the Alliance, even if they've never met you."

"Among the Alliance's upper crust, that's probably not a compliment, is it?"

"Indeed, it is not." The little girl's eyes crinkled into a smile.

As soon as the two young girls left, George sneakily ran over. Putting on airs like a little adult, he patted Yu Lian's shoulder with the proud look of "we're partners."

"Did Little Peach and the others get their meals for today?" Yu Lian asked with a smile.

"Got 'em, got 'em! Not only meals, but new cotton clothes, quilts, and energy packs for heating too," the little boy said happily.

"So, big brother, are we just waiting for a good time to kick those Sandfolk bad guys' butts now?"

"..."

"Hey, don't tell Penny! She scolds me whenever I talk like this, she's even harder to deal with than Mom. Dad would laugh with me if he heard me. I think a real man should be like Admiral Jerico, drinking big bowls of wine, eating big chunks of meat, and then leading his fleet to kick the butts of bad guys!"

Is it a bit early to be reading Marshal Jerico's Memoirs at this age?

And you, pure young boy... Actually, from a historical perspective, we Earthlings are the real bad guys! What I'm actually doing is playing the role of a cunning Demon King who strangles heroes in their starting village!

Yu Lian looked into the distance. Mr. Kelvin the Cowboy was leading a line of well-fed young men and women, numbering forty to fifty. Under the guidance of Baka and Youyou, they were undergoing the most basic yet practical tactical drills.

Mr. Kelvin was the most diligent and serious, perhaps because many women, children, and even elderly people were watching.

Are his family or his lover there?

Further away, more people in windproof cloaks sat on the ground around heating devices. They appeared noticeably more colorful and lively than yesterday.

That young mother was there too, of course. She was holding her child, sharing a large bowl of meat soup. Although it was still canned food that didn't taste great, it had meat, vegetables, and potatoes. The mother and child ate with relish, their faces beaming with vibrant smiles.

"...So, I'll be the Demon King this time, then." Yu Lian thought.