Lord of Disease (JP-GL) 130

130: What Counts as a Reward is Different for Everyone

Sometimes, an idea just comes to you.

And fortunately, or unfortunately, I was in a position to act on these mere whims.

“Hey, Rebecca.”

“What is it?”

“Say, ‘You pig.’”

“Huh?” Rebecca frowned, her face contorting.

“What’s wrong? Did you eat something strange? Or… Liz, check for magic. Top priority.”

“No abnormalities. No enchantments other than the ones that are always active.”

“Then she’s finally lost her mind. …Are you alright? Do you want to lie down for a bit?”

“You’re surprisingly kind, Rebecca. I’m touched.”

“So? What was the meaning behind your previous statement?”

“Well, in my world, there are people who get…excited… when they’re called that, and I was just wondering what it would be like to be on the receiving end.”

“I’m so disgusted, I’m speechless, you pig.”

Her smile was radiant.

“Liz! Rebecca just called me a pig!”

“You’re the one who asked her to, aren’t you?”

“No! This is more fun than I thought!”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“I finally understand what they mean by ‘in our industry, that’s a reward’! It doesn’t work unless a cute girl says it!”

“Rebecca, do you think it’s alright for a supreme commander to be like this?”

“Honestly, no.”

“But isn’t it a little weak to say, ‘Assassinated on suspicion of being aroused by being called a pig’?”

“The issue would be whether they believed you.”

“Hey, shouldn’t you be having this conversation when I’m not here?”

“If we did, it would be gossip. Or it would sound like we were plotting a rebellion. It’s better to be open about these things.”

“Was that something to be open about…?”

“You don’t mind, do you?”

“Actually, I do.”

“I see. Get used to it.”

“…Hey, Rebecca. Are you still holding a grudge about what I said before…?”

I had told Rebecca, who had offered a perfectly reasonable complaint about my tyrannical behavior and orders, to ‘get used to it’ (because I had no intention of changing).

Rebecca’s smile was sarcastic.

“You’re the one who knows best, aren’t you, Master?”

The formal language, the use of ‘Master’… Oh, she’s definitely still holding a grudge.

But even a sarcastic Rebecca is cute.

“…Liz, I don’t understand why she’s smiling in this situation.”

“I don’t really know either, but it’s probably for a stupid reason, or a terrible one.”

“I see.”

“Hey, you two. Aren’t you being a little too rude to your supreme commander?”

“—If you order me to change my tone, I will.”

Liz… or rather, Lizlit Finis’s expression hardened. Her face was that of an assassin, a member of His Majesty’s Royal Guard.

“…No, it’s fine.” I smiled. And I seized the opportunity to hug Rebecca.

“What?!”

“Because I’m aiming for a friendly, open workplace with a flat hierarchy!”

“That’s wonderful.”

“I would appreciate it if you would let me go, Master.”

Oh, she’s being distant.

But I suppose being hugged by your superior, even if you’re both women, isn’t very pleasant. When I thought about it calmly, I realized I was being a terrible boss. Or rather, I was reminded of it again.

“…You two.” I released Rebecca and faced them.

“What is it, Master?”

“What’s with the serious face?”

“—Should I… change?” I asked, with all the seriousness I could muster.

“Should I act more like… the Lord of Disease?”

“…Yes.”

“Well, yes.”

They both nodded.

I see. They don’t need ‘me.’ As long as the ‘Lord of Disease’ is here.

That was all that was needed. That was the only name I had.

My heart grew cold, and at the same time, I felt a strange sense of calm.

“But it’s Master, so you’ll probably be back to normal in three days. So, you can just be yourself.”

“That’s right. As long as you do your job… well, I can overlook a few eccentricities.”

“…So, I can just be myself?”

A warmth, like the sun peeking out from behind the clouds, returned to my cold heart.

“That’s what I said.”

“If you can change so easily, then try. As Liz said, you probably won’t last three days.”

“…You’re right!” This time, I hugged Liz.

“Whoa!”

“I’ll continue to do my best, as myself!”

This was the only name I had.

And that was fine.

Even if I was just a tool, I was happy.

And that was all that mattered.

I had fought my way, and I would continue to fight my way. I would end this war, my way.

I wouldn’t say it was for everyone. I was fighting for myself.

For the happiness that filled my heart.

“Alright, then next, Liz…”

“Huh?” I released her and looked into her eyes.

“Come on, say, ‘You pig.’”

“W-what are you trying to do, Master?”

“Actually, I’ve already achieved about eighty percent of my objective. I just wanted to see your confused face. Rebecca was more cooperative than I expected.”

“You’re the worst.”

“You’re making me blush, Rebecca.”

“I still don’t understand your blushing points.”

“You don’t have to. I don’t really understand them myself these days.” I smiled.

“Is that… alright?”

“As the Lord of Disease, I’m in my prime.”

“I-I see…”

“Now, Liz?”

“No, this is strange! It’s strange!”

“Come on, Liz. I know that.”

“…I refuse.”

I nodded at Liz’s choked words.

“Then I’ll just have to write in my report to the royal castle, ‘Vice-Commander Lizlit Finis refused to call me a pig. Please determine if this act constitutes treason.’”

“You said something similar before, you pig.”

“Master is becoming more and more ruthless towards her subordinates. Is this what you call being in your prime?”

“That’s not what I meant, but I’ll take that interpretation.” I didn’t say anything more. I just smiled at her.

Liz’s gaze darted around, and her cheeks gradually turned red. Then, she opened her mouth.

“…Y-you pig…”

Her voice was barely a whisper, her eyes teary. I couldn’t contain the emotion welling up inside me, and I covered my cheeks with my hands.

“Ahhh~! I’m so glad I came to this world! This is a new sensation I probably would have never experienced in my own world!”

“You pig.”

“Rebecca, your words are starting to hurt.”

“…Is that alright, Master…” Liz was lifeless.

“Oh, sorry. For making you do something outside of your job description.”

“…So you do realize it’s outside my job description…”

“Yes. But it seems to have been worth it.”

“Hahaha… if my saying a few words that might tarnish my character can cheer you up, then I’m glad…”

“No, that’s not it.”

“What’s different?”

“I’ve come up with a plan to deal with the Order of Evangel.”

“Huh? You mean the strongest religious fighting force, the one that specializes in combating undead and demons, the pride of the Holy Kingdom?”

“Thank you for the detailed explanation, Liz. Yes, that’s the one.”

“This isn’t one of your usual jokes, is it?”

“I don’t joke about work.”

“Does it have anything to do with pigs?”

“No, not at all.”

Liz muttered, her voice weak.

“…Master, what is going on in your head…?”

“I don’t know!” I puffed out my chest.

“You pig.”

“Rebecca, that’s enough.”