Lord of Disease (JP-GL) 171

171: How to Use Secret Documents

I sat at my desk, facing Clarion.

“Currently… the Empire has the most well-preserved national strength.”

“That’s right. Compared to the other two nations, they’re in good shape.”

“Therefore… the Human Alliance Against Demons is trying to unite under the Empire’s leadership. For us, the Listrea Demon Kingdom, this is an unacceptable development.”

“I agree.” The Sixth Army—my orders—had weakened the Kingdom and the Holy Kingdom.

But this latest news was bad news.

I had thought they wouldn’t unite so quickly—at least, not during the winter.

“Therefore, I am certain—we need a move that will shake the Empire.”

“I agree.”

She pointed to the original secret document on my desk, the one I’d tentatively named the ‘Imperial Guard Creation Manual.’

“Let’s use this.”

“Specifically?”

“We will publish this document, reveal the truth, and open the eyes of the Imperial Guard—no, of the people of the Empire. If it is revealed that the military leadership has been committing such atrocities, their unity will undoubtedly be shattered. We in the disinformation unit can do this.”

“Zero points.” I said, my voice flat.

“…Why?”

“First, they won’t believe it.”

“But this document is the truth…” I nodded deeply.

“Yes, it’s the truth. —And that’s why no one will believe it.”

“…Lord of Disease?”

“The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. It’s painful. …No matter how skillfully the disinformation unit operates, it will be dismissed as a mere piece of propaganda. If it even becomes a rumor, we’ll be lucky.”

“It’s an official document of the Empire!”

“And only a high-ranking official of the Empire could verify its authenticity, right? The accusation won’t stick, and even if we use a doppelganger, we can’t risk them on a mission with such a limited number of targets.”

The doppelgangers were precious. While their combat abilities were low, even compared to humans, their skills in infiltration, intelligence gathering, and inciting the populace were unmatched.

Because it wasn’t ‘illusion magic,’ it didn’t trigger any spell detection, and it could even deceive mind magic. I suspected they were transforming their brains to match, but I couldn’t be sure, so the truth remained a mystery.

Clarion, the leader of the doppelgangers, looked away and muttered bitterly.

“Then… this document… is useless…?”

“No. It’s a major achievement. —We’ve obtained a top-secret document. We’ve learned the secrets of the Imperial Guard.”

It was, without a doubt, a major achievement. The Imperial Guard had been the most difficult enemy for the Sixth Army to deal with.

The Dragon Knights, with their powerful dragons, and the Order of Evangel, with their unwavering faith. I had dealt with the Dragon Knights by starving their dragons, and I had lured the Order of Evangel into an unfavorable battlefield, using their faith as bait.

Those two were now effectively gone, no longer a threat to Listrea.

And the Imperial Guard would be next. —I would make sure of it.

“There are no secrets… they are just talented and strong.”

“Physically.”

“Mentally, too. With such deeply ingrained loyalty, they are strong.”

“Yes, they are strong. They have something to protect. They have beautiful memories. They have trust, and comrades who share their beliefs, who fight side by side.”

A poison dripped from my lips, and I covered my mouth with my hand. I transformed the grimace into a smile.

“Then let’s make all of that our sword.”

Clarion shuddered.

“…Lord of Disease… you are…” Her voice trembled.

“What is it?” I forced the smile, which was probably inappropriate for a superior to wear, to disappear, and smiled gently at her.

“You are… human… aren’t you?”

“Of course.” My smile deepened.

“I am a member of the race that created this fucking document.”

Clarion lowered her eyes.

“…I am grateful… that you are our superior, and our ally.”

“I’m kind to my subordinates. Rest assured.”

“I believe that. …If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to work in a place like this…”

Clarion, realizing she had said too much, closed her mouth, her expression serious.

“Should I… do more to address your concerns? —Of course, not me, but someone else, to gather anonymous feedback.”

“…There are only twenty-eight of us…”

“Yes, I suppose so. It’s scary, isn’t it? I’m sorry, for being a heartless monster.”

Not as an act, but I genuinely felt a pang of guilt. Looking back on my actions, I had some regrets.

Or rather, I had nothing but regrets.

“N-no! I—I understand that it’s necessary.”

“Really? Then I’m sorry, but could you summon the doppelgangers who are currently in the capital? We’ll decide on our next course of action, along with the scenario team.”

“…In… your presence?”

“I’m just a human. I won’t do anything scary.”

“I can believe that… but the others…”

“Of course, I know it’s possible without me. But I want to avoid any miscommunication. Therefore, we will gather as many people as possible from the initial stage to have a meeting. —Any objections?”

“…No.” Her expression clearly said, I don’t want to do this. Even if it’s work, I don’t want to be the one to tell them.

I repeated myself.

“…Yes, I’m sorry. For being a heartless monster.”