Published: September 10, 2025
Note: The conversation scene with Arisa that was originally at the end of chapter 15-41 has been moved to 15-43. Please take note of this.
Correction of typographical errors made on 2017/2/6.
This is Satou. When I first saw the old folktale "The Eavesdropping Hood," I, as a child, thought that a life where you were watched everywhere would be frightening. In modern times, there are surveillance cameras installed everywhere, but strangely, I’ve never really felt afraid of them.
◇
"Hmm, so it really was just an act."
"Yeah, looks like it."
Near strategist Touya’s hideout, I was receiving information after I left through mosses growing there, relayed via dryads.
I got curious because all the information they gave me seemed strangely convenient for me, so I asked the dryads to help investigate.
As expected, it was as I suspected, but I never thought they would notice my demonic essence camouflage.
"There don’t seem to be any other children whose voices have been heard."
Rather than information directly from moss or weeds, it felt more like the dryads were organizing and relaying data accumulated in the plant network.
Scientifically speaking, I don’t think moss or weeds have the ability to store information.
"Thank you, Dryad. You really helped."
"Hehe, I got tons of magic power in return, so it’s all good."
After parting with the dryad waving her hands enthusiastically, I moved to the imperial capital of the Saga Empire, which was near the hideout.
I had marked a plain-faced reincarnator named Mio, who apparently had sent Pochi into danger, so I headed to the capital to pin down this so-called leader next.
Although it eventually led to rescuing Lady Ringlande and Princess Merryest, I couldn’t overlook that they had endangered Pochi over a petty scheme.
Annihilation without a second thought isn’t my style, but I want to give them a fear that will make them never dare to touch us again.
A few dives from 10,000 feet without protection should make them obedient—unless they have flying or teleportation abilities.
"There it is."
Looking up, on the top floor of the building sat a gnome man holding the title of director of the Saga Empire’s intelligence bureau.
—No, that’s not right.
This guy is different from the one I saw earlier (……).
Though cleverly hidden by a concealment-type artifact, the AR display identified his species as a "puppet doll."
He looks exactly like the real person, but this one’s a fake.
I traced the flow of magic power emanating from him, but it was all a fake and did not lead to the real leader.
After searching the map, I found there was another "puppet doll" in the countryside of the Saga Empire.
I marked that one and planned to set traps so that if the leader accessed it, I could track him down.
"Well then, what should I do now?"
Sitting atop one of the spires of the Saga Empire’s palace, I muttered to myself.
I could use "geass" to force strategist Touya and the plain-faced reincarnator into ceasing hostility, but that would be a bad move.
Even if I suppressed them while leaving the leader alive, they would only move more cleverly underground and continue their scheming.
Besides—
I recalled the conversation among strategist Touya and the others.
Combining that with the dryad’s information, it seemed true for now that they had no intention of becoming enemies with us.
Maybe it’s best to pretend we were fooled for now?
At least, I should warn the Saga Emperor, their public power, and prepare to seal off the Labyrinth Passage in Seryu City—the so-called demon world gate—whenever needed.
If we prepare to activate a layered purification barrier at the scale of the Count’s Domain, like the Sacred Stele, that should be sufficient.
The leyline flowing near Seryu City is a huge one connected to Dragon Valley, so we should be able to activate a fairly large barrier.
As I organized my thoughts, I gazed at the stone in my hand.
"Yeah, my appraisal skill confirms it’s a 'Moon Stone.'"
If the leader never accesses the puppet doll, I plan to use this as bait to lure him.