Once the War Games became a thing in the Empire, gears went in motion. The soldiers that were waiting to be sent out were developing just like Lord Beltos' monsters were and the public was given a new form of entertainment.

The merchant visited Rotenburg several more times, but their income was still experiencing some setbacks. If the people of Rotenburg didn't have money, he couldn't make more money! However, he wouldn't have money if he hadn't taken it all!

What kind of situation would it require to make money?

Become involved with outside parties.

The Thief spent her time trying to gather information that would help out. When she wasn't spying on the enemy, she was spying on the Demon Lord.

‘What is this feeling whenever I look at him? Why is my heart beating so erratically? Could I be…nervous?'

Afraid.

‘Oh, no. Whenever he looks my direction, shivers go down my back and my face turns red. I think I'm in love!'

Scared for her life.

The feelings could be described as something akin to the suspension bridge effect from other worlds, but here it was called the breaking bridge effect. Some famous human poet described his feelings for a Beastkin girl as the bridge he was standing on collapsed. The work became so controversial, discussing whether it was a metaphor or not and landed itself in one of the nation's top works.

But the Thief was not actually in love…

At first.

She tried to denounce herself.

‘No, he's a Demon, he kills people and forces them to work.'

But she ended up also defending him at the same time.

‘But he needs to do so he can make money. He obviously needs it for some reason, right? Just like I did…'

That ‘just like me,' made a big impact on her. She asked the others what they thought and they laughed.

"Dear, I think that man probably wants to build a pool of gold. He doesn't do anything with his money unless it is to make more money."

"I agree with *** [Villager C]. Lord Beltos hasn't made a big deal about his past so it must not be important."

"Ah, that's where you are wrong, *** [Villager B]. I agree with little *** [Thief]. Surely he has a goal. No person would be so twisted as to work so hard for no reason."

"You're exactly right, *** [Villager A]."

While they were all discussing him, Lord Beltos showed up! Speak of the Demon, and it shall appear!

"Why waste money on something useless as a pool? I would gather stones if that was the case. Even if I wanted to be extravagant, I wouldn't use gold but a material that would be the most beneficial for a pool."

His matter-of-factness stumped the two who thought they had their Lord all figured out. The other two were smiling wide, not completely realizing their situation.

"Why are you still standing around? Get back to work!"

***

"Ah, it is nice to see you again, Your Excellency."

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

The Pope and the King were convening.

"It is high time we summon the Hero, don't you think?"

The King sighed as he had the small crystal retrieved from the treasure room and the Pope brought the grimoire that went with it.

The ceremony was completed as five youths were dropped ungraciously into this strange world and strapped with slave collars. They would have to hunt down the Demon Lord.

They had to last a year since that was the cooldown of the crystal.

A year to kill the Demon Lord or die trying.