"What if nothing happened? Just like those kids never rebelled."

As Ira said this, he calmly continued under everyone's gaze, "I don't know what the monsters are thinking, but only in this way can we be legitimate enough. Of course... your own thoughts, Demon King, are the most important."

Vera nodded in agreement with Ira's words... but she didn't express any opinion herself, even though everyone knew perfectly well what to do in this situation.

What is she thinking? Is she hiding her true abilities?

"Let's do as Mr. Ira says..."

With Satan Ye's approval, the vampire girl nodded and replied, "I understand. Then I will respond to them as if nothing happened, as the Demon King has said."

"..."

After waiting for a while, and after no one reported anything, the ghostly girl with glasses adjusted her glasses and reported, "Unfortunate news: the gold coins in the Demon King's territory are barely enough to last until the merchants arrive."

This is indeed very bad news.

"so……"

Lyme couldn't help but ask.

"In other words..."

Sylvia frowned.

"Could it be..."

Vera had a bad feeling.

The silent, bespectacled ghost, who appeared to be in charge of the Demon King's castle's finances, pushed up his glasses and calmly said, "Therefore, whether it's the cost of food, the castle's expenses, or the costs of magical experiments, all need to be reduced again."

"Everyone's salary, including mine, needs to be reduced, and military spending also needs to be reduced."

As the ghost girl spoke, she looked at the slightly disturbed insectoids, black knights, headless knights, and constructs, and said, "Fortunately, because of the Empire's withdrawal, the number of troops should indeed be reduced accordingly."

"..."

"Fortunately, if we can hold on until the end of this quarter, our expenses will be much more manageable. After the war ends, trade routes with dwarves, orcs, and elves can be restarted, and we won't have to endure the high prices of war traders anymore."

As the ghost-eyed girl spoke, she looked at the five little fairies and said, "Fortunately, we grow our own plants such as blue scutellaria mushrooms, and we also raise other animals, but we have already exhausted the variety of food available."

Hearing this, Lem seemed very frustrated... Although his head was a green gel without facial features, everyone could sense his frustration.

"Um... recently..."

The little fairy made a cute sound, as if she had something to say.

"Our harvest..."

Another little fairy chimed in.

"It's just average."

The little fairies took turns speaking, their different voices and characteristics quickly forming a complete sentence, seemingly reporting bad news: the situation at the Demon King's castle was worse than Ira had imagined.

If the empire fights for a few more years, the demon race might be wiped out.

Should I do something about this?

Thinking this way, Ira felt that the matter had nothing to do with him, so he didn't need to care. His only responsibility was to train Satan to become a qualified king... no, his education was very problematic.

Therefore, all he had to do was train Satan to become a powerful king.

Apart from that, the survival of the monsters and the living standards of the Demon King's castle are none of his business, and he has no need to interfere... He has no reason to improve production, and there is no need for him to do so.

"..."

It seemed that no one had anything to report. With Satan Ye nodding, the leaders returned to their respective territories and residences... also within a region of the Demon King's territory, but outside the castle.

However, Lyme, Sirina, Ghost Girl, Vera, and others—a few people who don't strictly belong to a "team"... or rather, whose teams are led by a few combat generals and leaders—live in the Demon King's castle.

Ira stood quietly watching as Satan leaned against the Demon King's throne and sighed.

"Oh no! Can't I have a little more funding for my research? Waaaaah!"

Vera pretended to cry and complained to the ghostly girl with glasses, but the girl shook her head decisively and refused Vera, saying, "Unless you give me the corresponding funds, I can make an exception and help you buy back the materials."

"Where would I get money..."

"Then don't bother me."

"..."

"Ah, my research... is about to be forced to a standstill!"

Hearing Vera's lament, Ira spoke up to remind her, saying, "Vera, you're behaving too disrespectfully in front of the Demon King... However, the Demon King's castle probably doesn't care about that."

"I really don't care about that."

Vera glanced at Satan Ye, who looked conflicted, then turned to Ira and asked, "Ira, do you have any money? How much do you think I'm worth for one night?"

That's a bit of a joke... but that's really Vera's personality. When you actually take it seriously, Vera will turn around and pretend nothing happened, then back down completely.

"You should keep it for yourself... However, I do need your help with something."

As she said this, Ira reached out and unbuttoned her coat, taking it off as she said, "I hope you can use magic to repair my clothes, um... what kind of attitude is this?"

Vera, who had been questioned by Ira, was now hiding behind Sylina. She cautiously peeked out and said, "Oh, mending clothes? I thought you were serious~"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!