And heres the second chapter already.

I have a lot more chapters already translated but the need proof reading etc. Thatll have to wait until I get back from work.

228 Whyyy!?

Authors note: Demon Kings perspective

Meh. Nothing to do. Howd this happen?

At the Demon Kings castle, I should have been beginning my work as the Demon King, and yet while I was travelling I was far busier somehow, right? How strange.

At the Demon Kings castle a typical day goes: get up early and have breakfast, loiter around, have lunch, laze around, have supper, slouch around, sleep.

Oh? Isnt that, like a NEET? Strange. Im the Demon King. But what Im doing is no different to a NEET?

Well, its somewhat unavoidable. Yeah, since the disappearance of the previous Demon King, Baltos been there keeping the demons together the whole time. With me suddenly popping up from nowhere, theres no need to order others to do this or that. Actually, if I did that it would just result in confusion instead. In short, I just need to convey the general objective. For now thats to focus on building up the army.

I am referred to as the oldest Divine Beast, yet theres not much I can do in government. Anyhow, its been too long since I got involved with this government stuff. Theoretically I know about it, but Id have to admit that it may be impossible in practice for me. Even if I tried Id probably be at the bottom of the pile for years, ending as a good-for-nothing who just messes up the place. Therefore, theres been nothing for me to do for now.

The King reigns but does not govern. Yeah, Im the personification of that saying. Day by day I feel that those around me are increasingly giving me the cold shoulder, but Im surely just imagining it.

Hrm. But, this is boring. If its going to be this boring then maybe I should bring Shiro-chan with me? I bet that girl is doing nothing but loafing around the mansion anyway. Ah, better not. The NEETs will just increase then. Crap. Itll become a blizzard of cold shoulders.

Actually, the eyes of Baltos little brother Blow have been stabbing daggers at me lately. Blow is the sub-commander of the 4th army. After Balto got tied up with government, it became Blow who commanded the 4th army in practice. He looks like a hoodlum version of Balto. But, contrary to those looks, he only really has the ability to master office work. Perhaps its due to looking up to his elder brother continuously organizing the demons, he has proven to be not inferior in excellence to his brother. He has a tendency to over-idolize his elder brother, but thats okay I reckon! The taboo of siblings in

So, the current situation where that Blows esteemed elder brother is bowing before a mysterious NEET, that would surely rile him up. Mysterious NEET thats me. Im the Demon King that has displaced his esteemed elder brother. From Blows point of view it appears that I have undeservedly stolen the throne of the Demon King. Gnnn. Its urgent that I make him realize my greatness. But, how?

Get working? No deal. Its a pain, totally bleargh, and like I said earlier if I start crudely intervening in government itll have the opposite effect. Balto has the track record of gathering the demons without mishap, so its more effective to just leave it all to him.

Shake him down a bit? No deal. If it goes poorly then my image could go from bad to worse. In the sense of making him acknowledge my strength, its certainly the fastest. Though if I overdo the lesson and he starts moping around or something it would be unbearable. He obviously has a lot a pride, so itll probably take him some time to recover from merely submitting to me. From a long term point of view that seems likely for his personal development, in which case, his chances of recovery would be like 50-50. Most of all, in a critical period like this its not good to render a good pawn inoperable.

So what, is left? Nothing? Th, that cant be. Its surely possible that theres an awesome way to make everyone recognize my greatness! Surely its possible, right?

While Im seriously struggling here, theres a knock on the door. After giving permission, in comes the Balto and Blow brothers.

Excuse me.

Bowing his head politely while entering is Balto, and sullenly silent is Blow. Even when Balto glances at him in rebuke, Blow ignores it. Seems like he cant stand me to the extent of ignoring his esteemed brothers guidance.

Maou-sama, I wish to consult with you.

On what?

Surely you jest. How could you not know, Maou-sama?

Balto inquires with a wry looking smile. Hm? I dont get where hes coming from. Seems like it should be obvious to me what Balto wants to consult about, but Ive seriously got no clue.

Sorry. Im really not following you here, what is it?

On my frank admission, Balto and Blow turn to each other. It bothers me that Blow has a somewhat triumphant expression.

Brother, its like I said right? Shes so incompetent that she doesnt even understand what her subordinates are up to.

Blow, I apologise.

Nah. Lets get this straight. Shes unfit to be the Demon King.

Blow!

Suddenly Im being dissed. Why? Whats going on? Im more confused than angry over this nonsense theyve brought with them.

Umm, how about you tell me what you wanted to consult with me about?

Certainly.

While breaking out in a cold sweat, Balto hands me some documents.

Based on the intelligence that Shiro-dono has gathered, the illegal activities of Warkis the present general of the 7th army has become clear. Furthermore, it has been determined that his secret plans for a coup dtat have advanced and before long would be staging a revolt. There is adequate proof.

I look at the materials in my hands. Recorded in them is proof of illegal activities from numerous intelligence reports. Er, what are you up to, Shiro-chan?

By successfully determining their actions at an early stage, I believe we should attack them instead to take decisive action to suppress them before they can launch their coup dtat. For that reason, I wish to seek authorization to deploy the 4th army under Blows command.

Oh, ahh. Lets see. Erm? Well for now, lets go with that, yeah.

Ill leave it to you.

Thats the only thing I can say. Though Shiro-chan, seriously, what are you up to? This is obviously top secret internal information you know. So how did you get hold of it then?

To my half-hearted response, Balto nods without batting an eyelid. Blow has a vein about to pop on his forehead, but before he can say anything his head is forced down by Balto.

Then, we shall proceed as discussed.

Balto bows his head and at the same time increases the force on Blows head to also make him bow. Seems like Blow had to hold himself from almost brushing off that hand. Forcing up his head, he gruffly stomps out of the room. Balto bows his head again, then follows after.

Ah-hah, then, this is why I was thought to be so incompetent that I dont even understand what my subordinates are up to. On top of that, what Shiro-chan obtained was bumper sized intelligence. An incompetent boss with capable subordinates. Thats how you think of me, huh? Shiro-chan of all people.

Whyyy!? How did this happen!?

Translation notes:

When maou (demon king) is used as a title I left it as is, eg maou-sama.

Baltos speech patterns are fairly polite, unlike his younger brother who talks quite roughly to everyone.