Chapter 10

“Mr. Ira, if you’re not used to this room, you can call me directly. There are no extra personal maids in Demon King City. If you’re willing, I can transfer them from the Demon King.”

Celina could not help but smile as she said this. Although she led Ira to this room in the Demon King City in a respectful manner, for some reason, she really wanted to laugh.

Although he said “no”, “no way”, and “laughable”, Miss Vera still easily made Mr. Ira stay… She felt an inexplicable excitement.

As a succubus, Celina was very interested in snatching talents from the Empire.

“There’s no need. It’s laughable. If there’s really a maid who takes care of me meticulously, I’ll be very unaccustomed.”

After answering, Ira sat on the slightly tough bed. He did not have high requirements for the room, and the environment of the room he was arranged to stay in was definitely not bad… It would be better than the battlefield no matter what.

However, although he did not like those personal maids who felt extreme in his opinion, convenient and useful home maids were still very good… When he needed to take anything, he only needed to call out.

“I specially arranged a room beside the kitchen and Mr. Rhyme for you. If you want to find something to fill your stomach, you can always instruct him to do it.”

—You’re really considerate to make such a reasonable arrangement?!

Ira, who was complaining in his mind, shook his head decisively. He said helplessly, “It’s true that I like exquisite and delicious food, but this doesn’t mean that I’m a foodie who always thinks of food. Thank you for your kindness, but I actually don’t need it.”

“Hahaha ~ I’m sorry, this is my negligence…”

As she spoke, Celina nodded lightly. She, who had more or less figured out Ira’s personality, chuckled and said, “Mr. Ira, it’s almost midnight. Please seize the time to rest. If you need anything, please tell the maids directly.”

After saying that, Celina turned around and walked out of the room, closing the door.

“…”

“Sigh…”

Sighing softly, Ira sat on the bed in the room alone. He took off his coat that had been damaged by his previous escape and placed it on the bedside table… although there was a coat rack in the room.

In the end, he still agreed to Satan Leaf’s request and stayed in the Demon King City to be her teacher for a period of time.

Because this had happened once, he did not feel too burdened now. However, this way, he had to consider how to teach students. It was always the most tiring to do teaching plans.

Should he prioritize increasing Satan Leaf’s strength? Or should he prioritize strengthening her thoughts and political thinking? No… he should put the latter aside for now, or he might produce another Isabella. However, the situation of the two of them was different, so the education method needed was naturally different.

Although it was not impossible to teach without distinction, Ira wanted to try other paths this time…

To be honest, Ira did not carry out important research and modifications in the Empire. In his previous life’s memories, he had not suggested many classic agricultural techniques that transmigrators used.

After all, in the war, he needed to prioritize strengthening the combat strength of the Empire. Therefore, he still prioritized promoting the noble descendants who could quickly become combat strengths and advised Isabella to enact the law of exchanging battle merits for titles.

This was also one of the reasons why the Empire had an increasing advantage on the battlefield.

He had originally planned to use a very cost-effective trap like [Food and Land to Buy Nobility Title] to trap the nobles after the war completely calmed down and collectivize the land to activate the farming frenzy.

They might not have that chance now.

Ira had taught Isabella the mind of an Emperor, taught her checks and balances, taught her the inevitable connection and path of restraint between her clan, kingdom, ruler, commoners, and businessmen… She had learned the same thing…

If he had known earlier, he would have racked his brains to make her capable of fighting.

Ira, who was sighing, could not help but recall what Yosef had said—

[Eh, you’re saying that we have to suppress the powerful ministers who have contributed greatly? Even if he’s sincere to the king and respects him everywhere, all his rights should belong to the Eternal Emperor? Although I’m very touched, are you courting trouble for yourself… Aren’t you the most powerful minister in the Empire now?]

“…”

Ira did not only say this to the previous Emperor, but he even usually taught Isabella this. However, the greatest problem was… the pretentious “suppression” also depended on the timing. This time, fuel had been added to the fire, right?

While he was so vexed, there seemed to be footsteps outside the door…

Knock! Knock! Knock!

With a knock on the door, Satan Leaf’s voice sounded from outside. She asked in a childish voice, “Mr. Ira, I’m really sorry to disappoint you at the banquet… I brought snacks. Is it convenient for you now?”

—Demon King? Why did you come personally?

“Please come in.”

With Ira’s voice, Satan Leaf’s small body arched open the wooden door. She was holding two bowls of sweet-smelling snacks in her hand and said, “I heard that people in the Empire like sweets. I asked Mr. Rhyme to make two desserts.”

“…”

However, Ira did not answer immediately. Instead, she looked out the empty door as if searching for something. Satan Leaf placed two bowls of dessert on the table and asked in confusion, “Mr. Ira, what are you looking at?”

“Where’s Celina?” Ira asked.

“Eh?”

Satan Leaf made a puzzled sound, clearly not knowing why Ira asked this.

“…”

The Demon King in front of him did not have any self-awareness as a “king” at all. She had never thought of what it meant for her to bring snacks to him at night… Moreover, she did not even bring a maid.

What if he harmed her?!

There was also a problem with the way she addressed him. It was the same for the other leaders. They would all call him Lord or Mr.

This term should not appear in the Demon King’s mouth. It was wrong.

Thinking of this, Ira originally planned to directly point out the mistake like when he taught Isabella in the Empire, but he hesitated…

Were intimacy and respect good or bad? If he had known earlier, he might as well have directly coerced Isabella and controlled the nobles… In any case, she would be very happy.

“Mr. Ira, what are you thinking?”

When Ira heard Satan Leaf’s confusion, he hesitated for a moment but did not say anything. He only shook his head apologetically and chuckled as he took this matter. He said, “I just think it might not be good for the two of us to secretly eat supper and not let Celina know.”

“Oh, then should I call her? However, it doesn’t feel good to instruct Mr. Rhyme to make another portion again.”

It seemed that Satan Leaf was really considering whether to call Celina.

“No, it’s fine.”

With that, Ira sat opposite her. He picked up a fork and stabbed it into the candied plums in the bowl. After stirring the honey water in the bowl, he handed it to the little Demon King sitting in front of him.

“It’s fine.”

As if he had to say it to someone else, Ira muttered and repeated it once.