The overlord of the gods is interrogating the alien female spy.

　"But after I gained more knowledge, broadened my horizons, and learned about the vastness of this world, I discovered that I had already found the key to saving this land in the very beginning."

　“Kal’tsit did not take the original Originium with her, but instead gave me the authority to continue the civilization. I took this opportunity to try to learn more from her.”

　She recounted her past experiences and the efforts she had made over the years.

　"A flower. Is this all you've accomplished?"

　"Yes... ten years of hard work, even with sleepless nights and painstaking effort... it's already the limit of what I can do. I can only imitate what I've seen in the past, the Originium that will bring suffering..."

　It transforms into this tiny flower.

　"But this is only my own effort. I think if this achievement can be spread, it will be like the wind carrying flower seeds to all parts of this land."

　"I hope that this little flower, this spark of hope like a firefly, can inspire more people with aspirations to strive for it, and can unite everyone in this world..."

　"I want to see the sea of ​​flowers overflow, surging out of the cliffs and valleys of Kazdel, until the day they bloom all over the earth."

　She envisioned the future and drew up a blueprint of hope.

　“I know that’s impossible right now. So for now, I just want to use the power of Originium to create a home in Kazdel that is free from external enemies. People can stay here and live in peace and prosperity, without having to live on the battlefield.”

　"And in the more distant future... when that future comes to fruition... we will be able to completely control Originium, and the entire land will be transformed."

　"What if, when a natural disaster strikes, instead of Originium crystals falling from the sky, soft, fluffy candies do the work?"

　"If people face hardship, they only need to use a small piece of Originium to exchange for food to fill their stomachs and clothes to keep them warm."

　"If... I had never met you."

　She turned her eyes to take in the appearance of the person in front of her.

　"I'm probably still worrying about a meal, carefully fiddling with needle and thread so as not to ruin the guests' fabric. Ah Xu, someone like me... I certainly wouldn't have such a ridiculous fantasy."

　She didn't even tell Kal'tsit this secret... She had been waiting, waiting for the day he returned so she could present this achievement to him.

　Even if it was just a clumsy imitation of him, she still longed for his approval.

　“I have to admit, as a Sarkaz, you are indeed different, Theresa.”

　Chen Lingxu, who had been listening quietly to her story, finally spoke. Looking at Theresa, whose eyes and the corners of her eyes were filled with joy and smiles, he grabbed the small flower in his hand and crushed it.

　"Finally, there's some progress. But it's a pity."

　"Ugh?"

　Why……

　Did she...do something wrong?

　"There seems to be a small problem with the Originium. Your beautiful dreams won't be coming true for the time being."

　Turning the flower back into Originium, Chen Lingxu finally realized that this tool, created based on his understanding and taken over by Precys, had grown a little crooked in the present after the time loop closed.

　It's like being away from home for a while and then finding that your cat doesn't recognize you and has started hissing.

　Present

　Originium seems to have transformed from a preservation tool into a 'weapon,' constantly invading the material world. If left unchecked, it might turn the entire universe into a giant block of Originium billions of years from now.

　"What problem? Is it... because of the souls?"

　Hearing that it had nothing to do with her, Peach Demon King breathed a sigh of relief, pouted and leaned closer, repeatedly bumping his arm with her shiny white forehead to retaliate for his earlier frightening behavior, while carefully asking about the problem.

　"That's none of your concern. Your current research isn't wrong either; after all, I never imagined that you could actually use Originium to evade it..."

　But Chen Lingxu had a rough idea of ​​the reason. It was probably because Precys really remembered what he had said to the girl, and then, based on that, he made some kind of magical modification to the Originium. And because the Far Exiles were so unlucky as to detonate the Originium, causing it to explode all over Terra, the Originium project completely went astray.

　However, these are all just speculations. He still needs to meet with Precys and have a good talk to find out what happened.

　"Let's go back. Take me to see Anana tomorrow. I need to do something with it."

　“Oh… in that case we’ll need to replace the energy source, otherwise the city will shut down… but the city doesn’t have that much Originium fuel in reserve.”

　Anana is practically an inexhaustible source of energy; you can just throw her into the furnace and let her burn. If we were to switch to a different energy source now, the city would be constantly on the go, and the energy consumption would be far beyond what Kazdel can afford.

　"So how do you usually do your research?"

　"Well, I'm standing right next to the furnace, using the link of civilization's survival to do my research."

　"Huh? You've been standing the whole time?"

　"It's not very tiring, just a bit hot and I sweat a lot. Yeah! I always take a good shower afterward, so I don't smell bad at all."

　"You'd better smell wonderful from head to toe. As for energy, don't worry about it, I have my own ways."

　Holding his arm as they walked down the dimly lit corridor, Peach Demon King listened to his concern, and her little head bobbed happily.

　"Hmm! By the way, Ah Xu, do you want to have some snacks when we get back? Kal'tsit sent back some Gaulish pastries before, they were so delicious, I've been keeping them. Now that you're back, let's eat them. Otherwise they'll expire next month."

　"Aren't you going to leave some for your sister?"

　"Therese doesn't like those kinds of desserts. That's okay."

　"As you wish."

　Theresa's steps were very light, not only because he had accepted the secret she had shared with him, but also because...

　She called him like Kal'tsit... and he didn't scold her! He allowed her to call him that... Wow!

　"Ugh……"

　Yes, children, Teacher Big Te doesn't like snacks.

　Looking at the empty locker, Therese closed the door expressionlessly.

　After she finished eating and sent the lich back, she remembered that she had a Gallic pastry. She thought she would give it to the two of them and have a bite herself on the way. But when she arrived, she found that she was too late. Now, even if she went to find her sister, there would only be crumbs left of the pastry. The only thing left that could be called a pastry was probably a creamy peach.

　"Therese, there are still a few documents I haven't finished processing. Please, sister, help me out!"

　On her way back to her room, she passed by the Demon King's office. Looking at the note posted on the door, the wind and snow around Big Plum Blossom seemed to intensify.

　Chapter Thirty-Three: Today's drinks are on Mr. Kui.

　"After today's training, add 100 grams of meat to the soldiers' lunch."

　"Yes, General."

　Therese, who was arranging the training of a new batch of recruits, looked at the large pile of documents brought by her adjutant and couldn't help but feel a little worried. But there was no other way; since she had chosen this position, she had to shoulder this responsibility.

　"Let's start with the top one..."

　But before she could even sit down properly, Therese saw the letter tucked among the pile of documents.

　"Damn..."

　"General?"

　"I have to go out for a while, I'll be back soon. Everything in the military will continue as usual."

　"Yes."

　The adjutant watched General Plum Blossom hurry out the door and listened to her slightly anxious words, and couldn't help but feel a little curious.

　Could it be those old royal court officials causing trouble again?

　"..."

　A tavern.

　In the past, there were two ways to get rich in Kazdel. One was through arms dealing, buying and selling all kinds of weapons to arm the Daedric Lords and then exchanging them for money. The other was through alcoholic beverages. Whether it was wine that tasted like sour water or homemade bootleggings made from who-knows-what, if you had it, the Daedric Lords would want it. After all, dying drunk was much more pleasant than dying alive and knowing exactly what was going on.

　After the new Demon King rebuilt and reformed Kazdel, these taverns became much safer on the surface. Of course, the tavern owner still kept a loaded crossbow under the counter for any eventuality.

　At the same time, the tavern also served as an information channel for the mercenaries. Here, they could find out what was happening in the vicinity, conduct secret transactions, or accept various bounty missions. Therefore, no matter when, a tavern is always a bustling and lively place.

　"What would you like, sir?"

　The tavern bartender was wiping the tables when a customer quietly sat down. After the bartender asked him something, the customer took out a sturdy little pack animal.

　The leather money pouch, when its gold ribbon is torn open, reveals it filled with gold coins. This is a currency for Kazdel, vigorously promoted by the new Demon King, an attempt to imitate Gallo silver coins. It boasts a high gold content and comes in various denominations based on gold content and size for easy use and exchange. After extensive promotion and trials, it has begun circulating in the surrounding regions of several countries, thus reunifying Kazdel's economic system.

　Using these hundred-yuan gold coins, which are the highest denomination, to buy drinks at a tavern is a bit of a luxury.

　"Bring a bottle of Gallic Royal Liqueur, made in Letania. Also, a plate of stir-fried peas and a roasted pigeon; my friend likes to have some snacks with his drinks. I know you have those."

　"Okay, sir, please wait a moment."

　Money talks, and besides, even though the other woman was wearing a hood, just by looking at the gold-embroidered clothes hidden under the cloak and the horns that she was polished and maintained like those jade artifacts, the bartender knew that she must be one of those royal nobles. It was best to listen to her and make money.

　"..."

　By the time the bartender brought over the drinks and fried peas, another person had already sat down next to her, probably the friend she had mentioned. Wearing a hood and a cloak, their clothes were similar… no wonder they were friends.

　"The roasted feathered beast will take a while, please wait a moment."

　"Then there's no need to serve it; you can keep it for yourselves."

　"Oh, a guest?"

　The bartender listened to the newcomer's words and looked at the person who had made the order.

　"Listen to her. Here's the money, keep the change."

　"Thank you, thank you!"

　Holding the gold coin—which he couldn't even scrape together half of if he sold himself—the bartender hurriedly went back to chat with the boss.

　"..."

　"Try it. Gaulish wine has extremely high collectible value, but the taste is a bit lacking. However, it's considered a rare commodity here."

　The Sarkaz of White Horn poured her a glass of wine, explaining its background while speaking to her like a close friend.

　"It's working hours now, so we can't drink alcohol."

　Therese reached out the back of her hand, moved her wine glass aside, and looked at the 'acquaintance' across from her.

　“You went to all that trouble to deliver that letter to me and come out, not to ask me to skip work and drink, were you, Quesatushta?”

　Therese hadn't seen the white-horned, white-haired Sarkaz for a while. She'd never known what she was up to before, and hadn't been able to catch her. Now that the mouse had finally shown itself, she decided to see what this rascal was up to.

　"Tsk tsk, our general really has a bad memory. My current name, the one I should be called in public, is Zolaya."

　"Hmph. Calling your father 'daughter'? Isn't that laughable?"

　Over the past decade, Therese's knowledge had accumulated to a point where she was no longer a novice, and she could casually utter sarcastic remarks.

　"Then do as you please, General Therese. But I suppose you didn't come here in the public eye as the most sought-after demon lord and general of Kazdel, and you probably don't want to expose that you skipped work to come here for drinks."

　"Ha. I just don't want to scare some rats back into hiding in the gutter as soon as I show up."

　"Then let's each take a step back, my swordsman friend."

　Quesatushta was a bit too thick-skinned, remaining unfazed even when being verbally abused, but Therese didn't intend to make him feel ashamed with just a few mild insults.

　"What exactly do you want from me?"

　"Don't be in such a hurry. Let's have a drink to the rebirth of Kazdel, my friend. Look at this city. It's so much more complete and beautiful than the gray and dilapidated city of El-resh. The Sarkaz here can be described as peaceful and prosperous. People can eat their fill, have a stable life and work, and even come here for a drink after get off work without worrying about being beheaded and having everything they have taken away by their rivals."

　"All these changes are because we have the great Princess Theresa and General Therese leading us, aren't they? My friends, my compatriots, let us raise our glasses and cheer for our Demon King and General! Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight's drinks are on me, Zolaya!"

　Sarkaz of the White Corner spoke with increasing fervor. She stood up, recounting the changes in Kazdel, raised her glass, and invited the tavern patrons to toast together.

　Her words elicited a burst of enthusiastic cheers, not only because of her generous treat, but also because what she was saying were facts that the Sarkaz had witnessed and experienced firsthand. As a result, people's emotions were easily stirred by her after drinking alcohol, and the tavern instantly became lively.

　"Well, my swordsman friend, don't you want our Kazdel to become better?"

　She looked at the swordsman in front of her, who had clenched his fists, and a smile appeared on her face.

　"Tch. Don't do it again."

　Therese picked up the glass and clinked glasses with the other person under everyone's gaze.

　"That's better. Now we can talk about our topic."

　Chapter Thirty-Four: Do I like her more, or... me?

　As the drink went down her throat, Therese looked at Quesatushta, who had sat down again.

　"No matter how angry you are, never reveal your murderous intent, my friend. This will be very helpful when you negotiate various cooperation requests with foreign nobles in the future. You did a really good job, so inspiring and moving, even I..."

　I was caught up in this feeling and brought my family to join the grand parade.

　“A parade. Do you think this is a joke, Quesa… Zoraya… If it weren’t for the fact that you pardoners did provide financial support during Kazdel’s critical period, I would have hung your head on the city gate.”

　Putting aside everything else, Quesatushta's political acumen and abilities are truly extraordinary. Upon discovering that the shattered crown had reformed into a complete black crown on Theresa's head, she knew the enormous changes this would bring to the Sarkaz and immediately pledged allegiance to them. Her defection was faster than any other royal court, and she even proactively obtained substantial financial support from the Absolute Master to demonstrate her 'loyalty'.

　But Therese remembered what she had heard about Quesatushta, so whatever she did, she ordered people to keep a close eye on the absolutist.