DE: Chapter 1 Part 17 – The Devil’s Creation

When I returned to the battleship Albireo and tried to get out of the cockpit, the Elven maintenance men were smiling and waving at me. Of course, I didn’t want to know what emotions were behind those smiles. But if I backed down here, I’d feel like I lost, so I also walked toward them with a big smile on my face.

“Good job welcoming me with smiles. If you want the Ace’s autograph, line up in a row.”

The moment I said that with a wink, the mechanics made expressions that couldn’t be shown to children. To be honest, it was pretty scary.

“…Sorry.”

It’s not that I was scared or anything. But if I didn’t stand my ground, things would inevitably get more troublesome. You know, someone like me in this line of business, really hates getting into troublesome situations.

I was supposed to receive a decent scolding after this, but Captain Christina spoke to the maintenance crew, so the lecture was canceled. Thanks, Captain.

“I’m the Lucky Boy after all. I even get plenty of side dishes. Nero, you recorded the exchange with Fang Squad, right?”

“Of course.”

“Perfect.”

The operation “Eagle Arrow” to capture the Sectorial Space Base has ended in success. Currently, the fleet is stationed nearby to conduct an investigation of the partially destroyed space base. Of course, the ground force is still dealing with the remnants, while the engineering team is gathering intelligence at the command center.

However, the most concerning aspect of this operation was the existence of an organization seemingly unrelated to Sectorial. To be precise, it was the military force formerly belonging to the now-vanished planet Damraka. Why is such a military force acting alongside Sectorial? Additionally, it is certain that Sectorial possesses considerable military strength. Given this, isn’t it too risky to deal with them using only one battleship and six cruisers?

“Well, I guess the higher-ups have their own plans. And, as always, it’s the ones below who are left to carry the burden.”

No matter how much time passes, it’s strange that things like this never seem to change. I suppose human evolution is nothing more than a minor shift after all.

“But what am I going to do in the next battle? I hate to say it myself, but at this point, it’d probably be better to just buy a new one than try to fix that machine.”

I made my way toward the shower room, thinking about the Zargan, which was now destined for the scrap heap.

“That guy’s a devil.”

This line was an elf soldier, who was watching the scene, murmured. Why did he say such a thing?

After the battle had ended, everyone was heading to the dining hall with starving stomachs. Just at that time, I appeared in front of Fang Squad, the elite unit of the battleship Albireo, holding a black spherical AI in one hand.

“You remember your promise, right?”

The moment I said that, the expressions of the Fang Squad members stiffened. However, amidst all this, only Captain Christina had a look of confusion on her face. She appeared quite adorable, with a completely blank expression.

“Sometimes, the truth brings forth tragedy. Don’t you think so?”

“The promise doesn’t involve Captain, right?”

“Oh? But isn’t your Captain the leader of the Fangs?”

“That’s true, but…”

“What? What’s wrong with you all?”

The Fang Squad directed a look filled with a mix of anguish and disbelief, as if questioning, “Are you seriously going to do it? Starting today? Are you even going to take it from the Captain?” However, I simply smirked, wearing a devilish grin, and coldly replied.

“See for yourself what you all agreed on.”

I tapped the black sphere lightly as I said that. Then, a voice was heard.

『Give me one side dish for each member of the Fang Squad for the next week. If you do that, I’ll at least follow up.』

『I, Is that really what you want?』

『Of course. If you don’t like it, just forget it.』

『I have no problem. Does anyone have any problems?』

『Yeah, I don’t mind. It’s a small price to pay for the Captain.』

『Do as you like. I don’t care that much.』

『I would have given you a side dish right away if I had. So please.』

The atmosphere turned dark in an instant. Captain Christina, who hadn’t understood until now, gradually began to understand everything.

“You mean you saved me for…”

“Honestly, I just did it for the side dish.”

The moment I said that, Captain Christina’s expression froze. And an overwhelming, immense dark evil aura began to emanate from her. But I acted as if I couldn’t care less, reaching out my hand. I’m surprised I managed to stay so calm.

“Well then, I’ll help myself right away. Fang Squad, please don’t put up any unnecessary resistance.”

“…Understood. But as for the Captain’s portion…”

“She didn’t know about that. I’ll have the dessert from Captain Christina then.”

With that, I snatched the pudding for dessert without hesitation. Captain Christina, seeing this, cried out.

“Pudding is not a side dish! It’s dessert!”

“For humans, dessert is also a side dish. How sad. This is the tragedy born from the difference in values between humans and Elves! Ahhahaha!”

“Master, there is no difference in values like that.”

“Just laugh it off.”

“Ahhahaha!”

Nero laughed dutifully. And I, the devil, ate the pudding he snatched and gulped it down in one bite without hesitation.

“Truly, the devil’s creation.”

“He’s pretty nasty. He probably knew this week’s desserts and side dishes would be pretty lavish.”

“Poor guy. I feel a little sorry for him. Oh, by the way, the pudding is delicious.”

“I really can’t understand what kind of person he is.”

The mercenaries continued eating their meals, completely uninterested. Meanwhile, I kept stealing the side dishes from all of the Fang Squad while people murmured around.

“Thanks for the treat.”

“Thanks for the treat.”

I couldn’t be sure if it was my playful expression at that time that angered Captain Christina, or if there was another reason. However, Captain Christina, with her face bright red, suddenly lunged at me.

By the way, regarding this incident, I directly appealed to Colonel Cecilia in protest, but with a single word, ‘Nonsense,’ a notice was issued stating that no action would be taken.

After completing the data extraction from the Sectorial Space Base, the fleet was once again resupplying at the Vermouth space station. Since this time they decided to stay for a long time, I also decided to look around Vermouth casually.

Captain Christina glanced at me a few times, but I ignored her and went on my way.

“I’m not a babysitter. Besides, I got a few bonuses this time. Why not try gambling or something?”

Or maybe I should go into a random bar and have a drink. While thinking about it, I entered a back alley to look for a bar. Then, I turned left on the road that leads into another back alley, and the name of a certain store appeared on a hologram.

【M & M】

As soon as I saw the name of the store, I couldn’t believe it and opened the door. However, it seemed like it hadn’t opened yet, so there was no one there. But the layout of the shop was unmistakable.

Thinking that, I entered the shop and headed for the counter seats. Then, an effeminate employee came out from inside.

“Oh, I’m sorry. We’re still not open yet.”

“I know. But I’ve been here a few times before. Are you a new employee?”

“Are you perhaps an acquaintance of the owner?”

“If your owner remembers me, then I’d be an acquaintance.”

“Just wait a moment. Looks like you’re an acquaintance of the owner~”

With a deep voice, the new effeminate employee retreated into the back. I sat at the counter, took a bottle of liquor, and opened it on my own.

“Oh? Could it be… Shu-chan?”

“Long time no see~. How have you been, Mama?”

A giant, muscular transvestite, looking even more stronger than the new employee earlier appeared, wearing a tight dress.

This muscular transvestite was none other than the owner of M & M, known as ‘Mama.’ Her real name was known only by herself and the local government office. That’s why everyone calls her ‘Mama’ from the name of the shop.