Prologue

The girl was beautiful, like a doll. Her most noticeable traits were her green hair and eyes of the same striking color. Though she had perfectly polished features, there was no trace of an expression on her beautiful face.

She was a Liradan. An artificial human.

Liradans were created as the pinnacle of magical civilization’s technology. That was what she was. It wasn’t so much that she was like a doll — rather, she was a doll herself. And so, the strange name of “Korone” suited her well, as did the strange situation she found herself in now.

She was standing in a field at twilight, encircled by a huge video screen. The screen was a translucent cylinder formed from tiny particles of mana in the air. From a distance, she looked like a doll in a package.

Displayed on the cylindrical screen were ten men in suits, each of their faces blurred out by computer processing. They were all sitting, but their chairs and the scenes behind them were all different, as if they were all in separate places.

“I believe that I am already sending you the data you’ve requested,” Korone said. She had a pleasant voice, but it was monotone, without a tinge of emotion.

One of the men on the screen responded, unsure if he was hearing a question or a complaint. His voice was computer-processed as well, to hide his identity.

“For us humans, it is important to see someone’s face and hear their voice.”

Then, another of the men interrupted before Korone could answer.

“Of course, it’s not that we particularly want to see your face. We are referring to one another. It’s best to use you as an intermediary to ensure that we are all on the same page.”

“Yet all of you hide both your faces and voices,” Korone pointed out. No one could tell if this was intended to be a joke, so she heard both chuckles and grunts in response.

“Do you have a problem with the system, Liradan? We know who we are, so this doesn’t bother us.”

“Don’t take it personally. Liradans are a part of the system, too. Don’t forget that they’re created to be completely loyal to humans. But a perfectly loyal slave can turn a man into a tyrant. That’s why it’s better for them to have sharp tongues.”

“I’m aware of that, so spare me the lecture. Liradans have emotions as well. And after they are created and some time passes, they begin to form their own identities. Not that I know why.”

“If that was taken as an insult, I apologize. I was simply stating the truth,” Korone said calmly, then continued. “In any case, I can’t imagine that so many members of the cabinet have gathered to discuss the inner workings of a Liradan.”

“That’s right. We’re here to discuss Akuto Sai.”

“It’s a serious problem that he awakened codename ‘Black Dragon.’”

“Some are using this as evidence that he has already become the Demon King.”

“The militants are, anyway.”

“As you are aware, the cabinet oversees every major religious faction. But the gods have become so systemized that control of the individual believer is incomplete.”

“The Diet is filled with fools who seek only to benefit their own gods’ believers, even though those gods are just systems.”

“We’re getting off topic, but we’ll explain because it may be difficult for an artificial human like you to understand. Essentially, the human community is going into a panic, without even trying to find out exactly what this Demon King is.”

“Well then, what is the Demon King?” Korone asked.

“That’s classified. Even you cannot be allowed to know.”

“Even Liradans can’t be told?”

“Correct. However, to be precise, we do not know either. For us, not being able to announce something publicly is the same as not knowing it. But we do know one thing: Akuto Sai is not currently the Demon King.”

“But isn’t that a contradiction? You know he’s not the Demon King, and yet you cannot announce it.”

“That’s a minor matter.”

“It’s not something you should concern yourself with.”

“Our true focus lies elsewhere. From what we’ve learned, the militants have some evidence to back up their claims. Ever since he awakened codename ‘Black Dragon,’ demons everywhere have become more active.”

“Even those of us who aren’t blind fools can see that it may be necessary for Akuto Sai to disappear.”

“Our own opinions are split. Some of us are even considering assassination.”

“But the high priest of the Markt faction, the one you belong to, insists that Akuto Sai is an ordinary civilian. Thus, he is entitled to the full protections of the law.”

“There’s no easy way to settle this argument.”

“And so we wish to find a more fundamental solution.”

“We will take Akuto Sai’s freedom.”

“An arrest without a clear warrant is no different from an assassination, isn’t it?” Korone asked. The members of the cabinet laughed.

“We are men, you see. And we too are sometimes willing to give up our free will.”

“Please explain exactly what you are trying to say.”

“Hahaha. Of course.”

“Akuto Sai has an interest in the fairer sex, doesn’t he?”

“In the conventional sense of the word, yes, most likely,” said Korone, nodding.

The men on the screen laughed once more.

“Don’t you understand? We’ll use a woman to take away his freedom. We just need to get him involved with one. A woman can ruin a man’s life — it happens all the time. We will use a woman to control him.”

“How vulgar,” Korone said calmly.

The men coughed uncomfortably.

“We are well aware.”

“But we cannot force him into committing a crime.”

“Markt’s records would show that we were the ones behind it. We are not priests, and so we lack the ability to erase those records.”

“But love is a different matter. He will act of his own accord. Even if he finds out we’re behind it, he won’t betray a woman. Especially after becoming intimately involved with her.”

“That’s right. Didn’t you say that’s the kind of person he is?”

“And so, we will ensure that this scenario comes to pass. It will unfold naturally, and it will let us avoid violence.”

“Understood,” Korone said flatly, and nodded.

“This is a matter of personal interest to you, as well. This is covert work. And it’s our order for you, Korone.”

“I belong to the Church of Markt. I cannot obey that order,” Korone said. One of the men on the screen raised a hand. He was holding a piece of paper.

“I have approval here from the Church of Markt. The electronic authorization will be transmitted to your brain.”

“And so I am participating in the cabinet’s plan on behalf of the Church of Markt?”

“Correct.”

“Then I can’t refuse, can I?”

There was a dull glow deep within Korone’s eyes.

“I’ve confirmed the authorization. I see. I’ve received the detailed mission parameters as well.”

The men all looked relieved.

“Then we should be able to put this matter behind us shortly.”

“We didn’t have this option before the last war, after all.”

“Yes, this is our best option.”

“He may seem completely straight-laced, but he’s still a teenage boy. This will work.”

“If Korone puts in the effort. And so, Korone, we’re all counting on you.”

Korone nodded, her expression unchanging.

“I will do my best to seduce Akuto Sai.”

“Very well. But if this mission does fail, unfortunately, you’ll be asked to take responsibility. Don’t forget that.”

“Do you mean I’ll be relieved from my duties?”

“There’s no need for us to answer that question right now.”

The screen disappeared before Korone could say a word.

She was left alone in the twilight field.

If someone had seen her, her expression might have seemed sad.

“Humans say that we have feelings, but they don’t truly understand what that means. It’s a very strange thing,” Korone whispered as the wind blew around her.

Someone who knew her well would have been surprised. Her words were flat, but there was strong emotion contained within them. In the same way, Korone began to complain even though there was no one there to listen.

“Seduction is going to be agonizing for me. I doubt it will even work, for one thing...”

She started to walk away, as if in resignation.

“I’m capable of falling in love, too. Not that the person I love would ever understand that.”