# Prologue: Frisia, The Demon Nation Chapter 1: "Paradise"
"Demons"
They are monsters who, despite having forms similar to humans, possess completely different values and ecology. The great mage Flamme once defined monsters capable of speech as "demons." It is said that their ancestors were monsters who would hide in shadows and call out "help me" to lure humans.
While they speak human language, they are dangerous man-eating species that prey on humans and are humanity's great enemy.
Facing them, humanity fought back. With swords and magic, humans countered using their weapons and wisdom, but gradually they were driven into a disadvantageous position.
"Demon King"
As the name suggests, the ruler of demons with overwhelming power. In addition, his confidant "Schlacht the Omniscient" and the Demon King's direct subordinates, the "Seven Fallen Sages," possessed extraordinary strength that left humans powerless.
But even in such a hopeless situation, a single hope appeared.
"Hero Himmel"
A young man who held the title of hero, as his epithet suggests. Through him, the long war between humans and demons would come to an end. But he was not alone.
A human and Himmel's childhood friend, "Priest Heiter"
A dwarf, "Warrior Eisen"
An elf, "Mage Frieren"
These four companions who would later be known as the legendary hero's party. Thanks to them, the Demon King was defeated, and peace returned to the world. People rejoiced and celebrated this peace—a respite from having their lives unreasonably taken.
But time flows on. For humans, for demons. For all living beings, it is the most equal, cruel, and kind thing in this world that cannot be avoided.
Nothing remains unchanged. Even for life forms capable of living for extended periods. There are only those who see others off and those who are seen off—that was the only difference.
Twenty-eight years after Hero Himmel's death. In the northern countries.
A townscape that feels somehow solemn within its peaceful atmosphere. Churches built throughout the town testify to this. Perhaps mass has just ended, as many people emerge from them. Young and old, men and women. As if to show they are all devout believers, everyone carries the same item.
It is an ornament modeled after scales. The most widely worshipped deity in this world is a goddess, and those who worship her hold crosses as their spiritual anchor. However, no crosses are found in this town's churches. This means the residents of this town do not worship the goddess.
"Thank you for today, Lord Lügner. Please give my regards to Lady Aura."
"I understand. Continue to maintain your faith without change. Everything is under Lady Aura's scales."
A female believer bows deeply as the male priest responds with a somehow loving demeanor. The priest sees off the believers and residents with prayers and graceful movements as he enters the hall. A commonplace, ordinary sight in this world. But for those who are not residents of this town, it would be an impossible, unacceptable sight.
It was the horns. Two horns grow from the head of the priest, Lügner. Not just the priest—more than half of the town's residents possess organs impossible for humans, such as horns. Evidence that they are not humans, but demons. Yes, this is a miracle that can only exist in this town, no, this country.
The demon nation "Frisia"
That is the name of this country. It was the one and only absolute paradise governed by "Aura of the Scales," where humans and demons coexist.
"Please give my regards, huh? How presumptuous of a mere human."
True feelings leak out in the now-empty church. But it can't be helped. They now worship and revere the demons they once loathed and feared. The stupidity of humans is truly nauseating.
His gaze falls on the vestments he wears and the doctrine in his hand. At first, he was disgusted by this charade, but now he no longer feels that way. Well, perhaps it's only natural considering their nature of deceiving humans.
(However, twenty years... So much change in such a short time. Indeed, the flow of time for humans is vastly different from ours.)
He recalls more than twenty years ago. What began as a religious group not even worthy of being called a town, let alone a country, is now about to become a great nation. For demons with lifespans exceeding several hundred years, it's a time that passes in the blink of an eye. But apparently, it was enough time for humans to forget their fear and hatred of demons. Of course, it wasn't just time. The brainwashing, or rather, the training was what truly had an effect.
(As expected of Lady Aura... to have foreseen this far ahead.)
He envisions the one who is both his master and the absolute ruler of this country.
"Aura of the Guillotine"
One of the former "Seven Fallen Sages" and a great demon who regained her power after Hero Himmel's death. With most of the hero's party having disappeared from the public stage, unable to resist the flow of time, now was the time to avenge their past humiliation. Thinking this, having heard rumors of her revival, he rushed to serve under Lady Aura, but her method of governance was far from what he had imagined.
Dominating humans rather than exterminating them.
Of course, he understands the logic. Even though our essence is that of fierce beasts, as a species that preys on humans, exterminating humans completely would be meaningless. However, her method was something that we demons could never have conceived.
(Equality... I still don't understand it, but humans truly seem to desire such irrationality.)
His eyes are once again drawn to the doctrine in his hands.
Granting equality.
That was Lady Aura's method of domination. The exact opposite of the Demon King's rule through fear. For demons, strength and magical power are everything. Domination was established by the natural law of the survival of the fittest. Therefore, Lady Aura's method of rule was incomprehensible to him, no, to all demons.
She imposed the same rules on both humans and demons.
Never resort to violence under any circumstances. Never quarrel. If you can observe these rules, equality will be granted to all.
That is the core teaching of Lady Aura's religion in this country. There are no exceptions. Even demons are not permitted to harm humans. This means that in this country, Frisia, demons are not allowed to eat humans. Demons do not need to eat humans to survive, but instinctively crave it. Suppressing this is no easy task. Initially, there were many incidents of demons harming humans, but these soon subsided.
By having their heads severed by Her Ladyship, as her epithet "Guillotine" suggests.
Now, the epithet "Scales" has become more established, but no word other than "Guillotine" can truly express Her Ladyship's original nature.
(But now that I think about it... not only humans but we too are changing.)
He realizes he is unconsciously becoming excited. His initial skepticism was shortsighted. This is demonstrated by the continually increasing number of residents, known as believers. Humans are still understandable. Even after the Demon King was defeated and peace came, conflicts among humans didn't disappear. No one can escape the law of survival of the fittest. But Frisia is an exception. While one may not live in luxury, equal living is guaranteed as long as one follows Lady Aura's teachings. The same applies to demons. If they endure not eating humans, they won't be exterminated by humans.
Faith for humans. Loyalty for demons. This existence is close to what humans call god. A method of rule different from the Demon King's, possible only for Lady Aura, who was once subjugated by humans.
(Well... I suppose it's time to head out.)
His eyes glance at the pillar clock. It's just past nine o'clock. Today, after the morning service, he is scheduled to have an audience, or rather, report to Lady Aura. He mustn't keep her waiting. There have also been developments regarding the situation in neighboring countries. As he quickly exits the church,
"Ah! Thank goodness... you're still here, Lord Lügner...!"
A human woman who had participated in the service earlier clings to him, breathless. He feels an instinctive urge to push her away out of disgust but somehow manages to control it.
"What is the matter? Why such haste..."
He immediately dons the mask of deceiving humans as he asks. Come to think of it, what was the name of the human before him? He can't recall immediately. Human faces are hardly distinguishable. Moreover, he couldn't possibly remember each individual's name.
"There's a fight breaking out in the market over there...! People around tried to stop it, but it won't settle down... Could you please mediate?"
Unaware of his inner thoughts, the woman pleads urgently. In an instant, he understands the situation. In essence, she is seeking discipline... no, mediation for the dispute.
"I understand. Let's go immediately."
He quickly heads to the scene under the woman's guidance. Mediating disputes. It's not uncommon. No matter how Lady Aura establishes laws, there will always be a certain number of fools who break them. It is the duty of priests, or rather, clerics like himself, to discipline them. Though he is irritated at being interrupted on his way to the audience.
(Is that it...)
Soon the scene comes into view. Or rather, the voice becomes audible. A terribly grating male voice. Apparently shouting angrily. Beyond are an injured woman and a child. The man seems to be picking a quarrel with the women. The man is a demon, while the woman and child are humans. Normally, humans wouldn't matter, but this is within Lady Aura's country. As a cleric, it's his duty to enforce the law against those who commit the taboo of violence. For this reason, clerics are exceptionally permitted to use force. It would be good if admonishment suffices, but if not, he won't hesitate to take action. While feeling his demonic instinct for combat being stimulated, he tries to intervene while maintaining his clerical facade, but
"What are you doing here?"
Before he can act, a young girl steps into the situation. As if curious about something interesting. Twin-tail hairstyle and Western-style corseted dress—an appearance that seems out of place. But for him, it's a familiar presence.
(Is that Linie...?)
Linie, a girl who, like himself, holds the position of cleric in Frisia. As her position indicates, she too is a demon and could be considered Lady Aura's right hand. However, due to her appearance and behavior, she's somewhat treated as an idol in this town. As someone with the same responsibility to manage this town, he wishes she would display more dignity.
While he ponders this, the commotion grows louder. Mainly due to the demon men causing an uproar. Apparently, a human child bumped into them, which was the trigger. A low-level, ugly dispute. In a sense, typical of demons. No matter how much we disguise our words and attitudes, we are merely beasts. Normally, the weaker human parent and child would be eaten and that would be the end, but this is the demon nation Frisia.
"Hmm, well, that doesn't matter. Violence is forbidden, you know? This is Lady Aura's country. Look, it's written in the doctrine, right?"
With an air of complete indifference, Linie says this while showing off the doctrine in her hand. The absolute commandments that must be observed in this country, inscribed with the teachings of Aura's religion. It was apparently created by human priests, but the truth of this is irrelevant. Breaking it is tantamount to insulting Lady Aura.
"What is this ridiculous book? Are you saying demons are equal to mere humans?"
"I came here because I heard there was a demon country, but what is this place? I suppose it's a country formed by gathering weak demons like you?"
The demon men continue to berate Linie, unable to understand. But from a demon's perspective, this is natural. For demons, survival of the fittest is the order and everything. What humans call "society" does not exist. As the former Demon King demonstrated, power and fear are the only methods that can rule demons. Above all, demons can discern this at a glance.
"Magical Power"
It is the absolute indicator of a demon's strength. It seems to correspond to status or wealth for humans, but demons judge an opponent's strength by their magical power. Therefore, unnecessary disputes like those among humans don't occur. The strong subjugate the weak. The most rational law. In that sense, they are correct. That is Linie's magical power. There is barely any visible external manifestation of magical power. She possesses only as much magical power as the lowest rank of monsters. There's no way they would listen to such a demon. In fact, if I were them, I would have made the same mistake.
"-I see. Then you're no longer needed."
That her facade is merely a disguise for hunting prey.
"Huh?"
Was that the voice of the other demon? Or was it the voice of the frightened parent and child? All I know is that it wasn't the voice of the demon whose head was severed as if by a guillotine. A bisection so swift there was no time to raise a voice. In Linie's hand, instead of the previous doctrine, is a sword. Ironically, a replica called the Hero's Sword. Its current wielder is also a demon, a fake.
"What!? What are you suddenly doing?"
Without understanding the meaning, the other demon is merely terrified. Of course he is. A demon, supposedly far weaker than themselves, killed his companion in an instant. Linie, meanwhile, remains unfazed. She shows no emotion, acting calmly. Yes, for Linie, living with restricted magical power is normal. She doesn't understand how abnormal this is. Probably the only demon who would do such a cowardly thing is Linie. Even I, supposedly her comrade, feel disgust about this, but that's a minor issue.
"? If you're not useful to Lady Aura, then you're not needed, right?"
Enemy or ally to Lady Aura. Just that. Linie does not forgive those who insult her existence.
"D-Don't move!? If you move, this human will—"
The fool, finally realizing he has stepped on a tiger's tail, makes an even more foolish choice. Taking a human child hostage against a demon—a futile act. Normally, it would be meaningless. But if there's a sliver of hope, it's that in this country, demons and humans are equal. Then this hostage might be effective. The demon habit of deceiving others. It wasn't incorrect. If there was a mistake,
"In the way."
It was that even this was meaningless before her, who imitates the now-deceased hero.
The being that was a demon had its arms and head severed in the blink of an eye, and the child is now held by Linie. It's like a scene of a child rescued by a hero. Though since Linie herself is a girl, it's somewhat unbalanced and doesn't make a good picture.
That was the outcome of this commotion. A scene that could be said to be a microcosm of the demon nation Frisia—
"? Huh, Lügner, what are you doing here? Isn't it time for the audience?"
"I could ask you the same. What are you doing here?"
Finally noticing me, Linie comes over with a puzzled look. In her hand is a bright red apple. She's munching on it, given as a thank-you from the child she rescued. Her appearance makes one doubt if she's the same person who was exterminating demons just moments ago.
"I came to buy an apple. But I got it for free, so that's a win."
"I see... but you are Lady Aura's cleric. Be mindful of your behavior in public."
"I know, I know. I was doing my job properly, wasn't I?"
As she says this while walking and munching on the apple, Linie exudes not a shred of dignity. However, since this isn't new, I give up pursuing it further. There's also the resignation that admonishing her would be futile, but the biggest factor is the hierarchy issue. Linie doesn't care at all, but she is a higher-ranking demon than me. Years since birth, gender, and Lady Aura's favor are irrelevant. As a single demonic life form, I am inferior to the demon before me. Of course, I have no intention of remaining stagnant. A lifetime of further training. Just to take my magic to greater heights. A master worthy of my dedication.
"Well, shall we go, Lügner? If we don't hurry, Lady Aura will scold us."
"Indeed... I'll leave the excuse for being late to you, Linie."
To rush to serve under her, I hurried alongside a girl who was completely opposite to me in every way—