Volume 7 Chapter 6 (2/2)

Their reactions were a mix of curiosity and fear.

Without delay, the believers of the [Black] Demon Lord's religion began yelling the demon's black magic! and the like.

”Recently, there have been a group of people claiming that I am not human… these people are correct. I am not human.”

Confusion among the citizens grew by the moment after hearing my words.

Alright, I've piqued their interest.

”However, unlike what they are saying, I am not a demon. What I am is a god. And these words of mine to you are my [Divine Revelation].”

I strongly declared so.

To make others believe me, it was vital that I not only looked the part, I had to sound the part as well.

I needed to seem larger than life. I needed to seem like a voice from heaven whose words must not be argued against.

As soon as they heard me, many among the citizens showed signs of worshipping me.

This in turn made [Black]'s believers flustered. They shouted and protested, but their pleas held no sway.

As the moments passed, the number of citizens that believed that I was a real god grew and grew.

Alright, here comes the critical part.

”Right after I descended to these lands, I founded Avalon. It was to be a paradise where everyone can live happily. Have you never found it strange that after all this time, this city has never been hit by any calamity? That crops planted here always result to a bountiful harvest? That even though this is already a fairly large city, the water flowing here is always clear? Or that the weather always great? The answer is simple: all of these are works of a god.”

Everyone probably had, at some point, wondered about these things.

Until they came to Avalon, the farmers had to constantly fight against the issues such as the weather, pests, crop diseases, barren fields, and water shortages to name a few. Oftentimes, they'd lose. After moving to Avalon, however, such issues no longer haunted them, allowing them to lead a much more comfortable and secure life.

Meanwhile, merchants who were active in other large cities would have definitely notice that those cities tended to have water that was foul-smelling. Not to mention the levels of smoke and pollution present in them. And yet, even though Avalon was just as—if not more—prosperous as those cities, it continued to be clean and beautiful.

And here, I gave them the answers to such mysteries: I was a god and those were my miracles.

”All that being said, these miracles didn't come solely from me. I have been borrowing the power of the demi-humans here in Avalon. Only by amplifying their powers with my own was this city possible. For that reason, it saddens me that some of you are campaigning to expel the demi-humans out.”

At this point, I made a sorrowful expression.

The [Divine Revelation] truly was useful. Convincing them using the expression on my face was far better than just using my voice.

”Everyone, try to recall the non-human neighbors you've spent each day with. Were they evil? Did they do you any harm? I would assume no. Rather, wouldn't you say they made your life here in Avalon richer and fuller? It is my wish that humans and demi-humans continue to share meals together, sing together, drink the night away together, and laugh together. I want everyone, humans and demi-humans alike, to be happy.”

Upon hearing me, excitement among the crowd grew.

Yeah, this was the right approach.

Instead of listening to the unfounded information that demi-humans were inferior or that they were up to no good, the humans based their judgment on something very real: the memories of the life they have been sharing with the demi-humans.

”Honestly, if it was possible, I would have continued hiding the fact that I am a god. I didn't want you to expect too much out of me. The extent of my power is rather limited. I was just barely able to make the city you've come to love. I am not capable of eliminating sickness altogether, or even creating infinite wealth. Rest assured, however, I am very much capable of protecting the citizens of Avalon and their happiness. But I digress. The reason I am telling you about my godhood today is, apparently, the Rigdolg Faith would not allow the continued existence of the demi-humans. They are manipulating their believers and sending them here to Avalon to bring about its ruin.”

The Rigdolg Faith was the name of the [Black] Demon Lord's religion.

The citizens who have now put things together began talking with others.

”To put it bluntly, without me, this city would stop being what it is and would eventually vanish. If the demi-humans were driven away, the current way of life will also cease to exist. These people are fully aware of such results and yet are still going for it, at the cost of everyone's happiness. They would not stop until their beliefs and their god were the only ones. On the other hand, I want to protect your smiles and your everyday life here in Avalon. So, please, do not be deceived by their malicious words.”

Along with facial expressions, I appealed to the citizens using my voice.

For a ruler, few tools would exceed the ability to spread information to all your citizens immediately and simultaneously.

Not only have I just obtained the citizenry's support, I was also able to turn them against believers of the Rigdolg Faith.

”Lastly, I've come to the conclusion that I should start a religion of my own in order to unite everyone. I only have one doctrine to preach: regardless of whether you are human or demi-human, everyone should live in peace and bliss. If you approve of this ideology, you are welcome to join. I will supply the details at a later date. For now, thank you for your time. Let us continue being a place of love for all.”

After those words, [Divine Revelation] was terminated.

The speech was very effective. Right away, many would-be believers were gathering.

That whole thing about everyone living in peace and bliss was proving to be quite the charmer.

Perhaps I could entice more in by offering to lighten the tax on them. Merchants would surely jump at that.

But at any rate, with this, I had assured that Avalon wouldn't be destroyed from within. Believers of the Rigdolg Faith should find it harder to move now.

Other than staving off that threat, I stood to gain at least two other things from founding this religion.

First, if I were to hold a daily prayer meeting, I could gain tremendous amounts of strong emotions. It might just actually be my most efficient source emotions to feed on.

Secondly, it could serve as a valuable card during my negotiation with the royal family.

Be that as it may, this is only just the beginning. Things are bound to be a whole lot hectic from now on.

While stifling down a smile, I made my way back.

Now that I was on equal footing with the [Black] Demon Lord, I looked forward to his next move.

As I thought of such, a blue bird perched itself on my shoulder.

”Thank goodness. As expected of the [Dragon] Demon Lord, he's so reasonable.”

In addition to the religion plan, I had another move that was ongoing. That other plan was apparently going nicely, I should add.

Right now, I was fully prepared to welcome and deal with the royal family.

Note: I’ve decided to use [Divine Revelation] instead of [Divine Oracle]. Just a personal choice.