Chapter 51

My socially awkward boss, who usually spends her days as a shut-in, makes a bold claim. “What are you talking about, Lady Lilith? You get so flustered when a convenience store clerk asks if you want your bento box heated up that you reheat it at home instead.” “Sh-shut up, Six! What I’m going to do is conduct a Kisaragi Corporation–style discussion!” Dismissing my observation, Lilith pushes back. Seeing her behavior, Alice smiles teasingly. “You sure about that, Lady Lilith? Even though you were so scared until now? The Demon Lord’s Army is the real deal.” But not to be deterred… “Quiet, Alice. Who do you think I am? I’m your creator and a Supreme Leader of the Kisaragi Corporation, Lilith the Black! What’s one backwater Demon Lord compared to taking on the entire world?” Despite being a chicken at heart, my boss fires back indignantly. “…Um, Lady Lilith, we’re just going there to talk, right?” “That’s right, Combat Agent Recruit Rose. We’ll have a nice chat.” Contrary to Rose’s concerned expression, Lilith is sporting a cocky grin. “Come with me. We’ll show this planet’s natives and our competitors the true power of the Kisaragi Corporation!” Even though she’s ordinarily a coward, Lilith will do whatever it takes to help those she considers her friends when they’re in trouble. She’s rude, conniving, and has few redeeming features as a boss, but everyone knows they can count on her for help. “You sure about this, Lady Lilith? We’re talking about a Demon Lord here. He’s probably way tougher than an angel. This is one of those enemies you just can’t beat if you’re not the legendary Chosen One.” “And based on yesterday’s survey, this planet’s technology might actually be superior to ours. Are you prepared to move ahead with this anyway, Creator? I’m in if you are.” “…Why are you two so eager to undermine me when I’ve finally worked up some nerve? You know I’m shy. You realize that’s why I always ended up losing steam during our stranger encounters, right, Six?” “Of course, I’m aware of that. I’ve known you long enough. I also know the reason no one respects you is because, while you’ve got all the ability in the world when you’re motivated, you give up so easily. That’s why no one ever votes for you, Lady Lilith.” Despite her hostility toward the locals and her intention to drag me away from here, at heart, my boss is like me: someone who can’t quite commit to being a true villain and, in her own twisted way, has a soft spot for people. My boss, who falls silent at my remarks, is someone I can’t quite hate because she’s often so openly vulnerable. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m the most cowardly of the three Supreme Leaders. I’ll even admit I make a lot of mistakes! …But you know what? I may make the most mistakes, but I’ve also got the most successes!” That day, the boss I admire—one of the Supreme Leaders, Lilith the Black—commits to showing what she’s really capable of.