Chapter 223 Those Who Carried Out the Plan
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(W-talk about a total staged crisis¹…!)
Plan XX, the brainchild of Ami-chan, had completely eclipsed the scale of its predecessor, Plan X, in every conceivable way.
To put it simply: we’d use Figaro to spark a massive uproar, which I would then “heroically” resolve in my persona as the Magic Labyrinth King.
The strategy was twofold: use overwhelming force to shatter Listarte’s schemes, and simultaneously force the Empire to re-evaluate their perception of the Magic Labyrinth King. From the looks of it, the plan was working like a charm.
(I had Figaro don that monster-themed plate armor and go on a rampage as a Demon God… When I first heard the idea, I wasn’t sure we could pull it off, but…)
Figaro played the part to perfection. Using his staggering Magic Power to suppress the Beastman Knights, he put on a masterclass in “unbeatable boss” theater.
Supporting him were his servants, Vectra-san and Ghibli-san. Since they were both encased in full plate, there was zero risk of their identities leaking.
The two of them were careful not to simply steamroll the knights. Instead, they engaged just enough to show off their technical prowess, politely “teaching” the Beastmen the sheer gap in their abilities.
When the Beastmen-now fully aware of how terrifying these servants were-saw the likes of Eme-rald holding their own, their perspective would shift. They’d realize these “fragile beauties” were anything but.
Then, of course, there was the Demon God Blazer. The sight of the Magic Labyrinth King repelling such an absolute powerhouse must have sent shockwaves through everyone watching.
(To be honest, Liliarette was actually arguing that we should’ve killed a few of those knights while we were at it…)
I suppose Kingdom citizens don’t hold much love for Imperials. She’d suggested that letting the Demon God go on a rampage and kill off a few knights during the chaos would be a nice bonus.
Naturally, I shot that down immediately. I mean, come on! I’m the one lighting the fire and then politely pouring the water. If people actually started dying because of my theater, I’d never sleep again.
Still, I couldn’t just ignore Liliarette’s feelings. As a compromise, I gave the green light for some flashy destruction within the town.
Since we’d already scouted the evacuation routes, I told Figaro to be careful. He responded by tearing the place apart with even more theatrical flair than I’d imagined. Honestly, Figaro is quite the actor.
Regardless, this should effectively kill any Imperial notions of “requisitioning” the Magic Labyrinth King’s territory. …Right?
”U-um… Lord Magic Labyrinth King…” Listarte said in a hesitant voice desuno.
I was called out by Listarte. Clary was by her side, but the rest were unfamiliar faces.
Wait, is that a male Beastman? First time seeing one… they’re actually pretty rugged.
”We are profoundly grateful to you for saving the Empire from such a dire predicament,” Listarte continued. “We wish to show our formal gratitude. If it pleases you, we would be honored to welcome you to the Lord’s manor for a banquet…”
”No, that won’t be necessary,” I replied. “As I stated, I merely sensed a foul presence and moved to excise it.”
Liliarette had already mapped out this conversation. We expected them to try and keep us in town as long as possible.
”Damage to this extent has occurred,” I said. “Even though I know you will be busy with the restoration, it would be a nuisance for outsiders to overstay their welcome.”
”But, that’s hardly-” Listarte began.
”Furthermore, I have people awaiting my return at the castle,” I interrupted. “While the Demon God is a concern, I doubt he will show his face for a while. It will take him considerable time to recover from the wounds I inflicted.”
Not finishing off the “Demon God” was another one of Ami-chan’s suggestions.
I knew exactly what she was thinking. She was laying the groundwork. If we ever needed to pull this stunt again, Plan XX was already “pre-loaded” for a sequel.
”But… to let you leave without any token of our thanks…” Listarte trailed off.
”In that case, I shall take that armor,” I said.
I gestured toward the discarded plate Figaro and the others had left behind.
”I can still sense a lingering, foul aura within those pieces. I intend to analyze them at my castle and, if necessary, seal them.”
”That is your rightful war booty, My Lord,” Listarte said. “The Empire would never dream of contesting your claim to it.”
”You have my thanks,” I said.
Listarte was acting as the spokesperson, but I could tell she was incredibly nervous.
Actually, the intensity of everyone’s gaze was starting to get to me. Every time I even glanced in their direction, they’d snap to attention like they were facing a firing squad.
Whoa… wait. This actually feels… kind of great. I was soaking in the hero vibes, and I could feel my Ego Points² hitting the ceiling!
Ami-chan always teased me about having a “wonderful constitution where Ego Points accumulate no matter what I do,” but I was finally starting to realize she was right.
We walked over to the armor. Perhaps sensing the creepiness we’d faked for it, only a few Beastmen, Listarte included, dared to follow.
”Then, Lady Listarte. I shall take my leave for the night,” I said.
”Ah… Lord Magic Labyrinth King. Might we… hope for the honor of another visit in the near future?” Listarte asked.
”Certainly. And next time, I shall make sure there are hamburgers waiting for you,” I replied.
With that final word, I triggered a mass teleportation, whisking us and the armor back to base.
We headed straight to the mess hall for a debriefing. Figaro’s team had already returned; the meeting was brief and efficient.
”Do we think the Empire will behave themselves now?” I asked.
”Most likely,” Liliarette replied. “At the very least, they’ve realized that force is off the table when dealing with the Magic Labyrinth King. They’ll likely shift their rudder toward a policy of winning you over.”
She predicted their diplomacy would become significantly more humble from here on out.
”From their perspective, they have no idea where the Demon God might strike next,” Liliarette explained. “If he returns, it’s an existential threat to their nation. But since the Magic Labyrinth King can match him… well…”
”They’ll try to play nice,” Ghibli-san chimed in, “hoping that if the Demon God shows up again, you’ll be there to help. They’re looking for a protectorate relationship.”
I see. By letting the Demon God live, we’d essentially created a permanent demand for my protection.
”If those Imperials only knew that the Magic Labyrinth King is actually the master of that Demon God… oh, the despair on their faces would be exquisite!” Figaro said in a deep, theatrical voice. He really loved being able to change his tone like that.
”But with this matter, Master’s strength has clearly come to light,” Ghibli-san noted. “What if the humans get too scared? If the nations form an alliance to take you down because you’re too dangerous, what’s the move-nyan?”
”She’s right,” Iris added. “A coalition against the threat of the Magic Labyrinth King isn’t outside the realm of possibility…”
I felt a twinge of anxiety. Wait, could that actually happen?
As I started to fret, Cleonora waved a hand dismissively.
”If that’s the case, we can take any number of measures,” Cleonora said. “We can just have Figaro go on a rampage somewhere else to keep them distracted. Or, if they actually manage to build a front against us, we just do what Figaro suggested: reveal that the Demon God was your subordinate all along.”
The two most terrifying powers in the world, secretly on the same team. That would be an absolute nightmare for anyone trying to plan a resistance.
I guess she’s right. Depending on how things go, I don’t necessarily have to keep my connection to Figaro a secret forever.
”We’ll see how the Empire moves the next time Listarte visits,” Liliarette concluded. “For now, we can assume everything is proceeding according to plan.”
I suppose so. We’ve made our move; now the ball is in the Empire’s court.
Personally, I’d be happiest if they just left me alone to live my quiet life. But becoming an entity that the world is too afraid to mess with? That’s one of my biggest goals for a peaceful retirement. I just hope things don’t get any more complicated than this…
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Summary:
The MC executes ‘Plan XX’ by having Figaro roleplay as a Demon God to attack the Empire, allowing the MC to ‘save’ them. This staged crisis effectively deters the Empire from trying to seize the Labyrinth and shifts their strategy toward appeasement. The chapter ends with the MC relishing his hero status while the team discusses future geopolitical contingencies.
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Trivia:
- Figaro was wearing monster-themed armor specifically designed to hide his identity.
- Liliarette actually wanted to kill some Imperial knights as revenge/prejudice.
- The town destruction was staged and calculated based on known evacuation points.
- The MC took the ‘Demon God’ armor as ‘spoils’ to prevent Imperial investigation and use it for future schemes.
- The ‘hamburgers’ mention is a callback to previous interactions/promises
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Character Insight:
The MC admits to enjoying the ‘hero vibes’ and discovers he has a natural ‘Ego Point’ gathering constitution, highlighting his underlying desire for validation despite his wish for a quiet life. Figaro demonstrates surprising range in his acting and voice control.
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Behind the Scenes:
The author used this chapter to cement the MC’s position as a global power through psychological manipulation rather than just direct combat.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Ami – A palm-sized fairy-like being from a world separate from both Earth and the isekai realm. She has light blue hair tied in a ponytail, mischievous blue eyes, and tiny wings that flutter behind her. Her outfit consists of a provocative high-cut leotard and a short jacket that looks like a miniskirt from the back, leaving her legs bare. Despite her playful appearance, she is actively searching for a contractor who can protect her from dangerous pursuers in exchange for the powers she offers.
• Figaro – A non-physical Unique Individual. Appears as a flickering black flame or humanoid haze. Can occupy a suit of armor.
• Listarte – Judiette’s younger half-sister. A fox beastman sorceress and the only Imperial citizen capable of riding the Skygoon. Have long dark hair. Wearing ornate Imperial princess robes with gold trim. A cup.
• Lista – Judiette’s younger half-sister. A fox beastman sorceress and the only Imperial citizen capable of riding the Skygoon. Have long dark hair. Wearing ornate Imperial princess robes with gold trim. A cup.
• Ghibli – The 4th Unique Individual. A cat-like beast-eared maid with short yellowish-blonde hair. Height: 159cm. Bust: B-cup. Fighter class.
• Vectra – A Unique Individual maid with white skin and white hair. Height 170cm, Bust Size D. Class: Duelist. Attribute: Darkness. Weapon: Star-Strike Battle Axe Volkein
• Liliarette – The other Princess, who sacrificed her ability to walk and her sorcery talent to save her sister, Cleonora. She is imprisoned in the East Tower and is being used as a political and monetary pawn by Viorga. C-cup, true golden hair, waist-length hair, the fringe was a slightly blunt, hair on her left side was braided to the chest.
• Clary – A rare beastman sorceress and follower of Judiette. Older than Judiette, she speaks bluntly despite the princess’s status. She has light purple hair split in the middle and reaching down to her waist. She is described as having a large bust and wears dresses with loose necklines.
• Cleonora – The second princess. Have a yellow blonde hair. Usually styled as hairbun. D-cup.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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