Chapter 121
Chapter 121. The Return Home of the Prince
Well, here I am, Zilbagias, returning to the territory of the Reiju Tribe.
It feels kinda weird to say “return home” when I was born and raised in the Demon Lord Castle.
Though I’ve been kept isolated from other demon races, it seems I’ve finally been deemed suitable to be presented before everyone.
Before setting out, I’ll say my goodbyes to acquaintances in the Demon Lord Castle.
“—And so, I’ll be gone for about a month.”
In the Night Elf residential area.
“Yes. Thank you very much for taking the time to say goodbye before your departure…!”
Lying groggily on the sofa was Sidarl, the suspicious Night Elf who bowed deeply.
I won’t be able to provide personal treatment during my time away, which was a price paid for Liliana, so I decided to handle everything before I left.
It’s become quite a habit now, but why do I have to treat Night Elves of all beings…
“That was quite the expensive purchase to redeem that little pup.”
Don’t call her a pup.
“Woof…”
That little pup, Liliana, is cowering hideously from Sidarl and the other Night Elves, and I want to leave soon, but the mental damage from having taken on so many injuries has left me too weak to move.
She’s laying on top of me, burying her face between my arm and the sofa, trying to hide… with her head hidden, and all. I pet her head to reassure her.
But, given the large number of injuries, today’s treatments were pretty tough…
“That looked painful, having your face all smashed up.”
If I had taken them all at once, it might’ve sent me into unconsciousness, so splitting it into two sessions backfired. I still feel like there’s blood stuck up my nose.
The Night Elves I treated this time must have been injured in the recent battle when the Sword Saints and the Fist Saint, Dogajin, died.
Why are they surviving with such heavy injuries? Just die with some dignity already…
Though I think that, since they will become my limited-time personal soldiers, there’s not much to say. Just know I’m going to work you to the bone!
“Thanks to you, I can save these promising young folks. Your noble spirit is truly impressive, Your Highness. Oh, would you like something to drink? We have a variety available.”
Sidarl, with a suspicious business smile, rubbed his hands together in a calculating manner.
He used to oversee the entire underground prison of Demon Lord Castle as the Chief Inquisitor, but it seems he stepped down from that position, taking responsibility for offering Liliana to me without consent.
Now it appears he’s in a sort of unemployed state, but he’s holding on to the rights to manage my personal treatments, giving him a more authoritative air than before.
“…I’ll have chilled mint water. Full of honey, and quickly.”
“Understood!”
At Sidarl’s cue, Viene, who had been waiting by the wall, zoomed off!
You’re the one going? I don’t know if she’s a relative or what, but Viene always seems to be bossed around by Sidarl…
I guess I should feel bad for hurrying her.
Shaking it off, it’s time to head deep underground in the Demon Lord Castle.
“Just as we’ve finally reunited… to have to say goodbye again…!”
In front of me, swaying awkwardly, was Enma, the Undead King.
“Prince, you’re so busy!”
Claire, with a somewhat frosty expression, was looking at Enma.
Our eyes met. She smiled, but there’s a certain distant air about it.
Because of that careless question the other day, a wall has been built. I hide my awkwardness, shrugging apologetically.
“…”
Claire pouted, her lips forming a cute shape. Oh, a new expression!
“So, you’ll be leaving tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Mother’s decisiveness is a bit much… Anyway, I have preparations to make, so I should be—”
Unlike the Night Elves, I don’t have anything particularly planned. Just coming to say goodbye since I am studying necromancy and I can’t leave for too long without saying something.
I’ll take my leave now.
“Ehh, can’t you stay a little longer?”
Enma puffed up and tugged at my sleeve.
“Hahaha, even so, I’m busy—huh?”
…My sleeve isn’t budging at all! It’s a cute motion, but it’s got a grip like a vice!!
I guess she really can crush stone pillars after all. This little one’s physical abilities are no joke.
“Well, well, it’s just a month, right?”
Claire, seeing my dilemma with the pouty Enma, threw me a lifeline.
“Compared to our forever, it’s just a moment. A month is nothing.”
“Ah, that’s true.”
Enma lightly nodded and let go of my sleeve.
Wow, that was quick to accept!!
When I sent a glance of gratitude to Claire, she turned her shoulder away.
Well, there’s definitely a wall there…
And lastly, I needed to greet the Demon Lord. I visited the office.
“I’ve heard talk of you.”
While sorting through documents, the Demon Lord glanced up and said.
“…But, even at your age, Platty wants to send you to the battlefield?”
He probably knows about the purpose of my return; the Demon Lord muttered with a complex expression, “Honestly, I can’t believe it…”
“Even I wasn’t sent off to war until I was an adult.”
“…I thought maybe it was a bit early, too.”
Either way—whatever happens, happens.
“I hear the Defteros Kingdom is on the brink of collapse.”
“Yeah. We’ll be attacking the royal capital come the thaw next year.”
To my inquiry, the Demon Lord answered nonchalantly.
“According to intel, it seems reinforcements from the Holy Church are rushing there. Even though they have no plans to invade for a while, they’re in quite the hurry…”
The Demon Lord mocked in a low voice. I mirrored his expression with a smirk while internally gritting my teeth.
“Those intelligence networks embedded in the alliance are truly a pain…”
It seems not only the Night Elves but even traitors from the Human Race are involved…!
“Despite being from the same bloodline, many warriors will envy your achievements.”
Setting his pen down, the Demon Lord looked at me seriously.
“Do you understand what you should do?”
“I think it’ll be tough to hold back since they’re family.”
With a look suggesting weariness, the Demon Lord smiled wryly.
“Indeed, you should uphold the chieftain’s honor… But for everything else, it’s the opposite. Don’t hold back just because they’re family; don’t show any weakness.”
There was a commanding intensity in the Demon Lord’s gaze that made me straighten my back instinctively.
“Instill a sense of hierarchy in them. If you were a run-of-the-mill prince, I wouldn’t say such a thing.”
He smiled with the corner of his mouth lifting.
“Your father knows what you’re aiming for.”
—In that moment, I felt a chill.
But those words were probably referring to me secretly aiming for the Demon Lord.
However, how naive, Demon Lord… what I’m aiming for is much higher…!!
Your head.
“Understood, Father.”
With a composed face, I nodded in response.
“No holding back, right?… Then, can I break some horns as a warning?”
“Don’t do that.”
—And so, my farewell greetings went smoothly, and I departed from the Demon Lord Castle.
