Chapter 158
Chapter 158: Farewell, Hometown
It’s been about a month since I visited the Reiju Territory. Before the snow got too deep, it was time to return to the Demon Lord Castle.
After sunset, the fine snow drifted down in the training ground as the servants hurriedly loaded supplies into the skeleton carriage, preparing for departure.
Staying in the Reiju Territory until the snow melted was an option, but there were circumstances surrounding leaving the Demon Lord Castle unattended for too long.
Besides, I’ve practiced everything I could here to the point of being fed up… Really, so fed up…
At the entrance of the chief’s mansion, I absentmindedly gazed at the familiar scenery of the Reiju Territory capital. Just when I was starting to get a feel for the land, it was time to leave. Life is like that.
Yesterday was my farewell party, but the excitement in the banquet hall was lackluster.
Banquets inevitably reminded me of my duel with the geek on the first day. Everyone treated me like I was a hot potato. I bet many felt the same as me, wondering if this party was even necessary.
Of course, the Dios family members were absent. The guy with the cracked horn, Germadios, apparently managed to fix his horn by pleading with a dying old demon relative.
But to be tempted by a thirteen-year-old girl and then beaten up by a five-year-old, it’s practically a death sentence in demon society.
He was said to have been single for a long time, aiming for Lumiafia, but whispers suggest finding a bride is out of the question. Poor guy.
“Your mutterings ring hollow—put some heart into it—heart!”
Days like that happen. Speaking of which, you’re the one reading it like a robot, Ante.
…Speaking of Lumiafia, she was seated next to me at yesterday’s banquet.
It was a clear declaration that there’s no bad blood between the prince and Lumiafia!!
At least, it seemed like Lumiafia had no rebellious feelings left and was overly flattering me, a fact that everyone in the hall surely noticed…
It was striking to see her poking around with just a fork, still unable to wield a knife despite her tearful training… The chief, Jijiivart, lamented, “At this rate, she won’t be able to marry.” Come on, Ante. Don’t laugh.
“Why not just pair two leftovers together? That should wrap things up nicely.”
In a way, they might be well-suited for each other. But considering the unfortunate offspring that might arise from it, let’s avoid that.
Well… the young demons born from this generation might end up unfortunate sooner or later, anyway.
“…It’ll feel lonely, won’t it?”
A familiar voice echoed behind me. A rough hand that felt more like stone than flesh patted my shoulder.
Gorirashia stood next to me, gazing pensively at the line of skeleton carriages.
“I’ve taught you almost everything I can.”
This battle-smart grandma, whose brain seems made of muscle, would also be heading back to the Dosrotos Territory after seeing me off.
“Man, what a hassle-free grandkid you were, sis!”
Her brother, Legorios, popped his head in and laughed boisterously.
“Right? In fact, those little brats were more of a pain.”
—In their line of sight were the three idiots, receiving a warm farewell from the townsfolk.
“Good luck on your rise to power!”
“You’re making us jealous, you punk!”
The Knight brothers, Okke and Seirei, were being mobbed by young men of similar age. It was a rough, envious send-off.
“Ouch, ouch! If you’re jealous, why didn’t you all volunteer?!”
“I mean, come on… right?”
“Right?” That’s not even an answer. And stop looking over here.
“…Hey, big bro! I gathered these from the forest!”
By the Knight brothers were Albar, crouched down and chatting with a scruffy little demon child.
“For emergencies! If you get hungry, eat these!”
“Are… are you sure… it’s okay to give me this much?”
The child offered a bulging leather pouch, apparently filled with some kind of nuts.
“I got to eat a ton from you, so… I wanted to repay you a bit…”
The gesture of rubbing his nose, all shy, looked just like Albar.
“…Thanks!”
Albar hugged the child tightly, expressing his gratitude. Truthfully, he didn’t need the nuts. As a prince’s subordinate, he had plenty of resources—
But he appreciated the genuine intent behind their humble gift.
“…Albar…”
A middle-aged demon woman and a young blind demon girl approached Albar.
“I made this with mom. It’s imbued with protective magic many times over.”
The woman gently took Albar’s hand and handed him something cloth-like. It was embroidered so intricately that even from a distance, one could sense its magical potency.
That was—magic from Albar’s maternal lineage, weaving magic into threads. Gorirashia had the protective magic cast on our bootlaces, too.
That demon must be his mother and sister. Speaking of which, I heard she was born blind… and what about the sister…?
“I’m sure it will protect you.”
“Albar. Make sure to do your best.”
“Thanks, sis! Mom!”
Albar hugged both his mother and sister tightly. His sister whispered something in his ear, but I couldn’t quite catch it.
“……..”
Feeling uncomfortable, I instinctively looked away.
The protective magic wrapping around my boots felt like it was judging me.
“It seems preparations for departure are complete,”
Leia came to call me. In front of the carriage, Chief Jijiivart exchanged farewell pleasantries with Platy.
“…Well, you all do your best too. Leia, I’m counting on you to look after my precious grandson.”
Gorirashia spoke in a surprisingly gentle tone as she patted Leia’s arm. Now that I think about it, this might be the first time she called Leia by name.
“…Yes!”
Leia met Gorirashia’s gaze without flinching, tightening her expression as she bowed.
We boarded the carriage.
Unlike on the way here, I was relieved to be with familiar faces like Garunya, Liliana, and Leia. “Leaving my mother behind to have fun in the carriage with the ladies—” well, it’s too late to care about appearances now.
“Wow, Viene is coming too.”
“Yes… I’m sorry…”
“Well, you don’t have to apologize.”
I couldn’t help but smirk at the strangely awkward Night Elf maid. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t be starting anything inside.
By the way, Platy would be busy handling the affairs that occasionally came from the castle alongside Sophia. Busy indeed.
The three idiots would be sharing carriages with Kuvirtar and the Night Elves.
“…A lot has happened.”
Looking beyond the crystal window, I waved farewell to Gorirashia and the others from Dosrotos.
“Wow.”
Liliana, sprawled out in the next seat, lazily chimed in.
—The carriage glided into motion.
I’d soon return to the Demon Lord Castle… there’s a lot to do. I need to greet the Night Elves and the Undead, and report my return to the Demon Lord. Also, since I can fly with Leia now, I want to revise our plans moving forward—
“Don’t forget the lovey-dovey stuff in front of your mom,”
Oh right… yes, that too… Speaking of which, since it’s dangerous to ride Leia directly, I should prepare a saddle. Maybe something convenient to carry… would the Dwarves be able to whip something up for me…?
“…Well then, everyone! I’ll come back big!”
As Albar’s voice echoed from the rear of the carriage line—
I looked out the window, pondering what lay ahead.
The spring that would come before long.
The campaign to conquer the capital of the Defteros Kingdom.
†††
“See ya later, everyone!”
Albar, riding in the Night Elf carriage, leaned out the window and waved.
Familiar townsfolk waved back. Some even ran to chase the carriage.
Smiling at the rambunctious younger crowd, I shouted, “I’m off!”
As long as Albar’s shout reached them—
His blind sister also turned to wave at us.
She usually avoided others’ eyes, but today she came to see us off.
“—You don’t have to go making a name for yourself.”
The whisper resurfaced in my mind.
“—Just come back safe, please.”
The charm tucked in my chest pocket felt warm.
The magic contained within carried a powerful sentiment.
(But, sis…)
—I have things I want to do, things I must do.
I tried to run after the younger ones, but they were gradually pulling away.
(I’ll help them—!!)
For that…
“…I’ll come back big!!”
Albar shouted, gazing at his hometown and the capital.
Burning the sight into his eyes.
With that resolve, close to his heart.
