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Chapter 191. A Bit Brighter

Hey! It’s me, Zilbagias, the demon lord’s prince.

After clashing with the hero, I decided to avoid battles as much as possible, so things have been pretty low-key. Dodging the enemy’s elite fighters, including the guide, wasn’t all that difficult.

『【Prohibition of Magic Resistance】』

The Demon God simply spreads a curse with considerable power over a wide area. This means that if a strong opponent enters the zone expanded into a sphere around me, they’ll definitely be resisted.

『Hmm. They resisted. About 50 steps diagonally up and forward. There are multiple foes.』

Since the Demon God residing within me perceives the world using magic power, they can accurately grasp the direction and distance at which the curse was broken.

If someone dangerous approaches, I simply decide to skedaddle.

The flaw in this detection method is that it also ensnares demons, demon soldiers, and some night elves, making it hard to distinguish them from the allied forces. Plus, if a powerful Sword Saint or Fist Saint approaches alone without any magic resistance, I won’t be able to detect them at all.

(――I hear some unsophisticated laughter. Is that a demon?)

『Yeah. Well, should probably ignore it.』

(I hear the sound of sword clashes from over there. That’s the hero.)

『Indeed. It seems they’ve just been taken down…』

The first group was somewhat predictable as long as I listened to the surrounding combat sounds.

『Don’t let your guard down regarding footsteps.』

(Of course, I’m all ears right now.)

As for the latter—since a Sword Saint or Fist Saint wouldn’t move alone without support from heroes or the protection of magic wards, I’m probably in the clear.

Though I’ve also been cautious just in case, worrying about an overly powerful Sword Saint doesn’t make any sense for a guy like me; it’s just a temporary comfort.

So, while avoiding potentially dangerous opponents, I attacked the watchtowers and guard rooms on the outer walls of the royal castle. I think I managed to destroy most of the new mechanical bows that the former personality couldn’t quite demolish (I’ll just call them that for now).

However, moving while avoiding strong foes took a bit more time. Since I was on high alert, I was quite exhausted—though it seems the former personality was indifferent, my body’s fatigue was pretty gnarly—so I snuck into a base in the city to grab some rations.

And by rations, I mean a luxurious barbecue. Delicious! It’s like back during the training in the Reiju Territory; I can’t believe I can have barbecue right in the middle of the battlefield.

“Your Highness! Are you safe…?”

While I was gobbling down skewered meat, an old demon with a seasoned aura spotted me and seemed relieved.

If I recall correctly, that’s Commander Veteranos Reiju.

“Ah, I’m hanging in there.”

As I casually replied while tearing into the meat, Veteranos blinked rapidly as if he saw something bizarre.

Huh, did I say something odd?

“You seem rather… cheerful. Has something changed in your feelings?”

Oh no, I just remembered; all my subordinates are dead.

But it would be strange to put on a gloomy face now, so I deliberately kept my same tone.

“Ah, during the battle, I managed to accept things. It’s pointless to dwell, after all. Plus, if I keep displaying a pitiful face, those watching over from the Warriors’ Garden of the Gods would surely be troubled…”

At this point, I paused and feigned a fleeting smile.

“――By claiming more heads, I want to pay tribute to them. For those who fell bravely, that would be the best offering…”

“Your Highness…”

Veteranos looked teary-eyed, holding back tears with his lips pressed tight. He probably interpreted my earlier light tone as forced cheerfulness. Good, good.

“…Sniff… But Your Highness, please don’t overdo it. Your armor is stained blue; you must have gone through intense battles.”

Well, he’s got injuries too, huh? For him to still be perky, it’s definitely a trait of the Reiju Tribe.

“Hmm… I only took down a pretty tough hero, and afterward it was nothing but small fry.”

“A tough hero?!”

Veteranos opened his eyes wide. The other demons resting in the area all turned their attention to me.

Wait, did I say something wrong?

“Could it be… the very one responsible for the casualties in the city…?!”

Is that so…???

“Sure, they were a sly one, but quite the pickpocket too; I nearly got my face burned by their holy attribute.”

“Your Highness was hit by such a strike…! As expected, the hero excels in ambush and tactics, huh…!”

Veteranos looks like he’s beginning to comprehend!!

“No, I don’t know. Without confirmation, it’s dangerous to conclude.”

I answered with a solemn face.

“It’d be laughable if we assume the tough hero is dead and then get caught off guard. Let’s adhere to ‘fear not the strong, nor underestimate the weak.’”

“Umm… I have no words to counter that.”

Veteranos chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head. The surrounding demon warriors exchanged glances, nodding in a vibe of “Let’s be careful,” “Yeah.”

“However, in any case, dawn is approaching soon. The siege of the royal castle is reaching a critical stage, isn’t it?”

Looking up at the sky, Veteranos spoke.

I looked up as well, and the sky, framed by the tall buildings in the city center, had started to faintly color.

――Dawn is near.

“How’s the battle situation?”

“The outer walls of the royal castle are nearly under our control, but the Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors are still occupying the eastern gate tower and continuing their fierce resistance. Moreover, inside the castle, the high-ranking nobles of the Defteros Kingdom and the elite knights who were kept in reserve are bolstering their defense, proving to be quite formidable. In a typical siege, by this point, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some surrender…”

Veteranos gazed at the royal castle while stroking his beard.

“Yet, the enemy remains high-spirited and shows no signs of giving up. Whether they have reinforcements on the way or some secret strategy… not even the ordinary soldiers, but even the militia are bracing for a fight, which means there’s been no report of capturing any proper prisoners so far.”

“Hmmm. That’s unsettling.”

As I gulped down some diluted wine, I looked at the royal castle. It’s a splendid castle, though not as grand as the Demon Lord’s Castle. Flames flickered here and there, and supplies were being carted out from the conquered areas, but the【Holy Great Tree】’s barrier remains intact, and the watchtowers around are still operational. Stones, boiling oil, and even hot dung are raining down, so we can’t let our guard down.

――Then.

A massive boom resounded from the opposite side of the castle.

“!? What’s happening…?”

“【Messenger! Messenger!】”

As Veteranos furrowed his brow, the wind carried the words laced with magic.

“【The eastern gate tower has been breached by the enemy! The Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors and the elite knights are turning the tide…—Gugah!】”

The report was cut off as the magical wind dissipated—

“Not good! Was this the enemy’s aim?! Everyone, get ready to intercept!”

Veteranos shouted, “Messenger! Where’s the messenger?!” and the demon warriors, who had been resting, hurried to grab their spears and dashed off.

What a ruckus.

I too stuffed my mouth with the remaining skewer of meat, washed it down with wine, and stood up. I’d prefer not to move too much right after eating, you know.

『You’re quite carefree…』

The Demon God muttered, seemingly exasperated, but with a hint of sadness in their tone.

 

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