Chapter 194
Chapter 194. Like a Different Person
That night (daytime for the demon race), a skeleton carriage bearing the flag of the Reiju Tribe lined up in front of the mansion.
At the time of departure, not only Zilbagias, but also Kuvirtar and Albar Aoril had boarded, with their weapons and tents loaded onto the carriage.
However—now, there were no voices from the lively young demons.
The seats had been removed, replaced instead by an ice-cold coffin.
“…………”
Of course, Leila and everyone who remained behind wore tense expressions. A victorious return is something to celebrate. Yet, after such a fierce battle, how should they welcome their master, whose beloved subordinates had all perished?
“I’m back. Sorry to worry you all.”
Yet Zilbagias stepped off the carriage with a demeanor unchanged from usual.
Not a scratch on him, a vibrant figure—no, the distinct white scar on his neck.
Anyone could tell at a glance that it was a mark burned by holy attributes.
“……Welcome back, Master! It’s a relief to see you’re safe!!”
Garunya dashed forward, her footsteps echoing. In moments like this, it’s impressive how quickly she could act without overthinking (or perhaps she couldn’t think at all).
“Wow, wow!”
Not to be outdone, Liliana trotted up as well.
“Hey, how have you both been?”
As Zilbagias patted Garunya, he effortlessly scooped up the playful Liliana. With a half-tearful Garunya murmuring, “I’m so glad you’re all right…” he offered a wry smile, appearing somewhat relieved as he relaxed his shoulders.
But—Leila felt a slight sense of unease.
It was in that smile.
“……Wow?”
While still in Zilbagias’ arms, Liliana tilted her head and sniffed the air.
“?”
However, it seemed she couldn’t discern much from the smell (since she wasn’t really a dog), as she proceeded to lick the scar on his neck. With a refreshing sound, the mark burned by the holy attribute vanished.
“Thanks, Liliana. What a good girl. You really helped me out.”
As Zilbagias affectionately ruffled Liliana’s hair—he genuinely looked unchanged, but that’s precisely why—something felt off.
(Why…?)
How could he laugh so carefree like that?
Leila wanted to call out to him right away.
But for some reason, she felt an unapproachable aura, causing her feet to feel frozen.
“Your Highness… We all have been waiting with bated breath for your return.”
And then, representing the remaining maids, Viene hesitantly spoke.
“I hear you performed brilliantly in the siege of the royal capital, taking down numerous enemy heads.”
—That was it.
While everyone around perceived it positively.
Only Leila and perhaps Liliana truly understood what he had really done.
“We have prepared meals and baths for you. After such a tiresome carriage ride following your exploits, we want to ensure you’re not too weary. If there’s anything you desire—”
More unusually, Viene’s tone was roundabout. The reason she couldn’t openly proclaim “Congratulations on your victory!” was—
“No, I’m fine.”
Suddenly, Zilbagias’ expression darkened as he turned to the line of carriages behind him.
“Instead… have them carried down to the basement.”
The skeleton carriage piled high with coffins.
“They must be much more exhausted than I am.”
Everyone sensed it. His usual buoyancy was nothing but hollow bravado.
“……Yes. At once.”
Viene bowed, and the maids and huntsmen hurriedly began to carry the ice-cold coffins from the carriage. Heavy and feeling as if their hands could freeze, they conveyed them with solemn respect.
The remains of the loyal subjects who had remained faithful until the end—
“…………”
As Zilbagias watched, he suddenly looked over here—at Leila.
With a somewhat lonely smile, he beamed at her.
Leila awkwardly smiled back, yet—she still couldn’t shake off the sense of unease.
It felt far too fabricated.
So well-crafted that—
It seemed like a façade.
After bathing to wash off the grime of the journey and having a meal, Zilbagias then said.
“Well, now that I’m back, it’s a bit rude to dive into it right away—”
He then lifted Liliana up again, smoothly wrapping an arm around Leila’s waist, gently pulling her closer.
“Quite a lot happened on the battlefield, and I’m pretty worn out… but that means I could use a bit of—well, you understand, right?”
At Zilbagias’ playful laugh, the servants wore half-exasperated expressions, somewhat relieved that their master didn’t seem to be too down.
“We’ll take our leave now.”
“Please take your time~”
Viene and Garunya filed out of the room.
And then—only Zilbagias, Liliana, and Leila were left.
“――――”
Zilbagias muttered a few words.
The surrounding noise vanished, and complete silence fell.
A soundproof barrier.
“Alright. Now we can talk comfortably.”
With a smile directed at her, Zilbagias’ expression and gaze—
At last, Leila’s unease erupted.
He—when it’s just the three of them.
Would never have such cold eyes!!
“Who… are you?!”
Half reflexively, she brushed aside Zilbagias’ arm around her waist. Zilbagias widened his eyes slightly and exclaimed, “Whoa…!”
“……Impressive. How did you figure it out?”
Still maintaining his unchanged smile.
However, he asked with eyes that seemed to observe her like an insect.
†††
Hey! It’s still Zilbagias!
I thought I’d perfectly disguise myself, but Leila saw through it so easily, and I’m unexpectedly shocked.
Poor Leila has been thoroughly frightened, quivering in fear. …Wait, is she really scared?
Or is it more hostility… This is a bit tricky. Even with such a cute appearance, she is a dragon, right? Oh no, it’s bad! My form is starting to waver! This is bad!!
Demon God—help me!
“Wait, wait, wait! There’s a reason for all this!”
And from within me, Antendeixis emerged and grabbed Leila’s shoulder.
“A reason? You say…?”
Still trying to untie the ribbon on her maid outfit, Leila glared at me and the demon god back and forth cautiously.
“Wow.”
And my feet, at this moment, the forest elf dog nodded seriously as if understanding everything perfectly.
“This guy is—Zilbagias. The original personality, oh, don’t mention the name, as a result of sealing his ego with forbidden magic, what emerged should be called the original personality of the demon race.”
“That expression could cause misunderstandings, Demon God.”
I thought about staying silent, but I couldn’t help it.
“The original personality isn’t quite right. Rather, it’s more of the accumulated knowledge and behavior from the original personality as a demon. I am indeed a demon prince, but there are too many missing elements to call myself a complete demon. The strength of my ego, arrogance, fighting spirit… if there’s anything that embodies ‘me,’ it’s just a bit of curiosity.”
Leila looked utterly bewildered. It’s quite sudden to be hit with this, after all.
“Anyway, the important thing is that I’m not an ‘enemy.’ Since the original personality fell away, think of me as a hollow shell awkwardly moving.”
“This being was born when we rescued that pup from the Night Elf’s prison.”
“Right, right. We both sealed our egos with some magic. So, once again, it’s been a while, and I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“Woof woof!”
As I extended my hand, Liliana obediently gave me a paw. Nice! Smart!
“So, that’s… how it is? But why…?”
Leila asked the demon god anxiously while staring at me.
“…The original personality reached his mental limit.”
The demon god replied quietly.
The true root of all this—Antendeixis.
“Did he want to disappear? Without realizing it, he cast a spell—”
“…………”
Leila, speechless.
“How could…?”
She seemed to collapse, weak in the knees, sitting down.
“———”
Tears welled up as she murmured a name.
Ah, Demon God said not to mention names—though I didn’t quite catch it.
…….
To her, I truly am Zilbagias.
That thought made me feel a bit sad.
Because…
I have the memories of Leila as Zilbagias.
I remember the day she first came to me. Making her face my father’s severed head was truly a horrible act.
After that, I taught her the transformation magic, took her to the training grounds, and started practicing flying. Those memories are nostalgic.
There were times when my instructor and the demon god were both completely wasted, getting into a drunken stupor.
The initial meeting was the worst, she was terrified, but slowly, we closed the distance—
One day, something important happened.
I can’t remember it.
But I can recall the day she first flew freely in the sky. Under the morning glow, her silver scales shining as she danced through the air was truly beautiful—
I also remember what happened when I acted as the demon prince.
But……
“…………”
As she pressed her chest, as if trying to bear the pain, silently shedding tears,
To her, I likely am not really myself.
“Woof?”
In this regard, I must say, the pup remains unchanged. Technically, I was the one who rescued her, so we’re already familiar, I guess.
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”
I ruffled the pup’s golden hair.
“Woof!”
The pup, squinting her eyes in joy—despite possessing beauty like a miracle left by the gods of light, she displayed absolutely no sense of intellect.
It’s twisted.
Both you and I.
Ah, I see. I really am only a substitute.
Can you hear me?
You can hear me, right?
I don’t know who I am. I don’t even want to think too deeply about it.
I don’t know the hardships I’ve faced, nor do I understand them.
I can only guess it must have been tough.
But you know, it’s clear something has to change, right?
Not that nothing happened.
Because I’m alive, and I will continue living.
… I have to keep living. I can’t die!
I am merely one aspect of the existence known as Zilbagias.
I alone lack the strength to confront the challenges!
So hurry back.
You shouldn’t be allowed to escape because I—
…….
And let me say this.
—I’m still watching Leila, who is quietly shedding tears.
You can’t let such a cute girl cry!!
Seriously—this guy is so infuriating.
“Wake up already!”
I punched my forehead with a fist.
It felt like my brain was being hammered, forcing a transformation—
Suddenly, a torrent of various memories and feelings surged back—
Ah—truly, pathetic, I apologize, I’m really sorry—
To get encouragement even from ‘myself’—how utterly lamentable this is…
I’m sorry…………
“…Goodness. At one point, I thought it would all be over.”
With a relaxed posture, Antendeixis smiled at me under the moonlight.
I couldn’t voice any words. At that instant, tears gushed from my eyes like a waterfall, and I couldn’t stop sobbing.
My body felt like it wasn’t mine, and I didn’t know what to do.
I’m sorry… I am truly sorry. I no longer know who I am apologizing to.
But… even so, I must say this.
As Liliana licked the tears away and snuggled up to encourage me.
To Leila, who wore a surprised expression now, pained for me.
And to Antendeixis, who always watches over me and supports me.
“I’m back…”
I returned from the battlefield.
