Chapter 259
Chapter 259. A Rivalry Like Dogs and Monkeys
Well, it’s me, Zilbagias, feeling the terror of a wildfire after hearing about the aftermath in the Izanis territory, thinking, “Wow, it burned more than I expected…”
“Is it possible to burn down a forest if I breathe fire with all my might?”
To my question, Leila replied, “—I don’t know, but I’ll do my best—” with a huff and puff.
I knew it was common sense that Leila alone couldn’t burn down the entire forest. However, I figured that if she really put her all into it, she could certainly turn a single living tree into a charred stick.
So, I calculated the wind direction and other factors, ignited several spots to spread the fire towards the Izanis city, and quickly made my escape before witnessing the results…
No kidding, it burned more than I thought.
It seems like five mountains and the surrounding forest have turned to ashes. The Izanis tribe, desperately trying to protect their city from the flames, suffered many casualties from overexertion of magic. Many were left homeless due to houses burning down or being destroyed to prevent the blaze from spreading.
Whoa, I aimed to spread the fire a bit, but it burned about ten times the area I planned…
“Wowww! Kyawn kyawn!”
Liliana protested fiercely with a terribly pained voice as we rain down fire mercilessly upon the trees. Even if her self-consciousness is that of a dog, it seems her feelings for the forest remain unchanged…
After returning to the Demon Lord Castle, Liliana stopped talking to me for a while. She hid behind Garunya, kept her distance from Leila, and when I offered her her favorite fruits and sweets, she would turn her head away with all her might! (Though if I left them on the plate, she would sneakily eat them later.)
“I was a bit hopeful you might snap back to sanity and stop you lot,” Ante said, disappointed, “but it seems that didn’t go too well~”
Honestly, I felt a bit relieved that Liliana didn’t suffer for me having to burn the forest to regain her senses.
“I’m sorry, Liliana.”
“………”
Liliana continued her silent protest, turning her face away. Still, even in this state, if I were to get injured during training, she’d heal me with her usual licking treatment.
I’m grateful, yet guilty.
Anyway, the Izanis territory in the Defteros County has lost its rich hunting grounds and resources around the city. As revenge against those pesky nuisances, this is a pretty harsh blow… Though unlike the autonomous district, it seems they didn’t have any casualties.
If it’s confirmed to be my doing, I’d face penalties from the Demon Lord, so I can’t admit it myself, but it feels like a “serves you right” kind of moment.
“So, I plan to show some movement towards the Rubyphia faction.”
I also shared my future plans with Platy.
Regarding the influx of many demon beasts into the autonomous district, Platy was concerned too. However, unlike me, who was furious because the district citizens faced harm, she simply seemed angry over being looked down upon.
“Hmm… Well, that’s fine.”
Platy snapped her fan shut.
“But be sure to maintain balance. If it’s interpreted that you’re seriously trying to get close to Rubyphia, it might lead to troublesome things later.”
She seemed to disapprove of me getting too close, her beauty making an unhappy expression, but since it’s an effective method to inflict social damage on the green nuisance, it looks like it’s a necessary evil.
“Then, after our meeting with Rubyphia, shall we hold discussions with Spinethia?”
Previously, I had already informed Platy about Spinethia visiting Evaroti after returning from the front lines.
“As for Emelgias, let’s just make him feel awkward within his faction.”
Honestly, I’d love to smash his face in along with his entourage, but if I got involved and caught the Demon Lord’s attention, that would be troublesome.
“That sounds good. …Hehe, I absolutely detest the mother of the green nuisance. Just picturing that woman whining and screeching annoys me to no end.”
Hiding her fierce grin once again behind her fan, Platy.
It seems Nephradia had been relentlessly asserting dominance as the wife of the demon lord with children until Platy gave birth to me—she has apparently been like that for decades since the green nuisance was born, nagging every time they meet.
Platy’s bad feelings toward Nephradia are considerable. No doubt she’ll be on the purge list right after I ascend to the Demon Lord throne.
Yet, the dominance battle isn’t unique to Nephradia alone…
“…Is there really a Demon Lord’s wife that the mother loves?”
“Oh? You’ve got me there.”
Platy laughed heartily. Yikes, her eyes aren’t smiling at all…
If I survive the Demon Lord inherit-ship battle, I’ll no doubt find some excuse to make it rain blood.
Well, once I inherit the spear of the Demon Lord, it’s guaranteed that blood will rain down on the Demon Lord Kingdom.
I plan to send the green nuisance, her parent, and all the Izanis tribe to the underworld eventually.
For now, I’m still a demon lord’s prince. Like a prince of the demon race, I’ll behave with decorum.
Thus, the day of the next banquet arrived. Dressed in a Fine-Elf skin Bon-Deji, I headed to the palace, pondering how to address the green nuisance—
“—You finally showed up, Zilbagias.”
As soon as I entered the room, those green eyes shot daggers at me.
“Oh, brother. You’re here earlier than usual.”
The green nuisance, clad in a snake-skin Bon-Deji, had taken his seat early. Because he was fidgeting and tapping his feet, the food fighter beside him looked quite annoyed while eating the appetizers.
“You did this, didn’t you?”
The green nuisance growled with a grim expression.
“Whatever do you mean?” I made a “?” face, pouting my lips and tilting my head.
“Quit pretending! It’s about the wildfire in our territory!”
Thud! The green nuisance slammed the table—
“You set it ablaze with the White Dragon… There are witnesses.”
