Chapter 262
Chapter 262. The True Desire
――Emelgias stared intently down below.
His face was painfully swollen and bruised.
Even as the Fourth Demon Prince, there were hardly any who would dare to do such a thing to him—there were only a handful in the entire Demon Lord Kingdom.
『――You big idiot!!』
After that, he was thoroughly beaten by Aiogias. This was a punishment delivered after listening to all of Emelgias’s excuses.
How long had it been since he had been punched in the face like this? The pain felt like it was someone else’s business as he wondered.
『Why did you act so carelessly?』『I told you we would go with a soft approach, didn’t I?』『Are you an idiot?』 he was scolded—no, berated. Spinethia, who was munching away at dessert, looked on with a bored expression.
『If Zilbagias switches over to Rubyphia’s faction—』
Aiogias grabbed Emelgias by the collar and said with a stern face.
『……In the upcoming Demon Lord succession war, you will be the first to face Zilbagias and take responsibility.』
As if to spit out, “I wonder if you are even capable of handling him.”
『Why is the talented younger brother going over there…』
He lamented in a somewhat taunting manner, but it didn’t reach Emelgias at all.
――I didn’t choose to become your subordinate.
One day, quite suddenly, it was declared by his mother as a family decision—the Izanis Tribe would come under the umbrella of the Vernas Tribe.
All the blood, sweat, and tears Emelgias poured into aiming for the Demon Lord title were completely disregarded.
His mother gave up on him and even schemed to bear another child, and then――
Creeeak… as Emelgias gripped the balcony railing, it creaked under pressure.
『Wow, Zilbagias, you’re so reliable! My pride and joy!』
Suddenly, his father’s voice resurfaced on a certain day.
Was that the day the infuriating youngest brother displayed the high elf skin bomb-dage? Ordered by their father to leave only the youngest brother behind, Emelgias and the others exited—but they had their hopes up, thinking they might be shielded by soundproof barriers, and eavesdropped outside the door as a last resort.
The conversation was inaudible. But in the end, he heard his father’s praise.
His father, as a Demon Lord, always paid attention to the power balance among the Demon Princes. He wouldn’t openly praise or show favoritism.
At least that’s what he thought. That’s how it had been until that day.
It was the first time. For his father to wholeheartedly praise someone, to hear it—
Creeeak… it creaked again.
And now. Below, the youngest brother and his mother faced each other in an intense duel, showcasing remarkable spear skills.
Both covered in blood and fresh wounds. For a mother and child to engage in such a serious and life-threatening battle was undoubtedly an extraordinary training for demons. Only the Reiju Tribe, who took care of healing in the Demon Lord Kingdom, could handle this—no, that wasn’t all.
“Woof woof!”
The presence of that high elf was significant too. The injury that pierced his mother’s abdomen was healed instantly, and he resumed training as if nothing happened.
For any regular demon, witnessing such feats, even those actions alone would evoke a sense of danger from the youngest brother. The gall to remain completely unfazed despite such severe injuries, the flawless use of teleportation spells—how formidable a presence he would be in actual combat.
What was most bizarre was that even while performing such a harrowing battle…
There was not a shred of hatred.
“――――”
“――――”
During their break, the two exchanged words with smiles while drinking water.
Still drenched in blood. What could they possibly be talking about? Almost unconsciously, he drew in the wind with magic to ensure he wouldn’t be noticed.
“――Ah, my dear child――”
It was barely audible.
However, from Platiphia’s unprecedented gentle smile and the way she affectionately stroked his head,
What they were saying was crystal clear.
Creeeak, creak, creak, it creaked.
“……!”
In agony, with an expression on the brink of spewing blood, Emelgias clutched his chest.
Even though… even though his insides were raging like a storm.
It wasn’t enough.
This little bit was hardly sufficient. He felt it. He understood.
In nearly 40 years, Emelgias had reached the rank of Marquis. But… what about next?
How long would it take to be promoted to Duke?
During that time, how far would the youngest brother advance? That unprecedented prodigy had reached Marquis in just six years—
It wasn’t enough.
Not enough, not enough, not enough!!
With just this… with this level of growth…
He would never catch up.
“Guh… Ah!!”
With a crack, the stone railing shattered in Emelgias’s hand.
No matter how much he longed for it.
No matter how much he yearned for it.
This paltry strength would never be enough.
At the same time, he understood. No matter how much power he had.
――Did you want to become a Demon Lord?
――Did you aspire to be the strongest warrior?
――Or were you seeking honor and fame?
No, none of those were correct. What he truly wanted…
“Ha… haha…”
Absolutely would be out of reach.
Then.
He could only obtain strength, couldn’t he?
For Emelgias… that was all that was left for him.
“…………”
With bloodshot eyes—eyes filled with a form of resolve—Emelgias staggered away from the scene.
“Young….”
His close attendant, childhood friend, and sisterly figure, the demon woman Hysidia, worriedly called out to the unusually acting Emelgias.
“Arrange for the dragon.”
He commanded her succinctly.
If he sought further strength, further growth.
“――I’m heading to the Dark Portal.”
The only thing Emelgias could offer was—
His own soul.
