Chapter 269
Chapter 269. The View of the King
“—So, how are the residents of the Autonomous District doing?”
In the dimly lit library of Evaroti Royal Castle, I held Claire’s hand while replenishing her magical power and asked.
“Nothing seems particularly different,” Claire replied curtly.
“Still living happily as usual,” she added.
No… rather than curt, it felt sarcastic.
“I heard that the humans have been unusually quiet lately.”
“Oh, dear Prince, are you wary of the humans?”
Claire wore a mischievous smile, half teasing me for my indirect phrasing.
“…But now that you mention it, it does feel like the humans are unusually well-behaved. I don’t know why, though…”
Hmmm, Claire’s gaze wandered as if sifting through her memories.
“By the way, the vice-captain of the guard team I often talk to—”
“That guy named Tafuman?”
“Yes, he seemed suspiciously awkward and distant when we drank together the other day.”
…So, something unusual has happened with the top of the guard team then.
‘Could it be some sinister plot?’
Antendeixis worriedly chimed in, “Don’t tell me they’re up to no good?”
Claire shared a similar concern.
“Do you think so?”
“Hmm. I believe I’m somewhat trusted, but if there’s something tough to talk about, it would be because I work in the royal castle, which means they don’t want it to reach the Demon Lord Kingdom…”
Claire shrugged at that point.
“Still, whatever they might do, it ought to be limited,” I said.
“Yeah. No matter what they pull, I can’t see how they could inflict significant damage… I mean, even if all the guards and former Holy Church members revolted, one Marquis Veteranos would be enough to suppress them… So, the lack of upper-tier combatants is indeed fatal. I wonder if there’s a way to resolve that…”
…No, if they’re exuding a hint of unrest, does that mean they’ve found some prospects in their forces? Has someone awakened to the Sword Saint or Fist Saint? Or did a child discover their holy attributes during the coming of age ritual?
‘It’s impossible to groom a child into a Hero right away.’
That’s quite impossible. First, you need to teach them how to hold a sword, and at the very least, they need to be in decent shape for any of this to make sense…
“Well, humans and beastmen, good luck with your futile efforts,” Claire shrugged again, wearing a cynical smile, “After all, no matter what they do, they’ll only end up being destroyed.”
“Thanks, Your Highness. This will last me quite a while.”
With that, Claire’s magical recharge time was over. Her hand, typically cold, had warmed up to my body temperature as it slipped away from mine.
“Just the usual. …Keep an eye on Evaroti. If there’s an urgent matter, inform Enma.”
“Okay-dokey!”
Waving her hand in farewell, I left the library.
That should wrap up my stay here. I treated the serious cases among the new prisoners, cleared issues needing my approval, listened to all the reports, and met with the main stakeholders.
I have no lingering matters.
I prepared to reunite with Leila and Liliana to return to the Demon Lord Castle.
“So, Virosa, I’m counting on you while I’m away.”
“Yes. Please take care.”
Climbing back atop Leila, now in her dragon form, we took off from the newly added landing pad on the royal castle’s terrace.
In the morning sky, Leila’s silver scales sparkled.
Even though it’s midsummer, the air is quite chilly at this hour. I cast a protection spell to alleviate the wind pressure.
Below, the residents of the Evaroti Autonomous District seemed to be starting their activities too. The thin smoke spiraling from chimneys must belong to a bakery.
I’ve always wanted to use transformation magic to sneak in and take a peek at their daily lives, but I haven’t had the chance… After all, as a Demon Lord’s Prince, I’m surrounded by darkly inclined folk, and I’ve only revealed that I can use transformation magic to a select few…
‘—-It’s a bit unfortunate, isn’t it—-’
Leila seemed to notice this and spoke as she circled over the town.
Yeah, since Leila can transform too, I’d like to explore the town together…
…However, while I think that way, I get the feeling it might also be a bit melancholic once we actually do it.
‘—-I’m just glad to know Sebas and the others are doing well. That’s enough for me.‘
Barbara’s voice resonated in my memory. At this very moment, the Sword Saint must be honing her skills alone at Auroora Fortress, getting used to her new body.
She’s also brought me here to Evaroti several times while in the form of a thrusting sword. It seems Sebas and the members of the Da Rosa Barony have survived better than I expected, and I wish I could show them I know they’re doing well.
But… knowing that doesn’t mean Barbara can talk to them.
Unless the Demon Lord Kingdom falls, they can’t meet, and by the time that happens, there’s a high chance they’ll have passed away due to their lifespans. Barbara stopped accompanying me on visits to Evaroti and instead dedicated herself to body control training.
It’s as if—she’s trying to destroy the Demon Lord Kingdom as quickly as possible.
I understand her feelings. And it was I who turned her into an Undead and brought her back. I have no right to interfere in this matter, and in reality, I can do nothing.
Leila stopped her circling and began flying west.
The cityscape of the Autonomous District disappeared behind us. In an instant, we soared over the city walls and plains, reaching the designated airspace above the newly completed frontline base.
I could see people working around the base lifting their heads to point at us. I almost waved back, but that would be so un-Demon Prince-like, so I refrained.
If only I could transform and work alongside them like when I was in the army, how nice would that be…
…Well, it does no good to dwell on such things. Let’s look forward.
I gazed upon the devastated granary area of the former Defteros Kingdom’s western region, gradually transforming into a meadow—its end in sight.
All things considered, the progress so far has been smooth. There’s no problem managing the Autonomous District, and there’s been less pushback within the Demon Lord Kingdom than I anticipated; farming has even started in the areas surrounding Evaroti Royal Castle.
A small village, dubbed a frontline base, has even been established. Simultaneously, the guard team has been progressing with the extermination of magical beasts.
‘—Ah. Alex, there’s a big one over there!’
And we too.
Leila alerted me. Far from Evaroti, we entered a sparsely wooded flatland, where a large beast caught my eye.
It looked like a tiger, with large canine teeth protruding like knives.
It seemed to be in the middle of a hunt, chasing a deer. Alright, let’s go.
‘—Here we go!—’
Leila swooped down, mouth wide open.
“—Graaawwrrr!”
A roar. A flash of silver light erupted, leaving the magical beast charred and sprawled on the ground.
The deer, having barely escaped death, rolled away in a panic as it sensed Leila’s descending figure.
This is how we—well, mainly Leila—pick off dangerous magical beasts on our way back and forth from the Demon Lord Castle.
It’s a hassle to clean up after those idiots from the Izanis Tribe, but accumulation matters. We must have significantly reduced their numbers.
Yeah, it’s going well. Strangely peaceful.
…If I ignore the fact that a horde led by Diagias is gnawing away at Arena Kingdom’s territory even as we speak.
So exceedingly peaceful.
I just hope my next opportunity to participate comes around soon.
As quickly as possible… as soon as possible.
To end the suffering of the alliance and the Demon Lord Kingdom.
†††
—Somewhere in the domain referred to as ‘Evaroti Autonomous District’.
A massive shadow wandered in the depths of the forest.
The once-matted mane had returned to its fluffy state, and, in contrast, its tail was severed like that of a snake.
The king of the deep forest, the Manticore.
A displeased growl emanated from the king as he squinted at the brightening sky peeking through the gaps in the treetops.
—He was hungry.
Though the Manticore had recently recovered his kingly dignity by shedding the disgrace of being a miserable loser in his new territory, his hunting successes had been diminishing lately.
The beasts that once plentifully roamed this area, such as the Asurabear, had been gradually dwindling.
Almost as if—they were being thinned out by some unknown force.
“Grrr…”
Manticore could hoard food and survive for long periods without eating.
But that didn’t mean he wasn’t hungry.
Silently advancing through the forest, the Manticore spotted a small deer, less than a fraction of his size. Spreading his wings, he pounced from above.
In one gulp, he devoured it almost whole, chomping fiercely.
“Grrr…”
Bright blood and entrails dripped from the corners of his mouth as he growled again, expressing his dissatisfaction—and turned his gaze elsewhere.
This territory is already done for.
—He must search for new grounds.
