Chapter 295
Chapter 295. The Demon Lord’s Verdict
— Well then, after I returned to the Demon Lord Castle and recounted the events, it caused quite a stir, like poking a hornet’s nest, said Zilbagias.
It seemed that until I returned, no one had grasped the situation accurately. Nobody cared about Emelgias… (with the exception of those involved from the Izanis Tribe).
“I should have sent Liliana a bit further away…”
Right? While keeping a keen eye on other dragons’ scout flights, I hurriedly had Leila fly out…
Anyway, the news of Emelgias’s death alone was shocking, but the escape of Liliana seemed particularly catastrophic.
The Demon Lord immediately activated the alert, and the entire area around the Demon Lord Castle entered a state of vigilance.
After all, if a furious high elf were to hide in the forest and launch a guerrilla attack, the surrounding agricultural villages could become scorched earth along with their residents, livestock, and pre-harvest fields… Normally, forest elves can’t use fire magic, but if Liliana increases the pressure of light, she can ignite things. Beastmen and night elves wouldn’t stand a chance, and it’s only natural for a ruler to prepare for an all-out hunt.
If there were significant damage from this, I might be questioned about my supervisory responsibilities, but in reality, Liliana is heading towards the border. A dragon courier was dispatched to prevent her escape, but before the news reaches the front lines, she’s likely already crossed the border.
The gap in distance we sent her and the few hours of delayed reporting is huge. Please, I hope she returns home safely…
“Oh, is that so… Liliana…”
“I’m so glad you’re safe… Ah, that one over there is… in the wild…”
The reactions from my family were mixed. Garunya looked downcast… or rather, shocked, while Viene, despite being glad I was safe, wore a face that seemed half devoid of spirit.
Garunya did look after Liliana quite a bit, so hearing she had completely turned into a hostile entity might be hard for her to accept.
As for Viene, well, she understands the terrifying nature of high elves very well, and the shock of such a being being unleashed on the wild must have left her stunned, realizing the end of Sidarl’s reign of authority.
By the way, I haven’t talked to Platy yet.
That’s because she’s working in the infirmary and couldn’t move once the alert was issued. If Liliana and the Demon Lord’s Army engaged in battle, there would be piles of injured coming in. It’s one thing if she’s off-duty, but a healer can’t just leave her post.
In any case, I was soon summoned by the Demon Lord without even a moment’s break.
“Zilbagias, at your service.”
Upon entering the office, the Demon Lord widened his eyes.
On my way here to the palace, I had received similar reactions from other demonkind.
“Zilbagias… what happened? That magical power of yours…”
Since I had drawn out everything I left with Antendeixis, I had now become a duke-level entity in every way imaginable.
And not just a little — on par with Aiogias and Rubyphia.
“…It was a fierce battle.”
When I answered in a way that made it sound like I was quite unwilling to, the Demon Lord pressed his forehead, troubled.
Then, I realized that there were two other guests in the office apart from the Demon Lord.
One was a night elf maid whose clothes were disheveled, as if she had just been attacked by an assailant, sporting bruises on her face and looking utterly dead in the eyes.
The other was a green-haired demoness wearing a revealing green dress. She glared at me with murky black eyes soaked in dark emotions.
The maid aside, this sister demoness. I vaguely recognized her, and it was obvious—
“Lady Nephradia… the mother of Emelgias.”
The Demon Lord squeezed the words out. Just as I thought. Yet, there was one puzzling point. Her magical power was weak enough that it took me a moment to realize it.
She is a lady of high standing, right? Even if she was a “Duke of Compassion” who was promoted due to giving birth to Emelgias, it would be strange for her not to have at least duke-level magical power. Yet, no matter how fondly I looked at it, she seemed to possess only the strength of a viscount.
“The ‘Duke’…?”
As I frowned in suspicion, Nephradia’s cheeks twitched as she clenched her hands tightly.
“It seems she had her magic power stolen by Emelgias.”
The Demon Lord added. Ah… so that’s what happened…
“Moreover, it seems that not all of it has returned. It might be that the magic power she had dried up first…”
Conversely, one could say that she bought time to prevent Leila’s magic from vanishing. In that sense, I could almost say I was grateful.
“Now then… Zilbagias. Tell me in detail what happened.”
“Understood.”
I began explaining the circumstances from the start.
Emelgias told me to give him the “high-speed communication technology,” saying something outlandishly ridiculous, so I suggested having a calm conversation inside the fortress, only to be ambushed from behind. I managed to defend against the first strike of magic and counterattacked, and it escalated into a life-or-death battle over a series of circumstances.
By the way, I attempted to dispatch Leila to call for help to the Demon Lord Castle, but the dragons Emelgias brought along were apparently told they could “do as they please with Leila,” which interfered with this. In the end, Leila was defeated and died.
I had tried to avoid the conflict, but they didn’t allow it, so I’m going to assert that with all my might—!
Nephradia was watching me with eyes like a venomous snake ready to bite, but I didn’t feel bothered at all.
Thinking that the mother of the guy I killed was present might usually make things awkward.
If the child is what they are, then so too is the parent.
Looking at this face, there’s no way I’m feeling remorse. My frank opinion is that it’s your fault for raising such a son.
“—And that’s how it is.”
“I see…”
The Demon Lord listened silently until the end without interrupting.
“…So, that high-speed communication technology was a misunderstanding?”
“Yes, it was completely a misunderstanding.”
I clearly answered.
I won’t reveal anything about the Daily Evaroti. It would be troublesome if it spread throughout the Demon Lord Kingdom, so I should keep it under wraps as much as possible.
Also, I’m not lying. My research is primarily focused on saving Claire and countermeasures against Enma; I’m not touching on anything related to high-speed communication!
“…I see.”
The Demon Lord glanced at the maid shrinking against the wall. His gaze was thoughtful, profoundly quiet. Nephradia looked down at the maid, her gaze horrifically cold.
With that, the maid, under the scrutiny of all three upper demons, let out a small squeak of surprise and opened her mouth while trembling.
“When an incident occurred in the autonomous district… even though it was right after in terms of the timeline, there are testimonies that His Highness Zilbagias received a letter from the undead and flew back with a changed expression—”
Hmm.
So that’s how it is.
You’re the cause of this commotion, huh…
“I see?”
I nodded with a thin smile.
“You mistook that for a letter alerting you of the disturbance in the autonomous district.”
The maid trembled and cold sweat poured down her like a waterfall.
Well… that deduction is technically correct, but unless she can prove it, she’ll end up being regarded as the originator of the commotion. Poor night elf.
“That’s not it, right?”
“No, that’s not it.”
I nodded firmly at the Demon Lord’s inquiry. Please, Enma, don’t let it turn out that you’ve already reported this to the Demon Lord behind my back. I trust you!
“Hmm…”
The Demon Lord squinted his eyes.
“Then why were you able to respond so promptly to the incident in the autonomous district?”
“That was not a prompt response. Simply put, I realized I had an important item I forgot at Evaroti and hurried back to get it… I’m quite embarrassed.”
I scratched my head, making a sheepish expression.
“It just so happened that this coincided with the incident.”
“Yes. Well, by the time I arrived on the scene, it had already been resolved.”
“What were you even forgetting? Was it something that significant to change your expression?”
“Ah… my research notebook. There are many who have permission to enter my private room in Evaroti. Some officials and local staff, and sometimes even vampires or high-class undead if the situation calls for it…”
The Demon Lord knows that I am searching for countermeasures against Enma as the head of the Royal Demonology Research Institute. He can likely imagine what’s in my research notebook.
After he hears that I left it in a space where the undead can enter, he’ll understand—what would happen if my secret research into countermeasures against Enma was caught by Enma’s subordinates?
“You, really…”
Fortunately, it seems he understood my intent, and the Demon Lord looked utterly exasperated.
“I will be more careful in the future… no, it’s unnecessary to say.”
The Demon Lord, who was about to give a lecture, suddenly shut his mouth, looking somewhat bitter.
“Yes.”
I nodded obediently.
“Your Majesty. Just what is it that you have entrusted to the 7th Prince?”
At this, Nephradia spoke up for the first time. Her voice was insidiously sticky, matching her appearance. It’s horrifying to think this is the Demon Lord’s wife; it’s the one point where I feel sympathy for the Demon Lord.
“That’s not something to discuss here.”
The Demon Lord’s answer was curt.
“Especially not in front of someone who can’t keep their mouth shut.”
A quiet gaze, like a tranquil sea, pierced through the night elf maid. Ah… this isn’t showing in her attitude, but the Demon Lord is actually really angry… swirling behind the thin veil is the Demon Lord’s fury. The maid gasped as if she was about to hyperventilate.
“Well then, what about that letter? If it’s difficult to answer, it’s fine if you don’t.”
“It was a love letter.”
I answered without pressure.
“Huh?”
The Demon Lord stiffened. Nephradia blinked intensely, trying to comprehend my words as if in a desperate attempt. The maid, however, looked as though she was about to faint while desperately holding on.
“A love letter… from whom?”
“Of course, it’s from Enma. It arrives almost every day, but that day, upon receiving it, I suddenly recalled my forgotten item.”
“….I see.”
The Demon Lord seemed to abandon understanding, sighed, and pondered.
“To summarize…”
Eventually, he opened his mouth.
“It seems that due to incorrect information regarding some research that could threaten the position of the Izanis Tribe, Emelgias went berserk.”
At this point, he glanced back at the maid. For those weak in magical power, simply being pressured by such a monster is a considerable burden. The poor maid finally collapsed as she twitched. It seems she fainted…
“Emelgias attacked the Aurorea Fortress, leading to conflict between you two. You were ultimately rebuffed, correct…?”
“Yes. I had responded as gentlemanly as possible to my brother who was drawing his spear, but I had no choice but to act decisively after a preemptive strike.”
I made sure to keep up the facade of having no fault here.
“—Yet, you killed him.”
The Demon Lord groaned.
“I killed him. And not just him; all of them!”
“With all due respect, it was my brother who killed part of his staff.”
Sensing an ominous atmosphere, I quickly added. Why should I be the one feeling obliged to show compassion to someone who is a victim!? Just my instinct was ringing alarm bells.
“I didn’t murder them out of impulse.”
“Zilbagias…”
The Demon Lord raised his head, who had previously been looking down.
I was shocked. This was the first time I had seen such a pathetic expression from the Demon Lord.
“Why? Why didn’t you let any of them live? With your strength and magic power, couldn’t you manage to at least let Emelgias return alive?”
Huh, seriously???
Why the hell should I be told that?
They came to kill me, didn’t they!? Stupid, stupid!!
—Though I wanted to say that, I held it back.
“With all due respect, the precondition is that I didn’t have any leeway. They ruthlessly attempted to steal my magic power, and even took the magic power and bloodline magic of my subordinates. Frankly speaking, they were far more threatening than Aiogias or Rubyphia. Besides—”
I stopped short of saying that my teleportation spell had been rendered ineffective. Liliana should have escaped, yet I returned unharmed. If they said to me, “Weren’t you, in fact, winning comfortably?” I wouldn’t have a comeback.
In fact, the close combat itself wasn’t that much of a struggle. The only issue was the dangerous magic absorption. If I hadn’t shown my trump card, the option to dispose of him and take a walk was, of course, available. It simply wasn’t in my emotional range.
So, it’s clear that even though I had an option not to kill him, I killed him simply because I could do so. I don’t regret it even a little!
However, this attitude of the Demon Lord leaves me with a tremendously bad feeling…
“—Your Highness, you’re lying.”
A slimy, sinister voice interjected from the side.
“Surely, Emelgias stole my magic power and displayed an extraordinary growth level that could be considered duke-level, but still, he had less magic power than you do now…”
That person… is she trying to pull me down by belittling her own son?
“You seem to be grossly underestimating your son.”
I teased her lightly. Wait, why do I have to say something like that, of all things, in favor of that idiot!?
“Then, your brother shouldn’t feel relieved at all. He stole the magic power of his subordinates, took away their bloodline magic, and eventually stripped the flying ability and breath from my dragon until it became uncontrollable. Moreover, just to mention the point I was getting at beforehand, I don’t consider myself the one who killed anyone; it was my brother who caused his own demise.”
“Demise?”
The Demon Lord asked with an expression of melancholy.
“Yes, if you see his body—”
“I saw it before you arrived.”
The Demon Lord replied softly.
“It was nearly boned—what a horrible sight.”
He gazed down at the desk.
“…It seems he had accepted the powers of demons too much and was halfway to demonic transformation. Ultimately, he couldn’t handle the magic power he absorbed and self-destructed.”
“But there was also the matter that he was charred black?”
“He was not using the breath power stolen from dragons correctly. It was fortuitous for me, though…”
Cautiously, I replied, stroking my cheek.
You’ve already seen the body, huh… that means…
“And… apparently, he also absorbed the power of the hero. Ultimately, he must have attempted to use holy attributes but was burned by his own magic power because he couldn’t handle it.”
I was not lying. Strangely enough.
“…So, basically, Emelgias just attacked on his own. I tried to resolve it peacefully, but it didn’t work out. And you didn’t directly take action; rather, it was ultimately self-destruction…”
The Demon Lord crossed his arms and shook his head.
“It seems you bear no blame. Based on what I have heard.”
Of course!!!
“However, Your Majesty—”
Nephradia was still trying to insist; ugh, shut up, how annoying!
“I understand.”
The Demon Lord also nodded dismissively.
“Only, as long as ‘if Zilbagias’s words are the truth.’ I know that.”
He sighed lightly—
“Zilbagias, I must punish you. For the crime of fratricide.”
The Demon Lord said to me, wearing an expression as stern as a rock sculpture.
…Wha?
“Why!? I’m the victim here!?”
“I understand. Your claims are probably correct. However, among those who can testify, there is no one except your relatives. Since you slaughtered not just Emelgias’s subordinates but even dragons…”
The Demon Lord gritted his teeth in frustration.
“If there’s only one side’s testimony, it can no longer be credible. It could easily be fabricated. If only you had kept Emelgias alive, even if he was half-dead, just to let him return…”
Dropping his shoulders heavily, the Demon Lord raised his face.
“I cannot simply let you go. It won’t set an example.”
“…Set an example? For whom!?”
This is no joke; whatever punishment it is, the fact that the Demon Lord looks this displeased and that Nephradia is starting to smirk means it definitely won’t be good!
“Is it somehow logical that the victim who was hit back would be punished for retaliating!?”
“It is.”
The Demon Lord answered with a serious expression.
“Direct conflicts between heirs before the succession war for the position of Demon Lord are prohibited. Those who break this rule, regardless of any mitigating circumstances, are to be punished simultaneously. …Since the days of the first Demon Lord.”
Back when my father was still alive—so the Demon Lord recounted.
“The origin of it was between my younger sister and brother. The youngest brother, Coppagias, could no longer endure his elder sister, Iviridia’s repeated tyranny, and he killed her.”
Since the ill treatment and violence from Iviridia were glaringly obvious, it was evident she was at fault, thus Coppagias was absolved of any guilt.
“However, those who suddenly took advantage of this verdict soon appeared. If there’s blame towards the other side, one can resolve it to kill them with impunity. From that day onward, the Demon Lord Kingdom fell abruptly into a state of civil war.”
Those who sought to take the position of the next Demon Lord began to accuse each other of faults and fought.
On top of that, Coppagias, who got away with murder, killed another sister. Realizing the situation’s severity, the first Demon Lord strictly prohibited direct conflicts between successors until the succession war began and adopted a policy of punishing both the offender and the victim…
“Now tension is rising between Aiogias and Rubyphia.”
The Demon Lord spoke plainly, clasping his hands on the desk.
“Both sides seem to be sending envoys to their respective territories, and preparations for battle are underway. While Emelgias’s absence has disrupted the balance of military forces, more importantly, your verdict is coming under scrutiny.”
Without any trace of emotion, the Demon Lord now gazed sternly at me.
“If I were to hand you a lenient verdict here, it would lead to war with the notion of ‘this punishment isn’t too severe, so we can do as we please.’ Not just Aiogias; all the duke-level demonkind across the Demon Lord Kingdom would act to crush their rivals. Then, it would spiral out of control.”
“…But even so, punishing me is unreasonable.”
I slowly voiced my thoughts.
“I made efforts to avoid the worst-case scenario. But in reality, it was Emelgias who infiltrated! The only way I could avoid this ending was to tail between my legs! I had no choice but to defend the research facility as best as I could, and for my own honor, I couldn’t afford to run away, Your Majesty!”
However, in the end, I couldn’t hold back and raised my voice.
“If my older brothers Aiogias and Rubyphia are becoming volatile, why not have Father make them disarm!”
“There is no meaning in powerless words.”
The Demon Lord replied calmly.
“Power without authority is powerless, but authority without power is also powerless. I, just like my father, have firmly prohibited conflicts between succession heirs. I declared that severe penalties would be imposed on those who break this rule. Regardless, the incident still occurred. This means the Demon Lord has been looked down upon.”
His clenched hands creaked.
“I cannot simply overlook this current state of affairs.”
So, you want to show action!? I get your point, but still!
“It was Emelgias who looked down on my father! That fool over there! It was never me!”
I inadvertently glared at Nephradia, but she just stared at me with a grin, not angry even when her son was insulted. You…
Why do I have to take that idiot’s insults!?
“I understand what you are trying to say. I understand your feelings. However, to maintain the Demon Lord Kingdom’s stability, the authority of the Demon Lord must be established.”
“So, what is this!? Should I have just calmly let myself be killed!?”
“In that case…”
The Demon Lord again wore a somber expression.
“…You would’ve faced stringent punishment for Emelgias. Very severe punishment.”
Ahhhhh, how absurd!!
I am seriously at my wits’ end!!
At my indignation, the Demon Lord looked at me with a labored expression before switching to a more business-like demeanor, flipping through the documents at hand.
“Going back to the example of Coppagias, the punishment for killing siblings is set to be fifty years of house arrest with a generous consideration.”
……Huh?
Fifty years…?
House arrest means I can’t step out of my room. I’m a demon. I normally live for about 200 years. But… fifty years is no short span!
More than anything, if I can’t go out to the battlefield for fifty years! I won’t be able to accumulate forbidden power at all!!
“Of course, I’ll consider you as much as possible. I could allow the palace’s great hall as your room or permit renovations of other spacious areas of the Demon Lord Castle into your quarters. Even if it’s not a full fifty years, I could grant you a pardon in about thirty years. Various considerations will also be made for the Reiju Tribe; if you have concerns, I can document it. Therefore, Zilbagias…”
The Demon Lord pleaded.
“For the sake of the country, can you endure this…?”
Were he not in a position, he might even lower his head.
“…What if I say no?”
But you know, I don’t care about that at all.
Suppressing my hand that wanted to draw Adamas’s hilt, I asked.
“I just told you.”
The Demon Lord switched again to a strict expression.
“I must demonstrate the authority of the Demon Lord.”
…Damn it!
Right now, I’m not capable of fighting against the Demon Lord… damn, damn, damn, do I really have to wait here for thirty years with my thumbs up my ass!?
For the sake of the Demon Lord Kingdom…!!
“Ah, your Majesty, how kind you are.”
As I trembled with anger, that infuriating voice crept in from behind.
“But are you forgetting something?”
Nephradia broke in while smiling smugly. What is it with her? I am in a bad mood right now; she’s likely going to get slapped…
“The 7th Prince holds the right to choose his fate, doesn’t he? A trial that’s not house arrest, as another option…”
Seeing Nephradia display her intention, the Demon Lord grimaced as if to say, “Why are you bringing up unnecessary matters?”
“…Another trial?”
It is irritating to play into her schemes, but such an overt hint makes it hard to not show interest.
With a grin, Nephradia shot a meaningful look at the Demon Lord.
“…As Nephradia said, there is another choice available. The choice that has been presented to my younger brother Coppagias, and other offenders… the trial from which not a single one returned alive…”
As if resigned, the Demon Lord announced.
“…Zilbagias. It’s one or the other, choose wisely. Fifty years of house arrest, or… a one-year exile.”
Exile…?
What even is that?
“For one year, all your ranks and rights in the Demon Lord Kingdom will be stripped from you, and you will be exiled from the country. You will receive no support whatsoever from the Demon Lord Kingdom, but if you survive for that year—your sins will be forgiven.”
Whispered Nephradia.
“Sounds simple enough? Just one year…”
“Exile… does that mean to the allied territories…?”
“Exactly. All you have to do is survive…”
Nephradia’s malicious, grotesque laughter pierced through my mind.
I felt my body tremble with shock.
So… if I choose this so-called banishment…
I can go without any hindrance from the Demon Lord Kingdom,
and I can freely go to the allied territories…!?
Woohoo!!!!!!!
“[I, Zilbagias the 7th Prince of Reiju, choose exile!!]”
As I declared with all my might,
Nephradia smiled triumphantly, and the Demon Lord pressed his forehead in despair.
—
Thank you for waiting.
So, I finally want to dive into the long-awaited [Banishment Arc to the Allied Territories].
