Chapter 298
Chapter 298. Revenge and Loved One
――In the library, while supplying magic power to Claire, we chatted and joked around.
“So, suddenly, Emelgias said, ‘Give me the high-speed communication technology’—”
As I provided details about the incident, carefully skipping over critical parts like the holy property and Liliana’s awakening, Claire listened with keen interest.
“So, this is all because of us… this whole mess?”
“Well, it’s more like the Night Elf who tattled on us.”
I wonder if that Night Elf maid is still alive. It wouldn’t be surprising if her head was on display in the Izanis territory, but if she was killed because of the wrong report, the Night Elves might shrink back and stop sharing information.
“And from what I hear, it seems like Emelgias is unilaterally at fault, but isn’t the banishment a bit too harsh?”
Claire frowned as she spoke.
“Actually, it was either that or house arrest. According to father, a 50-year ban was standard, but I could have my room remodeled to be more spacious, and they’d ensure conveniences for the Reiju tribe, and through a pardon or something, it could be reduced to about 30 years—”
I grinned.
“—But that just didn’t suit my nature.”
If anything, it was a stroke of luck!
“Even so, it’s not like I… well, it’s too late now.”
Claire looked exasperated.
“Unlike the others, I’ve got Leila sticking with me. I plan to wander around the continent while disguising myself as a human.”
At my words, Leila smiled brightly. Claire seemed a bit taken aback as she tightly held my hand and stepped back.
Leila understands Claire’s situation, and that smile is genuinely sincere, so I want her to feel at ease…
“That said, I’ll be leaving the Demon Lord Kingdom within a month.”
I gazed once more at our linked hands.
“So, how should we handle the magic supply?”
“I mentioned this before, but while the prince is away, I’ll be borrowing from the skeletal horses.”
“Oh right, that’s an option.”
Demons tend to avoid self-aware high-level undead, but they quickly pour magic into skeletal horses treated as tools; I guess I’ll just discreetly take advantage of that.
“…What about the Autonomous District?”
This might just be my impression, but Claire asked with a slightly worried tone.
“Well, the biggest impact will be from the healing I used to do while training. That’ll be cut off too.”
“Ah… well, that should be fine, I guess.”
For a change, Claire’s expression turned uneasy.
“Currently, the vampires are getting along pretty well with the humans, so they should be able to handle minor injuries. It’s a trade for blood.”
“I see… so that’s how it’ll go.”
While the teleportation spell muddled things, vampires indeed have decent healing abilities. They’re good at stanching blood and sewing up wounds, and they can even catch illnesses early by the taste of blood.
“Are the relationships between the vampires and the Autonomous District residents good?”
“What do you mean good? Just the other day, they were hosting a social gathering disguised as a drinking party. Can you imagine how I felt when I walked into the tavern and was introduced to Yavka?”
Seeing Claire’s haggard expression, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“That sounds hilarious. What happened?”
“Fortunately, they played it cool and pretended to be like they were meeting for the first time. I might not show it, but I was so anxious about whether Yavka would slip up…”
“I wish I could have been there…”
“Stop! Don’t complicate things further!”
As we exchanged glances, we laughed.
“By the way, isn’t it the vampires who’ll have a tougher time not being able to drink the prince’s blood?”
“That might be true. Before I leave, I should remind them of the taste of my blood…”
“I doubt the next governor will let them have it.”
“I’m probably the only demon who supplies blood like that.”
I wouldn’t want to do it if there wasn’t a reason to protect the humans. Without Liliana around, I can’t just freely share my blood… Maybe just a few drops per person is the limit.
“By the way, have you decided on the next governor?”
“…No. I’m still considering various options. I intend to find someone who can carry on my policies or someone who won’t stir up trouble.”
Strictly speaking, I don’t have the authority to decide on a successor. However, I can voice my opinions on the demon lord’s policies.
And given this current situation, the demon lord, who should feel guilty about me, was very likely to take my opinion seriously.
“I did think of some candidates, but… well, it depends on their approach.”
I couldn’t rely on just anyone; the options were too limited. If I handed it off to someone from the Reiju tribe, who knows how the humans would be treated?
Policy-wise, I could hand it off to Aiogias—but since his subordinates went rogue, why should I have to trust the Autonomous District with him? Besides, given his personality, he’d likely clamp down on the humans even harder.
If there were a demon who genuinely cared for the humans and was close to me… I think about such convenient things, but…
There was such a person.
That guy.
――Albar Aoril Reiju.
But I killed him. Not only that, but I eradicated his very soul. When I unwittingly imagined his face, I almost retched.
If I had any regrets, I should have never killed him in the first place.
I don’t even deserve to feel guilty…!
“…………Prince?”
Claire tilted her head.
Realizing I had gripped her hand tightly enough for her bones to creak.
“Ah, …sorry.”
“It doesn’t hurt, so I’m fine. … In any case, you seem anxious too, huh? Well, that’s only natural.”
No, I don’t feel anxious at all about going to the alliance…
If I had to say, it was that Virosa I ran into earlier, who tearfully proclaimed she’d serve me with unwavering determination…
Well, it’s all good.
Just as I trampled Albar Aoril’s loyalty.
As long as I am the hero, there is but one thing for me to do—
However, before that, I started rummaging through the bag I was carrying.
“…Actually, I had a feeling that I might end up clashing with Emelgias sooner or later.”
Speaking more to myself, I pulled out a stack of papers.
“What’s that…?”
“Information that was publicly available regarding Emelgias. His battle record, and things like that. I was planning to analyze him and think of countermeasures… though it probably won’t matter much. Want to take a look?”
As I handed the papers over, Claire let out a disinterested “hmm…” but still skimmed through the documents.
“It seems he also had his first battle before reaching adulthood. Though, it was just attacking and destroying some rural villages and towns. The city of Guarneri in the Wiliken Duchy, as well as surrounding villages like Eklund, Lindval, and Tulin, and—”
Our hometown.
“—Tanklet Village.”
Claire froze completely.
“…He got seriously injured during his first city siege, which tainted his record. Maybe that’s why he became such a pitiable demon driven by the thirst for honor. From the moment I saw him, I couldn’t stand him. Regardless of the demon lord succession war, I felt that one day, I would end up clashing with him…”
Claire remained silent as I went on.
“His end was miserable. He seemingly forced himself to accept demonic powers, couldn’t handle the magic he stole from around him, and ended up losing control, transforming into a monstrous form. The blow I dealt him finished him off, and he shattered into pieces, screaming a terrible death cry…”
Claire didn’t react ominously at all.
She gently stroked the papers resting on her lap with her free hand—
And I didn’t miss her finger tracing over “Tanklet.”
“Well then…”
The magic had all been consumed. It seemed Claire had filled to her limit.
“I’m going to take off now, since I have a meeting with the officials as well.”
I stood up, releasing her hand, which had shared warmth with mine.
“Feel free to do what you want with that document. You can toss it or use it as scrap paper. I’ll drop by again. See you.”
Claire appeared dazed. Like a doll whose soul had drained away, she stared blankly at the documents without moving—
I nodded at Leila and started to leave the library.
“—Prince.”
Just as I placed my hand on the door, Claire called out to me.
“…Take care.”
When I turned back, Claire wore her usual smile.
Her tone was unchanged.
Yet her glass-like eyes were shaking far more than usual.
“Yeah.”
I too smiled back and left the library.
――I’ve avenged everyone, Claire.
I believe it surely will reach you.
“Now then…”
As I walked down the corridor, I took a deep breath and refocused my thoughts.
First, I need to talk to the officials, who were probably unsettled by my banishment. Especially those from Sidarl’s faction. As for the key position of the governor, I’ll negotiate that in due time—
“Ah! Your Highness!”
Loud footsteps approached from the front.
“Here you are!”
Speak of the devil, here came the flustered hobgoblin official, Tavuo.
“Oh, Tavuo. No need to rush yourself like that.”
Come on, there’s no need to be so flustered just because I’m getting banished.
“N-no! That’s not it! Just now at the docking area, at the docking area!”
The docking area? Did something happen with the flying dragons?
“We have a visitor—Daiagias is here!”
A distant rumble, like thunder—
“Ziiilbaagias—!!”
Sparkles of lightning crackled.
A streak of lightning shot through the dark halls of the Evaroti royal castle.
With a thunderous boom, Daiagias charged towards me with an expression unlike what I’ve ever seen before!
“Paaarrrttt!”
Then, Tavuo, who was directly in the path, let out a distinctive shriek and got knocked away. Tavuo!
No, more importantly, it’s Daiagias!
Did he return straight from the front lines, clad in bone armor and the distinctive battle garb of the Gigamont tribe, with a drum on his back?
What happened to Arena Kingdom!? Did they finish suppressing the southern region!? Wait, what does he need from me!?
I almost reached for my Adamas at the thought of a second sibling war, but the fortunate absence of a spear in Daiagias’s hands allowed me to hold back.
“Zilbagias… you’ve done something outrageous…!”
Daiagias, who abruptly stopped in front of me, was trembling with rage.
“I trusted you…!! I thought you’d never do something like that…!!”
Huh…? Are you angry about the Emelgias situation!? Why?!
You two were that close?!
Daiagias gripped my shoulders tightly, weeping dramatically.
“You had tea alone… with Sister and Ruby-sama!!”
…………Huh!?
Wait, that’s what you’re upset about!!!!
