Chapter 408
Chapter 408. The Destination of Prayers
In the upper levels of the Demon Lord Castle, the living quarters of the high-ranking demon race.
“I’m so bored…”
Garunya, who had been idly passing the time, murmured and quickly covered her mouth in alarm.
That was close. If I carelessly hinted at my boredom, the other maids might dump tedious chores on me.
“Just as well,”
But it was too late; Viene suddenly popped her head in.
“If you’re bored, come help me clean. Here, take this mop.”
“Nyaa!”
And so, Garunya found herself mopping the floors. Well, it wasn’t too bad since it would strengthen her legs and back.
Besides—if the cleaning spot happened to be Prince Zilbagias’s private room, she would gladly do it.
“……..”
As Garunya diligently mopped, Viene dusted off the shelves. She opened a storage cabinet against the wall, revealing spare weapons and hanging ceremonial outfits that looked somewhat lonely.
They were all waiting for their master to return—
Just like she was.
“Haah…”
Garunya and Viene sighed at precisely the same moment and exchanged glances, bursting into laughter thereafter.
“Really… I can’t seem to settle down.”
“True… It’s only been a month, after all…”
Slowly, their smiles faded—Viene’s expression turned somber.
“I heard the Night Elves are having a tough time.”
“Yeah. That’s the talk around here. The withdrawal rate from areas close to the front lines has fallen below 10%… Those who are hiding in the peaceful backlines at the eastern edge of the continent might manage to survive a while longer, but… the withdrawal is already hopeless…”
Due to the reckless actions of ‘Poisonous Mother’ Nephradia, the hunting of Night Elves has intensified, especially in areas near the front lines.
The Night Elves, who had hidden away in the allied territory’s rear, have found it increasingly difficult to move without arousing the Holy Church’s suspicion the closer they got to the front lines. Moreover, with their intelligence networks in tatters, supplies for sunblock and disguise tools have become scarce…
It was a dire situation. The Night Elves were desperately searching for a way to break free from their predicament, but the results were disappointing. There were even voices expressing hopelessness over the survival of their operatives during missions…
And into such an environment… Zilbagias had been thrown…
“Well, if it’s the prince, he should be fine.”
Viene forced a cheerful smile.
“With Leila around, he can transform into a human, and above all, he’s accompanied by Miss Virosa, right?”
‘Sword Saint’ Virosa. The living legend of the Night Elves—a highly skilled operative.
“With her around, it’s like having a hundredfold of strength. Surely the prince will return safely.”
Surely… Viene’s words trailed off as she cast her eyes downward, almost as if she were praying.
“Right… that’s true.”
Garunya felt the same. In the end, all they could do was pray for his safety.
“If possible, I wanted to tag along too…”
“Being able to say that in this situation… You really are a loyal one, Garunya…”
Viene spoke in a tone of astonishment and admiration.
“I just can’t do it… I would definitely blow my cover in an infiltration.”
“Nya haha. Speaking of that, I’m the same.”
“Hmmm. It’s tough, isn’t it… The prince has grown too much, and really, there’s barely anything I can do. I used to say I’d act as a shield, but now, I wouldn’t even be able to buy time…”
“Nya haha…”
Garunya laughed weakly, and Viene realized—it’s too late now—for a moment it crossed her mind. Unlike her, who was a skilled upper maid and could serve Zilbagias in various ways with her life magic, Garunya had become a pure protector but had now lost any standing due to Zilbagias’s rapid growth.
Garunya gripped the mop, her white fluffy fur becoming worn out from overuse. All her off-duty hours were spent training.
Aiming to become a Fist Saint—to be even a little useful to Zilbagias.
“……..”
In extreme terms, Garunya might lack combat power, but she had the vital role of being a target for the teleportation spell in emergencies.
However, to point that out would be rude and cruel. Viene had a fondness for Garunya to the extent that she wouldn’t voice it.
“Until Master returns—”
Garunya momentarily released her grip from the mop and unleashed a flurry of sharp jabs.
“—I need to get a bit stronger, nya…”
Then she gripped the mop again before it could tilt, sighed, and resumed cleaning as if nothing had happened.
(…She’s really come quite far, hasn’t she…)
Even Viene, among the top maids renowned for their close combat skills, took a moment to react.
“Master… Please be safe…”
While Garunya continued mopping the floor and glanced briefly out the door with her ears lowered, Viene stiffened in surprise.
“Madam… is also worried, nya…”
—Not far from Prince Zilbagias’s private room.
“O gods… Please…”
In the private room of Grand Duchess Platiphia.
In the dim light, incense burning, her mother was there, deeply engrossed in prayer.
A shrine dedicated to the gods of darkness had been set up, reminiscent of when Zilbagias went on his first battle. Yet this time, it was far more elaborate, composed of innumerable bones and skins that occupied most of the room’s space.
Kneeling directly on the ground, Platiphia prayed fervently.
(Please… bring that child back safely…)
Magic energy swayed like a shimmering mirage. It was a solemn aura, as if a priest was attempting to invoke a miracle of light.
(Let calamity befall all that threatens that child…)
However, while light brings miracles, darkness brings curses. Platiphia sought to curse all the hardships that befell Zilbagias.
(If that child can return safely… I would offer anything… My power, my magic…!)
Her praying hands tightened with resolve.
—When Zilbagias was first born, she had intended to put him on the throne of the Demon Lord, to restore the Reiju Tribe’s honor, and to take revenge on the other queens.
Now—it was somewhat different. While the elevation of the Reiju Tribe’s status and vengeance against the other queens remained goals, her priorities had shifted.
She wanted Zilbagias to grow up strong and healthy.
That came first. The most important thing was not revenge or the glory of her clan.
It was that child…!
(I have no one else but that child. If he can return safely, I would offer my life…!!)
So please.
(Dark gods… Bestow your protection upon that child… Bless him…!!)
Platiphia sincerely continued to pray.
(Zilbagias… Please, stay safe…!!)
With tears threatening to spill, she cried out in pain within her heart.
The numerous skulls adorning the altar—
Once belonging to heroes and priests slain on the battlefield gazed back with hollow eye sockets.
†††
—Under the dazzling sun.
The azure sky with white clouds reflected on the crystal-clear lake surface!
“Yahhoo!”
I was skillfully sailing on a small board-shaped sailboat, splashing white waves as I glided across the lake.
“Haha, you’re really getting the hang of it!”
Arthur, racing alongside on another sailboat, shone brightly with his flowing blond hair.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve already mastered it!”
Wow! This is so much fun! It’s my first time sailing, and it’s the most exhilarating experience!
“Oh, you’re on! Let’s race to that cape over there!”
Adjusting the sail’s angle and catching the wind to speed up, Arthur challenged me.
“Alright! I accept your challenge!”
Meanwhile, under a beach umbrella, Leila and Arthur’s wife were enjoying watching us while sipping juice—
And thus, hey there, it’s Hero Alexander.
Right now, I’m having the best vacation over on the northern islands of Lake Aulitos!!
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