Zilbagias the Demon Prince: How the Seventh Prince Brought Down the Kingdom Volume 3 E-Book

Tomoaki Amagi

• Herausgeber: J-Novel Club
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Serie: Zilbagias the Demon Prince: How the Seventh Prince Brought Down the Kingdom
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 410

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Zilbagias has managed to just barely avoid his identity being revealed by Faravgi’s departed soul. For better or for worse, this has meant revealing his plans to Layla and, in turn, bolstering his relationship with her. At the same time, he has begun making inroads with the lich Enma, her undead being another lynchpin in the demonic kingdom Zilbagias plans to exploit. But, as always, things can only look up for so long before the looming reality crashes down around him—this time in the form of his deployment to the front lines. With the plans all but set in stone, Zilbagias is sent to the Rage family territory to make preparations for his first personal assault on the Panhuman Alliance.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Demon Prince’s Homecoming

Chapter 2: Home of the Rage Family

Chapter 3: Training Days

Chapter 4: The Hero’s Story

Epilogue

Color Illustrations

About J-Novel Club

Copyright

Landmarks

Color Images

Table of Contents

Prologue

A row of about fifty human soldiers lined up before me. There were very few young men among them. Although the majority of them were middle-aged or elderly, most of them seemed to be lacking experience. Honestly, they looked like a band of greenhorns. It was like they had the basics drilled into them and that was it. They were completely unaware of how it felt to hold a real weapon. Unaware of what it meant to stand on an actual battlefield. I guess the most appropriate term would be “militia.”

In my past life as a hero, I saw people like this all the time. They were usually some kingdom’s desperate attempt at scrounging up some semblance of military strength when they were on the cusp of folding at the hands of the demonic kingdom. Men with zero battle experience were suddenly conscripted into units and thrown out onto the front lines. Not only had I fought alongside men like this in the past, I had even led groups of them on more than one occasion. But no matter how high their morale may have been, it did not make up for their lack of training to ensure they returned home safely. In fact, very few made it back home.

The expressions they wore on their faces were also reminiscent of the ones I saw during my days as a hero. They all seemed restless. A kind of tension born from being pushed to the edge and realizing this was the end. It was something beyond just desperation. These were the faces of men who had picked up their swords with a determination to protect what was important to them.

However...there was no way there would be a band of human soldiers like that here. Not in the middle of the demonic kingdom, in the lands of the Rage family. And those simple, blue clothes they wore...

While trying to swallow the storm of emotions within me, I calmly asked, “So, you want me to kill them?”

The older demon woman in front of me wore a fearless grin.

“Ha. If you can,” she replied mockingly.

What the heck are you laughing about?! The woman bore similar features as Prati so I couldn’t help but glare at her with scorn.

“Contain yourself! Your bloodlust is seeping through!” Ante spoke sharply.

Yeah? So what? The woman’s brownish-red eyes had an eerie glow, as though they were peering into my heart. However, the anger I felt was perfectly normal for a demon prince.

“It seems you’ve underestimated me quite a bit. You boasted about this ‘final trial,’ but this is it?” I said with no attempt to hide my disdain, pointing at the band of humans with my chin. “No matter their numbers, small fry like this are nothing more than fodder. This is a waste of time and resources. If this is just for your amusement, at least pick something a bit more tasteful.”

Those were my true feelings. I chose to walk the path of taboos while avoiding needless sacrifices. Regardless, this “trial” seemed to hold no value. A bunch of weaklings lacking magic couldn’t lay a finger on me. What would I prove by killing a ragtag militia? I couldn’t imagine that aspect was lost on the other demons.

Am I missing something? Is there another reason for this trial? Maybe something more...sinister?

“Zilbagias, no one is underestimating your strength,” a soothing familiar voice called out to me from behind. So familiar that I didn’t even need to turn around to check. It was my “mother” in this life—Pratifya Rage. She was observing everything with an amused, affectionate smile. It was like she was waiting with anticipation to witness the joy on her beloved son’s face upon seeing the incredible present she had prepared. “We have seen how strong you are in your training here. No one doubts that if you were dispatched to the front lines right now, you could handle any challenge with ease. But you are not a soldier of the Rage family. You are a demon prince. The risk is not worth taking, no matter how low the chances are. So before you are sent off to a real battlefield, we want to teach you something.”

The sound of chain mail clinking—the footsteps of someone armed—filled the air.

“We want to show you just how annoying humans can be when bound together with holy magic.” Prati pointed...at a hero.

He wore a well-used breastplate while wielding a brutish sword and a shield covered in scars and dents. Though he carried himself like a veteran of the battlefield, he was young—so young. Despite this, his face was as solid as a rock. His mouth was drawn tight, his brow deeply furrowed, and above all, the light in his eyes burned with anger, hatred, and resolve. It was almost like...

“Almost like looking into a mirror, is it not?” Ante sighed.

It was like I was looking at my past self. All of this made me feel uneasy. After all, how exactly had someone with a distinct hatred of demons make it this deep into the demonic kingdom’s territory? Night elf hunters stood ready to fill him with arrows, and the other demons nearby readied their spears, but the hero didn’t cower and stood tall—undaunted.

He was a shining example of a hero. It nearly brought me to tears.

“What a luxury,” the other woman said with a smirk. “Experiencing holy magic before reaching the battlefield is practically unheard of. This might be the first time in history.”

“We prepared this specifically for you, Zilbagias. It is exceptionally rare for us to capture a hero alive,” Prati explained, all smiles. “Your opponent will be this militia, led by a hero.”

I could hear my teeth grinding as I clenched them.

“Alex! Contain yourself!”

This time she was right. It would be out of character to get angry at this—as a demon prince.

So my best option was to try and pass off this anger, this hatred, as fighting spirit aimed at the hero.

“I’m at a loss for words, mother.” I somehow managed to smile. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated something this incredible!”

I looked around. Demon soldiers, family retainers, night elf hunters, beastfolk soldiers...

“I can’t wait to crush them.”

I’ll kill all of you someday.

The hero’s expression hardened upon hearing what sounded like ridicule coming from me.

So anyway, hello there. I’m the seventh demon prince, Zilbagias Rage.

This is my shitty life living as an enemy of humanity.

Chapter 1: The Demon Prince’s Homecoming

Some time had passed since I summoned Faravgi’s soul and had smoothed things over with Layla.

“Back home?”

“Yes. I think it is about time you meet the other members of the Rage family.”

I was eating my night meal with Prati—the first time we had eaten together in a while. As rare as healers were among the denizens of the dark, Prati was an elite healer, so she was incredibly busy. It took her a great deal of effort to find time for our training. So outside of that, we had spent very little time together. If I was a normal kid, that kind of neglect would probably leave me heartbroken.

“Fear not. No matter how many tears you shed, I will be there to protect you,” Ante declared proudly, although missing the fact that any normal kid would never meet her in the first place.

“Your first deployment has been on my mind recently,” she said casually, causing me to freeze up. The rare delicacy of seafood within the castle’s walls (brought here by way of ice magic to preserve it) lost all flavor in my mouth.

“Of course, we are not talking about the immediate future,” Prati said, seeing my reaction. “But, as you may already be aware, Deftelos is on the verge of collapsing.”

The kingdom of Deftelos. Yeah, I knew all about their situation from my time as a hero. My last battle just before the assault on the Demon King’s castle had been on the front lines in a kingdom called Puroe Refshi. Deftelos was the kingdom located immediately behind theirs. By the time I had been reborn, however, Puroe Refshi had already been ravaged. This had left Deftelos completely exposed. In other words, it was the new front line. Starting last year, the demonic kingdom had stepped up their aggression against Deftelos, shaving away most of its territory. Its people were reaching the end of their rope.

“We expect to capture the capital sometime next year. Taking a capital city is quite an honor. I believe it would be the perfect first deployment for you,” Prati said, looking at me with a sweet smile. Although I had technically already recorded my first battle, I still didn’t have any experience fighting the armies of the Alliance.

“I can hardly wait.”

Taking the capital would be quite the colorful debut, wouldn’t it? What a load of crap! I tried to keep an innocent, relaxed posture while I focused on keeping my breathing in check.

Prati chuckled. “You seem much calmer than your words let on. Most youth would be boiling over at this point.” She nodded in satisfaction.

“This woman’s airheadedness can be quite helpful at times like this.”

Y-Yeah...I guess so. The fact I was raised secluded from other demon children my age had also worked quite well in my favor.

“However, Zilbagias. If you are to fight against the Alliance, experience fighting alongside beastfolk and night elves is insufficient.”

Oh, guess we’re getting back on topic.

“Once we return to the Rage family territory, the first order of business is for you to meet those who will be fighting alongside you. You could call them your retainers.”

No thanks. The last thing I want is family retainers.

“Normally they would be demons around your age, but...in your case, those your age would be no more than children.”

“Did you forget I’m also a child?”

Prati chuckled. “As you are now, you could wipe the floor with any youth yet to fully reach adulthood.”

Hey, don’t just laugh it off. I wasn’t joking.

“But is it really okay for me to be in a group with people that are much older than me?” I asked, stuffing a piece of fish into my mouth.

Prati laughed once again. “Just so you know, there are only a handful of people who could best me in a round of training, the family chief being one of those few.”

So there are some who can. That’s actually really surprising. The family chief must be something else.

“For someone like you, who can go toe to toe with me in training that borders on real combat, handling youths like them should be child’s play. Well, the youths in question will likely not view it the same way. So I’m sure you’ll receive quite the...reception upon your arrival.” A mischievous smile rose to her face. Apparently she was quite looking forward to it.

“You’re saying I might have to deal with more people like that guy with the fragile horns?” That idiot who claimed I didn’t kill Faravgi.

“Well, I can’t imagine the horns of anyone in the Rage family being quite so brittle.”

Okay, but the durability of their horns isn’t really the issue here. It’s whether they have a brain or not.

“Perhaps it would be best to make an example of one of them by displaying the feat once more, solidifying your nickname of ‘Hornbreaker Zilbagias’?”

Taking one of the members of the Rage family down a peg didn’t sound like a bad way of doing that... Oh yeah, by the way, that nickname of “Hornbreaker” was starting to catch on thanks to the incident with that moron. Well, it was currently between that or “the second coming of the Lustful” with Liliana and Layla being added to my retinue. I wasn’t quite sure which was worse.

But, to get back on topic, did that mean I’d have to start leading people that were weaker than me?

“It might be best if I fight alone. I wouldn’t want others to get wrapped up in my or Ante’s magic.”

“That is...true, I suppose.” Prati’s face clouded over as she recalled the times she had experienced Constraint herself. “You are much like Daiagias. Both in the way you fight and...other ways.”

Okay, but you’re the one who brought it up so don’t make a face like that. Like really, how am I supposed to react to that?

“So Daiagias fights without any retainers after all,” Ante mused.

According to the reports, his preferred method of fighting was by wildly unleashing Lust magic and lightning magic. Having any subordinates in the vicinity would just get in his way.

“I’d like to fight the same way he does.”

“You don’t have that luxury. While it is already unreasonable for a family to send their demon prince to the battlefield alone on his first deployment, the primary purpose of this is to allow those you are leading to have an opportunity to make a name for themselves on the battlefield.”

“I...see.” Damn. Why should their achievements be my problem? All that’s doing is killing more Alliance soldiers! “I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to protect them, though,” I said, making a resigned expression. There, that should give me some leeway.

“Anyone willing to step onto the battlefield has already accepted the worst may come,” Prati replied with a casual nod, not picking up on anything but the superficial meaning of my words.

Remember that, Prati. You said it, not me. Not my fault if they all get wiped out.

But even so, it seemed killing more soldiers of the Alliance was going to be unavoidable. I was already feeling down about it. So to try and hide my building depression, I stuffed the last piece of expensive fish into my mouth and leaned back in my chair to stare out the window. Far, far away, as if to see all the way to the distant front lines...

So anyway, it was decided I’d be heading back to the Rage family territory to find some retainers of my own.

“I’ll be gone for about a month.”

“Yes sir. Thank you for your help while you are so busy this close to your departure!” Sidar bobbed his head up and down repeatedly.

I was in the night elf quarters within the castle, lying groggily on the sofa. Since I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my obligations to him while I was away, I decided to take care of all the healing in one go before leaving. Although I was quite used to it by this point...I couldn’t help but wonder why I had to go to such lengths to heal a bunch of night elves.

“Your little dog’s adoption fee has proved quite steep, hasn’t it?”

Don’t word it like that.

The “dog” in question gave a pitiful whine. Liliana was still quite terrified of Sidar and the other night elves, so I really wanted to leave as soon as possible...but the damage I’d sustained from all that healing had robbed my legs of their strength. Liliana had jumped on top of me and shoved her head between me and the sofa, as if that was enough to hide her. Well, it hid her head but not much else. I started to stroke her hair, hoping it would calm her down, even just a little bit.

But even ignoring the quantity, the healing needed today had been pretty rough.

“Having your face crushed like that looked quite painful.”

I had been afraid that taking it all at once would knock me out. That’s why I had decided to do it in two phases, but I think that might have made things worse. I could still smell blood in my nose. The price for my healing was working as my private guard for a limited time...so this guy better get ready. I was gonna work him to death.

“Thanks to you, we have given many promising youths their futures back. I cannot help but stand in admiration of the nobility present in your spirit, Your Highness. Ah, shall I fetch you something to drink?”

Sidar laid on the insincere praise, rubbing his hands together with a forced smile like some kind of shady salesman. He had once been in charge of all interrogation procedures of the prisoners within the castle. But after the backlash he had received for letting Liliana free based on his sole judgment, he’d relinquished the position. That left him effectively unemployed, but in exchange he had been given the sole right to negotiate with me regarding the circumstances of our healing arrangement. So he was acting like even more of a big shot than he ever had before.

“Some cold mint water, then. Lots of honey. Fast.”

“As you wish!”

One look from Sidar sent Veene—who was waiting quietly at the edge of the room—dashing out.

You’re not even going to get it yourself?

Even though they were related, he still treated her rather brusquely. Now I felt bad for rushing him.

Although I had spent five years living in the Demon King’s castle, I knew very few people. Since the lich Enma had been sent to the front lines to clean up some bodies, the only other person I really had any contact with outside the Demon King’s family was the king of the dark dragons, Oruphen. And I had zero reasons to say goodbye to him. I didn’t really need to say anything to my siblings either. They’d probably suspect it was some kind of political move.

So instead my next stop was the Demon King’s office.

“I heard the story. Back to your homeland, is it?” the king said, glancing up from his pile of paperwork, the pen in his hand not so much as slowing.

“Yes. Though it feels odd to say that when I was born and raised here in the castle.”

“I suppose it would. Even so, Prati plans to send you to battle? At your age? Unbelievable,” he muttered, a rough expression on his face. “Even I didn’t see the battlefield until I was fully grown.”

“I also feel it is...a little early.” But since it was bound to happen eventually, I suppose it was better to get it out the way sooner rather than later. If I brought down the demonic kingdom sooner, the Alliance may suffer fewer losses. “I heard it is because Deftelos is on the verge of collapsing.”

“Indeed. We will probably launch the attack on their capital next year, as soon as the snow melts,” he replied, as if looking for a response out of me. “According to our spies, the Holy Church is in quite the panic. It’s a shame none of that work is going to pay off for them,” the king sneered.

“It’s not?”

“No. The Izanis family’s army has been progressing. Not only have they already taken all the land that we’re after, but they are also closing in on the capital. Their advance will likely stop in the next few days.”

The Izanis family army. So that green bastard’s still making progress.

“My understanding was that our military policy was to avoid choking the life out of the Alliance. Why did you allow the Izanis family to go so far?”

According to Founding of the Demon Kingdom written by the first Demon King, demonic society would break out into internal strife the moment the opportunity arose and would lead to its downfall. This was why having constant external enemies to fight was a necessity. If the Demon King’s armies went all out, they’d take over the entire continent in no time and would be left with nothing to do. As such, the advance of the demonic armies was strictly controlled...so why had the Izanis family been allowed this exception? I figured my question was normal enough for a demon prince.

But the Demon King looked at me with something of surprise before breaking out into a hearty chuckle. “I suppose Prati hasn’t told you anything, has she?”

The king’s statement caused me to pause before answering with, “Told me what?”

“The Izanis family will be stopping its advance just outside the capital. That means it will be up to someone else to take their place and actually take the city, doesn’t it?”

The Rage family. My first deployment. That was why I was going to the Rage family territory...oh.

“Taking a capital city is quite an honor.” Prati’s words came back to me. No way...have the Rage family really been pulling the strings just so they could get that honor for themselves?

“Looks like you’ve figured it out. Right now, Aiogias’s faction is winning honor after honor, disturbing the equilibrium between them and Rubifya’s faction. Having a family outside their conflict to be the ones to take the city would be ideal. But, a matter of this nature isn’t something just any family would be capable of. As I mentioned before, our spies have indicated there will be a large-scale reinforcement of the city headed by the Holy Church.”

“So if left to the wrong person, we could end up losing,” I commented.

“In that respect, we can rest easy leaving it to the Rage family. After failing to save the life of my father, the first Demon King, the Rage family has not been granted an opportunity to redeem themselves in battle. A rather complex set of circumstances has led to Prati and the Rage family being given the right to take the capital.”

So Prati has been hard at work behind the scenes, huh?

“No doubt to set the stage for her son. What an incredible mother she is. Astounding.”

Shut it.

“If this was Aiogias I could see it, but I’m surprised the Izanis family was willing to accept that.”

“Of course they weren’t happy. After all, the honor of taking the capital was being plucked out of their hands, so they made their feelings heard loud and clear. In truth, the western region of Deftelos was originally assigned to the Rage family. But now, in exchange for the capital, it has been left to the Izanis family. They were allowed to keep anything they could take before the Rage family made their move.”

Ah, now it makes sense why they were so aggressive. Everything they plundered they could keep.

“And naturally, they’ve also won quite a bit more healing quota than normal. I heard there has been quite a boost in the total healing available thanks to your unique little pet.”

“Oho, all the pieces are fitting together quite nicely, are they not? The slaves meant to be spent on your training are now being shuttled elsewhere to be spent like mere currency.”

The thought left me furious. Every time I thought I had saved even just a few lives, they just slipped right through my fingers.

“If that leads to us taking the capital, I’m glad to see my efforts have paid off,” I gave an ironic smile and a snort as I lied through my teeth. The king gave a wry smile of his own before retaking a serious expression.

“The reinforcements sent by the Holy Church are said to be enormous. It is possible the Sacred Tree Alliance has also stepped up to join them. You and the Rage family will be attacking a well-fortified city. Humans may be weak, but they balk at nothing when it comes to warfare. There is no telling what they will try and pull. Don’t let your guard down,” he said, staring right at me. Even though he looked down on humanity, he wasn’t underestimating them. He was very likely the strongest individual on the continent, but he wasn’t letting that go to his head. It was kind of a pain.

“I will be sure to keep that in mind.”

“Good. That said, once the Izanis family halts their advance, it will take much of the wind out of the Alliance’s sails. They will lack the energy to launch a counterattack. Plus, with so much of their food production lost, starvation will become a serious problem over the winter. Especially with so many extra forces crammed into the capital. I can’t imagine the night elves will let the supply lines go unmolested for long.”

“The demonic kingdom’s information network has really put the Alliance in a bad spot...”

No kidding. And the night elf spies are one thing. There are even human traitors working with them!

“Either way, whether fighting their last dregs or their most elite troops, the battlefield calls for nothing but our best,” I said.

“That’s a good attitude to have. Even though I said I believe it is a bit early for your first deployment, I have to admit that I’m looking forward to hearing about your results. There are no small number of warriors jealous of your honors already—even among your own family,” he said suggestively. Is he suggesting there are some even in the Rage family who aren’t looking forward to my homecoming? “You know what to do when that happens, yes?” he said, setting his pen down and giving me his full attention.

I was living in a kingdom of savages. There was only ever one answer to that question.

“To silence them with my fists. But as members of my own family, it will be hard to decide how much to hold back.”

“I can imagine. It would serve you well to gain favor with the family chief. But aside from that, don’t pull any punches. Don’t show any weakness, even to your own family.” The king’s grin sent a chill down my spine. “Teach anyone who underestimates you just where they stand. Though, if you were any other prince, I wouldn’t offer the same advice. I’m fully aware of your true goal.”

For a moment I felt my blood run cold—almost frozen solid—until I quickly realized he was referring to my secret (and false) intention of taking the throne for myself. What a naive guy. I wasn’t looking for the throne at all. My sights were set quite a bit higher! On the king’s own head!

“Understood, father.” I nodded, quietly trying to hold those feelings in. “So, don’t hold back. Perhaps I should make an example out of one of them by breaking their horns.”

“Don’t do that.”

And so with all of my goodbyes complete, I left the castle behind.

†††

The demons of the ancient past lived in a stupidly small area, and their land was terrible. Their greatest wish was to have a vast, prosperous land to call their own. That was why the first Demon King had freely given away land to his subordinates. His ambition wasn’t to exalt himself, but rather to make demons more prosperous. He prioritized these gifts to those who were strong and his greatest supporters. This resulted in solidifying the western region of the continent such as areas surrounding the Demon King’s castle with the most powerful families. In contrast, the weaker families were left with whatever remained. This meant they were usually forced to make their homes in the region to the east—closer to the front lines. Though, amusingly, the eastern regions were actually more fertile than the western ones.

So, when it came to the Rage family I was born into, they were among the highest ranked families in the kingdom. They boasted a sizable territory just southwest of the castle. Apparently it was once an entire human kingdom that they had absorbed. It took the skeleton horses a bit more than a day to reach it from the castle, so while it wasn’t exactly far away, it wasn’t super close either. Although it would take a dragon about an hour, we were traveling by carriage for this trip. As winter was approaching, the skies were quite cold. Plus, we weren’t in much of a hurry and we had to account for the large number of people we were bringing with us.

So here I was, being shaken in a carriage yet again.

“Not that there is much shaking,” Ante commented.

I suppose.

Thanks to Enma’s little black box, the turbulence we experienced was kept to a minimum. I couldn’t help but want to apologize to the skeletons trapped inside it.

Prati, Sophia, Veene, and I were sitting quietly inside the carriage. I would have preferred to have Liliana and Layla with me, but even without taking Prati’s opinion into consideration, it would leave a bad impression with the rest of the Rage family if I arrived in a carriage full of my “lovers.”

I didn’t care all that much about what gossip or rumors people spread about me, but Prati didn’t share that indifference. On that note, when I went to report to my mother about how well things had been going with Layla, she had snapped and thrown a fit out of nowhere. Now every time she saw Layla, she just glared daggers at her. She hadn’t been nearly as bothered when it was implied I’d be sleeping with Liliana, so what was it about Layla that irked her so much?

“Maybe it is an issue of self-awareness?” Ante suggested.

A mother whose criteria for caring about her son’s girlfriend being about whether or not the girl is self-aware...I’m unsure how to feel about that.

At any rate, with all that having happened, I was now traveling in the same carriage as Prati. Sinking into the seat beside me, she was slowly starting to nod off. She wasn’t the type to usually lower her guard, so this was a rare opportunity for her to relax. Sophia was silently perusing the latest history books acquired from the front lines. She was really taking her time, thoroughly enjoying each page, as if afraid she might finish them too quickly.

Directly across from me was Veene, sitting at attention. As our eyes met, her pointed ears drooped a bit, her expression turning a little sad. Stuck here with the three of us, all ranked considerably above her, left her hardly any room to relax. During our previous excursion out of the castle, she had been allowed to travel with the other night elves. I had to imagine traveling with people she knew on a more casual basis was a lot more comfortable.

I waggled my eyebrows a bit, intentionally putting some pressure on her. It seemed my attack landed, as it prompted a bit of silent laughter from her before she gave up and turned to look out the window, sinking back into her seat.

“She can be strangely bold, can’t she?”

Veene seemed like she was a bit...off compared to the other night elves. It made me wonder how she’d react if I angrily lashed out at her for daring to relax. Though I kept that bit of sadistic curiosity to myself. At least I would for now, in deference to Prati sleeping beside me.

As I entertained those thoughts, I turned to look out the window of the carriage as well. We had left the castle in the evening, and had been traveling for a few hours now. With nothing but starlight to illuminate the countryside, there wasn’t much to see but darkness.

Being the territory under the direct control of the castle, the road was lined with farms and orchards that had already been thoroughly harvested. It was kind of a dreary sight. Every once in a while we could spot what looked like a beastfolk village, but there were never any lit lamps, so they were likely all fast asleep. The carriage was moving at an incredible pace, so the scenery passed us by with little time to enjoy it. Hmm. There really isn’t much for us to see. I was getting kind of bored.

“Last time you had your pet cat and dog all over you, didn’t you?”

For some reason Ante seemed a bit thorny today. Ugh...I hate to admit it...but I’ve really gotten used to petting people whenever my hands are free. Whether it be Liliana, Garunya, or even Layla. Now I’m feeling kinda anxious without anyone to pet.

But there was no one I could pet in this carriage! Even with Prati sleeping, no way would I do anything like that around her even if I had someone to pet.

“Hmm. Then how about this?” Ante said, materializing before me. It was (an illusion of) the Devil God Antendeixis. An image that only I could see or feel.

“I should prove to be sufficient entertainment for you, no?” She gave a mischievous smile as she snuggled up beside me. “Be grateful.”

You just don’t want to be left out of the petting, huh?

“Quiet you.”

Gah! You may be an illusion, but you jabbing me in the eyes still hurts like hell! Fine, fine. Thank you for allowing me to pet you, oh great Devil God Ante.

“Think nothing of it.”

And so, with all my strength, I started stroking Ante’s hair.

†††

At that time, Huh? What is going on?! Is he so desperate for a woman that he’s now seeing things...?!

Veene immediately tensed up as she noticed Zilbagias stroking the air with a faint smile rising to his face. It took every ounce of willpower she could muster to keep looking out the window while praying to the dark gods that their journey would be over soon.

†††

Meanwhile, in the carriage behind them, Layla was completely immersed in studying a book written in the human writing system. Across from her sat Liliana and Garunya, both deep in sleep and snoring loudly. The soft cushions and lack of shaking in the carriage had lulled them into a comfortable snooze. Liliana was leaning on Garunya. Either Garunya was just a heavy sleeper or Liliana was too small to disturb her as the cat beastfolk maid was still so deep in sleep that she was starting to drool a little.

Layla glanced at them out of the corner of her eye with a frown as she turned the page. Only just recently had she gotten a good grasp on the phonetic characters the humans used and was now starting to get a handle on the ideographic ones. So this adult-aimed romance story turned into quite the challenging endeavor for her as she couldn’t understand it at all. By the way, though it was “aimed at adults,” that just meant it wasn’t intended for a younger audience. It wasn’t anything inappropriate.

Layla’s one saving grace was that Sophia had created a special dictionary she could use specifically for this book. Any character that Sophia thought would be too difficult for Layla was written down based on order of appearance in the book. These characters were accompanied by the proper readings in the demonic script Layla was more familiar with to compare it to.

Thanks to that, Layla was somehow barely able to trudge through the book despite being a complete novice when it came to reading the human script. Right now, she was at the part of the story where the two lovers were being torn apart due to the circumstances involving their parents. Layla couldn’t put the book down as she empathized strongly with the heroine.

Layla gave a heavy, longing sigh as she came to the end of the chapter. Feeling someone’s gaze on her, Layla turned to see an old beastfolk lady knitting while sitting beside her. The veteran servant was looking at Layla with a warm smile.

“What a good girl you are, Layla. Even while traveling like this you’re still studying.” She nodded over and over, impressed. “I can’t read at all you see. So in my eyes, you’re quite incredible.”

“N-No, I’m nothing special...” Besides, I’m not studying, I’m just reading a love story... “I just...really want to be useful to Lord Zilbagias as soon as possible.”

Blushing a little, she gave a flustered excuse—although it wasn’t entirely a lie. She was diligently studying so hard because she thought being able to read the human writing system would be useful. In a number of ways.

“How admirable. You didn’t hear it from me, but I really wish that girl would put in a bit more effort. She’s much smarter than I am, so she shouldn’t be wasting her talent...” the old lady said, eyes shifting over to the unconscious Garunya with a sigh. “Ah, now she’s even starting to drool. She’s going to ruin the cushions.”

“Ah, please, let her sleep,” Layla said, stopping the old beastfolk from waking her. She then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the drool from Garunya’s mouth. “Garunya is very, very tired. She should be allowed to rest.”

Recently Garunya had been pouring every ounce of strength into her goal—becoming a Fistmaster. Every second of free time she spent on training. So at times like this, where she was stuck traveling and couldn’t do much else, resting was the right thing for her to do. She was naturally gifted physically as a beastfolk, but she still had her limits.

“I will become a Fistmaster that my master can be proud of!”

With that declaration, she had begun pushing her body as far as she could without obstructing her duties as a servant. Her strikes were getting so powerful that Layla figured they’d probably be pretty painful if she took them while in dragon form.

On that note, Layla was also learning a little bit of self-defense. Though, either because Garunya was just that strong or Layla was just that bad at using her human body, most of their training involved Layla being thrown around like a rag doll.

“B-But anyway, as long as you don’t get killed instantly, you’re pretty strong.”

The conclusion was that once she returned to her original form she’d be quite a bit stronger, so the main focus of their training was on her surviving surprise attacks while in human form so she could transform into that state.

Seeing Garunya’s relaxed, sleeping face stirred a bit of sorrow in Layla. She really liked Garunya. Ever since she had been taken in by Zilbagias, Garunya treated her with nothing but kindness. Layla couldn’t be more grateful. But...when she thought of Zilbagias’s ultimate goal, then someday Garunya too...

Layla’s fingers unconsciously tightened around her book. Even so. Layla wanted to be helpful to Alex. After wiping Garunya’s mouth one more time, Layla sat back in her seat and returned to her reading in earnest.

†††

Meanwhile, in the western region of Deftelos.

“Looks like...we’ve managed...to survive!”

A black-haired swordswoman looked up at the sky as it took on the first signs of dawn, dropping to her knees at the realization the Demon King’s army was retreating. Around her was a sea of corpses. Among them were people with a myriad of injuries. From night elf arrows in their foreheads, to heads split open by spears, to bodies torn apart, and even some bodies burned to a crisp by magic...it was harder to find someone who was alive. She’d be surprised if there was anyone left unwounded.

This fortress was meant to be in the rear to act as a supply point for the front lines...but now it was the front line. They had survived the demonic assault that had lasted the entire night partially due to the death-defying counterattack, but also thanks to the group of allied forces who had been retreating that they joined up with, and additional reinforcements from the Holy Church that had arrived around the same time. If it hadn’t been for those heroes and high-ranking priests that were still relatively fresh, this fortress would have fallen long ago. But even if they survived today...

“Looks like it’s my turn,” the swordswoman muttered, the bitterness in her expression making it somewhat difficult to call it a wry “smile.”

“Oh, Barbara, you survived?” a hoarse voice called to her from behind. Turning around, she saw an old beastfolk warrior waving at her. White fur mixed with gray, his ears coming to sharp points, with a long, protruding nose—he was a wolf beastfolk of the Wise Wolf Clan, both hands all but black with blood. The blood of their enemies, of course.

“Ah, Master!” Barbara hurriedly corrected her posture. “Forgive me for showing such weakness!” Despite the old beastfolk not being her teacher, she had the utmost respect for him.

“It is nothing. Even my back is starting to hurt...” In contrast to Barbara’s formal attitude, the beastfolk gave an aloof frown. “After that assault, I half-expected to see you flat on your back. Good job on surviving! The fact we both made it is what matters!” he finished with a laugh, slapping Barbara on the shoulder...and then pulling his face close.

“The hero is gathering our strongest,” he whispered, low enough that only she could hear. “It seems they have some sort of plan.” His sharp eyes did not show a hint of his advanced age. “I know you must be exhausted, but I will have to ask you to come with me.”

“Yes sir.” Fighting through her fatigue, she forced herself back to her feet. The battle wasn’t over yet.

In a sense, the interior of the fortress was in worse shape than the corpse-laden battlefield outside. The cramped, narrow corridors were lined with injured soldiers. There was barely any room to walk. The old master and Barbara had to be quite careful as they picked their way around the wounded. All the injured sat impatiently awaiting their turn with the healer, stifling groans and cries of pain. The human priests and forest elf mages were running around with visible desperation while trying to do as much as possible, but the exhausted expressions were palpable. It was clear they were lacking the resources to deal with this many wounded.

“Boss...” a frail voice called to them from the floor. Looking down, Barbara saw a pale-faced man looking up at her weakly...or at least, what was visible of his face was pale. Although half of that face and much of his abdomen were covered in bloody bandages, it was still a very much familiar face.

“Oh, your number didn’t come up today?” Barbara replied with the same energy as always.

“Too soon to say,” the injured man replied with a wry smile.

“You look an awful lot more handsome than last time I saw you.”

“Ha...not as much as you...”

“Excuse me? What was that?” Stooping down she poked at his yet healthy cheek, earning some pitiful whines about how that still hurt due to his injuries. Looking him over again, she noticed his dominant arm was missing from the elbow down. If that missing part was no longer attached to him, it had likely been lost somewhere on the battlefield. There were very few healers who could handle missing body parts. And there was no telling when he’d get access to such high-level healing even if someone capable of it were around. This man would be of little use come the next battle...thus meaning he would likely not receive healing until things died down.

“Looks like I might be getting laid off soon...” he murmured, voice ripe with resignation. Men that sounded as though they had accepted their impending death was something Barbara couldn’t stand.

“Stop whining!” she shouted, jabbing his forehead with her finger and earning another pained cry from him. “You still owe me like ten drinks. If you’re gonna kick the bucket, do it after you pay me back!”

The soldier chuckled weakly. “No mercy, huh?” There was nothing he could do but laugh at her harsh treatment.

“I’ll carry you to the bar myself if I have to, so make sure you keep it together.”

“Thanks,” he sighed, closing his good eye. “I’ll try to get healthy enough so I can get around by just borrowing a shoulder to lean on.”

“Good. Though that’s another debt I’ll be expecting you to pay back.”

“Aha ha...don’t worry, I’ll pay you back in full once we’re home...” The man smiled, his efforts turning to recovery. After slapping the man on the shoulder, Barbara got back to her feet. With a nod to the old beastfolk, they continued on their way.

That was just an act though, wasn’t it?

Despite the confidence in the man’s voice, he had been a wreck. No one would be surprised if his life slipped away after just a moment of reprieve. They could hope he would receive healing in time, but the amount of wounded was staggering. At times like this, Barbara cursed her own lack of ability as all she could do was swing a sword. Moping about it wouldn’t accomplish anything, but she couldn’t help feeling that way.

The beastfolk of the Wise Wolf Clan gave her a concerned glance but abstained from speaking. No...it was more like he had nothing to say. He likely shared the same feelings as the swordswoman.

Human swordswomen were actually fairly rare. Even though there were plenty of women among the ranks of heroes and priests, due to humans lacking when it came to magic, the rest of them were forced to rely on plain muscle when it came to hand-to-hand combat. They couldn’t use magic to reinforce their bodies like the other races did. As such, the vast majority of soldiers and swordsmen were male. Women only reached the battlefield if they possessed exceptional talent, or if particular circumstances forced them there.

Barbara fit both of those criteria. She had a strong gaze, black hair tied back to keep it out of her way, and a face covered in scars. Well, not just her face. Her whole body was covered in them, telling stories of the countless battlefields she had waded through.

The Swordswoman Barbara—also known as the Unicorn Swordmaster, Barbara. She was truly a rare talent, possessing the abilities of a Swordmaster while still in her thirties. The nickname came from the single-horned helmet passed down to her from her ancestors, and the way she punched through even the thickest enemy armor with ease. Her undeniable talent, immeasurable foolhardiness, and frank personality had led to those around her affectionately referring to her as “Boss.” But when those same people heard she was actually of noble birth, typically they couldn’t wrap their minds around it.

Barbara da Rosa. She was the second daughter of a countryside noble family...belonging to what used to be a neighboring country. Although they were weak compared to other noble families, they were still nobility. So they possessed a magical talent considerably above that of other humans...but Barbara had been born with less than zero. Even though her parents had been quite disappointed, since she had a talented older brother and sister, she was raised with a far more apathetic approach.

Maybe that was why, despite being a child of nobility, she had spurned the refinement of noble society in favor of learning swordsmanship for self-defense. Tormented by her lack of magical ability, she had compensated by devoting herself to the blade. And soon discovered she had a remarkable natural talent for the blade. By the time she was fifteen years old, her family’s swordsmanship instructor could no longer even challenge her. She had refined her body to a point unthinkable for a noblewoman.

Seeing her daughter discarding all sense of femininity, her mother had tried to put a stop to her training. She’d had one of her family’s knights challenge her daughter to single combat to teach her a lesson, but Barbara had bested him with ease. Perhaps he had been holding back, but there was no excuse for a seasoned veteran to lose to a teenage girl. Her father had found the result rather amusing, and so had permitted her to continue the path of swordsmanship.

And then the armies of the Demon King had attacked, changing everything. Her father and older brother had been killed in battle, and the demonic onslaught continued. In place of her older sister, who had no experience or talent for combat, Barbara had led her family’s troops to battle. Though she was incredibly skilled with the sword, she had received no training at all in command. But the army had no room to play pretend and treat her like a little princess. Barbara dived right into the front lines.

In her battles with beastfolk and ogres, at barely over the age of twenty, she grasped the essence of overcoming the laws of nature. It was said that even the greatest of Swordmasters didn’t awaken until their thirties. For her to awaken so young, and as a woman no less, had her lauded as an undeniable genius.

But no matter how unstoppable she was on the battlefield, she was still only a single swordswoman. It would take more than her alone to turn the tides of the war. The army continued to lose, continued to retreat, and eventually their kingdom collapsed.