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============
"It was a long... a very long battle."
The clear voice of the young girl on the stage resonated in the eardrums of the people gathered in the plaza.
"Through the evil god's game, the world was trapped in a chain of hatred for countless eons... many lives were lost. Many tears flowed."
Her voice trembled slightly, perhaps from sadness.
As if to mirror her, the audience also looked down, tears welling in their eyes. At the same time, they were deeply moved by the goddess's compassionate heart, shedding tears for them.
"Still, we must look forward. Carrying the feelings of those who have passed, we must continue to live in this world."
Responding to the girl who looked up to prevent her tears from overflowing, the audience also raised their faces.
"From this moment, we walk together. Both parties, step forward."
Responding to the girl's voice, a young man and a middle-aged man appeared from the side of the stage.
"Representative of the Human Race, Eliheid S. B. Heiligh, current King of the Heiligh Kingdom. Do you wish to perform the peace ritual with the Demon Race and join hands with them?"
"Indeed. I swear upon the name of the 'Goddess of Fertility'."
"Representative of the Demon Race, Aldias, current Demon King of the Garland Demon Kingdom. Do you wish to perform the peace ritual with the Human Race and join hands with them?"
"Yes. I swear upon the name of the 'Goddess of Fertility'."
"I have indeed heard the words of both parties. Now, for the token of friendship."
At those words, Eliheid and Aldias stepped forward and shook hands before "the Goddess of Fertility"âAiko.
At that moment, cheers echoed through the plaza, making it tremble.
As everyone cheered in their own way, Aiko also clapped her hands in front of the two who were shaking hands. Her expression, hidden from the audience by Eliheid and Aldias, had turned from white to an earthy hue.
(Mmm, bad. I might be reaching my limit soon.)
Aldias, glancing at her, sensed Aiko's limit.
In this plaza, humans, demons, beastfolk (formerly demi-humans), and even dragonkin as witnesses were gathered.
In any world, a changing of the era is a solemn yet grand affair.
The end of the long war between humans and demons. The complete abolition of demi-human slavery. The establishment of an alliance among all races, including the dragonkin.
All of this was promised before "the Goddess of Fertility."
Yes, from the beginning to the end of this long ceremony, Aiko was constrained on the stage.
Aiko thought. As a teacher, she was used to standing in front of people. She was used to it, but this was too much...
After all, what lay before her was an endless sea of people, incomparable to the students in a school. There were small children, and elderly people twice or thrice her age. Every single one of them was adoring and praising her.
They cheered at her every word, and were moved by her every gesture.
To my mother on Earth,
How are you? I'm sure you're very worried since I suddenly disappeared. Since then, I've been living a turbulent life. There were many difficult and painful times. But I managed to overcome them with the help of my students.
Also, it seems my students have grown up quite remarkably without me knowing.
Especially Nagumo-kun, he's become something amazing, or rather, cool, it made my heart flutter a little, that's unfair, if someone speaks to me so gently like that, anyone would, but we're teacher and student, and as adults, that's not really, but once he graduates, age isn't really that much of an issue, but there's Shea-san and the others, and if there are many others, maybe me too, etc...
...Ahem, never mind. Anyway, there's so much I want to talk about. I'll definitely be back soon. However, there's something I absolutely need your advice on.
It seems I've become the god who rules the world. What should I do?
From your daughter, Aiko
P.S.
I've learned one thing. Just standing there is the hardest thing.
---
A month had passed since the battle for the fate of humanity.
For a few days after that decisive battle, it was a whirlwind of treating the wounded, mourning the dead, and guiding refugees. However, with the representatives of each race leading, the aftermath of the battle progressed smoother than expected.
And today, under the guidance of Aiko, renowned as "the Goddess of Fertility," the establishment of a treaty to unite the disparate races was promised.
The chain of hatred had been severed. However, hatred itself had not disappeared. Many more obstacles would surely arise. Nevertheless, at this very moment, the history of humanity, which had stagnated for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, had truly begun to move.
Gahard watched the scene in silence.
Ranzi spoke to the silent Gahard.
"What's wrong, Lord Gahard? Is something troubling you? Does your country still have reservations about the demi-humans... I mean, beastfolk?"
"Hm? Oh, no, it's not that. It's certainly a hassle in many ways, but I've been prepared for that for a long time."
The Heiligh Kingdom and the Ankaji Duchy originally had a discriminatory attitude towards demi-humans, but had few opportunities to directly interfere.
However, the Hoelscher Empire was different. They utilized demi-humans as national labor, so the abolition of slavery would directly lead to a decline in national power.
Ranzi thought that this might be the source of concern, but Gahard knew this would happen the moment they were defeated by the demon race and an alliance between the demon race and demi-humans was decided. It was too late now. More importantly...
"Until now, I believed that military strength was the only power to strengthen a nation."
No matter how many fine words were spoken, words without power held no value. The history of Tortus to date had proven this.
That's why Gahard sought power more than anyone else. Believing it would lead to the prosperity of the Empire, and ultimately, his own reign.
Therefore, the events of the past few months had significantly changed Gahard's values.
"Power isn't just simple brute strength or military might."
Gahard muttered softly, yet as if to convince himself. His words were answered by the elders, Ulfric and Adul.
"There's nothing strange about it. What power is, what a nation is, I still don't know."
"Me too. But he's the one who didn't stop there, but continued to walk, searching, isn't he?"
At Adul's words, the three followed his gaze, where Aldias stood on the stage.
"Of course, I don't mean to say it's his achievement alone. But the scene we see now is undoubtedly because he started walking ahead, fumbling his way forward."
Stepping into a darkness where not an inch ahead could be seen required extraordinary resolve. He must have hit walls many times. He must have stumbled many times. Yet, many were inspired by his back and followed him.
"He's truly amazing."
Agreeing with his words, the leaders of each country nodded. They held a feeling akin to admiration for the young man, whose age was comparable to their own sons or grandsons.
"...Hmm, by the way, regarding the alliance reinforcement, what are your thoughts?"
The sudden remark from Ulfric broke the prolonged silence.
"What do you... mean?"
Ranzi tilted his head, not understanding the meaning of the words. Adul next to him looked similarly puzzled.
However, only Gahard accurately grasped its meaning.
"Marriage?"
"---!!"
At Gahard's grin, Ranzi and Adul's expressions also changed in surprise.
It was not uncommon for royalty or nobility to form engagements as a sign of alliance. The Partner would, of course, be Aldias, the Demon King, who possessed the greatest power in Tortus.
"I think my granddaughter, Altina, is perfect for him... Their ages are close, and they've known each other since childhood. Altina herself has feelings for him. It wouldn't be bad."
"Hey, hey, then we have a daughter named Tracy, don't we? She's a bit mischievous, but she's pretty. She wouldn't look out of place next to Aldias."
Competing with Ulfric, who proudly boasted about his granddaughter, Gahard mentioned his own daughter's name.
As an aside, when Tracy was actually introduced to Aldias, a blonde, drill-haired woman with sparkling eyes suddenly swung a scythe and subdued Aldias in an instant, but that is a story for the not-too-distant future.
"Hmm, I might as well start talking to Aile about it. I can trust Lord Aldias."
"I'd like to say Tio... but it seems she has another person she likes. Is Venri, perhaps, too old?"
Furthermore, Ranzi began to ponder if it would be good for his daughter, who was coming of age, and Adul, putting Tio aside (who was already infatuated with Hajime), mentioned the name of the woman who served as Tio's wet nurse and attendant. Although there was an age difference, given the racial differences, it might not be that much of a concern, he thought, and changed his mind.
"!"
At that moment, a tense atmosphere began to rise among the four.
When it came to marriage for alliance reinforcement, it contained a lot of political meaning, but they had little of that intention.
To fulfill their precious granddaughter's first love.
Worrying about the future of a daughter who might not find a suitor.
From a parent's heart, wanting to send their daughter to someone trustworthy if she were to marry.
For the attendant who was always with his granddaughter and had no chance for a relationship.
Sparks flew between the leaders of each country.
(He has charisma, and is deeply trusted by the people. And yet, he is humble and likable, not proud of his achievements. Can I entrust Liliana to him?)
Unaware of the dispute unfolding at the side of the stage, Eliheid leisurely pondered such things.
---
The ceremony held before "the Goddess of Fertility" ended successfully, and for today, reconstruction work in the city was halted, and a national banquet was held.
Numerous races linked arms, savored delicacies, and drank together. Soldiers on patrol were occasionally seen as a precaution, but so far, no problems seemed to have arisen. This was a testament to the immense influence of "the Goddess of Fertility."
Among them were Kouki and the other isekai group members.
However, not all of them were present. Only those who participated in the decisive battle were here. The students who were not present during the battle had not yet left the royal castle. Kouki and the others had invited them directly, but even the "minor villains" refrained from coming.
No, "refrained" might be a bit off. After the battle ended, they learned of the exploits of those who went to battleâand especially Kouki'sâthrough intermediaries. At the time, they were even indignant at the report. How could he put them through all this, and then go off to curry favor again?
However, the time spent doing nothing was enough for them to reflect on their own actions. While Kouki was certainly the catalyst, they were the ones who followed him. How ugly they looked, blaming Kouki unilaterally and cursing him, while putting themselves on a pedestal.
Because of this, they were still holed up in the royal castle. To put it simply, they couldn't face Kouki. After saying all those things, they couldn't bring themselves to apologize and were dragging their feet.
Kouki, for his part, believed that what happened then was his own responsibility, brought about by his own inadequacy, so even if they felt sorry, he held no resentment whatsoever...
Despite this misunderstanding, Shizuku and the others didn't take it too seriously. Believing that Kouki would surely not come to harm now, they decided to watch over him without interfering.
At first, Kouki was hesitant to participate in the banquet, feeling unworthy, but he was swept up by the smiles around him, and now his face was beaming.
"Oh, Lord Hero! Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Come, please, this way!"
"Please, tell us of your brave deeds!"
"Lord Hero~!"
"Uh, um... Ah, thank you."
Soldiers who fought in the same battle, non-combatants, and even small children called out to Kouki whenever they saw him.
He was called out to everywhere he went, endlessly, but Kouki, despite being pressured by their enthusiasm, politely responded to each person.
Shizuku and the others watched this scene with amused smiles, though also a hint of exasperation.
"Jeez, he's completely back to normal in just a month."
"He really is. Hope he doesn't get carried away again."
"Both of you are saying that, but your faces are grinning, aren't they?"
"Ugh!?"
Ryutaro and Shizuku, who had uttered what could be seen as complaints towards the fawning Kouki, were pointed out by Suzu about their relaxed expressions and blushed slightly.
After all, as childhood friends, they were probably happy that Kouki's achievements were recognized. The fact that he wasn't just being praised simply because he was a hero, as before, was also part of the reason.
"If you're happy Kouki-kun is being praised, you should just say so honestly... right? Don't you think so, E-ri-rin?"
Responding to Suzu's words, a girl with black, natural bobbed hairâEriâappeared from behind Suzu.
"...It's not like I..."
"Come on, don't say that. It's not so bad being with Suzu and the others, right?"
"Ugh!? Forget it!! Erase every single word from your memory!!"
To Suzu, who was teasing her with a grin, Eri's face turned bright red as she raised her voice.
(Ah, damn it!? Why did I say such a thing!? It's all that old geezer's fault!!)
On the day of that decisive battle. Eri had indeed died once.
However, the moment the battle ended, her wounds healed as if time had rewound, and her stopped heartbeat began to beat again. There was only one person who could do such a thing.
(So he never intended to kill me from the beginning?)
Whether that was his intention from the start... or if something had changed his mind... there was no way to confirm now that he wasn't here.
(He said he'd just listen and not interfere... Does he seriously think I can be happy now?)
As Eri cursed him in her mind, Suzu spoke to her cheerfully.
"Ahahaha! But it's good, isn't it? Honestly, I was preparing for some kind of punishment."
"Right, for that, we have to thank Aldias-san."
"...Hmph."
While they cried tears of joy at Eri's revival, the fact that Eri had opposed humanity remained unchanged.
Kouki and the others went directly to Aldias, hoping to at least get some leniency for herâ
"What nonsense are you spouting? I remember the woman next to SpaĂ, but she looks nothing like this one from her hair color."
"Huh? Ah... no, that's--"
"Besides, Cattleya reported to me that she had dealt with that woman. Right, Cattleya?"
"Yes, there's no mistake. The situation was tense, so I couldn't capture her alive, but I definitely ended her life with my own hands."
"That's how it is. I understand that your minds might be confused after the battle. You should rest your body slowly for a while. Both you and that young girl over there."
With just that, Kouki and the others understood Aldias and the others' consideration, and at that time, they simply bowed their heads in silence.
Eri's existence was not known to anyone other than Aldias and the representatives of each country. Since her hair and eye color were different, her impression changed completely, and she caused no stir when she went out into the city.
(Honestly, everyone does whatever they want.)
She endangered the world. She betrayed humanity. She hurt her friends. This idiotic girl should just be abandoned already.
It's annoying. People acting like adults and meddling.
It's annoying. People treating her normally, just like before.
It's annoying. The part of herself that feels happy about it.
(If that's what you say, then I'll do it. I'll grasp "my" own happiness. So...)
She looked up at the cloudless sky, directing her gaze to someone who might be watching from there.
(Just watch with your fingers in your mouth, Lord SpaĂ, Father.)
As Eri was lost in thought, Kouki finally returned.
"Phew, I'm finally free."
"Oh! You were popular, pretty boy!"
"You could've stayed with the girls who invited you, you know?"
"Kouki-kun, weren't you proposed to by a little girl? You heartbreaker!"
"Huh!? No, that's not it!? Ah, no, it's not like it was a bother, but...!?"
Finally freed from the crowd, Kouki was greeted by a storm of teasing from his childhood friends.
"Here too?" Kouki looked a little exasperated, which only made Shizuku and the others grin wider.
Eri stepped between them and entwined her arm with Kouki's.
"Huh? Uh, Eri?"
"Hm? What is it, Kouki-kun?"
"No, well... aren't you a little close?"
"There's nothing strange about it. I like Kouki-kun, after all."
"But that's..."
It was just because he thoughtlessly interfered in Eri's situation...
"Listen, just so you know, no matter what your intentions were, if Kouki-kun hadn't found me that day, I wouldn't be here now. I might have even committed suicide then."
Certainly, Eri's affection was distorted. But that was merely the result of her mother's abuse and her dissatisfaction with Kouki not noticing her, which affected her mind and caused it to transform.
That day, the boy Kouki saved the girl Eri who was about to abandon her life.
The throbbing in her chest she felt at that moment was undeniably... Eri's true first love.
"This time, I won't beat around the bush. I'll tell you how much I like Kouki-kun, head-on and without reservation... So, be prepared."
Saying that, Eri smiled.
It wasn't the somewhat reserved smile she showed in her original world, nor the mocking smile she displayed in this world. It was a mysterious smile that reminded one of an older woman.
To clarify, Eri was a beautiful girl, easily on par with Kaori or Shizuku. Until now, to stay inconspicuous next to Kouki, she often hid behind Suzu, so she was never a topic of conversation, but her hidden potential was certainly not inferior to theirs.
And what would happen if such a person, at close range, with an alluring aura different from before, expressed her affection head-on...?
---!?
Conclusion: Kouki was also a boy of that age, it seems.
Kouki's face turned bright red, and his gaze darted around frantically.
"...? Kouki-kun?"
"Ah, uh... well, I, I..."
"Hey, Lord Hero! Why don't you join us for a celebratory drink over here?"
"Ah, yes! I'm coming now!!"
As Eri tilted her head at Kouki's suspicious movements, a voice called out to Kouki at an opportune or inopportune moment, and he gratefully ran off towards it.
"He ran away."
"What are you saying? Kouki just went because he was called, right?"
"Yes, yes, Ryutaro, just be quiet for a moment."
Shizuku, who had sensed Kouki's quick movements from a momentary change in his expression, glared at Kouki's retreating back as she said this, while Ryutaro, who was oblivious to such things, made a tactless remark.
"Men," Shizuku sighed, while Eri harbored the slightly off-kilter thought, "Kouki-kun is still so kind to everyone."
"...Hey, Eri? That just now... it wasn't on purpose, was it?"
"? What are you talking about?"
"No, nothing... *sigh*"
Suzu also let out a big sigh at her best friend, who seemed to completely misunderstand Kouki's feelings.
Perhaps, if Eri hadn't caused trouble and had directly expressed her feelings, it wouldn't have escalated into a world-engulfing conflict? She harbored that thought in her heart...
---
"Papa! I want to go over there next!"
"Hm? Oh, alright."
The scene changed, and Hajime's group was also enjoying the banquet in a relaxed atmosphere, for now. Although, more often than not, Hajime was being pulled around by Myu, who wanted to go here and there.
"Hajime-san is as sweet as ever to Myu-chan."
"It's as if his resistance to being called 'father' was just a phantom."
"Now, anyone would see them as parent and child."
"Oh my, she's happy to be with Papa again, isn't she?"
Myu seemed stimulated by the curious foods of not only humans, but also demon folk, beastfolk, and even dragonkin, and was beaming with various foods in both hands.
As Hajime kept giving in to his child's cuteness and giving her whatever she wanted, only to be admonished by Shea and the others, he saw a familiar figure walking towards them.
"Hmm, Nagumo Hajime."
"Freid. That's unusual, for you not to be by Aldias's side."
"I'm not always with him. More importantly, it's good that I ran into you here."
Hajime tilted his head, as he mostly remembered Freid being behind Aldias, and now he was walking without even his subordinates. However, Freid easily brushed that off and seemed to have business with Hajime.
As Hajime tilted his head again at Freid's request, his eyes widened at the words that followed.
"A plan to return you all to your original world has come into sight."
"---!? Is that true!?"
"Yes, further actual verification is needed, but with your cooperation, it shouldn't be a problem."
"I see... I see! But I thought you'd start working on it after things settled down in this world..."
"Lord Aldias is a man who keeps his promises. It is also for the sake of Lady Aiko, who is currently cooperating. Lord Aldias, Aletia, and Miledi, three individuals highly skilled in magic, worked together. Once the trigger is found, it's easy to draw it in."
According to Freid, the Liberators, including Miledi, left behind an artifact called the "Guidance Compass," one of their concept magics. Originally created to locate the divine realm where Ehit and others resided, if they could use it to pinpoint coordinates, they could recreate a gate connecting worlds using Hajime's strong desire to return as a medium... or so it was said.
"...No, you say that so easily, but that's like creating a new concept magic, isn't it? Is it really okay?"
"Lord Aldias possesses Ehit's memories. Naturally, he understands the summoning magic that brought you all here. Moreover, Lord Aldias says that compared to rebelling against a god, this is nothing."
"Ah, I'm grateful, but... it's really getting more and more anything-goes."
Certainly, compared to fighting such a monster again, it might be so, but Hajime's expression still twitched at Aldias, who so easily found a way to cross worlds.
Still, he expressed joy that a way to return had been found. In reality, it hadn't been established yet, as verification was still needed, but he was unconsciously hoping that Aldias would surely... Kaori, also from the same otherworld group as Hajime, smiled, and Shea and the others thought about Hajime's unknown homeland.
"Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that. And from here on, it's my personal business... Nagumo Hajime, clench your teeth."
"---Huh? *Guh!*?"
As Hajime froze at the sudden words, a sharp pain shot through his left cheek, and he was sent flying against the wall.
"Hajime-kun!?"
"Hey!? What are you doing, all of a sudden!?"
"F-Freid-dono!?"
"Papa!?"
"Oh, my, my."
Startled by Hajime being suddenly punched, Shea and Kaori glared fiercely at Freid. Myu was about to rush to Hajime's side immediately, but Remia hugged her to prevent the child from getting in the way until the situation was understood.
In such a situation, only Tio looked at Freid in confusion. Having interacted with Freid more than the others, she couldn't believe Freid would do something like this without a reason.
"That hurts...! You, what the hell are you--"
Of course, Hajime wouldn't stay silent after such a thing, and he immediately glared at Freid and opened his mouth, but Freid quickly closed the distance and grabbed him by the collar.
His gaze even contained killing intent, making even Hajime feel a little uneasy, thinking, "Did I do something?"
"...You were the one who created that pervert, weren't you?"
Freid's finger pointed in the direction of Tio, who was watching the situation in confusion, without taking his eyes off Hajime.
The one who was pointed at tilted her head curiously, saying, "Eh, me?"
"No, I mean, she was like that from the start, or rather--"
"It. Was. You."
"Ah, yes, it was."
Hajime, feeling a bad premonition, tried to deny it, saying that she was like that from the start and it wasn't his fault, but he instinctively replied in polite language to Freid's words, which were filled with increased intimidation.
"Do you understand how much damage I suffered because of you...? Just remembering it makes my skin crawl."
Freid had temporarily made Tio his subordinate during that battle.
In that instant, Tio's true desire, which could be called her essence, flowed into Freid's mind.
How repulsive and terrifying it was. He was almost impressed, wondering if a person could truly fall so low.
"Do you understand? My anguish at having received that directly. The humiliation of being 'peeped' by you, of 'peep' with you, and 'peep' 'peep' 'peep', and then 'peep' 'peep' 'peep' after 'peep' 'peep' 'peep'... it was like my mind was polluted...!!"
Even Hajime couldn't come up with a single counterargument. On the contrary, he deeply sympathized with Freid. In such a state of mind, he even felt like praising him for continuing to fight so well.
Shea and Kaori, who had been hostile towards Freid, also reacted with "Ugh," recoiling from the pervert next to them. Myu, the only young child present, had her ears covered by Remia to prevent her development from being hindered.
The pervert herself was squirming in humiliation (humiliation?) at having her innermost thoughts revealed to Hajime, groaning, "Oh no, oh no."
"W-what, my hidden thoughts revealed without my permission...! How cruel!!"
"No, no, they weren't hidden to begin with, and besides, you were thinking such things in your mind!?"
"I totally understand why Freid-san got so angry."
While Tio had always engaged in extremely perverted behavior, Shea was astonished that what she said out loud was still just the tip of the iceberg, and Kaori, naturally, understood Freid's actions upon hearing it.
Freid, who had been the aggressor just moments ago, was now treated as a complete victim.
"That's an order. Correct that to a somewhat better level."
"Wait, that's not something that can be corrected--"
"Huh?"
"...I'll do my best."
Against the enraged general of the demon nation, Hajime was powerless.
"Correction!? Does that mean Master will do this and that to me!? J-just imagining it... *Nnnngh!!*"
"...It seems like a long road ahead."
"...Is it even possible in the first place?"
Shea and Kaori sighed deeply at the sight of the pervert, flushed with excitement.
---
"Miiiiileeeeediiiieee!!"
"Oops, Cattleya-chan, if you get so angry, you'll get more wrinkles, you know?"
"Kiiiiiiaaaaaaah!?"
Cattleya shrieked and attacked Miledi, but Miledi easily dodged her.
"Um... please calm down, Cattleya-san. Miledi-san doesn't mean any harm..."
"If there's no ill will, it's even worse, I think..."
"You're right, aren't you..."
Watching the scene, Altina tried to offer some comfort, but sagged her head at Liliana's remark.
For the past month, Altina had been asked by Aletia to support Miledi. This was because she had consulted Aletia about how to alleviate some of the busy Aldias's burden, and was given this job. Now, looking back, Aletia seemed to be trying to hold back her laughter.
With Cattleya, who had been assigned to her by Aldias for safety, and Liliana, with whom she had grown close during the decisive battle, helping her, she was somehow managing. But recently, she had begun to think, "Is this even harder than preparing for the decisive battle?"
(No, no, I can't show weakness! I can't leave such a troublesome person to Lord Aldias!!)
Initially, Altina had been brimming with determination to be respectful, having heard that Miledi was the leader of those who had once, albeit few, stood against Ehit. But now, she was treated as "such a person."
"Such a person? That's mean. I'm amazing, you know? Poke, poke."
"Kyaaah!? Don't suddenly appear behind me!! And don't read my mind!!"
Miledi, who had somehow gotten behind Altina while she was thinking, poked Altina in the side.
"Yes, yes, good reaction. By the way, you also like Aldias-kun, don't you, just like Cattleya-chan?"
"W-what are you talking about!?"
"H-h-h-how could you say such a thing!?"
"Both of you, if you get so flustered, you're practically admitting it yourselves."
Or rather, did these two think they were hiding their feelings for Lord Aldias? Even she, who had only known them for a short time, could tell immediately...
"There, there, calm down, both of you. I'm going to tell you the biggest hurdle to overcome in getting closer to Aldias-kun."
"The biggest hurdle?"
"You know something like that?"
"Of course!! I've lived for thousands of years, you know! It's the privilege of being older!!"
The three wondered if the necessary knowledge wouldn't be from the past ten years, given that Aldias was 18. However, Cattleya and Altina swallowed hard, thinking that Miledi's perspective as an extraordinary being, like Aldias, might be useful for something.
"Now, as everyone knows, peace between the human and demon races has been decided this time, but everyone understands that simply shaking hands and saying 'let's be friends' isn't going to solve everything, right?"
"That... is true."
To Miledi's question, Liliana hesitated before affirming.
They had been fighting for thousands of years. While the recent battle had indeed forged a sense of unity among them, there were certainly dissenting opinions regarding the peace.
"Therefore, this is not a goal, but a start. For the realization of a world where all races of Tortusâhumans, demons, beastfolk, and dragonkinâcan join hands and live together."
"Yes, yes, that's a good spirit. And as royalty, you must take the lead in showing coexistence with the demon race. Right?"
"Yes, of course!!"
It went without saying that she, as royalty, needed to take the initiative in interacting with the demon race. Her father was old, and her mother wasn't one to step forward. Randel was still young. Considering the future, she should be the one to act.
"Ho ho, so you're saying you're prepared to do anything for the sake of your country, even if it means working yourself to the bone?"
"Huh? Yes, that's what I intend to do, but..."
But why? The clear, dark grin on Miledi's face gave her an incredibly bad feeling.
"Altina-chan, Cattleya-chan, did you hear that? Lily-chan is prepared to do anything for the sake of harmony with the demon race, it seems?"
"Isn't that a wonderful sentiment?"
"More importantly, just say what you want to say already. You're being annoying."
"In other words, Lily-chan is also considering marrying Aldias-kun."
"!!"
"---!? Ah, no, wait a minute!?"
It was only then that Liliana finally understood Miledi's intention.
Indeed, it was entirely possible for royalty to become engaged to strengthen ties between nations. Liliana had also considered the possibility, and it seemed her father was quite fond of Lord Aldias.
Though Liliana had spoken with him few times, it was an undeniable fact that he was a person of great character, and honestly, he left by far the best impression compared to any man she had ever met.
However, the timing was bad now.
"That's just one option, or rather!? It's not decided yet--"
Furthermore, as Liliana tried to continue, her left shoulder was firmly gripped.
"Are you, Lily-san, also aiming for Lord Aldias?"
Altina, who was standing there when Liliana turned around, was beaming. However, Liliana's gripped shoulder was being squeezed like a vice.
"A-Altina-san, calm down. I'm not--"
However, her words were cut short as her right shoulder was also gripped firmly.
"What do you really think, Princess?"
Turning the other way, Cattleya was also beaming. However, Liliana's gripped shoulder was (the rest is omitted).
"Lily-san?"
"Princess?"
"A-a-a... Ah! Lord Aldias!"
"Huh!?"
The two hastily looked in the direction Liliana pointed, but no one was there. When they looked back, they saw Liliana, fleeing at full sprint, a speed unbecoming of a princess.
"Wait!!"
"Hold it!!"
"Remember this, Miledi Raisen!!!"
"Hahahahaha! Good luck!"
Miledi waved her hand, clearly amused, as she watched the princess, who was screaming her resentment at the root cause of her predicament, flee.
After the three disappeared from her sight, Miledi looked up at the sky alone and smiled faintly.
"Ah, what peace."
The world they had so desperately yearned for was now being perfected.
A world where countless races could join hands and laugh together. A world where lives were not unreasonably taken by a god.
At worst, she had been prepared to sacrifice herself, but in the end, she survived.
Then, she would watch over this world in their stead. For all those who had passed away...
"Besides, teasing those girls is fun, too."
Which was her true purpose, only she knew.
---
High above the ground, a young man looked down at the scene.
The young manâAldiasâsmiled faintly.
"So you were here."
"Aletia. Sorry, did you need something?"
"No, not really... but..."
"What's wrong?"
Aldias tilted his head curiously at the unnatural pause in her words. Then, as if bracing herself, Aletia spoke.
"...Once the country stabilizes to some extent, I want to conduct an experiment."
"An experiment?"
"Yes, I want to try manipulating my unique magic."
"...'Automatic Regeneration'?"
Aletia nodded at Aldias's observation.
"'Automatic Regeneration.' Due to the influence of this unique magic, I will never age... no, I cannot age. I've actually been thinking about it for a long time."
The true essence of this magic was not that wounds healed quickly, nor that she would not die as long as she had magic power. It was that she could not age.
Having manifested at the young age of 12, further physical growth was not expected, but due to her combat style as a mage, it didn't really matter. At the same time, she didn't have the decline of aging. She could maintain her peak strength forever.
However, that meant she had to witness the deaths of her friends, comrades, and family. Furthermore, she would remain unchanged while her own children and grandchildren grew wrinkled. How lonely that was.
As royalty, as an absolute king, she had never thought such things. But precisely because she had come into contact with those who stood by her side, a desire and anxiety had emerged.
"I don't want such a life. I want to spend time with everyone, and grow old with everyone."
And, if possible, forever by your side...
"I see. Then I'll lend a hand too."
"...Are you sure?"
"Yes, it's a family request. There's no reason to refuse. Besides..."
Aldias averted his gaze from Aletia and took in the vast world below.
From the world in his sight, various colorful patterns emerged.
It was unmistakably the very scene that SpaĂ, the world's creator god, had seen.
"I have seen the summit with my own eyes. If it truly exists there, reaching it is not impossible."
'Interference with the Principle'
That was not a technique only a god could use. Ehit's predecessors were able to 'interfere with the Principle' even before they became gods. It was merely that only God Spasshad mastered it to a level where it could be incorporated into combat.
Of course, the path to reaching it would be long and arduous, but Aldias had already set foot in that domain.
He could only grasp its existence for now, and was far from being able to interfere, but he had still found the trigger. He was confident that he would surely reach it if he continued to aim for the ideal Spasswithin himself.
"Aldias?"
"...No, it's nothing."
Aldias shook his head, saying it was nothing to Aletia, who tilted her head, and then continued to gaze at Aletia.
She was his magic teacher, and the woman who stayed by his side when he lost his family. Aldias would never forget the day his lonely, monochrome journey changed into a vibrant one just because she was there.
"Huh? Ah, um... w-what?"
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be by Aletia's side."
Under the cloudless sky, Aldias smiled from the bottom of his heart.
---I'll always be by Aletia's side. I'll always be by Aletia's side. I'll always be by Aletia's side---...
(Could this be... a proposal!?)
At the sudden confession, Aletia's brain went into overdrive in various places.
(Eh, wait, I wasn't mentally prepared!? No, I'm happy, but!? I'm happy, but!? Honestly, I didn't expect it at all, or rather... what should I say in reply...! Of course the answer is yes, but!? I thought it would be at least... at least after the country stabilized, and I haven't thought of anything!? Ouch, my chest, my chest hurts!?)
Still, as expected of a former royal. Aletia, who had calmed her confusion in less than a second of real time, maintained a composed demeanor, acting outwardly as a composed older woman.
"...I, too, with Aldias and--"
"After all, as family, I want you to find a good person soon."
"..."
In that instant, Aletia's brain became clear as if doused with cold water.
She knew. She had known. In Aldias's mind, it was still like that. Aldias was simply wishing for his family's happiness as a younger brother. There was only goodwill there. Still, still...
"Hmph!!"
---*Thud!*
"...Why was I hit?"
"Ask your heart."
"?"
"Haa, more importantly, everyone will start worrying soon. Let's go back?"
"Ah, yes."
Aldias followed Aletia as she descended first, but suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky, where the sun was beginning to set.
"...Watch carefully. How you, the humanity you created, and we, struggle and push forward recklessly. Both parents and children."
There was no answer. But that was fine.
The promise had already been made. Now, all that remained was to fulfill it.
The story does not end. As long as there are living beings in this land, many more stories will be spun.
The world does not end. As long as there are those who desire this land, as long as his will does not break, it will continue to exist.
To protect an ordinary daily life.
A man stood up.
He was not omniscient.
He was not omnipotent.
He was not a god.
He was merely "the King of the Demon Race."
The only slight difference was that he possessed a little bit of extraordinary power.
What he sought was an ordinary daily life.
What he wished for was the peace of this generation.
What he entrusted was hope for the future.
As long as that will is passed down, the world will surely continue to turn.
The setting sun announced the end of the day to the world.
The faint sunset remaining in the western sky shimmered in the twilight, like the eyes of some clumsy god.
The King of the Demon Race
[End]