“By the way, Demon King. You wouldn't happen to know where those twins went, would you?”
“I haven’t seen them.”
As I answered, I reached out with my Sensing Magic. Detecting a presence rapidly approaching, I turned back to Luciana.
“Speak of the devil, it seems they’ve found us.”
Two youths, a boy and a girl, emerged from the corridor behind us. They shared the same chestnut hair and emerald-green eyes; their faces were nearly identical. However, their choice of attire could not have been more different. The boy was dressed in the rugged garb of a bandit, while the girl wore an elegant dress reminiscent of a young noble lady.
“Boss! Take me on!”
The boy gave an energetic shout and sprinted down the hallway. His movements were a blur, far too swift for the human eye to track. It was an all-out burst of speed. Drawing a machete with one hand, he swung it at me in a vicious arc.
(Well, that was sudden...)
I intercepted the slash with my Defense Magic. In an instant, cracks spiderwebbed across the barrier. Before it could shatter, I converted the kinetic impact into steam and vented it through the front of the spell.
“Whoa!”
The boy somersaulted backward to evade the blast, landing gracefully on all fours like a cat. He licked his lips, playfully twirling his machete with a look of pure delight. Just as he was about to launch another assault, a hand came down firmly on his shoulder.
It was the expressionless girl who had stopped him. She walked up to me and tugged gently on my sleeve, looking up with a pleading gaze.
“A lesson. With you. Can we?”
She looked utterly adorable as she made her request. However, I didn’t miss the matte-finished dagger gripped in the hand hidden behind her back. I felt no killing intent, but I knew she would strike the moment I showed the slightest opening.
(Truly, they are a troublesome pair...)
I looked at the two of them again. Their features bore a striking resemblance to a former subordinate of mine—a resemblance that only grew stronger as they aged. These twins were the descendants of the archer Henry Brarkin.
The boy was Kenny Brarkin, and the girl was Lana Brarkin. They usually resided in the world under Luciana’s jurisdiction, where they served as high-ranking executives in the Demon King's Army. Whenever our paths crossed like this, they immediately sought a fight. That temperament was undoubtedly a trait of the Brarkin bloodline.
Their ancestor, Henry Brarkin, had passed away at the age of ninety. Back then, a crisis had occurred where twisted monsters invaded from dimensional rifts. In a massive war that engulfed the entire continent, Henry led the army from the front lines and secured victory. Then, amidst the thunderous cheers of his soldiers, he let out one final war cry and died.
It wasn't because of a wound. At that very moment, his lifespan as a human simply reached its natural limit. Without suffering from a single day of illness, Henry had spent his life immersed in battle until his very last breath.
He could have become an immortal and gained eternal life. I had the power to grant it, but Henry had refused. He held a fierce attachment to living and dying as a human being. I did not begrudge him that choice; rather, I admired it. That was the essence of a human life.
Henry’s philosophy had been passed down through his lineage. The Brarkin Clan had achieved numerous legendary feats throughout five hundred years of history. Some, like these twins, performed incredible military exploits across the lands. Others served as brilliant advisors, mastering the battlefields of strategy and politics. There were even those who, seeking the ultimate struggle, had dared to oppose me.
The clan was, without exception, entirely free-spirited. They acted on their own whims, unswayed by the tides of the era. If there was one thing they all shared, it was an undeniable love for battle. Whatever path they chose, they lived lives that sparkled intensely for a fleeting moment. That vitality always provided us with a fresh perspective.
The views and thoughts of mortals are precious. Most of the executives in the Demon King's Army are non-humans. When values risk drifting over the long centuries, the input of humans like them can be a vital anchor. No matter the age, they are a presence that can never be overlooked.
As I found myself reminiscing about the sight of Henry drinking ale, Grom stepped in. He grabbed Lana by the arm and pulled her away from me. Placing his hands on his hips, he addressed the two youths with a stern look.
“Now then, you two. Do not disturb the Demon King. If you desire a lesson, find someone else to bother.”
“It’s no fun unless they’re as strong as the Boss. Oh, but Grom-san, I wouldn’t mind fighting you!”
“I am currently conferring with the Demon King. I have no time for such play.”
Grom dismissed Kenny’s suggestion out of hand. Lana then raised her hand, peering up at Grom.
“Can we... talk and practice?”
“Today, Demon Kings from across the world are gathering at this castle. All of them are seasoned warriors. You should ask one of them. Understood?”
Grom spoke with a patient, admonishing tone. Realizing they wouldn't win this argument, the two reluctantly conceded.
“Tsk, fine.”
“...Mm.”
Looking thoroughly disappointed, they turned on their heels and ran off. However, as they left, they both cast one last expectant glance my way. It seemed they hadn’t completely given up. I suppose I could indulge them in a mock battle later.
Kenny and Lana were insatiable when it came to strength. While their bloodline played a role, they also had a very specific goal: to reclaim the Dragon Bow that Henry had once used. It was currently in the possession of another branch of the Brarkin Clan, and the twins had frequently boasted that they would eventually take it back by force. I was curious to see how that rivalry would play out. When the time came, I intended to see the matter through to the end.
Once the twins were out of sight, Luciana nudged Grom with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“You’ve always been good at babysitting, haven’t you? Maybe you should consider a career change?”
“Are you envious? It is merely that you are remarkably unskilled at it.”
“—Aha, you always did have a sharp tongue.”
Luciana wore a dark smile. Just as I thought another bicker was about to start, she let out a light laugh and relaxed. She began walking in the direction the twins had gone.
“I’ll go look after those two. Catch you later.”
“Right, I'll leave them to you.”
Luciana and the twins knew each other well. There would be no issues if she were watching them. Meanwhile, Grom let out a heavy sigh and groaned.
“Honestly, that succubus is as impudent as ever, even after five hundred years...”
“It is good to see the two of you get along so well.”
“W-Where on earth did you get that impression?!”
Grom shouted, looking flustered. His reaction was quite entertaining. I chose not to reply and simply resumed my stroll through the castle.