I regained my composure after the whirlwind that was Dolda and Yura.
Logan excused himself to finish his business. He mentioned he would join the group for practice later, but the training field was currently occupied by individuals who either didn’t know the meaning of restraint or got far too caught up in the heat of battle. It was inevitable that Logan would end up as their chaperone. He would be forced to monitor those most likely to cause trouble. He had accepted Yura’s invitation knowing full well what he was getting into.
Ever since he became a Spirit, Logan had proven himself to be quite the caretaker. Consequently, he often found himself playing the part of the long-suffering mediator. Even I had grown to rely on that side of him. While I was grateful, I also felt I should find a way to lighten his burden.
Logan himself likely didn’t mind much. Now that he was free from the shackles of fatigue and mortality, those personality traits had become even more pronounced. Still, his true duty was the protection of the World Tree and the Elves. I wanted to avoid any situation that would keep him from those responsibilities. I needed to manage the schedule better to give him the time he required.
While mulling over these minor regrets and future tasks, Grom and I arrived near the castle entrance. Just then, someone entering the Castle Interior caught my eye. Striding down the center of the corridor as if she owned the place was none other than the former Demon King, Diera. She waved a hand as she approached us.
“Oh, if it is not Dwight! Hast thou come to receive me?”
Diera came to a halt before me and abruptly reached out. For some reason, she began to pat my head. Her eyes narrowed with satisfaction.
“There, there. I shall grant thee my praise.”
“—Predecessor, there is a limit to your jests. Do you intend to mock my Lord?”
Grom cut in, ethereal flames billowing from his empty eye socket. Brimming with quiet rage, he glared at Diera. She, in turn, met his gaze with a nonchalant expression.
“Since I, too, am a Demon King, it can hardly be called discourtesy. Well? Art thou bested?”
“Gnuuu...”
Grom groaned with frustration. It wasn’t just limited to his arguments with Diera, but Grom seemed particularly ill-suited for a war of words. He always seemed to come out on the losing end, likely because he became too emotional and lost his sense of judgment.
Judging that their spat had concluded, I spoke to Diera.
“I see you managed to arrive on time today.”
When I broached the subject, Diera’s expression clouded over instantly. She furrowed her brows in protest.
“Wait. Cease speaking as if I am always late.”
“It is an accurate assessment. You are a repeat offender.”
Whenever the Demon Kings gathered, Diera was late as a matter of course. She would usually make a dashing entrance just as the discussion was reaching its conclusion, only to receive a lecture or a scolding from Luciana or Logan. She always appeared to reflect on her behavior, yet there was never any sign of actual improvement.
However, on this occasion, she had actually managed to arrive before the scheduled time. I couldn't help but marvel at the rarity of the event.
“It is not as if I enjoy being late! I merely fell back into slumber for a moment, or perhaps the schedule slipped my mind...”
Diera’s excuses trailed off, failing to serve as a defense in the slightest. She was simply listing her own slovenliness.
Letting out a sigh, Grom whispered his advice to me.
“My Lord, we truly must strip this woman of her title. She has no aptitude for the role.”
“Hmm...”
I crossed my arms and fell into thought. Diera had become the Dragon Demon King and presided over an Assigned World. However, even among the various Demon Kings, her antics stood out significantly. While I had no real intention of stripping her of her position, she was a deeply troublesome individual—enough to make me at least consider the possibility.