I felt exactly like a youth venturing out of his village for the very first time. That was my state of mind when I finally arrived at the grand metropolis known as Village Five.
It was a truly spectacular cityscape, humming with a vibrant energy. The dish they called "ramen" was exquisite, and the sheer variety of it was a delight in itself. I even found myself browsing the various fashions in the Underground Shopping Street. The sake was top-tier as well. I was having the time of my life.
However, I quickly decided that one should never, under any circumstances, approach the fox spirit Yoko, the Acting Village Head.
Shashaato City possessed a wonderful energy of its own. The food known as "curry" was a revelation, and the "katsudon" was equally impressive. I even came across a bakery selling bread so delicious it defied logic.
But then I saw her. Why on earth was there a Mercury—a Royal Guardian of the Ancient Kingdom—wandering around? Was Magistrate Ifuls actually secret royalty? No, I was fairly certain Ifuls was a blood relative of mine. A distant one, admittedly. He was my brother’s... no, my sister’s son’s daughter’s son’s son... or was it her daughter’s son? Regardless, a Royal Guardian is stronger than your average general. I refused to let her childlike appearance fool me. I stayed far away.
Then, I reached the Royal Capital.
If I had the chance to speak with the Demon King, I wanted to tell him to put a bit more effort into his city's culinary affairs. After my time in Village Five and Shashaato, the only place in the capital that met my standards was a shop where the service was provided by maids. Perhaps the food at the Royal Castle would have been satisfactory, but the staff seemed so preoccupied with parade preparations that I decided not to visit just yet. Arriving while they were so busy would have been a nuisance. I planned to visit the castle properly only after the festivities concluded.
I did, however, participate in the parade. Since it was set to begin at Village Five, I traveled back there. Those Teleportation Gates are marvelously convenient. I had used functioning gates a few times in the distant past, so the mechanism didn't shock me, but the implementation was impressive. To think the current Demon King was utilizing what was widely considered a lost technology. He was not to be underestimated. I secretly wished he would extend a gate to my own territory; it would make traveling much easier, and I could visit Village Five or Shashaato whenever I pleased.
Once the multi-day parade finally ended, I went to see the Demon King. The watchmen who had been tailing me were gone. Their numbers had dwindled as they succumbed to the temptations of Village Five and Shashaato, and the few who remained were wiped out during the military exercise held in the capital at the parade’s end. They had charged the Demon King, thinking it was their big chance. I suppose I should praise their directness, but the gap in strength was so vast they never stood a chance. I wondered why they thought they could win after seeing him in person. If they wanted a fair fight, they should have formally requested a duel. The Demon King isn't the type to flee a challenge. In any case, I hoped they were receiving treatment and would be healthy by the time I headed home. Since they provided my travel funds, it felt a bit awkward to simply abandon them.
I was granted an audience with the Demon King immediately. He didn't look particularly idle, so I worried I might be imposing on his time.
"Lord Belbark. It has been a long time."
"Indeed it has. Was the last time at your coronation?"
"No, it was when Yuri was born."
"Yuri? Ah, your daughter. Now that you mention it, you're right. My apologies. I’ve been terribly forgetful lately."
"Please, think nothing of it. So, how did you find the parade? I take it you participated?"
"How was it, you ask? Well... I could certainly tell you’ve been working very hard."
"Me?"
"Yes. You’re doing quite well, managing those kinds of people."
"Umm..."
"Don't try to hide it. You put on a performance to make it look as though you’ve brought them to submission, but we both know that isn't the case."
"A 'performance'... that’s a harsh way to put it."
"Hmph. There is no way the proud members of the Age of Gods Dragon Race would ever truly submit to a Demon King. You might be able to best a younger individual, but that’s all. Defeating one youth wouldn't earn the submission of the entire race; it would only make you a target. I don't know what trick you used, but seeing them marching in a line for a parade shocked me. I doubted my own eyes. Furthermore, I saw several familiar faces, though they likely don't remember me. God-kin and Ancient Devils. The scheming God-kin aside, I cannot imagine the free-spirited Ancient Devils following your lead."
The Demon King remained silent as I continued.
"And then there was that pack of Inferno Wolves. They paid absolutely no attention to you. Their focus was entirely on the carriage at the rear—the person riding in the humanoid-transforming carriage. That individual must be the one leading them. Ah, I see now. That person brought the dragons, the God-kin, and the Ancient Devils to heel. That explains their positioning in the parade."
"...As expected of you, Lord Belbark."
"I’ve only lived this long because I learned to notice such details. I don't know the specifics of what happened to you or the Kingdom, but either you're restraining that person... or the Demon Kingdom has already yielded, hasn't it? The Kingdom is following his lead as well. That parade was a display of that reality for everyone to see. Is it his wish to keep it understated? To let only those who understand see the truth?"
I leaned back, my mind racing.
"And then, the declaration of victory against the human nations at the end. Creating a new country on the front lines... The human kingdoms have already collapsed, haven't they? To the point where there isn't even a conflict worth mentioning. Perhaps the humans haven't realized it yet, but the Demon Kingdom is already stepping in to reorganize and protect the world. You truly are carrying a heavy burden. You’re doing a fine job."
The Demon King’s expression shifted, and suddenly, he began to tear up.
"Wait, what’s wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden? You’ll startle me!"
"N-No... I’m just so happy that someone finally understands."
"Is it really enough to make you cry? Though, I suppose if you're dealing with those kinds of entities, it would be a trial."
"No. It’s about the Village Head... the one who was riding in that carriage. He has no intention of seizing control of the Demon Kingdom or the world. He is a truly good-natured man."
"I heard rumors that he’s a Great Demon King."
"We tried to formally elevate him to that status once, but it failed. The rumors are just the leftovers of that attempt."
"I see. I was going to suggest that the Selection Council officially prepare the title, but it seems I should refrain."
"Lord Belbark. This might be meddlesome, but it would be best if you didn't involve yourself with the Village Head."
"Hahaha! Who would be foolish enough to do that? The best course is to stay far away from him. I don't even want a relationship of any kind."
"...Is it that extreme?"
"It is. Watching from a distance... no, even catching sight of him is a risk. I’d prefer to stop at merely hearing rumors."
"If you say so, Lord Belbark—you who are known for taking the most optimal path—then it must be true. Unfortunately, it’s far too late for me..."
"That is truly a pity."
"Well, there are many parts of it that I find quite enjoyable as well."
"You could enjoy seeing that Bone Whale? Those people called it forth, didn't they?"
"Ahaha..."
"You certainly don't lack for excitement."
"No, I don't."
"Being able to enjoy it is a sign of youth. I envy you."
"Nonsense, Lord Belbark, you are still quite young yourself."
"Hahaha, enough flattery. That was far too much stimulation for me. My lifespan has surely been shortened."
"So, what does that leave you? About fifteen hundred years?"
"No, only about a thousand."
"Hahaha, you are young after all. Would you like to meet the Village Head? I can arrange it."
"Hmph. It would be a lie to say I have no interest. I am curious about what kind of person can lead the Age of Gods Dragon Race and a pack of Inferno Wolves. However, I will say it again: absolutely not. Think of him as an active volcano. You must not approach him. You must not even think of trying to utilize him. He is an entity you simply pray will not erupt."
"...I was very much hoping to introduce you."
"Please, spare me. Besides, those God-kin are around him as well, aren't they? Malbit, Ruincia, Suarlou, Razmaria... and Reginleiv. I want nothing to do with them. I have far too many bitter memories of those women. I won't overextend myself or do anything reckless. I’ll leave the Demon Kingdom in your hands. I'm counting on you."
"Understood. I shall give it my all."
"Good. Even if it all perishes, things will just return to how they were in the old days. Do as you please."
"...Thank you. How long will you be staying in the capital?"
"I want to enjoy the food of Village Five and Shashaato a bit more. I intend to stay for a while."
"Understood. I can arrange an inn or a shop if you require it."
"I appreciate the offer, but I’ll decline. This trip is one where I am not troubled for funds. I won't cause any trouble. I’ll stop by to say goodbye before I head home."
With that, I rose from my seat and concluded my meeting with the Demon King.
That conversation was about a month ago.
Even though I had insisted that I wanted nothing to do with the God-kin, I had somehow ended up being caught by a God-kin girl. To make matters worse, she turned out to be Ruincia’s grandchild. No, she had been very careful to emphasize that she was the daughter of the Village Head—the man who led the dragons and the wolves.
I said I didn't even want to have a relationship with him! How did it come to this?
For now, I have sent out a request for rescue. I can only hope the Demon King manages to find me.
Ah, young man over there with the small horns on your forehead. Please, don't mind me. Just pretend I'm not even here. Pay me no concern at all.