Chapter 119
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ED: LonelyMatter
Chapter 119 – Maybe It’s Popular
Ain was surprised by Chris’ shocking identification method, but then Sylvird and the others came into the hall.
Everyone wanted to talk to Ain as well, but this was not the time. Sylvird had many questions to ask Ain.
…To ask him why he went to Baltic, not to mention the fact that he was growing physically. To ask him about that, he took Ain to a certain room.
“This place would be good.”
They walked down a long corridor from the hall and went to the audience room at the end.
And further in. They went to a small room in the shadow of the throne, and Sylvird was left alone with Ain.
“Um… I was brought here quite forcefully, is it okay with my mother and the others?”
Sylvird was met with a roar of criticism… not quite a roar, but a fair amount of dissatisfaction.
As for Ain, he was sorry for causing Sylvird so much trouble.
“You will have to intervene later, Ain. You are responsible for your own actions, aren’t you?”
“…It’s like you said.”
Giggling, Ain began to tie up his hair with a cord Martha gave him.
“But how did you get so big…?”
“Well, Grandfather? Where should I start?”
“Tell me everything from the beginning. There is plenty of time, and if not, there is nothing more important than this.”
When Ain saw Sylvird sitting there, looking tired, he regretted that he had caused him so much trouble.
Nevertheless, this investigation was necessary. He apologized for the haste with which he did it, but it was worth the effort.
“(But there are a few things I’m not sure I should talk about.)”
Why was His Majesty the First buried in the Demon King’s territory?
No one knew who went to bury him, but at least the Crown Prince, Ain, had never heard of such a fact.
In other words, it was best to think that the first king of Ishtalika decided to hide it… himself.
“(I’ll talk about it anyway. Things are the way they are, and there’s no way to hide them.)”
“Ain? Will you talk to me?”
“Okay, I’ll tell you. Then…”
Where did it all start? Yes, in the royal cemetery here, from the fact that the sword did not shine there.
“The day I became convinced was the day I asked Grandfather to listen to my problems. The day I visited the tomb of His Majesty the First…”
So, Ain began to tell his story.
Why did he send a letter saying that he was going to the territory of the former Demon King? And what he did after that…
“…..”
Sylvird listened silently. Occasionally, he sighed with a grim expression on his face, but he continued to silently listen to Ain’s words without interrupting any of them.
Then Ain continued.
He told of his meeting with Dullahan and the Elder Lich in the dream world. He told how the Demon King’s castle had been built just like this castle and how he had found the true tombstone of the first king of Ishtalika in the royal cemetery that had also been built there.
Finally, he told Sylvird that he had fought a single battle with Marco…
“…You didn’t tell Olivia and the others. Is that the reason…?”
“Yes. I apologize for my selfish behavior. But I did what I did because I thought it was the right thing to do.”
“The train was ordered in Ain’s own name, not mine, to move the royal train. The responsibility for that lies with Ain… but we don’t have time to talk about that now.”
It’s not that there was nothing to decide, but this was the only time they couldn’t afford to do so.
“In other words… if what Ain has discovered is true, then the territory of the former Demon King and our own Ishtalika were originally one country. That is the conclusion, isn’t it?”
“…It is as you said.”
“There is not enough information. But if we make a hypothesis, is there any doubt that His Majesty the First is related to the Demon King like a blood relative?”
“Probably.”
Hearing Ain’s silent reply, Sylvird gradually eliminated the “pus”-like feelings that was acc.u.mulating in his brain.
“I never expected that sword to bring about such a result… I am sure you know that, but I am confused.”
Sylvird was overwhelmed with mixed emotions when he saw the sword Ain was carrying.
“Actually, I still can’t think straight either…”
“…That’s only natural. The fact that the first king was of the demon king’s blood… is something that none of the people of Ishtalika would have thought of.”
“So… Grandfather didn’t know about it, right? The fact that His Majesty the First did not rest on his tombstone…”
“I’ve never heard of it, nor have I seen any record of it. In other words, it must be something His Majesty the First decided to hide.”
The Demon King’s rampage caused a lot of damage.
It was also true that many lives were lost, and many scars were left behind. If that had happened… would he have wanted to hide the fact that he was of the Demon King’s blood?
“Ain. I’m sure you understand… this story…”
“I’ve only told Grandfather, and I’ll leave it up to you to decide what to do next.”
“Do that. Whether or not to pa.s.s it on from Ain’s generation to future generations… that matter will be discussed by me and Ain in due time. Is that clear?”
“Understood.”
Sylvird also wanted more time, as this was not a matter that could be decided in just one night.
“We have to make sure that Dill doesn’t talk about it, but how much does he know?”
“I haven’t told him the information I gave you, Grandfather. But he saw everything, including the fight with Marco-san.”
“Then I will tell him later. You are forbidden to tell anyone about your visit to the Demon King’s castle and everything else.”
“I’ve been keeping it a secret…”
“It is more appropriate for me to tell you. Is that right?”
“That’s right,” Ain agreed.
“It can’t be made public. And that means I can’t reward you for what you’ve done.”
“No problem. But in return, you will pretend not to have seen my arbitrary actions, right?”
“…You’re as smart as ever.”
“I’ve been learning under Grandfather’s tutelage.”
If a punishment were to be imposed, the reason for it would have to be made public. If that were to happen, it would also be necessary to reveal where Ain was and what he was doing, so it was best to keep it between them for this one time.
“If I were to come to a conclusion, I would have to share the information that Ain had obtained. We will share it between us and discuss how to use it later. That should be enough for now.”
“Yes…”
As the explanation finally came to an end.
But Sylvird did not let Ain rest.
“The next question. Why did your body get bigger?”
——As expected, he would ask me that, Ain said in his mind.
It was natural that Sylvird would ask him, but he hoped that the conversation would not be diverted just for today.
“In my personal opinion, the matter of my body is just as much a story as the matter of His Majesty the First…”
“Good. Now that you’ve come this far, speak up. Even if it’s a little late.”
“I understand. Then… it would be quicker if you could take a look at my status card.”
With some difficulty, he pulled the card out of his tight clothing.
“…Is this something that is mentioned on the card?”
“It’s all there. It’s already written on it.”
Sighing deeply once more, Sylvird held out his hand to Ain, face down.
“Show it to me.”
“Here you go.”
Accepting it as if he had s.n.a.t.c.hed it from Ain, Sylvird looked up anxiously and examined the card.
First, the name, and then, little by little, he lowered his gaze to…
“…It seems to be more than just the crown prince. How is it, Ain?”
“Well… it seems so.”
In the job column, the two words “Demon King” were clearly written, and the status and level numbers were drawn with “——” and a horizontal bar.
In the skill column, two more words were added: “Demon King Ain” and “Familiars.”
“Am I dreaming?”
“N-no, this is just reality…”
“As I recall, “——” did not mean that it was too high, but that it was outside the range of measurement…”
Even Ain was surprised when he saw this. He even complained to his status card, “What’s with the skills and stuff, Demon King Ain…”
“It grew while I was fighting Marco-san, and when I absorbed Marco-san’s magic stone, it completely stopped growing. And maybe that “Familiars” skill was also an effect of absorbing the living armor, Marco-san’s magic stone.”
“…That doesn’t make any sense at all.”
“Yes…”
Even the contents of the previous paragraph were difficult to comprehend, and now it was the Demon King.
It seemed that Sylvird’s worries were far from over.
“How is your consciousness? Is there any difference?”
“It’s not exactly the same… Oh, but there is one thing.”
Sylvird looked at Ain, who seemed to have noticed something.
“W-what is it…? Is there some dangerous impulse…”
“No, I’m sorry, my clothes are getting smaller and I need new ones.”
Sylvird’s eyes lost their light, and Sylvird stood up and walked next to him. Suddenly, he raised his fist in the air and…
“Funnuaaa!”
“…Ouch… that hurt…! G-Grandfather!”
The king’s iron fist swung down over his head. A hard thud echoed through the small room.
“I don’t like corporal punishment, but my overzealous grandson must be punished.”
“B-but it’s really tight! It’s so tight and cramped… that my veins are already constricted and I’m in pain!”
“…..Funnuu!”
“I-it hurts! Why did you hit me with your fist again…!”
After two iron fists, Sylvird looked a little more satisfied and returned to his chair.
“…You will get a few more outfits. Is that okay?”
“Y-yes…”
His grandfather’s iron fist hurt like h.e.l.l.
When he stroked his head, it felt like a b.u.mp was forming, and he could feel the heat slowly building up.
Anyway, next time he’ll go shopping with Dill. Ain decided to hurry it up.
“And while you’re at it, get a haircut. It’s Olivia’s and it’s beautiful, but it’s probably too much for you.”
“Yes. I think I will.”
“Gosh, Ain… You accomplished an incredible feat and then became the Demon King and an idiot… You really are an incomprehensible Crown Prince.”
The more Sylvird complained about such things, the more he lost his power when he saw Ain a while ago.
“Well, considering that the current appearance is Ain’s adult appearance, it’s not that bad. You look good.”
“I-it’s embarra.s.sing to hear you say it so honestly.”
“I can tell at a glance that you are Olivia’s blood. But as for your growth, there must be a reason for it, even if it is the influence of a powerful dryad… or something like that.”
“Yes. I’ll think of something.”
He saw Sylvird nod his head.
Ain was ready for a break this time.
“By the way, Ain. What exactly can the Demon King Ain skill be used for? And ‘Familiars’ as well.”
“I don’t understand at all. So I’ll discuss the latter with Katima-san, but I’ll leave the former untouched.”
Actually, he didn’t even know how to use it, so there was nothing to do.
“Please do that. Do it before something weird goes wrong.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Speaking of which, what do you think? Were you able to use more of Dullahan’s techniques?”
——”…Maybe you’ll be able to use it when you get home.”
Thinking back to Sylvia’s words, maybe that was what she meant… when she became the Demon King.
Was the “human” too much of a burden to express this armor? This is a hypothesis he can’t help but think about.
“Maybe like this…”
It’s free if he just tried it, he thought, turning his attention to his right arm. He thought about the jet-black armor he had worn the other day and concentrated on his right arm with the feeling he had then.
He remembered the feeling he had when he wore it.
A black shadow began to wrap around his hand as if he remembered it bit by bit.
“I-it seems like it’s done…”
“Umu. It’s done…”
On Ain’s right arm, a st.u.r.dy yet powerful jet-black armor appears.
It’s just on an arm, so was it a gauntlet? Maybe it’s not the same as armor… But oh well, let’s not go into details.
“…If you get a chance, show it to Olivia. I’m sure she’ll be delighted.”
Olivia, who had admired Dullahan, would surely be pleased to see it. Ain agreed.
＊＊＊
Afterward, he enjoyed a relaxed conversation with Sylvird, including some small talk.
But there were others outside the audience chamber who wanted to talk to Ain. It was late and time to think about going to bed, but Ain went to the people who were waiting for him.
“Huh? Where is my mother?”
Three people were waiting for Ain as she left the audience chamber. Krone, Chris, and Martha were waiting for him.
To be honest, they still needed to talk, but it was already late today. They decided to continue the discussion another day.
“Um… she said, ‘I’m sorry, it’s dangerous if I don’t calm down,’ and went back to her room.”
“What is that? What does that mean?”
Martha’s answer was not very clear. But for now, it meant that Olivia was resting in her room. Ain decided to think about it that way and gave Krone and Chris some time.
——Jiiiiiiii…
“…Uh, what’s wrong, Krone?”
Krone stared at him with a straight face. She stood about a step away from him, silently watching Ain.
“…..”
“Um… if you don’t say something, I’ll get worried.”
But that was a new feeling, too.
Anyway, Krone was looking up at him like that, which was a sight he had never seen before.
“Your Highness, may I come closer?”
Krone, who had an awe-inspiring att.i.tude, said this to him as if she was talking to a stranger.
“Of course, of course you may. What’s wrong?”
Then, without answering his words, Krone slowly approached him. Then, boldly, she moved so close to Ain’s body that she looked up at him once to make sure he was okay.
“I am sorry. Please forgive me…”
Finally, she grabbed Ain’s chest, stood on her tiptoes, and brought her face close to his neck.
“Wait… what’s going on all of a sudden?”
Martha and Chris were right beside them. They were also staring at the scene with surprised faces.
They could only marvel at the bold gesture as if they were embracing.
“Fuhh… fuhh…”
“(…it feels like déjà vu somehow.)”
But with Chris, it was a bit different. With Krone, it was like she was taking a deep breath.
The spot was so close to his neck that it made Ain a little nervous.
Krone’s eyes widened for a moment, and then she said, with a surprised look on her face.
“…It-it’s really Ain…”
“Hey, is this method of confirmation popular these days?”
Ain did not expect to be judged like that twice in a row, and he was filled with a subtle emotion that he simply could not put into words.