Chapter 229.1

The students from both the Hero Academy and the Demon King Academy were gathered in the main auditorium of Arclanisca.

On the podium were Eldmed, Shin and Emilia.

Our last cla.s.s for the student exchange program had just finished.

“Well, this concludes our student exchange program. My oh my, what a very, very valuable lesson this has been. And the growth of the Hero Academy was especially remarkable.” (Eldmed)

Holding his cane in both hands, Eldmed turned his Magic Eyes toward the students.

“Be proud of yourselves. All of you, who had the courage to face death for the sake of your fellow countrymen, are undeniably heroes. Your feelings were in no way inferior to those of the humans of two thousand years ago!” (Eldmed)

Hearing the Conflagration King’s words made the Hero Academy students feel somewhat proud.

“Though our time together was short, allow me to offer you all a parting gift to reward your willingness to die during my cla.s.s.” (Eldmed)

When Eldmed raised his cane, the spell was activated on the blackboard.

A voice echoed from the video.

『Everyone, please stay alert and listen closely.』(Emilia)

Emilia turned her eyes to the blackboard in shock.

She could hear her own voice from there.

『…You must have all heard about demon royalty in your studies on demon society…』(Emilia)

In a panic, she walked to Eldmed.

“W-Wait a second! Eldmed-sensei! What are you doing?! What exactly is this?!” (Emilia)

“Khahaha! Quite a masterpiece, isn’t it? I spent all of last night editing the recorded magic footage to make it easier to watch. And I’ve already posted it on Gairadite’s magic broadcast.” (Eldmed)

“Y-You did whaaaaaaaat…?!” Emilia shouted in disarray.

“Now that it has lost its royal family, Gairadite will apparently abolish the monarchy and switch to a so-called parliamentary democracy. If so, then…” (Eldmed)

Pointing at Emilia with his cane, Eldmed smiled.

“Who risked their lives to protect this city? Don’t you think the people should know?” (Eldmed)

“…Wait a minute, please. I don’t understand your point at all. And first of all… I’m a demon…” (Emilia)

The Conflagration King cackled at Emilia’s words.

“If a demon can join the parliament of Azesion, and by the vote of the citizens to boot, then what better way to symbolize peace?” (Eldmed)

After saying that while striking an exaggerated pose, Eldmed used his cane again.

“―Or so the Demon King thinks.” (Eldmed)

“Eh? Wait. Again, please wait a minute. I’m the headmaster of the Hero Academy now, aren’t I? I already have so much to learn as it is, so I couldn’t—” (Emilia)

“Hey now, don’t you start getting cold feet. It’ll still take a long time to shift to a parliamentary system. It’s just about being ready for when that happens.” (Eldmed)

Emilia flinched at Eldmed’s words, which didn’t allow her to accept or refuse.

“And I’m telling you that this is excessive…” (Emilia)

“You’re right, wearing two hats will be difficult. On top of that, as a demon, you’ll face strong criticism from the humans. When it comes to political affairs, you’ll have to contend with all sorts of sly old foxes amidst a whirlwind of wiles. The kinds of hardships that will make you sick to your stomach and vomit blood.” (Eldmed)

Eldmed grinned.

“According to the Demon King of Tyranny, this is the perfect place for you to make amends that he’s prepared.” (Eldmed)

Emilia glared in the direction of Dilhade with a grim expression.

“…I thought you said you forgave me…” she muttered in resentment.

“So what will it be? If you say you can’t do it, I’ll let the Demon King know, but… Oh my, I’m not sure if he will accept that… If I tell him that, he might kill me. Khahaha! Oh, but it won’t be your fault. It’ll be mine alone for failing to convince you! You do what you want.” (Eldmed)

Eldmed cackled out loud in amus.e.m.e.nt.

“…Fine, I understand. I just have to go for it, don’t I…?! But in return, I don’t want to be held responsible if I lose the election!” (Emilia)

“It’s wonderful that you don’t even hesitate. That’s the spirit, Emilia-sensei.” (Eldmed)

Emilia sighed.

However, when she looked up, she had an indescribably cheerful expression on her face.

She must’ve wanted a place where she could make amends.

That being said, it was also part of the natural disposition. She probably held some grudge against me for forcing her into this mess, but she wouldn’t feel very comfortable with her situation suddenly turning so peaceful.

“Could you please tell the Demon King something for me?” (Emilia)

“Let’s hear it.” (Eldmed)

“You have my grat.i.tude and my loyalty as your subordinate. However, I don’t like your forceful and aggressive approach. If you keep at it, you will trip yourself up someday. I look forward to aiding you and returning the favor when that time comes.” (Emilia)

Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but smile.

Hmm. I guess it fit Emilia just right to direct her smack talk against me.

“Khahaha… Khahaha! KHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…!!” (Eldmed)

Seeing Eldmed suddenly burst into laughter like never before, Emilia backed away.

“E… Eldmed-sensei…? Um…” (Emilia)

“Oh, wonderful. Isn’t this absolutely wonderful! The Demon King, he recruited not only a faithful subordinate, but also an ally who isn’t afraid to disagree with and express her bitterness toward him! As expected of the Demon King of Tyranny Anos Voldigoad. Just how far will he go?! ” (Eldmed)

Eldmed was shouting at the ceiling while making grandiose gestures.

Then, as if instantly regaining his senses, he turned to the students.

“Now, shall we go?” (Eldmed)

The Conflagration King drew the magic circle for the spell on another blackboard.

“The destination is Delsgade’s main gate. Now that cla.s.ses are over today, the Demon King Academy students can go home and have a good rest.” (Eldmed)

He took one last look at the students dressed in scarlet uniforms.

“Students of the Hero Academy. Keep up the good work, and remember that your feelings have unlimited potential. And someday, I hope you become a threat to the Demon King of Tyranny. I, the Conflagration King, will be looking forward to— UGHHH…!” (Eldmed)

The Conflagration King teleported away while his heart was being constricted by the spell.

Following his lead, the Demon King Academy students used the spell one after another.

“Hey. Can I ask you about something that’s been bothering me for a while?” Sasha demanded next to me.

“What is it?” (Anos)

“Are you bringing back this girl to Dilhade?” (Sasha)

Sasha looked at the G.o.d in the form of a girl standing behind me.

Arcana opened her mouth.

“During the Selection Trial, the Selection G.o.ds cannot return to the Divine Realm. There will be no problem as long as you leave me anywhere you want. Wherever you are, I will respond to your call as soon as a holy war begins.” (Arcana)

Misha tilts her head to the side in curiosity.

“Anywhere?” (Misha)

“Are you planning on keeping her in the underground city of the Demon King’s castle or something?” Sasha asked.

“I’ll explain later. Let’s go to my house.” (Anos)

“…Okay, fine.” (Sasha)

Sasha reluctantly withdrew, and Misha nodded.

The two of them drew a magic circle for .

When I turned my gaze towards the Hero Academy students, I saw Eleonore and Zeshia saying goodbye.

“Well then, don’t do anything reckless from now on. Also, one of you should learn . As it stands now, you won’t be able to come back to life if you die.” (Eleonore)

“…Dying without dying… is the basics of the basics…” (Zeshia)

Raos had a bitter expression on his face as he heard their comments.

“You’re the ones who shouldn’t talk about something so absurd…” (Raos)

“I would appreciate it if one of you sent a teacher to teach us.” Ledriano asked while lifting his gla.s.ses.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll try asking, then. Maybe someone merciless like Shin-sensei would be a good choice.” (Eleonore)

When Ledriano looked at Shin on the podium, the latter immediately shot him a cold stare.

“…If possible, I would prefer a kind teacher…” (Ledriano)

“Ahh, right. You guys don’t know, but despite how he looks, Shin-sensei is actually a devoted husband and a kind man.” (Eleonore)

“…He’ll kill you… gently…” (Zeshia)

Eleonore and Zeshia’s explanation made Ledriano let out a dry laugh.

“Anyway, I’ll try asking. Next is…” (Eleonore)

Eleonore looked in the direction of the Demon King Academy students and caught sight of Lay.

“Are you sure you don’t want to say h.e.l.lo to Kanon? I’ll help you guys get along.” (Eleonore)

Eleonore cheerfully raised her index finger.

“…It’s fine…” Heine muttered.

“Really? But you were such a huge fan of Kanon, Heine-kun.” (Eleonore)

“Y-You idiot! That’s not true! What are you bringing up the past for?! Just go home already!” (Heine)

Heine tried to shoo Eleonore and Zeshian away.

“Zeshia… is not… a dog…” (Zeshia)

“You don’t have to be so shy.” (Eleonore)

“I’m telling you, I’m good…!” (Heine)

Heine suddenly turned away.

“Well, we just don’t know how to face him. He risked his own life to save us two thousand years ago, and now look how pathetic we are.“ Raos commented, to which Ledriano nodded.

“First, we need to become the sort of heroes that can greet him with dignity.” (Ledriano)

“I see. I understand. See you, then. Take care!” (Eleonore)

“You guys too.” (Heine)

Eleonore and Zeshia returned to our side.

“You look kinda embarra.s.sed.” Eleonore murmured to Lay.

He was smiling cheerfully as always.

“I understand how they feel, though.” (Lay)

“Is that so?” (Eleonore)

“At this point, I can’t face them as a hero, either.” (Lay)

Eleonore nodded in response, but she didn’t seem to really understand.

Zeshia was also nodding along with her, but I think she understood even less.

“Oh well. Now let’s go home!” (Eleonore)

Using the magic circle for , Eleonore and Zeshia were teleported away.

“Shall we go?” (Lay)

Lay extended his hand to Misa.

“Ah! W-Wait a minute. I actually forgot something…” (Misa)

“What is it?” (Lay)

“Well… It’s what you gave me…” (Misa)

His one-sh.e.l.l necklace was missing from Misa’s neck.

“I’m sorry. I was gazing at it in the courtyard when I took it off, but I think I left it there. I’ll go get it right away.” (Misa)

“Are you talking about this?” (Heine)

Misa turned around and saw Heine.

He was holding the one-sh.e.l.l necklace in the palm of his hand.

“I found it in the courtyard. Thought it’d be bad luck if someone stepped on it, so I picked it up.” (Heine)

“Ah! That’s it, that’s the necklace! Oh, thank you so much!” (Misa)

Misa happily retrieved the one-sh.e.l.l necklace.

Raos and Ledriano walked up behind Heine.

“Thank you.” (Lay)

When Lay thanked him, Heine awkwardly averted his gaze.