The Kingdom of the Demon King I-2

William flinches under the Empress's intense gaze.

In these past three years, he's reached his growth spurt, now towering over the Empress, who used to be eye-to-eye with him just three years ago.

In that time, he's experienced diplomacy, studies, magic, and countless other challenges.

Though his thick, varied experiences—far more than most of his peers—had given him ample confidence, facing the Empress still stirred a sense of hesitation.

Trying to maintain composure, he guided the Empress into a specially customized magitek carriage—a top-tier creation assembled from the finest technologies the Demon King's realm had to offer.

The magitek carriage began moving toward the Demon King's castle.

Veronica gazed out the window, lost in thought.

In just a few short years, the city had taken on a clear, defined form. I wonder what techniques they used?

Unlike the Empire, there were no curves at all.

If it's built like this, enemies will reach the castle in no time at all...

Does that mean it won't be attacked? Or that it's safe even if attacked?

Either way, the whole approach is completely different.

As I gazed upon the city, I found myself suddenly at the castle. The sound and speed don't match.

The castle is vastly larger than any of the city's buildings.

Still, it can't compare to the Empire's.

Ever since I entered the island, I've been overwhelmed the entire time, so I feel oddly triumphant.

No, I can't afford to be careless now—this is where the crucial meeting begins.

I brace myself and push open the heavy door.

Though I've gained many experiences through my adventures, I can't help but feel nervous.

I pass through the unnecessarily ornate door and, for the first time in a while, see the Empress appear.

The woman I see now has lost all traces of her former youthful innocence, having grown into a mature, elegant woman.

"It's been a while. You must be tired from your sea voyage."

"Yes, the weather was favorable, making for a pleasant journey."

After exchanging formal greetings, they began the meeting.

The agenda covered a wide range of topics—trade, treaties, and more, truly diverse in scope.

Once the meeting concluded, it was time for the celebration.

I sank deeply into the chair in my office.

You shouldn't be doing things like this. With so many events lined up over the next few days, I'm already completely worn out.

"Are you okay?"

Lina brings me a sweet drink.

"Thanks. I guess this just isn't really my thing."

"I thought you handled it quite well."

"Really? That's good to hear."

"Come on, hurry up. The next celebration is about to start."

Encouraged by Lina, I approached the celebration, though it was essentially just an extension of the meeting.

It would be a setting for discussing matters even more complicated than before.

Despite the delicious meal prepared for me, I remained tense throughout, unable to truly savor the flavors.

Suddenly, I caught the Empress’s gaze.

“Forgive me—I’ve had a bit too much to drink. I’ll step outside for a moment to catch some evening air.”

I whispered this to a nearby minister and stepped out.

For precaution, I asked Noel and Lina to follow me.

"I'm truly sorry about this, both of you."

"It's fine," said one. "No problem at all."

"You two get along so well."

As expected, the Empress appeared.

"Did you enjoy the celebration?"

"Yes, of course. Honestly, I didn't expect such a lavish party to be hosted for us."

"That's wonderful. It means everyone's hard work has paid off. Now then, what is it that you wanted to tell me so urgently, out here in the open?"

"That's true. I'm a bit nervous about the looks we're getting from the two behind us."

Noel visibly startled, while Lina's expression twitched slightly.

"Both of you are fine. They're just the playful type."

They both looked at Taro, their faces clearly asking, "How do you know that?"

Wait, I was just trying to calm them down...

"Fufu, really an interesting person. Well then, let's make it simple—how about holding a world conference one year from now? It's still a secret, you know. There are various things I'd like to discuss, but since we're at it, I'd like to see us all moving in the same direction globally. I'd like you to attend that conference."

A world conference... Honestly, I find it a bit troublesome personally, but if we can strengthen cooperation, perhaps we'll find ways to solve issues like securing talent and food shortages.

"Yes, I understand. Please let me know as soon as the timing is set. We'll do our best to attend."

"Oh, you're agreeing so easily. I thought you might hold off on giving a definite answer for a bit."

"Sometimes, bold actions are necessary. Besides, this country still has a lot of interactions to build with other nations..."

"That's a refreshing way to think about leadership. Well then, I'll be on my way back. Staying too long might raise suspicion among the others..."

The Empress bowed slightly, then returned inside.

"Ah... still the same as ever, showing up out of nowhere and leaving chaos behind."

"Was that alright?"

"Yes, no problem. In fact, I should've been interacting more with other nations. It's convenient to handle all that at once."

"I see."

Noel unconsciously placed a hand on her abdomen.

"I can't promise everything will be fine, but I'll be there for the birth. That much I promise."

The timing is quite close. As always, all I can say is this.

Noel's gaze meets mine.

"Don't worry. Even without Taro, the child can still be born. You'd just be watching from the side. You can make a country where this child can live in peace."

"Noel, thank you."

"Ah, hey. What are you doing?"

I suddenly feel deeply attached to Noel and pull her into a hug.