The Kingdom of the Demon King I-3

I suddenly felt a strong gaze from behind.

Lina was pouting, looking at me.

"Let me have one too!"

"Thank you, Lina."

I hugged her just like I had hugged Noelle.

"Come on, let's hurry back."

The celebration continued afterward.

Morning came, and a meeting was held with the ministers.

As for me, I was heading toward a certain place.

I arrived at the facility, one I had long grown familiar with.

National Magic Stone and Magic Research Institute

An institution that my nation leads in researching magic stones and magic.

The findings from this research are fed back into the lives of the citizens.

Among the people here were some I hadn't seen in a long time.

"Long time no see, Emma."

"It's been a while. This place is paradise."

Emma's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Along with the Empress's visit, many technicians had come here as well.

They're currently touring the Magic Research Institute.

"It's been a while. By the way, could you please explain the reasoning behind this?"

"Daniel's here too? Ah, right—both of them became researchers attached to the Empire. They're doing well... Sorry, I can't explain that."

"I see. That's a pity. Then I'll figure it out on my own."

Daniel glanced at the documents with a disappointed expression.

"Even if we are old acquaintances, couldn't you be a little kinder?"

The head of the Imperial Research Institute is arriving.

It seems he had been touring the facility as well.

"I say, this is an outstanding research facility. It's no less impressive than the Imperial Institute. Truly, a masterpiece worthy of the Demon Lord."

"Thank you for the kind words. This place holds great personal meaning to me."

Ivan glanced briefly at Emma.

Realizing something, Emma took Daniel deeper into the research facility for a tour.

"Mr. Taro. Let me ask you honestly—didn't you grow eager to develop weapons?"

As expected of the research director.

He truly understands what a nation is.

"To be honest, I did. It's terrifying—what it means to lose something."

Now that I'm in charge of the nation, I don't want to see the things I've built, my family, or the people who helped me establish this country get hurt. The thought alone makes my heart feel like it's tearing apart.

I didn't even want to think about it.

Yet the monsters attack without any regard for us.

Pirates can be found anywhere.

Even when traveling abroad, thieves still exist.

Recalls a past incident where a diplomat sent to another country was victimized by thieves.

If one has experienced the harm, one could not deny the existence of weapons.

That fear isn't mistaken. It's natural to be afraid of losing someone when you genuinely care for them. With your experience and knowledge...

"Even so... even so, there are ways. There is not just one method of protection."

"Indeed. Then, please hear this as the murmured words of an old man. Sticking to one's beliefs comes with pain. It is extremely painful. Yet, it is only by enduring that one's beliefs remain true. When you fully commit to your path, your way will become the world's rule."

"Ivan, would you come to this country if you left the Empire?"

"Heh heh heh, my dear, what a joke. Even if rotten, I am still an imperial representative. My body belongs to Lady Veronica and the Empire."

He spoke with a smile, yet a firm resolve could be seen deep within his eyes.

"Besides, one doesn't casually speak such things."

A strong presence loomed behind him.

Empress Veronica stood there—clearly enraged.

"Well, you know, it's just how the conversation flowed..."

"Lord Demon Taro. You're certainly not someone to be taken lightly. Let's go. Research Director, guide me through the interior."

"Y-yes, but I think someone more qualified than me should explain this..."

"It doesn't matter! Hurry up! Emma! Daniel! Let's go!"

At the Empress's command, the group entered the laboratory.

That night, in a certain room, a gathering of women had assembled.

Veronica, her personal guards, and alongside Emma, there were Rina and Noel.

"Then, I'd like to begin our special meeting—the midnight ladies' gathering."

Special meeting... Does that mean there's also a regular meeting? Rina wonders, clapping her hands as usual, just like the guards.

Emma tries her best to clap along.

Noel seems as cheerful as ever.

"This time's theme is how to find suitable gentlemen."

"Madam Veronica, again with that?"

"What is that? At a time like this, let me tell my story. Today, I've invited two important teachers."

With that, Lady Veronica extended her hand toward me and Noel.

M-me!? Noël seems awfully proud of himself.

Then, let's get straight to it—tell me how you managed to defeat the Demon Lord.

Then I'll go first. That one is Taro's...

Since then, where has Taro's privacy gone? An open-hearted girls' gathering began.

They let go of their statuses and simply enjoyed themselves.

At first, everyone had felt uneasy, but before they knew it, they were talking as peers of the same age. Sometimes, moments like these are necessary.

The female emperor understood this, so she stopped playing her role.

Everyone present was a thoughtful, empathetic companion. Soon, they too began to act their age.

After the lively night had passed, several days went by, and soon it was time for the imperial party to return to the empire.

"Lord Demon Taro. This has been a splendid time. I believe we both gained much from it."

"Yes, we are still young in our nation. We have learned much from you. I hope we may have such opportunities again."

Having concluded their formal farewell, they headed toward the luxurious ship.

From a spot slightly apart, I watched them go.

"By the way, William. What happened to the red mark on your cheek?"

"I got hit with a wooden sword during a mock battle. Maybe I've been neglecting sword skills lately, focusing too much on magic..."

William looked thoroughly dejected.

Being teased by Noel.

At that moment, the emergency bell—sounded once every few months—rang out.