The Demon King's Country I-5

It happened just as Noel gave birth to her second child.

Are you sure this is okay? It's just a meeting. Someone else can take their place.

You're being persistent. The leaders of other countries are coming. We can't afford to look bad without Taro here.

What we're arguing about is whether or not I'll attend the world conference.

Normally I'd attend, but Noel has just given birth.

Of course, there are nurses and plenty of guards.

There's no real reason I must go, but I wanted to be nearby.

"Mr. Taro. I agree with Noel. If you don't attend, it could affect the nation's reputation."

It seems Rin won't be supporting me this time.

"Understandable that you want to stay close, since the baby has just been born. But you have responsibilities. You must ensure a healthy future for these children by leaving behind a stable nation."

"Rina, take care of Taro. I'm counting on you."

"Yes, but in return, please look after my child."

The two were raising their children together, cooperating as a team.

This time, it seemed they had found some mutual understanding, and Noel decided to stay.

"I'll be leaving many of my knights behind, including the commander."

"Miss!?"

"Fufu, your role is no longer merely to protect me. It is to protect the nation's potential. You understand the meaning, don't you?"

"...You've truly grown. I never thought I'd hear those words from you again..."

In the end, it was just me, Rinna, William, a few of Rinna's guard knights, and a decent-sized group of national officials heading toward the empire where the world conference would be held. The two ships prepared by the country crossed the sea smoothly, and for the first time in several years, I set foot on the empire's soil.

It's unchanged here...

The harbor we disembarked at was exactly as it had been years ago, nothing different.

A carriage arrived from the empire to pick us up.

Several splendid magical four-wheeled carriages arrived in a row. It was like a daimyo's procession.

"Amazing. I never thought something like this could be made in just a few years."

William leaned forward, thoroughly enjoying the scenery around him.

"You're really enjoying yourself, William."

"Since I've never had experiences like this before, bringing me along was definitely worth it."

"How about you, Lina? You've never traveled this leisurely, have you?"

"That's right... It's truly delightful."

Thanks to the improved performance of the magic four-wheeled carriage, we arrived within the imperial territory shortly after.

It's been a while since I've seen an imperial mansion.

"It feels oddly nostalgic."

Thanks to having sent servants ahead of time, the mansion had been kept clean and tidy.

The world conference will begin at the imperial capital in one week.

We must prepare before then.

First, our destination is...

"It's been a while, Marie-san."

This is the Demon Lord, may your mood be splendid. I'm truly sorry to have troubled you with such a visit.

There's no sense of apology, but once again, they're a helpful ally.

This is a completely soundproof environment. Just do it as usual.

After hearing Marie's words, first retrieve what's needed.

Gold coins fill the bag, scattered across the island and nearby areas. Left behind are gems mined from the isolated island.

And a few magic stones.

"For now, these are the clothes and various other supplies you've prepared."

"If you're talking about food and clothing, that's a bit excessive. If you're referring to anything else, it's slightly insufficient."

"These magic stones are just a portion. My country also has a dungeon that I've cleared. It's currently untouched and left abandoned."

"Indeed, Your Majesty. It's no surprise you've cleared a dungeon. From what I've heard, is there something wrong with it?"

"Clearing a dungeon and developing it are entirely different undertakings."

"Let's save the complicated explanations for later. To be specific, what's missing? People or supplies?"

We do have personnel with dungeon development experience. However, we're severely lacking in development tools. We'd appreciate it if you could provide the necessary equipment. We're considering purchasing them.

"Our tools are custom-made, you see. If word gets out, it could ruin our business. Purchases aren't permitted."

"Then how about a loan?"

"Fine. You'll only need to cover the equipment cost for the duration of the loan."

"Quite generous of you."

"Because you're a regular customer. I'm thinking ahead to our future cooperation. Anyway, are your other preparations going well?"

"Yes, I've been trained relentlessly at the castle..."

"Hmph, I'm looking forward to seeing just how far you can go."

"Marie-san will be attending as well, then?"

"Of course. It's not just me. This is the first world conference. People from all around the globe—those invited, and those not invited. A wide variety. I don't need to tell you to stay on guard."

"Yes, of course."

Checking the attire in preparation for the world conference.

"Hey, are you really going to wear this? Isn't it a bit flashy?"

"Even so, I've toned it down for ease of movement."

"Look, Taro-san!"

William appeared proudly wearing the outfit.

He seemed quite accustomed to formal wear, standing with confidence.

"You look great."

"You look great too, Taro-san. You're coming off as an incredibly powerful mage."

Mage... I'm supposed to attend as a king...

It's not wrong, so it's fine.

"Um, miss, I'd prefer comfortable clothes rather than a dress..."

Given the nature of our nation, young people are common. Some of us aren't even used to wearing things like dresses.

She is also a powerful water mage, but due to her unusual origins, she's uncomfortable with this kind of attire.

Called Noah, the name was given to her by Noel, who had no name before.

"Noah, you look wonderful. Be confident."

She beams with joy, lifted up by Lina.

Indeed, she looks great—she'd probably be approached constantly by young elites if she wore something like that.

"What kind of clothes does Lina wear?"

It's a secret—please look forward to it on the day.