The more I heard, the more I understood how much Demon King Gustav doted on his beloved daughter’s education. To think that the Four Heavenly Kings of Demon, the top combat power of the Demon Lord’s Army, were originally just tutors. Depending on how you look at it, you could say they were the ones among demons who were exceptionally strong and had enough leeway to allocate points to life skills? Just as Reinhard, Gallia’s boss, possessed skillful penmanship, Victor, who was in charge of Sera’s care, was good at cooking.
“Victor’s curry is exquisite! Oh? But the curry Claire made last time seemed like a different dish…? Well, it doesn’t matter! Both are exquisite!”
This is what Sera said. Victor cooking curry while wearing an apron… I can’t imagine it. Well, perhaps it’s because Gustav was called a tyrant king for assigning such talents to care for his daughter.
Yeah, I finally understand the internal affairs of the Four Heavenly Kings of Demon. It’s a stroke of luck to get information about Sera’s hometown so soon after arriving in the Underworld. I wonder if it’s inevitable considering my and Sera’s luck values? No, overconfidence is not advisable. Information is simply easier to gather because it’s connected to the big name of a former Demon King. But I’ll take full advantage of it this time.
“Um, excuse me, but what is your relationship with Sera-sama?”
“Lovers.”
“Gofuh!”
Hey, hey, Gallia suddenly burst out laughing. And he’s really choking.
“Hey, hey, are you okay?”
“Gokuh, gokuh… I-I’m fine. No problem.”
“By the way, I’m Kelvin’s girlfriend too!”
“Gubeboh!?”
Ange deliberately took off her black hood and struck a pose with a sound effect like ‘kyupirun!’, exposing our relationship. It’s not like we’re hiding it, but I don’t think now is the time to reveal it. I wish she could show that boldness when it’s just the two of us, that’s my personal worry.
Ange is usually quite bold and motivated, but perhaps due to her past experiences, she seems to shy away from physical contact. It’s a struggle even to hold hands. I try not to pry too deeply, but this situation can’t continue forever. And if I try to take the initiative, she’ll either blush and try to hide it or aim for my neck with the Dagger Knife she’s been holding. It’s difficult to defend against Ange’s attacks, as she lacks awareness of her surroundings. It’s a good thing I’m used to Melfina’s unconscious attacks when she’s half asleep, but I’m always in danger of being decapitated. And then, the battle love that follows. That, in itself, is welcome.
…But still, don’t you think men want to cuddle sometimes? These days, I’m starting to think I want Ange to overcome her hesitations.
Putting that aside, as Ange likely intended (?), Gallia seems to have taken serious damage. To be able to spurt and choke at the same time, what a skillful cow.
“Ange, what are you doing…”
“I thought it might be more interesting this way. Also, I won’t lose here.”
Hmm, she seems to be feeling competitive towards Sera. But making it more “interesting” is unnecessary. With the Four Heavenly Kings of Demon becoming so comical, I’d prefer a bit more seriousness now.
“Gallia, why are you reacting like that? …Hey, are you seriously okay?”
Perhaps he was too shocked, Gallia isn’t breathing. He’s just writhing in apparent agony. This king has been rolling around constantly since earlier. It wouldn’t be funny if he died like this, so I’ll heal him with White Magic.
“Sera-sama has a boyfriend, and he’s two-timing her…? If Gustav-sama were alive, it would have rained blood… He would have destroyed the country and executed his entire clan… No, that wouldn’t have appeased his anger at all… The damage would have reached Reinhard-sama, who was his tutor, and even me, his subordinate.”
As soon as he recovered, he started muttering to himself. All of his muttering content is extremely violent. King, pull yourself together. The wound is superficial. And it’s not a case of two-timing.
“Gallia, wake up!”
“Ah, yes Sera-sama.”
With Sera’s single command, he instantly returned to his senses. It seems Gustav’s education extended not only to his beloved daughter but also to his subordinates.
“However, you spoke as if Demon King Gustav were still alive?”
“Did I? Oh my, how embarrassing. Old habits die hard, and they sometimes surface…”
“My father’s fists came out before his words. Victor was often beaten up.”
“Victor-sama too?”
T-Too… Could it be that all of the Four Heavenly Kings of Demon were beaten up on a daily basis? What a tyrant king.
“I don’t want to say this, but you know a lot about Sera, don’t you? I thought the existence of Sera, the Demon King’s daughter, was kept a secret.”
“Yes, that is correct. Although I was Reinhard-sama’s aide, someone of my status couldn’t know about Sera-sama’s existence. To explain chronologically—”
According to Gallia, he only learned that the Demon King had a daughter after Gustav was defeated by the previous Hero. As expected, Gustav was defeated by Serge. The Four Heavenly Kings of Demon were also defeated in various places, but Reinhard survived, albeit with severe injuries. After the Hero departed, Gallia and Reinhard left the declining Grellverelka Empire together. And, to put it bluntly, Reinhard is the first King of this Doktoria Kingdom. He established the kingdom.
“It was all for Sera-sama’s sake.”
Reinhard told his most trusted subordinate, Gallia, about Sera’s existence. He also said that he saw the portrait just then. Reinhard established his country in a region near the Grellverelka Empire, protecting Sera’s whereabouts so she could return anytime. However, his injuries from the Hero never fully healed, and he died several decades ago due to them. Gallia, inheriting Reinhard’s will, became the new King of Doktoria Kingdom.
“Oh my, the Four Heavenly Kings of Demon are so handsome, Kelvin-kun!”
“I was thinking, aren’t demons basically good people?”
“You could say they are kind to their own, but they were planning an expedition to the surface for the sake of the country, so they are far from good. However, in this dog-eat-dog world, even demons might need solace. And, and, finally, our dream has come true… Uwooon, Sera-sama, you’ve finally…!”
He burst into tears. Well, it’s understandable this time. Even demons need to unleash their pent-up emotions.
“…So that’s how it was. You worked hard, Gallia! And Reinhard too!”
“Uuu, what a blessing…!”
Gallia prostrates himself before a dignified yet stern Sera. After a while, Gallia regained some composure for what felt like the umpteenth time.
“Sera-sama, this Doktoria Kingdom was created for you. Please command me as you wish! In fact, you could live here as it is!”
“Ah, I don’t need that!”
“Guhah!?”
And then, immediately, he rejects her. Reinhard and Gallia, who was spitting blood, are unrewarded.
“Because I already have a place to return to. As a second hometown, I can only visit occasionally. Um, is that alright?”
“…That is fine. Reinhard-sama, Victor-sama, and in place of Gustav-sama, I shall humbly say this. Sera-sama, welcome home.”
“Yes, I’m home!”
Was he rewarded, perhaps?
