Chapter Text
A trip that would've taken a me a week took less than an hour thanks to Demon King's teleportation. It was but a simple matter of walking out the castle gates, going to a spot in the forest where the spell won't interfere with the castle's magic, and then teleporting to a forest near Endopolis.
But did you really have to put a blindfold on me?
I mean, I know where the demon castle gates are. I have explored the vicinity of the demon forest, so I can more or less tell where you took me. I don't know the forest around Endopolis all that well, so it doesn't matter if I see where we are, now does it?
This was a completely pointless gesture, you know? Me mapping out the way to Endopolis would only be a problem if I could teleport myself, you know?
— Princess, you may remove the blindfold now.
But… I suppose it does look a little breathtaking when the whole city comes into view after all this time in the dark.
— Alright, our disguises are fine, — Demon King announces, — Let's go!
Right, I had to wear different clothes, so I look like a regular traveler girl, but what about my escorts? They could've used magic to make themselves look human, so I might not need to worry…
Uh.
Excuse me, your majesty, but what is your definition of "fine"? Did you read a joke dictionary?!
— I've concealed my horns, so I should be inconspicuous, right?
Demon King, the tips of your horns are poking through your hat! They don't even look like weird accessories, those clearly look like tips of the horns poking through a hat!
— That's right. We really didn't have to change much, did we?
What are you talking about, mister demon cleric?! Your horns might be hidden by a ridiculously oversized hat, but what about your fluffy ears? How come you didn't think to hide your tail at all?
— Right. I've concealed my whole body, and it seems to be working.
Furry Dog, you just put an entire bedsheet on!.. It does make you look funny, but it doesn't make you look human in any way!
Argh, I don't even have words for this travesty anymore! At this rate we'll be detained long before we enter the city! The other travelers are already giving us suspicious looks! How would I buy that pillow, let me ask you?! It's a good thing I have common sense and came prepared! Since autumn is just around the corner, and autumn is Halloween season, I made signs with "Halloween Trial Run" written on them in bold letters. As long as my escorts carry those around, they could've went in their usual clothes and people would have only complimented their convincing costumes.
Time to hand the signs out! This one goes to the Demon King, this one is for the demon cleric, and this one is for Furry Dog!
— Ow, what the…
— Princess, what are you doing?!
Hmph, so what if I slapped those signs on you a bit too hard! It's your fault for coming up with such poor disguises without consulting me first!
— Princess!.. — Demon King starts in an angry tone.
I hold a finger up to his face.
— It's "miss".
— What?
— We're going in disguise, are we not?
You were so concerned about my subjects seeing me in a human city, so of course you can't keep addressing me as "princess", now can you? And you can't use my name, either.
— Oh… — Demon King seems to catch on, — Oh, you're right. Um, then I'll be… Hey, wait!
No, we have wasted enough time already. If I wait around any longer, all of the pillows are going to be sold out! If you really want to say something, you can do so on the go, your majesty.
Demon King and the rest catch up to me.
— Shouldn't we decide what our names are? — Demon King huffs.
— You can do that yourself, right?
— Don't you have to know those as well?
— Not really. You're only my temporary escort, so as a noble lady, I can simply use "you".
— Say what?! — Demon King blurts out.
— Such insolence! — Furry Dog growls.
— Now, now, let's not fight… — demon cleric says.
I mean, surely you don't intend to become my permanent attendant, your majesty? It would put your kingdom in a precarious situation if you were to submit to me. In the first place, I have no need for a demon king as an attendant. I could come up with a more elaborate identity if we're going to visit Goodereste like this again, but for now "a noble and her hired escorts traveling incognito" will have to do.
Coming to think of it, there are a lot of travelers heading for Endopolis today. That's not a rare sight, since the city is the base for a major adventurer guild, but usually it's those adventurers, mercenaries, or traveling merchants that go in or out. But the crowd today is mostly ordinary people who seem to be looking forward to festivities of some kind…
My ears pick up on stray bits of dialogue, as well as the music that's playing beyond the city walls. Oh, I see, it's that time of the year, isn't it?..
— What do we do? — Furry Dog whispers in panic, — There's a sign by the city gates saying we need identification papers!
Yes, you can't just enter a major city willy-nilly. Security is important. Usually.
— If we're found out now… — Demon King looks around anxiously.
— It's free admission today, so it's fine.
— How do you know that, pri… miss? — the demon cleric asks.
I point at a stray balloon flying over the city wall.
— Festival week.
Well, visitors are checked for dangerous items, but that is what barrier on the gates is for. Demon King and the rest seem to be suppressing their mana, and what little leaks out can be explained as some harmless artifacts of demonic origin.
Naturally, we pass through the gates without an issue. The guards were a bit suspicious of my escorts due to their jumpy behavior, but I explained that they just have never visited large cities before, and the guards dropped the matter. It's not their job to worry about village kids being nervous on their first big outing, after all.
For the first time in a long while, I am stepping into a human town.
Endopolis, the Last Zone City. It was the first city to be built close to the national border, and to this day it's still the only city that is the closest to the demon kingdom. The starting point of many quests that went down in history was precisely here, which is why many adventurers call it by another name: the City of Beginning.
It was originally a fort, meant to be the last stop before venturing out into the demon territory, so at first only people who would embark on such a journey stayed here. But adventurers need a lot more people to support them, and eventually merchants and craftsmen settled here, and all kind of workers came as well, and before long they had families and children.
That's what this festival is all about – to look back on the history of the city and celebrate all the achievements made on the frontier.
Endopolis is bustling with people. Adults and children, young and old, men and women, everyone has gathered here today to have fun. There are colorful decorations everywhere you look, balloons are handed out to anyone who wants them, and stalls with food and souvenirs are lining up the streets. My escorts look bewildered and intimidated, but the crowd moves slowly enough not to overwhelm them completely, and nobody really pays them any attention.
— P… miss, don't forget, this is only a short recon mission, — Demon King says just loud enough for us to hear.
— We'll go back as soon as you buy what you came here for! — the demon cleric adds.
Both of you really have nothing to be nervous about. As long as you don't put on any villainous "mwa-ha-ha" act and don't cause any trouble, you can enjoy the festival like everybody else.
— I remember. And I appreciate that you're doing this for me, — I say as a way of reassurance while I put change away in the cute panda purse I just bought, — I'm also aware of my position…
— It sure doesn't look like it!
Demon King stares at my arms:
— When did you even buy this?! Is that… popcorn?
Well, the crowd is moving slowly, and you are moving even slower than that, and the stalls are right there, you know?
— This one is butter and salt. This one is caramel. And this one is banana milk tea.
These are two classic flavors, with an addition of one I never tried before. I hold up the opened bucket of popcorn, but no one moves to take any.
— Are we in an amusement park? — demon cleric is exasperated, but the look on his face changes quickly, — Wait, where did you get the money?
Why are you surprised? Since I wanted to do a little shopping, it makes sense I will have money for it, wouldn't it? I didn't take any from your treasury, if that's what you're worried about. So you really don't have to look at me as if you're composing a lecture in your head, mister demon cleric!
— Ummm, well, you see… I've been gathering gold from, um… greeting various monsters and adventurers…
— Is that… so, — the demon cleric looks conflicted, — You must be quite rich by now then…
— Wait, did you say "adventurers"? — Demon King asks incredulously.
But of course. After all, I still wear my adorable teddy demon pajamas from time to time, so sometimes I get to meet adventurers. For some reason, it seems like the average level of the party members gets higher… but I get more money out of it, so it's fine.
The crowd disperses the further we go, because people are heading for different venues. We break away from the flow and stop at a quiet corner by some stairs. Now it's time to figure out where to buy that pillow.
I bite into a Murderous Demon Bun, the Endopolis specialty. Ahhh, what a nostalgic taste… I ate a lot of these when I passed my Steel exam, and it's still just as delicious as I remember.
— Oh, I've bought your share as well, — I hold out the bag, — Here you go.
Unlike popcorn, buns seem to be more appetizing for them; everyone takes one, and comments how tasty it is. I suggest to bring those back to the demon castle as souvenirs, but Demon King gives the bag a weird look and bluntly rejects the idea. What a meanie he is, to deprive his aides of something so delicious.
Well, back to the pillow. Merchant's Street would be a logical place to find one, but WonderSound is a prominent manufacturer, so they might have a dedicated store in another part of the city…
— "Sleep Soundly ☆ Low-Frequency Pillow" Deluxe Edition is on sale now!
The pitch is coming from a stall set up in front of what looks like a warehouse, with stacks upon stacks of boxes arranged behind the shopkeepers. The bright banner that's boldly hanging up on the front leaves no doubts as to what is being sold there.
Oh, this is exactly what I'm here for… Wait, what did they say about edition?
— The super popular "Sleep Soundly ☆ Low-Frequency Pillow" has received an upgrade! — the shopkeeper announces, — Exclusively at our shop! For a limited time only! With this pillow, you will be sleeping in the lap of luxury!
That's amazing! They have what I want, and it's an upgraded version! Isn't my luck just the best?
I turn back to my escorts and point at the store. Ahhh, I can barely contain myself! The latest technology of my kingdom is just one crowd of customers away! Come on, we have to hurry before it's sold out!
— Miss, you wanted the normal version! — the demon cleric argues, — You can get that at an ordinary store!
— But deluxe is better!
You have an eye for good craftsmanship, don't you? You should know that a deluxe version would be superior, shouldn't you? And there's no way you would know whether ordinary stores carry the pillow I want, mister demon cleric!
He worriedly looks back at Demon King and Furry Dog:
— Wh-what should we do?
— What can we do? — Demon King sighs, — If princess doesn't get the deluxe version, she'll just escape again.
Yup, I really will. And I won't hesitate to use all my knowledge on guerrilla warfare when I do, so look forward to it~☆
Demon King has enough foresight to understand as much. He gives the crowd a troubled look, sighs in defeat, and marches down the stairs. Another win for me! What was the score again?..
It would've be even better if the store opened up right next to us, so that we could be among the first customers. But this situation isn't bad either, because crowds are a good source of information. I just need to walk around for a bit, and I'm sure to hear something interesting!
— Miss, don't wander off! — Fluffy Dog grumbles and hoists me up on his shoulders.
Oh, a vantage point!.. but it's harder to hear the people like that, isn't it…
Still, bits of dialogue do reach me. Like parents distracting their restless children with stories of old quests, and children are of course awed and want to follow in the footsteps of famous adventurers and vanquish all the demons. There's a girl trying to talk a guy into buying her a certain coat, but the guy pushes back saying the price got too high. Somebody discusses which part of the festival they are going to visit tomorrow. Someone is complaining how it's hard to get monster materials nowadays.
It's actually not easy to get good info just by listening to a crowd, huh… People don't conveniently discuss crucial topic just next to you, do they?.. With so many voices overlapping, words get mixed, some people talk too loud or too quiet, and they get carried away and forget what they were going to say… I will have to go to the… after all…
— … ss! Miss, it's our turn!
I nearly fall down, but between Furry Dog's paws on my boots and the demon cleric's hand on my elbow I keep the balance. What was that about our turn?..
The girl shopkeeper smiles at me:
— It will be three thousand gold for "Sleep Soundly ☆ Low-Frequency Pillow" Deluxe Edition!
— Miss, you can afford that, right? — the demon cleric asks in a worried tone.
Like I said, I came prepared. Trust me a little.
I take out a few pouches out of my item bag: five hundred gold per pouch, six pouches total. Demon cleric passes them on to the shopkeeper, who doesn't break her smile for a second.
— I will have to confirm the amount, is that acceptable? — she says.
I nod.
— Understood. Please step this way. One of or employees will call for you when we can proceed with the transaction.
The shopkeeper lady peeks into the shop, and emerges with a boy; he looks at the coin bags and does his best to contain a sullen look. The assistant boy nods at the short instruction of the shopkeeper lady and gets to counting.
There is no waiting area, so we're just going to a small nook next to the stall. Furry Dog squats down and lets me climb off his shoulders. Demon cleric keeps an eye out for Demon King, who got caught up the wrong line. It's gonna take that boy a while to count all the gold, so I guess I can try to listen in on the people's conversations some more… there's got to be something useful to hear… got to be…
***
— It's finally… over…
Demon King returns to the group at last, shambling like a newly raised zombie. He leans on Demon Cleric's readily offered shoulder and tries to catch his breath.
— So many people… pushing and shoving… — Demon King wheezes.
— Did anything come out of it? — Demon Clerics asks, rubbing his back in a soothing gesture.
The younger demon raises his hand with a colorful slip of paper in it.
— A lottery ticket.
— Any prize for it?
— Ah, no, the results are gonna be announced later. We… probably will be gone by then.
— Yes, I suppose we shouldn't stay that long.
Demon King takes another big breath and finally straightens up.
— So, did you get that pillow? — he asks in a brighter tone, cramming the ticket into his pocket.
— Sadly, no, — Demon Cleric smiles awkwardly, — One of the shop assistants is counting the gold pri… miss paid, and it seems to be taking a while…
Demon King looks past him, at the small nook between two shops. Great Red has crammed himself in here and is sitting on something. For the lack of anything better to do, he nibbles on popcorn he carefully takes out of the bucket with his large fingers, and what looks like half of the city's children are crowding the spots where they could observe "the big doggie".
— We don't really blend in, do we, — Demon King says in a distant tone.
Across the street, a couple of kids are fighting over a crate that would give them a better viewing point.
— People seem to assume we have illusion magic on, — Demon Cleric says, — So it's not like we've been found out yet.
— Yeah, — Demon King smiles weakly, — I got asked which artisan made my "glamour charm". Several times, too.
He walks over to Great Red, who squirms in his seat.
— So, she's asleep again?
— Well, it is as you see…
The princess is indeed sprawled across Great Red's knee, taking yet another nap. The dog demon tries to discreetly remove his arms that's draped over her shoulders, but the princess mumbles in protest and tightens her grip on the sheet that's covering it.
Demon King grins with a mix of amusement and pity:
— And here I thought you disliked her, Great Red.
— I—it's not like that! — the dog demon blurts out, — According to the hosta… the arrangements, she needs to be under supervision while outside! I'm just keeping watch!
— Oh? — Demon Cleric says with some confusion, — But didn't you say earlier that you've started to see her as a younger sibling?
Great Red whines with mortification, and Demon King simply laughs. Demon Cleric smiles at the scene, but his smile is faint.
Unease wells up inside him again. It's been happening more often as of late, but he has always suppressed the feeling and moved on with his duties. But maybe because he isn't on duty right now, or because the current environment is so unfamiliar, that Demon Cleric has a harder time getting rid of it.
It happened just a while ago when the princess sat next to Great Red and used his knee as an armrest, while Great Red himself, despite his grumbling, put an arm over her shoulders. Demon Cleric must've had quite an expression on his face, because Great Red looked distressed while trying to explain that he didn't intend to fraternize with a human, it's just that the princess can be so defenseless at times, almost like a puppy, and he really can't help feeling protective…
Demon Cleric assured that there's really nothing wrong with familial feelings, and all was well. But now he looks at Demon King, who peers at the face of the sleeping princess with boyish curiosity, and feels as if something doesn't sit right in his chest.
Then again, the scene does look strange. Here they are, three high-ranking demons accompanying one human on a frivolous trip to buy a luxury item at a human city, like it's the most mundane thing in the world. And that's exactly how it's been going: they weren't stopped by the city guards, the humans aren't suspecting them in the slightest, and even the princess behaves well and doesn't draw attention to herself.
In the shadow of the nook, with a pair of round ears she bought while they weren't looking, the princess almost passes for a demon girl of some beast species. It's almost like it is completely normal for the demons to visit a human city for a bit of shopping.
The observation makes Demon Cleric strangely dizzy.
— So, uh, — Demon King calls out, — Do we just… wait?
Of course, that would be the most reasonable course of action. Even though it will take that assistant boy a while to count the money, it's not going to take forever, so there's really no sense in leaving the shop. The princess would say just as much, if she was awake.
But the Demon King looks both anxious and excited, and although he's intimidated by the human city and the people in it, it's clear that he's also very curious. Lord Midnight allowed his son to read human books as well, so it's no wonder the current Demon King would be interested in the human culture.
— Shall we look at the nearby stalls? — Demon Cleric says.
Normally he would have never said something like this. Being old as he is, Demon Cleric should know better than to suggest that they, the demons, can simply take a walk around a city that's filled with humans. The times might have changed, but not that much, definitely not enough for something like this…
— Can we really? — Twilight asks with sparkling eyes.
He had eyes just like these when he was still a prince and talked about books that described ordinary humans and their ordinary human lives ("Gramps, did you know that the humans have sports festivals, just like us?"). Demon Cleric smiles fondly at the memory.
— Well, we are on a reconnaissance mission, are we not? — he says in a tone one might use before smuggling some sweets to a child before dinner.
— But is it… wise? — Great Red asks cautiously.
— It's not entirely free of risk, — Demon Cleric admits, — But nothing has happened thus far, and the people seems to be busy with this festival of theirs. I don't think it will be a problem if we were to have a quick look.
— Sorry, Great Red, would you stay here? — Demon King asks, — Since somebody has to look after, uh, the miss. And make sure she gets that pillow.
— I don't mind.
— I'll get you something, okay?
— Y-you don't really have to…
They discuss what to do if something does go wrong and they will have to flee. It's unlikely that there will be anyone strong enough to fight their Demon King, so there shouldn't be any problems.
Demon King and Demon Cleric walk down the street, which opens up to a plaza with stalls running in a circle around it. The pair of them wanders from one stall to another, and find out that similar to those buns from earlier, everything here seems to be a reminder of how hated the demons are, and what good fun it is to subjugate them.
There's a small podium near the fountain in the center of the plaza, where a man narrates the events of the Great Demon War from four hundred years ago. Despite their best judgment, they stop to listen. At one point Demon Cleric has to hold back his liege, who is furious that the man got a few facts about his father's accomplishments completely wrong. Not a minute later it's Demon King who has to drag Demon Cleric away, because the older man is livid that Dark Father is described as a ruthless deity who demands rivers of blood and human concubines.
A lot of people ask them where did they get their costumes, and there are inquiries about their glamour charms as well. A pair of young men who introduce themselves as up and coming artisans get carried away discussing Demon King's horns and how obviously fake they are. At least three children pull at Demon Cleric's tail to see how well it's attached, and on one occasion he has to calm down a tearful mother who can't stop apologizing for her son's behavior. They come across a small group of assertive young women who look like adventurers, and who, Demon Cleric belatedly realizes after the two of them escape the conversation, were probably making passes at Twilight. They even find a small girl, lost and crying in the crowd, and have a panic-inducing minute as they hand her over to a nearby guard and explain the situation.
— We should probably head back, — Demon King says, trying to catch his breath.
— Yes, let's…
They jump back as several kids with different masks and toy swords run past them, absorbed in a game of tag.
— Halt, demon scum! — one of the kids shouts, no doubt imitating some heroic figure.
— Haha, try to stop us! — another one responds cheekily.
Demon Cleric assures himself that there's no danger, wills his body to relax and glances at Demon Kind. The younger man looks back with a bitter smile.
— Demon scum, huh, — he hangs his head, — There's still such a long way to go…
— You'll do great, my liege, — Demon Cleric responds with conviction.
Demon King just sighs:
— Let's meet up with Great Red, then find an inn. I'd like to rest for a bit before we return.
— Of course.
The princess is wide awake when they come back to the shop, and that deluxe pillow she wanted is already in her hands. The princess would've went ahead to find them, too, and only thanks to Great Red she stayed put and they didn't have to run around the city looking for each other.
The inn, as they learn soon after, charges a thousand gold per person for one night, and Demon King has to go to the nearby forest to find some demon to borrow money from.
***
The deluxe edition of the latest product of the sleeping aid industry is safe in my item bag, and the bag itself is securely attached to my waist. My first objective of today's outing is complete.
The demons are asleep at one of the city inns. Apparently Demon King and the demon cleric had a bit of fun walking around the festival, and the excitement made them tired. Well, as long as they don't wander off and get lost before I come back, let them nap for a bit. I leave a message for them at the reception desk just in case, and ask the innkeeper for directions.
Ugh, Merchant Street is the same as ever… Be strong, Suya, don't forget what you came here for… You've been doing fine without an aromatherapy set… Ahhh, but does it not boast new and improved oil blends that promote the best of sleeps?.. Oh, I know this shop, Mother purchases all her tea from them! I wonder if they still sell that one with lemongrass and vanilla in it?.. And wow, Ivory Flower even launched a new line of skincare products while I was away!..
See what I mean. Den of temptation and avarice is what Merchant Street is.
But I still should have enough money to get what I need. I haven't spent that much. Probably.
"Turtle Dove" looks like a small, unassuming shop, but it's in fact one of the oldest establishments of Endopolis. This is where you go when you want information of any kind, the one that can be obtained by legal means of course. They have a large number of detectives, journalists, and other specialists that can find out almost anything you ask, and they also have their own printing house that releases digests covering the most prominent facts, events, and rumors.
— That will be one "Specialties and Novelties" yearbook, one "Tides of the Market" yearbook, and one "Guide to the Dungeons" yearbook, — the old shopkeeper rings my purchases up, — one "Battle of the Factions"… There's a discount if you purchase "Most Wanted Bachelors" with it.
— No thanks.
— Are you sure, miss? That one is very popular with the girls your age.
— No thanks.
— As you wish then. We also have a special offer for the latest monthly issue of "Quests and Exploits". The hero himself gave us an exclusive interview.
Huh, something about that sounds familiar.
— Which hero?
— Why, the one who is on a mission to save princess Suyalis of course, — the shopkeeper says.
— Oh, that guy, — I wince, — No thanks.
If I wanted to know about the hero and his quest, I could just drop by Demon King's office and read the latest reports.
— On the other hand, — I say, — are there any theories about what's taking him so long?
— Hmmm… A couple of articles in the last "Conspiracies of the Court" yearbook mention that… And that latest monthly issue of "Quests and Exploits" makes a few speculations, of course.
— How much for both?
Demon King does have a few ideas, but I don't think that "ruined game balance" and "no sense of direction" are all there is to it. And I'd like to know how humans see the problem as well, otherwise I can't make any plans.
It's getting darker when I leave the shop. I spent more time than expected, huh… But it's important to have the best information, and I can't get all of it while I'm in the demon kingdom. I really wish I could talk with someone who runs the Final Bastion guild, they should have a lot of up to date reports about the war situation and how it affects the adventurers… Alas, I have no time today. I can only visit one more place before heading back for the inn.
I've never been to "Mercury Wings" before, since I never had to visit the place myself. But it seems that their Endopolis branch is just like any other office from another city, with several counters for the customers, private booths in the back, and helpful guides on the walls. Not many people are here during the festival, so I'm quickly forwarded to an assistant behind one of the counters.
I pull out the leather-bound folder I borrowed from that group of imprisoned mercenaries.
— I'd like to register this device with your office, — I say, — With mana signature as verification.
This costs all of the money I had on me, but with that, all of objectives are complete.
***
Seeing how panicked my escorts were, I thought it was the middle of the day, but turns out it was barely nighttime. Yet they were going on and on about how they had to leave… You do know that we can stay until tomorrow, right? We paid for our rooms and everything! Why do we have to hurry?
There are sounds of missiles and a faint scent of gunpowder on the streets. No way, is Endopolis under attack?..
There's a distant boom and a sharp whistle of a missile as it cuts through the air. Moments later, a fiery flower blooms in the sky, changing colors as bright petals fall and fade away.
It's the Frontier Festival Fireworks!
So that's why there are so many people today, to see the Frontier Festival Fireworks! The best fireworks show of the realm! The most grandiose event of summer! The only other fireworks show that can compete is the Royal Winter Celebration!
Coming to think of it, didn't Demon King got some kind of a ticket?
While my escorts frantically discuss how to leave the city, I grab the slip of paper from Demon King's hand. Yup, there are numbers on it. I think I saw festival staff with big boards that also had numbers on them…
We have a winning ticket! Today just keeps getting better!
My escorts try to resist, but there's no fighting back against the skills of the festival staff. In no time at all, we are shown to a balcony where a table is already set for four. There are even free drinks! That's what good service is all about!
How wonderful would it be to take a nap during this festival night, while those magnificent fireworks are blooming in the sky… Ohhh, and I can use the pillow I just bought! Let's set it on the table, turn it on, tune the settings, aaand on top of it my head goes…
I can't fall asleep.
Each time a firework goes off, I can't help opening my eyes. I can get used to the flashes of light, but the sounds is too loud! Can't they develop silent fireworks? I need to send a suggestion to the mages…
I guess I'll just enjoy the fireworks normally. I've never seen the Frontier Festival like this anyway. And my escorts has dropped the idea to leave right away, so it's all good.
— The fireworks are rather beautiful, — the demon cleric comments.
— Uh-huh, — Demon King replies.
Aren't they? Only the best artisans are selected to present their fireworks! The competition is fierce each year!
— And there are so many of those marks… — the demon cleric adds.
— Uh-huh… — Demon King adds in the same distant tone.
In the sky, a "Drop Dead Demons" mark blooms.
Oh, I get it. I suppose the demons won't be happy seeing that.
— Why don't you make "Turn The Humans Into Mincemeat" mark? — I suggest.
— Aren't you a human, princess? — the demon cleric retorts.
— No good, huh…
Coming to think of it, I really didn't see any anti-human images or propaganda during my stay. Not that those sentiments didn't exist in the past, but it seems like it's been in decline for the past century or so. It shows how nice demons have become.
I guess it really wouldn't make sense for people like them to make "Destroy All Humans" marks. To begin with, us humans are weaker, so when we do it, it's to make the demon danger seem less scary. Nowadays, demon characters are even featured in plays and books as hapless comic reliefs.
— That wouldn't end the conflict anyway, — Demon King says.
Nobody says anything in response.
— Humans say the world was peaceful until us demons have started to raise our voices, — he continues in the same low, pensive voice, — But we've been forced to live underground, and had to endure harsh conditions…
I know. It's that old stupid war from four hundred years ago. The demon kingdom still hasn't really recovered, has it? The number of demon cities that are above ground can be counted on both hand, and you'd have fingers left over.
— A representative from both the demon and a human side must meet in a fair battle and fight until there's a clear outcome, no matter what it might be, — his voice gets more agitated as he says it, — otherwise there will be another all-out war. That's why…
Demon King cuts himself off, as if coming back to his senses.
Huh, what do you know.
I thought you were just a young boy who was crowned much too soon, and that you only saw the hero's quest as some sort of a silly game, but you're really thinking about your country, aren't you?
It's as you say, your majesty. Tension has been building up ever since we heard that the demons had been coming back. No one knew what to expect, and many were afraid that another age of demonic oppression was afoot. But then you appeared, kidnapped me, and proclaimed that only a limited number of people may come to the demon kingdom to bring me back. And now there's a guy with a small party on his way to your castle, while the human kingdom just waits quietly.
It is something out of an old fairytale, or rather, a game. And the thing about games is that they have clear rules and clear winners, so I can see why you're treating the hero's quest as such.
But the hero is not the only human representative there is, you know.
— Grand finale is about to begin! — somebody announces over the speakers, — Enjoy the end of the show!
I pass my escorts a napkin with a quick sketch of a smiling demon face. They look stunned, but at least their gloomy expressions are gone.
It's decided, then. I'll lend you my strength, your majesty. There's still a long way to go, but one day this mark will appear in the sky during Frontier Festival, which demons and humans will be celebrating together.
I, Aurora Suya Lis Goodereste, give you my word.
And the future queen of Goodereste isn't a woman who goes back on it.