Chapter 3: The headliner arrives too late
In the castle located in the heart of the Boa Kingdom King Tortos IV stood up from his throne surprised by the audience in the upper level.
“Is it true that the heroes are gone!?
“Haa, the five hero party under Luzar have left the Boa kingdom"
The Head Knight who came to report was in deep bewilderment and couldn't believe it either.
“They told us it was a too heavy burden to subdue the Devil King; therefore they left us and our country"
“Stupid, isn't Luzar the eldest son of a noble? Are you sure he abandoned his position and left!?"
“Yes, he said 『I found something more important than status and honour』"
“Such a fool......”
Tortos IV sits down as if collapsing in disappointment.
“5 Heroes all left together......”
Immortal heroes who received the protection of the goddess, they were an important force that protects the country not only from demons and thieves, but also from neighbouring countries. Only those who surpass others in talent are able to become heroes. There is a mighty power called magic and in this world where an individual's power exceeds the standard, a strong man who exercises daily can determine the fate of the country alone. Five people were lost, which is a great loss for the King.
“Can't they just be detained? No, it's not too late now, what kind of hand can I use to recall them?”
The King won't blame them for failing to kill the Devil King and he will give an honourable fee as an apology for asking for such an impossible task. Anyway, the knight Luzar had been longing for a title for a long time, so the King could grant him the title of a count. To the King who desperately suggests so, the Head Knight swung his aching head.
“Probably not. I kept trying to have them reconsider, but their resolve was firm......”
It is a very important decision for a knight to leave his house and escape. It is such a heavy decision, No matter what kind of bait you flick to them, you can't draw them back.
“Above all, they were afraid of the Devil King. Luzar said, 『He was more evil than an evil god and he shouldn't become our enemy......』"
He was afraid of the Devil King's chief of staff, but the Head Knight didn't know that.
“That Devil King is so frightening that the immortal heroes threw everything away and ran away!?"
“Your Majesty knows that"
“Muu......”
To the best point of the Head knight, Tortos IV groans silently. The Devil King destroyed nearly six thousand soldiers alone. That overwhelming power was shown and both the Head knight and the King were leading the last of the army. It's dreadfulness was shown.
“Indeed, he is the incarnation of fear that deserves to be called Devil King......”
A monolithic blue giant appeared before the Boa Kingdom Army who killed the ugly and evil demon races like Orcs and other small demons as they moved down and proceeded forcefully. The moment when they realised that he was holding hands and casting spells somehow, arrows of light fall down like rain. Three thousand arrows freely ran through the air, penetrating thousands of surprised soldiers' hearts. Absolute death and defeat swept through the army in an instant.
“How much power does he possess......"
Three thousand soldiers who were murdered in a single moment all became "revivable corpses", inscribing fear deep in to those that survived. If a corpse is damaged so much that they lose their form, then the resurrection magic becomes ineffective. Only special people who had received the title of a hero are able to revive from complete annihilation. You can guess the Devil King knew that, because the rain of light arrows penetrated the hearts of three thousand and didn't even give a single bruise. It is also difficult to kill a body that can be resurrected, as it is more difficult to capture alive than to kill. Even so, the Devil King did it so easily. Conversely, if that demon King planned to kill everyone, he could have killed all of the people, including Tortos IV, rather than half of them. Just as it had been passed down, it was impossible for humans to resist the Devil King who had superior strength, should they surrender promptly?
“After all, we shouldn't have gotten involved with that Devil King......"
The weak sound of the King leaked out. Someone heard it and instantly complained.
“Your Majesty, what are you saying”
It was a man in his early thirties who had a gentle smile and stood beside Tortos IV who abruptly opened his mouth. Unarmed, just wearing a white robe inscribed with a golden symbol reminiscent of a sun.
“Don't forget the goddess; she won't overlook such evil demons right?"
“Of, of course, Bishop Hugh!"
That smile with a pressure that didn't allow refutation was directed at Tortos IV who gave ridiculous vindications.
“There is no such thing as saints of our goddess that will succumb to the evil demons!”
“If so, it is fine"
Tortos IV who agreed to Bishop Hugh──suddenly strokes his chest. Although the Head knight and the surrounding ministers regretted such kinship of the king, they couldn't complain. In this country or in this world, only the Cardinal and the Pope who stand at top can refute the goddess' bishops.
“However, this is an unforgivable act, for the heroes sent by the goddess to flee from evil demons”
With a calm tone, Hugh makes a decision.
“Luzar's party shall be 『Anathema』 to the great Temple of the Goddess"
“Naa......!?”
All those among the audience, besides Tortos IV, froze at this abnormally cruel treatment. The Temple of the Goddess exists in many small towns, villages of hundreds of people and big cities of the Boa Kingdom. It is not only a pillar of faith, but a facility that justly allows the treatment of diseases, injuries and resurrections from unwanted deaths excluding death caused by reaching the end of one's lifespan. Being excommunicated from this Goddess's religion means that they couldn't to enter the temple; so it would be impossible be resurrected if they die in the future, no matter what. They will die even if their bodies are intact. Because the excommunication deprives them of safety, it is so consternating that even the King cannot disobey the bishop of the goddess.
“However, aren't Luzar and the other four heroes? So anathema......"
A hero who was recognized by the goddess becomes immortal. Isn't it meaningless then to anathema them? To Tortos IV, Hugh tells with a gentle smile finally.
“The Goddess's belief knows best the treatment for heroes"
He doesn't say anything specific and only smiles creepily.
“It may be so, but......"
“Yes, your Majesty, don't worry about anything”
Removing his gaze from Tortos IV, who only agrees, Hugh looks at the entrance.
“A true hero will be able to subdue evil demons"
At the same time as those words, the big door was opened during the audience and a figure appeared. A lightweight swordsman with flame-like red hair and a muffler of the same colour wrapped around her neck. That person couldn't be called to be elegant, but when she came in front of the King with an energetic active gait, she gently kneeled and raised her voice.
“Ariane the Hero of the Goddess has returned now after receiving the task to exterminate the giant black wolf!”
“You returned well and safely"
Bishop Hugh issues words of appreciation on behalf of the King. While puzzling how to respond to it, the hero of the goddess──Ariane showed a smile and opened the wrapped package that she was carrying on her back. What appeared from inside was a long fang as big as the upper arm of an adult. It is a substitute to show at a glance how huge and ferocious the black wolf was. And it was evidence to show off Ariane's strength who taken down the black wolf single-handedly.
“Oh, how splendid. As one would expect from Ariane-dono!"
“Thank you very much"
To the Head knight who raises a voice of admiration, Ariane smiles in embarrassment. Hugh, who saw it, changed the topic while hardening his smile a little.
“Now, Ariane, although you were away from the kingdom, you have heard the rumours"
“Are you talking about the demon race that appeared in the Dog Valley?”
“Yes, the evil Devil King's army slaughtered the people of the Boa kingdom and aims to take away this land"
It was the Boa kingdom side that led the army first to wage war, followed by five heroes. Furthermore, it was Hugh that pushed the King who was advocating caution and forced him, but no one bothered to say that.
“Demons are such terrible things......”
Ariane who doesn't know the true facts received the Hugh´s words and looked down with a dark face.
“Yes, according to the teachings of the Goddess, demons are lowly, barbarous and dirty creatures; they are destined to be annihilated"
“............”
“In order to destroy these demons, 5 Heroes headed for the subjugation, but fearing the enemy's Devil King, they abandoned the country and ran away"
“Eh, Luzar´s party!?”
“Unfortunately, it is true"
The matter of the anathema isn't talked about and Hugh commanded with a gentle voice.
“Ariane, you are the only one who can save this country. Will you defeat the Devil King?”
“............”
Ariane was depressed for a while with a complex expression, but immediately she raised her face and looked at Tortos IV. No matter how much strength this bishop has, whether he is a goddess's chosen one or a hero, since he is the king, he carries the role to lead and govern this country. With his gentle and noble eyes, Tortos IV has a sharp tone, but there was no other way than to order.
“Heroine Ariane, will you accept the task to subjugate the demon race in the Dog Valley”
“Yes, even if I need to risk my life!”
After finishing her duty of the black wolf extermination, she didn't show any sign of fatigue and Ariane acknowledged the king's command with a shining smile. Then, after bowing, she stood up and left as soon as possible. Hugh laughed gently and returned to his normal self.
“With this, the evil demons will be destroyed and the peace of the Boa kingdom will be protected by the Goddess's protection"
And although Ariane who defeated a mighty demon was credited for her own achievement, Hugh didn't tell his true intentions even to the archbishop──no doubt. Tortos IV who saw the bishop's inner spirit pursued Ariane who disappeared while sighing out so as not to get bothered.
(Ariane......is such an innocent and good child, its unthinkable that that wicked bishop discovered her)
Moreover, the King is disgusted again with himself who presses the fight against the dangerous Devil King. Perhaps with a one in a million chance, a hero may be able to defeat the Devil King. Because there is such a small probability, it cannot bear great results.
“Even though, she is such a young girl......"
She is a swordsman with the strongest magical power of the Boa kingdom and walks with a small stretched chest. The fact that she is a lovely girl makes the King's chest ache.
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“Wahahaa! Well done my staff chief!”
The heroes who carried out the attacks every morning didn't come at last and a grand party was held in the castle after regaining peace.
“Thanks for all Onii-san, thank you so much"
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart"
Reno also thanked Shinichi with a big smile and expressionless Ceres lowered her head deeply.
“No, you don't need to thank me so much"
“With this, we can finally create a full-fledged field"
“Thank you, Onii-chan "
“Huhuu, would you like me to thank you?"
Besides Calvi and Ros, most of the demons who had come to the human world such as snake women, women with devil-like wings and tails (?) had gathered at the banquet hall and were praising the leading actor who had repelled the heroes. As for him, Shinichi himself was bitterly laughing with feeling uncomfortable due to the excessive compliments and being surrounded by so many of people.
“I am pleased with the praises, but it's only a temporary retreat"
The five knights were released after Ceres released her 『Restriction Magic』 so that they will not approach the Demon King's castle ever again. Constraint magic requires consent from the opponent, but since the effect isn't overwhelming and never cuts out, the knights will never bother the Devil King again. Of course, there seems to exist magic that can release the constraints, but there is no person that can easily solve Ceres's magic who is the Devil King's right hand and there is also no merit of challenging the demon again after going through all the trouble. But──
“Let's drink, today we will celebrate!”
Don't worry about small things, the Devil King laughs heartily and recommend Shinichi to drink.
“There are a lot of dishes, too"
“For the feast, we went into the forest and picked up ingredients. It will be suitable for Shinichi´s mouth"
Reno and Ceres also held out dishes to serve Shinichi.
“Ah, thank you”
Shinichi accepts them with a bow, but his expression is a bit awkward. Because it was a poor substitute a far cry from banquet cuisine.
(The drink is just water, is this boar meat and boiled colts feet?)
The meat seems to have not been bleed out properly, it has released a bad odor of beasts, and it seems she is either really clumsy or neglects her cooking, it is not a taste that can be consumed. But─
“Puhaa! After all, the water of the human world is the best!"
“To be able to eat such delicious meat, I'm really glad we have come to the human world"
“This grass is also delicious and it is already impossible to return to Makai!"
The Devil King and his men had faces full of smiles, praising the human world's ingredients.
(Well, if you compare it to Makai's mystery meat, this is still a treat)
I wanted to go there once, but I was afraid of the cuisine of such a tough world and unfortunately there is no chance.
(When this feast is over, I'm going back to Earth)
He lent his wisdom to beat the heroes who revive infinitely. As he had fulfilled his purpose, Shinichi isn't obligated to remain in this different world.
(It may be a problem if I am involved deeply in this world. But──)
Even though he can return to peaceful Japan, his feelings didn't agree. Shinichi knew it very well, so he tried to swallow his feelings with the water of another world. At that very moment the door of the banquet hall was opened with a bang.
“Maou-sama, an important matter!”
“This deployment, believe it or not....."
Looking at the panicked expression on the dog head that appeared, Shinichi has a bad feeling.
“I have never seen them before, but a person that seems to be strong is coming over here!"
“Just as I thought"
As expected, the report, Shinichi knew it. They repelled five heroes, so there is no guarantee that they would be the last heroes.
“......Those maggots, they're making me mad"
The Devil King crushes the cup of water in anger and releases a wind storm from his whole body.
“Such courage, if they want to die so much, I will kill them just like they want!”
“Maou-sama, because you ask, it's just one hero──”
whether the plea against the annihilation of humans reached his ear or not; the Devil King moved in the middle of the talk and disappeared;
“Onii-san......”
“Good grief, I'm troubled by these humans”
Shinichi smiles bitterly and strokes Reno's head who was looking up anxiously. Then after waiting five minutes, the Devil King came back with a little movement. Reno issued a small scream next to Shinichi who is stroking his head thinking that humanity has been annihilated in these 5 minutes.
“Dad, your arm!?"
“Uh? Oh, its bleeding”
When he noticed it, the Devil King raises his left arm that had been engraved with a single thin cut and blue blood flowed out faintly.
“What......!?”
To that unbelievable sight, Shinichi also raised an astonished voice. The cut was so light that it couldn't be called an injury and only when the Devil King waved his arms lightly did it disappear without a trace. However, even though the Devil King made a full attack, he was wounded. It was a major incident sufficient to shake all the people.
“The human who showed up today has some bones and was playing a little. But she was able to run away at once"
As he went out, his bad mood disappeared, like a child who was given a new toy and the Devil King smiled happily now.
“No, it's not a time to be happy!"
Shinichi remembered a sense of crisis when a serious incident that someone who could hurt himself appeared before, but the response of the demons were totally different.
“Oh, to hurt Maou-sama, that human isn't bad!”
“What kind of fight was that? Awesome!"
“Haahaahaa, I will talk about it so don't panic"
Devil King also happily speaks to the curious and stuffy demons.
“No no, why did you react like that!?”
To Shinichi who doesn’t seem to understand, the maid gazes with a strange look.
“A strong person is a precious and righteous enemy. Is something wrong with that?"
“Eeeee!”
Shinichi feels dizzy knowing that Ceres is a battle maniac with only brain muscles. Looking at his last hope, Reno, she has a complicated look similar to resignation.
“It's hard to do anything, and I think Reno isn't good......”
Because it is common sense of the demon race, it is understood that it is a law of survival and Shinichi can't oppose it.
(I'd like to eat something good and there is also a common place, but the race and culture are different as expected......)
Even Shinichi´s Earth is surprisingly different in culture when crossing the ocean and it is a fact that it is justice that a person who won gains everything. It is easier to understand and easier for the demons, because it does not hide the true intention in a pretty formulation. While thinking about such a thing, the Devil King finished talking about the battle and comes back to Shinichi.
“Well, there was something out of our schedule, but let's continue the feast. We were indebted to Shinichi and as my honour as blue Devil King to thank him firmly before he returns"
“......Eh?”
To the words of gratitude different from expectation, Shinichi loses words for a moment.
“I can go home?"
“Yeah, I called you to get rid of those annoying guys"
“However, hasn't a new hero appeared?”
“It is a wise person who retires immediately when the ability difference of each is seen through. Unlike the guys from before, she won't be foolish enough to attack every day"
It might have been something which could be felt by the person who actually fought. The demon King seemed to be convinced that the suicide tactic which used the infinite resurrection is no gimmick.
“But......”
Shinichi eventually swallowed his words, whether he could say it or not.
“When she gets stronger, she will appear again, if you loses──what will you do if you die?"
Maou-sama is strong, definitely the strongest in this world. However, he is neither old nor immature, nor absolutely invincible. If there is a person who can scratch him and if that guy further refines his arms and gathers equal buddies, he can beat the Devil King. Can we really neglect an existence that could kill him? If you are an ordinary human, regardless of the means you use to eliminate, you will think about countermeasures. However, this here is a different world in which Shinichi's "ordinary" doesn't hold and the opponent is the Devil King.
“My defeat......it cannot be imagined, but there will be no way at that time. The strong will win and get everything, while the underdog loses everything. That is the law of the world”
There is no fragment, such as the colour of fear, on the Devil King's face. Rather, it was full of joy, waiting for the appearance of those who can fight with him equally.
“Indeed, as one would expect from Maou-sama”
So brave, Shinichi has no choice but to admire it.
(The demons who had neglected the heroes may have been feeling similarly)
It is a feeling the weak like Shinichi that he couldn't understand nor criticize. He looked around, but not only Ceres, but all the demons, such as pig head and ox head, seemed to have the same opinion as the Devil King. Only Reno had a clouded expression, but she never showed anxiety or dissatisfaction. So, nobody binds Shinichi. It is only his own thoughts that tighten his chest.
(What happens to the devils when I get home?)
Will they be defeated at the hands of the stronger hero? Will they all be killed? Or will they continue repelling, give up and go back to Makai, or summon a person different from Shinichi to devise measures? There are several possibilities, not necessarily leading to ruin. Also, there is no guarantee that they can repel the hero in the case Shinichi remained. If he gives top priority to his life, he will return to peaceful and safe Japan, this would be the best decision.
(But if I go back home, can I laugh?)
With the knowledge that the Devil King, Reno, Ceres, and other demons who exchanged words with Shinichi may be killed and only one person returns to a safe place, with a stupid face. Can I be happy then?
(I don't like that)
For a moment, Shinichi shook his head slowly while thinking of a sentimental girl's smiling face. He is a selfish person who has no fragments of philosophy. Even when he was on earth, even if a young child is starved to death on the other side of the world, or has been driven to the battlefield with weapons, eat rice, play with games, sleep in a warm futon, he did not feel any guilt, he was such a "normal" man. That is why, not out of righteousness or justice,
“I'll feel sick if my acquaintance dies without me being there"
For personal reasons, he can move at full power. By using common sense Shinichi understands that it is a mistake to help demons against humans, and that it is bad that an earthling interferes deeply with a different world, but his feelings to follow are not a thick head of hair. He celebrates the happiness of people he likes with a smile; he ridicules the misfortune of miserable people, because he is a very ordinary guy who is a far from a saint. And more than anything──
(It is not interesting to return home)
Shinichi's mouth draws a large arc. In another world where magic exists, he is summoned as staff of the Devil King. It was an impossible choice to finish such a precious and pleasant experience in just a few days.
(When I go back to earth, I don't have a particular dream that I want to fulfil)
He has no meaningful talents to become an athlete or aiming for a scientist or any good goal. Of course, there is no girlfriend, and a minor worry about worrying his parents, but they will give up with misery on a stupid son. There is no doubt about the risk to his life. A man realized that he died as soon as he died. He'd realised it ten years ago. That's why, Shinichi said the answer that his heart desired.
“Maou-sama, may I get a reward for the five heroes I repelled?"
“Muu, yes, I'll give you anything other than my daughter"
To Shinichi who suddenly began speaking with such bold words the Devil King responds in a hurry. Following that, Shinichi wore the smiling mask again.
“Then, please order me to exterminate the new hero"
“Shinichi, you......”
“Onii-sann!?”
Devil King and Reno raised their voices in surprise and stared at Shinichi wearing his mask.
“Are you sure?"
Ceres confirmed it once again, although she is normally expressionless, it seemed like she was worried somewhat. Anyway, if it comes to us, there is a possibility that even Shinichi who is only a poor human may get annihilated so bad that even resurrection is impossible.
“Isn't it better for you to go home and have a drink with your sister's milk?"
“Stop with the strangely erotic altering! I'm an only child!"
She seems like a poisonous maid, who is hard to understand, but gentle and caring; Shinichi gave a bitter smile and answered back.
“If I return and leave pretty ladies like Ceres and Reno behind, then tomorrow's meal will be bad"
“Onii-san......”
Reno turns red and tears drop down from the pleasant embarrassment and the pleasure that she was thought about. And Ceres raised the edge of her expressionless mouth a little in a small smile.
“In other words, do you want to drink Reno's milk?"
“Whaatt!!”
“Huee!? Reno has no chest!”
“Shinichi, let's talk a bit here"
Looking at Reno who is noticeably bright red and the Devil King who began to murmur, Shinichi hurriedly returns to the subject.
“Anyway! ......Maou-sama, please leave the suppression of the hero to your staff chief Smile-sama. Let's pay off everything that bothers me and Reno-sama"
The Devil King also returned to a serious face and takes the resolution to declare this again.
“Well, I command you in the name of the blue Devil King Ludavite Krolo Sema. Let's beat the new hero with Shinichi's wisdom who advises us demons!"
“Haa!”
“And dedicate a delicious meal to my daughter Reno!"
“Don't try to look good until the last gets drunk!"
Maou-sama is a foolish parent and put criticism to the back involuntarily. Of course, the damage was only the back of Shinichi's hand.