Chapter 43

The negotiations between the Kingdom of Crease and the Magic Empire resulted in the Emperor of the Empire stepping down to take responsibility for the war.

At the same time, the Magic Empire offered to provide the Kingdom with the secret techniques for manufacturing magical tools, which they had strictly prohibited from leaking to other countries, along with a substantial compensation and the labor of the captured soldiers for the reconstruction of the capital. It was decided that all expenses related to the reconstruction of the capital would be covered by the Empire.

The Emperor's "abdication" will be announced a few months later, after the political succession is properly arranged.

Therefore, the Empire will maintain its current ruling system on the surface, but internally, it will proceed with purges and preparations for the transfer of power.

Of course, resistance is expected, but if the Emperor can convey his will while still alive, things should go smoothly.

The Kingdom is also preparing to support this process from both the front and the back.

The King instructed Prince Rain to handle all the arrangements for this.

He is not particularly worried about this.

He has a sense of reassurance that things will go well if he leaves it to his excellent son.

However, the King was preoccupied with something else.

"Make that 'demon' boy live a normal life, without any worries, huh?"

In a makeshift office, the King sat in a hastily prepared upholstered chair, lost in thought.

His mind was on that man.

"What a troublesome request – and of all things, a demon."

The hero of the nation, Noll, wished to protect the demon boy Roro as a reward for his recent achievements – and to grant him citizenship on par with humans.

"Such a simple wish. I can't just ignore it."

The 'demons' are not only a target for extermination in the Misra Theocracy but also in many other countries.

They have been hunted for a long time, and their numbers have significantly decreased.

That boy is one of the survivors.

Demons are born with mysterious powers.

They are said to be able to control monsters at will and see through and manipulate human hearts.

Everyone knows that they are feared and persecuted for this reason, but there are hardly any stories of people actually encountering them.

Most of what is known about their characteristics is passed down through legends, and the King himself has rarely seen one.

They possess the power to control even ferocious monsters, which they used to kill many humans in war.

At first glance, they may indeed be a threat, but there is a lingering doubt about whether they are truly that evil.

There is no solid evidence to support this claim.

While there have been wars between humans and demons, the existing 'history books' do not differ much from conflicts between humans.

The number of people killed by demons is far fewer than the number of people killed by other humans.

In fact, the number of demons killed by humans is much higher.

In reality – there is no reasonable basis for considering 'demons' particularly dangerous.

However, this is a taboo that must never be made public.

Those with a certain level of knowledge are aware that all the anecdotes and rumors about the threat of demons circulating in the world are the result of official announcements and lobbying by Misra.

The international treaties concerning demons are based on the official stance of recognizing these threats.

– The 'barrier technology' that Misra possesses and provides to other countries.

This is because no one wants to lose it.

'Barrier technology' – the technology that creates 'invisible force walls' to prevent monsters from entering cities or escaping from dungeons.

Most cities of a certain size benefit from this technology.

Misra maintains its influence over many countries by providing 'safety' through its church branches.

Therefore, the requests made by Misra are generally accepted without much resistance, as long as they do not conflict with the interests of the country.

There is no reason to oppose such trivial matters as false claims when weighed against effective defense technology.

– According to Misra, 'demons' are a very dangerous race and should be declared enemies of humanity.

They should be exterminated or handed over alive upon discovery.

In return, the Holy Theocracy of Misra promises great benefits to its collaborators.

No one dares to defy this request.

There is nothing to gain by doing so.

The reason why Misra and the Church are so fixated on 'demons' is unclear.

While it is true that they fought a major war with demons, and this resentment is often cited, it has been several hundred years – this alone is not enough.

Demons are something important to Misra.

There is a reason they want to keep them as enemies.

There is something that makes them want to keep demons as enemies, even if it means spreading their influence throughout the world.

In other words, granting citizenship to a demon is tantamount to potentially opposing the great nation of Misra.

"Truly, a troublesome matter. That boy is too significant to be an enemy."

However, the recent actions of that country are cause for concern.

The 'Demon's Heart' was used in the recent attack on the capital.

This is a rare magical stone that is said to be produced only in Misra.

It is inconceivable that it could have leaked out in such quantities.

The strict management system of that country would not allow it.

It was certainly not stolen – it must have been provided officially for some reason.

– Why?

Our country and Misra were supposed to have a good friendly relationship.

Rin had just returned from studying there.

At that time, there were no signs of such a situation.

Investigations into the distribution channels will be intensified, and the source will eventually be identified.

At this point, however, it is suspicious.

It seems that they already want to destroy this country.

"Of all things – at this timing, to request the protection of a demon boy."

That boy has already been seen by many people.

He controlled a giant dragon.

It is inevitable that he would attract attention.

It is no longer possible to keep him hidden.

However, the decision to protect him, even if it is a hero's request, could fuel the fire in the current situation.

"Still – to simply drive him away is not right.

That boy is also one of the heroes of this time.

It is not our way to repay kindness with ingratitude, but..."

– It is not right to set up barriers between demons and humans.

They are also neighbors with whom we can converse and share intelligence.

Race and history should not matter.

– If only it were that simple.

However, someone in my position cannot afford to voice such sweet dreams.

"Rain."

"Yes."

The King called out to his son, Rain, who was waiting at the entrance of the makeshift office.

"Grant the demon boy citizenship and a place to live.

Provide him with enough wealth to support his life.

The method is up to you."

"Yes."

The prince left the room quickly to relay the King's orders to his subordinates.

Alone in the makeshift office, the King sank deeper into the upholstered chair.

"Noll. Truly, a troublesome man."

That man wants nothing.

No wealth, no house, no treasure.

Not even land.

He seems to have no desire for anything that people usually want.

– Is he some kind of madman?

"No, he really doesn't need it."

That man is strong.

That's why he doesn't need it.

If that man wanted any of the things I offered, he could get them from anywhere.

Therefore, to that man, things that can be easily obtained have no value.

It makes no difference whether they are present or not.

He already has that much strength.

To subdue the 'Catastrophic Dragon' alone –

The King had seen it with his own eyes.

That man deflected a blow that could have destroyed the city with a single sword and brought the dragon to the ground.

– He is a true hero.

The ideal hero depicted in fairy tales, the one the King himself had always admired and tried to emulate.

That man was the embodiment of that ideal.

…And he wants nothing.

It's like a story about a saint.

However, that man wished for one thing.

To help the demon boy.

What is that man's true purpose?

"To recognize and protect the demon boy as a citizen of the Kingdom.

It's as if he's asking us to turn our back on Misra."

A forbidden area.

A taboo that many countries know but do not touch.

And yet, he says it so casually.

That is the only wish of that man.

– What is that man thinking?

"To overturn all the conventions of this world – all the ties that bind us.

Is he trying to do it alone?

Is he trying to involve our entire country in his struggle?

Is that his true wish…?"

The King felt a sense of discomfort with his own words.

– "Involve"?

No, that's not right.

It's not a fact.

He is willingly involving himself.

Even if it means exposing the people of his kingdom to danger.

Even if it means sacrificing the apparent peace of this world.

He wants to be involved in that man's path.

He wants to watch over that man's future.

He can feel this desire rising in his mind.

– If possible, he wants to watch over and walk alongside that hero.

A childlike heart that yearns for the continuation of such a story is stirring within the King.

"Truly, a troublesome man – Noll."

After all, he is an unworthy king.

He is not fit to be a king of a country.

He thinks it is entirely justified to be called a foolish king by that old emperor.

But –

"To pursue a foolish dream to the end is what an 'adventurer' is.

As a king who is part of that, I should support him – but, this alone is a bit of a stretch?

I should ask Oaken for some good reasons.

– Truly, a troublesome matter, our hero's request."

The King's face was filled with a broad smile –

And soon, the makeshift office was filled with his loud laughter.