Chapter 59

"By the way,"

I asked the Demon King about something that had been bothering me for a while.

"Hey, Demon King, how did you get here?"

I didn't see any ship like the one Astares and the others used when they first arrived. And you came alone, right?

I know it's strange that I didn't think to ask this before, but now that we're just relaxing and have nothing to talk about, I decided to give it a try. The Demon King answered.

"Of course, it was through teleportation magic."

So that kind of magic really exists.

"There are various restrictions, but being able to instantly teleport to where you want to go is quite convenient. However, it's difficult to master, and only a handful of demons can use it..."

"What kind of restrictions?"

"You can only teleport to pre-set marking points. In other words, you can only teleport to places you've been before. However, if you know the coordinates of a point, you can teleport to a place you've never been to, which is quite convenient."

The Demon King said he teleported here relying on a marking point.

"Wait. When did you set up a marking point? Somewhere around here, right?"

"One of Astares' subordinates, who specialized in handling teleportation magic and was promoted to lieutenant for that reason, did it. I think it was Berena."

Not Bati.

Maybe when they first came? Did they secretly set up a marking point without us noticing?

"Astares left a note with the coordinates of the marking point for this land, so that only I could understand it, just before she was expelled from the Demon Capital for failing her mission."

Thanks to that...

"I was able to follow them and eventually marry Astares."

The Demon King said this with a sigh.

So, the love cupid who brought him and Astares together was Lieutenant Berena?

She does a good job, doesn't she?

"But isn't it dangerous to have such marking points?"

There are still users of teleportation magic among the demons, and new demons might come here to follow you and the Demon King.

"No problem. The coordinates to access the marking points are encrypted. No one can identify them unless the person who created the point tells them."

That's convenient.

"Furthermore, there's a powerful perception-blocking spell cast to counteract the千里眼 magic, so they won't even be able to detect that I'm here, let alone come here."

"Perception-blocking?"

"Didn't you realize? You remember the千里眼 magic we talked about before, right?"

Yes.

It's a magic used by demons to see distant places in detail, right?

"A powerful perception-blocking spell is cast over this land to nullify the千里眼. Thanks to that, this area is completely out of the range of magical detection."

I've never heard of that before.

"Who cast such a helpful spell?"

"That...!"

The Demon King's eyes turned to the side, where the dragon in human form, Viel, stood.

"What, Master. Did you finally notice? I immediately set up the barrier when I returned from sending those fools to the battlefield."

"A barrier cast with dragon magic is impossible for demons to break. Thanks to that, I couldn't even know what was happening here until I actually stepped in. I flew in on a whim, determined to get Astares back. Hahahaha...!"

So, Viel did such a thoughtful thing?

Could it be for me?

"Master seems to want to live quietly here, so I thought I'd be considerate. And yet, Master didn't notice at all...!"

"Sorry, sorry. I'm late in showing my gratitude. Oh, good, good...!"

I apologized and thanked him, patting his head. Viel closed his eyes in pleasure.

I even wanted to pet his chin.

"Living quietly is the same for me. This might be the most peaceful time in my life. And I'm with my lifelong partner, Astares. I'm grateful to the Holy Ones. However..."

The Demon King stood up.

"But it's time to end this."

"Eh?"

"Those troublemakers must be in the midst of a conflict, having taken advantage of my absence. It's time to return, sweep away the misbehaving ones, and regain control over the hearts of all demons!"

"Ooh!"

So that's why you stayed in this settlement!

It wasn't just to enjoy the honeymoon with Astares!

"Living here has been fun, but I am the Demon King. I must fulfill my duties as a ruler."

"I've been expecting those words."

Astares came out.

"Since I swore eternal love before the God of the Underworld, Hades, I am prepared to always be by Lord Zedan's side. Please take me back to the Demon Capital."

"Indeed!"

The Demon King pulled Astares close.

It was a telepathic understanding that needed no words.

"Lady Astares."

"We will accompany you...!"

Lieutenant Bati and Berena knelt side by side.

The two of them had come here following Astares and would leave with her.

"Bati, you don't have to force yourself."

Astares spoke kindly to them.

"Didn't you dream of taking over the family business and becoming a great tailor? You're trying to achieve that dream here. Stay and continue pursuing it."

"Lady Astares! But...!"

"Berena, please stay with her."

Astares, now with the authority of the Demon Queen, said.

"To return to this land, teleportation magic is essential. Please be the guardian of the teleportation point here."

"Th-that...!"

"The teleportation point is designed to self-destruct if the environment at the set location changes significantly. It's a safety feature in case the destination becomes uninhabitable. This land is evolving rapidly thanks to the Holy Ones' development. Without someone to manage it, it will disappear soon."

Is that okay? Astares' gaze turned to me.

I had no problem with it and nodded deeply.

"Lady Astares! I actually made a dress for you! I created it to befit a Demon Queen! Please wear it when you return to the Demon Capital!"

"This Berena will fulfill her role in connecting the Demon King and this land! Please don't worry and return to the Demon Capital to fulfill your duties!"

And so, the demon lieutenants Bati and Berena stayed behind, while the Demon King and Astares returned to the Demon Capital to fulfill their roles.

But leaving Berena behind to secure the teleportation point means they intend to return here anytime, right?