Chapter 22

"They are mistakenly thinking that His Majesty the King is planning to send troops."

"Hmm, the radicals are doing such a thing... Indeed, there are also those who are suspicious of the increase in military preparations among the moderates. The revival of the Demon King has been kept secret to avoid confusion, but it's about time to make it public."

I was reporting to His Majesty about my parents. This was only the second time I had met the King face to face. Unlike the last time, which was in a large audience chamber, this meeting was one-on-one in a small reception room.

"Also, about the treatment of the Duke Dorkness. What should we do about the next lord... If you could take it over, that would be ideal."

"Yes, if I have His Majesty's permission, I would like to inherit the dukedom."

When I told him that I wanted to become the lord of Dorkness, His Majesty's eyes widened in surprise. I had always avoided power, so it was natural for him to be surprised.

"I thought you would refuse. What changed your mind?"

"I am considering how to eliminate the discrimination against black hair. I believe the best way to do that is for me to be active on the public stage."

"Eliminating discrimination... That is a thorny path. Discrimination and exclusion arise from the weak and ugly parts of the human heart. Overcoming it is difficult, and making others overcome it is even more so."

"Even if I can't eliminate it, I want to make it a little lighter. And Prince Edwin has overcome that weak heart, hasn't he?"

For the sake of the brown-haired boy Phil and myself, and for the sake of the black-haired children who will be born in the future. If Prince Edwin can change, others can too. Perhaps it was Patrick's persuasion that was impressive in the case of the Prince.

"I see, so you will continue to achieve great deeds from now on?"

The King's expression became slightly stern, but he was mistaken.

"When I say achieve great deeds, I don't mean to gain military glory. No matter how much I excel in war, I will only become an object of fear."

From now on, I must aim to be a kind and benevolent lord, not the cruel and fearsome Yumiera. My strength will be useful, but it will also be a hindrance.

"Is that a commitment to your duties as a lord? I understand. I will prepare for you to inherit the dukedom. There is a precedent for a female duke, after all."

"Thank you."

"Then, what about the treatment of the former Duke and Duchess Dorkness? It is possible to execute them in the name of the King."

"I would like to place them under house arrest in the territory."

When I told him that I opposed execution, the King smiled slightly.

"Ronald was right; you are a bottomless good person."

Even the headmaster Ronald said something like that.

"No, if I were to kill my parents and inherit the dukedom, it would bring bad reputation. I think losing the glamorous life in the capital is a sufficient punishment for them."

While I am convinced of this, I think the real reason is that I abhor death deep down.

As a noble, I know that such idealism is not enough. But if I can avoid killing, I don't want to kill, and if there is a life I can save, I want to save it. It might sound strange coming from me, who has killed the most monsters in the world.

"I see."

Did His Majesty understand my feelings from his gentle voice?

"Soon, I will make the revival of the Demon King public. That should calm the radicals; they won't say they will defeat the Demon King themselves.

I would like Miss Yumiera to attend the announcement. Many people will feel reassured with you there."

"I understand. Will Prince Edwin and Alicia also attend?"

The Prince is fine, but Alicia still sees me as an enemy. Even more so after I helped her level up.

"Yes, I will have Edwin keep her in check. I will also try to minimize your contact with her."

"Thank you for your consideration."

"Alicia is a troublesome one. I also need to consider marrying Edwin to her.

Do you have any intention of becoming the Holy Maiden? The Holy Maiden is just a title for the one who defeated the Demon King with the Hero; there is no need to have the Light attribute."

"I'm sorry, but..."

"I understand, I was just asking."

The King chuckled. If he understands, I wish he wouldn't ask. I think it would be an effective strategy to eliminate discrimination against black hair, but I don't want to do it.

"It's fine, I won't interfere with your marriage. You have a man you are close to, right?"

"Do you mean Patrick? We are not in that kind of relationship. My type is someone stronger than me."

It seems the King has heard about Patrick.

I need to hide my feelings for him as much as possible. Not because I am embarrassed, but because there is a possibility he could be taken hostage.

If Patrick were taken hostage and something were demanded of me, I wouldn't be able to resist. Of course, this is assuming that my plan to rescue him would work.

"Yes, it's better to keep your relationship with him hidden until your position is secure. Many people might try to interfere, even if they know the consequences."

No, it's true that we are not in a relationship. But I don't think he would believe me if I said so.

"However, eliminating discrimination. It's a big goal, but I like it. I will help you. To prevent the creation of a second Demon King."

"A second Demon King?"

Did the King let his guard down because of the talk of romance? What is a second Demon King? What does the royal family know about the Demon King?

"I shouldn't have... Please forget what I just said. I thought about telling you, but I believe it's better not to for the sake of defeating the Demon King. Please don't ask."

The King bowed deeply.

"Is this a matter on my side, not the royal family's?"

The King said it would be better for me not to know about the Demon King for the sake of defeating him. Knowing the true identity of the Demon King might make me hesitate to fight him...

"I'm sorry, I swear I will tell you before I die. But not now."

"Yes, if His Majesty has decided, I will believe you."

The King was adamant about not revealing the secret of the Demon King. In the game, the Demon King was only described as an evil being that controls monsters. What kind of truth is hidden behind this...

As a female duke and the lord of Dorkness, I now have to think about my successor. In the worst case, I can adopt a child, so I don't need to get married.

I can't marry someone who is only interested in the territory, and I don't want someone much older. Ideally, I want to build a good relationship with my spouse, and a younger son of a local noble with experience in managing a territory would be preferable.

I have added quite a few conditions, but it's unlikely that such a perfect person exists...

"Hey, Patrick, would you consider becoming my adopted child?"

"Again, out of the blue... What is this about now?"

"Patrick, you are a second son, right? Since you can't inherit the border barony, wouldn't you be willing to be a duke?"

"I don't want to be an adopted child."

I didn't expect an immediate answer. I was somewhat shocked.

"Well, I thought it would be nice to be a family with Patrick... But I guess you don't want to, right?"

"That's not what I said!"

Patrick raised his voice, which was rare. There must be a reason why he doesn't want to...

"Don't worry, I will retire soon! I won't bully your wife!"

"I just don't want to call Yumiera 'mother.'"

It was a reasonable reason. Being the same age as a parent is not normal.

"Please wait a little longer. Then I have something I want to tell you."

Patrick said that and left.

Recently, Patrick often leaves the academy alone. I miss him because we don't see each other much. ...Do I miss him? I have always been alone, but to think I would feel lonely now, my feelings for him are clear.

I said something strange about adoption again, but when will I be able to confess my feelings to Patrick...