Chapter 24

The Kingdom of Balshain's Founding Festival is the day when the most people gather in the capital, just before the full onset of winter after the harvest season ends. Not only commoners but also nobles gather in the capital on this day to celebrate the founding.

His Majesty the King decided to announce the revival of the Demon King during the Founding Festival ceremony.

After delivering the celebratory speech for the founding in the grand hall of the royal castle, His Majesty began:

"There is an important matter I must share with you all. Some of you may have already sensed it due to Prince Edwin's careless remarks, but the ancient Demon King will be revived within a year."

The nobles murmured, but there was no great confusion. The Demon King's revival had already been publicly announced by Prince Edwin, and although the royal family had denied it, many had already suspected it.

"The Demon King was sealed by the first king, a hero, and his queen, a holy maiden. However, the seal will eventually break. The first king accurately predicted this time.

"The Demon King will be weak immediately after awakening from the seal. It is possible to completely defeat the Demon King, something even the hero could not achieve. To eliminate the worries of future generations!"

The ceremony hall buzzed with excitement as His Majesty declared his intention to achieve a greater feat than the first king.

"The Demon King is said to control monsters. To gather strength, the Demon King will likely send a monster army against our country. The handling of this will be entrusted to the Knight Commander, Adolph.

"Preparations for a large-scale deployment of the national army are already underway, but more soldiers will be needed. I would like each of you here to contribute some soldiers."

Reactions to His Majesty's request for troops varied. Some were determined to fight for the country, others looked troubled, and some were likely considering how to achieve the greatest glory.

"A small, elite force will be assigned to the Demon King's defeat. Let me introduce them—"

His Majesty began with Prince Edwin. The prince made a determined speech, and the hall erupted in applause.

William, Oswald, and Alicia were introduced in turn. Finally, it was my turn.

"Last but not least, Yumiera Dorkness. She has reached the unprecedented level 99 and is a Dragon Tamer. She will be a great asset in the Demon King's defeat. Incidentally, I am also announcing here that she has inherited the title of Count and is now Countess Dorkness."

I steeled myself and ascended the podium.

"Thank you for the introduction, I am Yumiera Dorkness.

"My goal is to eliminate discrimination against people with black hair. I myself have experienced inconvenience because of my black hair.

"I had resigned myself to it, but meeting a certain boy changed my mind. Seeing his kind heart despite the harsh treatment he received because of his hair color made me realize I had to do something.

"To achieve this, I want to defeat the Demon King, one of the causes of discrimination, at all costs."

I finally said it in public. What if they don't accept it? The ceremony hall fell silent.

A single clap echoed in the silent hall. It was Prince Edwin. Following him, His Majesty and the Queen clapped, and the applause spread throughout the hall.

After the founding ceremony, a grand ball was held. I should participate in such social events, but I really don't want to dance.

I can dance well enough not to be laughed at, as I have been trained, but I find it embarrassing to dance in front of people. Perhaps it's a lingering feeling from my past life that I sometimes forget.

I slipped out of the hall and came to the castle's courtyard. The sky was cloudy tonight, and there were no light sources in the courtyard. In this pitch-black place, no one would find me.

"Ah, Yumiera, there you are."

I was found immediately. Patrick was approaching. He shouldn't have been invited to the ceremony or the banquet.

"Patrick? Why are you here?"

"By Prince Edwin's kindness. But I couldn't find anyone to ask to dance, so I came to look for you."

"Who were you planning to ask? Should I help you look?"

The only people invited to this venue were the heads of noble families and their wives. Who could be Patrick's partner? Surely not a widow or a married woman?

"Patrick, widows are fine, but not married women."

"What kind of misunderstanding is this? No, never mind, I don't want to hear it."

Patrick looked at me with a disappointed expression. I felt something was off.

"Patrick, can you see in the dark?"

The courtyard was very dark. I can see clearly because of my high-level senses, but at his level, he shouldn't be able to see anything.

"I was trying to hide it, but I didn't expect you to notice. I've reached level 50. My senses have become sharper, but I could only tell there were people in the dark."

Level 50 is top-class in this country. When did he reach this level?

"Oh, you weren't at the academy recently..."

"Yes, I was exploring dungeons during breaks. The rest is thanks to this."

Patrick took out a charm from his neck.

"A growth charm? Wait! You should wear a protection charm, it's dangerous! What if something happens?"

"No, you said I should wear this, didn't you?"

Huh? I did say that leveling up with a growth charm was the best option. I said it was dangerous out of concern...

"No, it's dangerous. I don't want anything to happen to Patrick."

Wearing a protection charm would allow you to survive a fatal attack once.

"I've always felt the same way every time you did something reckless."

"I'm sorry?"

From now on, I should avoid reckless actions. But what were my reckless actions?

"Even in the dark, I can tell you don't understand. Never mind. Can I join you in the Demon King's defeat?"

Level 50 isn't enough. The optimal level for a Demon King battle in the game was 60, and this time there are four extra people.

"No, I can't guarantee I can protect Patrick."

"Still not strong enough, huh?"

"Patrick, you're best suited for large-scale battles. I want you to defend against the monster army."

From the field training at the academy, I know his command is so efficient it's almost beautiful. But saying this might sound like a polite dismissal to him.

"Also, do you know what the top two high-level men and women are called after defeating the Demon King?"

"That's... oh, the hero and the holy maiden, right?"

"If Patrick and I plan to create a new country together, that's fine."

If Patrick says he will create a new country and declares himself the king after defeating the Demon King, I might help.

"No, I don't want to be a rival to the king. If Yumiera wants to be the queen, I might do it."

"Of course not."

That would mean Yumiera and Patrick getting married, but does he realize that?

"Alright. The Ashbaton Margrave will also send troops, so I'll go to support them."

"Okay, sorry. Why did Patrick rush to level up? I didn't say anything about the Demon King's revival."

He's not from a poor noble family, so it was puzzling.

"...Because of you."

What about me? Even in the dark, I could see his expression was complex.

"What about me?"

"...I wanted to be stronger than Yumiera."

Hmm, considering the base stats, it seems unlikely.

"Were you upset? But you know, a person's value isn't just about strength."

"You said you prefer men who are stronger than you!"

That was a rejection line for the noble sons trying to court me.

"Um, that was a made-up excuse... I don't really think that..."

Actually, the person I like is weaker than me.

"Huh, so I've been wasting my time..."

Patrick's face clouded over. That means... I can understand that much. I need to say something...

"Hey, Patrick, let's play rock-paper-scissors."

"Huh?"

"Okay, rock-paper-scissors!"

He hesitantly put out his hand. Unfortunately, I won.

"What's this? It's too dark to see the result."

"Patrick wins. You're stronger at rock-paper-scissors. I, um..."

Patrick, this is my limit. Please understand.

"Yumiera."

Patrick's hands were on my shoulders—

Patrick, you can see in the dark, right? You knew the exact position of my lips.