Chapter 7

Finally, it's time to collect the sub-plot.

As I was having lunch in the school cafeteria, Alicia, also known as the heroine, approached me with a determined stride.

Although I had never directly spoken to her, every time our paths crossed in the classroom, she would glare at me as if trying to kill me with her eyes.

I found it strange that she seemed to fear me, even though I had no reason to be hated.

When Alicia reached me, she declared loudly enough for the entire cafeteria to hear, "Yumera-san! You are the revived Demon King, aren't you? I won't lose to you!"

The cafeteria fell into a stunned silence, including myself.

However, I wondered why she knew about the Demon King's revival. Could it be that she, like me, had memories from her past life and knowledge of the game?

"Revived Demon King? What are you talking about?"

The revival of the Demon King was known only to a select few. Since this was a crowded place, I pretended not to know.

"Don't play dumb! Ed-kun said the Demon King would revive in two years."

Ed-kun? Ah, Prince Edwin. We've only known each other for about a week, yet he's already using a nickname... Is he progressing so quickly in the game?

Moreover, did that foolish prince really tell Alicia about the country's confidential information?

"By Ed-kun, do you mean Prince Edwin? Did His Highness say I was the Demon King?"

"No, Prince Edwin only said the Demon King would revive in two years. But I know it's you! You're the Demon King, right?"

No, I'm a hidden boss, not the Demon King.

I thought she might be a reincarnated person, but it seems she just has a strong imagination.

When she heard that the prince had spoken about the Demon King's revival, the cafeteria buzzed with excitement. Some people seemed to believe her, but many thought it was a lie.

"I don't know if His Highness really said that, but the Demon King's revival is in two years, right? What evidence do you have that I'm the Demon King?"

"Well, your hair is black! People with black hair who use dark magic are bad!"

Wow, I didn't expect the bright and optimistic heroine to be a discriminator...

But it's more like she can't distinguish between fiction and reality. In this world, black-haired people who use dark magic are the standard villains in fairy tales.

"Are you mistaken about something? This isn't a fairy tale world."

I denied being the Demon King, but Alicia didn't seem to give up.

"But you have black hair and use dark magic..."

Is she really convinced I'm the Demon King based on just those two points? Both are things I was born with...

"Both hair color and magic attributes are innate. Are you saying I was born evil? Was I a villain from the moment I was a baby?"

This is a difficult question for Alicia, who seems to believe in the inherent goodness of people.

"Well, you'll become a bad person in the future."

"Does having black hair mean you'll become a villain as you grow up? If so, wouldn't it be better to kill all black-haired people as babies?"

"How can you say such a cruel thing!"

Alicia was indignant, but she had said something quite cruel herself.

"Didn't you say black-haired people are bad? If you really think I'm the Demon King, bring me some evidence of my evil deeds."

Of course, there is no evidence of my evil deeds, and Alicia fell silent, her eyes welling up with tears.

I didn't want any more trouble, so I decided to leave, but it was too late. The three main targets of the game entered the cafeteria.

William, the brainless swordsman, noticed the situation and shouted, "What are you doing there! What did you do to Alicia?"

Actually, I was the one who was troubled.

The other two quickly came over and showed concern for Alicia.

"Alicia, it's okay now that I'm here."

The three main targets had been disheartened after the first day of class, but they seemed to have regained their spirits thanks to Alicia's encouragement. They had avoided me for the past week but had returned to their usual selves.

"I just denied what Alicia was saying. She was talking about the Demon King's revival and that I was the Demon King, which is absurd."

The Demon King's revival shouldn't be made public. Since Alicia said she heard it from Prince Edwin, if he denies it, others will believe him.

"The Demon King's revival in two years is true. It's something only a few people know."

The foolish prince's bombshell statement caused a commotion. Despite knowing it was a secret, why did he say it?

William and Oswald didn't seem surprised, as they had heard it from Prince Edwin.

"So, you're the Demon King. As a member of the Balshain Kingdom's royal family, I won't let you do as you please in this country!"

Prince Edwin, who seemed to have accepted it, pointed at me.

"That's not true. The Demon King will revive in two years, right? What am I now?"

"You're planning to commit evil deeds. Don't think you can fool me."

The foolish prince repeated the same theory. Perhaps he and Alicia have similar thought processes?

"Hmm, there's no law in this country to punish future crimes, is there? Unless the plan is exposed."

"Don't try to confuse the issue! I'll take care of you!"

Enraged, William drew his sword. The surrounding students screamed.

"Excuse me, do you think you can beat me?"

Has he forgotten that I blew him away just the other day? Ah, that line sounds like something a Demon King would say.

William, perhaps remembering the first swordsmanship class, didn't attack with his sword in hand.

"Really, do you think I'm the Demon King?"

Thinking that talking to the two fools wouldn't get us anywhere, I asked Oswald.

"Alicia says you are. I believe her."

It seems the cool glasses character isn't as smart as he looks. What does Alicia mean to you?

"Alicia encouraged me when I was losing confidence in my magical abilities. Someone as bright as her wouldn't lie."

I thought Alicia was progressing quickly in the game, but it seems it's because of the adversity I represent. Both Prince Edwin and William nodded in agreement with his words.

"Also, your strength makes sense if you're the Demon King."

Hmm, that's true. I can't argue with that since I'm stronger than the Demon King.

"I see. Then, I'll take my leave."

Thinking further discussion was pointless, I tried to leave.

"Wait, are you trying to run away?"

Prince Edwin said, but he didn't try to get closer.

The other two also didn't move, so I ignored them and tried to leave, but Alicia stood in my way. Was she brave or reckless?

"Don't run away!"

"Hmm... If I were the Demon King, what would you do? Kill me? If so, I'll resist with all my might."

As I said this, I looked closely at Alicia's face, and she let out a small scream and stepped back.

"You and the three of them are too weak. If you want to defeat the Demon King, you need to get stronger."

For the sake of defeating the real Demon King, I need them to get stronger.

"I won't lose! I'll get stronger without using bad methods like you, Yumera-san!"

"Bad methods?"

"Ed-kun, Will-kun, and Oz-kun all said you must have done something bad to become so strong."

If defeating monsters is considered bad, then that's true.

"Is that an excuse for losing to me?"

Looking at the three, they seemed to be hit by my words and couldn't find a retort.

"You have the skills, so focus on leveling up. Since the Demon King uses dark magic, you should also train in light magic, Alicia."

I gave them some simple advice and left the cafeteria.

The students, who had been listening to our conversation, avoided me, and a path to the exit was formed. I had thought they were getting used to me, but now it's back to square one.

Come to think of it, I must have looked like a boss character from the beginning of a story at the end.