Chapter 44

"Are you saying... that you prefer that scrawny human over me, who is going to be your husband..."

Luga couldn't move from in front of the king's chamber.

He loved Roa.

Her well-proportioned appearance, her slender yet firm muscles.

To be honest, he wished her bust was a bit larger, but when he looked at her wonderfully balanced figure, such issues became trivial.

Her hips were slightly more rounded, which suited his taste.

And above all... her strength.

She embodied his ideal woman, Roa Gold.

However, just a moment ago, he learned that she had a man she liked.

If it were a stronger beastman, he might have reluctantly accepted it, but at least he would have understood.

But the man was a human.

A being that should be inferior to their kind, and the mere thought of him being with the woman he loved was unbearable.

It was out of the question for them to be together.

"I won't allow it, human... I'll make you realize that I am more suitable for her...!"

As jealousy flared in his eyes, the black flame tattoo on his exposed shoulder seemed to emit a faint light.

◇◇◇

The king's chamber was as spacious as ever, and very nostalgic.

But before I could savor the nostalgia, Luga's words from earlier were on my mind.

"You... about that guy earlier..."

"Ah! Don't worry, I won't become his woman! Relax!"

Well... that's a concern, but...

What worries me most is that Roa lost the duel...

"Ah! Setsu, in front!!"

"Wha!?"

Mineko's words made me realize the approaching killing intent.

A massive power, in the form of a fist, was already right in front of me. I instinctively blocked it.

The heavy impact pressed down on my entire body, and the floor caved in from the pressure.

The shock of the impact made the World Tree tremble, and I could hear screams from the lower floors.

"Phew...! For a greeting after five years... that's a bit too intense, isn't it, you lion bastard...!"

"Ku... hahahaha! It's Setsu, you haven't changed in appearance, but you're still Setsu! It's... very amusing...!"

The blond man, who was gradually increasing the force in his fist, was the Beast King Regulus Gold, who ruled the continent.

His power and physical abilities surpassed the Demon King Desastor, and his body was harder than the highest-quality armor that humans could create.

"You're still as strong as ever, damn it."

"You seem to have plenty of room to spare...!"

"Well... yeah!"

"!"

I relaxed my strength for a moment and bent my knees slightly.

Then, I suddenly exerted all my strength, using the spring in my knees to push Regulus back.

"Whoa...---"

"Here's your return."

I punched him while he was staggering.

He barely managed to guard it with his palm, but it wasn't a punch that could be stopped by that.

The shockwave traveled from his hand to his torso, sending his solidly muscled body flying toward the throne.

The decorations around the throne were destroyed, and the castle of the World Tree shook again, raising a cloud of dust.

"Phew... I'm not done yet, you bastard."

"Oh... you two are still the same, Father and Setsu."

"Sure thing."

"Sis, you shouldn't say things like that out loud..."

◇◇◇

"Hahahaha! I lost again! Your skills haven't dulled, Setsu!"

"I don't train in a way that would let them dull easily. But more importantly... it's been a while, Regulus."

"It's been a while, Setsu. How have you been?"

"I may look different, but I've been doing okay."

"That's good to hear!"

Saying that, the Beast King sat on the throne and laughed again.

He seems to be doing well, so I don't need to ask.

"So, I understand you came to greet me... but it seems like you have other business. You brought such a powerful companion, after all."

Right, Regulus should know Shironeko and Mineko.

After all, they were the ones who injured him.

"Indeed. To be honest, the greeting is just a bonus. The real reason is that I need some help."

"Help? You?"

"Yes. Do you know that the Demon Continent is being invaded by the Human Kingdom?"

"I found out this morning."

"I see. And it's possible that the hero of the Human Kingdom, and even that bastard Fuyuma, might be part of their army."

"...Fuyuma?"

Hearing that, Roa shuddered, and Regulus's expression became even more serious.

"He's alive... I see..."

"I don't know the details, but it's certain that they have a formidable force. To be honest, I don't have the confidence to handle them all by myself."

"That's where we come in, then."

"Yes."

Ideally, I would want more forces, but I added that I don't need half-hearted ones, as they would just be a hindrance.

The enemy's forces are formidable.

A group of mediocre fighters would just be throwing away their lives.

It would be better if they weren't there at all.

"...I would like to go, but after hearing your explanation, I can't be sure when they'll reach the Beast Continent. If Fuyuma is really there, it would be easy for him to move his army here. I can't leave this place."

"Right..."

Without the king, any country is in a dangerous situation.

Especially for beastmen and demons, the king is the strongest.

If the king is absent, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the enemy.

"I'll go. My strength is top-notch, right?"

"Yes, I want Roa to come... I order you to come."

"Okay!"

Roa's face lit up with joy.

Is she really that happy to be ordered around?

Elka is the same; it's an incomprehensible emotion.

"Shironeko and I are also going."

"Is that so? Well, you have quite a force then."

"It's a bit lacking in numbers, though."

The strength is sufficient.

But I would at least like one more person with near-SSS level strength...

"---Beast King! That is unacceptable! I urge you to reconsider!"

Suddenly, the door to the king's chamber was thrown open.

The man who entered was the old man... no, the wolf-blade Luga.

"Sorry, but I overheard your conversation! I can't allow the Beast Continent's forces to be reduced in such a situation!"

"Luga..."

Regulus's expression was indescribable at Luga's sudden intrusion and outburst.

"Even though we are now allies with the Demon Continent, we were once enemies! There's no need to allocate our forces for them! Especially not our top forces!"

...Well, that's true.

From the perspective of those who prioritize the welfare of the beastmen, the fate of the demons is none of their concern. If helping them puts their own safety at risk, it would be disastrous.

Luga's opinion is quite reasonable.

"I urge you to reconsider, Beast King!"

"Hmm... Luga's opinion is valid. But this isn't just any human's request; it's Setsu's request..."

"Wha!?"

Luga was shocked by Regulus's indecisive attitude.

He probably thought his opinion would be immediately accepted.

He never imagined that his opinion as a beastman would be disregarded in favor of a human's request.

"Are you comparing a human's request to my opinion...? Such a scrawny, powerless human!?"

"Hey, you---"

"Indeed, I'm more inclined to listen to Setsu's request."

"What...?"

Interrupting Roa's angry outburst, Regulus spoke words that cut deep.

Hmm... this is starting to feel like a troublesome situation.

"Didn't you hear me? I want to listen to this human's request. More than your opinion."

"Why! As the Beast King, how can you---"

"The Beast King is the strongest. I didn't become the strongest to rule the continent. I became strong because I wanted to fight the strongest. Then, I was made the Beast King and given this grand chair. I can live a good life in this position. I have some affection for the Beast Continent, but if I had to choose between the Beast Continent and this human, I would choose Setsu by a slight margin."

"But... that's not the way of a king..."

"You're right, I'm not a king. A king who values friends over the country doesn't deserve to be a king. If you have a complaint, you can challenge me for this chair. But only if you can beat me."

"!"

Regulus glared at Luga, who froze and held his breath.

That's a cruel thing to say.

The only ones who could beat him are the anomalies of this world.

If Regulus is a special existence in terms of strength, then Luga is no better than an ordinary person.

Ordinary people can't beat the special ones.

Unless they seek power at the cost of their lives...

Well, from my perspective, it's better that he's not a tyrant.

Most kings who become rulers through strength or connections do as they please.

"Hmm... but Luga's opinion is also valid. That's why I'm struggling... Hmm, I know! Setsu, why don't you have a duel with Luga?"

"Huh?"

The one who asked for clarification was Luga, not me.

I had a vague idea this might happen.

"Let the winner's opinion be heard. Isn't that a very beastman-like way to decide?"

"Me and this human...?"

You're giving me a troublesome task, you lion bastard.

Can't you just knock him out here and be done with it?

Ah, your eyes are saying no, damn it.

"---Alright."

Is that okay?

"I won't lose to such a human. I'll show you a perfect victory."

"Alright. What about you, Setsu?"

"...Sure, it's better than arguing."

Talking here is a waste of time, and if I can convince him with force, it's the quickest way.

Persuading him would be a waste of time.

I'm not really enthusiastic about it, but...

"...Roa."

"One of the parties, Luga, turned to Roa.

With a serious expression, Roa tensed slightly.

"If I beat that human, will you marry me?"

Huh?

"......Alright. If you win, I'll admit my defeat in our previous duel and submit to you."

"...Thank you, Roa."

What is Roa saying?

Why is she looking at me after saying that?

And Luga, why are you bringing personal matters into a war that affects the entire country?

By bringing up personal matters, it's clear to me that---

"Hey, Regulus, let's start! Where? Now! I'll knock this bastard out--- Why are you laughing!?"

"Ku... ku ku ku... Alright, alright, let's start now."

Damn, that laugh is annoying.

But if we can start right away, it doesn't matter.

I'll take him down quickly.

Roa won't be with a guy like this. Roa is mine---

---Huh?

---