Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22: THE DEMON KING’S SECRET

「—They are under the impression that His Majesty is planning an attack . 」

「Hmm, the extremists would certainly think like that… Some people from the moderate faction are suspicious with the increased military activities .

The Demon King’s resurrection has been kept under wraps to avoid chaos, but it’s time to make an official announcement . 」

I had reported my parents’ case to His Majesty . This is the second time I have seen the King .

Instead of meeting in a large audience room like the last time, this time it was a one-on-one meeting in a small drawing-room .

「And how to deal with Count Dolknes? The next Count… I was hoping you would take over the position . 」

「Hai, I would like to succeed in my father’s title as the Count if His Majesty allows me to do so . 」

When I told him that I want to be the next Count Dolknes, His Majesty’s eyes widened in surprise . Naturally, he would be surprised since I had avoided taking power until now .

「I thought you’d turn this down, what made you change your heart? 」

「I want to get rid of the discrimination against black-haired people . And the best way to do that was for me to be in the public eye . 」

「Stopping discrimination… That’s a thorny path you choose . Discrimination and ostracism are caused by the weak and ugly parts of the human mind . It’s something that’s hard to overcome and even harder for someone else to overcome it . 」

「Even if it’s impossible to get rid, at least I want to help to ease the burden a little . And Prince Edwin has overcome his weakness . 」

For Phil, the dark brown-haired boy and myself . And for the black-haired children that will be born in the future .

Just as Prince Edwin has changed, there is a possibility that other people could change as well . In His Highness’ case, Patrick’s persuasion was great at convincing him .

「Is that so? Are you going to keep making achievements after this? 」

His Majesty’s expression turns slightly grim, but he’s mistaken .

「If I’m going to achieve something, I won’t do it by making military achievement . Because no matter what I do for war activity, I will always be an object of fascination . 」

From now on, instead of ruthlessly strong and scary Yumiela, I must become Yumiela, the benevolent lord with good governance . In that case, my strength would be both helpful and hindering .

「So you are going to work as a lord . All right, I’ll prepare the preparation for you to take over the position . There’s a certain amount of precedent for being a Countess . 」

「I’m grateful for the opportunity . 」

「What about the former Count and his wife? I could execute them in the name of the King . 」

「I don’t want them to be executed, but I would like to put them under house arrest in the fief . 」

His Majesty gave a small laugh when he heard me opposing the execution .

「Ronald is right; deep down, you are a good person . 」

Did the principal really say that?

「No, if His Majesty executed my parents when I succeeded in the title, it would give me a bad reputation . I think it’s punishment enough for them that they won’t be able to live a lavish lifestyle in Royal Capital anymore . 」

I convinced myself to believe that this is the reason why, but deep down, I know that the real reason is that I despise killing people .

I know in my head as a noble, such idealism is not enough . Still, if I’d rather not kill them, I won’t kill them . If there are lives that can be saved, I would want to save them . It might be strange hearing that from someone who would have killed the most monsters in the world .

「I see . 」

Does His Majesty, who said this in a gentle voice, see through my feelings?

「Soon, I will announce the Demon King resurrection . This situation would make the extremists more subdued, and there’s no way they will defeat the Demon King themselves .

I would like Miss Yumiela to attend the announcement . I’m sure many of us would feel better if you were here . 」

「I understand . Prince Edwin and Alicia-san will attend the announcement too, right? 」

My relationship with the prince is better, but Alicia still sees me as an enemy . It’s even more hostile since I helped her level up .

「Ah, I’ll let Edwin rein her back . And I’ll try to make both of you avoid as much contact as possible . 」

「Thank you for your consideration . 」

「Miss Alicia is also a trouble . I’ll have to think about getting her married to Edwin .

Does Miss Yumiela have no intention to become the Saint? Saint is just a title for defeating the Demon King together with the Hero . It doesn’t have anything to do with the Light attribute . 」

「I’m sorry, but… 」

「I understand, I’m just saying . 」

His Majesty smiled bitterly . If you know what I wanted, please don’t say something like that . I know it’s an effective way to stop the discrimination against the black hair, but I don’t like it .

「Don’t worry, I won’t meddle with your marriage . There’s someone you’re getting along with, right? 」

「Do you mean Patrick? I don’t have that kind of relationship with him . And my type is someone stronger than I am . 」

I knew it, Patrick presence has reached His Majesty’s ear .

I must hide as much as possible the fact that I have a favorable opinion of him . Not because I’m embarrassed, but because he could be taken as hostage .

If they took Patrick hostage and demanded something in exchange, I don’t think I would be able to refuse . That is if I can prevent them from taking him hostage .

「Yeah, it would be best to keep your relationship with him under wraps until the situation is stable . Some people would be afraid of the repercussion, but you don’t know how people will react . 」

No, it’s true that he’s not my lover . You wouldn’t believe me if I told you .

「But, to end the discrimination? It’s a big goal, but I like it . I’m more than willing to help . After all, we don’t want to create a second Demon King . 」

「Second Demon King? 」

His Majesty drops a bombshell after he loosens his mouth to talk about my love life . What do you mean with the second Demon King? What does the Royal Family know about the Demon King?

「What did I was… forgot about what you heard . I thought it would be okay to tell you, but if you participate in the Demon King subjugation, it would be better if I didn’t tell you . Please don’t ask . 」

His Majesty bowed deeply .

「So it’s not something from the Royal Family but something else entirely? 」

His Majesty said it would be better if I don’t know the details if I wanted to join the subjugation . It’s as if I know the Demon King’s true colour would make me hesitate to fight him…

「I’m sorry, I promise to tell you before I die . But not right now . 」

「Yes, if that is what His Majesty has decided, I believe it . 」

His Majesty was stubbornly unwilling to talk about the Demon King’s secret . In the game, he was said to be an evil being who controls monsters, but what is the truth?

As a Countess, I will be the Lord of a fiefdom, and when this happens, I have to think about a successor . In the worst-case scenario, I can adopt a child, so I don’t need to bother with marriage .

I don’t want to marry someone who approaches me for my land, and I don’t want someone who is too old . If possible, I want to have a good relationship with my marriage partner, and preferably he’s the local noble second son and later with expertise in managing the territory .

There are a lot more requirements, but there must be such a convenient person…

「Hey Patrick, do you want to be my adopted son? 」

「Again, suddenly… What are you talking about now? 」

「Patrick is the second son, right? Since you can’t succeed the Marquis title, then why not become my heir? 」

「I don’t want to be your adopted son . 」

I didn’t expect him to immediately answer . I’m a little surprised .

「Um, I thought Patrick would be happy if we become a family… I knew it . You wouldn’t want this to happen . 」

「That’s not what I’m saying! 」

Patrick’s voice was unusually hoarse . There’s a reason why he doesn’t like it…

「Don’t worry, I’ll be retired soon! I’m not going to bully Patrick’s wife! 」

「I just don’t like to call Yumiela my mother . 」

That’s a valid reason . It’s crazy, the parent and child would the same age .

「Wait a minute, just please wait a little longer . There’s something I want to tell Yumiela . 」

Patrick said that before leaving .

Lately, Patrick often leaves the school alone . I miss seeing him around . …Am I lonely? My feelings should’ve been obvious, I’ve been alone why whole life and I never thought I’d miss him .

I know I’ve been saying some weird stuff about the adoption, but will I be able to tell Patrick what I feel about him…