Vol. 1: Chapter 2 - Part 3

Volume 1: Chapter 2 - Part 3Author: Geraint

Half a year later, Mia-san and Akitsuki-sensei finally had their wedding. The ceremony concluded at the church, with the two sharing a kiss at the altar after exchanging vows. Everyone applauded—myself included—and some guests were even moved to tears. Mia-san, now officially my new mother, glanced over her shoulder with a smug expression toward Himiko-san, who stood as her bridesmaid. Naturally, this annoyed Himiko-san to no end.

After the celebration, the newlyweds departed overseas for their honeymoon, leaving Himiko-san—the "mistress maid"—to look after us.

Yuuka, Shiina, and Lilith began attending a prestigious all-girls junior high school known for developing future entertainers. Yuuka had returned to acting, though under a different agency. She quickly rose to fame again and was well on her way to becoming the idol she had always dreamed of being.

While everyone else was busy, I found myself at home, alone on the couch reading books and sipping tea. Himiko-san stood nearby, watching me with a disappointed look on her face.

"You should go outside sometimes and play with kids your age, Yuki-sama. You're already studying for the Tokyo University entrance exam—it's not really fitting for a child."

"It can't be helped," I replied, not looking up. "Unlike humans, we demons mature faster mentally. At my age, I should already be working in the royal court or managing trade between nations."

"That might be the case in your world, but you're here now. You should try to get used to life here. Even if you return one day, it's good to build memories with the people around you."

She wasn't wrong.

"...Okay."

"Don't you have any hobbies besides reading or studying?" she asked as she sat beside me.

"Well, I enjoy practicing my swordsmanship, but I haven't found anyone in this world worthy of sparring with. Ideally, someone who can destroy a city with a single swing."

"WHAT?! Someone that powerful exists?!"

"There aren't many, even in my world. If someone wants to spar with me, that's the bare minimum. Otherwise, they won't survive."

"You're terrifying! You're telling me you're that dangerous?!"

"I am the Demon Prince—and a candidate to become the next Demon King."

Himiko-san trembled beside me.

"I'm not indiscriminately violent, you know. I'm kind to those who are kind to me. If I were a true villain, I would've destroyed this country the moment we arrived."

She looked pale at my words.

"Anyway, what were you doing in Mom's room earlier? I saw you carrying out a pile of folders."

"Ah, those... uh..."

She looked away, obviously trying to come up with an answer.

"Can I see them?"

With no choice, she sighed.

"...To be honest, Yuuka-ojousama asked me to dispose of those papers without you knowing."

"They're for me? Why would she do that?"

"They're a list of potential fiancées for you, Yuki-sama."

"...Seriously? How disappointing."

"There's also a list of potential suitors pursuing Yuuka-ojousama."

"Burn those immediately. Don't let Yuuka see them. As for mine, keep them—I'll take a look."

I flipped through the list of candidates. Most of them were spoiled daughters from rich families. Their bios bored me. Some wore so much makeup they looked like clowns.

"I prefer girls with natural beauty."

"Yuki-sama, don't judge a book by its cover," Himiko-san scolded me.

"I know... but judging by their personal info, I can already guess what kind of people they are. It's all fake."

"That's just how the world works. You'll need to meet them yourself and figure out who's genuine."

"Oh, I forgot to mention—I can actually detect lies."

"Yuki-sama, lying is part of—WAIT, WHAT?!"

"I can see a person's aura. The more malicious the lie, the darker it becomes."

Now she looked even more cautious around me.

"White lies, though—those without ill intent—are harder to see," I added.

She sighed in relief.

"Yuki-sama... you really are humanity's worst nightmare."

"I am the future Demon King. You humans are greedy and corrupt. Then, when disaster strikes, you blame us demons to hide your own immorality."

"Blame the leaders who cling to power… But still, you talk like you hate humans, yet here you are—bonding with us, becoming family. It feels contradictory," Himiko-san said with a smile.

"...I like the atmosphere here. It's different. In my world, it's rare to find a human village that treats demons kindly."

I flipped to the next profile. A girl with short blonde hair, caked in whitening powder and wearing fake eyelashes. Pass.

The next girl had an angry expression like her photo was taken without permission. She had long black hair, sharp black eyes, fair skin, and wore a traditional hakama with a sword at her waist.

"Hm?"

I picked up her paper.

"Mizuno Kaho?"

"Oh, she's the daughter of a Kenjutsu dojo master nearby. Interested?"

"More curious about her sword skills. I've read up on this country's history. Samurai techniques fascinate me—I want to learn them."

Himiko-san tapped her chin.

"I heard from Mia-sama that their dojo isn't doing well financially. It's close to bankruptcy..."

"So, they're planning to marry off their daughter into a wealthy family to keep the dojo afloat?"

"Yes, Yuki-sama. But I don't think they're bad people. The dojo's head and Shun-sama were close friends. He might've offered his daughter's hand in gratitude when he heard Shun had a son."

"I see... In that case, let's go visit that dojo. I want to witness their techniques firsthand!" I said, standing up with excitement.

"I'll call some bodyguards from the company to come with us," Himiko-san said, getting up.

"Wait—do I need bodyguards?"

"...I can't drive, Yuki-sama."

"...Right."

(To be continued.)