Vol. 1: Chapter 3 - Part 3

Volume 1: Chapter 3 - Part 3Author: Geraint

"Seir-sama! What have you done?!"

"Hahahaha!"

I burst out laughing while Lilith shook me furiously.

"You just created what you were supposed to destroy! Now the entire demon race is in danger because of you!"

"Shut up! I didn't seal those divine relics inside Fuyumi to fight demons—it was to protect her!"

"In the first place, how did you even seal them in her body without harming her? Possessing two relics alone is enough to kill a person!"

"I know that. But I didn't think just one relic was enough to protect her. So I thought long and hard about how I could let her possess more without risking her life... and I came up with an idea."

"What?! There was a way?!" Lilith was in shock—so was Naamah, who had been watching us through the crystal ball on the table.

"I'll do anything to keep Fuyumi safe. That's why I reforged the divine relics—by fusing all seven into one weapon."

"No way! Those relics are indestructible! They were made by the gods!" Lilith trembled.

"Yeah, it took me months and it was incredibly difficult, but I did it. The result was a katana—one I sealed inside Fuyumi's body. Someday, when I'm not around, the blessings from all seven relics will protect her from any harm."

Lilith dropped to her knees from what she just heard. Yuuka and Shiina, already in their school uniforms, came up behind her and grabbed her arms.

"Lilith, what are you still doing? We're going to be late! Hurry and change into your uniform!" Yuuka scolded her.

"Wait! I still have something important to tell Seir-sama!"

"You can do that after school! Do you want to get punished by the homeroom teacher?"

"Wait! Waaah! Seir-sama, you dummy!" Lilith cried helplessly as I just waved at them with a smile.

"Seir-sama," Naamah called out from the crystal ball, her voice serious.

"I just want to confirm something... Did you feel anything strange around two years ago, when the Demon King disappeared?"

"Hmm... I haven't fought anyone seriously since we arrived in this world. I feel the same as always. Maybe I'm getting rusty."

"I found something in the records left by past Demon Kings. It's about the 'Throne.' It says the real Demon King doesn't ascend to the throne—the throne chooses its king."

"...What?"

"Wherever the real Demon King goes, the Throne follows. In other words, Seir-sama... the Throne is with you. I believe the previous Demon King vanished because the Throne abandoned him after you defeated him."

"You mean..."

"Yes. He's no longer recognized by the Throne. It's already transferred to you. Seir-sama, whether you realize it or not, you've already been chosen as the true Demon King."

"And how are you so sure?" I frowned.

"You told me you reforged the divine relics, right? That means you had to destroy them first. Only a true Demon King can destroy those relics—they were meant to be indestructible. Out of the original 21 divine relics, 9 were destroyed by past Demon Kings."

Naamah stood and knelt before me, bowing her head low.

"Hail to our true Demon King. I, Naamah, one of the Seven Disaster Witches, pledge my loyalty to you."

I sighed. Just like Lilith, now Naamah was treating me like a Demon King too.

"Okay, then. As your new Demon King... no matter what happens—everyone must remember this: Fuyumi will always be the cutest little sister in the world!"

"Yes, Seir-sama!"

After a brief silence, Naamah blinked twice and gave me a puzzled look.

"...Huh?"

"Exactly. That's the most important thing. Never forget that, understand?"

If what she said is true—that the Throne is in my possession—then the surge of demonic power I felt two years ago, when I swore to protect Fuyumi, was the moment I became the true Demon King. I always thought it was my love for my little sister that made me stronger.

"Yes, Seir-sama..." Naamah responded, still a bit weirded out.

Since we were speaking in a demonic language, none of my parents or step-siblings understood the conversation—but I could tell they understood one thing: Fuyumi. Their curious stares confirmed it.

"Anyway, what's the current situation over there?"

Naamah leaned back into her chair, exhausted.

"Many demons aren't happy with the new Demon King. The nation has split into factions, each supporting their own candidate."

She slammed her fist on the table in frustration—then winced in pain.

"Ouch! Ow, ow, ow!"

"What are you doing?"

"His rules are absurd, and he abuses his authority constantly. He even sent letters to the heads of every demon clan, demanding they send their most beautiful daughters to become his wives. I received one, too, but I refused. I'd rather be a fugitive than marry that creep!"

"I don't see the problem. He's a Demon King. It's his duty to have many concubines to ensure strong heirs. Otherwise, the next generation might be too weak to survive the wars with humanity."

"I don't care! That guy isn't worthy of being Demon King! Our nation is falling apart under him! The only Demon King I will ever serve is you, Seir-sama!"

"You and Lilith praise me too much."

"That's how respected you are, Seir-sama. Even if you're a fugitive, many demons admire you. You're kind to allies and ruthless to enemies. You have all the traits of a true Demon King. You even defeated the last king in fair combat. With the Throne in your possession, you are the rightful ruler of our nation."

She bowed once again.

"Please, Seir-sama. Return to us. The Demon Realm needs you."

I looked at her, then down at Fuyumi in my arms.

Both worlds needed me—but I had already made my choice. The Demon Realm would be fine without me. But Fuyumi... she needed me more.

"Sorry, Naamah."

She closed her eyes sadly. "I see... just like Lilith said."

"Yeah. I'm not interested in being Demon King anymore. I've got more important things to take care of here."

"Then... how about this?" Naamah asked with determination."If I find a way to travel back and forth between worlds—will you accept the throne?"

Those words lit a spark in me. That way, I wouldn't have to abandon anyone.

"Definitely," I grinned.

"Then I'll make it happen. For the sake of the Demon Realm, I'll find a way."

She put a hand over her heart and saluted.

I glanced at Fuyumi in my arms. She mimicked my grin and giggled softly.

"Guhehe~"

(To be continued.)