“I’m so sorry. In your time of need, I’m just useless...!” she had wailed as I tried to console her with pets. But honestly, I was relieved that she wasn’t coming with me.
“I still believe we’ll see each other again someday, Zil!” When I had gone to say my goodbyes to Enma, she went over the top tearing up and hugging me. I was busy, so I had really hoped we would wrap up the conversation as quickly as possible... Instead, I had gotten a lecture on how to protect my soul from attacks with holy magic. It had felt like a huge waste of time, but if I was planning on fighting Enma someday, knowing how she protected herself would be useful.
Amid all the hubbub, the day of my departure finally came. I decided to leave before my monthlong grace period was finished. Once the day of my exile arrived, I wouldn’t be able to receive any help from the kingdom. But by leaving early, I could make use of the night elf information network and borrow whatever supplies I might need for a little while. That being said, we had decided it would be too dangerous for me and Layla to enter any human cities, so we’d be sending Virossa in to deal with them in our stead.
Wearing my traveling gear, I stood at the castle’s dragon launch area, looking up at the sky. It was a calm summer night, a gentle wind carrying a sparse collection of clouds across the night sky.
I rubbed my clothes. It was a style typical of commoners, but still of reasonably good quality. I had gotten so used to wearing clothing made for royalty that this stuff made me itchy. Apparently, my skin had become quite sensitive.
Of course, underneath these clothes, I was wearing my Bon Dage outfit—Evalogia. If I took my clothes off, it would stick out like a sore thumb. But as long as I had clothing over top of it, it would serve as good covert protection. Once fall and winter rolled around, I’d have more excuses to wear heavier clothing and fewer excuses to show skin, so it seemed too good to pass up. In contrast, I’d be leaving Syndikyos behind. It would obviously draw way too much attention.
Besides that, I had a well-worn leather bag and the leather boots I used for training. Adamas was dormant at my waist, and I had sneaked the bones of the human soldiers into my bag. I also had Barbara’s rapier, with the excuse that Layla would use it for self-defense. Hessel’s greatsword was way too big, so we had to leave it behind. Still, Hessel was so strong he could make do with a broken stick, so I wasn’t worried about him.
“It’s finally time...” Barbara murmured in my head.
Yeah, it was finally time. Layla flapped her wings a bit to make sure all the extra luggage wasn’t getting in her way. Meanwhile, Virossa was at my side—wearing rather nondescript clothing—doing a final check on our gear and supplies.
It was finally time.
I swept my gaze over the crowd that had gathered to see me off. Unlike Layla and I, who were perfectly relaxed, everyone else was desperately struggling to keep it together. They couldn’t help but fear this was the last time they’d ever see me.
Garunya was on the verge of tears, but Sophia looked entirely unfazed. “Compared to your disappearance in the Abyss and coming back with ‘Ante,’ this feels like a short vacation,” she had said.
Of particular note, the king was not here. I guess it made sense as I was currently a criminal. It would have been a bad look for the king to see me off given the circumstances. Similarly, Aiogias and Rubifya were also absent. Daiagias was already hard at work in Evaloti. The only ones here were those I was especially close to. As I looked at them all, from cat beastfolk to night elves, from demons to devils, a strange feeling welled up in my chest.
Though they were all denizens of the dark, I had a lot of friends in the castle. More than I realized.
Gorilacia, keeping a stern expression. Regorius, looking quiet and subdued. Sidar, still in tatters in the wake of his faction’s collapse. Veene, still looking at me with worry. Garunya, wiping tears from her eyes. Sophia, entirely composed. And finally...
“So you’re finally leaving, Zilbagias.” Prati, standing tall and proud in an elegant dress.
“Yes, mother.”
We shared a look. Just the previous day, we had eaten dinner together, and stayed up late engaged in trivial conversation. Now that we were here, neither of us quite knew what to say.
“Layla.” Prati turned to the dragon at my side. “Forgive me for not trusting you for so long. Since the very beginning, you’ve shown yourself to be a faithful supporter of my son. For that, thank you. Please...take care of him for me,” she said, bowing deeply. It was the greatest sign of respect an archduchess could show someone, and she was lowering her head to Layla of all people.
“Oh, please! There’s no need for that...” Layla was shocked. “I will never betray Lord Zilbagias. Never. I will do all I can to be his strength,” she declared, golden eyes shining. I could see Gorilacia wince, probably from seeing something she didn’t like with Effusura.
“Thank you, Layla.” Prati smiled, before turning to the night elf Swordmaster. “Virossa.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“I know of no night elf more capable than you. Your loyalty has been similarly impeccable. I have the utmost faith in you and your abilities. Please take care of Zilbagias for me.”
“Yes, my lady! You can leave him to me!” Virossa replied with a fervent bow. “I will ensure that Zilbagias safely returns upon the conclusion of his exile in a year, even if it costs me my life!”
I averted my eyes.
“Thank you, Virossa.” Finally, Prati returned her gaze to me. Still, neither of us could find the words to say. “Zilbagias.” So instead, she stepped forward and hugged me.
“Mother...”
I was surprised. Even if we were mother and child, even if I was about to leave for a year, this wasn’t the kind of behavior high-rank demons ever showed in public.
But...I couldn’t say anything. Her breathing was short and rapid. Her hands were shaking. Her arms were wrapped around me so tight it hurt. It was like every part of her was begging me not to go.
“Please, stay safe. Make sure you eat properly. Sleep whenever you can. Be careful...and...and...” A stream of unconnected thoughts started pouring out of her.
“It’s okay, mother.” I returned her hug. This public display wasn’t at all embarrassing to me. “I will make it back safely. There’s still so much left for me to do here.” Wasn’t there? I couldn’t afford to run around the Alliance forever. “So please. When I put my mind to it, have I ever failed before?” I joked.
Prati answered with an awkward smile, as if she had just remembered how to make one. No...she squeezed her eyes shut, shook her head to dispel her negative thoughts, and her smile came through strong and confident.
“True. That is how you’ve always been. My beloved son, always exceeding my expectations.” She let go of me and took a few steps back. “You are a better son than I deserve. Truly, you are my pride and joy.” She paused for a moment. “Goodbye. Come back stronger than ever.”
Yeah. That went without saying.
“Of course, mother. I’ll be back.” I turned around, vaulting up into Layla’s saddle. Virossa climbed up behind me, and we tied our lifelines to each other.
Turning back, I saw Prati’s usual bold smile, but her fingers were still clenched tight around her dress.
“Goodbye, everyone! See you in a year!” I waved to everyone waiting on the platform.
Let’s go, Layla.
“Okay.”
Layla spread her wings wide. Next thing I knew, we soared up into the air. Into the sky! Layla spiraled outward, gradually climbing in altitude. Prati and the others watched on from the launch area.
My gaze shifted from them to the heart of the castle—to the Demon King’s palace. There, right in front of the palace, my eyes found a demon dressed in all black. It was none other than the Demon King himself, Gordogias Orgi, staring up at the sky. Though we were little more than specks to each other, it felt as though our gazes met.
I could tell he raised his hand and waved at me.
I responded with a wave of my own.
Demon King... I’ll be back. To kill you. To destroy this kingdom. Because no matter what anyone says, I’m a hero.