Chapter 106

First Act The Villainess Begins Anew Half a year ago, the Holy Queendom of Hausel—a leading world power—declared war on Imperial Ellmeyer for making the demon king its crown prince. No doubt the subsequent incident will be recorded in the history books as an actual war. However, in reality, it had been a terribly personal, lonely fight. Learning that the great Queendom was controlled by just one woman, Amelia Dark, only made it seem even more so. In any case, Imperial Ellmeyer emerged victorious. During the conflict, the Queendom’s floating palace split in two; one half sank into the ocean, while the other fell into the borderlands between Ellmeyer and the Kingdom of Ashmael, a section of desert crisscrossed by canals. The Queendom of Hausel had been an island nation. Losing both the palace that had been its core and a queen who could see past and future plunged the land into chaos. Apparently, an oracle from somewhere or other declared herself queen, and fighting broke out not long after. After Imperial Ellmeyer fended off the Queendom’s incursions, Claude felt little inclination to look after their interests. The floating palace, however, was a treasure trove of information regarding the Queendom’s divine-stone technology, which had been created by combining sacred and demon stones. Claude had been planning on working with Ashmael to dismantle the palace and analyze the technology, and that should have been the end of it. Then without warning, the floating palace awakened—there’s really no other way to put it—and ejected the entire team of investigators. After pale light enveloped the entire structure, it vanished without a trace. “So it disappeared this morning? Who confirmed this?” Claude asks as soon as he’s seated himself at the desk in his office. His guards Walt and Kyle are on duty at the door. Keith, who came to deliver the report, has insisted on making tea as usual. Aileen is seated on the long reception sofa, while Cyril Lauren d’Autriche, her older brother, sits opposite her. He took over the management of the d’Autriche dukedom for their father, Rudolph, this spring, and he’s recently been appointed prime minister. “His Majesty the holy king of Ashmael did so in person, then immediately sent a report via sacred stone,” Cyril answers. The hues of his blond hair and blue eyes are more muted than Aileen’s, and both his tone and demeanor are gentle as well. “The first thing he said was ‘Don’t tell us you stole it,’ so I laughed and asked if he was sure they hadn’t hidden it themselves.” “…I don’t think this is a laughing matter.” “I’d imagine he didn’t genuinely suspect us, either. However, if they do find it first, I can’t deny there’s a possibility that he might hide it. Conversely, if we find it first, there’s really no need for us to mention it to them.” Ever since she was small, Aileen knows all too well that underestimating her brother because of that mild demeanor can be the worst mistake someone can make. As politicians go, Rudolph had been the type who’d laid the groundwork for things in a roundabout way, while Cyril settles everything before anyone realizes what’s even happening. “We won’t hide it for no reason.” Claude, who’s probably seen Cyril at work several times now, gives him a clear warning. Cyril nods. He’s smiling, but he definitely finds this all supremely annoying. “We will need to confirm this ourselves. Since this is a matter involving magic, I’ve asked the Levi tribe to dispatch a search party. Please review the final decision.” “Very well. I’d like to get Elefas’s opinion. Summon him.” “Of course. Grand Duke Levi and his wife were part of the team investigating the floating palace for a time, so I’ve already requested their help. I’ve also heard that Serena Gilbert, the newly appointed official, has knowledge of the floating palace, so we’ll use her as a liaison. Aside from those individuals, I’ve kept this incident secret. Making a fuss would benefit no one. Once we know the details, we can decide whether or not to release the information.” Claude nods, agreeing with Cyril’s decision. “Still, if even Baal can’t tell where it’s gone, this is going to be rough.” “We plan to put together a second search party of holy knights to look for the half that sank into the sea. As the twin of the part that’s mysteriously vanished, it may have something to tell us.” Did the other half also vanish or move away? Regardless, they’ll need to interview the people who live in the area. “All right. I’ll try to get the demons to help with the interviews as well.” “Very good. I’ve also mentioned this to His Majesty the king of Ashmael, but such a large structure won’t be easy to hide. Whether it was moved by a person or some mechanism in the palace itself, we’re bound to find it eventually. For now, please take care to avoid anything that may cause a stir and conduct yourselves as usual.” Cyril probably means there’s no need to make the citizens uneasy…or so Aileen assumes, until he abruptly turns to face her. “I do mean ‘take care.’ You understand, don’t you, Aileen?” “I—I haven’t said a word, Brother!” “You’re the type who doesn’t understand even when you claim to, so when you don’t even say that, it’s bound to be worse.” Although his eyes are very affectionate, Cyril lectures her quite rudely before he turns to leave. Aileen stares after him, stunned. Then she realizes her husband is laughing behind his hand. When she scans the room, Keith quickly averts his eyes, and Walt and Kyle turn away. “…Exactly what is so amusing, Master Claude?” “N-no, it’s nothing. Your brother just dominated that entire conversation.” “There’s no point in talking back to him! My brother’s an incomparable genius!” Naturally, Cyril is perfectly aware of this and thinks it’s only natural for him to worry about his less capable sister and support her. Aileen went through a rebellious phase once, but Cyril forcibly put a stop to it by asking, in a genuinely mystified way, “Have I ever been wrong before?” Unlike their father, who enjoys watching his loved ones fail, her brother has given her different trials, but at the end of the day, he’s taught her how to live with strength and confidence. “If you can’t beat them, join them…or at least, that is what I decided to do.” “I never thought I’d hear you say anything so commendable.” “How rude. Even I am aware that what we need now is information.” Turning away in a huff, Aileen rises to her feet. Claude smiles wryly. “Where are you off to?” “I’ve kept Mother waiting.” “Oh, come to think of it, you did mention that… I’ll go with you.” “Oh really, Master Claude?” Grace may be one thing, but Claude is always annoyed by Luciel, who insists on acting like his father. It isn’t that he hates the man, but it’s certainly rare for Claude to voluntarily pay him a visit. “Those two know the floating palace very well. They’re living witnesses.” At that, Aileen looks up. “Speaking of living witnesses, Jasper and Denis have seen the palace’s interior as well. So has Rachel.” “We’ll probably have to let the Oberon Trading Firm in on it… Walt and Kyle, tell them to assemble at the old castle.” When Aileen became empress, she officially made Isaac Lombard head of the Oberon Trading Firm to take her place. They still have a conference room in the old castle, designated the demon branch office, but the firm is headquartered in a new building on the third layer. The demon king’s guards grimace at the idea of leaving him alone, but they know he’ll probably ignore their complaints. Besides, the members of the Oberon Trading Firm are at work. Since there’s no guarantee they’ll all be in the same place, they can assemble everyone faster by splitting up. “We’ll come to the old castle to get you, so wait for us, all right?!” “The demons are there, so it should be fine, but absolutely do not leave the castle in disguise. Don’t go to Ashmael, either.” With those parting words, the two guards race off down the hall. Claude mutters, “Why don’t they trust me?” “Because you aren’t trustworthy. Once I tidy up here, I’ll head straight for the old castle, too, milord.” “……” “You as well, Lady Aileen.” Aileen has been caught in the cross fire. Keith sees them off with a smile, and Aileen and Claude go to the old castle on their own. She expected Claude to teleport them, but he sets off on foot at a leisurely pace instead. The distance from the imperial castle’s residential quarters to the old castle is the perfect length for a stroll. Thinking Claude is busy and probably needs a change of pace, Aileen doesn’t hurry him. “They’re all so mean.” “Yes, they are. You’re one thing, Master Claude, but treating me as if I’m in the habit of absconding is quite rude.” “That’s right, you’re not like me. You’re in the habit of rampaging.” When Aileen makes sarcastic comments, her husband quickly responds in kind. Irked, Aileen frowns. “Master Claude. I do believe you’ve been growing increasingly spiteful lately.” “Oh, absolutely. If I just let myself be swept along, I’d never last as your husband.” “…I really don’t think men who change once they’re married can be called decent.” “You’d quickly tire of a man who always stayed the same. You also grow dearer to me with each passing day, you know.” He gives her a charming smile, and by the time she’s realized she’s at a disadvantage, it’s too late. Picking up a lock of Aileen’s hair with a practiced gesture, Claude kisses it as they reach the corridor. “Even if we have a child, I wager you’ll still be the most precious one to me. Shall we put that theory to the test?” “As I’ve said many times before, stop doing that sort of thing in broad daylight…” Aileen starts to yell at him, then goes quiet. Claude blinks at her. “What’s the matter?” “I…don’t have the sacred sword now.” A little while ago, a horde of uninvited brides descended on them from the Queendom of Hausel. It was during that commotion that Aileen heard only a woman with strong sacred power could conceive the demon king’s child. “Lady Grace was the Maid of the Sacred Sword, and I am of her bloodline, but that’s all… Lately, I’ve begun to wonder if I’m capable of giving you a child.” “It’s a bit early to be concerned about that, isn’t it?” “Yes, but I’ve already become empress, you see.” By rights, since Aileen hasn’t borne an heir, her title should be imperial consort. In a break with precedent, she received the empress’s crown when Claude ascended the throne. It was a demonstration of his resolution to have no other consorts. To keep people from criticizing Claude’s decision, Aileen must bear and raise his child—specifically, a crown prince. One who will be the next ruler of this nation, home to both demons and humans. “I didn’t do that to burden you. I merely thought the results would be the same either way.” “I know. I don’t consider it a burden. ‘Bring it on,’ as they say.” “In that case, can we enjoy our alone time for a—?” “In other words, I must conceive as swiftly as possible.” Aileen’s expression is dead serious, and Claude doesn’t seem to know where to look. “This is no time to be embarrassed about making attempts in broad daylight… As a matter of fact, I’ve just realized that daylight may be a more effective time for these things.” “That’s the first I’ve ever heard of it…” “We can’t know for sure unless we try! Besides, if the floating palace incident proves to be something tiresome again…!” Her own words send a shudder through her. Abruptly closing in on Claude, she hauls him up by his shirtfront. “Let us try, Master Claude! Perhaps it will be more effective during the day!” “Talking about it as if it’s work sort of spoils the mood.” “We mustn’t neglect work due to something as capricious as the mood! This is my most important duty—” A footfall echoes loudly from the depths of the corridor. Both Aileen and Claude gasp, but it isn’t because they’re concerned about having been seen. The corridor leads to the living quarters of the imperial family. As a rule, it is deserted, and no one is allowed to set foot there without the imperial family’s permission. The only prying eyes here should have belonged to the long rows of portraits of previous emperors lining the walls. And yet that footfall came from the corridor’s depths—from the living quarters. A figure appears, confirming what their ears heard. It’s a boy. He’s standing there alone, in the blank space where Claude’s portrait will someday hang. The light that streams through the corridor window behind him casts his face in deep shadow, making it almost impossible to make out his features. What they can see is that he’s dressed in black, with black hair. Both seem to melt into the gloom. The oddest thing about him is the black eye patch over his left eye. The most important thing to note is that none of the people who have permission to enter this place are young boys. Aileen is as tense as a bowstring, but Claude seems rather laid-back. “Who might you be?” he asks. There’s no answer. Instead, the boy with the eye patch takes another step forward, his heels clicking audibly on the floor. His black cloak flares out, and he runs straight toward them. Only after the sunlight glances off the blade does she realize that his black-gloved right hand holds a drawn sword. “Master Claude!” The boy sprints toward him. Frowning, Claude casts a barrier, and the sword’s blade crashes into it. Sadly, the battle ends almost as soon as it’s begun. In an instant, the boy’s sword shatters the barrier. Glittering remnants of magic rain down like fragments of glass. He’s broken through Claude’s barrier—the demon king’s barrier—with a single attack. Aileen is dumbfounded. Clicking his tongue in irritation, Claude puts an arm around her waist in preparation to pull her close, but the boy mocks him. “Planning to run, Father?” Who could blame Claude or Aileen for being distracted by that word? As far as the boy is concerned, that’s a splendid opening. Magic circles appear all around them. Claude shoves Aileen away, and for just a moment, she sees him trapped by the neck. Then, as if to blot out the sight, the geometric patterns on the layered magic circles flash. Magic explodes. The resulting blast tears through the corridor. Thick smoke surrounds her, and Aileen squeezes her eyes shut. “Master Claude?!” When she looks again, the magic circles have vanished, but the corridor is still filled with billowing smoke. Straining her eyes, she manages to make out a figure. Just one. Turning pale, Aileen is about to run when a black cloak appears out of the curtain of smoke. She follows it with her eyes. It’s the cloak Claude always wears. “It can’t be… Master Claude!” “Skwee!” With a cute little screech, something else flies straight out of the smoke. It’s a young dragon with black scales and red eyes. It spreads its wings, floating in front of Aileen at chest level, and spits flame at the cloud of smoke. As the smoke dissipates, Aileen’s vision clears. The boy with the eye patch is standing on the scorched patch of floor, smiling. There isn’t a burn or a scratch on him. “Serves you right.” The boy is looking at the young dragon. The young dragon glares right back at him, and Aileen puts her arms around it, pulling it to her. It’s about the size of a human one-year-old, and it’s surprisingly light. The dragon swivels its red eyes to focus on Aileen. Claude is human, but he’s also the demon king, and his demon form is a black dragon. He’s transformed several times before. Therefore, Aileen has an inkling of what may have happened. Slowly, doing her best to hide her consternation, she asks, “You aren’t going to tell me this dragon is Master Claude, are you?”