This was the first expectation that had ever been placed on Aileen, and it soon became her dream to meet it. She quickly took to studying etiquette and dance while drilling everything from economics to statecraft into her mind, all so that she would be of use to her future husband. Going so far as to prepare for hypothetical situations in which she was, for example, attacked by bandits, she even honed her skill with the sword to keep herself from being a burden. Aileen was confident that once she was capable in a wide array of fields, Cedric would surely come to rely on her. Everyone would praise her for her efforts. Just thinking about the day that would come true filled her with happiness, and so she redoubled her efforts. As she dedicated herself to her mission, somewhere along the way, she’d become known as “the arrogant girl who lords over everyone because she’s the crown prince’s fiancée.” Aileen has always been stubborn and competitive enough to vie with her older brothers. It isn’t in her to yield when she’s confident she is in the right, and she never hesitated to say what was on her mind. Naturally, her personality has often been the cause of misunderstandings. Her belief in Cedric’s shallow remark that he understood her, as well as her resulting neglect of everyone else around her, had been ill-advised. In no time at all, she became the most hated person at the academy, and Cedric, the one person she was sure truly understood her, did the unthinkable and broke off their engagement. If Aileen had adopted a slightly more amicable attitude and pretended to be a delicate, frail maiden, then perhaps things might have played out differently. At this point, she’s still capable of thinking about it objectively, if only just barely. This is only because she knows, through the game, exactly how people see her and why. I do think I neglected what others thought of me… That said, I’m not about to try to patch things up now. After all, even if my memories of my past life have returned, I am no one but myself. In any case, she could only remember dreamlike fragments of that past life. She once lived in a land known as Japan, where both science and civilization were far more advanced than they are here. However, she had also been sickly to the point where she often spent the better part of the year in bed. Because she died young, unable even to make the most of her adolescence, she doesn’t have a great many memories to begin with. That said, the thought she remembers most vividly is I wanted to enjoy being a teenager, and if possible, I’d like to experience the sort of romance that you see in otome games, so it’s clear she’d been a serious gamer. The one she played particularly heavily was Regalia of Saints, Demons, and Maidens. The game was set in Imperial Ellmeyer, a Western European–style kingdom in which the legend of the Maid of the Sacred Sword was still told—the very world in which Aileen now lives. In the game, Aileen was betrothed to Cedric, the orthodox hero who required incredibly high stats to conquer. Aileen herself had been a typical villainous young noblewoman who flaunted her privileged status as the daughter of a duke, often prancing about with an entourage of hangers-on and generally obstructing the romantic endeavors of the heroine, Lilia. She picked fights with Lilia, who came from a family of commoners, and blatantly harassed her for enrolling in a school that was attended almost exclusively by the children of the aristocracy. As the heroine’s conquest of Cedric progressed, he steadily became more and more disgusted by Aileen’s behavior until he finally announced he was breaking off their engagement. As a story in a game, it was comical, but as Aileen’s reality, it’s no laughing matter. Worst of all, no matter what happens from this point on, Aileen is fated to die. Cedric’s route was the so-called main route, and it explored the national legend of the Maid of the Sacred Sword. As the story progressed, it became apparent that Lilia was the reincarnation of the Maid, and in the end, she became a saint who saved the very empire itself. However, before that, the demon king awakened as the final boss, the enemy the Maid of the Sacred Sword must destroy. That demon king is the very person to whom Aileen has just proposed marriage. Claude Jean Ellmeyer… If her knowledge of the game is still accurate, he should be twenty-five years old, eight years Aileen’s senior. He also happens to be Cedric’s elder half brother, and the former crown prince of Imperial Ellmeyer. However, he was born with red eyes and magic that no other humans could wield. According to the tale of the Maid of the Sacred Sword, these are considered proof that he is the reincarnation of the demon king. From the stories Aileen has heard, whenever danger threatens him, a horde of demons appears out of nowhere. More than anything, the demons love him, and if he ordered them to, they would lay down their lives without hesitation. If that’s not a demon king, then who could be? As a young child, Claude was the target of multiple assassination attempts, but every time without fail, demons saved him. At their wits’ end, his would-be killers compromised by stripping Claude of his right to inherit the throne and confining him to the abandoned castle, ignoring his very existence. In most of the game’s routes, he awakened as the demon king, standing in the way of the heroine and her chosen love interest. In one ending, he destroyed the empire, while in another, he was slain by the sword that would materialize from Lilia’s body. In the ensuing chaos, Aileen died. Sometimes, she was seared to the bone by the beams of light Claude emitted upon becoming the demon king, and other times, she was offered as a ritual sacrifice to resurrect him. She was also frequently killed off in the narration, like a minor NPC. She was usually treated as an insignificant character throughout most of the game. Aileen’s most important appearances happened during the events leading up to the broken engagement; from that point on, it became pretty clear that the staff hadn’t consider it worth the effort to revisit her character in detail. Well, sure, the players aren’t likely to complain if she’s killed off, but come on—! As the one who’s slated to be killed off, that’s just unacceptable. Aileen’s fate is so tragic. Admittedly, the way she behaved was problematic. However, she hardly did anything that warrants death, and really, the idea that a single person is the root of all evil is only plausible in a game. As she reaches that conclusion, Aileen’s consciousness ripples. She can hear voices. “…So why are you personally caring for a human girl, my king?” “No particular reason.” “Well, I for one think it’s a good thing. Any prince worth his salt should be kind to ladies.” There are three voices, all of them male. If I recall, he had two attendants, one demon, the other human… Both were quite handsome in the game… Half-awake, Aileen tries to draw on her game knowledge to work out what’s happening. “It isn’t necessary for the demon king to save a mere human. What is this talk of a prince anyway? He has no need of a human rank.” “This man is the eldest prince of Imperial Ellmeyer. I haven’t given up, you know. Someday, I’ll have him marry a proper girl and build a loving family!” “—Keith. How many times must I tell you that I intend to do no such thing?” That’s right; Keith is his human attendant. He’s a childhood friend of the demon king, a young man with curly nut-brown hair, spectacles, and a mild demeanor. The demon king saved his life once when he was a child, and though his fellow humans persecute him for it, he serves Claude wholeheartedly. “However, this young lady proposed to you, didn’t she, Master Claude? The rumors about her aren’t pleasant, but the fact that she’s chosen you is admirable.” “Nothing else is, though. If you wish to keep the human woman as a pet, my king, I will make the necessary preparations, but…” “There’s no need for that, Beelzebuth.” Beelzebuth is his demon attendant. His long, perfectly straight hair and cold, porcelain beauty make him seem more like a devil than a monstrous demon. He is devoted to the demon king and will follow absolutely any order Claude gives him. “It’s all right, Master Claude. Even if her reputation’s a touch less than ideal, the moment she set foot in this castle, her fate was decided. I will reshape her from the ground up and fashion her into a suitable bride for you.” “As I’ve been telling you, that won’t be necessary, Keith.” “Then prepare to keep the human woman as a pet, my king.” “Why do you two insist on putting us together…?” “Well, you are clearly not displeased, sire. Earlier, lightning struck because you were flustered.” As Beelzebuth speaks, Aileen hears someone choke. Keith nods. “Yes, that’s right. Your bouts of anger usually cause rather significant damage, what with all the earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the like. When you truly lose your temper, you even transform into a dragon… Don’t leave me behind and fully become a demon, please.” Apparently, those were flustered lightning bolts, not wrathful ones. Aileen had assumed he’d been aiming at her with the intent to kill. Feeling a little relieved, Aileen opens her eyes slightly. The sight that greets her is exactly what she expected, or rather, it’s just like one of the scenes from the game. Claude is seated in a magnificent chair, drinking tea, as his attendants offer their thoughts while standing on either side. …This really is the game world, isn’t it? She’s soared beyond surprise and now feels something closer to pure wonder. Of course, her survival is currently hanging in the balance, so she can’t simply relax and be impressed. “At any rate, I intend nothing of the sort, and neither does she. Look—she came with a sword. Perhaps she’s come on someone’s orders, or this may even be a trap of some kind. Either way, it will be a nuisance if she kills herself here.” “You misunderstand. I came of my own free will.” When she speaks, the game art moves. It’s as if reality itself has sprung into motion. All three of them direct different looks at Aileen, who is currently lying on the sofa. Keith’s is concerned, while Beelzebuth’s is overtly wary and hostile. Claude’s gaze, however, seems completely devoid of emotion. “I brought the sword only for my self-defense. I intend you no harm.” “Do you have any illusions of defeating a demon with that toy, girl?” Beelzebuth snorts. Aileen adjusts her position on the sofa, sitting up properly, and smiles back at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she also notes that the sword she brought is standing in the corner beside the sofa, its blade still naked. “I would hate to die without putting up any resistance, you see.” “Resistance, hmm? Resistance is good. Very entertaining.” That patently demonic notion sends a shudder down her spine. However, she keeps it to herself and continues to hold her head high. Keith chides the other attendant. “Enough of that. What meaning is there in terrorizing a young human girl? Dealing with the aftermath would be a headache. And on that note, young Lady d’Autriche…” “Do call me Aileen, Master Keith.” “Hoh-hoh. You know of me?” “I learned as much as I could about Master Claude before I came.” It would be more accurate to say she remembered, but she doesn’t plan to tell them that much. Possibly because Claude isn’t interested, he doesn’t even blink. In his demon form, as a dragon, he reigns over all creation. However, in his human form, he can’t perfectly control his vast stores of magic, and his emotions cause abnormal phenomena. I already knew his character profile, and I was still caught by surprise. Claude’s anger leads to volcanic eruptions. His sorrow brings unending rain. When the demon king’s heart is unsettled, it disturbs nature itself. Demons are under the influence of his emotions as well. At the moment, demons don’t attack humans because he has no inclination to attack them. If feelings of hatred or anger toward humanity drive him to awaken as the demon king, no doubt a great host of demons would immediately wreak havoc. The moment Claude awakens, he’ll transform into a dragon and cease to be human completely. That’s how he becomes the game’s final boss, incidentally killing Aileen. In other words, if Aileen doesn’t want to die, she’ll have to keep Claude from turning into the final boss. Coming to that conclusion was a simple matter, but it presents a new problem. For some reason, I can’t remember the content of the “demon king’s awakening” event…! There are quite a few other glaring holes in my memories, too! All I’m sure of is that he awakens just before the ending. I can’t believe it! My life depends on this! Thanks to her less-than-reliable recollections, Aileen has no idea what must be done to avert that critical event where Claude awakens as the demon king. It would have been fine if she could have at least managed to remember by now, but she couldn’t bear to pin her hopes on something so uncertain when her life is on the line. And so she came up with another plan. “Returning to the matter at hand, what brings you here, Miss Aileen? I’m told Prince Cedric called off your engagement, but if you’re here to borrow the power of demons for your revenge, you’ve come to the wrong place. Master Claude’s general policy is to spend his days in peace and quiet, you see.” “My, then I believe we shall get along. I am very fond of being safe as well.” “I hardly think people who value their safety would willingly come to see the demon king, let alone propose marriage.” “But if Master Claude will love me, I too will be able to spend my days in comforting repose.” She receives several looks of bewilderment, but she can’t afford to care. The one thing that allowed Claude to stay human and refrain from becoming the demon king was his love for Lilia. However, Lilia can’t romance Claude. Claude was one of those characters who could only be conquered on the second playthrough, and he wasn’t unlocked until the player had seen the ending once. Unlike the game, reality only happens once. In other words, if he can’t be romanced here and now, then he’s almost certain to turn into the final boss. In that case, Aileen will simply have to take Lilia’s place and become the person who holds Claude back from the brink—by becoming the woman he loves. Under the current circumstances, she decided that is the safest and most optimal plan available to her. Aileen smiles at Claude. “As such, please marry me. I’ll make you happy.” “Is this human out of her mind?” “I was just wondering that myself…” “Beelzebuth, throw her out.” In response to Claude’s curt order, Beelzebuth moves without hesitating. The moment she sees that, Aileen snatches up the sword that’s leaning against the end of the sofa and holds it to her own neck. “Bel, wait!” Before Beelzebuth’s hand reaches Aileen, he stops. Seeing the events proceed exactly as she predicted, Aileen chuckles to herself. Had she been the heroine, she would have meekly allowed Beelzebuth to seize her and would have been forcibly returned home, gaining the rare and priceless experience of flying through the sky on her way. However, it isn’t as if she has much of a choice in the matter, and avoiding the whole “getting flown home” event won’t affect her relationship with Claude, so it shouldn’t be an issue. On the contrary, I need to play it up. If I’m not the one he loves, it’s pointless. Once he’s stopped Beelzebuth, Claude frowns a little. “What is the meaning of this?” “If I must go home, I’ll return on my own. I categorically refuse to do anything as shameless as flying through the sky in the arms of a gentleman who is not my fiancé.” “Gentleman?” Beelzebuth points at himself, looking perplexed. Claude, who’s begun to rise from his chair, sits down again. “I was only going to send you home in the usual way.” “No, Master Claude. Being carried by Beelzebuth and returning home by air is far removed from the ordinary. Her people would positively faint.” “…Very well. I’ll take that into consideration, so put down the sword. I have little desire for such theatrics.” “You’re a kind man.” Aileen lowers her sword as she flashes a smile at Claude, whose face is still expressionless. Keith puts a hand to his chin. “Her reputation is…unflattering, but the young lady has spine. The d’Autriches are a great noble house, too. This chance may be too good to waste.” “Keith, enough idle talk… In any case, I refuse your request. Go home.” Still smiling, Aileen claps her hands together lightly. “I’ll take my leave if you agree to my proposal. Simple, isn’t it?” “As I said before, I don’t understand what sense that makes. We’ve only just met. Why do you want to marry me? —Er…” Although his expression doesn’t change, Claude falters. Aileen blinks. It feels as though a light breeze is blowing inside the room. “Do you…love me?” “Well, no.” When she answers his hesitant question with a blank look on her face, a strong gust of wind kicks up, also indoors. Keith hurries to soothe Claude. “M-Master Claude, calm down! No whirlwinds, please!” “Then what on earth is this about…?!” “My king, I sympathize completely.” “I mean, we only just met.” “Yes, and that was the moment you decided to propose marriage! Besides, Cedric only just ended your engagement. What possessed you to do something so brazen right after—?” The wind dies down immediately. It’s probably because Aileen has pointed the sword directly at Master Claude’s nose, which brought him to his senses. Though there’s a sword trained on their master, both Beelzebuth and Keith look unconcerned. That’s only natural. If Claude got serious, he could turn Aileen to charcoal in an instant. Even so, her pride compels her to speak. “No doubt some of the fault lies with me. I admit that. However, are you saying I should simply accept my lot and spend the rest of my life weeping? Don’t make me laugh. I have no intention of wasting another second on scum like him.” “…Scum? That’s quite harsh.” “Yes. Women accrue love over time. I have decided that I will love you. Come, let us foster our affection.” “At swordpoint?” Claude’s eyes are cold, and Aileen directs her most beautiful smile at him. “They say if you keep declaring that you are in love, it will eventually become truth. Shall we test that theory out?” “I see.” Responding in a completely flat voice, Claude extends a hand. In spite of herself, Aileen hugs the sword to her chest. Gently, with his long fingers, he lifts a lock of hair that’s fallen across her shoulder. He scrutinizes it suspiciously with his red eyes. “In other words, you’ve come to seduce the demon king?” “Sedu…” Her cheeks flush. She’s not accustomed to matters of love and men. In her previous life, otome games were her friends, and in this life, while she did have a fiancé, she had been raised as a sheltered noble lady, and tragically few moments of romance had actually passed between her and Cedric. Nonetheless, she can’t afford to show weakness by being flustered now. Still feeling timid, she forces herself to flaunt a brave smile at that lovely, expressionless face. “Y-yes. I—I suppose that’s what you’d call it. “…Your voice seems to be trembling. Is that my imagination?” “I-it most certainly is.” “You don’t seem familiar enough with men to seduce one.” “Just who do you think I am? I am a veteran seductress! I could seduce a man before breakfast!!” She’s made that declaration firmly, but Claude’s face is still empty. He only looks her over, examining her from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. Her makeup and clothes ought to be flawless, as always. Since she’d intended to venture to the demon king’s castle, she didn’t go all out, but she assures herself that her appearance is nothing a duke’s daughter would need to be ashamed of. Still, for some reason, she suddenly feels embarrassed, and she stirs slightly. H-having someone this gorgeous right in front of me makes me nervous… Oh, my hair! It’s all mussed— Belatedly, she notices: Her shoes are muddy. The lace on her dress apparently caught on something and frayed. On the whole, she’s rather shabby. She charged straight through the woods, so it’s only to be expected. Even so, this is a dire situation. After all, in this era, being impeccably dressed is a woman’s battle attire and her means of defense. “I…I apologize for my unseemly appearance, especially when I’ve come to propose. I’ll call again another day.” “There’s no need.” Claude snaps his fingers. Aileen braces herself for a demon to appear, but a gentle breeze billows up from beneath her feet and swirls around her, scattering motes of light. The mud vanishes from her shoes, the frayed lace weaves itself back together, and the fabric that tore when it got caught on some branches is mended, then made clean again. Her disheveled hair is swept back by the wind as if it’s being carefully combed out, and her fatigue lessens slightly. …It’s magic. As Aileen blinks in surprise, Claude speaks to her brusquely. “Now you won’t need to come back. Go home.” “…I’ll treasure this outfit.” “What?” “I mean, it’s an enchanted dress! That’s marvelous!” She twirls around, eyes sparkling, flaring out the dress she usually wears when she wants to travel unnoticed. At the same time, the bud of one of the flowers in a vase on the shelf opens. Is that magic as well? She watches the vase closely, her eyes shining, but that bud is the only one to open, and there are no further changes. It seems strange, and Aileen turns to the expressionless Claude. “Did that flower just bloom by magic as well?” Claude doesn’t answer. From behind him, off to the side, Keith gives a significant smile. “The presence of a lady really does brighten the room, doesn’t it? I’d worried that being surrounded by nothing but demons had warped your common sense and eye for beauty, Master Claude.” “Oh yes, that reminds me! Regarding those crows on the way here.” “…I keep telling you to go home. Are you hard of hearing?” “I have heard you loud and clear. I’m simply refusing to go along. Now, about those crows—they are your servants, aren’t they, Master Claude?” Aileen draws herself up to her full height and stands firm as she faces down Claude, who’s wearing an indefinable expression. “It’s all very well for them to warn those who enter the forest, but mocking visitors is in rather poor taste. The behavior of your vassals reflects on you, Master Claude. Do teach them to refrain from slander based on crude rumor.” “And why should I listen to anything you have to say?” “Because it would be embarrassing for me to have a fiancé lacking in decorum.” “I don’t recall becoming your fiancé.” “In addition, Master Beelzebuth, your attire is shameless. Utterly undignified.” Beelzebuth blinks in surprise, and Keith bursts out laughing, hugging his sides. The only article of clothing Beelzebuth wears above the waist is a long vest. He shows a lot of skin and is dressed in the style of the East. When she saw his character design, she didn’t think much of it, but by the customs of this country, intentionally exposing your skin is an outrageous thing to do. Moreover, it’s midwinter. She feels cold just looking at him. “I’ll have something appropriate tailored for you. We’ll also need to teach you proper etiquette.” “Wait, human girl. Why the hell would I do anything like that?” “You are Master Claude’s right-hand man, correct? Demon or not, you’ll need to be proper enough to make public appearances.” “…Right-hand man, you say.” Beelzebuth’s voice seems rather excited. He’ll be easy to manipulate. “As for you, Master Keith… You seem to have been making do with the same clothes for quite some time. Taking good care of your possessions is a fine thing, but we can’t have you looking shabby in court. Do you have anything you can wear to social functions?” “Oh, well, I had something tailored a few years ago. The thing is, Lady Aileen, and you won’t believe it—while I’m technically a high official, I’ve sided too firmly with Master Claude, and so my wages are zero! Even though there are payments listed on the official books. Does that seem right to you?” “Goodness.” Are his wages being embezzled? Aileen wonders as she frowns, falling deeper into thought. “…I’m beginning to understand the situation. I take it Master Claude has no money, either?” Abruptly, the flowers in the vase all drop their petals at once. When the two attendants notice this, they react swiftly. “Master Claude, you don’t have to let that trouble you. I enjoy life quite enough as it is.” “My king, if you desire money, I’ll go steal some for you. Just say the word.” “Silence, both of you— Do you see now? There’s no value in marrying me.” “Good heavens, don’t worry about something so trivial. I’m quite reliable enough to provide for you, Master Claude. Why, if you’d like, I could even keep you in your demon form as a pet.” Instantly, lightning strikes just outside the window. At this point, Aileen isn’t even startled. She simply laughs with an idle “My word.” Claude, whose face is still blank, groans. “…What brought that on? Didn’t you come here to seduce me?” “That sort of thing suits me better.” Keep the final boss as a pet. Wouldn’t that be a nice development? Aileen smiles, terribly pleased with the idea. Claude looks back at her frostily. “The fact that you don’t understand that seduction would be preferable shows your sensibilities are questionable.” “I’ll take that as a compliment… In any case, I hope you’ll enter a contract by marrying me. With nothing more than your agreement, you will all be guaranteed lives of comfort and fortune.” “Wow, she sounds like a new type of missionary.” “Master Claude. All I ask in return is your love. Thanks to a certain piece of human scum, I’ve been shown just how demanding a request that is.” Claude looks up. While it’s faint, there seems to be some emotion in his face now. Thinking that if she can only make him agree, she’s won, Aileen presses him. “You are a kind man. Surely, you do not hate humans wholeheartedly. As a result, the demons feel rather stifled, which in turn pains you. Am I wrong?” “……” “Personally, I hope those who wronged me get devoured by demons. However, if you wished for that, it would actually happen. How heavy that responsibility must be, and how conflicted you must feel—and yet here you are, resisting that very temptation. I respect your strength.” For the first time, Claude’s confusion shows in his face. He widens his eyes. In them, Aileen’s reflection wears a devilish smile. “If you marry me, I will protect both you and the demons you cherish. I won’t make you bear that burden alone. I may not look it, but I would have been empress one day. I do understand these things.” Abruptly, Claude’s face goes blank again. It’s as if he’s snuffed out his emotions. Aileen blinks, and then his lovely face is right in front of her. “Enough. Leave.” They aren’t words, but a spell. He taps her on the forehead with his index finger; she totters, her body rises lightly—and in the next moment, her knees buckle, dropping her onto something soft. She’s sitting on her bed. Her bedroom has abruptly materialized around her, and she blinks at it repeatedly, feeling bitter regret. He’s forcibly magicked her back home. “…He pulled one over me. Was I close to convincing him…? Or did I make a mistake somewhere?” Claude’s reactions were hard to pin down. She’d thought he seemed detached at first, but then he’d been clearly agitated for a moment, only to quickly regain his calm. Through all that, he didn’t smile even once. Squinting at the morning sun that lances through the gap in her white curtains, Aileen broods. Perhaps I shouldn’t have made it sound quite so much like a threat. I guess it’s true that no heroine would have talked that way… However, if I’m not misremembering, being teleported away was something that only happened after he’d become quite fond of you. When Claude, frightened by his growing attraction to the heroine, decided to put some distance between them, he’d use teleportation to make it happen physically. Aileen wonders if it’s safe to deduce from his actions that this went rather well for their first meeting. “I do still have time. Starting tomorrow, perhaps I should try being less aggressive? I’ll refine my approach as well…” “Your pardon, Miss Aileen. Miss Aileen… Are you awake?” Aileen calls to the maid who’s knocked on her bedroom door. “I am. What is it?” “The master says he’d like to speak with you. He says it is high time to get back on your feet already.” Come to think of it, she was supposed to have retired to her room from the shock of her broken engagement. Are you serious, Father? It’s only been a day. He’s the same as ever… When she was only Aileen and didn’t remember her past life, his behavior seemed normal to her, but now it feels rather harsh. Ordinarily, if it hadn’t been for the shock of regaining the memories from her past life, she wouldn’t have been able to recover so quickly. However, there’s no helping some things in life. Sighing, Aileen gets up from the bed and opens her bedroom door. “All right. I do hope I haven’t caused him trouble of any sort.” “The master’s the same as always. However, it does look as though the broken engagement with Prince Cedric has caused some difficulties… I believe that may be what he wants to discuss.” “I see.” Aileen responds shortly as she gathers herself. In that case, I’ve earned the lecture. “Let’s get this unpleasantness out of the way quickly. Let me get ready and then— Actually, no.” Glancing at her enchanted clothes, Aileen shakes her head. The maid looks perplexed. “I’ll go as I am. Bring my breakfast up later, if you would.” The remnants of the spell have become a faint breeze that flows past his feet. Dropping heavily into a chair, Claude closes his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples. “What in blazes was that woman?” “Oh, you sent her away by force? Don’t tell me you left her somewhere preposterous.” “Of course not. I did as I should and sent her to her own room.” Behind his eyelids, he watches the young woman who vanished before him fall onto her bed. He can see her muttering something to herself, but he avoids listening. Clairvoyance is handy, but picking up sound puts more strain on him, and more than anything, he’s aware that eavesdropping with it is unconscionable. Claude opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is Keith pouring him a fresh cup of tea. “I certainly hope so. Good grief, things have been lively since last night, haven’t they?” “You didn’t have to send her back her personally, my king. I would have flung her out the window toward her mansion for you.” “That would have killed her, you know.” “You could kill that woman, and she still wouldn’t die.” Beelzebuth makes that declaration with a straight face, drawing a droll smile out of Keith. Claude can’t claim to disagree. “I suspect she’ll be back soon. What should we do, my king?” “Ignore her until she gets tired of it.” “I get the feeling you’ll make a decision one way or another before the young lady tires of this, Master Claude…” ”Sire, sire! News! The emperor’s messenger comes!“ A jet-black crow is out on the terrace, cawing and flapping their wings. Well, well. Keith smiles. “We’re getting so many callers today.” “Tell the demons to come inside the gate. I’ll put up a barrier.” At Claude’s command, the crow promptly takes to the air, flying away. As he watches them go, Beelzebuth steps forward. “My king. If you intend to run them off, I’ll go.” “You mustn’t do that. Remember the nonaggression pact. If you and your kind get violent, even if it’s for the demon king’s sake, it’ll mean endless trouble again.” Keith rebukes him mockingly, and Beelzebuth clicks his tongue in irritation. “Humans truly are all imbeciles. We won’t do a thing to them unless the king orders it.” “Come to think of it, Master Claude, why did you let Miss Aileen into the castle?” “Because she came to see me herself.” Given the circumstances, he’d thought the least he could do was hear what she had to say. That was all. Although, it turned out to be nonsense. Oh, but… “I respect your strength.” No. Don’t let your guard down. Not unless you want to finally become a demon. Closing his eyes again, he focuses on expanding his awareness, widening its range to the palisade that encircles his castle and the surrounding forest. No one will reach the castle. He won’t allow it. After all, this is the castle of the demon king. Rudolph Lauren d’Autriche is famous as the shrewdest prime minister in the Ellmeyer Empire’s history. However, at a glance, almost no one would have guessed it. At their first meetings, everyone who saw him would undoubtedly say, “What, that mild, unreliable-looking fellow?” “Ah, Aileen. I’m glad you’re here. I’m sorry to ask for you so early; this was the only moment I could spare.” Smiling, her father beckons her to enter his study. Aileen sits down on the reception sofa in front of his ebony desk and waits for her father to take his seat opposite her. “It’s too bad about Prince Cedric.” “I’m very sorry, Father.” Her engagement to Cedric had been a marriage of convenience—a maneuver that influenced political negotiations. It had been an important move, intended to further solidify the standing of the d’Autriche duchy. Not only that, but since her father is the prime minister, the scandal over the broken engagement is probably also affecting his work as well. Setting aside the question of whether it will impact this father of mine… “There’s nothing to be done. After all, you’ve clearly drifted from Prince Cedric’s preferences.” As he tells her this, looking sad, Aileen’s expression turns serious. She apologizes one more time. “…I really am terribly sorry.” “Even so, I did hope it might stick on the strength of the d’Autriche name. I tell you, the love of young people is a force. You yourself always said, ‘Prince Cedric understands me, so it’s all right.’” “I’m really, truly, terribly sorry.” “I actually thought that you would more inconsolable. I heard you’d withdrawn to your room.” Her father sighs. “And yet you look happier than I expected. That’s rather disappointing…” There’s genuine regret in his voice, and Aileen’s cheeks tense up. There it is! He’s such a sadist! His daughter’s engagement was broken, and he’s still…! Her kind father has an extremely troublesome predilection for taking delight in watching the misfortunes of others. Family is no exception. In fact, since he lovingly doesn’t hide it from his family members, it’s worse for them. If she told him there was a problem she didn’t understand, he’d cheerfully sit there and watch her struggle. If she was chagrined over having lost at something, he’d enjoy analyzing the various reasons for her defeat. Thanks to that, Aileen has grown so resilient that ordinary insults and setbacks don’t so much as faze her, but she’s developed a terribly unendearing personality that prefers searching for solutions over crying, and fighting rather than getting depressed. Put that way, she starts to think it may very well be her father’s fault that Cedric jilted her. “And here I was so looking forward, every single day, to the moment when he would ultimately spurn you.” “…So there was no doubt in your mind that one day I would be spurned.” “He turned you down so miserably that it nearly beggared belief… Oh, my poor Aileen… In your tear-soaked grief, you would surely have been the most adorable creature alive, and yet…!” “You were having a grand old time by fantasizing about that, weren’t you?” “But now look at you: You seem practically cheerful. The servants stopped me earlier, so I gave up, but…I knew I should have charged into your room.” Giving silent thanks to the outstanding servants, Aileen answers as calmly as she can. “I’ve resolved to forget Master Cedric entirely.” “I see. Well, that’s good. I never dreamed he was that much of a fool.” Smiling faintly, Rudolph summarily purges the prince from his mind. His utter lack of hesitation makes even his daughter shudder. “Still, Aileen. That doesn’t restore your position, nor does it mend the family’s wounded honor.” “…I’m aware of that, Father. I regret bringing shame on the house of d’Autriche.” “On to the main topic, then.” Smiling, her father laces his fingers together. Merrily. In other words, Aileen isn’t going to like what’s coming next. She sits up straighter. “You were preparing to launch a business, weren’t you? As I recall, you had made arrangements for the development and sale of medicines, plus plans for transportation and road improvements, so that you could better find a market for them.” “? Yes. My brothers told me that I could secure the raw materials by having them produced on d’Autriche lands and that I should develop a distribution route to increase profits.” The d’Autriche duchy is vast and fertile. However, that abundance is only true when looking at the territory as a whole, and since the duchy is so large, there are regional disparities. Her brothers are of a mind that areas that are not prosperous—in other words, sprawling rural tracts that often contain nothing but dirt—should be developed and improved. They devised various uses for the plants that naturally grow in those areas and are working hard to raise the living standard of the inhabitants by setting up the production of specialty products in those districts. They let Aileen participate in that work. The daughter of a duke, one who was the crown prince’s fiancée at that, was personally conducting business and trade. Naturally, there had been criticism. However, they silenced the critics by arguing that the development of medicines would be of great benefit to the masses. They also anticipated turning a tidy profit by popularizing items that were more accessible—such as soaps, salves, and disinfectants—among the townspeople before they began dealing in pharmaceuticals, which were more difficult to handle. As a matter of fact, the finances of Ellmeyer’s imperial family aren’t as solid as one might assume. That was why I wanted to at least bring a vast dowry with me when I married Cedric, for his sake— After letting her mind wander that far, she tugs her thoughts back to the present. “I also recall receiving your approval for that, Father. What about it?” “It’s all going to Prince Cedric. You could say it’s becoming a public enterprise.” “Huh…?” Aileen is stunned. Smiling sardonically, Rudolph goes on. “When you established the trading company, it was in both your own name and Prince Cedric’s, wasn’t it? The ability to produce medicine is the ability to produce poison, too. If the court tells us it should be under state control, we can’t very well argue, can we?” She arranged plans for distribution, prepared everything from trade routes to formulas for medicines, and the medical trials have already produced excellent results. In other words… “He’s just taking the profits?!” Aileen sounds aghast, and it makes Rudolph smile cheerfully. “It sounds as though Lady Lilia advised him that he mustn’t leave all the responsibility to you. Apparently, Prince Cedric worked up some enthusiasm for it. By dabbling in commerce, he may acquire a feel for the flow of money and the common man’s perspective all at the same time. That would be a fine thing, wouldn’t it?” “No, no, no, no, that’s just stealing!! He’s only taking the best parts!!” “This was your fault, Aileen.” He says the words mildly, but Aileen gasps and falls silent. Her father’s eyes aren’t smiling. “Ordinarily, a unilaterally broken engagement is worthy of criticism, even if the other party is a member of the imperial family. However, given the current circumstances, our peers deem it only natural for the prince to break off the engagement. Consequently, we have been awarded no compensation for damages, and they’ve taken the capital we invested in the business as well.” “I—I apologize for my incompetence…!” “Just like your mother, you have no eye for men, and on top of that, although you’re adorable, you have no talent for courtship.” His tone isn’t critical at all; he’s merely pointing out the facts, and it leaves her at a loss for words. As Aileen writhes in agony, Rudolph smiles happily at her. She knows it’s a sign of his love, but she wishes he’d show a little self-restraint. “Not only that, but…” “There’s more?” “Why yes, indeed there is.” Half glaring at him, she watches as her father extracts a single letter from a stack that’s being held down by a paperweight. Its seal has already been broken. “We received an invitation yesterday. It’s for a soiree, two months from now.” “A soiree? For me? …Now?” Soirees are group marriage interviews, places to look for a future spouse. As someone whose engagement has just been broken, the normal thing would have been for Aileen to refrain from them for a time, while the hosts, reluctant to associate with a girl whose reputation is scandalous, would naturally stop inviting her. “And what tactless fool sent this invitation?” “It’s from Prince Cedric and Lady Lilia.” She feels dizzy. “Oh, there’s a letter in there, too. Written by Lady Lilia herself. She says it’s a secret, but they’ll be announcing their engagement at the event as well, so she would like for you to attend. I’ve also been summoned. She’s really something, this Lady Lilia.” “Yes, she truly is… I’d like to learn from her example…” “It sounds as though Prince Cedric is going to unveil a new policy at this soiree, based on the business he took over from you. At the same time, he’s ordered you to sign a written dissolution of your engagement in front of the assembly.” In other words, she’s supposed to discarded by Cedric in public again. It would have been perfectly doable to sign a written dissolution of the engagement in private. He’s going out of his way to make it a public event. He really wants to take me down a peg or two, doesn’t he? Or does he genuinely think it’s the correct thing to do, since they’re the victims? The possibility is so high that she can’t even bring herself to laugh. “He also wants you to sign an agreement transferring control of your part of the business. By showing humility in public, you’ll apparently take the edge off your bad reputation. According to him, it’s an act of mercy.” Suppressing all her emotions currently bubbling up, Aileen exhales heavily. “In other words, if I don’t attend, I’ll have rejected Prince Cedric’s mercy, and if I do attend, he’ll take over my business, and my engagement will be broken in public again. Either way, I’ll be a fine laughingstock.” “Well? What will you do?” Normally, refusing would be her only choice. As long as she sent her signature, the formalities could proceed without trouble, and no time would be wasted. If instead of attending she made a display of her grief, she might be able to attract sympathy from those around her— All that being said… “I’ll attend. When someone picks a fight with me, I accept the challenge and send it right back, with interest.” No point in being meek now, not after speaking so sharply earlier. Aileen smiles. Forget the sympathy; I’ll go in swinging. Rudolph nods, looking satisfied. “Very good. You’re a daughter of the house of d’Autriche, all right. If you’d tucked tail and ran after they made such a fool out of you, I would’ve disowned you and tossed you into the seedier side of town or somewhere like that.” Her father might actually do it while pretending to weep. As she responds, her cheeks tense. “They may speak ill of you as well, Father. There will be whispers that say you’re lacking in common sense.” “That’s fine. I’ll listen to the many spiteful comments about you, then nod away as I apologize and mentally add their names to my list.” “I won’t ask what kind of list that is, but as long as you don’t mind, Father, then I suppose…” “In that case, make sure you earn enough by the time the soiree is held to recoup the losses the house of d’Autriche has sustained.” He speaks as if it’s nothing, and Aileen frowns. “Please don’t casually hoist outrageous demands upon me. By ‘recoup,’ are you telling me to start a brand-new enterprise? I’m not as brilliant as my brothers, Father. Moreover, in a scant two months?” “Figure it out yourself. A failed would-be empress who allows her reputation to remain in the mud is no daughter of mine.” Her father smiles. His eyes are dead serious. A sudden chill runs down Aileen’s spine. If she opts not to attend the soiree and fails to restore her honor and the honor of the family, her father might genuinely abandon her. Cedric is the crown prince, meaning Aileen has fallen out of favor with an individual who will someday be emperor. If she doesn’t rally somehow, she’ll simply become a burden on the house of d’Autriche eventually. A daughter with a ruined reputation. If I recall, there was a game event that had me losing all my rank and status…although I only remember it vaguely… She finds some comfort in her hunch that she may have avoided tripping some sort of unfortunate flag just now. Besides, it isn’t as if there’s no way to fulfill her father’s demand. At this point, the power of the d’Autriche duchy is still hers to use. In any case, she’ll need money if she’s going to care for the demon king. There’s also the matter of Master Claude… I did sense some potential there. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. She’s steeled herself. As a result, she feels as if she’ll sleep well tonight. Later, in the dead of night, Aileen bolts up with a shriek. “Attending the soiree was the trigger for being evicted! What is this?! Why do these memories always come back too late?! Is it divine harassment?!” Aileen howls at the pitch-black ceiling, but of course, no kind god answers her.
Chapter 3
41 min read