After visiting the demon world to get a detailed account of the empire’s internal affairs from Shen, I went back to Reauxgard, where I put Alveiro back into the prison without anyone being the wiser. Thanks to our disguises and tricks, no one had even noticed that he’d been gone. A few days later, the Demon King took Alveiro into custody under the pretext of questioning him and gave him back some of his freedom, albeit with certain conditions, the major one being that he’d be accompanied by a bodyguard at all times to prevent his assassination. The Demon King usually did his best to be considerate of humans and their reputation, but the way he exercised his authority without reservation at times like this was honestly hella impressive, proving just how much power he had.
Shen had a rough idea of who the enemy was. He’d compiled a list of those he knew to have malicious intent. But the problem was, it wasn’t up to us to act as judge and jury. Why? Because our opponents included members of the imperial family, which was arguably the country’s backbone.
The other rulers and I were currently in charge of the Reauxgard Empire. However, that didn’t mean the people had opened their hearts to us. Setting aside the issue of the former emperor having been responsible for the war, the Demon King and Shen predicted there’d be major backlash if we made any moves on the imperial family right now.
Since I knew the history of my previous world decently well, I could say with confidence that they were probably right. One look at how things had been handled when Japan was defeated during World War II was proof enough. In short, foreigners had to stay the hell away from the imperial family. That was obvious from the fact that Alveiro had figured out he’d been framed, despite not having mentioned it at first and only reluctantly telling us some things after Shen’d told him to. This problem really needed to be handled by the people of this country. Unfortunately for them, we were the ones sitting at the top of their judicial system.
All of which meant that we had to strategize. As part of that, what we needed now was time. Both to prevent any more terrorist attacks and also to host the Magical War Games as quickly as possible.
Initially, the goal had been what you might call a peaceful fight between the different races, but it’d changed a lot by this point.
“So every freaking day, I’ve been wondering why I have to worry about all this crap. And it’s really made me realize that you legit kings and queens are seriously amazing. I don’t even have any real authority, but here I am stressing the hell out, so the rest of you who actually take full responsibility and run your countries are incredible to me.”
I sighed deeply, sitting in one of the parlors in the imperial castle.
“Ha ha! I, too, have such worries weighing me down every day. Though I keep insisting I shall retire, I let all the chances pass me by, in light of all that has transpired.”
That reply had come from Reyd. He was the ruler of the Kingdom of Alisia, the country where Nell was serving as the hero. The man had arrived in Reauxgard a few hours ago on an airship. He was technically here on official business. Just to be safe, Nell was with him as an escort, and she’d been here until a short time earlier, when we had her step outside for a bit.
I’d personally heard him say a bunch of times before that he would quit being king, but being sucked into everything going on in the world had put a kibosh on that plan. With Alisia being one of the victors of the Great War, the country’d seen a dramatic increase in its relations with other races. Establishing air routes had also helped them form new diplomatic relations with nations it’d had no direct ties to before. All of those important issues and more had apparently made it difficult for him to step down.
Having said that, the next king had already been chosen, and Reyd was handing over his duties bit by bit. Still, he’d stay in the role for at least a few more years until things calmed down. While he was happy that he’d be able to accomplish so much by the end of his reign, he was mentally exhausted more than anything else. He told me all that with a wry smile.
“All I wanna do is hole myself up in the Demonic Forest, go back to being a simple demon lord, and just chill. Society is just too much of a hassle, y’know?”
“’Tis remarkable to even be able to say such a thing. After all, how many even have the option of choosing between life as an emperor and one as a demon lord? Very bold of you.”
“Weeell, it helps that the Demonic Forest is a surprisingly comfy place to live.”
“Pull the other one as well, why don’t you?”
Reyd and I both laughed.
“Now, let us get to the crux of why I am here. Tell me about this ‘wicked scheme’ of yours.”
“Okay, so. You’re the only one we can ask for help with this since you’re human and royalty.”
So I told him about the plan the Demon King and I had drummed up. The plan for me to step down as emperor.
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“Good work, Nell. Meeting you like this is a nice change of pace.”
“I agree. We’ve worked together a ton already, but not when we’re both doing different jobs. It feels...different. Interesting.”
I had some free time after finishing my conversation with King Reyd, so I’d decided that a nice, easy chat with Nell, who’d come as his bodyguard, was in order. We were in one of the many lounges of the imperial castle. The staff here already knew that I wasn’t particularly fond of stuffy formalities, so they’d prepared a room that wasn’t too extravagant. It was just the right size, with no butlers or maids waiting on us hand and foot. Though I was pretty sure they were on standby somewhere close, ready to come at a moment’s notice if I called for them.
“Your people here were really struggling with whether to treat me like the emperor’s wife or a state guest. I felt bad, so I asked them to treat me like a regular guard instead.”
“Ha ha! Figures. Maybe that’s why they looked so uncomfortable earlier.”
“Gosh, when you put it like that, I sound like some kind of crazy person.”
“Put your hand on your heart and think real hard about it.”
“Okay... The answer is...I’m better than you, even as a crazy person, Mr. Yuki!”
“Wow. Wooow.”
That’s messed up.
“Ha ha! Just kidding. I’d say we’re the same level of crazy!”
“And I would have to...disagree.”
“Gasp! The betrayal!”
I chuckled in response to Nell pretending to be surprised.
“Man, talking to you really makes all my exhaustion disappear. Forever grateful to my boy Reyd for bringing you along as his bodyguard!”
“Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better, Mr. Yuki, but I have to admit, I feel sort of conflicted at the thought of our conversation being responsible for that.”
“If that’s how feeling conflicted makes you look, then I gotta say, I like it!”
“Don’t think you can get away with sweet nothings forever, Mr. Yuki.”
After some more light banter, I asked my wife a question.
“You got time, Nell?”
“Yes. His Majesty said I can have the next few hours to myself.”
“Cool. Theeen... Since we’re alone, why don’t we relax here in the castle for a while? Or we could go shopping. Maybe hit up a weapons shop?”
“Squee! Yes, let’s! As far as shopping... I shouldn’t. I’m here for work, after all. I think I’ll just stay in the castle with you.”
“True, true.”
“In exchange...”
Nell glanced around to make sure we were alone, then moved from the sofa across from mine and plopped herself down next to me. Then, she leaned down to rest her head on my lap. She felt wonderfully warm.
“Tee hee! You’re my pillow now, Mr. Yuki!”
“Is this really all you want?”
“Yup! With Lefi and Lew pregnant, it’s hard for me to take up your time at home.”
Ah, now I see the light...
“I don’t think they’d mind, y’know.”
“I know. But it bothers me. So...I think I’ll just indulge myself now while I can!”
Nell looked up at me from below with a laugh. Ugh, how is everything you do so friggin’ adorable?
✦ ✦ ✦
