244 That's why I congratulate you.

"Hmm. Home sweet home. Ecdysium, please organize the souvenirs.

"Yeah, okay.

After parting ways with my compatriots in front of Taze's home country, Ao and I arrived at the Purple Demon King's villa in the forest. In both hands, there are various items purchased in Trinh, a surprisingly large number. Even if the weight of the items is not a problem because of the chains, it will be difficult to pass through the door if they are so bulky. With such a large amount of stuff, it would have been better to have one of my skeletons carry it instead of just me. I wonder if there are many valuable items that should not be handled roughly.

When I entered the villa, I saw the Purple Demon King and Duvraeori. Duvraeori was supposed to have almost died in the previous battle with Arkreal, but from the outside, he seemed to have completely recovered.

"How arrogant of you to call someone's house your home, Ao?

"I have my own furniture and room, so it's fine. Or do you want to be a house owner, Purple?

No, I'm not. But you know what? But you know, when you're all in Trinh with him and you look like you've had a nice trip, it's kind of ironic, isn't it?

I don't think I'd enjoy being with him. I don't think it's fun to be with him. I think it's more disgusting. I'm sure you do. ...... This guy was no good.

I was about to be asked to agree with him, but as for me, I always learn a lot by being around my fellow man. I'm sure this trip to Trinh was worthwhile.

"Oh dear? Are you all alone? Poor thing, isn't it?

"Shut up. Ecdysium, give him something to complain about!

That's what I'm saying. ....... Yeah, I'm not complaining, but I did have something to say.

Oh? What is it?

My compatriots say that this place is the Purple Demon Lord's villa, so does he have a main residence?

The Purple Demon King has been hiding out in Quama since his resurrection. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you.

I'm sure you're right. I'm not sure what to do with it. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

You built a castle and now it's abandoned?

I'm not like Ao there, I'm very careful. Unlike Ao there, I'm very cautious and I'm not going to stay in the same stronghold in case Yugra tries to interfere with me again.

"Heh, I used to stay in my castle without thinking about it.

And after I died, the demons took over the place, didn't they? I don't even want to visit a place that was controlled by demons who don't know how to run a proper household.

It reminded me of the place where Vegragudo lived. That place looked like it had been built based on some kind of human dwelling, but it was probably built by demons based on the Purple Demon Lord's castle. There was no beauty in the architecture, but it was much more livable than the caves inhabited by wild beasts. But if you ask me if it was cleaned, ...... well, I don't think I would want to go back now.

I can get you a new castle or two if the Lord so commands.

You're a fool, Duvraeus. Do you honestly think this villa is too big for you?

...... Is that so?

Because when he stays here, you have to show him the guest rooms, right? One bedroom would have been enough, but you're not very attentive, are you?

That's ...... no, but .......

Then there would be no point in asking where Duvraeori should rest. The answer to that question alone must make him feel empty.

It's okay, Duvraeori, I couldn't live in such a small house.

"Ao, how long are you going to be a housemate?

"How long are you going to be a tenant, Ao?" "You're being sarcastic. How long are you going to stay here, Ao? If he comes with me, I'll go back to the Quama demon world right away.

His gaze turns to me. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that there are a lot of people out there who would love to help you out.

We're paying back the debt, but ...... it's also growing. ......

Huh ....... So if you want to complain about that, you should talk to Exoik, right?

Oh, how can I complain about someone who is working so hard for him?

I'm cooperating with him, even if it's only on a voluntary basis!

Even though he is not cooperating, Ao's contribution to his people is more than enough. I can only do what I can do as an individual, but Ao can help the Quama demon world as a large force. I also envy the convenience of their numbers.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Even if your relationship is still master-servant, wouldn't it be unnatural for you two to live separately?

Why do you have to go through all that trouble, ......?

I don't mind lending you my demons, you know. They are much more adept than skeletons, aren't they?

"I appreciate the sentiment, but building a house in Taze's territory without permission would reflect poorly on Marito. No, I'm sure the man wouldn't complain, but we don't want to let that suppress the voices around us.

"...... That's right. That's what I'm talking about.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Even the slightest idea can become a big deal, as my compatriot said.

"It's a messy relationship, isn't it? You want to know where the Demon Lord is and what he's doing, but you don't want to have him around. If it weren't for him, you'd probably feel trapped and go to another country, wouldn't you?

"That's true. If you're going to allow me to build a villa in the depths of the forest, why don't you just give me permission to let Taze live there? Even shopping is inconvenient.

"I guess that's not an easy thing to do. The people who know us have a tolerant attitude, but for those who have grown up with the teachings of Yugra, the Demon Lord is a danger. He reached out to the forbidden magic of resurrection, stole the land where humans live, and created the demon world. For those who can't see the individual side, that's all they know about Ao and the others.

Those who only know the power of the Purple Demon King's cage will never approach him, and they will never say his name. If you only know the power of Ao's Annihilation, you probably don't want your people to become undead, and you don't want them to come near you. That's also true for me. If I were told that a man was raised by demons, I would probably shy away from him.

"Well, there are few people who aren't afraid, aren't there? What about you, ecdysiac?

Me? ....... The power that Yugra gave the two of you is powerful, and I consider it to be a threat. But I know the Purple Demon King's devotion to those he loves, and Ao's kindness in grieving for the misfortunes of others. I don't think I'll ever be suspicious of either of them.

"Oh, my God. I see, don't I? This is what you like about Ao, isn't it?

It's so annoying. ......

If you know them as individuals, you will understand that the Demon Lords are also beings with human hearts. However, not all of us are able to have this kind of conversation with the Demon Lords. We don't have a chance to see their side.

"Speaking of which, Exduk, you can call me 'Purple' if you want.

What?

...... Sorry. It's nice to know that you've been accepted to the point where you can call me that, but I'm a blue demon. I'd like to be the only one to call it that.

The Purple Demon Lord and Ao are on equal footing. The Purple Demon Lord and Ao are on equal footing, and it feels strange for me, as Ao's subordinate, to call the Purple Demon Lord by his nickname. It's not just about your position as a demon. .......

I'm sure you're not the only one.

That's also true. But it's more appropriate to say ...... that it's personal selfishness. Would it be arrogant to say ...... that I want to give Ao some special treatment?

No, it's nice. But how can you say such a cringe-worthy line in front of him?

"Mmm, is there something wrong, Ao?

Shut up!

I'm not sure if this is what you call hiding your embarrassment. I'm tempted to check it out, but I'm pretty sure I'll get knocked to the ground if I keep asking. I guess I'm learning too.

"Okay. Well, let's change the subject. Duvraeori, are you okay with the wounds you received in the battle with Arcturial?

"No problem. Lord ...... and thanks to Nora's efforts.

I thought that the injuries would be impossible to recover from for the time being, but ...... the demon body has a high regenerative capacity. I'd like to ask you a few questions about that.

I'm sure you're not the only one.

Thank you for talking so quickly. I lost one of my arms in Trinh and was able to regenerate it by the time I came back, but ...... I don't think I can use it in a real fight.

Of course, an injury will slow you down. Your actions will be hindered, advantageous situations will become disadvantageous, and disadvantageous situations will become worse. You can't be as invulnerable as Neil Ryates, but you should be able to instantly regenerate at least partial injuries.

"Demons and demons have different body structures. Even if I were to implant my memories into you, I don't think it would be possible.

I still want to try everything I can. The final battle with Raheit and the others is coming up, and I want to do what I can.

"...... My Lord, may I?

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what you need to do. I'm not sure what to make of that. Duvraeus must have judged that there was a possibility that they would give up the advantage they had.

I don't mind if it's for his own good, okay?

Thank you, sir. Now, Ecdysium, pack up your things and get out. I'll teach you your demonic powers as best I can.

I've learned many things from the great demon Vegragudo. And now I'm going to study under the most powerful demon who has the power of all those demons. My life is becoming more and more distant from people, but that's not so bad. I'm willing to give up my position as a human being as long as it allows me to protect what I want to protect. I'm willing to give up my position as a human being if it allows me to protect what I want to protect. As long as my heart is the same as that of a human being, that is enough for me.

I'm sorry.

I've been thinking that Marito and Ruco would get engaged in the near future, but I was surprised that it was sooner than I expected. Marito is smiling when he sees my surprised face.

You didn't rush the engagement just because you wanted to surprise me, did you?

No way. I'm acting on sound judgment.

I'm sure you're not the only one.

Marito was the commander in the war against the Scarlet Witch King. I'm sure many of you will be more supportive of Marito and at the same time more aware of the heir. The timing of the war against the Demon Lord was certainly just right.

"Another Demon Lord may come back and cause a big war. If that happens, going to war without a child will be a source of anxiety for the people. Besides, I wanted to relieve Luko's anxiety.

What was his reaction?

I asked him about the engagement while we were chatting, but he was completely frozen. He had a very charming face. I hope I can surprise him again.

"I'm surprised you agreed to it. You're not threatening me, are you?

"At first they said something about my status and that there were better men out there. I just laughed it off.

I don't think Luko could have talked down the Wise King. He must have had all his spur-of-the-moment excuses shattered.

He liked you, you know. I'm sure he'll accept it once there's no way out, but what about the voices around him?

"There were some opposing voices that took away your status. So I told them, 'If you can provide me with a nobleman's daughter who won't be intimidated by Lord Raggedy-doo's murderous intent, I'll consider it.

What kind of nobleman's daughter would I be?

Oh, no, there's the Iliad. That's a no-brainer. Luko was overwhelmed by the colorless demon lord who was much stronger than Lord Ragdoll, but he didn't back down to protect Nora. Even with the curse on his heart, he's still acting tough. That's the kind of bravery any knight would appreciate.

"Well, most of those who wanted an heir were happy. The only ones who complained were the ones who wanted to get their own daughter.

I wonder if they're going to go for the second queen this time.

There's no need to rush to find a second queen. I want to love Luko until that becomes necessary.

This is a difference in values from the common sense of bigamy. If he could just get used to it, someone else might be able to make up his mind, but common sense that has taken root is not easy to get rid of.

But then the competition with you would be over, right?

That's right. In the end, except for the girl who was introduced to me to punish me, I'm the only one who won. It's a complete defeat.

This is the rule that Marito set in order to keep me tied to Taze and to make me refrain from introducing women to him. In the end, only Marito was happy, and I'm a little jealous.

I'm sure you're convinced that you don't need to play this game, right?

"I don't know about that. I don't know about that. I haven't figured out who you're going to choose, or if you're going to go back to your world. I'm not going to let you get away with it, though.

I'm not going to let you off easy, though." "You're going to say things you never said when we first met.

When we first met, Marito was very interested in me and wanted to take me as someone who could change him and his country. I had the image that he was always trying to keep his head on a swivel, never to become an enemy. But now, I don't feel the slightest bit cautious.

My best hope is that you don't want me to help you. I don't think there's much I can do about it. So I hope you'll give me your genuine blessing.

"Yeah, I'll give you my blessing. Best friend.

Marito worked hard to make me his friend, and this is the result. He's a real king, this one.