Chapter 270: Conversation at Church

New chapter of The Demon King is out! (1/2 chapters)I safely arrived in Shantinion, and that day, I visited a church in the middle of the town. This church wasn’t small, but considering the size of the town, it couldn’t be called large either. The place where it stood wasn’t in the center of town. It wasn’t in a prime location, just standing there in a place like a city area. However, this was apparently the largest church in the city of Galilianin.

In the middle of that church, a man who deserved a state funeral was lying in a coffin with no place to go, under the rule of invaders.

“…Ha, to think he really ended up dead.” (Yuri)

In front of me was the coffin containing the corpse of Fritz Roni. Covering my nose as I looked at his face, it had somewhat decayed and crumbled, but it was indeed the face of the man I had seen a little while ago.

“I have never met him, but he was apparently quite skilled.” (Myaro)

“A guy who could pull an army from the Kururuan Dragon Empire that quickly can’t be anything but skilled.” (Yuri)

“That’s true.” (Myaro)

“Those who aren’t trained die so easily from something small.” (Yuri)

“Well… but they say he fought and defeated three people, so he might have had some knowledge, at least.” (Myaro)

“I suppose so.” (Yuri)

He might have been stronger than the average person.

“Even so, it’s a problem, isn’t it? It seems Berbeo Hatran is disliked by the citizens.” (Myaro)

A man named Berbeo quickly raised a white flag and surrendered the moment our army approached this city, then tried to curry favor by welcoming us.

To put it plainly, he wass spineless, and his actions drew the ire of the citizens. It was the complete opposite of what Fritz was trying to do, and as a politician, he showed no leadership at all. Initially, we didn’t intend to impose harsh conditions on the citizens to make them suffer, so we proposed the conditions we had prepared at first, but Berbeo spread the word that these were results he had achieved through negotiations. Although there was no rebellion, the military was still full of dissatisfaction, and remnants in other areas were continuing to prepare for thorough resistance.

“Trash like that lacks conviction. He won’t plot a rebellion, and even if he did, he’s so incompetent that we’d find out immediately. In that sense, he’s convenient.” (Yuri)

“Yes, I think so too.” (Myaro)

“Well… until a suitable person appears, we can let him do his best.” (Yuri)

“And after that?” (Myaro)

“It won’t be hard to depose a fool who leans on us.” (Yuri)

Even without giving specific instructions, Myaro could come up with ten or twenty ways to do it in just a few minutes.

“Yes, that’s true. Once he’s served his purpose, we can fabricate some scandal or other.” (Myaro)

“Yeah… the problem is who comes after him.” (Yuri)

“There should be some competent people around. Once the real Berbeo-bashing starts, maybe we could let one of them lead that movement? The citizens would welcome it, and it would also improve our reputation.” (Myaro)

“That’s right. After that, well… we’ll just have to take it slow.” (Yuri)

“First, let’s start by demolishing that large church.” (Myaro)

“Ah… yes, that’s right.” (Yuri)

“…Hmm?” (Yuri)

At that moment, the door behind me opened.

“Excuse me.” (??)

A man from the royal guard, serving as security, opened the door and entered. Due to my and Myaro’s presence, this church was being heavily guarded.

“What is it?” (Yuri)

“Um… there’s a woman with a child who wants to enter.” (??)

“Is she a relative?” (Yuri)

“It’s hard to say since we don’t understand the language… but I think she might be.” (??)

“Just check that she doesn’t have any weapons, and let her through.”

—

“Hello.” (Nozette)

It was a widow with a child who greeted us in the Telor language. She was wearing mourning clothes, and her face was covered with a black veil.

“Hello. If you have business with him, please go ahead.” (Yuri)

I said this and let her pass.

“Yuri-kun, then… shall we go back?” (Myaro)

“Take half of the guards with you and leave first. I want to have a little conversation.” (Yuri) Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ n0vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“…I see. Well, knowing you, Yuri-kun, I’m sure you’ll be fine… but please be careful.” (Myaro)

Myaro said this and left the church. The widow was offering a prayer in front of the coffin. Her daughter, also dressed in black, looked sorrowful, having just lost her father. After that, the widow continued to pray for a while. I sat on one of the pews for worshippers, waiting without interrupting her prayers. If she had nothing to say when she finished, I planned to simply offer my condolences and leave.

“…Phew.” (Nozette)

The widow finished her prayers and stood up.

However, she walked over to me, seemingly wanting to say something.

“And you? What is your position?” (Nozette)

She spoke to me as she looked at me.

“I am the regent of the Shaalta Kingdom.” (Yuri

“Regent… that would make you Yuri Hou, wouldn’t it?” (Nozette)

“Yes, that’s my name.” (Yuri)

“Then, you are… the Demon King?” (Nozette)

The widow uttered the nickname I am commonly called in the Isus religious region.

“I’ve never been a king, but you’re probably right.” (Yuri)

When I said this, the widow looked slightly surprised.

“…So, why are you here?” (Nozette)

“I met him once before the battle. I came to pay my respects.” (Yuri)

“I see… Is that so?” (Nozette)

The widow seemed dejected. She probably wasn’t just a mistress who was after his money.

“He was a very talented man. I would have preferred for him to be alive.” (Yuri)

When I said that, the widow narrowed her eyes slightly and glared at me.

“If you wanted him alive, you shouldn’t have invaded.” (Nozette)

It seems she is blaming me. Well, even though a thief killed him, it’s true that the deterioration of public safety, which led to this, was my fault. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I’m fundamentally responsible.

“That’s true. Perhaps I have no right to say I wanted him alive.” (Yuri)

“Yes. You do not.” (Nozette)

She still seemed angry.

“I apologize. That was inappropriate of me.” (Yuri)

“You apologize so easily… Then, why did you start this invasion?” (Nozette)

Invasion, huh? Well, from their perspective, there’s no doubt that this is an invasion.

“Why, you ask? Perhaps, in reality, it’s about seeking revenge for what was done to us.” (Yuri)

“For that, you’re willing to kill innocent people who have nothing to do with it?” (Nozette)

“Yes. It’s possible that perpetrators are always unaware of their actions. In this war, I’m sure many people who were just trying to live good lives were inconvenienced.” (Yuri)

“Is that so? Do you not think about that at all?” (Nozette)

“I do think about it. But to me, these people are strangers, so I don’t care. It’s the same way you likely didn’t care when your country invaded ours.” (Yuri)

“…I suppose I might have felt that way. But you’re actually here now, aren’t you?” (Nozette)

“Hmm, do you think the person in that coffin qualifies as one of those innocent people?” (Yuri)

“…Pardon?” (Nozette)

“Did you not know? He was the supreme commander of the Galilia Union Army in the 15th and 16th Crusades.” (Yuri)

I said.

“In the 16th Crusade, which ended in a crushing defeat, they couldn’t capture any slaves, but in the 15th Crusade, the Galilia Union captured hundreds of thousands of Shanti as slaves. Do you think those people didn’t have families?” (Yuri)

As I said this, the widow’s expression shifted to one of surprise and even dizziness.

“I don’t know if he was aware of his actions or not. But because of what he did, over a hundred thousand families were torn apart. Countless children, just like your beloved daughter here, were taken away as slaves. Some of those girls are still out there, being forced to work as prostitutes. The boys are subjected to miserable labor, beaten with whips. Can you not imagine that at all?” (Yuri)

“… So, what are you trying to say? That he was a villain just like you?” (Nozette)

“A villain? Not necessarily. But if you’re saying I’m unaware of my actions, then he, and you, are the same. You can dress it up however you want, that you may caught up in the times, no ill intent, doing it for the country. That sort of justification could apply to me as well. This land was taken in an invasion hundreds of years ago, so you could say it’s only right we took it back. If you didn’t want this to happen, you should have left.” (Yuri)

“…” (Nozette)

She fell silent.

“Is that what you believe as well?” (Nozette)

“What?” (Yuri)

“That reclaiming this land is only right.” (Nozette)

“No, I don’t think that.” (Yuri)

“I’m just fighting for my own personal revenge and to protect the people I care about. And for that purpose, I don’t care how many voices of resentment are raised against me. It’s natural for you to hate me. But no matter how much I’m hated, it doesn’t bother me.” (Yuri)

“… I see.” (Nozette)

The widow spoke almost in a whisper.

“I do hate you. But I don’t think my husband was killed by you. I think he was killed by this country.” (Yuri)

“This may be off-topic, but… the reason I approached you is that I wanted to ask for some of my husband’s ashes. We plan to go to a southern country with them.” (Nozette)

“I see. I have no problem with that. If that’s the case, I’ll keep this between us, away from the official wife. If she opposes, it might complicate things. Or would you prefer to get formal permission?” (Yuri)

“… No, I don’t want to talk to her.” (Nozette)

Is that so? Well, as a mistress, she might not want to speak with the official wife. I can understand that. it would be awkward.

“However, the south? I wouldn’t recommend it.” (Yuri)

“… What? Why?” (Nozette)

“Because I plan to conquer it. The Papal States, and even the Peninsula Kingdom. There’s no need for you to be caught in the crossfire of war twice, both where you lived and where you fled to.” (Yuri)

“… I’m astonished at your love for war.” (Nozette)

“If you’re not particular about the religious sect, I’d recommend moving to the Albio Republic. Especially the Isle of small Albio, one of the safest places in the Telor-speaking world.” (Yuri)

“… I’ll consider it.” (Nozette)

“Alright. I’ll have the ashes delivered to your home later. Will that be alright?” (Yuri)

“Yes… Well then, if you’ll excuse me.” (Nozette)

Clearly not wanting to talk anymore, the widow briefly said her goodbye and gave a slight bow.

As she turned to leave, the young girl who had been clinging to the widow’s side broke away and ran toward me.

“—Muzette!” (Nozette)

“Onii-san!” (Muzette)

The little girl spoke to me. A cute little girl. And with a child like this, he went and died.

“What is it?” (Yuri)

“Onii-san, is your job hard?” (Muzette)

“Not particularly, no.” (Yuri)

“You’re just like Otou-san. You seem like you don’t have much energy.” (Muzette)

“Is that so… Maybe your Otou-san, like me, kept doing a job he wasn’t suited for.” (Yuri)

“If it’s a job you’re not suited for, you should quit.” (Muzette)

“Otou-san kept doing a job he wasn’t suited for, and he died… That’s why I think it’s best to do what you love.” (Muzette)

“Muzette wants to be a cook one day and open a restaurant. I like helping out with cooking.” (Muzette)

“Is that so? That’s a great dream for the future.” (Yuri)

“When I do, will you come to eat?” (Muzette)

“Yeah, I’ll come to eat. That’s a promise.” (Yuri)

I doubt I’ll be able to go, but it’s fine to say this for now. If she opens a restaurant in the Albio Republic, I might be able to make it.

“Okay. Promise, okay? See you again.” (Muzette)

“Yes. Goodbye.” (Yuri)

I waved casually, and the widow, looking slightly troubled, took the little girl named Muzette by the hand and walked away.

I thought as I stood up from my chair. As someone working in a job not suited for me, I had plenty to do in this newly occupied city.

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