Volume 8 - CH 36

The news of the eruption quickly spread to all the races.

It was not surprising, given the loud noise that had been heard.

Since then, we have returned to the village of Hishi Plateau, but thanks to the investigation teams of various races heading to the site, we have come to understand the situation after that.

Although the flowing lava has not cooled down yet, the eruption has already stopped, and now it seems that only steam is gushing out.

A few days after that, it feels like the number of earthquakes has decreased. The current volcanic activity is expected to subside gradually.

Ash has fallen in the surrounding area, and it’s still hard to return, but the people living in the village at the foot of the mountain will eventually regain their normal lives, and the destroyed steam wells will be rebuilt.

It was a secret between us that the eruption was caused on purpose.

Although I tried to keep my mouth shut, I think everyone knew that it was a kind of power that shouldn’t be touched recklessly.

When we were certain of our success, we headed to the Demon King’s Castle and had a small party there.

We bought the best ingredients possible from nearby villages and cooked them together. Unexpectedly, King Gauss and King Sigil were used to it, and it ended up being a more extravagant meal than I had expected.

The banquet became a lively one, probably because we opened the leftover sake.

The kings talked about many things. They talked about the palace, the people, and the future.

The kings, who had always been close to each other in their own way, seemed to be much more relaxed than in the beginning, perhaps because of the many things that had happened to them.

Perhaps they felt they had to talk now.

The crisis has passed, and the time has come for them to return to their own royal palaces.

I left halfway through the meeting, but everyone seemed to be talking until late at night.

And the next day.

The kings refused my proposal to send them to their respective royal capitals.

They wanted me to give them a ride to the village in the forest at sunset.

“Why?”

I involuntarily ask.

Rurumu’s village is located on the edge of the demon territory, close to the empire.

It should have been inconvenient to return to any of their royal capitals.

“Um, I was thinking of going home with the representatives.”

King Vill said while looking at the other kings.

“They are all politically influential people, so I thought I’d talk to them before returning to the royal palace.”

“Yeah, yeah. Fili thinks so too.”

“If we tell them our thoughts, I’m sure they’ll understand! Right, Sigil?”

“Well, yeah… I’m a little scared of that general…”

“I also want to spend as much time as possible with everyone.”

King Athos added.

“Because there are many things that need to be discussed when establishing the Demon Federation.”

“Oh, I see. Well, it doesn’t matter…”

I’m a little at a loss for words.

“However, it may be that the representatives have already left.”

“That time will come. You can send a letter and call for a pickup. It would be more convenient if it took a little longer.”

“That may be so…”

“Are you okay?”

When I gave a vague answer to King Plushe Risolera said with her smile.

“While we’re in the village, the divine demons will protect everyone. So you don’t have to worry.”

“Hmm…I understand.”

“It was a bit unexpected, but it’s fine.”

I tell everyone with a smile.

“Shall we go?”

*************************

Due to the delay in leaving after the banquet, it was already dark by the time we arrived at Rurumu’s Village.

Perhaps because it’s already time to go to bed, there aren’t many lights from the magic tools in the building.

Although I felt a little sorry, I woke up the village chief, Razurum, explained the situation, and asked him to arrange for the kings to be accepted into the place where the representative group was staying.

Some of the representatives had already returned, but they seemed to have left most of their personnel and supplies behind in a hurry, so they didn’t seem particularly concerned about the king’s escort or stay.

After handing over the kings to the delegation, I finally take a breather.

“Haa”

“… I’m kind of tired.”

Next to me, Risolera also sighed in the same way.

“When I think about it, I feel like I’ve always been a guardian.”

“… Haha, that’s true. Is that why you’re tired?”

It seemed to remind me of the time when I had apprentices, just as Yuki had said.

The same goes for the fact that the handful of children have left the nest and are no longer with us, making us feel a little lonely.

“But… it was kind of fun.”

Risolera said with a faint smile.

“I’m glad I decided to follow you back then. I had a lot of troubles, but thanks to you, I managed everything. I’m really grateful, Seika.”

“……Oh”

I answer briefly.

Now I can finally return to Amiyu and the others.

However.

“… Risolera”

Before that, I had something to tell her.

“I—-”

********************************

Before dawn the next day, in the detached room of the Razurum mansion.

Having already finished packing, I was looking down at Amiyu and the others sleeping in front of me.

With some hesitation, i turned on a bright light on several Hitogata floating in the air and called out to them in a subdued voice.

“… hey, wake up”

“Hmm…”

“……bright”

“What, already…”

The three of them rubbed their eyes as they sat up.

No matter how you look at them, they looks sleepy, but when they see me, their eyes gradually open.

“… Seika?”

“Eh!?”

“S-Seika-kun!?”

When Ifa stood up first, she ran up to me with a tearful face.

“Mou! I thought you weren’t coming back…”

“I, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. There were various things…”

I apologize in dismay.

Even when I returned before the eruption, I didn’t see them in the end, so it’s been quite a while.

Amiyu also stood up and said.

“Hmmm… it’s been about a month? Seriously, where have you been and what have you been up to now? Rurumu and the others were worried about the volcano…”

“Ah, yeah.”

“There’s nothing, and we had no way to spend time. Even in the village of divine demons, there will be nothing left to see in half a month.”

“… I felt  sorry to Rurumu-san for not doing anything, so recently I’ve been helping out a little with making magic tools.”

“Also, the kids just stuck to us. Really, I wonder why kids, humans and demons, are so impertinent.”

“It can’t be helped since they’re children. But for whatever reason, Amiyu-chan was the one who played with them the most.”

“really……”

It seems that they were having a peaceful time.

I was a little worried because it was the land of the demons, even though it was Rurumu’s village, but I’m glad nothing happened.

At that time, the sleepy-eyed Mabel said in a still sleepy voice.

“… why are you waking me up at this hour?”

“Ha, yes”

I hurriedly tell them.

“I’m sorry everyone, but can you hurry up and get ready to leave?”

“eh”

“Huh?”

“……why?”

I say to the three who are staring blankly.

“Now is our chance to return to the Empire.”

It will still be a while before the mess from the eruption subsides. The demon tribe is not so much about the Demon King right now, and even if I disappear, there should not be a big commotion.

The situation won’t change today or tomorrow, but we can’t afford to be too slow. If the representatives find out that I have returned, there is a possibility that they will try all kinds of tricks to keep me in the demon territory.

“So today, It would be best to leave early in the morning.

“Eh, but… are you okay? Seika-kun.”

Ifa said worriedly.

“If we sneak out quietly, the demons will come to the empire to look for you later, won’t they? 　You’re the demon king, so I don’t think they’ll give up easily…”

“…… it’s going to be a hassle. Seika, do you mind if they come after you? I’m not sure they’re going to give up that easily. I …… would also like to say goodbye to Rurumu one last time before I go……”

“Hey, hey.”

I know, I know. Everything will be fine.

I explain soothing everyone.

“Actually, I have already told Risolera that I will return to the empire… I’ve already told the great people of the Divine Demons that I’m going back to the empire. I’ve gotten to know the kings of the various tribes myself, so I’m sure they’ll make the right arrangements for me.”

Yes. I told Risolera last night that I was leaving the demon territory.

I wondered what she would say, but after a moment of silence, she just said, ‘I knew you would say that,’ and nodded with a smile.

I regret not being able to properly say goodbye to the kings.

I was supposed to take them back to their capitals and say goodbye to them there, but I missed the opportunity to do so. But more than that, I felt guilty that I had to decline the role of representative of the Federation of the Demon Tribe, which they had asked me to do.

Unfortunately, I would have to ask Rsolera to convey my farewell and explanation to them.

I am only a human being. I cannot live here as the Demon King.

I’m sure the children will understand

“Also, about Rurumu.”

I say to Amiyu, who looks a little depressed.

“I’ve asked Risolera to tell them that I am leaving today.”

“Yeah… that’s fine. Haa, it’s finally time to say goodbye to this village.”

Ifa and Mabel also agreed with Amiyu, who spoke with deep emotion as she stretched.

“It was a long time, but it went by so fast,……. I wonder if I will ever come here …… again.”

“If you want to come, you can come again. I remember the landmark.”

“Yes. Everyone lives much longer than we do, so come whenever you feel like it!”

“Oh”

I nodded and then said a little hastily.

“Then pack your bags.”