The soldiers of both armies froze in surprise at my voice from above.
(The demon commander is shouting something… ah…)
「Fireeeee!!」
At the command, a rain of arrows fell, aimed to hit both sides.
『Wind, create a raging wall before me and become a shield to block incoming malice――Storm Wall!』
A violent wind wall captured and destroyed the arrows. Fragments rained down like confetti on the soldiers’ heads.
「I will say it again. Both armies, cease fire.」
I glared down. Both sides let out small 「Ugh」 sounds.
「Do you think we can withdraw with the enemy right in front of us!!」
The demon commander roared in protest. Soldiers from both armies echoed 「Yeah!」 and 「That’s right!」
「I see. Then how about this… I am the husband of Liliana Noble-Bloody! In other words, I am the successor to Demon King Noctarl Noble-Bloody! By my command, sheathe your swords!」
Using 【Blood Manipulation Magic】 gained from marrying Liliana, I created a sword and mantle. I released magical pressure around me. A good number of soldiers from both armies fainted or collapsed in fear, but it could not be helped.
「That is the princess’s!? Withdraw! Full retreat! That man is a vampire!!」
The demon commander issued the withdrawal order. As the front lines separated, I descended between the armies.
『Earth that answers my magic, become a sturdy wall and protect everyone――Earth Wall』
I created a wall to divide the two forces, then released the pressure and walked toward the human army.
「Is the commander over there? I would like to talk if possible.」
Using amplification magic, I called out. A handsome man on a white horse, surrounded by guards, appeared.
「I am the commander on this side, Ulberic Milrose!」
Milrose… I feel like I have heard that name…
「Good. I want to discuss the truce and ask for your cooperation!」
After releasing the 【Blood Manipulation Magic】 and setting down the conjured weapons, Ulberic dismounted his horse. His guards remained in place, but he approached to a distance comfortable for conversation.
「First, I have a question. Are you human?」
Ulberic asked hesitantly.
「Yes, I am human. Though stronger than most…」
「That much is clear… Honestly, just that pressure earlier made me feel I could not win.」
Ulberic laughed lightly. He seemed like a fine young man. Reaching commander rank at his age spoke to his high ability.
「So, what does the Demon King-sama desire?」
「Well… before that, could you come with me? Only with guards who keep secrets well.」
From here, the talk would turn serious. Ideally just Ulberic, but it could not be helped.
「Understood. Degin, Dagin, both of you come. The rest return and prepare to deploy at any time.」
「「「「「Yes, sir!」」」」」
Then Ulberic and the two called Degin and Dagin followed on horseback.
「They trust you a lot.」
I said, glancing at the quiet pair. Ulberic let out a sigh.
「Ahaha… Honestly, if I were killed, it would give a good pretext to attack the demon. The king and other lords would not stop it…」
「That sounds rough…」
「Ahaha. No need to apologize. The capital has been shady lately too.」
He made a bitter face. Something must have happened.
「Shady?」
「Yes. They say they are hunting in the slums. Residents except some nobles are disappearing. Strange demon beast cries are heard.」
「That feels ominous…」
At those words, Ulberic made a surprised face.
「Oh… The Demon King-sama knows the capital?」
「Yes. I was summoned there and then exiled.」
「Summoned? So the Demon King-sama is the Saintess-sama’s…?」
「Yes. I am acting as her bodyguard… Ah, over here, Selene!」
I shouted loudly. Eyes peeked out from the grass.
「Yuuki-san! Something incredible is happening, but what is that!?」
Selene pointed at the earthen wall. Well, anyone would be shocked…
「I made it. I will break it down later.」
「Haa… As expected…」
「Amazing… That child is a carbuncle…」
Ulberic approached with a surprised face.
「Yuuki-san, who are these people?」
「Um… The commander of the human army.」
「Fueee!? I was terribly rude!!」
Selene hurriedly bowed. Before coming to the Demon King’s domain, I thought she would make a disgusted face toward humans. But she was surprisingly cheerful.
「Selene… I am the one who brought them, but are you really okay?」
「Yes! This person is Natalia-san’s husband, right?」
Natalia-san? Ah!!
「I remember! Milrose is the name of that city!!」
「「Eh?」」
「Ahaha… Never mind…」
「So, Demon King-sama. Did you just show us the carbuncle child?」
「No. It concerns her too. Yesterday, the carbuncle village was attacked. About twenty carbuncle children and Princess Liliana, my wife, were kidnapped.」
「Ha?」「Eh?」「What did you say!?」
The moment Ulberic gave a dumbfounded reply, the two guards spoke for the first time.
Leave a Reply