by CHIROLU
“...It seems you really were not suited to become the First Demon Lord.”
“Chrysos?”
Chrysos gave a small chuckle, then made eye contact with Latina.
“There is no need for you to worry about it, Platina.”
“But...”
The demon lords other than the Calamities had not done anything deserving of death. They were unreasonably killed, bringing misfortune to the retainers and people under their protection as well.
Latina’s expression clearly showed what she was thinking. Even if you tell me not to worry about it... Chrysos gave another small laugh.
“You are a demon lord... Though you may be a low-ranking one, they still tried to harm a ‘god.’ If that is not worthy of being called a sin, then what is?”
“But...”
“Therefore, what occurred was divine punishment... The only ones permitted to eliminate demon lords are our antithesis, heroes, after all.”
That was the natural order, decided on by the higher-ranking gods of the seven colors, who made up the world itself.
With a faint smile on her face, Chrysos stroked her sister’s cheek like she’d done when they were young, mimicking the action her parents had used to comfort the pampered girl. She was a little surprised and yet also relieved at how naturally that action came to her. Chrysos had thought she’d changed so much, but something from her youth remained so clearly within her, which left her feeling a little embarrassed.
“It is possible for demon lords to harm one another, as they are of the same kind. However, that doesn’t mean that such a thing is ‘permitted.’ Such an act is a valid cause for retribution.”
The only one permitted to interfere with the other demon lords from amongst their number is the Eighth Demon Lord, Latina. Such a being came about inherently as a means to reign in the other demon lords, after all.
Just like the Second Demon Lord had once done to the First, it was possible for one demon lord to destroy another. But at the same time, that was considered an irregular act for this world.
If such a thing were to occur, there was a high chance they would both be destroyed at the same time. The one who had taught Chrysos that was a priestess who was said to be exceptionally uncommon, possessing a power that was utterly unprecedented in devil history: Mov, whose name indicated a color of the gods. When Chrysos had been told that, she didn’t understand the precise meaning behind those words. Looking back on them now, though, she finally understood.
“And so, they simply earned their just desserts. There is no need for you to worry yourself over the matter. What occurred was only a natural conclusion, after all.” Even while she said that, she knew that Latina would not accept that so easily.
From Chrysos’s point of view as the First Demon Lord, she knew full well that the other demon lords had no choice but to give their approval. But since Latina was her one and only precious sister, Chrysos also felt they needed to face retribution for laying a hand on the girl. Regardless of how it happened, such a thing needed to occur.
In bad taste, the Second Demon Lord saw even attempts at revenge on her as enjoyable, and was arrogantly confident that she would come to no harm even if other demon lords tried to do so. But normally, the demon lords would never dare interfere with others of their kind.
Chrysos herself had also been prepared for her own demise.
In addition to her natural divine protection, the Eighth Demon Lord herself, Latina, didn’t see Chrysos as an enemy. And from the way that the hero serving as her retainer was a hardcore doting idiot of a husband, Chrysos judged that he would not cast judgment on her immediately. But even so, none of that was absolute. However, she also felt that there was no helping that.
She had been prepared to dirty her hands as much as it took to get her sister back, no matter how much others may blame her, so she had no room to speak. But her naturally kind sister could surely never cast her aside so easily, which made Chrysos glad.
“Platina, demon lords are gods. It is only natural for them to be arrogant beings, existing far beyond mortal reasoning, yes?”
“But...”
“And yet, we must also try to maintain our perspectives as people. In that regard, your concerns are also correct.”
“Chrysos...”
Latina lifted up her face, which showed the complex emotions she was feeling, in response to her sister’s voice. While Chrysos kept always looking firmly ahead, she had always relied on the kind people around her in comparison. Her own inadequacies made it feel like her heart was being crushed.
“Never change, Platina.” Chrysos then dared to add, “So that I do not become an arrogant being who has forgotten what it is like to be a person... So that I do not end up in a bloody battle with your one and only retainer, in which we cut down anything and everything.”
It may have troubled Latina, but that was what Chrysos thought. She was also only able to be herself, with the heart of a person rather than being solely the First Demon Lord, when she was by her sister’s side. That was all that maintained her sense of self, so that she wasn’t crushed by her duties as king.
“Act as our restraints.”
And so, she wished for Latina to remain as she was now.
Chrysos smiled while saying that, while Latina looked back, seeming troubled. Latina had become aware of her own immaturity, so she couldn’t so readily accept that.
“Even though... I think I’m no good as I am now?”
“It is essential to keep growing, yes. And it is impossible to never change at all.” Chrysos hugged her overly serious sister tight. In her current life, she never felt anyone else’s warmth this closely. She wondered why her sister couldn’t understand why that alone was such a great salvation for her.
“However, Platina... please stay as you are. You understand as well, do you not? I am asking you to let me remain as your sister.”
“Is that really true?”
“It is.”
While Chrysos found the admission strangely irritating, she was certain that man thought similarly. I cannot believe he thinks the same as I do! For some reason I cannot help but find it vexing! And yet, that man has surely also been saved by my kind natured sister... Chrysos thought.
“To us, being able to protect you so that you can remain as you are is akin to sustenance... though in a way, that may perhaps be terribly difficult to handle.”
No matter how much she had to dirty herself while walking her path, and how much blood and corpses piled up along the way, if nothing else, she didn’t want that to come anywhere near the beloved girl she wished to protect.
Carrying the exact same load wasn’t the only means of sharing a burden.
She wanted her precious sister to live in a kind, gentle world.
However, that clever girl would surely realize she was being protected, and understand the burden that those around her were bearing. That understanding alone was plenty.
And no matter how painful the tasks she undertook may be, not having the one she cared so much about have to bear them was enough to save her.
That man likely felt the same.
I sincerely don’t wish to admit it, though, Chrysos thought to herself, feeling disappointed. It was also an awkward feeling for her, realizing they understood one another.
“I can’t say I fully understand... but I’ll try to think about what you said, Chrysos.” Chrysos couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at that overly serious response from Latina.
“That should be enough for now, yes?” Chrysos then hugged her sister tighter and said, “So stay like this, by my side.”
Latina had a strange reaction to Chrysos’s words. Her gaze darted around, and she made a face like she was having trouble getting the words out. Though Latina herself wasn’t fond of the way that her thoughts showed clearly on her face, Chrysos found it charming.
Chrysos was well aware of it, but Latina didn’t want to stay in Vassilios. Without her even realizing it, her brows grew furrowed. Even
if it had been to protect her, Latina was declared a criminal and exiled, so there were likely those who would despise her in Vassilios. However, Chrysos now possessed enough authority to protect her from such people, and she would not allow anyone to act disrespectfully towards Latina.
Still, perhaps she disliked the idea of getting wrapped up in politics.
From what she’d heard from Sylvia and Rose, she got the impression that Latina had received an education and been trained in manners befitting a noble lady of Laband. However, she apparently had no training as a ruler, which was unsurprising, considering she’d been living peacefully as a commoner.
In that case, it seemed reasonable to have her live in a tranquil environment where she didn’t need to have anything to do with such greedy people. That way, Platina wouldn’t need to worry about anything.
Lately Latina had become able to move around a bit, so she started doing her own laundry, coming and going in the kitchen, and on top of all that, apparently even polishing up the pots, but she didn’t need to push herself so hard, or at least that’s what Chrysos thought.
Of course, that was where Latina’s wish to go back home lay. She got even more fired up when she was busy, a true workaholic.
Latina was aware that in her current situation, it was the job of the ladies-in-waiting to take care of her day to day needs. She accepted them waiting on her, but she couldn’t help but feel irritated about it.
Latina tried to calm down and think the matter through for Dale’s sake, but before long she was doing laundry and polishing up pots and pans. That polishing in particular was ideal for whiling away her time without needing to think about anything, and it made everything all nice and shiny, so it was like killing two birds with one stone. She enjoyed doing it, concentrating on getting the pots good and polished, and ended up feeling a sense of accomplishment that left her completely refreshed.
“...A day may come when I can live by your side, Chrysos, but... for now, I’m returning to Kreuz. That place is now the one that I’d call my ‘home town.’”
Naturally, wanting to work wasn’t her only reason, but that was how Latina conveyed her feelings to Chrysos.
“Platina...”
“There are a lot of people there who worry about me... and that makes me very happy,” Latina said, looking entirely her usual self.
“I... suppose I should feel fortunate, that you have a place where you can feel that way,” Chrysos responded, holding back a sigh. She quietly resolved to ensure the diplomatic relationship between Vassilios and Laband was established even a moment sooner.
As for Latina, she was grateful to hear how Chrysos felt, but she also couldn’t keep on living as “the beloved sister of Her Majesty, the demon lord.”
Ever since we were children... I always thought that “wife” sounded far more wonderful than “princess.”
The woman that Latina admired most of all was Dale’s grandmother, Wendelgard. She grew old peacefully while surrounded by her grandchildren and her clan, beloved by a great many people. Latina hoped that she could become a “Granny” like that someday.
She did have some admiration for the beautiful dresses and splendor of high society, but she didn’t want to become part of it. In that way, Latina’s thinking was that of a commoner to her very core.
“It’s not like this is a final farewell, like it was before...”
“...That’s true.”
“We’ll definitely meet again.”
“Yes. Without fail.”
Chrysos’s arms remained around Latina, who then hugged her sister back. The hair of the two girls embracing one another was the same color, giving off the same platinum shine.
When they had said farewell in the past it had been hurried and they didn’t quite understand what was going on, only knowing that they would never meet again. It was a parting that was nothing but sad and painful.
But this time, it was different.
They would surely be able to meet once more.
The number of beings who could harm a demon lord were limited. As such, there were none who could get in the way of these two demon lords’ wishes.
I would not allow even that man to interfere, Chrysos thought heatedly in regards to the only person who could possibly prove a hinderance. With that thought, she hugged Latina even tighter, wanting to get even more out of her time together with her sister.
2: The Platinum-haired Maiden Says “I’m Home”
Dale and Latina’s return to Kreuz came on a sunny morning, not long after Latina had made up her mind after talking to Dale and Chrysos.
If a group of formal delegates from Laband were to visit Vassilios and confirm Dale’s presence there, it could cause issues. After all, it couldn’t be allowed to become part of official records that the hero of the nation had been driven by blind passion to strike down the ruler of a friendly country, even if he hadn’t actually carried it out.
Without Latina noticing, the seasons had shifted, and even the hot climate of Vassilios had changed to that of a relatively comfortable spring. Chrysos squinted her eyes against the sunlight of the vast, gentle light blue sky while she saw them off. The gray-furred mythical beast that had become a black silhouette in that light flapped his heavy wings and headed off towards Kreuz. That was Hagel, running through the sky with Latina and Dale astride his back.
Hagel felt less of a load now than he did when carrying just Dale, thanks to Latina’s skilled magical support. Concerned about the burden continuously casting weight reduction magic was placing on Latina, Dale called out in a worried voice, “You still haven’t fully recovered yet, right? Don’t push yourself.”
“You don’t need to worry so much. I’ve been sleeping so much that I may have even formed a habit of drifting off,” Latina said with a smile, held in Dale’s arms.
The flashy platinum armor Hagel wore was made for the sake of appearance, but it also had a functional aspect to it, being equipped with a saddle for when Dale rode on his back. It had plenty of room for Dale alone, but it was a little cramped when he was riding along with Latina. That said, when Dale realized it just gave him a reason to hold Latina more closely, it stifled any complaints he might have had.
When Latina tried to lean out in curiosity during this trip through the sky, the feeling of trepidation in that moment was Dale’s, rather than hers... Accordingly, he made a point of holding her tightly from then on.
Vint took the lead in a flighty manner, shifting whimsically from Hagel’s front to his side, and then diagonally in front of him. It was a pattern of flight that clearly expressed the pup’s youthful lack of inhibitions.
Vint dropped his speed and came up alongside Hagel. “Woof,” he said, then lowered his speed further. He clearly had some kind of goal in mind.
“Vint?”
“What’s up?”
The pair atop Hagel’s back tilted their heads in response to Vint’s actions. Latina then looked up at Dale, who was seated behind her.
“Is there something over that way?” Unfortunately, nothing came to Dale’s mind in response to Latina’s question.
On the way to Vassilios, Dale had completely lost his cool, and he was full of dark emotions that he could never let her know about. He was in no state to casually take in his surroundings at the time.
“Want to go check it out?”
“Do you mind if we do that?” Latina asked Hagel, whose back she was riding on, only for a response to come back so quickly that Dale didn’t even have a chance to interrupt. “Very well.”
To outsiders Hagel was perceived as Dale’s mount, but in actuality he prioritized Latina’s wishes above all else.
Right, well... I guess it makes sense for things to go that way. Dale thought with a strained expression on his face, but he shifted his attention to making sure Latina didn’t fall off as their position on Hagel became less stable while they landed.
As they approached the ground, they were able to determine what was going on down there. A
good number of people could be seen, but it wasn’t a town. There were a number of large tents erected, and guards keeping watch over the surroundings. It seemed to be some kind of base.
Upon seeing it, Dale realized this was the base set up between Kreuz and Vassilios that he had heard about from Sylvia.
“That’s...”
In that case, this could be a precious opportunity to rest in a safe location on their long journey back to Kreuz. He would be fine, but there would definitely be a need to let Latina rest. As always, Latina was at the center of Dale’s thoughts.
When those keeping watch on the ground saw that it was two mythical beasts descending from the sky, one of them Vint, who they were familiar with, they relaxed their guard and went to greet them.
Dale was a little surprised at the familiar faces he saw.
“Gregor.”
“It seems you’re completely back to your normal self.”
“What does that mean?” Dale asked, astounded that Gregor would say such a thing the moment their eyes met.
“I mean exactly what I said.”
“It’s been some time, Sir Gregor.”
“I don’t believe I’m in any position to be referred to so respectfully by Her Highness, the sister of the ruler of Vassilios...”
“Please cut that out, Sir Gregor...!”
Gregor’s expression remained perfectly straight, making it impossible to tell just how much he was joking. Latina’s cheeks, meanwhile, were flushed bright red and she wore a flustered expression on her face.
Dale nimbly descended from the saddle, and then offered Latina a hand, helping her down from Hagel’s back. He then gave Hagel, who shook his body a bit, a sympathetic pat on the neck.
“So have the Laband forces arrived...?” Dale asked to confirm, figuring Gregor’s presence here meant that was the case. According to what he’d heard in Vassilios, adventurers from Kreuz had established this base and were guarding it. But looking at the state of it now, it seemed the army had successfully finished withdrawing from the battlefield after the war with the Seventh Demon Lord was over.
They were told that once diplomatic relations were officially opened between Laband and Vassilios, this would become a key relay point on the highway that would be built between the nations, and would later develop into a town.