Chapter 195.1

Chapter 195 : A looming threat

I gave Zerceas and the others specific orders regarding the future activities of the Royalists.

On the surface, they were to act as the Royalists they had always been, but behind the scenes, they were to convert those who rebelled against the Demon King of Tyranny, so they had quite some hardships ahead of them.

Although, they had sown a good number of those bad seeds themselves.

So at the very least, they’ll have to take responsibility for it.

As for the man who provided them with the dragon, it seemed that Zerceas didn’t know much about him either. Apparently, he suddenly came in contact with the Royalists, and handed over a weakened dragon to them.

It baffles me how he accepted a dragon, a creature that was beyond his control, from a man whose identity he didn’t even know, but there was no use complaining about it.

I didn’t know what that man was after, but it was possible that he would contact Zerceas again. So regarding him, I would have to wait and see.

As for the resistance, this matter was settled for the moment.

I decided to leave their hideout, and moved to the Throne Room of Delsgade using <Transfer Gatom>.

“Ah! Welcome back, Anos-kun.” (Eleonore)

When my white-filled surroundings regained colors, I found myself in the Throne Room.

There was Eleonore smiling at me cheerfully.

And also Zeshia who happily turned to me.

But when she saw my face, she looked dejected.

“Not as… Anosh…” (Zeshia)

“Sorry about that. I was out doing a little dog training.” (Anos)

Eleonore giggled.

“Don’t worry about it. Zeshia just wanted to act a bit like your older sister.” (Eleonore)

“…I’ve been… practicing… magic… a lot…” Zeshia said while nodding.

“I see. What sort of magic?” (Anos)

“…Mirror… Magic…” (Anos)

Hmm. So she was working on improving her specialty, just like the Great War’s Tree Miguelonov told her.

“I’ve been studying support magic, too. I thought I’d surprise everyone with it, so I’ve been practicing it in secret every day.” (Eleonore)

“So that’s why you’re in the Throne Room.” (Anos)

“Yup. I mean, aside from the times when you hold an audience, no one ever comes here.” (Eleonore)

Hardly anyone ever visited the Throne Room without planning an audience with me.

Even I never had any use for this place.

“Where are the others?” (Anos)

“They went home after we had tea at the cafe. As for us, we had free time, so we went back to the academy. We thought you might come back soon.” (Eleonore)

“Did you need to see me for something?” (Anos)

As I asked, I moved to the throne and sat on it.

“Nuh-uh, I just wanted to see your face a bit. I mean, I’m the Great Demon King’s magic, after all.” (Eleonore)

“I’m pretty sure this doesn’t compel you to see me, though.” (Anos)

“Fufu! I guess there are some things even the all-seeing Magic Eyes of the Great Demon King can’t see.” Eleonore said teasingly before raising her index finger.

“Then here’s a question. Anos-kun, you made me your magic and set me free, but in return, I’m now bound by something. Any idea what it is?” (Eleonore)

Eleonore was humanoid magic.

When I overwrote the name of her spellcaster with my own, I removed all the restrictions on her.

In theory, she shouldn’t be bound by anything anymore.

“This is quite the conundrum. Is it some kind of riddle?” (Anos)

“You could say. But once you figure it out, the answer is awfully simple, you know?” (Eleonore)

“In that case, I’ll give it a try.” (Anos)

“Nuh-uh. It’s okay if you don’t figure it out.” (Eleonore)

Eleonore approached me while I was in my throne.

“Why is that?” (Anos)

“Taaaake a guess.” (Eleonore)

She bent forward and stared at me while giggling.

She displayed a smile like a blooming flower.

“The answer iiiiiis… I’m not telling you~!” (Eleonore)

Hmm. She sure was in a good mood.

Well, if she preferred that I not know, then I dared not ask.

Anybody had a secret or two.

But the fact that she willingly mentioned it could mean that though she didn’t want to say it, she wanted me to figure it out.

I’d like to understand the feelings of my subordinate, but what could she be wanting to say?

She said she was bound by something, yet she actually wasn’t.

In other words, that must’ve been a metaphor of some kind, but at this point, nothing came to mind.

“Eleonore. The thing that binds you, it’s not something irreversible like back then, is it?” (Anos)

After staring at me in puzzlement, she smiled happily.

“Nope. I will always be your magic as long as you live, Anos-kun.” (Eleonore)

“Good, then.” (Anos)

I looked into her eyes and spoke.

“I’m going to find the right answer one day. Just wait and see.” (Anos)

“Hmm~, will you really? I wonder if you can, Anos-kun~.” (Eleonore)

I turned my Magic Eyes toward Eleonore and peered into her abyss.

“Did you think you could hide the truth from me?” (Anos)

“Fufu… Hehe… Ahahahaha…!” Eleonore laughed while clutching her stomach.

“If you look at me with such a scary face, you’ll never figure it out, you know?” (Eleonore)

“Can’t figure it out with a scary face, huh.” (Anos)

Perhaps this was another clue.

“I see. But are you sure you should tell me something so indiscreet? It might bring me closer to the answer.” (Anos)

“Yup, I’m sure.” (Eleonore)

Eleonore put her hand on my head and stroked it.

“I really love that cute side of yours, Great Demon King.” (Eleonore)

What a dumbfounding thing to say.

“I also… want to talk…” (Zeshia)

Zeshia walked up to the front of my throne.

“Oops. Sorry, Zeshia. Here! I’ll let you speak with Anos-kun, okay?” (Eleonore)

Zeshia nodded and stood in front of me.

She stared at the throne.

“…Do you want to sit on it?” (Anos)

“I want to… try to be… the Demon King…” (Zeshia)

“Alright, then.” (Anos)

I stood up and handed the throne to Zeshia.

She stared at it for a moment, then looked back at me.

“Feel free to sit on it.” (Anos)

Zeshia nodded and sat on the throne.

“Hehe! It’s the one and true Demon King Zeshia. A real big shot.” Eleonore said as if to humor a child.

“I am… the Demon King Zeshia…” (Zeshia)

“Well then, why not try and give some orders?” (Eleonore)

Zeshia thought long and hard, then spoke.

“I’ll make academy classes… easier…” (Zeshia)

“Wow, Demon King Zeshia. You’re more self-serving than I expected…” (Eleonore)

“I want… half the month off… And the other half… is for playing…” (Zeshia)

“Th-The Great Demon King is such a despot…!” (Eleonore)

“Anos, you will… remain as Anosh. And I’ll be… your big sister forever…” (Zeshia)

“Now that, I approve. It’s a great bill to pass.” (Eleonore)

Eleonore clapped her hands.

Zeshia crossed her arms, looking pleased.

“Did you think I couldn’t… be the Demon King… just because I’m Zeshia…?” (Zeshia)

How adorable.

“Anos… Sit with me…” (Zeshia)

Zeshia tapped next to herself, by the edge of the throne.