7th Demon Prince Jilbagias’ Chronicle of Demon Kingdom Toppling Chapter 158: Farewell Hometown

――About a month had elapsed since I arrived at Reiju territory.

We decided to return to the Demon King Castle before the snow got deeper.

After sunset, in the training grounds where powdery snow gently drifted down, the servants were busily stuffing supplies into the skeleton carriage, preparing for our departure.

There was the option of staying in Reiju Territory until the snow lted, but given the rather precarious circumstances, leaving the Demon King Castle unattended for too long could lead to unpredictable consequences.

Besides, I had already done more than enough training here… to the point where I’m sick of it.

I really am sick of it…

At the entrance of the patriarch’s mansion, I absentmindedly gazed at the now-familiar streets of Reiju territory’s capital… Just when I started to get used to this place, now it was ti to leave. That’s just how life was.

They held a farewell party for yesterday, but the atmosphere in the banquet hall was not really good.

I an, the banquet inevitably reminded everyone of my duel with "Ge"-sothing on the first day of my arrival. Everyone treated like I was so kind of dangerous material. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one wondering, "Was this banquet really necessary?"

Naturally, none of the Dios family mbers were present. As for the so-called "Horn-Snapped Uncle," Germadios, it seems he desperately begged a dying elder demon from his relatives to restore his horn.

However, being tricked by a 13-year-old girl and then beaten up by a 5-year-old――losing his horn in the process――ant that, in demon society, he was as good as dead.

There was a rumor saying that he remained single for a long ti, hoping to win Rumiafia's heart, but now people whispered that finding a wife might be impossible for him. Poor guy.

『Thy muttering be most insincere~ put more heart into it, more heart, I say!』

There’s bound to be a day like this. Actually, you're the one speaking in a monotone voice here, Ante.

…Speaking of Rumiafia, she was seated next to during yesterday's banquet.

It was a display to emphasize that there was no bad blood between the prince and Rumiafia.

At the very least, it was clear to everyone in the venue that Rumiafia had no trace of rebellion left in her—she was completely fawning over during that party…

It was striking how she was eating her al bit by bit, only using a fork. Despite her tearful efforts in training, she still couldn’t bring herself to hold a knife… The patriarch, Jijiwald, lanted sorrowfully, saying, 『At this rate, I can't even send her to marry another clan.』 Hey, Ante. Don’t laugh, this is no joking matter.

『Mayhap 'tis best for the leftovers to marry? Thus shall all be settled in harmony.』

In a way, they might be a good match. But I felt sorry for any kids they’d have, so let’s stop talking about this.

Well… the younger generation of demons born from now on might end up unhappy sooner or later.

「… How pitiful.」

Then, from behind , I heard a familiar voice. A rough, almost unnaturally sturdy hand—one that didn’t feel like a woman’s—patted my shoulder.

Gorillasia, who had stepped up beside , gazed at the line of skeleton carriages with a deeply contemplative expression.

「I've taught you as much as I can.」

This battle-hardened old hag, who seems to have muscles for brains, was also going to return to the Dothrotos territory after seeing off.

「Man, he was a completely hassle-free grandson, sis!」

Her little brother, Regolius, also popped his head out, laughing heartily.

「Yeah. If anything, those three brats are more of a handful.」

――Their gaze was fixed on the three idiots, who were receiving an enthusiastic send-off from the townspeople.

「Go and make a na for yourse~lf!」

「I'm so jealous of them!」

The Night siblings, Okke and Seyrey, were being jostled around by young n of the sa age. It was a rough farewell, tinged with jealousy.

「Ouch, ouch, ouch! If you're so jealous, why didn't you guys volunteer too?!」

「I an… You know, right?」

Hey? That's not the point. And stop looking at .

「… Big bro! I picked this in the forest!」

Alvar was crouching near the Night siblings, talking to a scruffy-looking demon child.

「Just in case! If you get hungry, go ahead and eat it!」

「Are you sure about giving so much to ?」

The kid was holding out a bulging leather pouch. It seed to be filled with so kind of nuts or berries.

「Big bro has treated to so much… so I just wanted to give a little sothing back.」

The way he shyly scratched under his nose with a giggle was just like Alvar.

「… Thank you!」

Alvar grabbed the child in a firm embrace, expressing his deep gratitude. In reality, he probably didn’t need the nuts at all. After all, as a prince’s retainer, he had access to ample supplies—but still…

However, he chose to honor the child's heartfelt gesture, recognizing the effort it must have taken to gather those nuts despite his poverty.

「… Alvar.」

Furthermore, a middle-aged female demon and a young female demon with a blindfold approached Alvar and spoke to him.

「Mother and I made this together. We've imbued it with multiple layers of protective magic.」

The woman gently took Alvar's hand and gave him sothing like a handkerchief. …Even from a distance, the intricate embroidery was clearly visible, exuding a powerful wave of magical power.

That must be——Alvar's maternal lineage magic, the ability to imbue thread with magic. At Gorillacia's request, the laces of our boots had also been enchanted with protective magic.

Those demons must be his mother and sister. Co to think of it, I rember hearing that his big sister was… born with congenital blindness.

「I'm sure that this will protect you.」

「Alvar, do your best.」

「Big sister, mother… Thank you!」

Alvar embraced both his big sister and mother. His big sister seed to be whispering sothing into his ear, but it was too quiet to hear.

「…」

I started to feel uncomfortable and instinctively averted my gaze.

It felt as if the protective magic attached to my boots was accusing .

「It seems we're ready to depart.」

At that mont, Lyla ca to call . In front of the carriage, patriarch Jijiwald and Platy were exchanging their farewells.

「…Well, you guys do your best too. Lyla, take care of my dear grandson.」

Gorillacia, in an unexpectedly gentle tone, gave a pat on Lyla's shoulder… Co to think of it, this might be the first ti this old hag had ever called Lyla by na.

「… Yes.」

Lyla stared into Gorillacia's eyes without hesitation, straightened her expression, and bowed to the latter.

Thus, we boarded the carriage.

Unlike when we ca here, I'm relieved to be with familiar faces like Garounya, Liliana, and Lyla. At this point, any gossip like 『Leaving your mother behind to flirt with won in a carriage~~』 was nothing new to .

「However, Vigne is with us too, eh?」

「Yes… I'm sorry for the intrusion…」

「Well, it's not sothing you need to feel sorry for.」

I couldn't help but smile wryly at the night elf maid, who seemingly felt uncomfortable. Don't worry, I had no intention of starting sothing shady inside.

Through the crystal window, I waved to Gorillacia and the rest of the Dothrotos group while murmuring softly.

「… So many things happened during this hocoming.」

「Woof.」

Liliana, who had settled into the seat next to , let out a sound as if nodding in agreent while lazily lying down.

――The carriage started moving smoothly as if sliding along the ground.

We were heading back to the Demon King castle… There were so many things to do. I needed to greet the night elves and the undead while reporting my return to the Demon King. In addition, now that I was allowed to fly with Lyla, I wanted to revise our future plans.――

『You’re even flirting in front of your mother.』

Well… yeah, there was that too… But—oh, right. It was risky to ride Lyla bareback without any saddle, so I wanted to at least get a saddle. Sothing portable would be ideal. The question was whether the dwarves could make a suitable saddle for if I asked them…

「…See ya, everyone! I'll get a promotion and return!」

I ignored the voice of Alvar Auril echoing from the rear of the convoy――

I stared at the scenery outside the window, lost in thoughts about the future.

The spring felt so far.

And once it arrived, it would be the signal for the start of the capture of the royal capital of the Defteros Kingdom.

†††

「See you, everyone.」

Alvar, riding in the night elves' carriage, leaned out of the window and waved his hand to his acquaintances.

His acquaintances waved back in response, and so even ran after the carriage.

With a smile slipping across his face upon seeing his younger brothers' antics, he raised his voice and shouted, "I'm off!"

Alvar's shout resounded far into the distance――

Even his blind sister turned toward him and waved her hand.

Although she normally stayed in the house, today she went out of her way to see him off.

『――You don’t have to get a promotion.』

The whisper from earlier echoed in Alvar's mind.

『My only wish is for you―― to return safely.』

The charm tucked in his chest pocket ward his chest.

The magic infused within it conveyed his sister’s wish so strongly it almost hurt.

（But still, big sis…）

――I have sothing I want to do.

The younger brothers, desperately trying to chase after the carriage, were gradually being left behind.

（I'll get promoted――）

To save those weak kids.

And for that sake…

「……I'll co back bigger and better!!」

Alvar shouted back at his brothers.

He burned their figures into his eyes, determination held close to his heart.

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My first CN project, why waifu though? Well, coz the main heroine's job is buying soy sauce till the end of act 1

New Project:

Harem, Hero, Demon King, Seven Deadly Sin, Seven Virtue, Sacred Beast, Sword and Magic, Dystopian Future, DESTINY PROJECT HAD IT REALIZED!, Dungeon, Dragon, 72 Demons, Reincarnations

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