‘After listening, it became clear that there was a valid reason.’
In the original story, the High Lords, including Giyu, took action because Clyde was neglecting his duties. Giyu’s reason for seizing the throne was also due to Clyde leaving to find Sylphia in the human realm.
‘Well, maybe I don’t need to worry too much about marriage… If anything, stopping the war seems to be more of a problem.’
After suppressing Giyu’s rebellion, Clyde realizes his love for Sylphia and sincerely confesses to her.
Sylphia, too, wasn’t completely emotionless towards Clyde. She felt a mixture of pity for his tragic past and the inner turmoil he endured, and there were moments when she thought he was lovable.
However, keeping those emotions hidden, Sylphia never opens her heart to Clyde. She couldn’t forgive him for destroying the Palma Empire and killing all of her family and people.
To win Sylphia’s heart, Clyde goes to great lengths.
With the Palma Empire and the barrier to the human realm destroyed, conquering the remaining continent was just a matter of time. Yet, Clyde recalls all his soldiers stationed in the human realm and silences any voices advocating for continuing the war.
This happened right after Clyde, who had already executed Giyu for plotting rebellion, so there was no one daring to oppose him.
‘Perhaps even now, Clyde would kill Giyu if necessary. The sincerity in his words about being willing to destroy the entire Demon Realm for my sake was unmistakable…’
However, I didn’t wish for Clyde to destroy the Demon Realm.
Not only did I dislike the idea of his hands being stained with blood, but there was more to it.
This Demon Realm and the position of the Demon King served as a shield for both Clyde and me. If Clyde truly destroyed the Demon Realm, there was a high chance my father and brothers would attempt to take me back, just like last time.
‘If possible, a moderate approach is best. One that balances the two worlds, but without the unnecessary sacrifices.’
“Um, Dioclyde.”
“Why, yes.”
“Back when Dioclyde was the Demon King, was Giyu the High Lord of Zataia as well?”
“Yes. To be precise, there was a change in the middle. From Rendor to his son, Giyu.”
“Did he inherit the position from his father?”
“If killing his father with his own hands and taking his place can be considered succession, then yes.”
Unconsciously, I furrowed my brows at his words.
“Did he lead a rebellion? Why did he do that? Was he pushed out of the succession order?”
“No, Giyu was the eldest son. He just didn’t want to wait for his father to relinquish his position due to his lifespan running out. Generally, higher-ranking demons have stronger magic, and the stronger the magic, the longer the lifespan.”
“…Did you, Dioclyde, approve of his ‘succession’ as the Demon King?”
“In this Demon Realm, power is the only justice. It’s perfectly natural for the one with greater power to take from the weaker. Besides, he wouldn’t have needed my approval. For generations, each of the Seven High Lords has possessed magical powers that rival those of the Demon King. The symbiotic relationship between the Demon King and the High Lords is due to the balance of power between them.”
In the original story, just like now, Clyde held near-absolute authority. This was likely because he possessed formidable magic, enough to disrupt the balance of power.
“…If you ascended to the position of High Lord by killing your father, it would not be strange for you to aspire to be Demon King at any time.”
“Are you onto something?”
I explained to Dioclyde that I had dreamed of Giyu planning a rebellion. Whether it was because of the information from my dreams or his trust in Clyde, he seemed to accept it without suspicion.
“I suggested sending a monitor to keep an eye on Giyu, but that alone doesn’t put my mind at ease.”
“I see.”
After a moment of contemplation, Dioclyde spoke again.
“How about I take a look at Giyu myself?”
“What? What do you mean?”
“I will personally meet Giyu. I’ll seek the cooperation of the High Lords to kill Clyde and reclaim the throne. If he truly harbors resentment, he’ll show interest in my proposal.”
“But… would Giyu really believe those words?”
“If it’s Giyu, he’ll be more skeptical about the claim of camaraderie between me and Clyde. After all, I also killed my father with my own hands. Although he brought me here reluctantly due to your persuasion, Clyde is undoubtedly watching for an opportunity to kill me. If I suggest acting before being targeted, he’ll likely believe it.”
“…….”
I stared at Dioclyde with a slightly open mouth, then shook my head.
“…No.”
“Why?”
“I can’t let you, Dioclyde, undertake such a dangerous task. Clyde will undoubtedly oppose it.”
“We won’t know that until we check.”
“I don’t need to confirm. Clyde would think it’s a hundred times better for him to get hurt than to endanger someone dear to him.”
Dioclyde stared at me with a silent gaze.
“Does he really consider me precious?”
“Of course. You’re his father.”
I said it forcefully.
“Before, Clyde was always anxious and lonely, even when he was with me. However, after you came, he’s definitely different. His expression brightened, and he can sleep soundly now. Though he still acts a bit awkward in front of you, having his father nearby gives him a sense of security.”
This might be my own subjective perspective, but it was an undeniable fact that Clyde seemed more at ease lately. Every time I brought up Dioclyde’s stories, Clyde would show a slightly awkward expression, but he also displayed a gentle gaze.
Dioclyde slowly closed his eyes.
“…I see.”
“So, Dioclyde, don’t even think about making a move. I’ll think of something else. Oh, and if you happen to come up with a good idea, please let me know.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Dioclyde looked at me with a faint smile.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
After Eila returned to her quarters, Dioclyde remained seated in the same spot for a while.
The more he talked to her, the more she reminded him of Hena.
Except for being humans, they didn’t look particularly alike, but there was a similar, unique atmosphere. It was affectionate and warm, like the sunlight that didn’t exist in the demon realm.
Eila had repeatedly urged him not to act alone, but Dioclyde had already made up his mind to go meet Giyu.
As a father, he had done nothing for his son. While his son endured long and grueling ordeals, Dioclyde spent time idly, not even aware of his existence.
Though he stayed in the demon lord’s castle with the favor of Clyde and Eila, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his presence was nothing but a burden to them.
He had had enough of doing nothing and regretting it later. For the sake of his son and his lover, he wanted to do what he could.
A few hours later,
Dioclyde took a deep breath and began to concentrate. Soon, shadow-like black magic started emanating around him.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
That night, I was sleeping in Clyde’s arms. Alarm magic woke me up.
‘…as I thought.’
I hurriedly shook Clyde awake.
“Clyde, wake up.”
“…Ruby, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Clyde cupped my cheek with his hand, scanning my body.
“No, I’m fine. More importantly, it seems Dioclyde has left the demon lord’s castle. We need to follow him quickly.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
I explained what had happened during the day. How Dioclyde wanted to meet Giyu, and how I objected
Just in case Dioclyde didn’t heed my words and went to meet Giyu, I had cast an alarm spell on him. It would activate if Dioclyde moved a certain distance away from me.
“…….”
Clyde listened to my words with narrowed eyes.
“If I use the same spell I used when we first found Dioclyde, we can go to him right away, so let’s go.”
I got out of bed and started getting dressed. But when I turned around, Clyde was still sitting on the bed.
“What are you doing? Let’s go.”
I pulled Clyde’s arm, and he suddenly asked,
“Do we really need to stop him?”
“Huh?”
“If Father’s plan succeeds, we might be able to find evidence that Giyu harbors ill intentions.”
My eyes widened involuntarily.
“What are you saying? It’s dangerous. Dioclyde hasn’t fully recovered his magic yet. If he tries something and gets caught—”
“Yeah. That’s why we’ll secretly follow him until Father meets Giyu. If Father ends up in a dangerous situation, we can step in to help.”
Clyde’s gaze was serious but far from cold.
