[What?]
[The baby got hurt?]
[What are you saying? Speak clearly!]
The voice from the video sphere irritated Arthur. He sighed, regretting making the call. Arthur clicked his tongue and shrugged.
“The doctor has examined and left, saying there’s nothing too serious to worry about. Nothing’s broken or anything like that.”
Arthur spoke as calmly as he could, though inside, he was far from feeling at ease.
“However, it seems like the psychological shock was significant…”
He muttered, biting his lip hard.
“Considering what Lady Shekina has been through, this outcome isn’t surprising. Frankly, Lady Shekina shouldn’t have come all the way to the capital, even if she could summon a monster! Black magic or not, this was something Lady Shekina shouldn’t have dealt with directly.”
As he passionately spoke, Lyat and Martin, who were on the other side of the video sphere, frowned.
[Yes, you’re right. We’ve been putting too much on Shekina’s shoulders.]
[We must protect the baby. This cannot continue.]
Arthur let out a sigh, feeling a bit relieved by their response.
“While we’re here, let’s focus on her recovery. And when we return, we should make sure she doesn’t have to do anything.”
Lyat narrowed his eyes in the video sphere.
[Are you suggesting we deal with the Count’s territory?]
“Yes, well…”
Arthur smirked.
“Even the elders. You know what I mean, right?”
[………..]
Lyat and Martin’s eyes gleamed.
They were already keeping an eye on the elders who had been up to some suspicious activities. There had been reports from the 1st Legion demons too.
But because they were ‘elders,’ they hadn’t moved against them until they had solid evidence.
But now that Shekina was in this condition…
[I’ll do it,]
Martin said, clenching his fist.
[We must not trouble the baby.]
Yes, that’s right.
For almost the first time, Lyat gave Martin a thumbs-up, complimenting him.
Then he turned his attention back to Arthur.
[By the way, how is the Demon King?]
At that, Arthur’s face crumpled. He frowned as if he had heard something he didn’t want to hear.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
[…..…What?]
“I dislike him now. I won’t deal with him anymore.”
[…………]
Lyat and Martin were left speechless by Arthur’s bombshell statement.
[What is that demon bastard saying…?]
Only Calvin, who had been watching the video sphere from a distance, muttered.
[Does it make sense for a demon to reject the Demon King?]
“It’ll make sense. I’ve made up my mind.”
Arthur turned his head sharply, folding his arms.
“Well… If he reflects a bit, maybe I’ll change my mind.”
He clicked his tongue and shook his head.
“But do you think that Demon King would reflect on his action?”
***
The Demon King was reflecting.
Lucart had been lingering in front of Shekina’s door for a long time.
Though Shekina had regained consciousness some time ago, Lucart found it hard to move his feet.
It was likely due to the conversation he had with Arthur earlier.
– If it wasn’t a homunculus, but me instead, what would you have done? Or even if it was just a weak demon guarding the castle, would you still have tried to leave?
Lucart couldn’t give an honest answer to that. In fact, the question itself wasn’t fair, so any answer he gave would’ve felt wrong.
Lucart had considered homunculus to be part of the demon race.
But no, that was arrogance.
In a critical situation, he had judged it was okay to abandon the homunculus… proving he didn’t see them as true members of the demon race.
If it had been a demon other than Shekina, Lucart would’ve undoubtedly rescued them without hesitation.
– Demons have grown weak.
That was just an excuse.
– What I brought was for the boss.
The truth was that the child had risked her life for him, to make him stronger, to help him regain his power.
Arthur was right.
– It’s not the demons who have grown weak, but the Demon King.
He had grown weak. Weakness had taken hold of him.
Not wanting to face danger again, not wanting to lose someone once more, feeling the need to protect the demons as the Demon King… These emotions had shaped the current Lucart, and these same emotions had made him weak.
‘What am I supposed to do…?’
Lucart let out a long sigh as he lowered his eyes. Even if he wanted to change his mindset immediately, he had no idea where to start or what to do.
‘It’s probably best to start with a conversation.’
He sighed once more before reaching for the doorknob.
At that moment, the door clicked open.
“…Boss?”
Shekina appeared.
Lucart was somewhat startled by the unexpected appearance. He wasn’t mentally prepared to face her. Instinctively, he stepped back two paces before regaining his composure and standing upright.
“How are you feeling?”
Shekina, who had tilted her head, straightened up and replied.
“Better. I think I’m improving?”
“…That’s unlikely.”
Lucart frowned as he looked down at Shekina’s nonchalant attitude.
“No, really. The doctor is skilled. I’m satisfied.”
Shekina shrugged her shoulders.
Indeed, Shekina was in relatively good condition. Thanks to Dehan, she hadn’t been seriously injured, and Sera had protected her to some extent.
But why was everyone so worried about her?
As someone who had never received such kindness and concern in her previous life, Shekina naturally couldn’t understand their reactions.
So, Shekina changed the subject.
“By the way, have you seen the gift I gave you?”
Lucart, still frowning, shook his head.
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
Shekina’s eyes widened.
“Did you not like my gift? Wow, I didn’t expect that from you. That’s harsh.”
Thinking to himself that she wasn’t human but a demon, Lucart remained silent.
“It’s not that.”
Lucart sighed again before kneeling down on one knee to be at eye level with Shekina.
“I came because I felt I needed to apologize to you first.”
“…Apologize?”
“Yes.”
Lucart took a deep breath.
In his hundreds of years of life, he had never truly apologized to anyone.
He was the ruler of the demon world. His decisions were never wrong, and his opinions were always right. Therefore, there was never a situation where he needed to admit fault or bow his head.
But this time was different.
The choice he made this time was completely wrong.
He had judged the weight of a homunculus and a demon differently.
He had failed to accept the child’s goodwill with sincerity.
All of this was Lucart’s mistake.
“I was about to leave you behind.”
So he spoke slowly, but clearly.
“I apologize for not intending to save you. I’m sorry.”
For a moment, Shekina was dazed.
It was difficult for her to fully grasp Lucart’ words.
Was he referring to the incident at the temple site when he said he was going to leave her behind? If not, he would have used his power to find her?
“…Well, um.”
Shekina carefully opened her mouth.
“Was it necessary?”
Then she turned to the still Lucart and said,
“Did you really have to save me?”
