LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 81
Chapter 81: Father and Son
Well, here I am, calmly observing my father, the Demon Lord, who is coughing heavily.
Even the invincible Demon Lord chokes on something as simple as milk tea. If I ever wanted to catch him off guard, the best way might be to make him drink milk tea and then say something outrageous to make him choke…?
“Wheh, eck… Why are you into necromancy again?”
Receiving a handkerchief from the butler, the Demon Lord wipes around his nose.
“Because… I’m just curious.”
As I replied, the Demon Lord looked at me with eyes as if watching an upside-down cat. It seems that necromancy carries a certain stigma among demons.
“I have a pure dark affinity, so my aptitude is quite high… I’m not particularly looking to command the dead, but I found the technique interesting.”
“You’re… really a strange one, aren’t you? But is it really okay?”
While sipping more tea, the Demon Lord furrowed his brows.
“I’ve heard it can have negative effects on the mind.”
“I have a demon watching over me, so I believe it will be fine. If I show any signs of distress, I’ll stop immediately.”
“…I see. But be careful not to play too much with ‘death’, or you might be invited into the realm of the dark gods after you die.”
—What?
Does the Demon Lord actually believe that the dark gods still “exist”?
Speaking of which, what’s the general worldview of the average demon regarding religion? Given the presence of demons, they should at least know about the concept of deities.
Antendeixis, isn’t the concept of gods common in the Demon World?
“The little kids might not know. Most think the ultimate destination for a demon is to become a demon god.”
I’m not quite sure how to define “little kids” in this context, but… if I turn it around, does that mean only the veterans of the Demon World are aware of the concept?
“That might be true. Knowledgeable demons probably know, but whether they would bother to teach it to their contractors is another issue. Destroying the faith of a partner wouldn’t be particularly beneficial…”
But didn’t you ruin my faith?
“Your situation is special, considering you have a holy attribute and all that. Besides, you didn’t have that much faith to begin with.”
Well, that’s true.
But if the Demon Lord truly believes in the dark gods—I must answer carefully.
“—Don’t worry. I will learn the theory but have no intention of actively practicing it.”
I almost laughed at myself for saying that, but I held it in.
“If anything, just between us, the aim is more to understand the undead better as a precaution.”
At my words, the Demon Lord’s eyebrows shot up.
“…That’s true. While we use them, we don’t have a single expert on our side. That might be problematic.”
Good, I managed to wrap that up nicely.
“Yes. It’s like learning swordsmanship to understand how the Sword Saints fight.”
“Hmm… Wait, you’re not seriously learning swordsmanship as well, are you?”
Oh, sharp thinking, Demon Lord.
By the way, I’m not currently attired with the Holy Sword. It’s staying in my room.
Why? Because I didn’t have the confidence to maintain its seal in front of the Demon Lord!!
It’s the kind of situation where it might unleash its full power and go “Raargh, avenge me!!”
“I have a night elf spy as a subordinate. They’ve been active in the allied territory for quite some time, so they’re skilled in swordsmanship. Thanks to that, I’ve been able to learn a lot.”
“I see… You really are studious. But will you not pick up any strange habits from their spear techniques?”
“Ah, well…”
Let’s not mention the spear sword here.
“Just to clarify, in a spear match without magic, I managed to get one victory against Mother.”
“What!!”
This genuinely surprised the Demon Lord, who widened his eyes.
“You beat Platy, even without magic?”
“Yes. So lately, the training has changed to include magic…”
“…I can’t believe Platy would hold back against her own son. Your growth is truly astounding… If you’re using magic, did you see Platy’s secret moves?”
Ugh, three-pronged spear… Muscular arms…
“…I finally understand why Mother carries around a spare spear…”
“With that, it sounds quite likely… I’m looking forward to your future.”
The Demon Lord nodded, seemingly impressed.
“By the way, Zilbagias. You’re already a fine warrior as you are. That’s why—regarding necromancy, it might be better not to speak about it too much in public.”
“Thank you for the advice. This is the first time I’ve spoken about it outside of family, so… let’s keep this between us.”
I sent a glance towards the goat-headed demon butler standing by the wall, who nodded back as if to say, “I understand.”
It’s interesting that the Demon Lord showed a stronger aversion to necromancy than I expected. If a practically far-sighted Demon Lord feels this way, I can easily imagine how the general demons would react.
Even if I keep the necromancy topic under wraps, it seems there’s no concern that the plans will be made with the assumption I can use it. Surely, I could not withstand being told to lead an army of the dead into battle against humans…!
“That could lead to an immense power build-up,” he said.
But that’s not the issue…!
“It may still be far in the future, but I can’t imagine the extent of your battle achievements.”
The Demon Lord narrowed his eyes, staring at me.
“Or maybe it could come around sooner than you think? Given your relationship with Platy…”
He chuckled softly.
…I hope that it’s a story for the distant future and not imminent…
“Ah, how nostalgic. I really miss the days of running across the battlefield.”
Leaning back in his chair while buried under paperwork, the Demon Lord stretched.
“Perhaps I should take a break soon.”
He casually glanced at the dark spear propped up beside him, and I could feel blood draining from my face. The Demon Lord’s deployment is akin to a disaster. One or two of his legions would easily get devoured. If that already strong Demon Lord were to become even more powerful…!
I couldn’t handle such a casual decision!
“Please forgive me—if His Majesty were to deploy, grumbling complaints would flood in from the lower ranks about ‘don’t steal our chance to shine.’”
The goat-headed butler quipped.
“Hmm… I know… I was just joking,” the Demon Lord sighed, displeased.
Phew… I wiped the sweat off my forehead without him noticing.
“By the way, Your Majesty… it may be getting close to your time…”
While pouring the remaining tea from the pot, the butler spoke gently.
“Hmm… Is that so…”
The Demon Lord quickly added sugar and milk and gulped down the tea. After staring wistfully at the empty cup, he suddenly turned his gaze towards me.
“…Hey, Zilbagias. I was thinking maybe you could help your father with his work—”
“Ah, I apologize, but I have to study now. Thank you very much for today!”
I jumped from my chair and swiftly left the office.
As I glanced back while leaving, I saw him stamping papers with a sulky expression.
Hehe, I won’t help you no matter what.
May you be buried in your work, oh Demon Lord…!
†††
“How was it?”
Upon exiting the palace, I was met by Viene and Sophia. Viene asked with an excited look on her face.
“They said my proposal was ‘worthy of consideration.’”
“That’s great to hear!”
Viene smiled broadly, pleased. She was probably picturing further prosperity for the night elf tribe… Sorry, but I’m going to get in your way.
“By the way, Sophia, I have something I want to ask you.”
As we descended the long stairs leading from the palace to the general district, I questioned Sophia.
“Do you know the goat-headed demon who serves next to my father?”
“Oh, you mean the Demon of Thirst, Stegnos? He’s been serving since before the Demon Lord ascended, so it seems they have quite a long history.”
Sophia answered immediately. As expected of someone who has even met Antendeixis, she’s dependable.
Still, using a Demon of Thirst is quite an odd choice for the Demon Lord.
“Oh, a Demon of Thirst… What’s his power? Does he leave your throat super dry or something?”
“No, it’s a thirst for desire. The more unfulfilled the contractor’s desires, the more power he seems to gain.”
“Interesting…”
It seems more like a demon suited for some greenhorn rather than a Demon Lord…
“The Demon Lord is quite stoic and has strong self-discipline. Hence, I think their compatibility is quite good…”
“I see.”
Now that Sophia mentions it, that does indeed seem the case. That butler, Stegnos, was very strict, but in a pinch, would he let loose his desires and rampage…?
As we chatted, we reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the general district. Having a direct staircase to the palace made this area spacious. There were not only guards but plenty of ordinary demons around as well.
“Nonetheless, why do you ask such things, Zilbagias?”
“Hm? I was just curious—”
“—Zilbagias?!”
While casually walking, I suddenly heard a raspy voice from the side.
Turning, I saw a group of rough-looking demon youths—maybe they were boys—approaching me with an obnoxious attitude.
What’s up with these guys…? They can’t mean…?
“Silver hair and red eyes… an impudent face… There’s no mistaking it. You are the Reiju tribe’s Zilbagias, aren’t you?”
The center of the group, a notably sturdy blonde demon, stared at me shamelessly.
…Wow!
I was hit with culture shock. In a human nation, this would be unimaginable. A lowly brat would have the nerve to talk to me this way, knowing I’m the son of the Demon Lord!!
Sure, this blonde guy seems like he has decent magical abilities, but… wait, maybe he’s just rude and trying to get close to me…
“What the hell? You haven’t even been to the battlefield, and yet… thanks to your mommy, you’re titled as a viscount, and now you think you’re hot stuff, huh!”
…Wow!!
I instinctively exchanged glances with Sophia.
There are actually idiots who would cause trouble in such a public place!
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