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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: selkie
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A few days after the grand banquet celebrating the victory, the Demon King was busy in her office, as usual, focusing on state affairs.
She was involved in tasks such as restoring the reclaimed territories and sending people there.
Additionally, she was checking the military forces in preparation for any potential future wars while trying to minimize the burden on her national power due to the size of her military.
At that moment, the workload piled up like a mountain, keeping her extremely busy.
Despite being the ruler of a victorious nation, she couldn’t relax and was busier than ever, almost as if she were in a wartime situation.
‘In a way, this could be seen as an obligation of a victor… but it’s still not easy. The amount of work is so overwhelming that it feels burdensome.’
Honestly, the Demon King was more suited to wielding a sword than a quill. Times like these were undoubtedly stressful for her.
Although these were tasks she had to do, she didn’t particularly want to…
It was like a student studying for exams—her life as a Demon King.
At that moment,
seeing the fatigued expression on the Demon King’s face, her friend and subordinate, Belzebuth, smiled wryly and said,
“Are you alright, Your Majesty? You seem to be overworking yourself with state affairs lately.”
“To say I’m fine would be a lie. But isn’t this just part of being in a position of power? There are many citizens to care for and vast territories to govern. I have no choice but to muster my strength, even if it’s tough.”
“Indeed… Your concern for your citizens is admirable, Your Majesty. I truly believe we are fortunate to have a ruler like you during such times.”
“That’s flattery. I don’t wish to be praised for doing what I must… More importantly, Belzebuth.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
In the next moment, the Demon King began to show a strange demeanor.
Belzebuth’s face automatically reflected confusion upon seeing this change in her. The Demon King then calmly asked,
“What’s the status of the upcoming Narsil selection?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Since it’s been a while since the last competition, many people are expressing their intent to participate. Even among commanders and elite guards without previous victories, there are participants coming forward.”
“Is that so… even among commanders and elite guards… then what about that person?”
“Pardon?”
The Demon King asked with a slightly different tone.
Belzebuth didn’t immediately understand what she meant by that question…
But seeing Belzebuth’s confusion, the Demon King clarified her inquiry with a clear voice.
“I mean my lover… Is the Hero going to participate?”
“Oh… Yes, according to reports, that seems to be the case.”
“Ahh, I see. Just as I thought…”
With those words, a meaningful smile began to form on the Demon King’s lips.
As Belzebuth observed this expression, she felt an unsettling sense that something unusual might happen.
And then…
“Um… Belzebuth? From what I know, anyone can participate in the Narsil selection as long as they haven’t previously won and become Narsil themselves?”
“Yes… That’s correct… but why do you ask all of a sudden?!”
“Hehe…”
The Demon King started chuckling lightly at Belzebuth’s response.
Seeing her like this,
Belzebuth felt an ominous realization creeping into her mind and asked with growing anxiety,
“Y-Your Majesty? You’re not planning to do what I think you are, are you?”
“Hehe…”
“Oh no, Your Majesty!”
Belzebuth spoke with a tense voice while only watching the Demon King laugh at her words.
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News about the Narsil selection spread throughout the entire Demon Kingdom.
As a result, the atmosphere in the kingdom became lively and excited as if it were just before a real-world World Cup event.
“I hear this tournament is on another scale entirely?”
“They say the prize money for the winner is more than double what it usually is.”
“It must be because it’s being held to celebrate our victory. Plus, it hasn’t been held due to war until now.”
The Narsil selection was essentially an event announcing the revival of the Demon Kingdom after suffering through war and was preparing for an even more vibrant celebration.
Consequently, in Jerusalem—the capital of the Demon Kingdom—warriors from all over were already gathering in anticipation of the tournament.
Additionally, merchants preparing for this grand event began appearing in large numbers.
Demon merchants selling various street foods and weapons or souvenirs were bustling about with buyers.
And…
Amidst this festive atmosphere leading up to such a grand celebration,
I couldn’t help but feel just as excited as everyone else around me.
The Narsil selection in the Demon Kingdom felt like a festival that engulfed the entire city, unlike a university festival that takes place within campus grounds.
The scale was incomparable, and the excitement was palpable even before the actual tournament had begun.
“I’ve heard about it, but it’s really impressive. I think this is my first time experiencing such a large-scale festival.”
“Well, despite how it looks, it’s one of the biggest official events organized by the country.”
Elisia spoke with a voice that seemed slightly tense yet filled with pride.
As a member of the elite guards, she was tasked with overseeing the festival’s progress alongside her subordinates.
She asked me to accompany her since I didn’t have anything else to do at the moment, and I gladly accepted.
So, I ended up wandering the streets with Elisia and her subordinates to check on the event.
However, to be honest, I was more interested in how the festive atmosphere was unfolding than in my actual duties at that moment.
The reason I accepted Elisia’s proposal was to explore the surroundings related to the festival.
After all, as a human among a crowd of demons, it might feel out of place for me to wander alone.
It was definitely better to move around officially as part of a government delegation.
‘If possible, I’d prefer to explore with our Demon King alone… but that will likely only happen once the tournament officially starts.’
Spending time with our busy Demon King due to her duties was currently impossible.
Feeling disappointed about that, I thought it would be good to find places where I could later explore with her once things settled down.
At that moment, seeing Elisia unusually excited and energized due to the festive atmosphere made me realize she had some surprising sides to her.
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Elisia successfully found an excuse to spend time with the Hero.
At this moment, she couldn’t help but smile broadly due to the fluttering emotions in her heart.
‘Ah… I can spend time with the Hero like this… I’m so happy!’
Even though the atmosphere around them was chaotic because of her subordinates, and she couldn’t neglect her duties either, just being able to be with him without anyone else taking him away made her feel good.
‘Fortunately, he accepted my proposal. That must mean his heart isn’t completely with Mama yet, right?’
Of course, one could interpret it as him trying to build rapport with someone who might become his daughter in the future.
However, Elisia was consciously blocking those thoughts from entering her mind.
At this moment, what she needed wasn’t someone who could be her father but someone who could be a father to her child.
Thinking this way, Elisia subtly leaned closer to the Hero, trying to feel his warmth as much as possible when suddenly…
“Miss Elisia! I think we’ve walked around enough; how about we take a break?”
“Ah… um… should we?”
For a moment, Elisia felt slightly interrupted by her subordinate’s words but soon turned that uncomfortable feeling into something positive.
‘A break… That’s not bad either. Having a meal with the Hero is also a good opportunity.’
With that thought in mind, Elisia decided to accept her subordinate’s suggestion.
Immediately after, she turned to him standing next to her and asked as casually as possible,
“Then let’s take a break. It’s about time for a meal anyway. We can grab something light while we’re at it.”
“Sure, that sounds good.”
The Hero readily agreed with Elisia’s suggestion.
Inwardly celebrating this success, she began looking for a suitable place nearby.
At that moment…
“Hmm? That guy…”
Suddenly, a familiar face caught her eye.
At the same time, her subordinates reacted immediately upon seeing it.
“That person is… definitely…”
In an instant, they recognized someone familiar in front of them.
It was…
One of the elite guard’s Four Heavenly Kings wearing shining golden armor right in the middle of the road—Nyadan.
System Notification 