The next day.
I put Risolera and the kings on the dragon and we were in the sky again.
It was not because I was going somewhere. It was because I did not want anyone to hear what I was about to tell them.
The kings with depressed expressions turned their heads to see what i would say.
Even at this stage, I was still hesitant.
But even so, I opened my mouth.
“…I was born in a country ruled by humans and raised as a human magician. All my life.”
Facing the young demon kings, I continued.
“Are non-humans my enemies, or are they my servants who i subjugate and use by force… I have only thought about that.”
“…”
“Even though I’ve been called a demon king, it still doesn’t feel real to me. Even now, I don’t feel the urge to guide non-humans. I guess… but”
I say after a slight stutter.
“Even so… I have a relationship with you guys.”
“…”
“No, it’s not just you guys. It has become something that cannot be ignored. We have been to many places and met the people who lived there, those who took care of us, those with whom we exchanged words. I can no longer ignore those memories.”
“…”
“I am not a good person who wants to save everyone equally. I don’t have that much compassion. But I try to help those with whom I have a …… connection or a right to do so.”
I say this while staring at the kings.
“Let’s be frank — I might be able to stop the eruption.”
Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise.
I continue.
“But it’s not certain. If i try and fail, an eruption will occur at that moment. Lava and earth and sand will swallow the villages at the foot of the mountain, and the ash that rises high will also fill the surrounding villages with white… It could happen.”
“…”
“I can’t take responsibility for that. After all, I’m nothing more than a human being, so I have no reason to influence the fate of the people who live here. At this rate, I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything. — So, “
I call out to the young kings.
“I need you —- to move all the demons.”
Without waiting for the king’s reaction, I continued.
“I want the people of the settlements that are likely to be affected by the eruption to evacuate somewhere. So that I don’t destroy them. There is a limit. It probably won’t be something that can be dealt with perfectly. In order to accomplish everything without leaving anything, it is necessary for the entire demon tribe to cooperate.”
“…”
“That’s why I want to rely on you, the kings. Of course, I know your situation. How difficult it is for you. But… I can’t think of any other way. So please… …Couldn’t you move your own race with your hands…”
As I said this, a sense of guilt grew in my heart.
Yuki told me to try telling them, but… I shouldn’t have asked them to do something like this.
They are still children.
They don’t not have real power as kings, neither do they have great violence.
For these weak children, even a request like this would be at a loss.
While understanding that… what kind of burden am I trying to carry?
After all, forget about it, I’ll think of a different way, i tried to cancel out, that’s when….
“Let’s do it!”
A voice rose from among the kings.
“Fili, do it! Leave it to Fili! I’ll definitely persuade everyone!”
It was King Fili Nair.
With tears welling up in her blue eyes, she still stares straight back at me.
“Is it okay? But from your point of view…”
“Good. Good.”
King Fili Nair says as she rubs her eyes with her hands.
“I’m sure Papa would have said the same thing.”
“…then let me lend you my strength.”
The one who quietly said that was King Plushe.
She smiles slightly and tells me
“What, don’t worry about it, Demon King. Leaving others aside, I don’t have that much of a reason.”
“Well… I’ll do it too.”
It was King Sigil who laughed embarrassedly after saying that.
“Well, I wonder if it will work somehow… I’ll try as much as I can.”
“Then I won’t lose either!”
King Gauss said so with a hearty laugh.
“Father knows what I’m talking about! If you hit him with all your might, you’ll be fine!”
“I’ll do it too”
King Vill said with a strong gaze.
“Most of the people who live at the foot of the great volcano at the far end are the demon ogre people. As the king, I have no right to complain here.”
I noticed his gaze and took one last look at King Athos.
The Devil King, who had lost his squire, nodded deeply, staring straight at me.
I instinctively say hesitantly.
“Really… is that okay? I don’t know what to say, but this isn’t something you guys should be burdened with…”
“Seika. Everyone is prepared.”
The answer was from Risolera.
She says with a serious look.
“These children are kings before they are children. We should not underestimate the importance of their preparedness.”
Startled by those words, I looked around at the kings.
They all had a familiar expression on their faces.
Just like the former disciples who left the nest――――.
“I’ll leave it to you. Okay, Seika?”
“……I understand.”
I quietly nod and answer.
Oh, I see—-,
“Please, everyone.”
These children will also leave me behind.
