NOVEL WEB Chapter 93 - Favorability Up
Favorability Up
The request from the Demon King was accepted without a second thought—or rather, since we all wanted to avoid war, we decided to cooperate. However, due to the gravity of the situation, it was decided that we would wait for the Don’s return and discuss it further once everyone was gathered.
“I think the Don and Schlie will be back in a week or so… But right now, I’m more worried about the members who went to the northern mountains.”
As Saura-san murmured, the northern mountains were close to the High Elf Village. With the current situation, not knowing when the High Elves might attack, being near the enemy’s base was dangerous. All we could do now was pray for their safe return. We could try sending a message through Gil-san’s shadow eagle or through spirits, but… they’d probably be noticed if it was the High Elves.
We didn’t want to provoke them any further, so all we could do was wait. Uu, I’m worried.
“It’ll be fine, as long as they find Juma. We have Nika, Kei, and Maryla. It’s an ideal party.”
“If they find him, I’m sure they’ll be able to return peacefully with Kei there. But do you really think Juma, who doesn’t know anything about this, will calmly return, especially after being so stressed?”
“…Let’s just pray they find him quickly.”
“Right!?”
Ah, so, basically… There was a high chance that Juma-kun was on a rampage, letting off steam. And that could lead to the High Elves discovering him.
Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem, but with Meg’s precognition and all, we didn’t know what could trigger them. It was hard to say for sure, as we didn’t know how much the High Elves knew, but if they knew that Ortus was protecting me, a rampaging Ortus member would be an easy target.
“Haa… Nemo was also targeting Meg-chan, but this is on a different level. But they could also use this opportunity to target her, so stay alert, Gil.”
“I have no intention of letting my guard down, no matter the situation.”
“That’s what I expect from you, Gil. I’m counting on you!”
I still didn’t really understand why I was being targeted. Well, I did understand the reasons. I was a precious High Elf child, with the special ability of precognition, and on top of that, I was the Demon King’s child.
I’m in a miraculous situation, after all.
But, you know, I’m just a former corporate slave, right? I’m no good at magic, and my athletic ability… judging from my clumsy running, I’m worse than the average child. I seemed smart because I was an adult on the inside, but it wasn’t anything special. I was just a normal little girl, probably even worse than average in many ways. So, I don’t really get why being in this miraculous situation would make me a target. Well, even if I was someone amazing, I wouldn’t want to be targeted.
“Well then, Demon King-sama. We’ll contact you once the Don returns… Will Demon Castle be a suitable address?”
Saura-san asked this once we were done discussing the matter. It made sense to go back, since it would take about a week for the Don to return. He probably had work to do. I figured she was going to send a letter.
That’s what I was thinking, but the Demon King’s reply was unexpected.
“No? I plan to impose on you for a while.”
“Zahariash-sama!?”
Eh, here!? So, he’s staying at the guild until the Don gets back!? As everyone else stared at him in shock, it was Kron-san who reacted first.
“What are you saying!? We have work to do…”
“I finished everything before coming here. I can just catch up when I get back, it’s only a week.”
“…I wish you’d always be this motivated…!!”
Kron-san slumped her shoulders. I could see a glimpse of the hardships she usually goes through. Thank you for all your hard work…
“But please refrain from such sudden requests, Zahariash-sama. The people here at the guild need time to prepare. …My apologies everyone. Would you mind lending him a room? He’s, you see, the type who doesn’t change his mind…”
Kron-san apologized profusely. Ah, so he was stubborn? He wasn’t going to back down? Staying at the guild was a done deal? We all understood. Saura-san, whose face had been twitching, seemed to have accepted it, she cleared her throat and replied. I had to admire her ability to switch gears so quickly.
“Of course. We always have vacant rooms, and we have guest rooms too! But… they might be a bit small for a Demon King.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine! We’ll even take the stables!”
“…Kron, I refuse to stay in the stables.”
Judging from the context, “stables” must be a barn. The Demon King’s dignity was rapidly declining…
“What are you saying! You’re imposing on everyone, so you can’t complain, not even if you have to sleep outside!”
“…I have no intention of complaining, but there’s no need to go that far.”
The sight of such a handsome Demon King being scolded and then sulking was surreal. But it felt like it was a normal occurrence. That imposing aura from his first appearance was completely gone. This must be the real him. Maybe he’s a little more approachable.
“I finally got to see my daughter. I just want to spend a little time with her.”
I couldn’t help but to be touched by his words. Oh, those were the genuine feelings of a father! …Wait, the way he said that means…
“…Um, Demon King-sama, you’re not thinking of taking Meg-chan with you, are you…?”
That’s right, this was the part I was most concerned about. The Demon King, looking surprised, as if he’d been caught off guard, denied Saura-san’s words, as if it were obvious.
“It’s only natural for her to be confused, to be suddenly called ‘father’ by someone she’s just met. I’m actually surprised that she’s even letting me hold her. I wouldn’t force a child who feels that way to do anything.”
Demon King-san, you’re surprisingly sensible! …Well, showing up unannounced without considering your status wasn’t very sensible!
“It’s true that I want to take my daughter home with me. I want her to visit my castle, someday. But not now. And it’s up to Meg to decide where she wants to be. I have no intention of forcing her to do anything.”
Demon King-san…! His favorability has increased drastically! I was so relieved! My anxiety vanished, “Haa…”
“But if possible… I’d like to see you often, and um… I’d like you to call me… father…”
Oh no, this Demon King’s striking all my weaknesses! Hmm, let’s see. There’s only one father for me, and Papa is Gil-san… then maybe, this?
“Father-shama?”
“Guh…!!”
“Zahariash-sama! Pull yourself together!”
Ah, so a “Father-shama” from a beautiful little girl was too stimulating. Sorry, I’m still not used to this appearance…!
The atmosphere in the room became indescribable after Father-sama, previously known as the Demon King, had a seizure. But at least he didn’t drop me. Such a Demon King. …Eh, that’s not what I should be focusing on?