Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 167: “Invited to Visit a Grave”
The night after I submitted a travel request to Rukie.
She summoned me, and I found myself standing in front of a certain building.
The location was within the castle grounds.
It was a church-like structure, surrounded by trees and walls.
“This is your first time here, isn’t it? Normally, the corridor that leads here is kept closed.”
“Yes. I didn’t even know this building existed.”
But it’s truly a quiet place.
Hidden by the garden trees and walls, it can’t be seen from outside.
And you can’t reach it without going through a locked passageway. It really feels like a secret place.
“…Hmm. We’ve come far enough.”
Rukie removed the mask and robe of “Cognitive Inhibition.”
“Now, allow me to guide you. Follow me.”
Having taken the form of a petite girl, Rukie pulled a large key from within her robe.
She inserted it into the door, and with a clank, the lock disengaged.
Then, holding a lamp, Rukie opened the building’s door.
Beyond the door—was a long hallway.
There were no windows.
Instead, many paintings were hung on the walls. These were—
“—Portraits?”
“Yes. My father… and those before him. In other words, the past Demon Lords are depicted here.”
“These are… the former Demon Lords…”
The paintings showed demons with large horns.
Some were drawn only with lines. Some in just black and white or shades of grey. Others in color. A variety of styles.
But all of them were vivid and full of life.
It was easy to see how much the artist cared for the Demon Lord they portrayed.
There weren’t paintings like these in the Empire. Over there, artists were treated as useless.
There were portraits of past emperors, but they were just for record-keeping.
And since they were adjusted to make them look as strong as possible, they weren’t very interesting to look at.
But the portraits here were incredibly eye-catching.
They made me want to know what kind of people they were.
“The further back you go, the older the paintings. The ones in front are newer.”
Rukie pointed to each portrait as she explained.
“The one at the very front is my father, Garland Evergard.”
“He looks like a kind person.”
He was a man with large horns. Golden hair, and a thick beard.
His eyes looked similar to Rukie’s, I thought.
Compared to the other Demon Lords, he was slimmer, and he held a mask—the same kind that Rukie uses.
I wonder if he used “Cognitive Inhibition” too.
“He was a strict father. He trained me to become a strong Demon Lord… but when we were alone, he would show a gentle face. This portrait captures that expression. I believe he wanted to show me that he truly cared for me.”
“Somehow, I feel like you resemble him, Rukie-sama.”
“That makes me happy. I loved my father dearly.”
“I wish I could’ve spoken to him.”
“Mm. I also wanted to introduce you to him… Hey, wait a minute. Why are you bowing so deeply to my father’s portrait? Kneeling on the floor, hand on your chest… What are you doing?”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Thor Canaan, the alchemist directly under Her Majesty Rukie Evergard.”
I bowed before Rukie’s father’s portrait.
“It is unfortunate that I never had the chance to meet Your Majesty in life. However, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my greetings while beholding your honored visage, Garland-sama.”
“—!?”
“I was originally from the Dolgaria Empire. But after being exiled, I was fortunate enough to be employed by Her Majesty Rukie. Meeting such a kind, warm, and admirable ruler has been the greatest blessing of my life.”
“—W-Wait, Thor!? What are you doing!?”
“I am still a fledgling alchemist, but if possible, I wish to remain at Her Majesty’s side and support her. Um… if I may be so bold to say this… regardless of my position or job.”
“────!?”
“I don’t know how Your Majesty would feel about a human being by your daughter’s side. But please, I humbly ask for your blessing.”
“Th-Thor!? Are you… drunk? No, Thor can say these things completely sober… B-But… that was too powerful…”
“From now on, I plan to visit the elf village to search for materials that might be useful to Her Majesty. I will travel throughout the Demon Lord’s Domain and return to her side. Please watch over us, former Demon Lord, Garland-sama—”
“…Ugh…”
“Huh? What’s wrong, Rukie-sama?”
When I looked, Rukie had crouched down, covering her face with both hands.
“…I forgot you were this kind of person.”
“This kind of person?”
“The kind of person who can say such embarrassing things without any shame!”
“I’m not lying, though. I just say what I honestly feel.”
“Think about the person standing next to you while you say that!”
“Sorry. It’s probably a result of my time in the Empire, so it might be hard to fix.”
“Your time in the Empire?”
“Um, back in the Empire, I was the weakest. Everyone around me—including my father—could kill me with a single blow. So I think I was always subconsciously feeling like my life was in danger.”
It was like constantly being surrounded by hungry tigers.
And I knew they hated me, too.
That’s why I left the duke’s house and took a job in the government office.
“So I was always vaguely aware that I could die at any moment without being able to say what I wanted to say. That’s why I developed the habit of speaking my mind before it was too late.”
“…I see. So you suffered too, didn’t you?”
Rukie sighed and said:
“I understand now… You’ve had your own hardships.”
“Oh, of course. But I only speak my true thoughts in front of the people I truly care about.”
“────Feh!?”
“In other words, I say what’s on my mind so I don’t have any regrets with those who are important to me.”
“Y-You say stuff like that so easily!?”
“But if it bothers you, Rukie-sama, I’ll try to stop.”
“…It’s fine. Stay the way you are, Thor. That’s one of your virtues.”
Saying that, Rukie stood up.
Then, as if trying to change her mood, she shook her head and said,
“So come to think of it, I haven’t explained it yet. Thor, do you know what kind of facility this is?”
“There are portraits of the past Demon Lords here, right? And the only one who holds the key to this place is you, Rukie-sama. I can see stairs leading underground at the end of the hallway. If it leads underground, then…”
Underground.
A place where sunlight doesn’t reach, and the temperature is stable.
If that’s the case──
“Could this be a mausoleum?”
“Correct. So you could figure it out with just that much information, huh…”
“I’m an alchemist, after all.”
“Don’t brush it off like that. No, you’re right. This is a mausoleum. Buried beneath this ground are the past Demon Lords.”
As Rukie looked at the portraits of the former Demon Lords, she spoke:
“After being defeated by the humans, the first Demon Lord said:
‘Humans are dangerous. There’s no telling when they might attack again. Therefore, the Demon Lord shall rest beneath the Demon Lord’s Castle after death, becoming the foundation of this nation, so that this land may never fall to a fearsome hero.’
──That’s what he said.”
“As expected of the Demon Lord who once faced off against a hero.”
“It’s not like he performed some magical ritual or anything. It was more of a declaration of will.”
“But it was that resolve that helped unify the Demon Lord’s domain, wasn’t it?”
“Well, yes.”
Rukie nodded with a serious expression.
“And so, to make sure we never forget the Demon Lords who devoted themselves to the realm, we decided to hang their portraits above the mausoleum.”
“Then, is there a portrait of the First Demon Lord as well?”
“No, the portraits of the First and Second Demon Lords don’t exist.”
“Really?”
“The ones buried here start with the First and then continue from the Third. The reason for this is still unknown.”
“That was probably when the Demon Lord’s domain had just been established… Maybe things were still chaotic back then.”
“That may be so. And eventually, my portrait will be added here as well.”
“…I see.”
I turned my gaze to the portraits of the past Demon Lords.
Male Demon Lords, female Demon Lords. Some elderly, and others young like Rukie’s father.
What’s here is the very hisThory of the Demon Lord’s domain.
And at the end of that hisThory stands Rukie… Demon Lord Rukie Evergard.
What I see may be what Rukie has inherited — and what she will continue to carry on her back.
“Unfortunately, I cannot guide you into the underground tomb. There are rules. Only blood relatives or spouses of the Demon Lord may be taken there.”
Saying that, Rukie smiled.
“So I can only show you the aboveground part. Still, this should count as visiting the grave. I wanted to introduce you to my father, Thor.”
“Thank you very much, Rukie-sama.”
“I didn’t expect you to introduce yourself so passionately though.”
“Would it be okay if I redid my introduction a little more calmly?”
“No need. Now then, Thor.”
“Yes, Rukie-sama?”
“…Do you understand why I brought you here?”
Rukie stood on tiptoes and looked up at me with upturned eyes.
Her long eyelashes were trembling.
She gripped my clothes tightly and stared straight into my eyes.
Looking at her face, I somehow felt like I understood what she was trying to say──
“──Rukie-sama?”
“Because you are going to visit the grave with Mabel! Then… shouldn’t you visit it with me too?”
“Huh?”
“That’s how it is. I… I may be the Demon Lord… but sometimes, I want to be selfish too. And the only person I can say this kind of thing to… is you, Thor.”
Rukie tapped me on the chest — pon — and declared:
“Even if it’s for material collection and grave visiting, if you and Mabel are going on a journey together… it naturally makes me think about all sorts of things. That’s why I wanted to come to the mausoleum with just you before you leave.”
“I see…”
“Also, if anything happens between you and Mabel during the journey, make sure to do the same thing with me afterward.”
It was so sudden.
For a moment, I didn’t understand what the words meant.
Um… what does that mean, Your Majesty?
If something happens between Mabel and me during the journey, then I have to report it to Rukie and then do the same thing with her afterward… Wait, it’s not like something will happen during the journey, okay?
I mean, I’ll report what happens during the journey.
But if we’re going that far, I should probably check with Mabel too──
“No worries. I already talked with Mabel.”
“Huh!?”
“Fufu. Don’t underestimate the maidens of the Demon Lord’s domain, Thor.”
Rukie placed her hands on her hips and stared at me intently.
“Mabel isn’t the kind of girl who could keep something like that a secret, you know? We’re childhood friends, after all — I’d notice even if she tried to hide it. That’s why she stayed over last night, and we had a long talk.”
“…I surrender.”
Or rather, there was no way I could ever win against Rukie.
“W-Well, it’s all hypothetical! No one knows what might happen during the journey — not me, not even you!”
“R-Right!”
“…………”
What is this atmosphere?
My face feels hot. I’m kind of dazed.
I couldn’t quite meet her eyes, and both Rukie and I ended up looking away in different directions.
I took a deep breath and calmed down just a little before saying:
“I’m sorry… I should’ve said I wanted to visit the grave with you, Rukie-sama.”
“It cannot be helped. I’m the only one who holds the key to the mausoleum of the successive Demon Lords. One cannot just say they want to come to such a place in front of others.”
“That’s true—it would seem terribly presumptuous.”
“Yet, you boldly introduced yourself to the portrait of your father.”
“That was just acting on impulse.”
“Then act on the same impulse and say something to me as well.”
Rukie snorted with a “hmph.”
She puffed out her chest, looked up at me with a strong gaze.
This is the mausoleum of the successive Demon Lords.
Only the Demon Lord and those granted permission may enter.
No one from the castle ever comes here.
So──
“I care deeply for Rukie-sama Evergard.”
I said it on impulse.
“Back when we met, you were in your ‘perception-blocking’ Demon Lord style, but the more we spoke, the more I could tell you were a warm person. Then in the ‘simple sThorage’ room, you took off your mask and robe, and I saw your true form… I realized how much you’d been struggling. That’s why I wanted to support you. When I’m by your side, I feel at ease. It’s like… I’ve found where I belong. I don’t know if it’s because you’re my lord… or if it’s due to some other feeling… I can’t say it well. No, it’s not that I don’t know—most of it, I do understand. That’s why──”
“……………… (tremble tremble tremble tremble)”
Before I noticed, Rukie had disappeared from my sight.
She was at my feet.
She was once again covering her face with both hands, curling herself up even smaller than before, crouched down on the floor.
Her ears and the back of her neck were bright red.
“…Um, can I keep going?”
“…Are you trying to stop my heart?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“…I never imagined such a critical hit would come. So this is the legendary ‘critical hit’ the heroes of another world once spoke of… ugh.”
Rukie stayed crouched in silence.
I instinctively reached out my hand toward her head.
I gently ran my fingers through her slightly tousled golden hair. Then Rukie took my hand and pressed it against her head. When I stroked her head with my palm, she nodded, as if satisfied.
So, I silently continued to stroke Rukie’s hair for a while.
“…Your hand is warm, Thor.”
“Your hand is warm too, Rukie-sama.”
“That must be your body heat rubbing off. My own temperature tends to be on the lower side.”
“Shall we use the ‘fizzy bath’?”
“…Are you seriously bringing up baths now? Do you want to bathe together?”
“…Sorry. That’s not what I meant.”
“You don’t want to?”
“………That’s a hard question to answer.”
“You’re always causing me trouble, Thor. Once in a while, it’s fine to flip it around.”
“I’ll reflect on my actions.”
“You don’t have to. Just… stay by my side.”
And with that, Rukie pressed her cheek against my hand.
Her hand was small and smooth.
“…Thor. On this upcoming journey, I want you to patrol the Demon Lord’s domain in my stead.”
Rukie suddenly said that.
“You’ve only seen the area around the Demon Lord’s castle and the Reisenga territory, right? It’s a good opportunity. Go see the Demon Lord’s domain for yourself.”
“Yes, Rukie-sama.”
“The Demon Lord’s domain is vast. In its depths are regions like autonomous zones that only pretend to follow the Demon Lord. Some places are so chaotic they defy human understanding. Go see them with your own eyes.”
Rukie’s voice trembled slightly.
She squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath,
And then, as if making up her mind──
“If you stay by my side, you’ll be taking on all of that along with me.”
──She said such a thing.
“That’s why, go see the Demon Lord’s domain with your own eyes, and then decide what you want to do.”
“But I already said I want to support you, Rukie-sama.”
“I’m telling you to decide after seeing reality. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair. Well, it’s mostly for my own peace of mind.”
“Rukie-sama.”
“What is it?”
“Aren’t you being a bit too serious?”
“I don’t want to hear that from you.”
“I’m just doing what I want to do.”
“That’s not entirely true. You hold yourself back in strange ways.”
“Do I?”
“Yes. Because, well…”
With my hand still on her cheek, Rukie narrowed her eyes.
“…Even though we’re alone, you’re still calling me ‘Rukie-sama,’ aren’t you?”
“…Ah.”
Rukie’s red eyes stared straight into mine.
My heart thumped loudly.
With my free hand, I took Rukie’s hand.
“Understood. Rukie.”
“You’re still using formal speech?”
“Please allow that. If I get into the habit of speaking casually, I’ll be in trouble when others are around.”
“Hmph. I suppose that can’t be helped.”
Rukie picked up the mask and robe that had been left on the floor.
She placed them on her lap—those items that held the power of ‘perception blocking.’
“On my next birthday, I’m going to reveal my true form to everyone.”
──She declared it, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“…Is it really okay?”
“I’ve been thinking about it ever since you came, Thor. Thanks to you, I’ve gained confidence. Reisenga has also sworn loyalty to me. And in the midst of all that… being in front of everyone in a false form… has started to feel unbearable.”
Rukie’s fingers were trembling.
Well, of course she’s scared.
Ever since she ascended the throne, Rukie has hidden her true identity in public.
With her petite and cute appearance, she feared being underestimated by the common people.
That’s why she always wore a mask and robe with ‘perception inhibition’ magic.
To cast all that aside—it’s only natural she’d be scared.
“I understand. When that time comes, I’ll be by your side.”
“Yes. I’m counting on you, Thor.”
“While I’m at it, I’ll prepare a ridiculously strong demon sword so no one can complain.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“Ehh—”
“Knowing you, you’ll try to make something like a ‘Demon Sword: Ultra-High Frequency Blade,’ won’t you!?”
“As expected of Rukie. The Demon Lord’s intuition is sharp!”
“Anyone could figure that out! And what exactly am I supposed to do with such a dangerous sword!?”
“It’s cool, isn’t it? I mean, Rukie is always cool, but still.”
“Muu.”
“So, when is your birthday?”
“…U-Um. You see—”
Rukie stood on her toes and whispered in my ear.
I nodded and replied,
“—Got it. I’ll be back before then.”
“Mm. No need to rush.”
“It’s fine. I’m not particular about gathering materials. This time, just visiting Mabel’s parents’ graves would be enough.”
“That’s right. Make sure you do that properly. It wouldn’t be fair if only I got a visit from you. Also…”
“Yes?”
“…You can tell Mabel about what happened here.”
Rukie said that, her face completely red.
The hand she was holding grew warm. I could even feel a slight trace of sweat.
Earlier, Rukie had said she talked things over with Mabel.
The two of them are childhood friends and get along well. Sometimes they even have sleepovers.
But—
“Um… Are you sure about this?”
“Yes! Things like this must be handled fairly!”
“I do like how serious you are, Rukie. But still, you don’t really have to—”
“It’s fine… W-Wait, what did you just say!? N-No, even if you didn’t say it… no, no, hold on. My heart is acting weird. Uh… um… aah geez! J-Just—!”
Whap whap, whap.
Rukie began to thump my chest with her fists.
But her other hand stayed tightly linked with mine.
Before I knew it, Rukie had naturally nestled into my arms, and she was smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world.
It felt strange—but pleasant. It made me want to stay like that forever.
But time passed, and eventually we had to leave the mausoleum.
Before we left, I once again paid my respects to the portrait of Rukie’s father.
Then I looked over the portraits of the past Demon Lords. But among them, there were no portraits of the first and second Demon Lords.
The first Demon Lord has a statue in the castle entrance, so I know roughly what he looked like.
…But I wonder what kind of person the second Demon Lord was.
It’s also strange that only the second one isn’t buried in the underground tomb.
Maybe I’ll look into it when I get the chance.
“It’s about time we go, Thor.”
Before I realized it, Rukie was standing by the entrance.
She reached out her hand toward me—
And I naturally took it.
No one ever comes down the path to the mausoleum or the corridor that leads to the courtyard. No one can see us.
So this must mean—she wants to stay like this just a little longer.
“Yes. Let’s go together, Rukie.”
“Yeah. Let’s.”
“…What’s wrong?”
“J-Just once, I wanted to try talking like a normal girl. Is it weird?”
“N-No, not weird at all.”
“I see… then, good.”
Please don’t pull surprises like that, Rukie-sama.
You said earlier, “Are you trying to stop my heart?”—but my heart’s the one that’s about to stop.
“Well then, let’s head back.”
“Yes, Rukie.”
“Oops. I slipped back into my usual way of speaking. It’s hard.”
“Rukie, you’re fine just the way you are.”
“…Thor.”
“Yes?”
“That’s why I said, you’re trying to stop my heart!”
“That’s my line, actually.”
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, we traded unfiltered words—
Still holding hands, we walked down the hidden corridor—
And with a “see you tomorrow,” we waved and returned to our rooms.