Chapter 143: A Pitiful Legend
“Hey… are you interested in the Demonfolk?”
That quiet question somehow cut through the clamor of the bustling fishing port and reached Ryu and the others with startling clarity.
“…………”
Ryu’s eyes widened just slightly.
—Just as Lily had hoped.
(I knew it, I knew it. You’re curious about the Demonfolk, aren’t you? Of course you are.)
The corners of her mouth began to curl upward in triumph.
…However.
“Not particularly interested. See you.”
“…Huh?”
Without hesitation, Ryu turned on his heel, motioning for Esther to follow as he strode away.
“H-Hey! Wait a second!”
Lily rushed forward and grabbed his shoulder.
“Don’t touch me. I don’t like being touched by people I’m not close to.”
“Sorry, sorry… but couldn’t you at least hear me out for a little bit?”
Ryu leaned toward Esther and whispered.
“What do you think?”
“Well, she does seem troubled. It would not hurt to at least listen. If we ignore her now, we shall only carry lingering thoughts while sightseeing.”
“Fair enough.”
Ryu turned back around.
“I’ll hear you out. Just this once.”
“Thank you! See, Subordinate-chan? I told you they’re good people!”
“…I suspect they simply gave in because they were exhausted by your persistence, Captain…”
“My judgment is flawless!”
“…In a manner of speaking.”
As the subordinate implied, in a certain sense, Lily’s judgment truly was not mistaken.
That she had managed to stop the wandering Dragon and his eccentric companion—who just happened to be vacationing in the Kingdom—was nothing short of miraculous.
For someone like Lily, who kept her eyes fixed on the looming revival of the Demon King, such encounters had to be seized firmly.
…If there was any hope of preventing—or at least averting—that catastrophe.
◇◇◇
“This feels like we’re being interrogated. I do not like it.”
“Sorry~. This is the only place where we can talk seriously… I’ll bring out some sweets, so please forgive me!”
“I forgive you! Bring forth the most delicious confection at once!”
Ryu and the others were guided to the garrison in the port town, where they would hear the details.
Beside the table stood a small emergency holding cell used for restraining criminals. From an outsider’s perspective, it truly did look as though Ryu and Esther were under questioning.
“Since I’m making a formal request, I’ll start with introductions! My name is Lily. My military rank is Captain of the First Special Unit. Well? …Impressive, right? Surprised?” she boasted proudly.
“Ohh~.” “Hoh~.” munch munch
“What’s with that indifferent reaction⁉ I’m the one who’s shocked! And stop eating while I’m talking!”
Empress Iris of the Astoria Empire.
Marquis Grace, the Empire’s granary.
Duke Mondo, Duke of the Eastern Front Mountains.
The Imperial Mage, Zekkai.
Hinomaru’s General, Tokugawa Kagura.
The strongest swordsman in history, Sakamoto Ryoma.
Rena, the Goddess of Arden.
These were Ryu and Esther’s acquaintances—or friends.
Every one of them was a figure destined to leave their name in history.
Ryu needed no introduction, and Esther herself was a top-tier apothecary representing the Empire.
At this point, the title of First Special Unit Captain of the Kingdom’s Knights was hardly enough to astonish them.
“To be honest, your rank doesn’t matter to me. Just tell us about the Demonfolk.”
“So blunt! But being treated so casually is kind of refreshing and fun!”
“Captain… please stop fooling around and begin the explanation…”
Urged by her subordinate, Lily reluctantly began.
“The other day, I told you we were searching for a dangerous criminal who escaped prison, right? That was a complete lie. We’re actually investigating the Demonfolk. Sorry for deceiving you.”
“Don’t worry about it. …Is there a Demon here in this town right now?”
“Not confirmed, but the possibility is high. By the way, you both know about Demonfolk?”
“Anyone familiar with the Hero legends does.”
“True enough. Ahaha!”
“I know they possess high combat ability, but beyond that, I’m uninformed.”
“Demonfolk have enormous magical reserves, and they have horns growing from their foreheads. Otherwise, they’re identical to humans.”
“I see… They’ve probably trained to suppress their magic power, so the only way to identify them is by the presence of horns… troublesome indeed…”
“Exactly! That’s why I asked for your cooperation!”
“If you’re seeking investigative assistance, wouldn’t it be better to contact the Knight Headquarters and increase manpower? Switch to numbers and sweep the town?”
A perfectly reasonable question.
“Can’t do that~. If the Demon realizes we’re investigating, they’ll flee to the Demon Continent.”
“From a strategic standpoint, having the threat remove itself isn’t bad.”
“Well… the Kingdom’s higher-ups are pushing for capture. They want to study the Demonfolk in various ways…”
“That’s like ordering you to capture a highly intelligent, unknown apex monster alive… You must have it rough, working under fools who don’t consider the burden placed on those in the field.”
“I’m so glad someone understands…”
Lily slumped onto the table, her frustration plainly visible.
(According to the branch chief, Demonfolk possess such vitality that even decapitation won’t kill them. That makes it even more difficult. If Ryoma or I were involved, it’d be different—but I have no obligation to go that far for the Kingdom. I am, after all, an Imperial noble.)
“I understand why you can’t use manpower tactics. But… why approach travelers sightseeing like us? Normally, you’d summon elite soldiers or renowned adventurers.”
Lily’s expression shifted into one that said, I’ve been waiting for this.
“Because—you’re very strong, aren’t you?”
“…………”
Ryu’s brow twitched slightly.
Lily’s lips curled upward in victory.
(Bullseye! Nice one, me!)
“…No? I’m completely ordinary.”
“Eh?”
Lily toppled sideways in disbelief.
Ryu placed a hand on Esther’s shoulder.
“Why don’t you share a few of my more embarrassing legends?”
Esther’s eyes sparkled.
“Very well. This one once stepped in dog droppings and struck his head on the ground, nearly dying.”
“Good. Keep going.”
“He took a nap wearing nothing but his undergarments, was bitten on his right buttock by a mosquito, and caught a cold.”
“Still plenty left.”
“He drank a suspicious aphrodisiac handed to him by a dubious apothecary… lost his mind at midnight and nearly perished.”
““Ehhh…?””
Lily and her subordinate were speechless.
“Ku ku ku… and you would still rely on us? We’d only slow you down…”
Ryu grinned wickedly.
“Captain… I find it difficult to believe this man stands on equal footing with you…”
“Yes… being bitten on the right buttock is a bit…”
“That’s not the point. I’m suggesting we apologize and withdraw the request.”
“No! They’re joking! Don’t take it seriously!”
Lily cleared her throat, resetting the atmosphere.
“You can’t fool my eyes!”
“Oh? Still resisting?”
“You use both magic and the sword, don’t you?”
“…How did you know?”
Since entering town, Ryu had kept Kurikara hidden within his item bag at all times.
“Your magic power is faint but refined—like pristine spring water. The way you shift your center of gravity. The way your eyes move. The deliberate air of mediocrity you wear like a mask… It’s unmistakably that of a warrior.”
Ryu inwardly groaned.
(To see through my disguise—one only Ryoma had recognized at first glance… First Special Unit Captain Lily…)
Even Togo Heihachiro, Zekkai, and the Thunder Emperor had failed to discern his true nature.
…Yet the knight before him had.
The intuition of someone ruled by heightened instincts was truly terrifying.
“If you’re that certain, I have no choice. I’ll cooperate.”
“Yes! Yes! We’ve gained a powerful ally, Subordinate-chan!”
“Y-Yes…”
(Will this truly be alright…?)
“My name is Ryu. The little one here is Esther. The baby dragon is Homura. A pleasure.”
“Pleased to meet you.” munch munch
“Gyau.” munch munch
(The Kingdom’s local sweets are wonderful as well!)
“Come to think of it, I hadn’t even heard your names until now… Anyway, nice to meet you!”
“We look forward to working with you.”
(Ryu… huh? For some reason, that name feels unforgettable…)