Chapter 20 — Reconstructing Affection (5)
Chapter 20 — Reconstructing Affection (5)
"Looks like you were having tea. Good timing."
The Demon King held out the small bundle in his hand toward the maidservant.
"The snacks were good, so I thought you might try them as well. What do you think?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Pleased, Roan gazed at Grünent and the Affection window beside her.
And the "Politics" skill he would obtain from her in the future. That, too, was a source of joy for Roan.
Even now, the Demon King's Castle retainers were working diligently, but if he acquired the "Politics" skill, it would greatly aid him in conveying his intentions accurately and grasping theirs.
Furthermore, when he considered future dealings with commoners or lords of other cities, it was a skill that would help tremendously.
In the game, "Politics" was a skill that expanded the range of dialogue options. By providing choices such as exploiting nobles' weaknesses or correctly discerning what the public wanted, the princess used to create advantageous positions for the Hero.
'Of course, even if I get it, I won't be able to put it to use right away.'
Politics requires groundwork, at the very least. Once he obtained the "Politics" skill, Roan would have to start from the stage of building connections and gathering information.
For that reason, Roan intended to borrow the princess's power directly this time to solve the food problem.
Even if Roan possessed the "Politics" skill, lacking connections meant the moment he set foot on another country's land, he would have to wage a grand battle against a foreign army.
Once it came to that, who won would no longer matter. Who had "invaded" would be what mattered.
Because the field of politics produces outcomes through justification.
That was why the more solidly the foundation for applying "Politics" was laid, the more it shone.
"Your Majesty, that reminds me."
As her maid offered the snacks she had tidied up to Roan, Grünent spoke. In the past, these were maids who could not even approach the Demon King, but now they received snacks handed to them by him without incident.
"My maid Barbara had her life saved once again thanks to Your Majesty. Thank you."
"Hm?"
"She went to the underground prison to retrieve my jewelry and was nearly subjected to terrible treatment by a guard, but someone rescued her, it seems. He apparently raged at the guard, asking how he dared violate Your Majesty's command not to touch humans."
"Oh, really? Who?"
At Grünent's glance, Barbara, eyeing Roan warily, reported to the Demon King.
"This girl was in such dismay she could not observe properly, but he was one of demonkind in skeleton form. He was wearing a splendid robe."
"A robe... When was this?"
"Yesterday afternoon."
There was one person who came to mind. After all, within the castle, those with the appearance of a skeleton were fewer than one might think. Strangely, the Demon King's Castle had few undead like skeletons or ghouls.
'Oh. Unexpected.'
The Small Council followed the Demon King's orders better than expected. The more he thought about it, the more commendable they were.
With a satisfied expression, Roan nodded.
"I understand. I shall find out who it was and convey my thanks. I must also announce another warning throughout the castle."
"Thank you! Your Majesty."
The still-youthful maid bowed her head. But Roan was lost in other thoughts for a moment.
If it was the guard who had violated the Demon King's order, and if that skeleton really was Liron, would that fellow have left the guard alive? Would a guard requiring caution still remain in this world?
Grünent, having gauged the Demon King's reaction, shared a smiling glance with the maid who had relayed the story of Liron (presumed). Seeing that, a sudden thought reminded Roan of his main purpose.
"Princess Grünent."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I came with something else to discuss, actually. I nearly forgot."
"Did you. I understand."
Even without Grünent saying a word, the maids quietly withdrew to the next room.
They were the maids who had followed her from Merde, leaving behind their homeland and families. In their swift movements, Roan caught a glimpse of their loyalty.
The resentment the maids held toward Roan also seemed to be slowly diluting as they spent peaceful days with the princess.
That was a good thing.
Because the range of their activities would soon broaden.
Since the activities of their mistress, the princess, would increase from now on.
That was what made Rauka's joining all the more meaningful.
"You have waited, Your Majesty."
"I have been to the prison."
Grünent suddenly lifted her head and looked at Roan.
A shadow of darkness flickered across her eyes, which resembled the sea. Roan slightly lowered his head.
"It is a place too grim for you or your maids to be. When I inspected their condition before sending your maids back to you this time, I, too, was shocked. And belatedly, my thoughts reached others as well."
Grünent bit her lip lightly. Things she did not wish to recall seemed to stir from deep within.
Right before they had left the prison, the maids had been in ruins from constant starvation and rape. They had been unable to stand properly.
"So I went down personally. To see if there were any others unjustly imprisoned."
Eventually, unable to suppress her emotion, Grünent spoke coldly.
Her reason restrained her, but Grünent's sorrow and gloom were far too great to hide with reason.
"...Even so, the dead Olivia will not return, I suppose."
"...."
The moment their eyes met Roan's heavy gaze, Grünent hurriedly lowered her head with an expression that said "oh no."
But she did not apologize.
And Roan did not rebuke her.
"I am sorry, Princess. It is my fault for not turning my eyes to this sooner."
"...No, Your Majesty. It is I who have committed a discourtesy."
Roan looked at Grünent. With her head still bowed, she was looking at the Demon King's long, pale fingers.
Noticing her gaze, Roan lightly moved his fingers and rested them on his other hand as if to shift the mood. Only then did Grünent lift her head and look at the Demon King.
The earlier chill was gone, and only the lovely princess remained. This, too, was the effect of a proficient "Politics" skill.
"So, did you see anything, Your Majesty?"
"Yes. I discovered a forest fairy."
"You mean a forest fairy was here?"
It was a strange thing. Forest fairies were a proud race that paid no mind to humans or demonkind. Buried deep in the prison, Rauka had apparently not caught the princess's eye.
'That's a relief. If she had seen her half-mad state back then... she would have condemned me—no, the Demon King.'
Somewhat relieved, Roan began to tell Grünent about Rauka.
"Yes. She seemed to have rather unusual circumstances. I have asked that forest fairy to serve as your guard."
"...A guard?"
"She appears to be a forest fairy strong enough to defeat several of demonkind. You will need the power to protect yourself from demonkind if you are to move about the castle freely from now on. I cannot always be by your side."
The words had entered without preamble.
And so Princess Grünent's reaction was slightly delayed.
'When I am present, I shall protect you.' The princess's cheeks flushed as she read the words between the lines. Roan's words continued.
"She spent a long time in prison, so she is somewhat unwell for now. She originally holds a deep grudge against demonkind. So for the time being, I intend to place her by your side with her power sealed. Until the matter of her serving as guard is fully decided, I want you to take responsibility for looking after her."
"...Yes, I understand."
"I plan to partially release the seal if it seems fine, depending on how the forest fairy fares together with you. Though it will be difficult to release it to the extent that she can dispatch demonkind as before... at the very least, enough to protect your person should be acceptable."
"You will... allow me to move about the castle?"
"Hm?"
At Grünent's cautious question, Roan tilted his head. His cool, elongated neck stood out, and Grünent almost lost her focus.
"Is that not natural?"
And then Grünent was disappointed by the Demon King's next words.
"Were you to be confined merely for being human, would that not be regrettable? I shall see to it before long."
Sensing herself grow glum without realizing it, the princess was surprised at herself.
What had she been expecting?
Had she wanted to hear that she could roam the castle as something to him?
The moment the princess became aware of the expectation she had harbored, heat rushed through her body.
And though she did not know it, the Demon King had noticed as well.
'...Huh?'
Her mood, sensed through 'Detection,' had been positive overall.
Up to the point of assigning her a guard and allowing her to roam the castle, she had been pleased.
But then she had suddenly turned glum. And now she was embarrassed again.
Her Affection had not dropped, but something had affected her mood.
'What did I say...? I said being confined would be unpleasant... Was she frightened?'
But Grünent was someone adept at conversation.
Once the exchange ended on Roan's words and a brief silence followed, she spoke next as if she had merely needed a moment to think.
"Indeed, you are right. Now that I think of it, Your Majesty's words are only natural. As it happens, I, too, recently saw people called 'probationary servants.'"
The topic shifted.
Both Roan and Grünent breathed easier, their respective unsettled feelings concealed.
"You are remarkable, Your Majesty. They said they had been captives simply awaiting the day they would die. Yet they said Your Majesty created a path for them to live. It is admirable."
She knew how to cloak her unease by speaking truthfully.
The emotion Grünent had felt toward the Demon King as she watched Lisa, who had come to clean her room, was genuine.
And so her fluster was no longer detected by 'Detection.'
Roan smiled faintly.
So the human slaves receiving training were making their way here. They were indeed having a positive influence on the human romanceable characters.
The faint anxiety Roan had carried eased as he listened to the princess's praise. 'Will' soothed him once more.
You're doing well.
"It is thanks to you."
And with that composure, Roan was able to deflect the credit to another. It was an act called giving a nod to someone's honor. It might seem a meaningless gesture, but to nobles who valued honor, it held meaning.
"I believe there are areas where my eyes were opened because of the princess. Through your words, I gained the opportunity to examine every neglected corner. I am grateful."
"...Your Majesty. Knowing you think so is my sole joy."
"Having a wise person such as you by my side would be of great help to me going forward."
And the moment the words left his mouth, Roan nearly leaped up from his seat.
The Affection value that had been flickering on and off with little beeps ever since he entered the room and began talking,
'Gasp! Twenty all at once!'
had reached a total of +32.
Roan stared at Grünent. With a manner that anyone could now see was favorable toward the Demon King, Grünent smiled softly. Her flushed cheeks and shy voice carried bashfulness.
"You praise me too highly, Your Majesty. This girl has done nothing. Is it not all Your Majesty's grace?"
'Apparently the word "wise" really hit the mark.'
It had not.
But in any case, the result was excellent.
'At this level, I could actually use the "Mihon" skill and it would work without any resistance.'
According to the game developer's guide, an Affection of 30 was a level corresponding to "a first meeting who makes an excellent impression / someone who, if there were romantic tension, makes you think, 'with this person?'"
Affection that already signified the other party's definite goodwill. Therefore, "Mihon," which actively exploited that goodwill, could be applied without issue.
But Roan did not particularly wish to use the "Mihon" skill on Grünent.
Perhaps it was a matter of pride as a player.
'If I talk with her just a little more, it might go well.'
Grünent was now radiating an emotion that could be felt even without "Detection." She raised her teacup to hide her face, but her flushed face was utterly lovely.
Roan's heartbeat began to quicken slightly at the thought that he might soon be able to embrace the princess. A pleasant, tickling flutter drew a beautiful smile onto the Demon King's face.
'This is romance...!'
The high ground that, in the game, he could only view as text and illustrations even after diligently raising the route—was now right before his eyes!
'If you were by my side, if you were by my side....'
Meanwhile, Grünent was endeavoring to forget the words that kept repeating inside her head.
As her eyes wandered looking for somewhere to rest, something caught her attention.
'Ah....'
A small crumb of dessert had clung to Roan's sleeve.
In that moment, Grünent decided on an object to gift the Demon King.