Demon Prince 21

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Chapter 21. Gained Another Fiancée

The three-nation conference had a rocky start, but it proceeded smoothly and concluded without any major issues.

The agenda included exchanging information about other countries and discussing domestic issues.

As a child, I wasn’t able to attend the meetings and only heard about them afterward, but nothing noteworthy seemed to happen.

Outside the meetings, Yu’s clothing ideas and my magic bags became popular topics, and they were given as gifts.

We prepared not just dresses but also jinbei, inspired by my love for them in my previous life. Yu designed them, and Silvi made both male and female versions.

They were well-received by my parents as comfortable clothes, even if not suitable for official occasions.

Our maids’ sleeveless, mini-skirt maid uniforms were also popular, so we decided to send more when they were ready.

While it was expected that men would like them, I was surprised that even Alize-neesan and Shanza-sama wanted them. They claimed they’d be useful, but I didn’t ask how.

With the teleportation magic circles connecting the countries, the representatives began their journeys home.

However, I was to accompany them due to my ability to teleport without a magic circle.

The long-distance teleportation magic, [Warp], can only go to places I’ve been before, so I needed to use the teleportation circle this time.

When leaving Darmdatt…

"Listen, Jun! If you make Ai cry, I’ll come after you!"

"Take care of Ai, Jun. And let’s have another full-powered battle next time. I’m looking forward to it."

"Uh… okay…"

While I didn’t mind taking care of Ai, I hoped to avoid another battle.

I was reminded to bring Ai along often now that I could teleport before heading back to Elmburn, then going to Fremrira with Shanza-sama.

And then came the bombshell announcement…

"Everyone, listen up! I, Shanza Fremrira, have become engaged to Jun Elmburn!"

"What?"

A sudden declaration in front of the castle staff and retainers.

I wasn’t told about this!

"W-w-what do you mean!?"

"Exactly what I said. After observing you these past few days, I decided you were the one. Don’t worry, Asrad, Eliza, Ai, and Gaul all approved. Ask Asrad and Eliza for details."

"Isn’t this too sudden!?"

"Calm down. You’re just engaged until you become an adult. Take your time to process it. Feel free to visit anytime since you can teleport. You can even stay over."

Shanza-sama seemed to be quite assertive and prepared, making the announcement in a way that left no room for argument.

Staying here wasn’t going to improve the situation, so I decided to return home.

"I’m going back…"

"Really? You can stay here, you know? In my room."

"No, I’m going back today!"

"Too bad. Here’s a souvenir."

A soft sensation on my cheek as she kissed it.

"Well then, see you again. You’ll have to come to me since the teleportation circle isn’t easily available."

"… Okay."

Staying any longer would make the male onlookers’ stares unbearable.

I needed to leave quickly.

"Goodbye…"

"See you soon."

I waved back at the smiling Shanza-sama and teleported home.

There, my parents were grinning, and Ai and Yu had complicated expressions.

"So? What’s this about? You’re going to explain, right?"

"Don’t look so upset. We’ll explain, but let’s change locations first."

"Sorry for not telling you."

In my father Asrad’s study, they explained the engagement with Shanza-sama.

"You know Shanza became the Demon King unmarried, right?"

"Yes."

The previous Demon King of Fremrira died suddenly from illness before Shanza’s engagement was arranged, making her the Demon King while single.

"That’s why there was a rush to find her a fiancé. But finding a suitable match for the Demon King of a great nation like Fremrira is difficult. Though there were candidates, none met her approval."

"Shanza didn’t really want to become the Demon King."

"Really?"

"Yes. She wanted to at least choose her own spouse, so she insisted on finding her own partner."

"Her parents were also our benefactors from our adventuring days. They asked us to help Shanza. Please accept this."

It was hard to refuse after hearing that.

But why me?

"She was impressed by your battle with Gaul. We found it admirable too. You’re my son, after all."

"And your skill in handling Sister was the clincher. That’s what probably decided it."

"No way…"

That seemed more like something to be ashamed of.

"Not at all. Some girls there were giving you admiring looks."

"Weren’t those looks of contempt?"

"Ai said she approved too."

"Yes. Although I didn’t like it, I understand Shanza’s feelings and our own circumstances."

"Our circumstances?"

"It’s a secret."

A secret.

When I looked at Yu, who had been silent, he quickly averted his gaze.

Yu seemed to know something but wouldn’t tell me.

"Shanza is beautiful, so it’s not a bad deal. You don’t dislike beautiful women, right?"

"Well, yes, but…"

"And like with Ai, it’s just an engagement for now. Don’t overthink it. Just visit Shanza occasionally to get to know her."

Father’s reasoning was sound this time.

Apart from his intimidating appearance, Father seemed quite reasonable.

"I understand. But please don’t increase my fiancées anymore."

"Alright. But you seem capable of handling a few more, so it might happen."

Father said this with a smirk.

Please spare me… really, please.