Demon Prince 48.1

Test

Chapter 48.1. Enemy

"Father, how are the tailing and the Knights’ placements?"

"It’s fine. No issues."

"Then, let's begin."

We’re in the castle’s meeting room.

A large mirror is set up, with magic cast upon it.

The spell used is a type of summoning magic that projects the sights of a summoned creature onto the mirror.

It’s called [Summon Projecting].

"Oh, I can see it now."

"Handy, isn’t it?"

As Ai and my mother, Eliza, say, it is indeed convenient.

The images projected on this mirror come from an Invisible Bird we captured and contracted for this mission.

It’s a magical beast from the southern forests of Fremlyra, one that doesn’t attack humans or demons, and feeds mainly on insects and nuts.

Its unique ability allows it to blend into the surroundings, practically turning invisible.

Capturing this bird was a hassle. For various reasons—especially when I was under the same roof as Shanze-sama...

"Huh? What?"

"Uh, nothing at all."

I’ll leave that story out.

Right now, the Invisible Bird is trailing Modef and his group from the sky, hidden from view.

Behind them is a team led by Sebasun and a few dark-division members, plus the Fenrir family.

Further back, a squad from the Knights’ Order is following.

Each squad has been given magical tools for long-distance communication, allowing us to send commands from this room.

In modern Earth terms, this is the command center, with the Invisible Bird serving as a reconnaissance drone.

Sebasun’s team is the advance assault squad, and the Knights are the main force.

The Fenrir family alone should be more than sufficient in terms of combat power.

Fenrir mentioned wanting Hati to gain some combat experience, but ideally, we won’t encounter any fighting, so I hope Hati’s role remains unnecessary.

Incidentally, Hati’s grown to about the size of a Shiba Inu by now, though still small compared to the rest of the Fenrir family.

Modef’s group is heading north, away from the capital.

Elmbern’s capital is situated around where Osaka, Kyoto, and Shiga intersect if you think of it in Japanese terms.

There’s even a lake similar to Lake Biwa here, south of it.

The geography differs slightly, so I can’t say for sure.

Ahead of Modef’s path lies a port town.

Will they take a ship there to cross to the other continent?

But why leave at night?

I expected them to depart early in the morning.

A few hours into tailing Modef and his group, their movements change.

Suddenly, they leave the main road and head into the forest.

At the forest’s edge, Modef uses a lantern—no, a kerosene lamp, maybe?

He signals with the lamp.

Then, some very familiar faces emerge from the woods.

"They’re part of that group from back then, aren’t they?"

"Yes, Jun-sama. Those assassins."

Kuon, who was with us during that assassination attempt, agrees with me.

To think they’d show up here.

I instruct the Invisible Bird to get close enough to pick up their conversation.

The Invisible Bird carries a custom-made small magic tool.

Our voices can’t reach them, but we can hear theirs.

It’s a perfect tool for situations like this.

"Did you confirm it?"

"Yes. The dragon you described is unmistakable. Black scales, one eye, one wing—everything matched your description. I can’t be certain about the emblem, but from what I gathered, it seems they no longer have it."

"Why?"

"It appears they never used the emblem."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. They gave it all up easily. Even though they're demon king and demon prince, in the end, they’re just kids. They told me everything without a shred of suspicion. They probably thought that, since they’re the ones searching for the culprit, no one would be probing them. Idiots."

We turned that naivety against them, catching their trail.

The irony is almost laughable.

"Hehehe. Can I kill them once we catch them?"

"Yes, Shanze-sama. Let’s kill them."

"Hehehe. I’ll wipe out anyone who dares mock my brother without leaving a trace."

Some frightening people are around, but I’ll ignore them.

Even though I feel like the room temperature has dropped, I’m starting to sweat.

Probably just my imagination.

"Anyway, now that we’re here, all that’s left is to capture them. Sebasun’s team should handle that many."

"No, Gaul, it’s not that simple. Those ones in black are cursed to die if captured or rendered helpless. It’s to prevent information leaks, I suppose, but what a vile curse."

Thanks to that curse, capturing them won’t be helpful.

We can only hope they reveal something under pressure.

Just as I’m thinking this, the situation escalates.

"So, can we get our reward?"

"Yes."

Thud Thud

Modef’s subordinates collapse silently.

Suddenly, the ones in black kill them.

"W-What are you doing!?"

"Those who know of us must be eliminated."

They’re trying to silence them.

I won’t let that happen.

"Father!"

"I know! Sebasun, secure Modef!"

"As you command."

We send word to Sebasun’s team.

It seems they were already in a position to move.

A fight breaks out.

We can see four enemies, but there are likely more hidden in the woods.

It was the same last time.

Sebasun’s team numbers eight, plus the Fenrir family.

Wait, where is the Fenrir family?

I check with Sebasun, who’s secured Modef and pulled back to observe the situation.

"Yes, Fenrir-sama and her family said they’d deal with those hiding in the forest. They’re currently engaging them in the woods."

Impressive, Fenrir. He sensed the presence in the forest without needing a word.

Sebasun swiftly takes down one enemy, while the others handle the remaining ones with a two-to-one advantage.

The battle in the forest seems to end safely, too.

After handling the bodies with the knights who joined us, we take Modef back with us.

The Fenrir family returned ahead of us, shifting to human form as they entered the room.

"Welcome back. Was everything okay?"

"Yes. No issues. Hati fought well too."

"Woof!"

She’s grown and gotten bigger, but she still can’t take human form or speak yet.

According to Fenrir, it’s only a matter of time.

"Thank you for your help."

"It’s no trouble. Staying holed up in the castle would dull our skills. Besides, that castle is comfortable. I’d hate to lose it as a home."

The Fenrir family has fully adapted to this kingdom.

I don’t want them to leave either.

I’m sure everyone feels the same.

"Still, if you want to show gratitude, some wine will do."

"I’d like some mead."

"Oh, I’ll get plenty of alcohol. Let’s drink together later."

"Hmm. That sounds nice. Bring some snacks too."

If I were an adult, I’d join them for a drink, but I’m not a fan of alcohol.

I don’t mind something like a cocktail, though, that’s more like juice.

"I’m fine with Jun instead~."

"Me too~. Let’s sleep together~."