Demon Prince 51.1

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Chapter 51.1. Charles And The Unicorn

"I'm catching it today, for sure!"

""" "Yeah!!" """

The response was spirited, but everyone's faces were grim.

It had already been about three weeks since the capture operation began.

We'd tried all sorts of plans, but all had failed.

Even the special magic we'd prepared was completely evaded.

There seemed to be no prospect of capturing it successfully.

"So, do you have any new ideas?"

Ai asked with a resigned expression.

"Honestly, I've tried everything I can think of."

Even using the emblem didn't work.

If it were just about defeating it, we could manage somehow, but capturing it raised the difficulty by leaps and bounds.

"I was thinking we'd go deeper today and see if we can't find its nest."

The plan was to set traps around the nest if we could find it.

"Sounds good. Let's go with that."

We decided to venture further in.

Though beasts appeared here, this forest was generally calm.

A river flowed through it, and in early summer, walking here might feel pleasant.

"It seems like it'd be nice to come here in early summer, doesn't it, brother?"

"Oh, I was just thinking the same thing."

"Really? Hehe."

As expected of siblings.

I still didn't quite get why she was suddenly in a good mood.

We reached the forest's central area without spotting the Invisible Bird.

This was the first time we'd come this far.

"Jun-sama, I see a spring."

"A spring?"

Indeed, there was a spring.

Springs in forests like this always had a mystical quality.

"There's someone there?"

"You're right. They're bathing."

"Oh no, we have to hide!"

We hurriedly slipped behind a tree.

There were both men and women here.

Regardless of who it was, it wouldn't be pleasant to be seen.

"Hey, you're not supposed to be peeking."

"But I can't help it~."

"We hid to avoid being seen, not to peek!"

"Sure, sure."

That's not why at all.

We'll just stay hidden until they're dressed.

"That's an elf, isn't it?"

"Hey, Cornelia, stop peeking."

"Cornelia, this is improper behavior for a lady."

Bathing elves in a forest, huh?

It was certainly a picturesque scene.

A beautiful elf with fair skin, combing her wet hair back.

It felt like time stood still...

"Oh, it's a man."

Seriously?

What a letdown!

Not that I was trying to peek, anyway!

"Okay, you guys, no peeking."

"Calm down, brother."

"As expected of elves, even bathing is like art."

Funny how they're fine when it's women peeking.

"If you don't stop immediately, everyone gets punished."

"Punished?"

"No snacks for a week."

"""We apologize!!"""

So, they really don't want to miss snacks, huh?

This could be useful for a while.

"He's getting out, Jun-sama."

Sebas had been keeping watch.

Sorry for making you do this.

We could have taken a detour, but we ended up talking anyway.

We approached as they finished dressing.

"Excuse me?"

"Hello."

"Ah, hello."

The elf had long green hair.

He radiated an air of nobility.

"Are you from Fremrelia?"

"Yes, my name is Jun."

Everyone introduced themselves in turn.

However, I avoided mentioning our family names.

I didn't want to invite unnecessary caution by revealing we were from the demon king's lineage.

"Nice to meet you all. My name is Charles. By the way, did you watch me bathe?"

"Uh, just from a distance. Sorry."

So, he noticed.

Maybe he was testing us.

"No need to worry. Bathing here was a careless choice. Besides, I'm too beautiful—it's my fault, really."

"Huh?"

"When faced with my beauty, even men and women are captivated. So, the blame is mine. I apologize."

"Um...do you ever get entranced by your reflection in a mirror?"

"Ah, you understand well. You must share the curse of beauty."

Oh, he's one of those types.

A full-blown narcissist.

Time to change the subject.

"Um, Charles, what brings you here? Surely not just for a bath, given how cold it is?"

"This spring is a hot spring. While it isn't very hot, it's enough to wash away the sweat even in winter. I'm here to meet a friend."

A hot spring in a forest, huh.

I hadn't heard of that, but it made sense for winter.

"A friend? In the forest?"

"Yes, a friend who lives here. I visit occasionally out of concern. They should be arriving soon."

Soon enough, his friend appeared from deep in the forest.

I see. So, they live in a beast-infested forest.

"A unicorn?"

"Yes, the oldest unicorn in this forest. An old friend of mine."

It was the first live unicorn I'd ever seen.

Pure white fur, gentle eyes, a magnificent horn.

On Earth, unicorns supposedly only befriended pure maidens. I wondered if it was true here.

Well, Charles is a man, so perhaps not.

"And what brings you to this forest? I see it's not for a unicorn, judging by your demeanor."

"Oh, well, we're here to capture the Invisible Bird."

"Oh? Not slay it, but capture it? Summoning contract, perhaps?"

"Yes, something like that."

"I see. Capturing it will be difficult."

"Indeed, we've yet to catch a single one."

"I understand. You should ask him for help."

"Ask...the unicorn?"

"Yes. Receiving his blessing would enhance your physical and magical abilities. However, he'll only offer it to those he favors."

Charles approached the unicorn, saying, "Please help them."

The unicorn stepped closer, looking at me intently.

"Um, pleased to meet you."

He stared deeply into my eyes.

Those pure, innocent eyes felt like they could see through every secret.

I met his gaze, and then he moved to Yuu and Ai.

After observing everyone, a light enveloped Lily and me.

"Wow, it's so warm!"