Demon Prince 57

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Chapter 57. The Guard

“This is really good.”

“Right? It’s the new specialty of Dailan City.”

Right now, I’m talking with my father, Aslad, while eating takoyaki.

The topic of discussion is my recent adventures.

“So, did you find out anything?”

“We didn’t figure out the whereabouts or identity of the guy researching magical beasts. All we confirmed is that he was indeed studying them, as you said. We don’t even know what kind of beasts he was trying to create. Any evidence or clues must have been destroyed. There’s just one thing: from the traces left behind, it seems there’s only one researcher. It’s not multiple culprits.”

“What about the bandits active on the eastern side of Dailan, west from the capital?”

“Not much there either. But it seems they’re operating not only in the west but also to the east of the capital—north and south, too. They’re all over the place, appearing out of nowhere. But it seems they don’t kill. Whether stealing or robbing, they try to take things with minimal harm. Maybe they think of themselves as noble thieves.”

“What about those assassins?”

“Same deal—nothing. All we know is that they’re probably followers of the Elminea faith. That country is the most suspicious, but we can’t just accuse them outright. Our relationship with them is already delicate. One wrong move and it could lead straight to war. We need to proceed carefully.”

The country Father Aslad refers to is the Holy Elminea Theocracy.

Religion really is troublesome.

“So basically, you didn’t find out much at all.”

“Don’t say that. They’re making sure not to leave evidence. They’re hiding to avoid being found. It’s not that easy.”

I suppose that’s true.

Still, I’d prefer to resolve these worries quickly.

“Now, onto the main topic.”

“Yes?”

“We’ve decided to form your personal guard.”

“My… guard?”

“Yeah. I already have my own guard. While it will be your personal guard, they’ll also protect Yuu and Ai. When you’re not around, or in emergencies, I may issue orders, but in principle, you’ll have command. It’s your unit.”

“Do I really need something like that right now?”

“You’re going to be this country’s Demon Lord someday. You should get used to leading and commanding troops now. There’s Sebast and Noella, but this is something different. Also, even though they’re called your guard, they don’t have to only protect you. If I see you using them incorrectly, I’ll step in—but I trust you won’t.”

“How is it different from the Royal Guard?”

“The Royal Guard primarily protects the nation’s key figures. Their duties do overlap with a personal guard, but the Royal Guard has a wider range of responsibilities. That said, it’s not that different. Don’t get hung up on distinctions—just use them.”

“Understood.”

In my previous life, I’d never have imagined being someone with a personal guard.

Honestly, I don’t love the idea of someone constantly being at my side.

“By the way, where will we recruit members from?”

“We’ll gather volunteers from the Royal Guard, knight orders, and the military—selecting only the best and most trustworthy. Also, you know that the martial tournament, held once every ten years, begins its qualifiers next spring, right?”

“Yes.”

The martial tournament.

Held once a decade in the Elmbarn Demon Kingdom, it’s a festival of combat.

There are two categories: one for martial arts and one for magic.

Qualifiers are held nationwide, and the finals take place in the capital arena.

“We’ll scout promising participants from that tournament. You can choose as well—it’s your guard, after all. But don’t pick anyone from another country. Also, don’t approach them right away. We’ll investigate their background first.”

“You’re being cautious about assassins or spies?”

“Of course. That’s only natural.”

“Understood.”

“We’ll start with a unit of about a hundred. Ordering you to command thousands right away would be impossible. In the future, you can delegate to captains, but try to handle things yourself for now. Oh, and will you be participating in the tournament?”

“No, I think I’ll sit it out.”

“Really? I think you’d do pretty well. Well, I suppose that’ll mean less work for me. Make sure to watch the qualifiers, though. You might spot a beautiful woman you like.”

“Haha, even if I did, I can’t exactly pick someone just because they’re beautiful.”

“You can if you want. Oh, and don’t let it slip that we’re scouting for your guard at the tournament. That’s all.”

“Yes, understood.”

I left Father Aslad’s room and headed for my own.

A personal guard, huh?

It’s kind of like being an idol.

When I told Yuu, Ai, Noella, and the others about it, they said—

“A personal guard? Sounds like being an idol, doesn’t it, onii-chan?”

“Yeah, I thought so too.”

“An idol? What’s that?”

“Oh, um, it’s… someone people worship or adore, I guess?”

“Then Jun-sama truly is an idol.”

“Haha… is that so?”

That was careless of me.

I guess “idol” doesn’t exist as a word here.

Time to change the subject.

“So, uh, Lily, are you entering the martial tournament?”

“Me? No way. Archery is at a disadvantage.”

“True enough.”

Fighting in a confined space with no obstacles isn’t ideal for archers.

“I might enter! My skills are itching for a fight!”

“Unfortunately, the minimum age is twelve.”

“What?! That’s so unfair!”

“Besides, Ai, it’d be hard on your opponents if they fought you.”

She looks like a ten-year-old beauty.

Plus, she’s the daughter of the Darmdatt Demon King.

I doubt anyone could give it their all if they worried about injuring her.

“Then what if I wear a mask? I could be the mysterious masked girl fighter!”

“If you wear a mask, they wouldn’t know you’re beautiful anyway. Give it up.”

“Boo…”

Even in her past life as a martial artist, Ai always got excited about fights, but she’ll have to let this one go.

“Aren’t you entering, onii-chan?”

“Nope. It’d be awkward for me, just like with Ai.”

“Huh. I bet you’d win if you did.”

That’s overestimating me.

“Are you going to scout for beautiful women?”

“Beauty isn’t a requirement.”

“But wouldn’t it be better if they were pretty?”

“There are already plenty of beautiful people around me.”

“Oh, really? Hehe, then I guess that’s fine.”

“Yes, I suppose we are surrounded by beauties. Hehe.”

Yuu, Ai, Noella, and Lily all looked happy.

Well, they are beauties, after all.

“Hehe.”

But Sebast, you don’t quite count, do you?

I mean, you’re handsome, but still.

“Wuff-wuff~”

Hati doesn’t quite fit, either.

But if she could transform into human form like the others, I’m sure she’d be a beauty too.

She probably would be, judging by the rest of the family.

Oh well.

I’ll take it easy until the new year.

That’s right—soon, it’ll be the start of a new year.