It Seems That the Demon King Is Among the Members of the Hero’s Party

51. The Promise of Deadly Love

“What a pain, things were finally getting fun…”

The smile from earlier was nowhere to be found, and instead, a sorrowful sigh escaped.

It wasn’t directed at me. If my thinking wasn’t mistaken, Cecil must have done something. As a result, Diabolos’s tension had plummeted.

“This is a nuisance.”

“Really, it’s true…”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Diabolos’s dissatisfied expression, pouting with a pointed mouth. It was a far cry from my first impression, but it seemed I didn’t dislike this demon after all.

However, using Lisette-san was unforgivable.

“But it was pretty enjoyable, and I’ll even give you a reward, sis.”

*Thud*, the way he threw a kiss was really irritating. If that was the reward, I’d start getting aggressive right now.

“Don’t make such a difficult face. I’ll give you a proper reward.

I’ll teach you about my abilities.”

“Did you change your mind or something?”

“I did change my mind. It was the best moment, after all!

So I’ll teach you about it!”

The sugary tone, complete with a heart mark at the end, was something my ears couldn’t tolerate. Just talk normally, please.

“We incubi can steal the magic of those we kill in our dreams.”

“Steal magic?”

“That’s right. We steal magic and make it our own.

When we tried to kill the reincarnator and steal their magic, something else came along with it.”

“That’s your ability?”

“Yeessss!!”

Did Mirabel’s ability, given to her along with magic, also become hers? What a troublesome ability she had.

If I had to say something about all incubi, it would be better to take them down before they become a nuisance. I should discuss this with my friends next time.

“What was it again? Was it ‘Nullify Resistance’?”

“It seems to nullify any resistance, making magic effective.”

“I see.”

This finally made sense. In other words, she had used the ‘Nullify Resistance’ ability stolen from the reincarnator to break through my ability to ‘nullify interference against me’.

What a simple contradiction. My shield had lost to Diabolos’s spear. That’s all. No, I hadn’t completely lost. She hadn’t been able to read my past life’s memories, after all.

Was it a draw in terms of abilities? No, I had been affected by her, so I lost.

Still, I felt relieved now that I understood the reason.

“What’s with that refreshed look on your face?

Is it wise guy time?”

“No, it’s just that my doubts have been cleared up.”

“What about the reason your past life’s memories couldn’t be read?

Tell me, then.”

Her voice was sugary sweet, and the wink that followed was annoying.

“Unfortunately, I have no intention of telling.”

“Aww, I told you, didn’t I? You’re so stingy, Kail.”

“You’re spouting nonsense. It was Diabolos who taught me, and I didn’t ask you to teach me. You’re the one who taught me on your own accord. Why do I have to say this much? I’m getting a bit annoyed.

“I’ll teach you next time.”

“Next time?”

“Let’s settle this once and for all next time. No outsiders, just a one-on-one duel between you and me.”

He seemed to not understand the meaning of my words, froze for a moment, and then broke into a bright smile. I don’t dislike his smile.

“This is the best, Kyle! It’s a promise! Next time we meet, we’ll have a real showdown! No interference, just a one-on-one duel!”

“I’ll find you and kill you, no matter what world it is, dream or reality.”

“That’s fine. Go ahead and try. If your heart weakens, I’ll lure you into a dream again. If you get too caught up in the dream, I’ll make you my plaything.”

“I won’t waver again.”

“That’s great! You’re the best! I’ve had my eye on the Brave Party for a while now, and I’m glad I chose you! I thought you were trash because your heart was weak, but you’re an amazing opponent!”

Did he just call me trash? I’ll smash him. But it’s true that my heart was weak and wavering. Thanks to the dream he showed me, I was able to regain my old self. I don’t intend to thank him, but because of him, I can move forward.

I don’t dislike fighting Diabolos. So I’ll settle the score with my own hands. Next time, let’s fight to the death.

“Brother!!”

Cecil’s voice echoed through the air again. The space began to distort.

“You’re so rude, interrupting our conversation like that.”

His voice was cold enough to send shivers down my spine. What happened to his cheerful voice from earlier? Besides, we’re not in a relationship. We’re just enemies.

“It seems the dream world is about to collapse. I suppose it’s time to say goodbye for now, Kyle.”

“You look quite sentimental. That’s not like you.”

“I am sentimental. I finally found someone I can have a real fight with, and now we have to part ways.

So find me quickly. If not, I’ll kill everyone else.”

This woman might actually do it. I need to find her before that happens.

I want to settle the score with her myself. It seems I enjoyed the straightforward fight more than I thought.

The space began to distort. Diabolos’ words were coming true, and the dream world was collapsing. Diabolos approached me with a smile. There’s no need to be on guard. I don’t think he’ll do anything. He doesn’t seem to want to settle the score.

“You’re going to die at my hands. I’ll give you the best fight ever! I’ll take your life and make it mine. I’ll eat your organs and body, and make them my own. So don’t die before I kill you.”

“I don’t plan on dying. I’m going to kill you.”

“That’s great! I’m getting wet just thinking about it!”

“That’s disgusting.”

“Don’t act like a succubus, be a lady.”

Diabolos, who had approached me, wrapped his arms around me and buried his face in my neck. Is he sniffing me? Can I hit him?

“Let’s meet again, Kyle. Next time, I’ll kill you.”

Diabolos forcibly kissed me, and at the same time, the sound of shattering glass echoed, and my vision turned pure white.

“Brother!!”

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was a golden-haired, blue-eyed elf. He looked worried, with tears welling up in his eyes. Had I woken up from the dream?

“Cecil?”

“Brother!!”

Cecil rushed over and tackled me, sending us both crashing to the floor. There was a loud noise. I must have been sitting in a chair. It seems I fell asleep while thinking, and got caught up in Diabolos’ ability.

That means I not only worried Cecil but also Durandal.

“I’m glad my brother is safe.

I thought he was just sleeping, but then he suddenly started bleeding, and I panicked and cast a spell… I thought my brother was going to die.”

His eyebrows were furrowed in concern. I must have worried him. Should I tell him about Diavolo? No, that would only worry him more. It’s not the right time to talk about it anyway.

I want to settle things with Diavolo on my own. I’ll have to talk to the party members about it eventually, but that can wait.

“I don’t understand, but did you get attacked or something? Thanks to Cecil, I was saved.”

“Yes! I’m glad my brother is safe!”

He hugged me tightly again. It hurt a bit. When I stroked his head, he let out a happy sigh. Cecil had returned to the room, so I thought I’d ask.

“Cecil, don’t you think it’s better if we have separate rooms?”

“Why are you suddenly saying that?”

Cecil looked up at me, and our eyes met. It’s okay, our eyes are fine. We can still do this. But Cecil’s eyebrows were furrowed in anger.

“Because Cecil is a girl, right?”

“I… I’m a boy.”

There was hesitation in Cecil’s voice. Is Sasha’s theory correct?

“No, you’re a girl. You’re a beautiful, lovely girl who suits a smile.”

“Brother…”

“So, please consider my feelings.”

“Consider your feelings?”

“Yeah. It’s hard to calm down when I’m living under the same roof as a beautiful girl like Cecil. I won’t be able to sleep every night. Please, for the sake of calming down and interacting with Cecil, help me out.”

Cecil’s face gradually turned red. Did my words slowly sink in? This reaction isn’t bad, I think. Cecil quickly distanced themselves from me, taking a position that didn’t step on my toes. They’re a kind kid.

“Got it. But our rooms are next to each other, okay!

Don’t forget that I’ve been assigned to monitor you by Sister!”

“I understand. I’ll tell the innkeeper about it.”

“No, I’ll go! Please just rest there, Brother!”

Cecil’s face was still red as they flew out of the room, firmly shutting the door behind them. They seem to have received a good education. I waited until they left the room before getting up.

“You really are going to get hurt, Master.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. If you say something like that to someone who has feelings for you, they’ll get the wrong idea.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I’ll figure something out when the time comes.”

As soon as Cecil left, Durandal started talking to me. They must have been waiting for the right timing.

I can understand why Durandal is worried. It’s nice that they have feelings for me, but I’m already engaged to Noel. I can’t reciprocate their feelings.

It’s a matter of how sincerely I can respond to them.

“Master, is something wrong?”

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just that… you seemed to have been attacked earlier.”

“Yeah, a lot happened, and I’m still shaken.”

I laughed as I said it. Durandal looked worried and called me Master before falling silent.

It’s all settled. The thing with Mirabel, and the thing with the Demon King.

It’s probably just like usual – Mirabel will appear in my dreams soon. I’ll figure it out then.

There are a lot of things I want to ask, but if I can judge it, that’s better. At worst, I’ll have to use the information Takashi left behind to decide whether to trust Mirabel or not.

Maybe I’ll lose what I believe in. That’s when it happens.

I decide what I believe in. Don’t waver anymore, I’ll believe in myself. I’ll believe in my comrades whom I trust.

Now, let’s start again.

───Rizette-san, please watch over me. I’m a foolish son who’s living on the verge of death.

I think we’ll definitely be in the same place someday. When that happens, I’ll go with a smile, just like Rizette-san.

───Memories of Rizette-san flash through my mind.

“‘Kail, you lack confidence. Believe in yourself a bit more.’

“‘How can I believe in myself? I’m just a weakling protected by my comrades.’

“‘I believe in you, so you’ll definitely become stronger than me. So, Kail, believe in yourself. I believe in the Kail I trust!’

“‘Believe in myself…’

“‘Yeah! If you can believe in yourself, you’ll finally be an adult, right? Do your best, Kail.’

“‘I’ll do it right away, Rizette-san.’

“‘I’m looking forward to it.'”

───I’ll believe in myself. Rizette-san believes in me.

I might get lost and worried from now on, but I won’t stop. I’ll keep moving forward, believing in myself.

I need to find the demon king among my comrades and search for Diavolo’s whereabouts. There’s a lot to do.

Now, let’s do our best without giving up.

“Ah, by the way, I forgot to tell you. Cecil-san said that Tra-san was caught. We need to go to the detention center.”

───Should I give up?