NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19 - Episode 19: Entering the Fourth Year. Arjena's Feelings
Episode 19: Entering the Fourth Year. Arjena’s Feelings
~~Arjena’s Perspective~~
It’s been four years already since I came to the Demon Duke’s castle.
I was scouted as a guide for the subordinate monsters, but I’ve completely become one of the Demon Duke’s companions.
Although the Demon Duke was originally an enemy of humans, there’s not a hint of that with Zaus.
Zaus Town, ruled by him, is like a paradise. Not only is the orphanage well-equipped, but the hospital, market, and various shops are all remarkably developed.
And it’s all because his policies are so compassionate from the residents’ perspective. His thoughtful thinking would outmatch any royalty or nobility.
He’s truly an amazing figure.
Zaus Town has also accepted many immigrants from surrounding countries. Therefore, unlike the previous Demon Duke Gozack, who engaged in slave hunting, the population is increasing year by year without such atrocities.
Moreover, as the residents marry and have children, the population keeps growing steadily.
The Demon Duke’s castle shows similar development.
Trade in vegetables and weapons, among other things, is generating considerable profits. Also, the income from exploration done by the subordinate monsters through the Demon Duke’s guild is nothing to scoff at.
With the income, renovations and expansions are repeated, so the size of the castle has expanded to more than three times what it was when I arrived.
From Zaus Town, there’s no shortage of applicants to become maids in the castle.
Because there are so many, Meel conducts rigorous interviews and only hires young and cute girls.
Apparently, that’s what Zaus likes.
And Meel explains the duties of the new employees, the “sleeping companions.”
The sleeping companion system is where the master, Zaus, invites his favorite girls to the bedroom to spend the night together.
Those interested write their names in a notebook. And now, we’re onto the third notebook.
Of course, I haven’t written in it.
But…
Is he really using the sleeping companion system?
I-I’m not particularly interested, you know.
He’s the Demon Duke. He’ll probably have second wives too.
That’s right.
This is only natural.
So, I’m not interested.
It’s just small talk, you know.
“Hey, Meel. You’ve become quite close with me, haven’t you?”
“Yes. I’m glad to have made friends too.”
“Um, I’m 19, so you’re…”
“I’m 21.”
“Oh, is that so… You’re getting to an age where you start thinking about marriage, aren’t you?”
“That’s impossible, isn’t it?”
“Do you have someone you like?”
“…”
She fell silent. She blushes deeply when I ask this.
“Um, it’s not like I’m interested or anything. I’m just asking out of curiosity. So, about that notebook, is it being used?”
“…Are you curious about that?”
“N-No, not really…”
“…”
There was silence for a while. Meel raised her eyebrows, exhaling through her nose.
“We’re not using it.”
“I-I see. Haha.”
I’m so relieveddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!!
I feel so relieveddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!!
“Oh? You seem genuinely relieved.”
“I-It’s n-nothing! I don’t care either way!”
“I see. Well, that’s good… But, it seems we won’t be using the notebook until next year.”
N-Next year…?
Come to think of it, my contract was for five years. Next year would be that year.
Zaus said he was preparing for a strong enemy, but…
“Hey, what exactly is happening next year?”
“…It’s almost time to reveal the details. Besides, I’ve been instructed by Zaus-sama to explain it to you.”
I’m feeling nervous for some reason.
The presence of the enemy that the Demon Duke will fight against.
“Next year, a hero will come to this castle.”
Ah, just as I thought.
I had a feeling, you know.
Since the Demon Duke is an enemy of humans. Naturally, his opponent would be a hero…
“The hero is targeting Zaus-sama’s life.”
Of course.
The hero is a friend of humans. The Demon Duke is an enemy of humans…
But still.
“Isn’t Zaus on the side of humans? Zaus Town is peaceful.”
“I think so too.”
“Then why not propose peace negotiations to the capital city, Rontomelda?”
“I also advised Zaus-sama on that matter. However, the situation is not favorable.”
“Ah, so the Demon Duke has pride too… It’s indeed difficult to get along with humans, after all.”
“No, Zaus-sama is a pacifist. In fact, he said, ‘Battle leads to injuries and reduces labor force, thus it’s inefficient.’ He agreed with my proposal as well.”
“Then why not just sign a peace treaty? If demons and humans get along, the hero wouldn’t come to kill, right?”
“The capital demanded the liberation of slaves.”
“Oh, I see. The residents of Zaus Town are the people the former Demon Duke, Gozack, gathered through slave hunting. So, did you respond to that negotiation?”
“Yes, Zaus-sama consulted with the elders of Zaus Town.”
“Then it’s resolved.”
“But…”
Her expression darkened.
“It didn’t go well? The residents agreed, right? It’s like emancipation for them.”
“The elder refused to return to the Rontomelda domain.”
“Huh?”
“It seems to be the consensus of the residents. They all love Zaus Town so much that they don’t want to leave.”
“Haha. What an unexpected turn of events.”
But, well, that makes sense.
Even if they return to the Rontomelda domain, the tax collection would be strict, the living conditions would be unsanitary, and children’s education would be lacking. Clearly, the homeland is worse. It’s only natural that no one wants to go back.
Even if the ruler is a demon, if it means improving their lives, it’s better to stay there.
“Because of that, relations with the capital have soured.”
I see…
So, in the end, it’s going as planned.
Next year, a hero will come to defeat Zaus.
“Is Arjena-san on the hero’s side?”
“Of course not. I’m on the side of those in need. In this case, it’s the residents of Zaus Town, right? There’s even an orphanage there. It’s clear that if they fall under the control of Rontomelda, the facilities will be reduced, and the environment will deteriorate.”
I can’t imagine the capital allocating funds to orphans.
“Then, will you fight with us?”
“Of course. I’ll fight to protect everyone’s peace!”
“Ahaha! Thank you so much!”
She took both of my hands.
She’s older than me, but she shows a pure and cute smile like a little girl.
“Well then, here you go!”
She took out the notebook of sleeping companion requests.
“Huh?”
“Hehehe. Please make an entry.”
“I-I told you I’m not writing!”
“This is not good… ” she said, taking out an old notebook.
“This is the first one. On the first page, I attached a sticky note to my next line.”
“W-What’s that for?”
“So, if you write your name here, you’ll immediately be the second entry.”
“I-I said I’m not writing!”
“Oh? Is that okay? You’re the only one who’s refusing.”
“Stop with the suspicious solicitation! I’m not writing!”
“…If you can avoid the hero’s subjugation, this notebook will be put to use. The deadline is one year from now.”
*Gulp*…
“Ah, you just swallowed your saliva, didn’t you?”
“W-What are you talking about!”
“What will you do? It’s your chance.”
“W-What’s that supposed to mean?! I absolutely won’t write!”
I-I’m not going to write! Writing in there is like confessing ‘I like you’! I don’t particularly like Zaus! We’re just good friends!! I absolutely won’t write!