novel"You stupid Demon King!" "You foolish Hero!"
| ← Ch.07 | Ch.09 → |
—— Continental Boulevard, Checkpoint
Conscript: "Yeah, that's right. I was also at the Battle of the Southern Frozen Sea."
Young Mercenary: "Me too, if we go to the Southern Frozen Sea again we should go together."
Freelance Knight: "I too was present. Indeed we should."
Checkpoint Guard: "Lots of people here, just today 15 people have passed through."
Checkpoint Guard: "Yeah, a lot more than usual."
Conscript: "I've heard that this time's expedition is being headed by the young hero, the Lone Winter King."
Young Mercenary: "That's right, as the descendant of the Spear King, the young King of the Kingdom of Winter surely has the ferocity of his bloodline."
Freelance Knight: "On top of that, the Commander-in-Chief is none other than the young, beautiful and legendary Female Paladin, isn't it?"
Young Mercenary: "Ohh! The one they call the Right Wing of the Hero!"
Conscript: "I've heard that too!"
Freelance Knight: "There's also the one they call the Black Sharpshooter, the Left Wing of the Hero, an archer who is capable of taking down four of the Demon King's best generals on his own at a single go. Truly another legendary hero in his own right!"
Conscript: "Actually, my family will be coming as well."
Young Mercenary: "Is that so? What a coincidence, mine too."
Freelance Knight: "What's wrong with you guys? Are you trying to raise a family on the battle field?"
Conscript: "No, of course not."
Young Mercenary: "Actually, I've been hearing that the Kingdom of Winter has become prosperous as of late, and its mercantile industry is really taking off too."
Freelance Knight: "Is there such a rumour?"
Conscript: "Yeah. It seems they've removed Feudal Taxes, Corvee Labour or Goods Taxes and only take taxes in coin."
Young Mercenary: "I've heard that too. If it's alright to pay taxes in coin, then we can just use our salary as mercenaries, can't we? Our families will finally be free from serfdom. If we move to the Kingdom of Winter we might even be able to acquire a field for ourselves."
Freelance Knight: "Is it really all that good?"
Conscript: "It might not be that easy from the start. They might not allow random soldiers like us to stay there if we don't die in the war first."
Freelance Knight: "Well, there's that."
Young Mercenary: "I've got a Letter of Recommendation from a Templar at the Holy Order of the Lake."
Conscript: "Letter of Recommendation?"
Young Mercenary: "Yeah, with this, they'll give me some seed potato crops to grow."
Conscript: "Seed potato? What's that?"
Freelance Knight: "I do not know myself."
Young Mercenary: "Seems like it's something like wheat seeds."
Conscript: "Hmm, it's great that they give that to you, so we can have some along the way."
Young Mercenary: "No, using those we can grow a lot more potatoes. After a time, our families will even be able to have our own fields filled with potatoes."
Freelance Knight: "I can understand that emotion."
Conscript: "Hey, can I get one of those Letters of Recommendation as well?"
Young Mercenary: "Yeah, the Templar who gave it to me said he was looking for people to go there. When our families come, we can go and look for him together."
—— Village of Wintering, the Holy Order, Nighttime
Bang! Crash! Bang!
The Female Paladin: "Alright! That's it! This luggage! Hey! Ho! Why is it so splendidly packed! Ugh!"
Bangs the Door
The Female Paladin: "Please open the door, I'm sorry but my hands were not free."
The Demon King: "I'm sorry to make you do this in the middle of the night. Is it alright?"
The Female Paladin: "Ah? Yeah, sorry. You may be a Scholar, but I'm just a normal Templar."
The Demon King: "Oh no, I really rely on you for this."
The Female Paladin: "Is that so."
The Demon King: "..." Looks around restlessly
The Female Paladin: "What a splendid situation, isn't it?"
The Demon King: "You've already packed."
The Female Paladin: "I was never very feminine to begin with. I always try to pack very simply for anything."
The Demon King: "I see... Are you alright?"
The Female Paladin: "Ahh, sorry, it's really messy, please take a seat over on the bed."
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "... Ugh!"
Shifts piles of stuff off bed
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "Are you alright?"
The Demon King: "Yeah, it's just so rushed."
The Female Paladin: "My departure?"
The Demon King: "Yeah."
The Female Paladin: "Well, I have my orders. I will try to return as soon as I can, so please do not worry. The Holy Order will still be able to function even without me. From the beginning, I haven't really been around, and it's been working pretty well. I actually barely do anything around here."
The Demon King: "That's not true."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "It's not true!"
The Female Paladin: "What's wrong, you sound so bitter."
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "Don't worry about me. I may not be as resilient as the Hero, but I'm very trained at fighting Demons. Ahahahaha. If the ship sinks then I'll just swim back. Yep."
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "What's wrong?"
The Demon King: "Umm... Thank you for putting up with my stubbornness."
The Female Paladin: "Is this about the potatoes? Or the Four Field rotation? I said this at the start, but all of these are in line with the Holy Order's ideology and that's why we cooperate... That's why you don't need to hold back. On behalf of the Holy Order, I offer you my most sincere thanks."
The Demon King: "Oh no, not that, I'm talking about the lessons at the Academy."
The Female Paladin: "Ahh, the swordsmanship and military strategy lessons."
The Demon King: "Yeah."
The Female Paladin: "That was some good exercise, and very stress relieving. Moreover, if I didn't burn them properly, I would be putting on so much fat. I'd become pudgy—"
The Demon King: "Ugh..."
The Female Paladin: "I keep saying this, but I've got no boobs. It's boring. And that Chief Maid likes to keep reminding me about it."
The Demon King: "Sorry."
The Female Paladin: "Just a joke. Moreover... Teaching those three was very interesting. I came to see many things I had never even thought about, things I never knew I never knew."
The Demon King: "... Madam Female Paladin."
The Female Paladin: "Hmm?"
The Demon King: "I've... Always, been in the house, since I was a little kid... It wasn't a small house, but I've always been... Brought up alone."
The Female Paladin: "That's to be expected from nobility."
The Demon King: "Mm, that may be..."
The Female Paladin: "So?"
The Demon King: "That's why, I've never been close to anyone of the same gender before. Except the Chief Maid."
The Female Paladin: "Hmm."
The Demon King: "Umm, to me you could say"
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "That you're the closest existence that I have to a friend, I guess I made this conjecture a few days ago."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "Of course, however you feel about this is completely unrelated to my conjecture. I know this is really nothing more than an idea which I reached without informing you beforehand or a fuzzy, unclear subjectivity."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "As the Female Paladin, you will be deployed as the Commander on the battlefield. This situation is definitely not unrelated to me, it is not hard to imagine that my ideology will have a Butterfly Effect on the situation. But, despite this, I..."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "I'm still hesitating, and there's a lot of things which I'm not capable of doing. I'm so foolish and weak. It even feels like I get more foolish every day. —For example, there's this thing about Saltpetre and Black Powder.
With these, one can start a war with a massive advantage. With one shot, tens of people could be killed. Significant work by Metallurgists and an unbelievable amount of research is necessary to create it. But despite this, it can't be used so indiscriminately. If it is used, the battle may probably be won. But, if it is used, we can't go back. If you think about it, it's hilarious. It makes my hands shake."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "That day, I made a promise. I will take the hand of the Hero... No matter what it takes. In order to fulfil my wish, I would be willing to sacrifice this body, this life, I wouldn't even mind if I decomposed. Since I was young, I have been willing to sacrifice anything at all in order to see things other than what I learn from the seas of books and reports... Even so, I'm not sure why, but I slowly became weaker. As I transmit this technology, I want to see what the world will be like eventually, but... I don't have the courage to... Go to the battlefield together. I think it's a horrible behaviour. I think it's a horrible betrayal. I have no contract with you, only a technological contract with the Holy Order. That's why, this guilty emotion I feel towards you has no basis at all. Even so, it hurts in my heart."
The Female Paladin: "So, what you're saying is."
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Explanation
Butterfly Effect: This refers to the theory that the wind generated from the wingbeat of a single butterfly may have a domino effect that can even cause a tornado to occur a great distance away.
Saltpetre: A natural nitrate formed around Potassium and Nitric Acid. It is a key component for the production of Gunpowder. With the application of high heat, oxygen is produced and hence it is often used as an oxidizing agent. While it can be mined, it can also be extracted from the fermentation of the urine and faeces of livestock.
Black Powder: Gunpowder produced from a mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal, which produces a fine, black powder. To make it chemically stable, one need only make it wet, and hence it is also easy to make it explosive. It has been used for gunpowder in cannons since the 14th century.
Metallurgy: This refers to the extraction of metals and minerals from raw ores. This also refers to appropriately mixing metals together to form useful alloys. An expert metallurgist is capable of creating stronger weapons and more durable armours which weigh the same as regular ones.
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The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "This Black Powder thing is just like a special, area of effect destruction spell??"
The Demon King: "Yeah."
The Female Paladin: "From what you've just said, it's a really powerful, extremely convenient weapon that even a beginner would be able to use with ease, is that correct?"
The Demon King: "That's right."
The Female Paladin: "I still won't lose without this thing."
The Demon King: "That's not it. I've..."
The Female Paladin: "...?"
The Demon King: "I've been lying to you."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "I've been lying to everybody."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "That's why I've come here tonight. This is something I've been aiming for as well. It's one of the things which I haven't seen, Beyond the Hill. Female Paladin. I... I am the Demon King."
The Female Paladin: "..."
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "You know I am the Grandmaster of the Holy Order of the Lake, don't you?"
The Demon King: "Yes."
The Female Paladin: "You know I work for the Spirit of Light?"
The Demon King: "Of course I do."
The Female Paladin: "In that case, I, the Female Paladin, as the Grandmaster of the Holy Order of the Lake do accept your confession in the name of the Holy Spirit of Light."
The Demon King: "?"
The Female Paladin: "You lied to your friends. And you have confessed so to your friends and to the Spirit. Your sins have been washed clean. There are no more problems."
The Demon King: "Even though I'm the Demon King...?"
The Female Paladin: "The contents of your repentance was for your lying, wasn't it? Is there anything else? Do you consider being the Demon King a sin as well?"
The Demon King shuffles awkwardly
The Female Paladin: "Do you regret taking the Hero to your side?"
The Demon King shuffles awkwardly
The Female Paladin: "Then, let's just leave it at this. The Holy Order of the Lake isn't very good at all these formalities and rituals."
The Demon King: "But!"
The Female Paladin: "It's fine."
The Demon King: "But, you."
(Ahh—Sorry, Female Paladin, I need to go back to the Demon World for a bit. )
(That's why, I'm sorry, but could you be their Swordsmanship teacher in my place? They're brats, so it's a bit annoying, but you could just make them run everyday. It's always important to be able to escape. )
(That's why)
(Ahh—It's hard to say. Here. This. Look at this. )
(Yeah, that's right. She's the Demon King. Oww!? R, r, really. Stop!! Stop slashing me!)
The Female Paladin: "There's no problem at all."
(Here, I'm counting on you. Really. Sit down. She's the Demon King, but... She's not a bad person. She's extremely intelligent, though she does lack common sense. She has strong values and she's not the kind of person to break a promise. )
The Female Paladin: "No problem at all....None. — Oi, Demon King!"
The Demon King: "Oh, Madam Female Paladin..."
The Female Paladin: "Stop with the 'Madam', please."
The Demon King: "...That's"
The Female Paladin: "Of course, the Hero is under a contract with you. There is probably a special bond between the Hero and you. That's... It's regrettable but there's nothing for it."
The Demon King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "But, there's not just one bond. I believe in the Hero. That is my treasure... I will not betray the Hero for anything."
The Demon King: "Madam Female Paladin..."
The Female Paladin: "That's why, don't worry. I will not lose even one limb in this battle. I have no intention of falling just yet."
—— The Kingdom of Winter, Materials Stockpile by the Coast
Settler: "Hoi! Hoi!"
Settler: "Hoh— Hoh—"
Settler: "Raise! Raise!"
Lone Winter King: "How is it?"
Official: "Yes! Lone Winter King! I did not receive any report of your coming."
Lone Winter King: "I trust you have had enough hands to pass the year."
Official: "The work has been smooth."
Settler: "Hoi! Hoi!"
Lone Winter King: "Nice! They're in good spirits!"
Settler: "Hey! Your Majesty!"
Settler: "Your Majesty!"
Settler: "Lone Winter King!"
Lone Winter King: "I apologise, but please continue to work hard! When you reset for the night, there will be hot wine sent to your lodgings!"
Settler: "Leave it to us, your Majesty!"
Settler: "Hoi! Hoi! Chop this wood for his Majesty!"
Lone Winter King: "That's a great expression they've got there."
Official: "It is because of the return of the King."
Lone Winter King: "I haven't really done anything. Ohh, that looks great."
Fisherman: "Hey, your Majesty. You're back!"
Lone Winter King: "How is it going?"
Fisherman: "Almost there. It's important this year as well."
Lone Winter King: "How long has it been, then?"
Fisherman: "Since New Year's, it's been two weeks."
Lone Winter King: "Hmm."
Official: "Would you like to examine the field camp?"
Lone Winter King: "Is it enough?"
Official: "The Volunteers... They've come from the Central Continent, and there are a lot more than we had expected. At this rate, even with double the field camp size, it still would not be enough."
Lone Winter King: "Hmm, I will be going there. If you need settlers, then I will send some. They will need more coats and gloves. —If their hands freeze they won't be able to do any work."
Young Merchant: "Leave this logistics issue to me, then."
Lone Winter King: "I'll leave it to you then, Merchant."
Young Merchant: "Buying things is my job, after all."
—— Second Invasion of the Isle of Light, Emergency Headquarters
Butler: "Hahaha. It has been a while. Female Paladin, you seem as sullen as ever."
The Female Paladin: "You haven't changed either, Grandpa."
Butler: "Hohoho. The size of your breasts hasn't changed either."
The Female Paladin: "I'll cut you!"
Butler: "Nyohohoho. Nyohohoho."
The Female Paladin: "That demonic speed! I've had enough!"
Butler: "Nyohohoho. This is the special Archer technique for secret movement within forests known as the Art of Stealth, nyohohoho."
The Female Paladin: "Heh! That's why I've always been bad at dealing with you, Grandpa! Stay still! I'm going to shave your beard smooth!"
Butler: "Oh, isn't it already really smooth!?"
The Female Paladin: "—!"
Butler: "Nyohohoho! You're going to need more than that."
The Female Paladin: "Heh! You're only good at making shadow clones!"
Butler: "I can still make some more!"
Lone Winter King: "Ah—What's this. Your relation is really bad, then?"
The Female Paladin: "The Lone Winter King!"
Butler: "Young man, it's not good to peep."
Lone Winter King: "..."
Butler: "Madam Female Paladin, this is His Majesty the Lone Winter King of the Kingdom of Winter."
Lone Winter King: "..."
The Female Paladin: "... What's with the sudden change of attitude?"
Butler: "What are you talking about?"
Lone Winter King: "This is what Grandpa is like isn't he?"
The Female Paladin: "From the start, till the end."
Butler: "Wh, what are you talking about!?"
Lone Winter King: "I apologise for the trouble the stupid Grandpa of my Kingdom has caused you."
The Female Paladin: "No, there is nothing for it. Please do discipline him in future."
Butler: "Young man!"
Lone Winter King: "Thank you for your prompt reply to my unreasonable request for your presence, Madam Female Paladin." Bows
The Female Paladin: "Please raise your head, you do not represent just one country."
Lone Winter King: "No, we would all like to borrow your skills for the upcoming battle. This is why we have called Grandpa and other skilled individuals."
The Female Paladin: "Is that so?"
Butler: "Perhaps you should have deferred calling her until her breasts had time to grow."
The Female Paladin: "I'll cut you."
Butler: "Nyoho... Ahem, ahem."
Lone Winter King: "Let us make haste, this way please."
The Female Paladin: "Huh. You're going to have to help me with this."
Lone Winter King: "This is a map of the surrounding area."
The Female Paladin: "That's for sure."
Butler: "We've made this map specially for the purpose of directing the battle."
Lone Winter King: "That's right."
The Female Paladin: "It smells like old people."
Butler: "What!?"
Lone Winter King: "Then, let us brief you on the general order of the battle."
The Female Paladin: "Indeed, let us. I will represent my two other friends and communicate to them what I learn here."
—— The Village of Wintering, After a Heavy Snowfall
Small Villager: "Hoi! Hoi!"
Middle Aged Villager: "It sure is cold."
Tinker: "It really is."
Small Villager: "The snow this year is really thick."
Middle Aged Villager: "I feel like I've gotten fat. This year has been bright so maybe that's why it got cold so fast."
Tinker: "Are the preparations for hibernation done?"
Small Villager: "Yeah, we've been working hard this year."
Middle Aged Villager: "I've even increased the amount of bacon made this year by quite a few times. That being said, the production of pork has increased by three times since the previous year."
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Explanation
Smelling Like Old People: As people age, they produce an oil that creates a distinctive smell. The oil's main component is nonenal. Smokers produce an even stronger odour.
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Tinker: "Yeah, the tulips have been working, haven't they?"
Small Villager: "Yep. I've caught some boars this year as well."
Middle Aged Villager: "How long has it been since we've had such a bountiful winter?"
Tinker: "Yeah. I've also finished fixing all the farming tools that are needed for this winter."
Small Villager: "The piglet house needs some adjustments as well."
Middle Aged Villager: "In the snow? That's not going to be easy!"
Tinker: "That being said, it's been a year since the Scholar arrived."
Small Villager: "Yeah, it has."
Middle Aged Villager: "We really owe her a lot."
Tinker: "Yeah, that's right. Since the Holy Order arrived, the number of customers has really increased."
Small Villager: "If I think about it, the number of villagers has really increased as well."
Middle Aged Villager: "It has. This year's Festival is going to be really exciting!"
Tinker: "The New Year's Festival?"
Small Villager: "The New Year's Festival!"
Middle Aged Villager: "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it so much!"
Tinker: "It's the best day in the whole year."
Small Villager: "Even though there're lots of people who are heading to the war."
Middle Aged Villager: "Yeah, there are. There's a lot of New Year Festival present deliveries for people who are headed to the war at the Holy Order."
Tinker: "I see. It would be useful if they sent some tankards."
Small Villager: "I would really welcome some of the Tinker's tankards!"
Middle Aged Villager: "Heh, I'll send you some bacon in return. We've got lots this year."
Small Villager: "Them I'll send you something as well."
—— The Village of Wintering, the Mansion of the Demon King, the Eve of the New Year's Festival
Little Maid Sister: "～? Lalala ～?"
The Chief Maid: "How are the preparations for the food?"
Little Maid Sister: "All done～?"
The Chief Maid: "Don't sing the ends of your words please."
Little Maid Sister: "Okayyyy"
The Chief Maid: "Damnit... You're really looking forward to this, aren't you?"
Little Maid Sister: "Of course!"
The Chief Maid: "I don't get it."
Little Maid Sister: "That's because you guys just moved here. The New Year's Festival is the biggest event of the year in this country."
The Chief Maid: "Hmm."
Elder Maid Sister: "Is that so?"
The Chief Maid: "Ahh, have you finished ordering the books?"
Elder Maid Sister: "Yes. I haven't missed a line in the accounts book or the disbursements. The packages have all been tagged, so tomorrow we should get some manpower to move them into the Holy Order's warehouses."
The Chief Maid: "Thank you. Then..."
Elder Maid Sister: "Yes?"
The Chief Maid: "Is it really going to be such an exciting festival?"
Elder Maid Sister: "It's definitely exciting, but... The winter is this area is harsh, for four months a year it's practically impossible to leave the house. In that long winter, all one can do is take care of the livestock. Of course, craftswork and repairs and other things that would be wasteful to do in the Summer can be done as well. In the long winter, adults do this fine craftswork in order to relieve boredom. Children learn new words and also how to take care of the sheep. Girls who have come of age practice how to weave carpets. All of these are parts of the lives of the settlers, but..."
The Chief Maid: "..."
Elder Maid Sister: "It's usually harsher on the serfs, but the winter is when we get some equality. When you can't go out in the winter, you just sit by the fire, right? The thing we look forward the most to in the long winter is..."
Little Maid Sister: "The New Year's Festival?"
Elder Maid Sister: "The New Year's Festival is a four day period to welcome the New Year. We prepare a large feast and exchange presents. It's difficult for serfs to be offered presents, but we work as hard as we can to make the feast. It's only in this period that the landlords do not find it a waste of resources to offer delicacies like bacon and ale to the serfs. Everyone sings songs and if things go well, travelling bards may come to share a few tales with us. The New Year's Festival is the thing we look forward to the most as people who live in a country with a dreary and long winter."
Little Maid Sister: "Ms Spectacles, Ms Spectacles!"
Elder Maid Sister: "Call her Chief Maid."
The Chief Maid: "I don't really mind"
Little Maid Sister: "Unless you call her Auntie..."
The Chief Maid: "Do you want to be hanged?" Clenches fist
Little Maid Sister: "...Umm. Ms Spectacles. Would you like to go dancing?"
The Chief Maid: "Umm, I don't mind. If it's just that sort of thing, then I'm up for it."
Door opens
The Demon King: "Hmm, that's true. You should really go."
The Chief Maid: "Ah, Mistress. Do you intend to go as well?"
The Demon King: "Ahh, to think such a wonderful festival exists ..."
The Chief Maid: "What's going on?"
The Demon King: "No, I've just received the Village Chief and the Templar. They gave a really half-hearted reply."
Little Maid Sister: "Eh, that's not good."
Elder Maid Sister: "Hey."
The Demon King: "Quite right. It's not a good thing. I ought to reflect on this."
Little Maid Sister: "Will you be coming along with us, Mistress? Umm, there'll be lots of guys there too. You've got great breasts so I'm going to invite you."
Elder Maid Sister: "H, h, hey. What are you saying?"
The Demon King: "Nope. That's a great invitation, but I'm afraid I will have to decline."
Little Maid Sister: "Ehh."
The Demon King: "Chief Maid."
The Chief Maid: "Yes?"
The Demon King: "Shall we go and send a cask of Apple Wine to the home of the Village Chief? Oh, you know, the one that Merchant sent us as a sample."
The Chief Maid: "Is that alright?"
The Demon King: "Why ever not? It's not even something we drink anyway."
Little Maid Sister: "I will get a carriage ready!"
Elder Maid Sister: "That's right, it's impossible for us to transport a whole cask on our own. We'll get a driver."
The Chief Maid: "Bribes are useless, Merchant. Well, maybe not to other merchants."
The Demon King: "?"
Both Sisters jump around happily
The Chief Maid: "What's going on?"
Little Maid Sister: "Tada! Surprise!"
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Explanation
Ale: A type of beer. As beer goes through the fermentation process or zymosis, the upper layer of the mixture is known as ale and the bottom layer is known as lager. The most commonly consumed one in Japan is lager beer. Ale has a more corked and fruity taste and is distinct from lager.
Apple Wine: Wine produced from the fermentation of apples. As it tastes sweet, it is very easy to drink. In Buddhist terminology, it is known as Sidra, and in English it is known as cider. It was popularised during the Prohibition Era in America when it could be easily produced from non-alcoholic apple cider.
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Elder Maid Sister: "Umm."
The Chief Maid: "?"
Little Maid Sister: "New Year's Presents!"
Elder Maid Sister: "We were unable to come up with any big presents, but ..."
Little Maid Sister: "This is for the mistress!"
The Demon King: "This is ...?"
Little Maid Sister: "A doll in the shape of the Hero!"
Elder Maid Sister: "I'm embarrassed."
The Demon King: "Ahahahaha. How splendid! It's for me? It's very tanned, what a splitting image."
Little Maid Sister: "It's a present!"
Elder Maid Sister: "My present to you is some Lily of the Valley Perfume. We gathered them in the Autumn. I learnt how to do it from the Holy Order..."
The Demon King: "Ahh, I love it. Thank you."
The Chief Maid: "Well, well."
Little Maid Sister: "And this is for Ms Spectacles! I made it myself!"
The Chief Maid: "Eh? There's something for me too?"
Elder Maid Sister: "Yep. It's a new apron."
The Chief Maid: "That's..."
Little Maid Sister: "The embroidery is Lily of the Valley, my sister made it!"
The Chief Maid: "Lily of the Valley, eh. To match with me?"
Elder Maid Sister: "Yes."
The Chief Maid: "But, still."
Elder Maid Sister: "Ah, as I thought. My embroidery isn't up to scratch is it?"
The Chief Maid: "It's very good! But..."
The Demon King: "We didn't prepare any presents for you guys. I'm sorry, but we don't know anything about this Festival business."
Little Maid Sister: "That's alright～?"
Elder Maid Sister: "Yeah, don't worry about it."
The Chief Maid: "..."
The Demon King: "But"
Elder Maid Sister: "Letting us work in such a wonderful mansion is like receiving a present every single day."
Little Maid Sister: "We are very lucky."
The Demon King: "You guys..."
Little Maid Sister: "Moreover, this year."
Elder Maid Sister: "Hey."
Little Maid Sister: "Ehehe."
Elder Maid Sister: "This girl is so preoccupied about the feast later. If she gets any happier, she's going to turn into a piglet."
Little Maid Sister: "It's the New Year's Festival after all!"
Elder Maid Sister: "Anyway, these presents are the least we could do for you. Thank you very much. And congratulations!"
The Demon King: "Congratulations?"
Little Maid Sister: "For the New Year! And new beginnings!"
Elder Maid Sister: "Yes. Happy New Year, Mistress, Chief Maid."
—— The Village of Wintering, Mansion on the Outskirts of the Village... The Night of the New Year's Festival
(I want the Hero to use my thigh as a pillow!)
(Alright then)
-Hero
(The Hero's head sure is fluffy)
(Your smell great too, don't you?)
-Hero
(Really? Am I not fat?)
(It's nice to sleep on)
～? ～?
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Explanation
Perfume: In the past, perfume was primarily used for religious purposes or as medication. In order to get the scents, the materials are steamed and the steam is collected before being cooled into liquids. From this, oils are extracted to form aroma oils which are mixed with alcohol to create perfumes.
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The Demon King: "..."
The Demon King: "...Somehow, it seems I fell asleep while singing."
The Demon King: "What time is it? It seems the sun is already up... There isn't... Anyone around... They said they were going to the Village Chief's house."
The Demon King: "...My back hurts. Can't believe I fell asleep in such a place."
～?～?
The Demon King: "...Hero"
The Demon King: "..."
The Demon King: "It's already been a year, huh."
The Demon King: "I haven't heard his voice."
The Demon King: "Even though I belong to the Hero..."
The Demon King: "Even though I am the Hero's possession."
The Demon King: "Oh Hero, you've made me into such a weak insect... I'm scared of changing the world. I never knew wars were such scary things. I am after all, the descendant of a race of demons who are more than willing to spill blood in conflicts. Even though we don't hesitate to let the blood flow... Now, I'm terrified of spilt blood. The sea of reports I read never mentioned that metallic stench, that slimy yet warm feeling of blood. It feels like my entire body is soaked in it... I carry the burden of my sins."
The Demon King: "Even so, I... continue to do my best? Oh, Hero. You're doing your best too, aren't you? I admire you."
The Hero: "Ohh. —How amazing, Demon King."
The Demon King: "Hero!?" Blushes
The Hero: "'Sup."
The Demon King: "Hero, Hero! Hero!"
The Hero: "Wh, what?"
The Demon King: "You fool. Just where have you been for the past year? You've been drifting like a kite with its string cut off."
The Hero: "Ow, oww, oww! Stop hitting me."
The Demon King: "No! This much isn't enough."
The Hero: "Wha- Sorry. My apologies. I am to blame for the present state of circumstances."
The Demon King: "Your apology is not sincere enough!" Hits
The Hero: "I-i-it is!"
The Demon King: "Hmph!"
The Hero: "Haven't I diligently sent my reports back?"
The Demon King: "That nonsense you've been sending back can't be called reports. They are at best, a travel journal with some drawings!"
The Hero: "Travel journal with some drawings!?"
The Demon King: "Wh, why couldn't you have shown your face from time to time?"
The Hero: "There was no choice. I was busy with all manners of things. Right now, I'm really busy with the issue of the Gate City. Trying to figure out how to supply the North Fortress is giving a real headache."
The Demon King: "Why are you doing these things?"
The Hero: "Didn't you tell me to? I need to purge the seeds of fanaticism in the Demon World! Have you not forgotten?"
The Demon King: "I expected you to use some kind of Ultra Destruction Magic to obliterate them!?"
The Hero: "It's not possible."
The Demon King: "...?"
The Hero: "I've been working hard to make sure everybody stays alive. Every day, everyone works hard with the little that they have, to try to make their dreams come true. I cannot find it in me to obliterate that."
The Demon King: "Hero..."
The Hero: "The Queen of Fairies, the Sylvan Race"
The Demon King is surprised
The Hero: "The daughter of the Dragon Lord, the lady from the Cyborg Race, the girl from the tavern"
The Demon King's heart beats faster
The Hero: "Everyone is doing their best. As the Hero, how can I possibly destroy all these hopes and dreams?"
The Demon King: "You say that, but actually, it's just that you can't bear to hurt all these beautiful ladies who fawn all over you and have you wound around their thumbs and under their noses, right!?"
The Hero: "Th, there's n-n-no way that's true! I rejected them!"
The Demon King: "Really? Really!?"
The Hero: "Yea—there were a lot of misunderstandings that arose, but I made sure to appropriately explain myself during the investigations."
The Demon King: "I'm sure you curried a lot of favour during your investigation." Temple throbbing
The Hero: "N-n-no way... Because..."
The Demon King: "Because what?" Temple throbbing
The Hero: "It's nothing like that! It's because of the Demon King. Young princes, the city's noblemen, even the elite merchantmen make lovey-dovey eyes at you."
The Demon King: "Hmph, even though I got the Chief Maid to silence them."
The Hero: "For real?"
The Demon King: "..."
The Hero: "..."
The Demon King: "Th, that's! I'm definitely not feeling guilty, but one could say that the negotiation floor is almost like a fight to the death! To begin with, high level negotiations are more like wars with blackmail and compromise, determination and profit-loss exploding overhead like flares over a battlefield."
The Hero: "..."
The Demon King: "Hero, what's up with that look? You're like a golem who's been buried in a swamp!"
The Hero: "No, it's just."
The Demon King: "Hmph! You soft, weak person!"
The Hero: "Who's the soft, weak person! I've been doing my best! You squishy, squishy Demon King!"
The Demon King: "Squishy!? Squishy!? What do you mean squishy! There's something wrong with you, shut your mouth! Shut it!" Pinches him
The Hero: "Hey, cut it out!"
The Demon King: "I stretch and exercise every single day! I do so many bridges I can even do it on my nose!"
The Hero: "You're the Demon King and you still take pride in such miniscule achievements?"
The Demon King: "Miniscule! The greatest of journeys begins with a single step!"
The Hero: "You stupid Demon King!"
The Demon King: "You foolish Hero!"
～? ～?
The Hero: "You shut-in!"
The Demon King: "You wastrel!"
～? ～?
The Hero: "...Haa, haa"
The Demon King: "...Hmph!"
～? ～?
The Hero: "Let's stop"
The Demon King: "Hmm."
The Hero: "It's so futile."
The Demon King: "That's the nature of conflicts after all."
The Hero: "...What's that?"
The Demon King: "Oh, that's coming from the home of the Village Chief."
The Hero: "Music from the New Year's Festival?"
The Demon King: "That's true, that's what they said."
～? ～?
The Hero: "Is it alright if I turn on the light?"
The Demon King: "No! My lab coat is all wrinkled because I just woke up."
The Hero: "Doesn't it defeat the purpose if you admit it yourself?"
The Demon King: "That's not true. A preview and the real thing have different impacts."
The Hero: "Ah, enough!"
The Demon King: "?"
The Hero: "Y-you're always beautiful, so... I'm sure you look brilliant."
The Demon King: "E-eh!? Wh-wh-what?" Blushes
The Hero: "Nothing." Smirks
The Demon King: "Ohhhhhh."
The Hero: "Is it already that you do not go for the feast? At the New Year's Festival, there will be barbecued pork dumplings, wine, barbecued buttered trout, freshly baked bread with almonds, mushroom omelette wrapped in fresh scented leaves, and lots of other things won't there?"
The Demon King: "It's fine, I'll be here."
The Hero: "Then... Ah—Umm... How about a dance?"
—— A Room in the Mansion, The Night of the New Year's Festival, Amidst the Light Reflecting off the Snow
(Note: The dancing instructions were originally written in English, I have kept them the same despite grammatical errors)
～? Right step forward, right step forward ～?
The Demon King: "I-is this right?"
The Hero: "Push out your chest a bit, "
The Demon King: "Like this?"
The Hero: "Perfect."
～?? turn left step left
The Demon King: "Can you see where you're stepping? It's really dark."
The Hero: "Nope, I can see from the light reflecting off the snow."
The Demon King: "That may be true, but."
The Hero: "It's white and sparkly and beautiful."
～?? turn right step left back ～?
The Demon King: "...It's a beautiful song."
The Hero: "It's a Rondo from an ancient Kingdom, I'm sure you've heard it before."
～? Touch left next to right & clap ～?
The Hero: "Take a half step right here."
The Demon King: "Like this? Like this?"
The Hero: "You're pretty good, huh?"
The Demon King: "I should be wearing something prettier."
The Hero: "No one's looking."
～? Right step forward, right step forward ～?
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Explanation
Rondo: A musical form embedded in a musical piece where a main tune is repeated several times after different tunes are used. It was popularised in the 16th - 17th centuries as dance music. This rondo is a far older piece from the 13th - 15th centuries.
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The Demon King: "Bu-but. Ah."
The Hero: "Are you alright?"
The Demon King: "Sorry."
The Hero: "You smell great."
～? Left step forward. 2 turn left step right back ～?
The Demon King: "My eyes are spinning."
The Hero: "Rondos are difficult. There're lots of turns."
The Demon King: "That's not true..."
～? Right step forward. Right step forward ～?
The Hero: "Here."
The Demon King: "This is... The comb that I used."
The Hero: "I found it in the Demon King's Castle."
～?? turn left step left ～?
The Demon King: "I used this comb when I was a little kid. I thought I'd lost it..."
The Hero: "It seemed like something important to you. I just brought it to you on a hunch."
～?? turn right step left back ～?
The Hero: "It's very cheap, but this is my New Year's present to you."
The Demon King: "...Hero."
The Hero: "?"
The Demon King: "I don't have a present for you... I didn't prepare one."
～? Touch left next to right & clap ～?
The Hero: "Don't worry. I wasn't expecting one."
The Demon King: "That may be so..."
The Hero: "The Demon King belongs to me after all."
The Demon King: "Of course."
The Hero: "That's what I came back to hear."
～? Right step forward. Right step forward ～?
The Demon King: "How was it? Was it difficult?"
The Hero: "No, I'm not very smart. I-I took a detour."
The Demon King: "..."
The Hero: "When I was a Hero, when I left I would take down countless enemies in quick succession and everyone would hail me. It was easy to be a Hero."
The Demon King: "It was the same for me... Even though I wanted to fly over and see what was behind the hill, it's so much more complicated to be living among humans."
～?? turn right step left back ～?
The Demon King: "..."
The Hero: "You've been working hard as the Demon King."
The Demon King: "..."
The Hero: "Half turn. Right, left."
～? Left step forward. 2 turn left step right back ～?
The Demon King: "—Hero"
The Hero: "?"
The Demon King: "I, definitely..."
～? Right step forward. Right step forward ～?
The Demon King: "Umm, that's. What am I worth to you?"
The Hero: "...Eh?"
The Demon King: "Why is it that in such times my palms become so sweaty?"
～?? turn left step left ～?
The Demon King: "Ughhh... I need you to still my heart during this decisive battle, He-He-Hero."
The Hero: "D-Demon King? You're suddenly very spirited?"
～?? turn right step left back ～?
The Demon King: "H-Hero. Umm..."
The Hero: "You can't take a step like that, Demon King... Demon King?"
～? Step...... ～?
The Demon King: "It's been a while since I've seen you, Hero."
The Hero: "I'm right here."
～?......
The Demon King: "That's... If the Hero is okay with it. As your owner, I am also your reward. Of course, I definitely still have lots of flab, so maybe I'm not a reward but a punishment to you... No, this is a reward next to an inevitable punishment."
The Hero: "That's."
The Demon King: "Hero...?"
The Hero: "..."
The Demon King: "..."
......? ......
The Demon King: "Oh, the music has ended!"
The Hero: "That's right it has! I should go."
The Demon King: "...Uhh"
The Hero: "..."
The Demon King: "—Just a bit more."
—— The Village of Wintering, a Room Illuminated by the Light Reflecting off the Snow
The Demon King: "Are you going?"
The Hero: "Yep. After meeting you, my courage has increased a hundred times."
Boots crunching in the snow
The Demon King: "Is everyone doing fine?"
The Hero: "You've become fairly human-like."
The Demon King: "I've become weak."
The Hero: "That's not really the same."
The Demon King: "I'll see you soon this time, right?"
The Hero: "Yeah. We'll take the Gate City in less than a month."
The Demon King: "Can it be done?"
The Hero: "As you say, it will be done."
The Demon King: "I want to see it too."
The Hero: "Next time we meet."
The Demon King: "It will be in a place where the fires of war are being exchanged."
The Hero: "—Alright, I'm all ready!"
The Demon King: "Hero."
The Hero: "What's up."
The Demon King: "—"
The Hero: "What?"
The Demon King: "Ehh, shut up. I'm worried about you."
The Hero: "You don't believe in me then."
The Demon King: "This has nothing to do with believing in you... Well, it does. I'm going to have lots of rivals from now on..."
The Hero: "?"
The Demon King: "Hero... I'll be heading out to the sea too. When you come back, try not to be late?"
The Hero: "Don't worry... I am the Sword of the Demon King."
Door slams shut!
The Demon King: "Hero. You are... My Light."
| ← Ch. 07 | Ch. 09 → |