Chapter 5

“Oh, let me correct that. To be precise, I don’t need some power that grows stronger by being used.”

-…….

Is this guy really the son of a hero or what?

The golden woman smiled contentedly at the corner of her lips.

Quick-witted and sharp-minded.

Fearless yet not swayed by desires.

Possessing self-restraint and strong patience.

But then…

Why?

…Why is this kid ostracized to such an extent here?

‘However, you’re still inexperienced. You’re incomplete. Naive and immature.’

Moreover, brainwashed since childhood with all sorts of pressure and coercion.

Demands unsuited to his nature and inefficient efforts.

If he had been injected with endless meaningless endurance, used merely as an emotional tool…

And if that went on for years, crushing his self-esteem and dignity entirely…

…the collapse and decay of a person would be nothing out of the ordinary, huh?

She had encountered many of this kind in the past.

And they always ended up twisted.

Among them…

There were even those who significantly contributed to the downfall of their own nation—seriously warped individuals.

‘This is quite amusing.’

The child of the hero, blessed above all others, was alone trapped in the abyss of misfortune.

Without any understanding ally.

‘Someone must have dug a very deep trap.’

It wasn’t certain, but something smelled fishy.

And…

If she secretly judged it this way in such a situation…

Then it’s mostly accurate.

Without fail.

====

The next day.

Contrary to expectations, what became a hot topic was the engagement news between Ellie and Carriel himself.

Regarding the break-in at the treasury, once heads cooled down, it felt natural that no rumors spread.

‘It would become an embarrassment for the royal court after all.’

Also, it wouldn’t be good for the reputation of the Brendiar family she belonged to.

Because every time something happened, bad rumors spread, and criticism came as if it were inevitable, so she accepted that this would be the same.

-That’s learned helplessness. From what I see, you’re in the late stages of depression. It’s because your brain isn’t functioning properly. Your glucose absorption might also be inefficient, which could be part of the problem.

While reciting unknown physiological knowledge, the Demon King spoke.

And now, Carriel was trying to figure out the true identity of the Golden Demon King, visiting the library located within the Academy after a long time.

‘Here it is.’

He flipped open a thick book while standing.

He didn’t bother to bring related books to the table and thoroughly examine them.

…Reading about the Demon King right after causing trouble yesterday?

If someone was watching him, this could raise another suspicion.

So while checking other books, he casually glanced through these as well.

-Worried about being watched too?

Even though he hadn’t said anything, the Demon King seemed to have immediately grasped his intention.

-With clear intentions, but acting differently, it’s easy to deduce the reason.

“…”

Not just the King of Evil, but also known as the King of Wisdom.

A being said to have somewhat contributed to the development of human civilization and technology: the Golden Demon King.

Yet why she—or maybe even she herself—was called the Golden Beast by everyone remained unclear.

“…”

In the book, there was a picture resembling the Golden Beast, though not entirely accurate, with some added details.

It looked like a giant fox.

Or maybe a wolf.

A wolf or fox standing on two legs.

A long tail and a sleek body.

Although described only in black and white, it definitely emitted a light so brilliant it could pierce through the world’s darkness.

Indeed, there were metaphors and descriptions like that written.

Moreover,

In the fragment of memory the Demon King gave him through their contract,

She was arrogantly looking down on nine battered heroes.

“Carriel. There you are.”

A girl approached without hiding her presence.

Closing the book, he turned his head.

“…What is it?”

Sylas Estina.

Her face wasn’t hateful, nor was she herself necessarily hateful.

More precisely,

Her twin sister… was the one who was detestable.

Blue-black hair and matching blue eyes.

With her forehead fully exposed, her facial features were distinct.

She couldn’t simply be beautiful because she was born into a prestigious family and carried herself well.

It was evident she had studied what kind of style would leave an appropriate and suitable impression on others.

Her predominantly white Academy uniform combined quite well with her.

“I have a question.”

“…To me?”

“Well, yeah, who else?”

Besides being the granddaughter and one of only two direct descendants of a great noble house, she was currently also a major player among the nobility.

Had the heroes not survived the war, she might have been called the tenth hero.

Her family, the Estinas, rivaled the fame of the heroes.

They were also currently the actual backbone of the powerful ministers.

Come to think of it.

She and himself were politically destined to oppose each other.

…Faint memories suggested that Carriel himself often hung out with the descendants of heroes when he was younger.

“What do you think about the engagement with the Imperial Princess, or possibly the Crown Princess?”

“…What do you expect me to do by asking me this?”

“Do you intend to accept it willingly? Really? Don’t you know how your life will turn out?”

“…”

Is she worried?

Or…

“You know it’s not just about merging the bloodlines of heroes, right?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“And wasn’t that life supposed to be yours?”

Her tone was extremely sharp.

When words don’t go as intended, it’s always like this.

The kid too,

…Like Carriel himself, was a dropout type, pushed and kicked by talent until he fell to the fringes.

Still,

Ranked fifth in the entire school academically.

Academic ranking isn’t everything, but if someone ranked fifth feels like an outcast to themselves and others…

Just imagine how amazing those above him must be.

“This is Ellie’s strategy to strengthen her foundation. And you’ll just be used as a tool for that, haven’t you already figured that out?”

“…”

Was that so?

Too preoccupied with other things to calculate it.

No, that’s not it.

I just gave up thinking about it.

When issues are this significant, this goes beyond my will.

Besides,

…Since I plan to disappear once a younger sibling is born, worrying about distant future matters is meaningless anyway.

This reality I’m enduring with my eyes wide open is already tough enough.

Breathing itself is exhausting.

…Rather, investigating the Demon King was too attractive as a distraction, and now it brings back unnecessary memories.

“Or what? Should I draw you a picture of the future? When the generation of great heroes has passed, Ellie will become mainstream. As the consort of the Empress, you’ll be completely sidelined. Your influence will be thoroughly exploited.”

“…”

“Don’t you want to be a bird caged in a cage? Am I wrong?”

“So you’re telling me to reject the engagement? Did you come all this way just to say the same thing the prince did?”

“…”

Sylas paused briefly.

“There’s more than one way.”

“What?”

Carriel was startled.

Could she have guessed his intentions? Though unlikely, it seems.

Accept the situation.

Or refuse or reject it.

Ultimately, two problems.

No, that’s not all.

Don’t panic. There’s no reason to be shaken, right?

Your opponent in front of you is quick-witted.

If you carelessly show any emotional fragments, there’s a risk of being seen through.

Because ultimately,

The choices are limited.

“If you and I get engaged, it’ll work.”

However,

This answer was completely unexpected.

How surprising.

-Wow…

The Demon King, who had been lying bored with his chin resting on his hand above my head,

Had his mouth agape as if struck by a knockout punch.

Indeed.

…What kind of expression was I making right now?

====

-You’re surprisingly a bad guy, aren’t you? With your decent looks, I suspected it might be the case~ Whoa!

“Don’t say absurd things…”

This is clearly a political decision.

The seat of the hero and warrior.

However, as a newly established house, its standing is overwhelming for now, but it’s clear as day that it will decline by the time Carriel reaches adulthood.

Unless his younger sibling turns out to be extraordinary like his father.

But if such houses intermarry with the royal family, they will soon transcend mere blue blood and join the ranks of gold-blooded nobility.

Probably,

Both his parents and the Emperor side calculated this.

Guaranteeing his future while considering both the present and aftermath…

Additionally, the Imperial Princess, who may use this as a basis to become the official heir and receive the imperial throne, Ellie…

“Haa.”

I hate complications.

Political problems are always disgusting.

Perhaps,

If I disappeared without permission, the repercussions would be considerable, but…

‘Do I have any reason to care about that?’

It makes me sick.

I just want to breathe and die without thinking about anything.

Pain, anguish, worry.

Anxiety, sadness, irritation, and irrationality—all gone.

“…”

But is that even possible?

Life is nothing but suffering.

…I think I heard this from someone a long time ago, but I can’t recall who.

-The proposal itself sounds rational, doesn’t it? Although your parents would likely disapprove.

Because we’re officially rival factions.

Father is aligned with the Emperor faction, while the Estinas are the leaders of the commoner nobility.

…If I lean towards their side, wouldn’t the dynamics get interesting?

Simultaneously,

-The fact that the head of the Estina family is stepping down suggests this is a pretty calculated move. Hmm?

“…”

I don’t want to think.

The suggestion might be appropriate and fitting in form, but…

Everything is just complicated.

Royalty or nobility.

Heroes or warriors.

Their children and all that nonsense.

-And that child. She probably has feelings for you.

“…Me?”

-Politically opposing, but occasionally mingling with the Prince faction under the pretext of being a hero’s descendant, though it’s unlikely she joined willingly.

“…”

Coincidentally, the Demon King was right.

She had merely preemptively secured a position suitable for her status to avoid any disadvantage or unfairness toward herself.

Therefore, even when other descendants of heroes clung to the prince,

Even during the process where they bullied and excluded Carriel himself, she had always intervened and restrained them whenever they crossed the line.

-Are you thinking she joined that group to protect you?

“No. That’s not it. There’s no reason for her to go that far.”

Whether it’s affection or goodwill…

For a fleeting moment, I entertained such futile thoughts.

There’s no way.

Would she really go through all that trouble just for me?

…Wait.

“If that’s the case, does that mean her proposal of marriage is sincere?”

-Exactly. That’s what I wanted to say. Given her appearance and intelligence, if she likes you and has feelings for you, she could potentially be a loyal ally. What do you think?

“…”

I calm down the slight agitation in my heart.

I won’t hope.

I won’t trust.

I won’t dream.

I repeat these three things silently.

“Stop joking around.”

Such a perfect story.

Would never be given to me.

Absolutely not.

I’ve already decided.

I won’t believe in anything anymore.

Never.

I won’t repeat the same mistakes as before.

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