“Wowaaang.”
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
This space was so vast that it felt like a building could fit comfortably inside it. The ground was covered with lush trees, and small hills floated above their heads.
That alone was an odd natural landscape, but the white buildings set up on the hills created an even greater dissonance.
Is this the holy ground?
“Wowaaang.”
Pastel gasped in surprise and quickly covered their mouth with both hands.
Oops.
I shouldn’t speak.
They glanced at the demon and the baby birds.
“Shh. Shh. Shh.”
It seemed far away, but the presence of the cult was felt, so everyone needed to be quiet.
They relaxed and concentrated their mind. The sounds of human voices mixed with the flapping wings of birds came through—the sounds of movement between the hills.
Are they using birds for transportation?
Well, it was said that only great magicians could fly smoothly, so using a cost-effective method makes sense. Being underground must have made it difficult to bring in an airship.
Ugh.
What kind of huge plan are they hatching that involves kidnapping birds on such a grand scale? Just thinking about the amount of work involved gives off some serious vibes.
Pastel shivered lightly.
Now that I’ve come to a place where bad things are happening, my heart is racing, and isn’t this something the police should handle?
But the police, the knight order, can’t do their job.
Ugh.
They sneaked a look at the demon. Seeing the drab suit and the red eyes lost in thought brought some comfort.
It feels like they’d jump in to rescue me right away if I fell into the water while daydreaming.
The dullness might not be so bad after all.
They gestured for the demon to come closer, and when the demon approached, they gestured again to indicate they should bend down. The demon complied, albeit confused.
“What’s going on?”
Eek.
Startled, Pastel quickly whispered into the demon’s ear.
“What are you doing speaking out loud?”
Such a silly, silly demon.
“It’s not a voice; it’s a concept.”
The demon tapped their own lips. The voice was heard without any lip movement.
“How do you do that?”
“You can’t do it right now.”
No way.
Disappointed.
Pastel whispered again.
“Since the cult is nearby, let’s communicate like this from now on. It may be cumbersome, but it’s the right way.”
Whisper whisper whisper.
“I agree. If you have something to say, gesture.”
“Okay!”
Like this, like this.
Pastel began to practice gesturing but suddenly stopped.
Ugh.
They gestured for the demon to bow once more, then whispered.
“But why is it just me who has to be inconvenienced? Why can’t you be a bit inconvenienced too, Demon Lord?”
There’s a protocol for someone in power, but isn’t it weird that only the lesser demon skips it?
“Hm.”
The demon thought seriously with a thoughtful expression.
Then, they whispered into Pastel’s ear.
“I don’t want to.”
You don’t want to…!
Pastel stumbled a bit.
Moments later, calming down, they said.
“I was just joking.”
Phew.
It seemed like the tension had eased significantly.
It’s clear that the demon looks good as a person. The difference between discussing face-to-face and conversing through voice was significant. Having them close feels reassuring and comforting.
Since it’s the first person encountered when feeling lonely, there’s a bit of dependence, but since they are the only protector, maybe it can’t be helped.
As a popular figure, Pastel thought this kind of dependent relationship was quite awkward, but it’s fine since the protector isn’t a friend.
They gestured to the baby bird friends to call them closer.
“Let’s start planning seriously. What level is our current strength objectively? What are the demon lord’s capabilities?”
Given that the seal has loosened, can we expect some sort of response? Can we even find out what the plan is to break and hide it if necessary?
“Hm.”
The demon clenched and unclenched their fist.
“While winning might be uncertain, I can guarantee your safety.”
But to what extent?
“It varies based on the target, but even if a knight-level opponent comes, you won’t die. It was generally like that anyway.”
Eek.
Just because the holy ground’s seal has loosened a bit, you’re already showing off your skills!
This is the Great Demon!
This is the kind of person who’s my protector!
Completely reassuring!
Pastel’s heart raced with excitement.
“Then I’ll be a pink rabbit riding on a tiger’s back.”
They swept their pink hair back like rabbit ears.
An expression of triumph~.
“Why would you be riding on top?”
The demon looked incredulously.
Hehe, that’s because…
“It’s about maintaining a strict hierarchy.”
It’s very important as someone in power.
“Now you’re being very blatant.”
“Hehe.”
I guess the demon lord has no issue with power levels.
“Better to avoid conflict and focus on reconnaissance, right? Especially in terms of qualitative information. Do you local folks know any safe way to scout?”
Since the hills are floating, it’s quite complicated.
—Peep.
The baby bird flicked its wings with confidence.
Then it explained an incredible idea.
—Peep peep. Peep. Peep peep peep.
—Piyaah?!
Another baby bird’s beak dropped open in astonishment. It was as if it was reacting to how could such a mind-blowing idea even come up.
The babbling baby bird puffed out its chest proudly.
—Peep!
Eek.
I get it now!
I understand now!
Pastel finally realized.
I can’t understand bird language.
I know it said something amazing, but I have no clue what they’re talking about.
“Sorry, baby bird friend. I can’t understand at all.”
Even the popular Pastel has limits.
—Peep…?
The baby bird froze in its proud posture. Another baby bird comforted it by patting it with a wing.
“Ah, I’m sorry, sorry.”
Pastel turned their head slightly. Scanning the surroundings, they noticed a hill floating above.
“It seems like it’s in a different position than before, right? It looks like it’s moving.”
With buildings around, hiding there would be nice.
Pastel took out the gem knife. They left the broom behind, so this would have to do. As they were about to climb onto the knife, they paused.
The pink-eyed demon looked back at them.
“Can you fly, Demon Lord?”
“Normally, humans can’t fly.”
“Oh, so you can fly, Demon Lord? With flapping demon wings?”
The demon looked perplexed.
“I’m saying I can’t either.”
No way.
“The Demon King was special, but for anyone else who’s strong, not being able to fly unless they’re a mage makes more sense.”
—Peep!
The baby bird suddenly raised its wings high.
Oh?
“What great idea, oh wait. Sorry. I can’t understand what you’re saying.”
—Peep peep.
The baby bird shook its head. It slightly dropped and flapped its wings.
Flap flap flap flap.
The round chick-like body gradually lifted off the ground.
Eek.
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“You guys could fly?!”
Well, of course, they are birds!
The baby bird flew slowly just above their head, looking down.
—Peep.
Their eyes seemed to say, “What’s with all that fuss?”
“Wow wow.”
Pastel quickly whispered.
“Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Humans can’t fly, but baby birds can!”
This was a fact unimaginable!
“Since the cult rides birds, you should ride a baby bird too, Demon Lord!”
A Demon Lord riding a baby bird!
“Hm. I see.”
The demon casually put their hand in their pants pocket while standing slightly askew. They agreed, but their expression was subtly sour.
Oh?
Pastel quickly picked up on the tone of that sentiment.
It’s definitely a good thing, but why this reaction?
Could it be…
Pastel’s lips curled slightly. Their finger poked the demon.
“Demon Lord! Demon Lord! You’re not embarrassed about riding a baby bird, are you?”
Their voice chattered.
“Imagine a fully grown adult mounting a large chick to get around. And the cult members we’ll meet are riding full-grown birds, while the Demon Lord is stuck with a chick.”
So cute little chick!
The demon stared at them silently for a moment.
“I have no intention of restraining your imagination, but it’s not good to judge others’ feelings.”
Ah! Ah!
Pastel’s expression brightened.
“Could it be that thing from earlier about your ears turning red? That I would definitely remember and pass down to future generations?”
“That’s part of it too.”
Peep! Peep!
“That’s right! Back then, your ears weren’t red! That was just my imagination!”
Pastel was full of imagination!
“Now, now.”
Pastel whispered again.
“Demon Lord, honestly tell me. The thought of riding on a baby bird in your future is a tad embarrassing, isn’t it?”
They said it in a serious tone.
“I can understand it all. You’re still a human so that makes sense. Wouldn’t it be better not to lie? I can see it! It’s not good for education!”
So, so true.
“Hm.”
The demon gazed at the flying baby bird. The sight of a giant chick flying around felt like a fairy tale.
“It may be a bit embarrassing.”
“Yes! Just a little!”
As much as an ant friend’s antenna!
The demon shifted their posture, changing the focus to the opposite leg. They moved their hand slightly and crossed their arms.
“Maybe it’s a little embarrassing.”
Puhaha!
Pastel barely managed to suppress a laugh that was about to escape. Covering their mouth with both hands, their cheeks trembled.
This is something I have to remember for a lifetime!
I’m going to frame it and keep it!
The demon looked highly displeased.
“We should set off soon. Right now, the cult members’ activities don’t reach this far, but the situation can change at any moment.”
Unless it’s for a change in topic, that’s true wisdom.
Pastel and the demon climbed onto their respective baby birds.
“Wow, so soft!”
The baby birds began to rise. Although they swayed and moved slowly, they were flying just fine.
The hill was getting closer.
“Haa.”
The demon sighed, wiping their face in resignation.
“It’s quite the loss of face.”
Ahahaha!
Pastel buried their face in the feathers, their body shaking lightly. They stifled their laughter, which sounded like squeaking.
