<CHAPTER 43>
Violent and Self-Willed Men Are Detestable
Ehilie was sincere.
She had no prejudice against demons.
Even in the original story, and in other novels, demons or devils were not always depicted as evil.
There were good people in the world and bad people as well, so other races must be the same.
But the Demon King was an exception.
“…You dislike the Demon King?”
“Yes.”
“Is there a reason?”
“Well, the Demon King is mercilessly cruel and insane. I heard that to become the king in the demon world, you have to kill your parents and siblings.”
“Even so, how can someone kill their own family? And the Demon King tries to solve everything by force, right? He even treats his subordinates harshly. I detest men who are violent and self-willed like that.”
In truth, she didn’t know much about the Demon King.
The original story didn’t go into detail about the Demon King.
Still, from the few lines in the original and the books she read in this world, she could infer that the Demon King was extremely cruel and heartless.
‘The current Demon King is somewhat mild, but the previous one started wars on a whim and massacred people. He was a complete madman.’
“…There could be a reason, right? And he might not be as cruel as people say.”
“Hmm. That might be true, but still, I want nothing to do with the Demon King. I prefer to live quietly and peacefully.”
Ehilie shrugged and continued.
“So I want to spend each day peacefully with Rex, just like now.”
“Rex?”
“Ah, yes, Ehilie. I feel the same.”
Rex smiled gently.
***
After their serious conversation confirming each other’s feelings, it was time to discuss how to rescue Gabriel.
“First, I think we need a knight to protect us. We don’t know how many opponents there are.”
“Do not worry. I will bring someone trustworthy.”
Confidently asserting this, Rex called Herond.
“Your Highness, have you discussed matters?”
“Yes. Herond.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Bring my escort, Harond.”
“……Yes?”
Herond blinked in surprise at the unexpected command.
Ehilie tilted her head in curiosity.
“Rex, you have an escort?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before…”
“Harond is an excellent escort knight who always hides his presence while on standby.”
“Ah, high nobles have escorts like shadows. Harond… that name is similar to Hammond, isn’t it?”
“Harond is Herond’s twin brother.”
“What?”
Ehilie’s surprised question was echoed by Herond’s equally astonished expression.
‘Why is Herond so surprised?’
Seeing Ehilie’s puzzled look, Herond quickly explained.
“Ah, yes, yes! That’s correct. I have a twin brother. Haha, a brother who looks just like me. Ahaha. I’ll go at once.”
Soon after Herond left the room, there was a knock at the door.
Knock knock
“Come in.”
With Rex’s permission, the person outside entered.
“Your Highness, did you summon me?”
Ehilie was astonished.
“Wow, he looks exactly like Herond!”
He had only neatly combed his hair, but otherwise he was Herond’s twin in every detail.
“Even his voice is the same, amazing.”
Even twins could not look identical to that extent!
Ehilie looked in wonder.
“Rex, can you tell them apart when Herond and Harond are together?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
Rex glanced at Harond and said.
“Harond is more taciturn.”
“Ah, I see.”
Having secured their escort, the next issue was how to locate Bella.
“Rex, I have a good idea.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll act as bait.”
Rex raised his eyebrows, clearly displeased.
“Listen, Rex. The Bella I saw has a fiery temper. She’s somewhat… missing a screw.”
“That seems accurate.”
Harmond nodded alongside.
“If that’s the case, she’s probably hiding somewhere, waiting for me to leave this house. And she won’t try to kill me outright.”
Ehilie continued, recalling the girl scratching her nails and screaming furiously.
“I’ve provoked her enough, so she might want proper revenge. Maybe kidnap me and cause trouble.”
No sooner had she finished than Harond gave a thumbs up.
Indeed, Rex’s observation was accurate.
‘Really a man of few words! But his atmosphere is surprisingly similar to Herond.’
“Then I’ll act clueless and get kidnapped by Bella.”
“No. That’s too dangerous.”
“Is there a more efficient way?”
“Don’t worry, Rex. I’m not volunteering as bait without any preparation.”
Ehilie persuaded Rex.
Her persistent argument finally made Rex yield slightly.
***
And now.
Ehilie successfully rescued Gabriel according to the plan.
Outside the iron bars, Ehilie looked around.
Naturally, she expected knights to be guarding nearby, but the corridor was empty.
“Harond, were there no knights guarding nearby?”
Harond raised a finger and drew a horizontal line in front of his throat.
“Harond handled everything himself?”
Harmond nodded.
Ehilie was impressed.
‘No loud sounds outside, yet he cleared all the guards in such a short time. Truly the skill of a shadow escort!’
“Amazing, Harond.”
Harmond smiled proudly at Ehilie’s praise.
“But where’s Rex?”
He was supposed to have come with Harond.
Ehilie asked anxiously, and Harond pointed upwards.
“Up there?”
Nodding.
“Why didn’t he come down?”
‘It’s not a dangerous situation, right?’
Due to Harond’s taciturn nature, Ehilie felt a bit frustrated.
‘It would be better if Herond were here.’
While anxiously waiting for an answer, Harond replied calmly.
“Your Highness is attending to her business.”
Business?
‘Is he at the restroom or something?’
Thinking it over, if Rex were in danger, Harond would not have been so calm.
Just in case.
“Understood, Harond. Gabriel and I will exit from here, so please take care of Rex.”
Harond’s violet eyes rolled once.
He seemed to be pondering what to do.
“It’s fine. Gabriel knows the secret passage outside, so go without worry.”
“Your Highness ordered you to protect Ehilie.”
“Harond. You are Rex’s right hand. So you should protect Rex.”
Immediately, Harmond’s eyes gleamed.
“Yes, correct! As the right hand of Your Highness, I must remain by Your Highness!”
Harond puffed out his chest like a decorated soldier, filled with pride.
‘He really is just like Herond!’
Watching Harond run proudly, Ehilie laughed softly.
“Now, Gabriel, let’s get out of here too.”
***
Going upstairs, Harond was elated.
‘Yes, I am truly the right hand of the Demon King!’
Even to someone ignorant, he radiated the presence befitting the Demon King’s right hand.
‘Wait. Not just a human!’
The other person was Ehilie.
A woman favored by Redemberg, soon to be the Demon Queen.
‘Though human, she has a discerning eye, so she is worthy of becoming the Demon Queen.’
Harond recognized Ehilie silently.
Although creating a nonexistent twin and playing dual roles to match Redemberg’s plans was inconvenient, it was acceptable.
‘And also I have to play the role of the crow Herond.’
It was tedious and troublesome, but not unpleasant. As the Demon King’s right hand, he should manage this.
Harond hummed while heading toward Redemberg.
“Wow…… everything’s destroyed.”
Looking around, he clicked his tongue.
The dilapidated castle where Bella had imprisoned Gabriel was now utterly ruined.
The top of the fortress was cleanly cut, as if by a giant blade, revealing the sky.
The fierce monsters Bella placed had vanished without a trace.
Only the bloodstains on the floor reminded one of the terrible scene.
Redemberg, standing amidst the massacre, sensed Harond and lowered his head.
“Herond.”
The low voice made Harond flinch.
Though he had served Redemberg for a long time, facing his ruthless, blood-red eyes after the rampage caused him to instinctively shrink.
Seeing the merciless, Demon King-like presence after a long time, Harond quickly bowed.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Do I appear cruel and violent to you?”
“?”
“Do I seem like a merciless madman?”
Harond could not answer the abrupt question.
‘Your Highness, with wings and tail covered in blood, anyone would indeed think you’re a madman.’
