#1060 A Mini-Challenge

I’m Goetia.

Eldest son of the great Demon King, Zedan.

One day, I’ll step into my dad’s shoes and lead the demon race and our kingdom as the next Demon King.

The responsibility and hope for the future always set my heart on fire!

So today, I’m checking out this event called Orkubo’s Castle.

It feels like my first time here, but Mom says I’ve been here plenty before I could even remember.

Now that she mentions it, things do seem familiar... or maybe not?

Then again, most of the stuff around here is like what I’ve seen on the farm, so maybe that’s why I feel a bit of déjà vu?

Like that ex-human princess selling beans, or that dragon hawking ramen...

Anyway, just wandering around and enjoying the festivities isn’t the only reason I’m here today.

I’m the Demon King’s son—the Demon Prince.

I can’t just hang out like any ordinary person. I must demonstrate that I’m ‘different’ somehow!

That’s why I’m going to participate in Orkubo’s Castle!!!

Word is, Orkubo’s Castle is an ultra-tough challenge that even adults struggle to conquer it.

Imagine taking on such a beast before even turning ten, and nailing it spectacularly.

Wouldn’t that make for an awesome story befitting a wise young Demon Prince?

Not that...I’m overconfident or anything.

In fact, I constantly remind myself that I’ve got a lot to learn before becoming the Demon King.

Which is exactly why, despite my inexperience, what I crave most right now are achievements.

Brimming with talent and a promising future.

If I’m like that, everyone will feel at ease with me as the next Demon King.

So, my goal of conquering Orkubo’s Castle today is set in stone.

I will set a new record as the youngest to clear it and add it to my list of accomplishments.

As I was gearing up, an announcement blared over the speakers.

“...Attention everyone! The afternoon session of Orkubo’s Castle has wrapped up smoothly, and next up is the Kids’ Division. Children who wish to participate, please head to the registration desk with your parents.”

Oh yeah, this is it!

When I said I wanted to join, they told me earlier, “Just sign up over here.”

From here on out, the Legend of Demon Prince Goetia at Orkubo’s Castle begins!

So, what’s the deal with this ‘Kids’ Division’ compared to the regular Orkubo’s Castle?

“Wait, you showed up without knowing? The Kids’ Division is a super-easy special course for kids under twelve, packed with safety measures,” says a kid next to me.

Wait, what?!

So just because I’m young, they’re shoving me into a kiddie course that’s not even remotely challenging?!

That’s ridiculous!

I’m the Demon Prince!

I may be young, but tossing me into a kiddie course without proper consideration?!

Seeing me fuming, the kids around me chime in...

“Ah, there’s always someone like that. A kid who doesn’t get it. We all start out that way, though...”

“But think about it. These days, if a kid so much as sniffles, parents go nuts with complaints. Demanding apologies, finding someone to blame. The organizers have to be super careful.”

“They call them ‘monster parents.’“

What’s with these kids?

For their age, they’re throwing around some pretty sharp and cynical observations.

...And infuriatingly, they have a point that’s hard to argue against.

Still, I really want to snap back at them for some reason.

“Well, that’s just, like, your opinion, right?”

Shut up!!!

Anyway... yeah, even though I’m the Demon Prince, asking for special treatment isn’t good.

If I recklessly make enemies, it might cause trouble down the line.

I learned the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” at the Farm School.

So, now that I’m part of this crowd, I should play by their rules.

Showing that I’m open-minded should score me some points as the Demon Prince.

But seriously... considering participant safety and splitting by age shows that Orkubo’s Castle organizers are pretty thoughtful.

I wonder how long they’ve been doing this?

Is this the first year? Hm?

“What are you talking about? It’s been a tradition for years now.”

“I’ve been joining for three years. I’ll never forget how thrilled I was reaching the castle tower at age five.”

Wh-Whaaat?!

Did this kid just say what I think he did?!

I was planning to set a new record as the youngest to conquer Orkubo’s Castle today and make a big splash as the Demon Prince.

You’re telling me kids have been clearing it at a younger age than me, and ages ago?!

“There are plenty of us. Lots of kids cleared Orkubo’s Castle at five or six.”

“It’s all the rage these days. Trying it now means you’re kinda late to the party.”

Gahhh!

Is that a jab at meeeeeeee?!

At me, the Demon Prince!

The future leader of the Demon Kingdom!

No, deep breaths!!!

I can’t lose my cool!

After all, I’m the future Demon King, I can’t let little things get under my skin!

Dad always says that all subjects are like children whom the king should cherish!

Now’s the time to remember those words.

...Well, hahaha.

I suppose I was a bit out of the loop, huh?

I’ll take this as a lesson and stay more up-to-date.

“Exactly. If we youngsters lose our freshness, we’ve got nothing left.”

Hnghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Hold it together! Keep it together, me!

The future Demon King won’t lose his composure over cheap shots like this!!!

“Well, good luck as a newbie at Orkubo’s Castle. If you run into any problems, feel free to ask us veterans.”

Veterans making it tough for newcomers!

Why are they acting all high and mighty?! They’re just seven or eight years old!

“Hmph, even we are youngsters in this field. We never forget there are always those above us.”

“That’s right. In the Kids’ Division of Orkubo’s Castle, there’s someone who’s reigned supreme for years. A true champion.”

A champion?!

Such a big shot is participating in Orkubo’s Castle?

Even overshadowing me, the Demon Prince?

“Oh, speak of the devil, here comes the champion we all look up to.”

“He looks even more impressive by the day! He’s got even more of an aura than last year! ‘If you don’t see someone for three days, you must reevaluate them’—he’s the epitome of that saying!”

Seriously, what’s with these toddlers and their dramatic speeches?

Is this some trend in the Kids’ Division?

Anyway, the kid who strolls in fashionably late, making a grand entrance...

“Hey, guyssss. Let’s have fun again this yearrrr.”

It’s himmmmmmmmmmmmmm?!

I know that guy!

He’s the son of the saint—the owner of the farm where I go to school!!!

That’s Junior, the saint’s kid!!!

“Master Junior! It’s been a year! Have you been well?”

“This year, we’ll settle the score from last time! We’re not the same as before!”

Again, what’s with these toddlers and their over-the-top language?

But to think that Junior is also participating...!

And he seems to be a regular here every year.

Since his dad, the saint, is involved in running this, I guess it’s a given.

I’ve been keeping an eye on that Junior.

He’s not someone to underestimate, even though he’s younger than me.

Smart and strong.

Even from my perspective as the Demon Prince, he’s someone to watch out for.

Despite being so young, he beats up Lord Tetra—the Mermaid King’s younger brother who also goes to Farm School—pretty much daily.

As the Demon Prince, I have to be the most talented and brilliant among my peers.

But Junior, who’s about a year younger than me...

His abilities are no joke.

...Very well.

Right here, right now, I admit it.

Junior, you’re a worthy rival; someone I push myself against to become an awesome Demon King!!!

To surpass my father and become an even greater Demon King, competing with you is a must!

This Kids’ Division at Orkubo’s Castle is the perfect battleground for the two of us!

Prepare yourself, Junior!