#1014 The Sagacious Princess

“Everyone’s got some sort of responsibility to the world, hon.”

...

Uh-huh. Sure.

“But royalty has an even graver responsibility. Being at the top means we’ve got to carry a heavier load for the people and the kingdom, hon.”

...

Right. Got it.

I was already lost in this heavy conversation from the get-go.

What’s happening, you ask? Well, today, we have the honor of entertaining Princess Marine from the Demon Kingdom.

Little Marine’s situation is a bit complicated.

She’s the Demon King’s daughter, which makes her a Demon Princess by birth. Her mom, though, is the second Demon Queen, Glasya.

The Demon King, for various reasons, has two queens. Marine was born to the second queen.

Yes. A princess born to the second queen.

Historically, kids like her would usually have a weaker standing in the royal family, with little to no chance of inheriting the throne.

In this world, though, the Demon King’s situation is a bit different. Even though he has a first and second queen, there’s no hierarchy between them, and they are on equal footing.

So, when it comes to little Marine’s position as the Demon King’s daughter, she’s definitely not just some low-born concubine’s child. In fact, if anyone dared to say that, the Demon King would be furious.

Sure, the chances are slim for her to inherit the throne since her big brother, Goetia, the eldest son, is lined up for that. But still...

...The bottom line is that Marine’s position isn’t as weak as some old-fashioned folks might think.

Today, Marine decided to visit the farm.

With no one else around to entertain her, I took on the job.

“Could I please have another cup of tea, hon?”

“Oh, yes. Here you go...!”

“Hot tea on a hot day is the best, right?”

“Uh... yeah... By the way, where’s your mom, Glasya?”

“She’s resting at the castle. She’s expecting, so she can’t move around much, hon.”

“Oh... I see.”

Wait, did Marine come to the farm all by herself?

How?

“I already know teleportation magic. I told Mom I was coming to the farm, so she’s not worried. I’m careful like that, hon.”

She can use teleportation magic?!

How old is she again? Five? Six?

Is it normal for kids her age to know magic?

“I don’t want to trouble my pregnant mom, so I play alone. The farm is the most fun and never boring, hon.”

“I see...”

“My new tutor’s lessons are interesting, but I learn the most from the farm. It’s full of helpful knowledge for the future, hon.

Yeah, I heard something about that.

Recently, the Demon King fired their old tutor.

Apparently, this person was initially responsible for both Goetia and Marine’s early education. But, using that position to his advantage, he got a bit too carried away, leading to a stern scolding and ultimately being relieved of his duties.

Right now, it seems he’s been ordered to stay in seclusion.

Rumor has it that Goetia, the top contender for the next Demon King, had quite the following. Apparently, some parents of kids aiming to be his aides were showering the tutor with bribes in hopes of getting their children closer to the future king.

And then Marine, the Demon King’s daughter, who, despite being down the line in the succession, was supposed to be getting a royal education—directly ordered by the Demon King himself. But nothing ever happened on that front.

If it didn’t benefit him, he couldn’t care less.

In the end, this nonchalant attitude was the last straw for the Demon King.

So now, Marine’s got a new tutor and is actually doing their job.

Marine’s blooming into quite the young lady, all thanks to the new hire.

…Could this be why I’m currently in this situation?

“The people and the king live by supporting and giving to each other, hon.”

“Uh... can I ask something? Did you always talk like this?”

Should I say that her way of speaking is a little... unique?

“I realized something important, hon. To live as a royal and be in the spotlight, individuality is key.”

“Individuality, huh?”

“I worked hard to develop my quirks, hon.”

Using quirks to stand out is such an ancient strategy...

But hey, it’s tried and true for a reason, so it’s not a bad choice.

If the goal is to stand out, it makes sense.

But why is she so desperate to be unique?

“Marine, do you want to become the Demon King?”

“Is that it, Marine?!”

A loud voice suddenly interrupts us.

Turning around, there stands Goetia, the Demon Prince.

Goetia started attending the Farm School this year, so he’s often around.

It’s not impossible that he overheard our conversation!!!

“Marine! You may be younger, but you are still the firstborn of Father and Queen Glasya! Did you think that makes you suitable to become the Demon King, overshadowing me, the true heir?!”

Yeah, from Goetia’s perspective, this must seem like a crisis.

Goetia is the son of the first Demon Queen, Astres.

That makes him Marine’s half-brother.

Setting aside the complex bloodline, Goetia is definitely older, making him the prime candidate for the next Demon King.

Yet, if his younger sister Marine has ambitions...

...It’s the start of a family feud!!!

That’s what everyone would think, right?

“Hm-hm-hm...! But I never thought the path to becoming the Demon King would be easy! Such a title is earned through overcoming countless challenges! I won’t back down from any trial!!!”

Despite seeing a shadow over his future, the ever-brilliant Goetia doesn’t flinch.

Instead, he rises to the challenge with burning determination!

“Come at me with everything you’ve got, Marine! If you want to be the Demon King, then give it your all! I’ll meet you head-on! The title means nothing without overcoming obstacles! I want to become the true chosen one, and if you’re my obstacle, then bring it on! I’ll make your life the cornerstone of my reign!!!”

Even against his own half-sister, he’s ready to fight for his goal.

Goetia’s fierce attitude showcases the harsh life of a royal born to be the next Demon King.

That’s the resolve and ambition of the next Demon King.

But what about Marine...?

...Huh?

Did she just sigh?

“Brother, are you still stuck on that level? Grow up a bit, hon.”

“Huh?”

“Being the Demon King isn’t the be-all and end-all of a royal’s value. What’s important is contributing to our people. Being the Demon King is just one way to do that, hon.”

“Y-Yes...!”

Is the mood shifting?

“Sure, we need someone to be the Demon King, and if it’s going to be someone from the royal family, we all have to be ready for it. But being the Demon King isn’t the only way to contribute. I’m exploring all ways to help our people, hon.”

“R-Really? That’s impressive...!”

Is Goetia being overpowered by her little sister?

“My goal is to contribute to our kingdom in many ways, not just by being the Demon King. I fully expect you to become the next ruler, and I plan to support you, hon. Please keep that in mind.”

“Got it.”

“You talk as if becoming the Demon King is the end goal, but it’s actually just the beginning. As Demon King, you need to think about how to lead our kingdom, protect what Father built, and make it thrive. If you become satisfied just by obtaining the title, it would be a problem, hon.”

“Y-Yes...!”

Goetia is totally outmatched...!

But listening to their conversation, Marine’s story is on a whole different level! She’s leaving Goetia in the dust!

I mean, imagine being outshone by your younger sister—this has got to be a major blow to his sensitive teenage pride, right?!

“But the same applies to me. I can’t shirk my responsibilities just because I’m not the Demon King. As a royal, I must acquire knowledge and wisdom from a young age. That is my duty as a royal princess, hon!!!”

Despite her age, she’s fully awakened to her royal duties.

Goetia and I could only watch her transformation in stunned silence.

Guess I’ll pour her another cup of tea...