#989 Enforced Education

I’m Prince Goetia, the Demon King’s son.

Lately, every day feels like a blast!

My father sent me to this farm, and everything here is so new and exciting!

I was not granted standard education, but three times a week, I use teleportation magic to go to the Farm School, and it’s a lot of fun.

Every time, I learn something completely new!

At first, I was terrified of Sensei, but he’s actually a great person.

He’s an excellent teacher, fair and open-minded.

Learning from him about humans, merfolk, and other extraordinary beings is both fascinating and thrilling.

I’ve made friends with my classmates at the farm, too.

Even though I started off acting all high and mighty, they forgave me, and now we all get along regardless of race.

The only downside is that everyone else is much older since you have to be fifteen to join.

...Also, ever since then, my father has been spending more time with me.

Looks like Sensei’s scolding worked.

Just yesterday, Father played catch with me in the garden.

It was fun, but then Marine came along and said, “Let me try!” When I handed her the ball, she threw it so hard it got stuck in the palace wall.

...I’ve got to work hard so my half-sister doesn’t outdo me.

Today, in addition to my classes, I’m going to ask Junior to teach me how to throw a fastball.

Belena should be coming to pick me up as usual, so I was about to rush to our meeting spot when...

“I’ve been waiting for you, Prince Goetia.”

Zurbester?

Isn’t he my tutor?

I thought our class was three days from now?

“Of course. Today, tomorrow, every day is a lesson with me.”

I haven’t heard anything about this.

Zurbester, you can’t just mess with a royal’s schedule.

I attend your weekly class without fail.

...Even though I’d rather spend that day learning at the farm, too.

I’m following the rules, and yet you’re the one breaking them. Is that what a teacher is supposed to do?

“What you need most right now is my lessons. Your father may harbor ill will towards me from his troubled youth, but it’s wrong for you to be deprived of your rightful education because of that. To become a great demon king, I’ll teach you everything I know.”

I already think I’ve learned everything you can teach me.

In fact, your classes have just been repetitive lately.

Honestly, they’re a waste of time.

I was thinking of asking my father to stop them altogether.

In contrast, the Farm School offers endless new knowledge, always fresh and intriguing.

I want to gain as much knowledge as I can at the farm.

To become a great Demon King.

I don’t need you to interfere, Zurbester...

“Every past Demon King has become great through the teachings of my family. Therefore, the essential part of becoming a great ruler is my lessons. Nothing else matters. It’s essential. One might say other things are distractions.”

What is this man talking about?

I didn’t notice before, but after getting used to the Farm School, I can’t stand how weird this guy is.

Believing he’s always right, with no room for other viewpoints.

The look in his eyes when he’s convinced he’s the only one who knows the truth is disturbing.

“I’m not the only one eagerly awaiting you, Prince. Look, your school friends are here too. These bright young individuals were chosen especially for you.”

Behind Zurbester stands a line of boys and girls around my age.

The “school friends” system is part of the prince’s education.

It’s not just me, the prince; other noble children are educated together to spark competition and encourage deeper learning.

These “school friends” who study with me often rise to become high-ranking officials later on. It’s also a way to select future leaders.

Chosen by Zurbester, they became my school friends.

But ever since his lessons decreased, I haven’t seen much of them...

“Prince! Let’s study together!”

“We miss you with just one class a week!”

“If this keeps up, we’ll lose our chance to be the Heavenly Four... I mean, we’ll miss spending time with you!”

Or so they rush at me... but why am I scared of them now?

Anyway, I have other plans today, so excuse me!

...Wait, why can’t I escape?!

Zurbester won’t let go of my hand?!

“Where are you headed, Prince? The classroom is this way, you know?”

“I’m telling you, today’s schedule isn’t—!”

“Don’t worry! Once you grow under my guidance, even the Demon King will understand how crucial my teaching is for the royal family!”

Scary! Too scary!

Even though I’m trying my hardest to escape, I’m still a child, and resistance is futile as I get dragged along.

What should I do? Should I shout for help?

But that would ruin my reputation as the Demon Prince...!

“Kidnapping in the Demon King’s Castle? Bold move.”

“Huh? Who are you?!”

A mysterious voice makes Zurbester let go of my hand immediately.

Guess he knows getting caught isn’t ideal.

“‘Who am I?’ That’s my line, kidnapper. Or should I say ‘villain’ or maybe shout ‘guards, seize him!’?”

“You misunderstand! This is part of the Prince’s education! Children often dislike studying, so dragging them to class is part of my job!”

“Hmmm. Is that so? Then maybe I should tell the Demon King that his tutor can’t get the Prince to class without force.”

Stepping into view is… Belphgamilia?!

One of the army’s Heavenly Four?!

“Wh-What is a military officer doing here? This is the Demon King’s Castle, not the headquarters!”

“Oh, I was just slacking off around here when I heard a distressing cry. As a public servant, I couldn’t ignore it.”

Slacking off?

There were some concerning words in that sentence.

I wasn’t the one who screamed, though!

“Even if you’re the commander of the Demon King’s Army, this is a royal matter! Stay out of it!”

“Isn’t it the same for you? What right does a mere tutor have to interfere with the Prince’s actions?”

“It’s only obvious! I am the Prince’s tutor! I have the authority to guide him, even if it means being a bit harsh!”

“Even if you’re risking your head for it?”

“Ugh-”

Lord Belphgamilia?!

What are you talking about? I don’t want to be a tyrant who executes my servants just because I don’t like them and have the power to do so!

“If you’re going to kidnap the Prince against the Demon King’s schedule, you better be ready for the consequences. The Prince’s schedule was approved by the Demon King himself.”

“Urgh!”

“And you chose today for your stunt, knowing the Demon King is away inspecting the capital.”

So, does that mean…

Lord Belphgamilia is here to help me in my father’s absence?

As my tutor, Zurbester was given some leeway by my father to manage me.

Even if it meant forcing me to study against my will.

People might find it hard to judge if his actions were within his duties or just misconduct.

Unless they asked my father directly.

Zurbester planned this for today, knowing my father wouldn’t be here.

Is this the deceptiveness of an adult?

And my father, anticipating Zurbester’s actions, left Belphgamilia in charge in his absence…?

“I’ll stake my head on this, too. As the army’s commander entrusted by the Demon King, I’ll remove any threat to the Prince. Protecting the royal family is the military’s top duty.”

“I-I am also responsible for the prince’s education…!”

“Let’s ask the Demon King to decide when he returns. Who’s in the right, you or me?”

Zurbester is overwhelmed.

To silence him with sheer presence alone… This is a true military officer.

One entrusted by my father with the army’s full authority, something only the Demon King should wield.

“I-I am not wrong!”

“Hmm?”

“I am the Prince’s tutor! I decide where, from whom, and what he learns! No one can interfere, not even you, Commander!!!”

What is he talking about?

The authority to decide my education lies with my father, who designated me as his successor. Zurbester should only act on my father’s orders.

“Step aside! This is the Demon King’s Castle! A place for the royal family, not brutish soldiers!”

“Wow, you’re not in the wrong, you say? You’re pretty stubborn yourself... In that case, how about we test it out?” replies Lord Belphgamilia with a smirk. “Let’s see which of us is better for the Prince’s education, shall we?”