#835 The Emperor Dragon Couple Visits– Demon Race POV Second Half

“When it comes to those around me, it inevitably ends up being about political marriages and such. I’d like you to take this as a mere reference to the fact that such things do happen in human societies.”

The Demon King’s stories were not only fascinating as mere tales; both Sis Mary and I were all ears.

“For instance... Let me start with the story of my right-hand man, Belphgamilia, one of the Heavenly Four, who holds complete authority over our army.”

I know that name.

Father once said, “There are a few dangerous individuals among the inferior species that one must never cross.” 

Belphgamilia was one of those names, wasn’t he?

“You see, he happens to be my brother. He is the son of one of the many sons my father, given his free-spirited nature, had relations with. Despite having the blood of the Demon King’s family, he wasn’t acknowledged and spent some time wandering the world as an outcast.”

After such a period, he joined the Demon King’s Army and quickly rose to prominence.

While it wasn’t disclosed how his origins reached the Demon King, welcoming a hidden brother into his inner circle must have been a great boon for the Demon King amidst a raging war.

“The biggest issue in raising such a brother to the rank of one of the Heavenly Four was his family status. He was an unrecognized illegitimate child of the former Demon King. Moreover, to be a Heavenly One, one had to belong to a certain family lineage inheriting a Holy Sword. So, the method we adopted was...”

A political marriage.

“There was a suitable lady of marrying age in the family of the Corrupted-Holy Sword Viergelb with no male heir and the position of successor vacant, so we slid him in through marriage. Thanks to this, one of the most trusted and capable men came to hold a central position, making many things much easier for us.”

“But is the woman okay with it? She was suddenly married to someone she’d never met before...!”

“Female nobility sees marriage as a union between houses. It’s all about continuing the lineage inherited from ancestors and, ideally, thriving even more to pass it on to the next generation.”

“Is that so...?!”

Sis Mary still seems unconvinced, even after the explanation.

The concept of continuing and flourishing a house through marriage is probably hard to grasp for a dragon, driven to be the strongest and unrivaled species.

“How is their relationship?”

“As their lord, I try not to intrude too much into my subordinates’ privacy. He’s a difficult man by nature and doesn’t talk much about his family affairs...”

What could the Demon King’s lonely smile signify, I wonder.

“However, if something terrible were happening, I would surely hear of it. The fact that I haven’t heard anything suggests they are managing fairly well. Not all noble marriages are just about duty. Take Batemy, who had a wedding ceremony with you, as a perfect example.”

“Ah, that girl...!”

My sister’s expression suddenly brightened.

Batemy, who pledged vows on the same day in a joint wedding ceremony, was from the demon race, and her husband was an elite soldier in the Demon King’s Army.

“Batemy comes from a common background without the advantage of a prestigious family, but her renown in clothes-making overshadows that.”

“That’s right! The clothes she makes are wonderful!”

Is she also a fan of hers...?!

“Her creations have become a status symbol for the upper class. If getting in good graces with her husband, Olba, means priority access to her clothes, most wouldn’t hesitate. Imagine the benefits it brings to their family...”

This might be more advantageous than connecting with a lesser noble family.

I might not understand mankind’s technology, but the ability to create wealth and tradition lasting centuries with just handicrafts is impressive.

“The skills and abilities that can push aside ingrained societal customs and traditions are formidable. She has truly carved her own path with her talents. Something to aspire to.”

“And she deserves every bit of that right!”

Sis Mary’s respect is immense.

As comrades who shared the same wedding day, their happiness is indeed a joyous thing.

Come to think of it, we husbands had also formed a bond.

Since we’ve come to the Demon Kingdom, I should greet Batemy’s husband, Lord Olba.

“And who else was there...”

“Your Majesty, I apologize for interrupting.”

Just as the conversation seemed to become lively, someone entered the room.

An older male demon approached the Demon King.

“This matter requires your immediate approval, Your Majesty. Please have a look.”

“Lucif Focale, can’t you see that I’m currently entertaining important guests? Leave the paperwork for later.”

“But Your Majesty...”

Looks like he’s busy.

We are the ones who dropped in suddenly, so this feels a bit awkward. We don’t think we can just bulldoze our way through with dragon power.

“Good grief, you’re inflexible. Then how about this: while I review these documents, you entertain them. Be careful. If you upset them, the Demon Capital could instantly turn into a sea of fire. This paperwork and the issues written on it included.”

“We won’t burn anything down!”

Those days of draconian tyranny are long gone!

Meanwhile, Sis Mary nonchalantly continues the conversation...

“Oh, I’d like to hear about that gentleman’s marriage. He looks quite seasoned; surely, he must be married. We’re currently going around listening to such stories.”

“Marriage stories, is it?”

“Yes, we just visited the Mermaid Kingdom before this.”

Sis Mary’s tone had a slightly intimidating edge.

The distance between the Mermaid Kingdom and the Demon Kingdom is vast, almost like the ends of the earth. Perhaps she wanted to show off the dragon’s ability to traverse such distances in a single leap.

“Hmm, but my marriage story isn’t particularly delightful...”

“Even ordinary stories are fine. We want to gather various tales as references.”

Um, Sis Mary...?!

Isn’t this a bit too much to ask of someone we just met today?

“Well, I don’t mind sharing my story while His Majesty graciously peruses his documents. Oh, I should have introduced myself earlier - I am Lucf Focale, the Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom.”

“Oh, a Prime Minister? I also know a charming lady Prime Minister who rules over the great seas.”

Why so competitive, big sister?

“I got married... oh, decades ago now. I was so caught up in my work that I almost missed my chance, but I was strongly encouraged by those around me and ended up in an arranged marriage. My partner was a young lady from a rather affluent noble family.”

“Sounds like you landed a pretty good deal there.”

“I suppose so. I was a rising star in the bureaucracy back then, handling a ton of work under the Demon King of the time, and my career was on the fast track. I had quite a few marriage proposals to choose from, and she was one of them.”

The Demon King of that time... could it be the one we were just talking about earlier?

“But even after getting married, not much changed in my life. The previous Demon King kept piling up impulsive tasks, and my days were constantly filled with work. When I finally managed to take a break for the first time in two years and went home...”

“Two years...?!”

“The house was empty.”

Turns out, his wife had grown tired of waiting and had returned to her parents’ house almost a year before. 

The divorce proceedings were already completed, and all he did was accept the outcome.

“Well, I suppose it was to be expected. Any wife would leave a husband who’s never home for over a year. I was shocked when faced with the reality, and I did feel bad for her. But what really surprised me came after that...”

“Wh-What happened...?”

“She became the nineteenth wife of the Demon King. After we had officially divorced, of course.”

That damn predecessorrrrrrrrr!

I couldn’t help but yell out loud.

That must be the same Demon King we were just talking about, the one who had his way with numerous women!

What was he thinking?!

“I got unsolicited advice from all quarters. It seems negotiations were going on even while I was swamped with work. In my absence, my wife had been entertaining herself with evening parties and tea gatherings. That’s the playground of a fun-loving Demon King.”

“Uh... Er... We’re sorry?”

“No, no, it’s all on me for being too engrossed in my work. Though, the root cause of that busyness was that damned Demon King.”

Even Sis Mary felt remorseful and apologized. 

I was also at a loss, feeling a tightness in my chest.

Then, the Demon King, who had been perusing documents, looked up.

“...I’m hearing this for the first time too. But Lucif Focale, you should’ve probably punched Father.”

“I’ve already done so, Your Majesty. Five times during his reign, and maybe three times after he stepped down?”

“I think you could hit him a few more times.”

I wholeheartedly agree.

“Well, I have his permission to stab him with a knife just before he dies of illness or something, so I’m satisfied with that arrangement.”

“You have my permission to stab him right now.”

“If I had that time, I’d rather be working. After all, every project I’m working on is truly for the betterment of the Demon Kingdom, and I find great fulfillment in that.”

Such devotion to work for the sake of others... How admirable!

I was supposed to focus on marriage stories, but I ended up respecting him for his dedication.

“I guess I’m not meant for that sort of thing. But that’s okay. Look over there, someone who’s truly blessed in both work and family life.”

Looking out the window, we see a figure running down the street, full of vigor. 

It’s a face I recognize – isn’t that one of the Selfless Workaholics who had conquered my dungeon? 

Even at this distance, and through the window, I could hear his voice with my dragon’s hearing: “Alllll right! Let’s give it our all at work today!!!”

“Kufufufufufu...! There goes a lucky fellow. A happy soul, united with his childhood love through a political marriage. It would be healthy for the Demon Kingdom to have more people like him in the future.”

Saying this with a sly smile, the Prime Minister, Lucif Focale, even managed to overwhelm me, a dragon.

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so sorry updates have been rather irregular lately ;( i recently graduated and have been occupied with arranging my things to move out. rest assured, things will be back on track around next week when ive settled down 🙏thank you so much for your patience as always everyone