#730 The Neo Demon Kingdom – The Prince's Version

My name is Goetia.

First prince of the Demon Kingdom and the heir apparent to the throne.

As the eldest son of the current Demon King, it’s my duty to inherit his role and become the next Demon King.

I’ve been told so many times by my father’s retainers ever since I was old enough to understand.

— “Become a splendid king like your father.”

— “Strive to be a strong, noble ruler.”

— “Don’t become like that detestable Grand Demon King, understand?”

And so on.

As the eldest son of the current Demon King, expectations weigh heavily upon me, and I am bound by duty to meet them. 

My mother, the esteemed First Demon Queen Astres, often implores me to “serve the greater good.”

That’s why I diligently study every day, entirely devoted to practicing martial arts and magic.

I need both strength and wisdom to become a respectable Demon King.

Every so often, a retainer would suggest, “Your Highness, children your age should enjoy some leisure, play in the fields perhaps.”

But such frivolity feels wasteful to me.

I yearn to master my abilities as swiftly as possible, to reassure my father that his throne will be in capable hands.

Therefore, I spend every single day honing my abilities, not letting a moment go to waste.

As such, dear mother, I am too busy studying to frolic in the fields.

I have to assess a new home tutor. The last one was dismissed; they taught me nothing I didn’t already know.

Then one day.

His Majesty, the Demon King, summoned me.

What could this be about?

Is he going to check on my progress as his successor?

“...I heard you’ve dismissed another tutor.”

“I learned nothing from him, Father. His lessons were a complete waste of my time.”

Being in my father’s presence is always a humbling experience. 

His aura is overwhelming, a trait I aspire to emulate.

“...Your tutors do more than recite from books, Goetia. A truly great teacher imparts wisdom through their way of life and their compassion. If this is lost on you, you are far from ready to succeed me.”

“...Yes, Father...!”

I-I’ve been scolded by my father.

Am I still lacking so much as his successor?

“The retainers speak highly of your determination, and hard work is indeed important. But a king is more than the sum of his efforts. A true king must balance diligence with ease, sternness with gentleness.”

“Do you suggest I learn from Lord Belphgamilia of the Heavenly Four?” 

“That’s not what I’m implying.”

Have I fallen short of my father’s expectations once again? 

What must I do to prove myself worthy?

“Goetia, I’ve set up a special opportunity for you to develop your abilities as the next Demon King. There’s a public event scheduled in the capital.”

“An event...?”

“You will participate. On that day, forget about being a prince and just be a child. I will evaluate your potential as a successor based on how you spend your time there and what emotions it evokes in you.”

Understood.

In other words, my father wants to evaluate my current growth.

If so, I will face this event with all my might and achieve good results to meet Father’s expectations!

...Thus, my special training for that event began.

Upon hearing the details, it seems the event is a tournament where small statues resembling gods are controlled by magic to fight each other.

Such disrespect, using the likeness of gods as toys for amusement.

I even suggested that this event should be shut down for its irreverence, but one of my retainers told me to “not sweat the small stuff.”

Is that so?

Well then, I just have to win this tournament and live up to my father’s expectations.

The methodology to do so has already been analyzed.

The key to this God Figure Fight is controlling the magic stones embedded in the dolls.

Although they are much smaller and require much less mana than those used in magic ships, they demand a high degree of precision.

In other words, the skill of the operator’s magic manipulation directly correlates to victory or defeat.

Given that, my chances of winning are incredibly high.

People may dismiss me as a child, but I have been given a gifted education as the next Demon King.

My knowledge, swordsmanship, and even my handling of magic are second to none.

At best, commoners may be able to use basic livelihood-related magic, but they likely lack any precision.

In that case, I should be able to overcome most opponents with my magic manipulation as the prince.

If so, preparing a mighty sword that can kill with one blow should suffice as modifications for the figure.

All I have to do then is penetrate the defenses of my opponent struggling with clumsy operation and land a decisive blow.

This is my victory plan.

With this strategy, I will achieve victory and earn my father’s recognition!

* * *

On the day of the tournament...

Just when I thought I could easily win...!

“Nghh!”

I was having a hard time.

Preposterous! Me, the Demon Prince Goetia...?!

Why am I struggling so much?! Why can’t I break down my opponent’s defense despite my attacks?!

No, rather, I’m fully occupied with fending off my opponent’s barrage!

I’m just in the first round of the preliminaries...

Is it acceptable for me, the Demon Prince, to be defeated so early?!

To top it off, my opponent is a child, not much different from me!

I boasted I could compete with grown-ups! But now, my pride is crumblinggg!

“Hmph, I can see you’re trying hard, but you’re not there yet. You’re not even close to being a match for me, Diablo, and my beloved Starlight Z-Hades!”

Wh-What?! 

How can a commoner child outclass the Demon Prince?!

In reality, his magic manipulation is utterly clumsy compared to the gifted education I’ve received from the moment I was conscious! 

In terms of agility and reaction speed, I’m undoubtedly superior! 

My formula of “overwhelming with magic manipulation” hasn’t failed me at all.

Yet why can’t I catch up to him?!

Why does he always get the upper hand?!

“Just being good at calculations won’t get you far in this tournament.”

“What?!”

“Yeah, your piloting skills are better than mine. Honestly, I can’t even compete with you. But victory in the God Figure Fight isn’t determined by that alone!”

Wh-What?! 

Wings are spreading from the back of his God Figure!

“We’re not fighting alone! We fight with our partner, our God Figure! You, who lack the feelings of trust and love for your figure, will never be able to beat me and my Starlight Z- Hades! ...Now for our finishing move!”

Agh! His Hades is charging at me, light running along its wings...

“Hades Shooting Star Attack!!!” 

“Gwaaaargh!”

My... My God Figure took a direct hit and is falling apart...!

“Match over. Victory goes to Diablo.”

“Gahh!!”

No way... Did I, a demon prince... just lose to a commoner...?! 

What was all my hard work for...?!

As I grapple with these thoughts, the victorious commoner approaches me...

“Good game, that was a fun fight.”

He extends his hand.

A handshake? Such a humiliating gesture for the loser, me...?!

“Don’t cry just because you lost, it’s no big deal.”

“I-I’m not crying!”

“Even if you lose today, you can use it to win the next game. If you want a rematch, I’ll be ready any time,” he says. “But don’t just rely on your own power to win the rematch. Trust in the power of your partner more. Do so, and your God Figure will show infinite power. A true God Figure Fighter trusts in their figure!”

Trust in... the figure...?! 

Is that what my father wanted to say through this tournament?

Being an ideal king is not just about bettering myself but also about trusting others and advancing together.

My father wanted to teach me that there’s a limit to what one person can do alone?!

“...I want to know your name.”

“It’s Diablo!”

“I see... Then Diablo, thank you. I believe I can grow even more as a demon prince from our battle.”

“Huh? Demon prince?”

This is what you wanted, isn’t it, Father...?!

In next year’s tournament, I will modify my God Figure so that I can place my complete trust in it and rise to the challenge once more!