#671 The Snow Festival in the Eyes of the Prime Minister

Continuing the story is me, Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom, Lucife Focale.

I ended up coming along.

We crossed the border into the Human Kingdom, heading towards the outskirts of a certain territory.

Our pretext was inspection, and the plan was to directly confirm the disaster-stricken area buried in heavy snow.

Along with the Demon King, the de facto ruler, I, the Prime Minister, who also manages our nation’s affairs, came along. The locals were in chaos, and the reactions at each destination were intense.

There were even humans shedding tears, saying, “The Demon King really cares about us...!”  

Others said, “The former human king never did anything like this...!” They were that moved.

After traveling to various places, we finally arrived at the Wallachia frontier. 

It’s the location where that so-called castle event is being held.

I also thought they’d cancel the event during such a major calamity, but it was the opposite. They’re trying to blow away the dark and gloomy atmosphere by holding the event on a grand scale.

I think that mindset is not bad. 

Besides, the project they’re working on is unique. 

To sum it up, it’s a festival that uses snow.

It’s not the same as the usual event; they changed the theme to cope with this year’s heavy snow.

“Using snow that has been cleared from various places as the material for the festival... So they’re reusing all that snow?”

“It’s a fresh and innovative idea typical of Lord Saint. He always surprises us with ideas that are beyond our reach. You should take note of this too, Prime Minister.”

Even His Majesty is ecstatic about it.

When was the last time I saw someone burdened with the heavy responsibility of a king acting so childishly?

As someone who has been serving him since childhood, I feel deeply moved by it. 

I often see the Great Demon King, his father, in high spirits, but that one only pisses me off.

Speaking of the Great Demon King, he has already arrived via teleportation magic.

The two demon queen consorts, Queen Astres and Queen Glasya, have also arrived earlier with their respective children.

Isn’t this the entire royal demon family? 

Aren’t they being too extravagant for such a local event?

“If it’s a festival held by Lord Saint, then it’s only natural. You, too, Prime Minister, will soon understand the enormity of Lord Saint’s outstanding feats.”

Indeed.

I think I’m already starting to feel that... 

First and foremost, something caught my eye from afar long before we arrived at the site. 

It had a noticeable presence even when we were in the neighboring territory.

What was that giant tower?!

I wonder if it was also made of snow since it was completely white.

But could something as simple as snow be piled that high?

Even if it wasn’t made of snow, or even if it was built with bricks or stone, it would be impossible to create a structure that reaches such a height that it seems to touch the heavens.

If that’s the case, that snow tower must be something that surpasses our architectural technology and goes beyond common sense.

In other words, it belongs to a civilization that surpasses ours.

What if they use their high-level technology for military purposes and bare their fangs toward us?

Can we handle it with our national power and military force?

“Don’t worry too much about it, Lucife Focale. Relax.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Lord Saint is not a person who incites immoral actions. If that person desired it, he could have already placed the world under his control. The reason he hasn’t is due to his inherently pure heart, which remains consistently free from any desire for control.”

I-Is that so...!

“Don’t be afraid for no reason. Excessive fear doesn’t lead to good results. It may jeopardize the hard-earned peace and lead this world to destruction.”

“You make a fair point, Your Majesty...!”

“Confronting Lord Saint is futile and may also mean disrespecting his profound empathy. Please do not engrave me in history as a foolish Demon King.”

Of course, I won’t, Your Majesty.

Knowing one foolish Demon King is more than enough for me.

But who is this Lord Saint that even the noble Demon King Zedan speaks so highly about...?!

Anyway, at the site, what surprised me was not only the giant snow tower but also many other snow sculptures.

There are numerous snow exhibitions...!

What caught my eye first among the displays was the pair of idols that stood valiantly as if they were a set.

“Are these Velesares and Hephaestus’ statues...?!”

As both gods belong to the heavens, the demon race, who worships the underworld deity Hades, frowned upon this choice of motif. 

It could be seen as a small act of rebellion against the demon’s rule over the human race.

But if that were the case, there could’ve been more appropriate choices of motifs, such as a statue of Zeus.

Velesares, a war god inferior to the goddess Athena of the same lineage, and the minor god of crafting, Hephaestus...

Perhaps they avoided using major gods to evade detection from the Occupation Government?

“Don’t overthink everything, Lucife Focale. Maybe the elves and dwarves are just praising their respective patron gods.”

Elves and dwarves?!

I thought the humans organized this event since it was in their territory... but it turns out it’s not the case. 

Was this event worldwide?

“Well, it’s not surprising since Lord Saint has a deep friendship with the elves and the dwarves. But both races have such amazing designs! Just admiring these two idols is enough reason for this event to be held.”

Kuh, it’s as His Majesty says...

It’s because both the elves and dwarves have their own unique technologies that even the demon race doesn’t have. 

In the past, there was an active policy of integration that aimed to incorporate their techniques into the Demon Kingdom. The previous Demon King Baal was especially fond of culture and other such things and desired the cleverness of the elves and dwarves from the bottom of his heart.

During his reign, even if other policies were put aside, he ordered that the elves and dwarves should settle down in the capital. We had no choice but to move forward with it.

But in the end, it didn’t go well. 

There was still room for negotiation with the dwarves, but the elves, who thoroughly dislike approaching other races, had nowhere to turn to. No matter how much we conceded, they wouldn’t even consider moving to the capital.

It was tough when we were given such a project that just wouldn’t progress as we wanted...!

There were so many other things we had to do...!

“Prime Minister. What’s past is past. Let’s focus on the now and the future.”

That’s right! 

It’s the reign of the wise King Zedan now! It’s different from the time when Baal gave us a hard time!!

“I would have told you not to think too deeply about it. Today, forget about work and enjoy the festival.”

“R-Right, Your Majesty...!”

I wanted to soak in the hot springs and forget about everything, but a truly wise person must adapt to the situation.

There’s no doubt that this Snow Festival is of rare and exceptional quality.

Even though I’m usually very uptight, let’s go wild and enjoy the festival to the fullest today!

“All right! Let’s apply for participation in the event straight away!”

“Apply for participation?!”

Participate...in what?

“Didn’t I tell you? It’s unbecoming of the Prime Minister to forget the words of the Demon King.”

“M-My apologies...!”

“Anyway, Orkubo’s Castle is originally an event wherein visitors participate. This time, they changed things up but kept the basic part the same. That means we won’t just be spectators; we’ll also use our own hands and feet to participate!”

What?!

“Kukuku...! I advanced to the third obstacle in the last season...! I wanted to aim for total victory this year, but I hope to achieve substantial results instead. The competition this year will be... a snowball fight!”

“A snowball fight?!”

What’s that?

The word “fight” is attached to it, so it sounds like a dangerous activity...

Your Majesty, in this era where the long-lasting war between humans and demons has come to an end, and the world is moving towards peace...

 It’s not good for a ruler to be interested in bloody events like this!!!

“Once again, Prime Minister, you’re overthinking things too much. Don’t worry. Even though it’s called a snowball fight, it’s just a game, after all. Although it’s called a ‘fight’ because it’s a competitive event, it’s nothing but a mere game for those like us who know what a true battle is.”

“I-Is that so...?!”

Phew, I’m relieved.

Even if it’s a former enemy nation that’s already been annexed, if it’s known that the Demon King had fought there, who knows what kind of rumors will spread throughout the world...!

Now is the time to promote peace and harmony.

Well, in that sense, it might be good for His Majesty to take the initiative in interacting with the citizens, even if it’s just a game.

Yes, this trend is good!

I’m not saying this to persuade myself!!!

“By the way, Your Majesty. What kind of game is this ‘snowball fight’?”

“I was also explained about it beforehand by Lord Saint, but it’s a competition where teams use snow to hit each other... Kufufufu, it’s been a while since I led soldiers in battle, even though it’s just a game. I am so excited!”

...Um, Your Majesty?

This is supposed to be a peaceful event, right?

“Well then, Prime Minister, when you’re matched against me as an enemy, I’ll fight you with all my might. I want you to challenge me as if I were your father’s enemy.”

“I’m participating as well?!”

“You should move your body from time to time, too. Lack of exercise is the enemy of health. I’m always training for Orkubo’s Castle every year to keep myself fit enough to withstand the duties of politics!”

Maintaining a healthy body in such a way in this era of post-war is impressive.

As expected of the wise king Lord Zedan. 

He’s different from the previous Demon King, who was plain revolting.

“Speaking of which, my father also participates every year in Orkubo’s Castle and thus is joining in this snowball fight too. If you’re also participating, we may face one another, you know?”

“What?!”

“Do go easy on us if that happens, all right? After all, you’re still my retainer.”

The Demon King chuckled heartily, seemingly in jest, but at that moment, my fighting spirit was ignited.

In other words, if I were to participate in the snowball fight, I might have the chance to beat viciously beat the Great Demon King under the guise of a competition?

He had put me through so much hardship with his whimsical and reckless policies back when he was in power!

My determination is suddenly stirred up!

Your Majesty, I, Lucife Focale, the Prime Minister of the Demon Kingdom, humbly request that you allow me to participate in the snowball fight!