#589 The True Demon King Crosses the Continent

It is I, True Demon King Azar.

However, this title has somewhat become empty.

Our brethren, whom we’ve been separated from for 500 years, have evolved beyond our imagination.

They are strong. So overwhelmingly strong that they easily seized victory against us.

Is this the mainland demons’ power?!

To begin with, our roots come from the mainland. Therefore, demons there have inherited all our ancestors’ conventions and forged them through fierce battles.

When I think about that, I suddenly feel ashamed of myself.

Taking pride in being the lord of a puny island and even having the audacity to call myself the True Demon King...

I have been, without a doubt, what they would call a bat that rules the sky on a bird-less island!

But although a frog in the well knows nothing of the sea, it knows the depth of the sky!

My Heavenly Four, hastily formed by the island’s battle-hungry warriors, was kicked around by a young man who had yet to become a regular soldier...

After all, that group was but a mishmash of professions—a lumberjack, a mailman, and an odd-job man.

The only member with any real combat training was my daughter, Shaymiri.

Of course it was a tall order for them.

On the other hand, we were up against a group trained through hundreds of years of warfare.

Why did I even think we had a chance of winning?

Was I in a strange state of emotional tension until yesterday?

However, I was given a second chance by Demon King Zedan.

He tolerated my rude behavior throughout, which typically would have led to an outbreak of war, and extended his hand of reconciliation.

After the friendly match at the colosseum, our mutual relationship was officially decided, and after strengthening our bond at the castle banquet, I had another meeting with him.

* * *

“I wish to renounce my title as the demon king,” I propose. “I have come to realize and accept that it is you who truly deserves the title of Demon King. You are far more powerful than I am. It would be presumptuous of me to call myself a fellow Demon King.”

Not to mention, True Demon King...

“I would like to transfer my dominion to you and ask you to treat me as one of your subjects.”

“No, Lord Azar. I’m afraid I cannot accept that.”

Immediately, Zedan expresses his courteous refusal.

“This country has survived as an independent nation for 500 years. You mustn’t simply throw away your history and pride. Of course, if you are in trouble, we will spare no effort to help you, but this is not an attempt to target your sovereignty.”

Demon King Zedan leans forward.

“Because helping each other is the most natural thing to do...!”

“Lord Zedan...!”

What a remarkable person.

At first, I thought he was just a big, creepy guy, but he’s as strong as he is heroic!

“...Very well. In that case, let us make haste and prepare an official treaty to establish diplomatic relations.”

“Mm. I wish for our two nations to join forces and grow together.”

But I have to think about what to call myself.

There is only one “Demon King” by nature.

When two or more Demon Kings existed in the past, it caused the outbreak of civil war that lasted until one king remained.

There was even a time when the mainland was plunged into a bloody war, resulting in a division within the kingdom.

The reason Lord Zedan and I have not fought each other despite bearing the same title is 100% Lord Zedan’s mercy. If history were to repeat itself, my people and I would be on the losing end. 

If I don’t make some compromises now... I’d fail to do my duty.

“I think it would be best for you to continue to call yourself Demon King, Lord Zedan. I would gladly redefine my title to something else.”

“There is no need for you to go that far.”

“It won’t put my mind at ease till I do so! Since I govern over a solitary island, would you be all right with me calling myself Demon King of the Isle?”

It is evident that an island is a much smaller landmass than a continent. 

Furthermore, it conveys the message of a humble subspecies.

“Demon King of the Isle...so, Isle Demon King?”

That sounds relatively close to “I’ll Demon King,” which doesn’t make any sense whatsoever...

“How about Isle King?”

“That sounds like an anonymous king of a random island...”

“If the anonymity bothers you...How about Islala King?”

“Huh???”

“Isla Ousaku?”

“Who even is that?!”

After much deliberation, we decided to go with the official title of Demon King of the Isle and the island as Demon Isle.

“No, wait. If you’re the king of the Demon Isle, shouldn’t you be called Demon Isle King instead?”

“Demon Isle King...?”

No, I don’t like how that sounds when abbreviated!

Thus, a sophisticated political arrangement was held at the meeting.

You may think it’s foolish, but who knows when a war could start because of someone’s title!

But putting it the other way around, you should call yourself something provoking if you want to wage war.

“Now that all of the above has been settled cordially, I hope we can maintain our friendship for all eternity.”

“Likewise. You are the true Demon King between us.”

“But Lord Azar, you’re a fine ruler yourself. At first, I was skeptical of your capabilities. Still, as soon as you understood the circumstances, you immediately put aside all unnecessary pretenses and acted in the best interest of your people.”

Oh, no. You praise me too much, Lord Zedan.

“As a fellow ruler, I admire that attitude of yours.”

“Frankly, I’d like to think of my initial behavior as my dark past.”

So please forget all that had happened...

“I’ve been trying to make my kingdom...rather, my island, self-sufficient, but it’s reaching its limits. We were hoping to get help in any way possible.”

“What a coincidence! We also have much to learn about Daemon Swords and your communication magic that led us to know each other. Let’s aim for mutual development by comparing our advantages and disadvantages.”

What reassuring words...!

“So, here’s my proposal.”

“Yes?”

“Would you like to visit the mainland nation, Lord Azar?”

“Pardon?!”

I couldn’t prepare an immediate response to Lord Zedan’s offer.

“I am reminded once again of the importance of mutual understanding. I think the first thing we should do is cultivate a better understanding of each other’s thoughts and feelings. I thought it’d be a good idea to have you, Lord Azar, representative of the Demon Isle, visit the mainland nation and get to know what kind of place it is.”

Isn’t this...

A little dangerous?

Visiting a country is the same as going into the heart of another country alone.

It’s like deciding how to cook your bird. Whether you roast or boil it is up to your discretion.

He may feign friendship with flattery, but as soon as I enter his territory, he’ll tie me up and force me to surrender unconditionally.

I wouldn’t be too shocked if he pulled that crafty trick on me!

What should I do?

Normally, this would be a position where I could make up an excuse and politely refuse his offer, but...  

Isn’t Lord Zedan already in the center of enemy territory right now?

Once I give the order, the whole nation can attack and take him captive... Or perhaps that’s impossible.

The fact that he risked so much to visit us is proof of his trust in us.

If I don’t live up to that trust, how can our reconciliation go smoothly from here on out?

“...I understand.”

“Wonderful!”

Frankly, I’m scared.

I’m terrified, but I must muster up the courage to respond to Lord Zedan’s wishes.

Anyone can still feel anxious even if they trust the other person!

Even if you know you’re safe, plenty of things can still frighten you, okay?!

* * *

And here we are, already on our way to the Demon Kingdom on the ship Lord Zedan and his crew are using.

“...Quite the magnificent ship you have, Lord Zedan.”

We are on a public vessel owned by the Demon Kingdom.

It’s moving even without any wind... how is that possible?!

“I’m glad you like it. This ship is actually a self-navigating vessel powered by magic—a high-end product, of which there are not more than a few in the Demon Kingdom!”

I see...

You might think the Demon Isle has advanced shipbuilding technology because we are an island nation, but it doesn’t.

Our land is too small to secure materials to build ships, so the best we could do is to go out to sea and fish in small boats.

“But as you know, there’s always someone better than you, so this isn’t that much to boast about. Take Lord Saint’s ship, for example. His magic-powered vessel has a metal hull, and its durability and speed are far superior to ours.”

“All metal?!”

How?!

If it’s entirely metal, wouldn’t it sink in the water?!

“That’s what’s so incredible about Lord Saint. Compared to him, the bustle at the capital is nothing. Still, I hope you won’t be disappointed in the metropolis that I take pride in governing.”

Ah, I know this pattern.

The more modest someone is, the more they tend to go beyond their limits and show something unique.

Will I be all right? Will I (and my senses) be able to return to the Demon Isle in one piece?

Amidst my anxiety, we set out for the Demon Kingdom, the motherland of the demon race.