Volume 1 - Ch 22
They are under the impression that His Majesty is planning an attack.
Hmm, the extremists would certainly think like that Some people from the moderate faction seemed suspicious with the increased military activities.
The Demon Kings resurrection has been kept under wraps to avoid chaos. I think its time to make an official announcement.
I reported my parents case to His Majesty. This is the second time I have seen the King.
But instead of meeting in a large audience room like the last time, this time it was a one-on-one meeting in a small drawing-room.
And the way to deal with Count Dolknes? The next Count I was hoping you would take over the position.
Yes, I would like to succeed in my fathers title as the Count if His Majesty allows me to do so.
When I told him that I want to be the next Count Dolknes, His Majestys eyes widened in surprise. Naturally, he would be surprised since I had avoided taking power until now.
I thought youd turn this down, what made you change your heart?
I want to get rid of the discrimination against those that have black hair. And the best way to do that was for me to be in the public eye.
Stopping discrimination thats a thorny path to choose. Discrimination and ostracism are caused by the weak and ugly parts of the human mind. Its something thats hard to overcome and even harder for someone else to overcome it.
Even if its impossible to get rid, at least I want to help to ease the burden a little. And Prince Edwin overcame his weakness.
For Phil, the dark brown-haired boy and myself. And for the black-haired children that will be born in the future.
Just as Prince Edwin has changed, there is a possibility that other people could change as well. In His Highness case, Patricks persuasion was great at convincing him.
Is that so? Are you planning on making achievements after this?
His Majestys expression slightly grimed, but hes mistaken.
If Im going to achieve something, I wont do it by making any military achievement. Because no matter what I do for war activity, I will always be an object of fascination.
From now on, instead of ruthless, strong, and scary Yumiela, I must become Yumiela, the benevolent lord with good governance. In that case, my strength would be both helpful and hindering.
So you are going to work as a lord. All right, Ill prepare the preparation for you to take over the position. Theres a certain amount of precedent for being a Countess.
Im grateful for the opportunity.
What about the former Count and his wife? I could execute them in the name of the King.
I dont want them to be executed, but I would like to put them under house arrest in the fief.
His Majesty gave a small laugh when he heard me opposing the execution.
Ronald is right. Deep down, you are a good person.
Did the principal really say that?
No, if His Majesty executed my parents when I succeeded in the title, it would give me a bad reputation. I think its punishment enough for them that they wont be able to live a lavish lifestyle in Royal Capital anymore.
I convinced myself to believe that this is the reason why, but deep down, I know that the real reason is that I despise killing people.
I know in my head as a noble, such idealism is not enough. Still, if Id rather not kill them, I wont kill them. If there are lives that can be saved, I would want to save them. It might be strange hearing that from someone who would have killed the most monsters in the world.
I see.
Does His Majesty, who said this in a gentle voice, see through my feelings?
Soon, I will announce the Demon King resurrection. This situation will make the extremists more subdued, and theres no way they will defeat the Demon King themselves.
I would like Miss Yumiela to attend the announcement. Im sure many of us would feel better if you were here.
I understand. Prince Edwin and Alicia-san will attend the announcement too, right?
My relationship with the prince is better, but Alicia still sees me as an enemy. Its even more hostile since I helped her level up.
Ah, Ill let Edwin rein her back. And Ill try to make the both of you avoid as much contact as possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Miss Alicia is also be a trouble. Ill have to think on getting her married to Edwin.
Does Lady Yumiela have no intention to become the Saint? Saint is just a title for defeating the Demon King together with the Hero. It doesnt have anything to do with the Light attribute.
Im sorry, but
I understand, Im just saying.
His Majesty smiled bitterly. If you know what I wanted, please dont say something like that. I know its an effective way to stop the discrimination against the black hair, but I dont like it.
Dont worry, I wont meddle with your marriage. Theres someone youre getting along with, right?
Do you mean Patrick? I dont have that kind of relationship with him. And my type is someone stronger than I am.
I knew it, Patrick presence has reached His Majestys ear.
I must hide the fact that I have a favorable opinion of him as much as possible. Not because Im embarrassed, but because he could be taken as hostage.
If they took Patrick hostage and demanded something in exchange, I dont think I would be able to refuse. The only way is to prevent them from taking him as a hostage.
Yeah, it would be best to keep your relationship with him under wraps until the situation is stable. Some people might be afraid of the repercussion, but you dont know how people will react.
No, its true that hes not my lover. You wouldnt believe me when I told you.
But, to end the discrimination? Its a big goal, but I like it. Im more than willing to help. After all, we dont want to create a second Demon King.
Second Demon King?
His Majesty drops a bombshell after he loosens his mouth to talk about my love life. What do you mean with the second Demon King? What does the Royal Family know about the Demon King?
What did I was forgot about what you heard. I thought it would be okay to tell you, but if you participate in the Demon King subjugation, it would be better if I wont tell you. Please dont ask.
His Majesty bowed deeply.
So its not something from the Royal Family but something else entirely?
His Majesty said it would be better if I dont know the details if I wanted to join the subjugation. Its as if hes telling me that Ill hesitate to kill the Demon King once I knew about it.
Im sorry, I promise to tell you before I die. But not right now.
Yes, if that is what His Majesty has decided, I shall obey.
His Majesty was stubbornly unwilling to talk about the Demon Kings secret. In the game, he was said to be an evil being who controls monsters, but what is the truth?
As a future Countess, I will be the Lord of a fiefdom, and when this happens, I have to think about a successor. For the worst-case scenario, I will adopt a child, so I dont need to bother with marriage.
I dont want to marry someone who approaches me for my land, and I dont want someone who is too old. If possible, I want to have a good relationship with my marriage partner, and preferably hes the local noble second son and later with expertise in managing the territory.
There are a lot more requirements, but there must be such a convenient person?
Hey Patrick, do you want to be my adopted son?
Again, suddenly What are you talking about now?
Patrick is the second son, right? Since you cant succeed the Marquis title, then why not become my heir?
I dont want to be your adopted son.
I didnt expect him to give an immediate answer. Im a little surprised.
Um, I thought Patrick would be happy if we become a family I knew it. You wouldnt want to.
Thats not what Im saying!
Patricks voice was unusually hoarse. Theres a reason why he doesnt like it
Dont worry, Ill be retired soon! Im not going to bully Patricks wife!
I just wouldnt like to call you my mother.
Thats a valid reason. Its crazy, the parent and child would the same age.
Wait a minute, just please wait a little longer. Theres something I want to tell you, Yumiela.
Patrick said that and went away.
Lately, Patrick often leaves the school alone. I miss seeing him. Am I lonely? My feelings shouldve been obvious, Ive been alone why whole life and I never thought Id miss him.
I know Ive been saying some weird stuff about the adoption, but will I be able to tell Patrick what Im actually feeling about him?