VI. Divine

Pretending to lightly scold him, the blonde man didn’t seem to mind being called “prince” as he smiled faintly and took his seat. At the mention of the name Lucas, a few in the know about the Empire’s inner workings nodded knowingly. He was an illegitimate child of the Emperor, carrying the Emperor’s blood but never granted the imperial surname. It was clear that his goal was to slay either a dragon or the Demon Lord to gain enough recognition to catch the Emperor’s eye.

Lucas and his group, consisting of one woman and four men, gathered around a table.

“We’ve finally made it this far.”

“Now’s our chance. The fact that the dragon is this weakened is a stroke of luck.”

“Who would have thought the Demon Lord would weaken it first?”

“Both the dragon and the Demon Lord are nuisances to the Empire, and now they’re fighting each other. It would’ve been better if both destroyed each other.”

Lucas shook his head, overhearing his companions.

“If that had happened, we wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

“…I suppose you’re right.”

Lucas was well aware of his team’s strength. It was an elite party, including a rare magician and a cleric, but if they had faced an uninjured dragon, the battle would’ve been extremely difficult. However, after hearing that the Demon Lord had fought the dragon, Lucas had confirmed with the guild that the rumors were true. The dragon had been significantly injured and had gone into hiding.

“Now we need to plan our attack.”

The group’s expressions turned serious. Just as they were about to start their discussion, applause and cheers erupted from the opposite side of the hall. It seemed the bard had begun his performance.

“Focus.”

Lucas snapped his fingers, regaining his team’s attention.

“Given the extent of the dragon’s injuries, we don’t have much time. We need to move as quickly as possible…”

“Wait a moment, Lord Lucas. That song… we should listen to it.”

At his companion’s words, Lucas turned toward the source of the music. The bard’s pure voice was singing about a certain woman.

Her cheeks, once like the spring sun, are now wet with tears,

Her eyes, once like starlight, now clouded by despair.

Ah, beautiful lady, princess of a foreign land.

Who will save her from the darkness and humiliation?

Who, indeed, will deliver her from the Demon Lord’s grasp?

“…What is that song about?”

Lucas, who had drawn closer to listen, frowned in confusion. A nearby drunkard gave him a scornful look.

“Ah, you don’t know? Everyone in town knows by now. Word is the Demon Lord kidnapped a princess from some faraway land.”

Lucas’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar rumor, and others eagerly jumped into the conversation.

“They say she’s a peerless beauty, draped in jewels, kept close to him and tormented constantly. Her tears never seem to dry.”

“I heard she’s just a maid.”

“No, didn’t you hear? She’s covered in jewels! What kind of maid wears that?”

“Exactly! Do you think the Demon Lord would keep a maid by his side? I heard some local noble tried to offer him maidens to catch his eye, but he didn’t even glance at them.”

“Well, he’s still a king, so of course his standards would be sky-high.”

“They say whoever rescues the princess can take her as a bride. With how beautiful she is, isn’t it worth a try?”

“Are you crazy? Why do you think he’s called the Demon Lord?”

Leaving the group to continue their chatter, Lucas quietly retreated and returned to his companions.

“There are only two—no, three—kingdoms that come to mind with young, unmarried princesses. But I haven’t heard of any royal family members being taken hostage.”

“I did hear something,” one of his party members chimed in.

“Wasn’t there a royal or noble who disappeared about half a year ago? From the kingdom of Sucrea, wasn’t it?”

“Sucrea? Now that you mention it, that does sound familiar. If she really is a princess… it might be worth investigating.”

Lucas stroked his chin, lost in thought.