LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 32
Chapter 32. Blood-Stained Glory
Well, here I am, Zilbagias, thinking I could use the Holy Magic that proves I’m a Hero, only to end up scorching my own finger.
Before long, Sophia came back with a stack of papers, and I started reading the materials on the other princes, trying to act like nothing happened.
—Experiments with Holy Magic. Good thing I used my non-dominant left hand; if it were my right hand, it would be hard to hide during study or practice.
And since it was without incantation, the power was low, which was a relief. This minor injury should heal with the demon race’s natural recovery abilities.
Hypothetically speaking, if the injury was serious enough to require healing from a teleportation spell—now that would’ve been a nightmare. A skilled sorceress like Platy would surely see the difference between a regular burn and a holy attribute wound at a glance.
No matter how I twisted the reasons, just the fact that a user of holy attributes was lurking in the Demon Lord Castle would have caused an uproar. I really dodged a bullet there.
“…But why are we looking into battle histories, anyway?”
Sophia asked, peering closely at a blank sheet of paper.
“In a way, it’s just curiosity,” I replied honestly.
“I want to compare how strong the other princes look against how strong they actually are.”
“Got it, that’s a good idea.”
A strong wave of magical power emanated from Sophia’s eyes, and I heard a sizzling sound as the paper began to char, revealing neatly arranged small letters. It seemed to be her magic as a knowledge demon, allowing her to transcribe the knowledge she gained onto objects.
“That’s handy, isn’t it? No need for a pen.”
“However, a pen is still necessary.”
While sliding the printed paper my way, Sophia picked up another blank sheet.
“I can summarize and transcribe remembered text, but if I want to write my own thoughts, I have to do so one word at a time. In those cases, using a pen is quicker.”
By the way, Sophia is incredibly fast at writing, producing elegant characters at a pace beyond normal shorthand.
“And since I’m only burning the magical power into the paper, lower races with weak magic can’t read it. It’s useless for paperwork dealing with hobgoblins.”
Perhaps something had irked her in the past, as Sophia snorted.
“And this is important for paperwork, but this magic doesn’t count as a signature. In any case, a pen is needed.”
I nodded, “I see,” as I set aside the completed documents and picked up a new one.
Right now, I was reading the battle history of the third demon lord’s son, Diagias. Although I was really more interested in the green-haired jerk’s history, Sophia passed the documents in order according to age, starting with Aiogias.
I had no choice but to read sequentially.
A glorious battle history— that would be the suitable term. Aiogias had already been granted the rank of grand duke, meeting the conditions for inheriting the Demon Lord’s title.
Rubyphia was the same. Both of them had slaughtered enemy races by the thousands. From what I could gather from the detailed records, it didn’t seem like they were exaggerating the numbers.
Thousands… Even I had been through countless battles in my previous life, but at best, I managed hundreds.
Well, considering my “active years” spanned over a dozen years while Aiogias had his first battle at sixteen and had been active for over fifty years—maybe those numbers are fair.
Plus, he primarily hunts the human race, which is generally weaker in magical power. That must be easy work compared to facing demons or odigos as a hero…!
It seems Rubyphia is a powerful user of fire magic. Her battle record conjures thoughts of “pursuit.” It looked like she would catch up with and surpass Aiogias. I noted several reports of her burning entire castles and fortresses. Some of the names of the fortresses she conquered seemed vaguely familiar.
I have memories of a senior hero dying there… I can’t recall who and what kind of person they were, but…
And then, there’s Diagias. It was clear from his “Waiting for the girls” remark that he was accompanied by dozens of demon daughters, night elves, and even odigos and beastmen. They apparently joined him on the front lines, and the report had a military tone. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
But his strength seems to be genuine. His rank was duke. At just under fifty years old, he was regarded as superior to the former tribal chief of the Orgu race, Baron Oalrug.
He apparently wields lightning magic, and while his kill count doesn’t reach that of Aiogias or Rubyphia, he stands out for battling so-called “strong enemies” like heroes, sword saints, and elven sorcerers.
What’s most terrifying is that there’s no record of him being injured. Even my older brothers and sister, who have won countless battles, have been hurt a few times, judging by the records.
Diagias’ battle history is relatively sparse. Yet, he produces significant accomplishments. In terms of efficiency, he far surpasses his older siblings—
Although he was part of Rubyphia’s faction, there was a nagging feeling that he might actually be aiming to become the Demon Lord.
“Here’s the battle history of the fourth demon lord’s son.”
…Finally, here it comes.
I accepted the report with a composed face.
Fourth Demon Lord’s Prince, Emelgias. Took the field at fourteen. He entered battle before reaching adulthood. He invaded the small border kingdom— the Wilken Principality. The conquered cities were Gualneri, and surrounding villages—Eklund, Lindval, and Turin—
Tanktlet Village.
With a snap, something clicked into place in my mind, a missing piece falling into place.
This is it.
I remember now. The village chief’s last name was Tanktlet. They’d said it was a village settled a few generations ago. My hometown. Tanktlet Village. The houses built from logs. The sound of lumberjack axes. The nostalgic scent of forest and earth—all flooded back.
“…Um, Master. Are you alright?”
Garunya, who had quietly been waiting, called out with concern.
Tears were streaming down my face before I even realized it.
“…I just got something in my eye.”
I shut my eyes to wipe away the tears along with the nostalgic feelings.
One thing became clear. It was you all along, Emelgias, who destroyed my hometown.
I was certain of it, but now it was confirmed.
My interest in his battle history had nearly vanished. Still, I skimmed through the rest of the text. He fought bravely on the front lines, achieving victories, injuries, treatment, and returning to battle—compared to my siblings, he seemed lacking.
—At that moment, I recognized a familiar sound of footsteps from outside the door.
“Zilbagias. How was dinner with His Majesty?”
Platy entered the room.
“It was quite fruitful, Mother.”
I replied, setting the report aside.
“Next week, it looks like I’ll be able to observe Father’s work.”
“Oh my! How wonderful!”
Platy fanned herself, smiling behind the fan. It seemed as though she was saying well done.
“His Majesty loves diligent individuals.”
“The other princes said the same thing.”
Platy narrowed her eyes.
“How was it? The princes?”
“Aiogias and Rubyphia both strongly invited me into their factions.”
I shrugged nonchalantly.
“When I asked if they were that desperate for a five-year-old’s help, they both backed down.”
Platy’s eyes widened, and the night elf maid attendant burst out laughing. It was rare for her to express herself unless absolutely necessary.
“I-I apologize…!”
The maid bowed her head, trembling. It seemed she was desperately trying to hold back laughter. Other night elves nearby were also twitching at the corners of their mouths. They must have found it amusing.
“That was an exceptional comeback.”
Platy actually seemed impressed.
“At this point, they pulled back without obvious conflict. It’s ideal for the first step of a third faction. Splendid work, Zilbagias.”
“Thank you!”
“Anything else you felt?”
“…I found them to have quite unique personalities. Aside from my older brother and sister, that is.”
I reflected on it.
It was a mealtime that felt incredibly cordial for a family of demon lords.
But that dining table was also founded upon a mountain of bloodshed and corpses.
I must never forget this, and I intend to ensure it is not forgiven.
“I am currently comparing what I observed of their strengths against their actual strengths, using the records. I had Sophia prepare it.”
Platy glanced over the documents.
“Indeed, it’s a far more reliable source of information than hearsay.”
“Assuming I aim to become the Demon Lord, Mother,”
I asked seriously,
“Fighting against them—killing each other—will be inevitable, right?”
“Indeed. We will undoubtedly come into conflict.”
Platy’s gaze hardened.
“Are you having second thoughts?”
“No… I recall saying before that I had no thoughts of becoming the Demon Lord; I just wanted to grow stronger.”
I consciously wore a daring smile.
“Forgive me for saying this, but… seeing the real deal has reignited my motivation.”
What motivation, you might ask, but I won’t say.
“Hehe.”
Platy snapped her fan shut, wearing a fierce smile that matched my own.
“How reassuring, Zilbagias.”
You too, Platy. I’m counting on you.
…Until that day comes.