LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 45
Chapter 45: My Dog and Master
A lone demon boy strode through the residence of the Night Elves like he owned the place.
With his ominously curved horns, well-proportioned physique, finely-featured face, and above all, a defiant and arrogant grin—
He was none other than Prince Zilbagias. Ignoring the residents’ polite yet distant glares, he strolled leisurely, seemingly enjoying the attention.
In his arms was the High Elf Saint, Liliana, who had lost her limbs.
Upon exiting the dungeon, she had walked on all fours, happily declaring “Woof!” as she proudly followed Zilbagias. However, once in the residential area, her demeanor changed completely. Exposed to the disdain and hatred of the Night Elves, she curled up and became unable to move.
So, it was only natural that she was now being cradled by Zilbagias. Even so, the fearful glares of the Night Elves clearly frightened her, as she buried her face in Zilbagias’ chest and trembled.
Trailing behind them with a sly smile was Sidarl.
The surrounding Night Elves were questioning with their eyes, or by silently moving their lips: “What in the world is happening?”, “Is it really okay to release the ‘Saint’?”, “Why is the prince carrying a High Elf?”—but Sidarl merely wore a cryptic grin, offering no answers.
(Now then—who should I strengthen ties with…?)
As he walked, he pondered how to handle the privileges that had unexpectedly fallen into his lap. It was undeniable that losing the Saint was a mistake, and he might be blamed for it, risking his current position. However, he mused that it might lead to a far more significant status than that of the prison warden.
Compared to the demon race, the Night Elves were somewhat unified, but there were still factions. Even as they exchanged glances now, there were friends and those who were half-hostile. Some looked at Sidarl with open disdain, thinking he had done something wrong—yet, those attitudes would soon change when they saw the power he held.
And quietly following Sidarl was Viene, who had a vacant expression. Just lightly mentioning, “The prince wishes to see the Saint,” had somehow landed her as the mediator for the precious additional treatment space.
It made no sense.
(Why… am I in this situation…?)
Viene was an excellent maid and skillful hunter, but she was the simple type for a Night Elf and not adept at schemes.
According to her uncle Sidarl, “You are too straightforward and lack cunning.” Yes, straightforwardness wasn’t a virtue for Night Elves. She could be a valuable piece, but never a player. Viene was aware of this, so she had maintained a demeanor suitable for being a “piece” to utilize—
(This is definitely going to become a hassle…)
Just the thought of it weighed heavily on her. Even if organizing the prince’s treatment spaces was Sidarl’s job, everyone would likely try to influence Viene one way or another. Such behind-the-scenes workings were the Night Elves’ specialty, and everybody loved it. Viene, however, was not good at it.
(I don’t want this… I don’t want to think about anything…)
She had to navigate carefully to avoid getting caught in schemes. And that was highly nerve-wracking. All she wanted was to serve Duchess Platiphia and Zilbagias peacefully…
(I’m just a maid. Just a maid…)
Thus, she remained empty.
With Sidarl grinning and saying nothing, others around her sought an explanation from Viene, but she merely handled it with her vacant face.
The Saint, who was supposed to be imprisoned, had inexplicably been freed and was now being taken away by the prince—this abnormal situation caught the attention of more Night Elves who gathered in curiosity, creating a distant crowd.
“——”
“…………”
“——?”
“……!”
And, being true to their Night Elf nature, they openly glared at the Saint with disgust while discussing discreetly through lip movements and glances. There were people, and a strange heat to the atmosphere, yet not a single voice was heard. It was a bizarre space—
Except for the pure children who hadn’t learned such techniques.
“Mommy! A naked person!”
A young Night Elf child pointed at Liliana, who was cradled by Zilbagias, shouting.
“Don’t look! She’s a filthy High Elf!!”
The mother hurriedly pulled her child away. Other parents with young children followed suit.
“Filthy?”
“Aren’t they elves?”
The innocent, unaware children simply tilted their heads in confusion.
There was no disgust or aversion in the gazes looking at the trembling Saint.
That could be considered the only saving grace in this neighborhood.
However, the fact that such awareness would likely be changed by tonight—might itself be a sign of the absence of salvation.
†††
As Sidarl bowed respectfully to see them off, Zilbagias and the others left the Night Elf residential area.
With the hateful glares gone, Liliana regained her spirits. Like a puppy experiencing the outdoors for the first time, she was excitedly wandering around Zilbagias, captivated by the night sky visible through the lighted window. Her metallic footfalls clinked like hooves due to the metallic coverings on her elbows and knees—
Even while being double-taken by passing demon guards and servants of other races, Zilbagias confidently returned to his room, new pet in tow.
“Welcome back, Master—huh?”
Garuña, who had come to greet him, froze up with a stern expression.
Well, that made sense. After all, the master whom she trusted had come back with an incomprehensible pet (?), so…
“…Zilbagias-sama. What is that?”
Sophia asked coldly after adjusting her monocle.
“I like it, so I took it. It’s my pet from today.”
—Normally, he might have appeared a bit uneasy delivering such a statement, but Zilbagias said it shamelessly. Sophia raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Ask Viene for the details.”
All eyes gathered on Viene—and once again, she felt her mind and body turning to nothingness.
“I’m going to be ‘busy’ from now on.”
“Busy… you say?”
“Yeah.”
Cradling Liliana, who was lying on her back at his feet, Zilbagias planted a kiss on her forehead before tossing her onto the bed.
“U~? Woof woof!”
Liliana innocently frolicked cheerfully at the soft touch of the bed.
“Well then, it’s time for fun… so can everyone leave my room for a bit?”
As he took off his jacket, Zilbagias grinned.
“Eh… huh?! Wha—!?”
Garuña, snapping back to reality, stood with her white-furred tail standing straight, visibly flustered this time.
“…Zilbagias-sama?”
What in the world happened?! Sophia looked at him in perplexity.
“……….”
All Viene could do was make a face wishing to disappear, having passed beyond emptiness.
The other servants, too, were unable to hide their confusion at the highly unusual Zilbagias.
“Oh, Sophia. While you’re at it, please make an audio-dampening barrier.”
“Eh, uh, okay…”
“Everyone’s probably confused, but Viene will explain everything. Now, everyone, out, out!”
As Zilbagias placed a hand on his belt, everyone hurriedly exited the room. Garuña’s high-pitched voice asking, “Wait, Viene, what’s going on—?” was cut off the moment the door closed and the barrier activated.
“…Kuuun?”
Liliana lay beside him, gazing curiously at Zilbagias as he petted her head.
“…This is goodbye. From now on, to me and to you.”
Plucking at her cheeks, Zilbagias smiled strangely with a hint of wistfulness.
(I was practically born in that dungeon.)
Having his identity as Alexander sealed, at that moment, Prince Zilbagias came into being.
(And the moment I regain my memories, the ‘me’ now will die.)
Zilbagias understood his state after conversing with the inner Demon God. The self born temporarily from the sealing of his memories was how he recognized himself.
—Yet he was enjoying it.
(I think I’ve done my best, but will the real ‘me’ be pleased?)
‘This is the best result there could be! You might be distressed, but there’s no need for despair!’
The Demon God Antendeixis answered his inner monologue.
(Hahaha! I wonder if I can pull a fast one? It’s too bad that by the time that arrives, I won’t be the ‘me’ now anymore.)
‘I had quite the enjoyment watching over you in a different manner. I do feel a bit regretful, but that can’t be helped.’
(…Is it really okay if I enjoy this a bit? No? Damn it!)
While reveling in the soft skin of the High Elf, Zilbagias, Liliana was squirming and making noises that suggested she was being tickled.
‘You might gain incredible power, but… later, your true self might smash your head against a wall and commit suicide.’
(That definitely won’t do. Well, can you let my true self know? I achieved some results in negotiations, but the pain will not come to “me.”)
‘I’m looking forward to seeing how you react… Well then, farewell. Zilbagias.’
And then, the forbidden magic was released.
“……”
Suddenly, all prior memories rushed back.
It felt like my brain was being hammered and forcibly reconstructed.
“…What the hell have I done!?”
Why! Of all people, the Night Elves!! Why am I stuck taking the teleportation spell to treat her!?!
I’m already in immense pain during my regular training as it is!!!
‘Oh come on, it’s lively as soon as you’re back!’
I could feel Antendeixis laughing uproariously inside me. Damn it, this guy was treating it like someone else’s problem…!
With a small movement, Liliana wriggled in my arms.
…Oh crap. Her memories have been unsealed too.
Sure, it was great escaping from the Night Elf dungeon, but coming back to my senses while being naked in my arms is the worst case scenario given her dog-like state!
No, in comparison to the torture from the Night Elves, this is nothing… but still, it’s the worst kind of experience, especially because of the familiar face.
“…Ah, um, I’m sorry for everything… Are you okay?”
I cautiously glanced over at Liliana, and she met my gaze with a confused expression.
“…Kuuun?”
Liliana looked at me with a blank face.
“…Um, Liliana? You don’t need to pretend to be a dog anymore since the sound barrier is up?”
“Woof!”
“…Liliana?”
“Woof woof!”
Hey, Antendeixis!
The spell isn’t undone!!
‘I’ve placed no restrictions on you anymore…’
But even Antendeixis seemed troubled.
…I have a really bad feeling about this.
“Hey, don’t tell me, Liliana…”
You’ve got to be kidding me, this isn’t a joke.
“Your self…!?”
You haven’t returned…?
“…? Woof!”
Unperturbed by my distress, Liliana, with an innocent expression, began licking my cheek.
—Word of the news that the son had brought a High Elf girl into his room reached Duchess Platiphia, who burst in shortly thereafter.