Demon Lord, Does Even a Crap Game Have an Ending? - Chapter 10

It’s been about three days since that incident, and we’re back to the present. After finishing some minor tasks, we headed to the village ‘Ociton’ that Liheros wanted to visit so badly.

 

“Chris, want a piggyback ride?”

 

“I told you not to call me Chris. You’re really excited about going to Ociton, aren’t you?”

 

“Who said that? They say calling someone by a pet name makes them live longer.”

 

“Isn’t that only for pets? I’m getting annoyed.”

 

This was the first time I felt this excited, even after finishing a difficult mission. I understood his feelings, knowing the purpose of our visit, but I reminded Liheros once again of the promise we made before coming here.

 

“I’m saying this again, this is the last time we’re coming here. You know that, right?”

 

“Yeah. I know.”

 

“Don’t go getting soft-hearted for no reason.”

 

“Hoo, alright.”

 

Liheros took a deep breath as if to control himself, then replied with full determination.

 

It was small compared to the large cities, but it was the biggest among the cities in ‘Principium,’ the starting region. As we entered the village, the market was bustling with people. We passed through the crowd and stopped in front of a small building. A sign with crossed spoons and forks hung there.

 

“You know this place?”

 

Standing behind Liheros, I gave him a meaningful look. He gave me a knowing smile as if to say, ‘Don’t worry,’ then opened the door and stepped inside, revealing a small restaurant. There were about four tables, and a young woman wearing an apron was wiping dishes behind the counter. Hearing the jingle of the door chime, she looked up and greeted us.

 

“Welcome! Ah? It’s been a while!”

 

“Haha, we were just passing by. How have you been?”

 

“Very well. Not just me, but everyone is doing well.”

 

“That’s a relief. But, where is he?”

 

As Liheros stretched his neck to peer into the kitchen, the owner chuckled softly.

 

“He just stepped out to buy some ingredients, but he’ll be back soon.”

 

“Then I’ll go see him before I leave. Two drinks, please.”

 

“You’re going to wait? Hearing the news should be enough. Seeing him will only make your heart weaker.”

 

“Ah, no, really.”

 

“Ahaha, how about a juice made with the strawberries, a specialty of Principium?”

 

“Sounds good.”

 

He answered without even asking for my opinion, accepting the offer like a snatch-and-grab. I glared at him with suspicion, wondering if the promise we just made with such earnest warnings was being undone. Liheros naturally pulled out a chair and quickly sat me down. I passively followed his gesture, but let out a sigh and said firmly.

 

“If he’s not back by the time we finish our juice, we’re leaving.”

 

“Give me a break, it’s the last time.”

 

“Hmm, what should I do? I’m actually thirsty, and it’s strawberry juice, so we’ll drink it. But it’s not like I’m giving in to you.”

 

“I know, I know. Thank you. Chris is the best.”

 

This place doesn’t really have seasons; it’s a system where the climate changes by region, so I didn’t even feel the cold winter wind, but seeing strawberries makes me wonder if the timeline is real-time.

 

Soon, two drinks were placed on the table. I expected to see two crimson surfaces, but one glass contained a white liquid.

 

“I’m really sorry but it turns out we only had enough strawberries left to make one glass, so I prepared one with milk. Or would you like to wait a little? The ones who went shopping should be back soon.”

 

“Ah. Milk….”

 

I hated the distinct taste of milk, so I always left my milk servings during school lunch or passed them to other friends. While I could drink chocolate milk, plain white milk had a strangely off-putting, fishy taste. Doesn’t everyone have at least one food they don’t like? …Of course, in my case, I was often told I was picky because I had many such foods.

 

“It’s fine. Chris, you drink the strawberry juice.”

 

Glancing at my reaction, Liheros pulled the milk towards him and pushed the juice glass towards me. I felt he was a truly kind person through such small gestures, but his consideration also pricked my pride.

 

“I can drink milk?”

 

“You can drink it, but you don’t like it, right?”

 

“Hmph.”

 

He was so accurate that I was speechless. Before I could say anything else, he quickly downed the milk and grinned. I was annoyed by his smug smile.

 

─Creak

 

Just as I was about to retort, the door opened, and the familiar chime of the doorbell rang.

 

“Mag, I’m here.”

 

The man entering with an armful of bags was familiar. He also spotted us sitting at the table and looked momentarily confused, but a smile quickly spread across his face. Liheros immediately stood up and approached him.

 

“Oh? Isn’t it the Hero and Acris?”

 

“Riki. It’s been a while.”

 

“Wow, was the last time we met just three days ago? It feels like months.”

 

“It really does.”

 

Riki immediately placed his load on a nearby table and offered Liheros his hand for a handshake. Their clasped hands seemed to convey a sense of mutual presence and well-being. Like, ‘It’s good you’re doing well.’

 

“Wang!”

 

A small figure, entering the door belatedly, was also familiar. It ran towards us with a clatter. Unlike its previously scruffy appearance, its now fluffy fur made it look bigger, and it seemed to have eaten well, its coat shining so much I almost didn’t recognize it.

 

“Lumi!”

 

“Pant, pant, pant, Wang!”

 

Lumi leaped towards Liheros as if to throw himself at him. As Liheros picked him up, Lumi licked him relentlessly. Riki, being mercilessly hit by Lumi’s wagging tail, couldn’t open his eyes and stumbled backward. One of Lumi’s paws resting on Liheros’s shoulder caught my eye. It was the source of the clinking sound I heard whenever he ran, a metal paw with fluffy fur.

 

“Checking if the prosthetic leg fits well?”

 

“Oh, don’t even ask. At first, he tried to bite it off and take it off.”

 

Riki shook his head, and Liheros laughed, finding even such trivial updates endearing. It looked so peaceful. Like a family. I, unable to join them, was more like an outsider, just sipping my strawberry juice.

 

‘Right. I shouldn’t get too attached. I’m a being who won’t be welcomed in this world anyway.’

 

Fortunately, my identity hasn’t been revealed yet, but I am, strictly speaking, an enemy, the Demon King. I felt awkward thinking I was deceiving these kind and simple people, so I looked away. Liheros came over to my side, where I was lost in thought.

 

“Lumi. You have to greet Chris too. Chris~ it’s been a while.”

 

“Geez. What are you doing?”

 

Despite my words, a smile crept onto my face. Liheros’s imitation of Lumi’s voice, in a thin tone, was comical. He seemed less like a hero and more like a doting butler taking a stroll in the park. I hadn’t meant to notice it, but Lumi’s bright smile towards us contrasted sharply with his prosthetic leg, which kept catching my eye. It was regrettable, but it was probably the best outcome.

 

…The events of that time are still vivid.

 

Lumi, who hadn’t shown any signs of life. In that situation, no one could have imagined a good outcome. Looking at Liheros, who had approached Lumi, I couldn’t easily find words of comfort.

 

“Liheros, we did our best.”

 

“Not yet.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Not yet! His heart is still beating.”

 

“What are you saying?”

 

“It’s very faint, but it’s beating.”

 

Right then, I scooped Lumi up and ran out. Fortunately, the quick-witted Riki had a carriage ready, and we immediately headed to the village doctor. After emergency treatment at the clinic, he passed the critical stage, but it seemed the wound on his injured right foreleg had become deeper. Moreover, the wound had festered and even become necrotic, possibly due to the unhygienic process. Amputation was the only option, and thus began his life with a prosthetic leg.

 

“It’s a blessing in disguise.”

 

“It is. Lumi.”

 

While Lumi was being treated, Riki was handed over to the guards. A detailed investigation of his identity revealed he was reported missing and his family was looking for him. It was fortunate that the accusation of involvement in a criminal organization was cleared, and I was glad I hadn’t killed an innocent person. For once, I was grateful to Liheros. However, Liheros didn’t boast about making the right choice. In that regard, he felt like an unreal person.

 

“I’m going back to my place now. Thank you both so much.”

 

“Please take good care of Lumi.”

 

“I’ll take good care of him until he can return to nature!”

 

Riki, bowing repeatedly, returned to the shop where he originally worked. Lumi would be looked after by Riki until he could return to nature, instead of us who had to wander.

 

…And three days have passed since then, and here we are, reunited after a long time. I was worried if they could get along, given Riki and Lumi’s bickering relationship, but it seems Lumi has adapted well.

 

“I took Lumi to the vet today after visiting the market, and they said he should be ready for release in about a month. They plan to release him in an area where a few Lupusnis individuals still remain.”

 

“That’s a relief. Lumi will be fine there too, won’t he?”

 

“Wang, woong.”

 

He leaned his body flat against his shoulder, making a whimpering sound like a crying child. Seeing that, I was worried the atmosphere might turn strange again, so I moistened my lips with strawberry juice and spoke.

 

“Hey. Don’t get too attached to people. There aren’t many good people like us, are there?”

 

“Ggoong….”

 

Thinking realistically, it would be better for Lumi to gradually distance himself, rather than being caught and exploited by strange people if he sought out humans instead of associating with his own kind. The reason I told Liheros this was the last time was all for Lumi, who needed to adapt to the wild.

 

“Alright, alright, we’ve seen his face, so let’s go now, Liheros.”

 

“Yeah, we should.”

 

“You’ll come again next time, right?”

 

“No. We won’t be coming anymore. We can’t get attached.”

 

Before Liheros could blurt out an answer, I spoke first this time. He understood what I meant, so he nodded without resistance and put Lumi down. Lumi, who couldn’t understand human speech, seemed to sense that this was the last time. As he was placed on the ground, he whined as if he wanted to be hugged tightly. Seeing that, Liheros’s heart softened, and I quickly grabbed his hand to prevent him from picking Lumi up again.

 

“No.”

 

“…Okay.”

 

He seemed to have regained his composure. Lumi tugged at Liheros’s cloak, and Riki gently detached him. Watching Liheros’s gaze fixed on Lumi, I knew that if I hadn’t held his hand, he would have quit being a hero and whined to live with Lumi. It was truly time to say goodbye.

 

“We’re leaving now.”

 

“Ah, please travel safely. Always stay healthy.”

 

“You too, Lumi, and Mag, stay well.”

 

“May the grace of Creanus be with you.”

 

“May the grace of Creanus be with you.”

 

I took Liheros’s hand and pulled him along. As we pushed open the door, the door chime sounded like the trumpet of an angel announcing the end.

 

“Wait a moment! Hero!”

 

Riki immediately followed us out and handed me a small cloth pouch.

 

“These are herbs I bought at the market earlier; they’re good for detoxification. I thought you might need them on your journey.”

 

“Ah? Thank you.”

 

“Yes, well then….”

 

Riki gave a slight bow and went back into the restaurant. As the door briefly opened, I heard Lumi’s sorrowful cries from inside, and a pang shot through my chest. I felt a sense of guilt, wondering if I had been too harsh.

 

‘No, this is for everyone’s sake.’

 

I convinced myself. I couldn’t waver in this situation.

 

“Well, let’s find a place to stay.”

 

“Yeah, there should be an inn nearby.”

 

Compared to how excited he was when we arrived here, he seemed quite dejected. It felt like I had done something wrong.

 

“…Liheros.”

 

“I’m really okay. Because Chris, you’re here.”

 

“….”

 

This sounded like, ‘It’s a good thing I have you, Chris, since Lumi is gone.’

 

‘Sigh… damn it!’

 

If I were to disappear too, he might really quit being a hero, so I ended up staying by his side like a comfort doll.