Even Though I Defeated the Demon Lord, My Wife and Daughter Treat Me Like Trash ~ I Found Out My Wife's Child Isn't Mine, and When I Confronted Her, She Got Mad and I Was Exiled. The Country's in Trouble Because the Demon Lord Came Back? Sorry, I'm Getting Remarried to a Princess, So I Can't Help. - Chapter 32: True Intentions

Chapter 32: True Intentions

The lost magical technology—just as the name implies, it’s a form of magic that can no longer be replicated in modern times. 

People now rely on ancient artifacts created with that forgotten knowledge. 

Among these, the Contract of Oath is one of the most valued relics.

This artifact, which enforces the fulfillment of promises, seals away lies and compels honesty.

It is a power beyond human understanding, a miracle of the gods.

Camilla had always sensed the presence of a divine influence within these relics. 

And she had come to a realization:

These relics must have been bestowed by the gods in exchange for some kind of offering.

“O Elys, God of Honesty… I offer these sacrifices and ask for your divine symbol, the embodiment of your miracles…”

She prayed, offering the sacrifices she had just gathered. 

Soon, from out of nowhere, a piece of paper gently fluttered down. 

Camilla picked it up and examined it—it was unmistakably a Contract of Oath.

“Now then, even with the resurrection of the Demon Lord, I’ll need some insurance.”

She continued deeper into the castle, advancing to the throne room.

The area was heavily sealed, but with the help of the god of gluttony, she had gnawed through the door.

Spitting out the remnants of the door, she stepped inside.

The place was just as it had been ten years ago. 

In front of the throne was a coffin, with a sword embedded in it. 

Van had sealed the Demon Lord by forcing him into the coffin, slamming the lid shut, and driving the sword through it, while old Barnes had reinforced the seal with his magic.

During that final battle, neither Camilla nor Albert had been of much use.

Camilla gently touched the coffin.

“O great god, whose name is Rabiaark Math. I seek an audience with the Demon Lord left in the void of time, Gairoklast Sraal Ajayndros…”

After a moment, Camilla heard the voice of that man resonate in her mind.

“It’s been a while, Saintess Camilla. What do you want?“

“Depending on the terms, I’ll break your seal.“

“Hou? Name your terms.“

“You will take me as your wife and treat me accordingly. And… you must never threaten my life.“

“Hmm… I have no problem with that. Is that all?“

“Yes. If you agree, swear it.“

Camilla pulled out the Contract of Oath she had obtained earlier.

“Very well. In exchange for breaking this cursed seal, I, Gairoklast Sraal Ajayndros, vow to wed Saintess Camilla, treat her as she deserves, and never harm her life. Is this acceptable?“

“Yes.“

The vow contract activated and burned to ash.

“Now, I will break your seal.”

“I’m counting on you, my wife.”

“Fufu, yes.“

“What’s so amusing?“

“The title ‘wife of the Demon Lord’… it has a nice ring to it.“

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

“I waited as instructed, but Captain Robert and his team didn’t return. We judged it too dangerous to investigate further, so I prioritized returning to report the situation.”

“Understood… You’ve done well. You may go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After watching his subordinate leave, the king let out a deep sigh. 

Most likely… Robert and his scout had been defeated. 

If that was the case, whatever Camilla was doing inside could only spell trouble. 

Something had to be done.

With this on his mind, the king headed toward Albert’s room, where the prince had been placed under house arrest. 

Despite being a foolish son, Albert had experience fighting the Demon Lord.

He seemed like the most suitable person to consult.

Upon entering Albert’s room, he found him sitting across from Emilia, who had been brought under royal protection.

“I’m coming in.”

“Father, thank you for coming all this way.”

“Don’t mention it. Both of you, stay seated. I’ll sit as well.”

“…”

Emilia remained silent, clearly uncomfortable.

“I was hoping to talk to Emilia about something, but she seems rather nervous.”

“Is that so? Emilia, are you feeling nervous?”

“No, not really.”

She replied briefly, before falling silent again.

Ignoring Albert’s unease, the king turned to Emilia and spoke to her kindly, trying to ease the tension.

“Emilia, I’m sorry. I only learned about the situation recently myself.”

“Yes, ah, no, I… I don’t think the king is to blame.”

She replied, her tone slightly sharp when mentioning the king.

Noticing the subtle edge in her voice, the king decided to probe a bit further.

“Emilia.”

“Yes?”

“Whatever the circumstances, we will have to live as a family from now on.”

“But… Mom said she was going to speak with Da—Mr. Van and then disappeared. I’m not sure if I should be staying here.”

She answered with remarkable composure.

The king thought she was clearly a smart child, which was fortunate—she didn’t take after her father. He continued.

“Your mother isn’t likely to return anytime soon. That said, do you have any complaints about staying here?”

“It would be a lie to say I don’t.”

“Is that so? Go ahead, tell me.”

Emilia glanced briefly at Albert, gauging his reaction.

“Emilia, don’t be shy. Father has asked you to speak honestly.”

“Alright. If it’s the king’s command…”

“Hahaha, no need to be so formal.”

“Okay then…”

Emilia raised her hand to her mouth and gave a cute little cough before beginning to express her dissatisfaction.

“Prince Albert.”

“No, you can call me Father or Dad, if you’d like.”

“Prince Albert. The first time we met, you asked me, ‘Aren’t you happy to be the child of the future king?’ Remember?”

“Ah, and you said…”

“I really think you should stop saying things like that. It’s super lame.”

“…What?”

“It makes you seem like someone who doesn’t have substance and just relies on a title. It’s kind of embarrassing to hear. Mr. Van was called the ‘Hero of the Nation,’ but he never flaunted it. You should try to learn from him.”

“Y-You!”