I Got Reincarnated as the Villain and Saved the World, but After the Ending I Was Betrayed and Exiled. I Just Wanted a Peaceful Life in the Frontier, but for Some Reason My Former Companions Started Chasing Me with Yandere Eyes… - 60

Chapter 60: After the Battle 1

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A year had passed since the battle with Ose. It turned out that the whole incident had been a scheme by a demon who had disguised himself as Josef. Thanks to Cain, who regained his sanity, and Henrietta, the noblewoman and hero who slew the Demon Lord, the confusion was contained and did not escalate into a greater disaster.

And now, I was attending a meeting held regularly in the Pail Territory. The topic, of course, was…

“Then, shall we begin the monthly exchange meeting between demons and humans? Ange-chan, could I ask you to lead the proceedings?”

“Yes, leave it to me, Cain-sama!! Now then, regarding the migration of demons…”

While watching the slightly nervous Ange, I glanced around the room. Among the members were several pompous ministers of the kingdom, Cain with his frivolous smile, Solomon exuding an air of majesty, Amon looking stiff and uncomfortable beside Solomon and Henrietta, who gazed warmly at Ange.

The battle with Ose had become the turning point for Cain—who was first in line to the throne—to lead the humans and demons into an alliance. To foster mutual understanding, various initiatives were being carried out.

And so, the Pail Territory was chosen as a test site where humans and demons would live together. The reasons were: Ange’s close relationship with Solomon, and the fact that if anything were to happen, Henrietta could serve as a deterrent force by fighting against demons.

There probably wouldn’t be another war at this point, but unless they demonstrated how safe it was, the people would not accept it. Fortunately, merchants who smelled profit had begun forming trading companies, and it seemed tax revenues were increasing.

“That concludes the report. Thank you, everyone.”

“As expected of you, Ange! You looked so cool!!”

When Ange finished her report, Solomon clapped happily, prompting scattered applause from the others. Well, such behavior was unthinkable for a human noble… But judging by the looks on the ministers who didn’t know Solomon well, they seemed to be reacting positively. They looked like they were watching something heartwarming.

Demons had been burdened with a brutal image thanks to the previous Demon Lord, but the current one’s adorable demeanor was gradually changing people’s impressions. If this was all part of a strategy, it would be terrifying… But seeing Amon beside her burying his head in his hands, that probably wasn’t the case.

“Now then, Lady Solomon, the stiff meeting is over. How about joining me for tea at a café?”

“Tea… I’m sorry, but I have a book I want to read…”

“I hear they have a limited-edition apple pie right now.”

Solomon had been trying to decline politely, but at Cain’s next words, her eyes sparkled.

“I see… Learning human culture is also a Demon Lord’s duty. Let’s go. Amon, make preparations!! The apple pie will escape us.”

“Eh? I was just about to go on an adventurer quest… Whoa, don’t drag me with your shadows! My Lady!!”

Solomon accepted Cain’s invitation, dragging along the reluctant Amon. Cain’s love still seemed far from bearing fruit. Amon… If he really wanted, he could easily tear apart the shadow that was pulling him. That he didn’t must mean he was genuinely worried about Solomon.

“Well then, Onii-chan, let’s have a talk too. Of course, with Henrietta-neesama as well!!”

“Yeah, got it.”

“I’ll join you then…”

And so, this was our own monthly report meeting. I talked with Ange about my adventures as an adventurer, and she told me about what had been happening in the territory. Henrietta’s presence here was due to Ange’s request. But by now, there was no awkwardness left between us.

“It’s been a while, Phantom-sama. I’ve prepared fresh apples for today, so please look forward to them.”

『I’ve been waiting for you, Henrietta. The meeting must have been boring, right? Let’s talk about love. To be specific, love stories!』

In the family dining room, where freshly cut fruit and tea were set out, Stella and Henrietta’s subordinate, the golem Dottore, were waiting. Apparently, Ose had used her for his own nefarious purposes, and Elena erased his commands, after which Henrietta took her in. Supposedly, she was a golem crafted by the hero Loki of the past… 

Honestly, isn’t that a bit too much backstory for a mob character? Maybe she’s meant to be a main character in the next installment? Well, putting that aside…

『Listen to this, Phantom-sama. Henrietta-sama has turned down another marriage proposal. Now that the territory is stable, even an adventurer would be acceptable as a partner, wouldn’t you agree?』

“Pffft!”

“Dottore!! I told you not to bring that up!!”

And just like that, they kept trying to push us together. Though the awkwardness of before had lessened, I still couldn’t think about her in that way, so I wished they’d spare me the awkwardness.

“Sorry… Phantom.”

“No, I should be the one apologizing…”

“But… I’ll be waiting. If you ever feel even a little like it, let me know. I don’t even mind being the fourth.”

Henrietta, blushing furiously and glancing up at me, left me unsure how to respond. Around us… Ange was staring with sparkling, excited eyes, while Dottore suddenly played a built-in trumpet she fetched from who knew where. Stella, expressionless, quietly poured tea, offering no rescue.

Still, I had come to think… That this wasn’t such a bad time after all. After spending the night at the manor, I met up with my companions waiting in town.

“Ah, Master, good morning. How was the meeting?”

“Yeah, nothing unusual… Whoa!?”

“Pardon me a moment.”

Right as we met, Ceres suddenly leaned in and sniffed my neck, making me let out a weird sound.

“What are you doing…?”

“Hmm… I don’t smell Henrietta-san on you. Good. I was worried you might have been swayed somehow.”

“No, there’s nothing between us…”

I hesitated slightly as I recalled the dinner we’d had together, and in that moment, soft sensations enveloped both my arms. This was the Oppai Sandwich of Tia and Ceres.

“Shall we get going? Aisha-san has been sighing, saying ‘The requests are piling up, you know.’”

“That’s right. God has spoken: leave your ex-girlfriend behind and unite with the saintess as soon as possible.”

Being on the receiving end of jealousy isn’t so bad, huh…?

I thought with a smirk as we were about to leave town.

That was when we encountered a familiar figure clad in armor. Instinctively, we readied ourselves for battle.

“At last, I’ve found you, strong human.”

A demon clad in jet-black armor… Glasya-Labolas. Ose was supposed to be suffering infernal punishment in the demon realm, so why was he here…?

I braced myself, thinking we’d have to combine our strength to defeat him with Tia and the others… When the words that left his mouth made me doubt my ears.

“Human, give me your seed.”

“““Hah?”””

Three dumbfounded voices escaped us at once.

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