Mayuten ~The Demon King and the Hero Reincarnated as Twin Elementary School Students~

Chapter 6 The Demon King and the Hero, Get in a Car

After leaving the hospital building, it was us – me, Benes, formerly known as the Demon Lord, and Shirene, formerly known as the Hero, along with our father, Higakure, mother, Akari, and our little sister, Hikaru, who came to pick us up.

Hmm, constantly mentioning our past names and the names in this world is getting tedious. From now on, unless necessary, let’s use the names of this world.

But man, it’s hot. The region where the Demon Lord’s castle was located wasn’t this hot even in summer. Since our reincarnation, we’ve been confined to the hospital room with air conditioning to keep it cool.

However, Japan’s summer is scorching outside. I’m already drenched in sweat, and my T-shirt clings to me.

By the way, my current attire is the standard look for elementary school boys in this world – a T-shirt and shorts. Shirene and Hikaru are wearing T-shirts on top and skirts on the bottom.

Shirene and Hikaru are also grimacing at the heat.

It seems our parents share the same sentiment, with my mother, Akari, voicing her exasperation.

“It’s so hot, isn’t it?” Higakure said to us, his children, and our mother, Akari.

“I’ll go get the car, so wait here,” he added.

The car, an automobile.

In front of the hospital was a parking lot, accommodating about six cars. Higakure got into one of them and drove it to the entrance where we were.

Hmm, so this is a car.

I’ve seen it a few times on the television screen, but seeing it in person is quite impressive.

After all, it’s a chunk of metal that moves on its own, without relying on the strength of a horse. And not only that, it moves at a much faster speed than a horse-drawn carriage.

Both Kageyo and Isumi were almost killed—no, they were killed, apparently—when hit by a running car… Well, it’s not surprising at all. If something like this made of metal collides with you, even an ordinary person would easily lose their life.

It’s a rather frightening thought.

Of course, I understand that it’s more convenient than a horse-drawn carriage…

As I pondered, Akari took the front seat—yes, the passenger seat, if I recall correctly. Hikaru sat in the back seat.

But Isumi and I were at a loss.

Hikaru looked bewildered and said something.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you two getting in big brother?”

It seems like both Isumi and I should sit next to Hikaru.

However, we hesitate.

The fear of getting into this iron car that moves at an incredible speed overwhelms us.

Trembling, Isumi speaks up, “A-Are we really getting in this?”

Even the esteemed Hero seems to be feeling fear. Her hands are shaking uncontrollably. Well, as the Demon Lord, I can’t deny that I’m also terrified, so it’s understandable.

Hikaru pouts with displeasure, “Come on, hurry up!”

Well, even if she says that…

Isumi lightly pushes my back and suggests, “How about you, Ben… I mean, Kageyo, getting in first?”

“And how about you, Isumi, getting in first?” I reply.

We end up pushing the decision on each other, rather than yielding. It’s pathetic, but no matter how much of a Demon Lord or Hero we are, getting into a car is just too terrifying.

Of course, I wouldn’t dare utter such words, given my pride as the Demon Lord.

Seeing us hesitating, Akari opens the window of the passenger seat.

“Kageyo, Isumi, is something wrong?”

It seems that riding in a car is a common thing for people in this world. Thinking it’s scary must be strange.

But this…

As we continue to hesitate, Akari suddenly realizes something and opens her eyes wide.

“Could it be that you both are afraid of cars?”

That’s right.

Our fear of cars was apparently obvious to Akari.

“I see, you being injured in a car accident. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize,” she said with a sense of understanding.

Father, who was driving, also seemed to grasp the situation.

“Kageyo, Isumi, is Mom right? Did the accident traumatize you?”

The parents exchanged puzzled glances.

“What should we do? It’s not like we can’t walk home, but…”

“However, just after being discharged, walking for nearly 30 minutes under this scorching sun might be a bit much.”

30 minutes… It’s the time it takes for the hour hand to make half a circle on the clock in this world. In my previous life, walking that much was no big deal for my body. But now, compared to the strength of the demon lord Benes, Kageyo’s body is weak, and he might end up breathless in this scorching heat.

Hearing their conversation, Hikaru exclaims, “Aww, I don’t want to walk!”

Well, what should we do…

As I ponder, Isumi widens her eyes and climbs into the back seat.

I become flustered, “Hey, Isumi, are you sure about this?”

“I-I’m… fearless, as a true hero should be!” she replies, her voice trembling.

Though her voice is trembling, seeing such courage from the hero makes it hard for me, the demon lord, to remain silent. I gather my resolve and join Isumi in the back seat.

My body is shaking. It’s even more terrifying than I imagined.

Akari glances back from the front passenger seat and asks us, “Are you both okay?”

Without hesitation, Isumi and I respond, “N-no problem!”

“We’re, we’re fine, just start driving, please!”

In shaky voices, we assure them. Then, Father says, “Alright, if you’re sure. Then, let’s get going,” and we’re off.