Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 135

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 135   Six months later

…Well then.

Shall we talk about what happened to the heroes who saved the world afterward?

It was six months after my son, the hero Ars, won the final battle that determined the fate of the world.

Both armies, having witnessed the epic battle between the proud Great Demon King who stood up bearing all the sins of the demon world and the savior hero who carried the hopes of the people, agreed to a temporary truce.

Of course, there were lingering grudges on both sides.

However, the Human Alliance, which had won the battle, surprisingly acted rationally and did not push for further advancement.

The main reason for this was that the hero himself, who had led them to victory, immediately left the demon world, taking Princess Hades of the demon realm with him on the back of a fire dragon.

The humans were also at a disadvantage if they were to engage in an all-out confrontation with the demon world without the hero and his party’s strength, so they had no choice but to withdraw.

Moreover, the fact that Prince Marsley, the first prince of the largest nation on the southern continent, the magical country of Rulans, who felt a great debt of gratitude to the hero Ars, accurately understood the situation was also a crucial factor.

Prince Marsley was by no means a foolish person. Through the battles of the heroes projected in the sky, he perceived what the Demon King had ultimately desired and why he had risked his life to fight.

Therefore, the prince announced the end of the war to the influential humans on the southern continent. While there may have been a few who couldn’t understand the reversal in power dynamics due to the hero’s absence and who complained about the timing of the withdrawal, they could not argue against the prince, who controlled half of the Human Alliance, declaring the end of the war.

Thus, the humans temporarily shelved this war, withdrawing from the demons who, as the Demon King had said, completely ceased their hostilities and observed silently.

What I found most astonishing in this situation was, above all, the response of the demons.

Had they been the selfish devils of hell, they would have ignored the Demon King’s decision, taking advantage of any opportunity to harass the exhausted humans and ultimately being destroyed by the enraged Ars.

Though demons and devils share similar natures, the difference in their worlds seemed to reflect a difference in their hearts as well.

Well, this was all thanks to the decree that the old Demon King had built up by risking everything.

The backs, wishes, and souls of the king that the demons had seen were deeply engraved in their hearts.

Thus, both armies laid down their arms, and the human side gathered their leaders in the imperial capital of Calamiera in the western Holy Kingdom, a nation specializing in dealing with the demon race, to discuss how to conclude this war.

Initially, the discussions seemed to center around Isha, the saintess and princess, but they encountered difficulties since the crucial hero, Ars, had disappeared somewhere.

That being said, Ars had actually returned from the demon world directly to the magic castle on the southern continent with all his companions, where they received a warm welcome from his mother, Elsa. Naturally, Isha and her group were also part of this welcome, so they knew the truth, but they likely kept quiet out of consideration for the situation.

After finally achieving a significant goal, Aus was formally entrusted with Hades by the Demon King. To avoid disturbing the love-struck couple, Ein took it upon himself to take Isha and the fire dragon Ballus immediately to the Holy Kingdom.

Well, it seemed Isha, who admired Ars, was grumbling and biting her handkerchief because Hades had taken him away from her. Nevertheless, she didn’t seem entirely displeased.

Of course, feeling fulfilled by seeing the person she admired find happiness was a big part of it, but above all…

“Today’s speech was excellent as always, my lady.”

“Oh, Ein! I told you to call me Isha when we’re alone. Your confession three months ago was so bold, yet you can’t break your work habits.”

Yes, after returning to the Holy Kingdom, Ein made a once-in-a-lifetime confession of love to his former mistress, Isha. His determination at that time was even more intense than during the battle against the Demon King.

He set the scene with a date-like atmosphere, fully utilizing his position as vice-captain of the royal guard and his noble status, and made his confession in a reserved corner of Calamiera Castle.

Such intense determination, when combined with his naturally striking good looks, had a tremendous effect. Isha was so moved by the sudden confession that she couldn’t hide her emotions, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Haha, this is just instinct for me… Isha?”

“Huh…!? Was that a surprise attack? You made my heart skip a beat, didn’t you, oh my!”

“Haha, that’s quite convenient, my lady.”

In this way, the once-dominant master-servant relationship had reversed, and they seemed to be constantly flirting in private.

Incidentally, the only ones who knew the full details of this confession were the Pope and the Holy Knights’ captain. Officially, the two were not yet engaged, and they planned to announce it at the right moment.

Being royalty comes with many entanglements. This too is part of politics, it seems.

Amanda, who was already married to Gaius, recently gave birth to their first child.

Surprisingly, they had a very adorable baby girl who didn’t resemble the mighty warrior Gaius at all. It must be Amanda’s genes working her magic. She’s sure to grow into a beauty in the future.

Moreover, when I used my demonic perception to roughly gauge the baby’s latent potential, the results were unexpected.

This child, inheriting the superior physical prowess of both her parents, had entirely directed all of it towards intelligence instead.

As a result, she’s extremely clumsy, a complete contrast to her parents.

I’m not sure what caused this, but it’s likely an extremely rare mutation.

When I told the two of them, they started doting on their daughter as if to say, “That’s wonderful!”

Both of them had retired from adventuring and knew well how dangerous the world of battle was, so they didn’t want their beloved daughter to enter such a world.

Therefore, they were overjoyed and even thanked me for measuring her abilities, as they hoped to nurture her intellectual talents instead of combat skills.

Still, what this child, born to two heroes, desires is up to her, so who knows what the future holds.

However, we must celebrate the birth of this one life, wanted by her gentle and warm parents.

Although I’m not sure how much a low-class demon’s blessing will help, as a token of gratitude to Gaius, my former subordinate who served me until the end, I gifted the baby a certain magical protection.

Naturally, I had her parents’ approval.

It’s not the time to discuss the details of the blessing.

…And so, this tumultuous half-year passed in the blink of an eye. As Isha, Prince Marsley, and those who empathized with their struggles aimed for reconciliation with the demons, they began finding ways to end the war.

On nights like these, when the stars adorn the canvas of the sky and the moonlight beautifully illuminates the magical castle on the southern continent, it soothes the sorrow of one girl.

Yes.

In a room of the magical castle, a red-haired girl with heterochromatic eyes shed a single tear.

“Don’t mess this up, old man.”

“I know. I’ve kept my daughter waiting long enough. At least at the very end, I will fulfill my role properly.”

With these words, the old Demon King silently teleported into the room of the grieving girl from above and spoke to her.

────Why are you crying, Hades?

────That’s not like you.

“W-who’s there!? No, this voice… could it be… Old man!? …No, that can’t be right. Old man died back then. My, my father… my father!!”

Thinking it was some kind of auditory hallucination, Hades finally couldn’t hold back and began sobbing, clutching her knees.

Hey, hey, hey!

Old man, you’re really screwing up big time here!

What are you doing making Hades cry even more!

Isn’t it enough to just appear in front of her and say, “Hey, I’m still alive!”

Can’t you at least report that you’re alive, old man? You’re too clumsy.

And don’t sneak up and call out from behind like that. Are you shy or something?

Plus, with that loud crying just now, you’ve woken up everyone in the castle!

Ars, who completely lost it after hearing Hades cry out, jumped up and is heading this way!?

And to top it off, Chibisuke, who was crashing here, equipped himself with sunglasses from the shelf and came flying in!

Oh nooo!!

“Stooooop!! Stop, stop! We’re in a delicate moment here, so hold on, Ars! Chibisuke too! Right? Hades-chan is fine, so calm down in consideration of your father’s face!”

“Fa-father!?”

“BOOOOO!”

Dammit!

That Chibisuke, she still holds a grudge from the candy set incident!

She definitely woke up now just to boo at me like this at the perfect moment!

She totally understands exactly how to get treats again!

“Here, take it, Chibisuke! It’s ten times bigger than last time’s snack set! So calm down. Okay?”

“FHOOOO!”

Not “FHOOOO,” dammit!

…Geez, what a handful this kid is.

I’ll have to file a complaint with the heavens later.

“Father, is this the time to be playing around? That voice just now… Hades’s cry…!!”

“Don’t worry about that. You noticed it back then too. It was just that old man, the one I helped the Demon King, dropping by to see his daughter for a bit. So relax.”

With that answer, Ars suddenly felt relieved and slumped to the floor, completely drained. It must have been a huge worry for him.

Even though they’re usually all lovey-dovey, the greatest hero of humanity who saved this world couldn’t possibly overlook his lover’s sadness. While he likely believed that the old man the Demon King was still alive, he probably couldn’t present any evidence to Hades-chan to confirm it.

This was our fault as adults. We worried our son and caused unnecessary stress for Hades-chan. I truly feel sorry about that.

“I’m sorry. It seems I was too cautious until the situation settled down.”

“No worries at all. This is something heroes like you must overcome. You can’t always rely on your parents, you know.”

W-wait a minute.

Chibisuke, did you just suddenly become philosophical? And stop mumbling while you talk with your snacks in your mouth, it’s impolite.

Wait, huh?

Could it be that I am being supported by Chibisuke right now?

W-wait a minute!

No way!

I-I won’t accept it!!

“Yeah, what Mermel said makes sense. …That’s right, Dad. This was originally a problem we had to overcome ourselves. But I feel relieved now. It was indeed you who dashed out back then. Haha! Can’t beat you after all.”

Ars’s expression at that moment showed the utmost relief from resolving his biggest worry, unable to hide his joy that his lover’s father wasn’t killed.

And originally, Ars sensed that I was hiding and keeping watch. It was because he had confidence that he could somehow manage to challenge the Demon King, which led him to unleash such a grand move.

Of course, I, Kakyu, who was aware of my son’s trust in me, carried out my promise and saved the old man Demon King.

But it’s a fact that I caused them worry, so tomorrow will be a day for reflection.

My, oh my, being a father sure is tough.

With Ars and Chibisuke detained in their antics, a slightly bleary-eyed Elsa, just waking up, also arrived. Well, considering I’ve been sneaking around and meeting with Elsa occasionally, it feels like it’s all too late now.

As usual, Elsa herself was like, “Oh, isn’t it my husband?” Despite all the commotion, she seemed completely unfazed. The trust from a wife is quite something, huh?

Then, after everyone except Hades-chan and the old man in this castle had gathered, suddenly from a corner of the magic castle—

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!”

“O-Old man, what’s with that ridiculous appearance!?”

“W-Wa-wait, don’t make me laugh!!”

Laughter echoed loudly.

Well, well, it seems things worked out over there too.

Good grief, that old man’s clumsiness really had us on edge.