Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 9

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

Chapter 9   The Birth of the Saint and the Church’s Plans

That day, the Holy Kingdom was bustling with excitement.

A grand parade was held, with the entire nation celebrating, and eyes filled with envy and hope were focused on the central figure of the parade, the baby destined to be held in the hands of the Pope.

Yes, on this day, in this era,

the world gained the presence of a saint.

“Squeee! That’s the Holy Maiden! Oh, she’s so adorable!”

“In recent years, with the resurgence of the demons we pushed back a millennium ago, who would have thought that, just as the legends foretold, another Holy Maiden would be born!”

The crowd cheered for the birth of the saint who would save the world, and even the Pope himself couldn’t help but smile naturally at the fact that his own child was the Holy Maiden.

And it’s no wonder. Until this day, the Pope had not been blessed with a child, and he had been relegated to a position that earned him sympathy from the public. Of course, no fool would directly voice such sentiments to the country’s leader, but nonetheless, one’s gaze and attitude tend to reveal such sentiments.

He himself never blamed others for his situation, but it’s a fact that he must have felt some degree of anxiety and stress.

Already in his thirties, which on Earth would still be considered the prime of life but in this world was deemed an age well past its peak, he was judged to be somewhat over the hill by the standards of the people of this world.

“The people seem to be blessing the birth of the heir apparent with such fervor. It’s truly heartening, Your Holiness.”

“Yes, indeed, Captain of the Holy Knights. With this, a glimmer of hope has arisen in this world. As the Emperor who protects humanity and as the sole father, I feel a slight burden lifted from my shoulders. However…”

Indeed, the birth of the Holy Maiden itself is a joyous occasion.

However, the problems plaguing this country, no, the world, were not limited to that alone.

Seeing the Pope falter in his words, the Captain of the Holy Knights speaks up once more.

“Could it be that you feel responsible for the complete annihilation of the Holy Knight Squadron? If so, such concerns are unnecessary. They, too, were prepared to face the possibility of sacrificing themselves in the line of duty. Moreover, leaving behind traces of information about the demons capable of wielding such powerful magic even after their deaths, they were honorable knights who have nothing to be ashamed of.”

The Captain of the Holy Knights speaks, protecting the dignity of those who bear the pride of protecting the people as holy knights, ensuring that not a shred of their dignity is tarnished.

Even if the cause of their demise was retaliation carried out after the massacre of villagers, they could not have known about it, so it’s not wrong to conclude, based on the noble ideal of being a holy knight, that their actions were in line with that ideal.

Truth is truth.

Ideal is ideal.

Neither is inherently right or wrong.

In fact, the Captain of the Holy Knights is noble, and if he had been present at the time, he would not have indiscriminately killed the villagers without a second thought.

“In addition, Your Holiness, the times are on our side. Surely, you recall the prophecy you received from God regarding the birth of the hero. Even if the Demon King threatens humanity again, we, the Holy Knights, the Holy Maiden, and the hero, will surely protect this world.”

“Yes, indeed… That’s right.”

With a hint of anxiety, the Pope nods reluctantly, forcing himself to agree.

About a month after the prophecy of the hero’s birth was received, there was the unilateral annihilation of the Holy Knight Squadron by the demons.

When he heard the news, he felt as if his heart had stopped, but he chose to believe that hope was still alive, thanks to the words of the Captain of the Holy Knights and the birth of the Holy Maiden, born as the heir apparent.

“However, where might the hero be? The prophecy mentioned somewhere on this continent…”

“I do not know. But this child, who is the Holy Maiden, should have the power to attract the hero. If the legends are true, there should be no need to worry. All I can do is to support her to the fullest.”

They are unaware.

They do not know that the village where the hero was born was attacked by the Holy Knights, massacring everyone.

They do not know that the only survivor, the hero, has fallen into the hands of demons and is growing up happily.

“Anyway, the world is peaceful. With the hero and the Holy Maiden born, and with the Captain of the Holy Knights, who is called the strongest in history, and the child who has been recognized to have sword talent surpassing even yours. Surely, they will save the future.”

“Hahaha! Though I say it myself, he’s quite the prodigy. If it were just talent, I wouldn’t even be worth mentioning. Still, he’s merely a five-year-old who’s just begun wielding a sword, you see.”

Amidst the grand parade, the conversation between the two key figures in the Holy Kingdom progresses without anyone overhearing.

They are determined not to let this world fall into the hands of the Demon King, no matter what.

The hero, the Holy Maiden, the child recognized as the sword prodigy.

And the shadow of the Demon King.

They were born in this miraculous era, all at the same time.

Thus, the fate of the world began to move.

◇

On the flip side of this dimension, darkness writhes and stirs.

When we speak of the flip side of the world, it’s not a metaphor; it’s a separate realm existing within the shadow of this planet.

In other words, it’s the realm of demons.

The denizens lurking in the darkness, commonly referred to as the demon race, were in a flurry of confusion over the recent turn of events.

“What’s going on? Seems like that bothersome holy knight squad got wiped out. Is it just a rumor?”

Some muttered, while others argued, “No, our adept infiltrator confirmed it and witnessed the scene in the holy nation. It’s undeniable. It’s a fact.”

Their current topic of discussion revolved solely around the sudden annihilation of the holy knight squad.

The abrupt extermination by mysterious brethren.

In the scheme of human society’s clandestine activities, if those once blessed by the gods and considered thorns in their side suddenly vanish, it’s understandable why this would happen.

“Silence! You’re in the presence of His Majesty!”

“Very well. Let them act as they please for a while.”

“B-but, Your Majesty…”

And thus, overseeing that council of adherents to magic, stood the king among them, the Demon King.

Though his attendants raised their voices in agitation at their haste, the Demon King, who comprehended the situation deeply, quelled them with a gesture.

He understood.

The one who had eradicated the troublesome holy knights without even being noticed by the heavenly realm, was probably akin to himself… No, possessed a similar caliber of power.

If that were the case, then it was best for him alone to handle the matter.

Let the discussions among his retainers and subordinates continue as they pleased; that was his belief.

Regardless of what these individuals attempted, if they were on par with him, there was no recourse.

Moreover, reaching out to the holy knights meant, at least for now, they were not enemies.

Yet, he pondered.

“────However, eventually, should I not bring them under my control?”

With those words muttered inaudibly to anyone, he closed his lips once more.