By Zephyria 
Side Story 2. A Long-Awaited Reunion and an Anxious Heart
I intentionally adjusted my schedule for a few days. To visit Revygild. I didn’t take a formal vacation; instead, I cleared my time by pushing back any appointments that could be postponed.
Because it wasn’t a schedule that allowed for a leisurely trip, I figured I’d stay for a day or two before returning. I was leaving tomorrow. When I told Ardian this, he looked sullen again.
-I want to go with you.
“Just do your work. You can’t even leave the palace right now because of it.”
I said it thinking that he shouldn’t overdo it and that we could meet separately later once his busy streak ended. However, Ardian, beyond the Video Orb, couldn’t seem to shake his gloomy expression.
…He said Revygild is near the coast. Is he sullen because he wants to relax and look at the sea but can’t? Somehow, it feels pitiful.
“Stop pouting. Let’s go together next time. To see the ocean.”
-…That’s not why.
“Then why?”
Ardian let out a small sigh. I tilted my head in confusion, but instead of giving me a precise reason, he said something else.
-You shouldn’t fall for it if someone tries to seduce you. Even if they approach you and suggest doing something pleasant, you must absolutely not accept, okay?
“Are you talking about yourself?”
-You never know what kind of thoughts people have when they’re exceptionally kind. Who knows if they’re only thinking lewd thoughts once you open up their skull?
“Don’t worry. You’re the only one who approaches me with that purpose.”
-Ray, you have no sense of caution.
Then he sighed once more. While I was pondering how to convince him that his worries were unnecessary, Cloud called for me. I glanced in that direction for a moment and then spoke.
“I have to go. See you later.”
-…Okay.
Leaving the lingering Ardian behind, I cut the connection.
That evening, I contacted Zeon, and we agreed to meet in Adelmaide the following day. Although the Revygild Territory is a small peripheral region, I had heard there is exactly one Teleportation Portal at the Adelmaide portal station that leads directly there.
“Ray!”
Having moved diligently since early morning, I arrived at the station and met Zeon, who had arrived before me and was waiting. As soon as he spotted me, he welcomed me with great joy.
“I have missed you dearly. How have you been?”
“Same as always for me.”
I nodded in response and let out a small chuckle. It suddenly occurred to me that this guy is truly consistent. It has been quite some time since I told him to treat me comfortably like a friend… but while the title had changed to ‘Ray,’ he was still exactly as he was back when he was Mephisto.
Zeon tilted his head as if wondering why I was laughing.
I shook my head to indicate it was nothing.
“Right, there was something I wanted to ask you when I saw you.”
“Yes. Please, ask me anything you wish.”
“I mentioned a while ago that I met a Demon.”
As we entered the Teleportation Portal station, Zeon seemed to remember and nodded with an “Ah.”
He was likely recalling when I contacted him yesterday and said, ‘I happened to meet a Demon in Adelmaide, and while I was at it, I wanted to visit Revygild.’
“He said his name is Samael. Do you happen to know who he is?”
“Ah! I do. Samael is also a direct descendant of Valihard.”
“I can’t remember well. Did I make a contract with him too?”
It was a bit of a funny situation to ask Zeon this, but what can I do if I truly don’t remember? Since Zeon was such a peculiar fellow, I was able to recall him even late… otherwise, it would be difficult to remember every single servant individually.
Suddenly, Zeon’s expression became subtle. The corners of his mouth twitched upward and his eyes sparkled. He looked pleased. At first, I couldn’t understand what he was happy about… but I realized it soon enough.
“Right? Unless one is a loyal servant like myself, it must be difficult to remember everyone individually, right? It is alright, Ray. Such a thing is entirely understandable.”
“…….”
“They will also understand their Lord’s hardship with a generous heart and will not be heartbroken. If any of them are rude enough to show it, I—the only one the Lord remembered!—shall go and teach them a lesson personally.”
His shoulders looked as if they were about to pierce the sky.
I’ll have to keep the truth—that you also didn’t remember properly—a secret for the rest of my life.
“Right, thanks. Since we’re on the subject, tell me everything you know in detail.”
I subtly changed the subject. Unaware, Zeon began explaining various things with a face full of enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, we paid the toll and walked toward the Teleportation Portal leading to Revygild.
“Currently, the number of Valihard’s direct descendants is less than thirty. Among them, five who entered the Contract of Eternity with the Lord remain. Some lost their lives in unfortunate accidents along the way.”
“I see.”
“Yes. And among those who are not direct descendants, no Demons who entered the Contract of Eternity remain. That is only natural, as their lifespans are not as long as mine. I believe this much is enough for you to know. The five who currently remain are myself, Samael, whom you met recently, and Andusias, Focalor, and Gremory.”
Afterward, perhaps fearing I might confuse them by name alone, Zeon rattled off their appearances as well. For me, it was very helpful information. By the time he finished talking, we had arrived at Revygild.
After the teleport operated, the territory we arrived in smelled of the characteristic scent of the seaside.
“This is Revygild.”
Zeon, who exited the station first, spoke with a face full of excitement. Following him out, I looked up at the blowing wind.
Is it because it’s a small territory where Demons live? There seemed to be almost no floating population. Before descending from the station, I stood at the railing and looked out at the nearby sea. It was a land with a very relaxed and peaceful feeling, as if I had come to a remote island.
“It’s a nice place.”
“Isn’t it?”
Zeon smiled happily.
We headed toward Girgal, the only city in Revygild and the capital where Demons primarily gather and live. He mentioned that while some clans lived scattered around the outskirts of the capital, most lived within the city. He also said that all of Valihard’s direct descendants were in the capital.
“Ray! Over there, over there!”
While walking up a quiet road, Zeon pointed ahead. An arched entrance, created as the start of the capital, came into view. And for some reason, there were many people nearby.
“I told them in advance that you were coming today. Everyone has gathered to see the Lord.”
“Hmm.”
“Among them are direct descendants who actually remember the Lord, as well as Demons who were curious after only hearing stories.”
“Stories about me were being passed down?”
“Of course. For you were our savior, and our first and last King.”
“Last? There isn’t one now?”
“Andusias currently holds the position of Lord. However, that is not a Monarch in the ‘same sense’ as the Lord. Andusias himself does not wish for such a thing.”
I nodded, understanding Zeon’s words. As we drew close enough for their outlines to become visible, the Demons gathered at the entrance cheered toward us.
Being welcomed like this made me feel as if I were returning home in glory.
“Mephisto-nim!”
Just then, a familiar face popped out from the crowd. It was Samael. Beside him, three figures followed in a line; judging by their appearances, they were the ones Zeon had mentioned.
“Samael. And Andusias, Focalor, Gremory. Right?”
I confirmed their names, pointing to each of them.
With every point, faces bloomed one by one.
“My Lorrrrd! I am simply so overcome that tears are… sob.”
Andusias began to cry.
“Mephisto-nim. No, are you Raymond-nim now? Much time has passed. Many have departed in the meantime. But the Lord, whom we longed for most, has returned. It has been a long time. Your appearance has changed, but I recognized you at a glance.”
“I, Gremory, never thought I would see the Lord again while I still lived. I was still furious that I couldn’t kill that damn Gilbert with my own hands, but now there is no need for that.”
Focalor and Gremory chattered away by my side.
With Samael and Zeon joining in, it became so noisy that it was overwhelming.
I looked at those who were talking incessantly, as if unpacking a bundle of stories accumulated over many years, and then looked around. Other Demons who had come to watch were smiling at us. Among them were young children clutching their parents’ hands.
“Is that person the previous Demon King?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“He’s not an uncle! He’s a big brother!”
“Right? I heard he was reincarnated.”
Just by looking at them, I could tell they had lived peacefully and safely. I realized once again that the years I spent living for revenge had been meaningless… but I suppose it doesn’t matter.
‘It’s all in the past anyway.’
Just as I was about to smile, the sobbing Andusias urged me, saying he would quickly guide me to a comfortable place. Under their guidance, I headed toward the Lord’s mansion.