NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11
Chapter 11: The Dragon’s Express Delivery
Well then, it’s Zilbagias, the Demon Lord’s Prince, on my way to the Demon World.
I’ve been living in the Demon Lord Castle my whole life, but finally, I’m off on an outing.
It’s true that once you grow horns, your freedom skyrockets.
That said, isn’t it a bit dramatic that my first trip is to the Demon World?
“What nice weather we’re having today.”
In the afternoon—though for demonkind, it may as well be early morning—on a large balcony that juts out from one corner of the Demon Lord Castle, my mother, Platiphia, stands tall and proud.
Usually, Platih is in her dazzling dress, but today she’s unusually in pants. She looks like a lady (the chief’s wife) dressed in riding gear (barbarian-style). Although the outfit is well-tailored, the fangs and fur embellishments ruin the effect.
Well, I can’t really talk, looking similar in my own way!
By the way, as for my appearance—I’m roughly the build of a ten-year-old human, with silver hair inherited from my mother, a cold and handsome face, and striking red eyes from my father.
Calling myself handsome is quite the joke, but when I look in the mirror, I’m startled, thinking, “Who the heck are you?!”, due to my well-put-together looks. It’s infuriating, but I’m way better looking than in my previous life.
Platiphia has the face to match. And I inherited that… If you overlook my blue skin and the menacing horns on my temples, you could call me some nobleman without issue.
But yes, I am a prince.
As I ponder this, I hear a loud flapping sound, swoosh, swoosh.
A wyvern with chestnut-colored scales descends onto the balcony.
That’s right, this is the dragon’s dispatch area.
“Please…”
The creature speaks in a voice that grates like metal on metal, bowing low. It has a saddle attached to make it easier to ride.
Dragons, known for their immense power, pride themselves just like the demon race.
Even the White Dragons, who cooperated with us during the siege on the Demon Lord Castle, reluctantly accepted ropes to prevent us from falling off, but categorically rejected any saddle-like equipment to make it easier to ride.
While they allow us to ride their backs to deliver a blow to the Demon Lord, they absolutely refuse to be treated like a mere vehicle. Even the comparatively docile White Dragons are like this! If you tried to put a saddle on the more aggressive dragons, who knows what would happen?
Yet, the dragon before me seems to accept its treatment as a vehicle.
Since being pummeled by the first Demon Lord, most dragons have sworn allegiance to the demon race.
Or rather, you could say they can’t oppose us.
There’s a dragon nursery in the castle’s underground, where the dragons are hostage to their adorable little ones and eggs.
This Demon Lord Castle was originally a rocky mountain that the wyverns called home… but the first Demon Lord took it over, bragging, “What a splendid marble mountain! I’ll make this my castle!” and magically carved it into a castle.
The dragon before me gazes at the floor, not daring to meet my eyes—well, I can’t gauge a dragon’s expression anyway—but it certainly doesn’t look satisfied with its current situation.
“It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a dragon. Flying feels great, Zilbagias!”
Platiphia gracefully mounts the saddle. Though she typically plays the role of the Demon Lord’s wife, her effortless movements reveal her high physical prowess. I guess she’s quite the warrior too.
“I’m looking forward to it, Mother.”
I nodded and attempted to mount, but—
“—What a chore to go out while the sun is still high, Platiphia.”
A sticky female voice reverberated.
Turning around, I spotted a demon woman standing in the shadow at the entrance to the balcony.
Her dress was primarily blue, coordinated with pure white fur. Her bright blue hair was styled flamboyantly, tied with jewels and fangs, creating a magnificent hairdo. Her elongated golden eyes sparkled like a full moon, exuding the haughty demeanor of a queen.
“Isn’t that ‘Razriel’? How generous of you to come see me off, not something typical of you,” Platiphia responded with a mocking tone.
“I’m not here to see you.”
With a flick of her fan to cover her mouth, the woman called “Razriel” shot back.
“I just wanted to see your pride and joy for myself. After all, this might be the last chance, right?”
Her gaze shifted—directly toward me.
“Hmm…”
She glanced over me in a way that felt like appraisal, her magic power seeping from her body, lightly surrounding me.
Given the situation, there’s no doubt she’s one of the “mothers of other princes.” I didn’t expect her to make a move here, but just in case, I also wrapped my own magic power around me loosely.
Then, I stared back steadily. It’s a demon’s duty to stand their ground when faced with a gaze like that.
“…What an unlovable child.”
She snorted in boredom, snapping her fan shut.
“You’re taking this little one to the Demon World? That’s rather cruel, Platiphia.”
“He’s my child. There’s no problem. Well, I can’t speak for other children.”
“Hmph.”
Once again returning her gaze to me, Razriel peered into my face.
“I hope you make it back alive, kid. Farewell.”
With a turn, Razriel walked away with leisurely steps.
“…What was that all about?”
“Hmph. That’s the mother of the First Prince Aiogias, Razriel,” Platiphia spat out.
“A nagging woman who can’t stand not being the best at everything.”
…Isn’t that a bit hypocritical? I pondered.
“Was she trying to obstruct my entrance into the Demon World?”
“Looks like it. But since she couldn’t interfere openly, she probably just wanted to scare you a bit. It’d be a problem if Zilbagias—my child—was lumped in with the random weaklings. Such shallow treachery, typical of her.”
Platiphia smirked with a mocking smile.
“Remember this, Zilbagias. Harassment like that is a reflection of her own fears. She probably experienced some frightful things back in the Demon World. Her usual arrogance is just a front for her insecurities.”
Platiphia’s dark eyes, swirling with emotion, looked at me.
“You’re different. You’re a strong child, Zilbagias.”
“Yes.”
Well, I’ve gathered quite a bit from Sophia about the Demon World. Since its substance is ambiguous, it’s a reality where the spirit is reflected more deeply.
If I enter scared and trembling, of course, things won’t go well.
There’s still a lot unknown about what will happen when I step in, but honestly, it’s nothing compared to confronting the Demon Lord.
My calm demeanor seemed to satisfy Platiphia.
“Now, we’ve wasted enough time. Let’s go.”
By the way, throughout this whole exchange, the dragon has been waiting, still crouched.
I grabbed Platiphia’s outstretched hand and jumped onto the saddle. I intended to cling to her back, but instead, she firmly grabbed my body and set me in front of her.
Damn it, how did she manage to smell so good…?
After securely connecting our waists with a belt, Platiphia embraced me. She gently kicked the dragon’s belly over the stirrup.
“Go. To the Dark Portal.”
“Understood…”
The dragon groaned as if to say, “Finally,” and after a slight run-up, it took to the skies.
Whoa, this is a wild ride. I’m just hanging on with a thin leather belt and gripping the saddle handle with my bare hands.
…Is this safe? I hope I don’t fall off!
With just a hint of anxiety, our aerial journey began.