Kssshhk!! Kssshhk!!

Kssshhk!! Kssshhk!!

“-ericus…”

“Fredericus…”

“Maou Fredericus do you hear me?”

Kssshhk!! Kssshhk!! Kssssssssssssshhhhk!!

Static noise and several loud voices were ringing at my head. I wondered if I was still dreaming.

I felt my body. It was still intact. But the pain on my head was so severe that it felt like it was about to break.

Waking up in the middle of the night is fine at my peak form. But being a six-year-old kid, it really felt like my head was being split in half. I’ve always gotten a full straight hours of sleep when I was still young and as far as I could remember that might be the very first time I was forcibly waken up.

My God… What in seven hells…

My thought processing matches up with how slow my brain must have been. I was trying to think what might it be that have awoken me from my deep slumber.

“Proctor Miriara…”

It was the proctor’s whispering at my ears. I wondered if they were able to get me back already.

I looked around and it was still the same room and bed I shared with Ingretta. I turned around and found her peacefully sleeping. I was glad I hadn’t woken her up with the sudden movements I did.

If they hadn’t gotten me back yet, then what was it… Wait—

I felt something at my pocket. It was the communication device.

I hurried quietly towards the door, and opened it at a minimal sound. Ingretta was still sound asleep so I went out of the room and headed downstairs.

It was a sign of relief.

I had been waiting for them to contact me for more than two days already. A lot had happened to me the previous day, but those were not really dangerous. There was this issue with the imperial guards, but I didn’t even know what they really came for. The day ended with just me being spent so much doing household chores, and going along with Ingretta’s childish demeanor.

Was it really that stressful?

Before I stepped down on the stairs, I looked back at the open door of the room we shared. The nostalgic feeling of sharing a room with Morgianna when we were still kids still lingered there.

Would it really be alright to leave a little girl on her own at a cabin in the woods? What if her worries were real and her parents wouldn’t be able to come get her for another set of days or so? Would she be waiting until she starves and die? I really hoped not.

In any case I needed to talk with proctor Miriara while the line was still working.

I sat at the bench on the living room. I activated the communication device and checked if I could still receive transmission.

“Hello?”

KSSSSSHK!!

“Hello? Lord Fredericus?”

A male voice responded. It was Dax speaking at the other end.

“Yes it is me. What took so long to fix the communications? I’ve checked my communication device and it seemed like it’s not broken, so I assumed it was at your end that’s trying to fix something.”

“That’s the problem, both of the devices seemed working properly. It’s just some powerful barrier had been blocking your device during the day. We were able to contact you last night but it seemed that you’re sound asleep. Where are you anyways?”

That’s odd… A human barrier powerful enough to block all communications from the demon capital by day, but weakens by night, huh… I’d be bothered if it was Ingretta’s father that’s doing it… But it can’t be, right?...

“In any case, I’ll explain my current situation. Gather everyone as I’m too tired to explain this to you one by one.”

After rounding up the current team’s lineup (Lord Fervus now included), I’ve explained everything that’s happened since after the communications had been cut off. How I’ve put a curse onto myself and turn onto a 6y/o kid. How I encountered a girl that helped me and brought me to their farm. How I’ve cleared up the tension with her parents after knowing I’m a demon. The issue with the imperial guards. And lastly, how we’ve ended up being alone at their escape cabin at the elven forest.

At first Morgianna was so dead-worried but she was really glad that I’m still safe and was at one piece. We’ve decided to lift the curse for when I got back. The retrieval should come first.

“Remember, proctor Miriara. I’m really going to abolish this research team when I get back. Also prepare for consequences for putting me, the High and Mighty Maou to a situation like this.”

“Yes, yes. I’m prepared for the worst already. Just hurry your ass up back here.”

“Hey! Don’t talk like that to my master. Want to fight right now?”

They were the same rowdy and noisy bunch even at that time of the night. But still, I was really happy that I was able to talk to them again. The scene of Ingretta’s happy family at the fields flashed on me while imagining what’s happening there that moment.

“Guys…”

They answered in unison.

“Yes, My lord.”

“Once I get back there let’s have some lunch together at the palace.”

I heard faint voices of talking at my back after they realized I was not speaking like my usual self.

I did not know if it was my kid persona that said it or the real me. But did it really matter at that point? I just miss my home.

The view of the night sky and the forest was so solemn and peaceful. The open area was still shone by the moonlight. While looking at the trees, the endless forest darkness was so blinding that you wouldn’t know what kind of danger might be creeping behind them.

Then a single light shone from afar.

“Ghost? Spirit cluster? Will-o-wisps? Ugh. I might still be dreaming.”

Then another popped up. Then another one. Then one after another. Now there were around eight lights lined up shining behind the darkness of the trees. At that point I already knew what were those lights. They were torches. They must be the imperial guards which had already caught up with us.

Was they searching this whole time?!

In any case I was really at a pinch. The only decision left was to leave Ingretta and run until my team finished preparations to transport me back. Unlike me at my prime who could open the portal in an instant due to my almost unlimited amount of mana, even with my highest generals gathered, it might take about a minute or two. I must do my best to stall time.

“Guys. Activate the portal at once. The imperial guards have caught on us.”

They were startled. Proctor Miriara immediately ordered the three to prepare at their spots and activate the portal.

“Lord Fredericus, listen to me. It will take a few minutes to activate the portal so do your best to stall time. I’ve already calculated your coordinates while you were still asleep and we’ve reached the communication device. Please bear with us.”

“I know just quit yapping and speed it up alre—”

And I was already talking to thin air again. The communications were cut off for the third time. But it was still night. That confirmed somebody must have been triggering the barrier.

That damn father! He’s already sold me from the start!

But it didn’t really made sense. If the father wanted it, he could have just me sold me to the guards right from the start. But he was too witty. He was worried that I could have magic that could slay all of them right away if I sensed hostility from them. He built a good relation and made it look like we’re being chased by guards. Then get me at the most convenient time. It won’t look like it’s planned at first place.

He got me good…

But then…

“Fred? What’s happening?”

Another problem stormed from my rear.

“Why… Why are you awake?”

The original plan was to leave her sleeping peacefully so I would be already gone by the time she wakes up. That way she wouldn’t carry the burden of not being able to bring me safely back to my home. But there she was, already awake and dumbfounded.

Did she felt me leaving? Did she suddenly woke up at a perfect timing?

“Torches…”

She was scared. I was too. I was scared that she might get caught up with everything about to happen. But it was too late. She was already aware that the imperial guards have caught up and it already triggered her ‘responsibility’ on me.

“Quick. Fred. We need a place to hide.”

That was a logical way of thinking. More like, that was the only way out left. But that’s because she never knew of my real identity and the way to escape the situation was currently being prepared by my demon servants.

So, do I tell her everything and about the current situation?

“Fred, they’re nearing…”

There were no lights inside the house so they shouldn’t be able to see us from afar. They must still think that we were sleeping.

“Ingretta, I need you to listen.”

At the same time a faint light shone from behind her. I came from the back of the house. At my perspective it was just a small portion of light that I could see, but outside, it must have startled all the imperial guards, giving away our location.

That added up to Ingretta’s confusions.

“Sigh… Of course proctor failed again… How could the timing really be inconvenient from me? Listen Ingretta.”

She already noticed the light and looked backwards. Then she looked back at me, being wary of what I had to say.

“What’s happening? I don’t understand…”

“I’m sorry, for I’m about to leave now. It seems that my master already located me and made preparations to bring me back to them.”

“Oh… I see…”

She had a sad look on her face. She must have not wanted me to go. She must have want to play with me a little longer. It might took years, but even as a demon that lives for a span of centuries, I still couldn’t spare that much time. I had a lot on my table and was actually just being able to manage all the time I have.

“Listen, about the thing we’ve talked about last night… You may not look like it, but you’re plenty strong already. But being strong doesn’t mean it’s always good. You’ve got your family you could rely on. Don’t always try to shoulder everything by yourself. Come on look at us. We’re just kids at our prime. We should be playful and just be happy. We could have worries later on once we grow up.”

“But… But that’s not it… You… You’ll be gone… I’ll be sad when you’re gone…”

“This is an order…”

I patted her head and give her a cute little boy smile.

“…I’ll be back, so until the time I’d be able to fix everything and go back here, be a happy girl you’ve always been. We’ll play again once I get back, okay? I might even be your brother, or a childhood friend, or an ally of justice you could rely on. if you would just allow.”

Tears overflowed her swollen eyes. She must have been really sad about me going away. But I couldn’t help it.

After patting her head, she was already crying. I was sad too. My kid me was sad too. But I had to go. So I ran towards the kitchen and used the nearest door towards the backyard. I checked if there were guards already waiting there but luckily there was none.

There at the small area at the backyard the portal was now open and I could already see the place where we’ve conducted the teleportation device research. I breathed a sigh of relief and rushed towards the portal.

But when I was about to enter the portal, Ingretta shouted.

“FREEEEED!!! I AM HAPPY!! I AM HAPPY THAT I WAS ABLE TO MEET YOU!! HOW ABOUT YOU??!!”

I stopped. It made my heart skip a bit. Again, for the very last time, my Kid persona went on and played with my feelings. But I paid no heed.

I looked back. She was crying but at the same time she was smiling. I was glad I was able to convey what I wanted to say towards her and was also glad that she’s now pretty confident of herself compared to how she was when she’s stressed out.

She was smiling. She wiped off her snot and tears. She then looked at me, waiting for my reply.

“Jeez. You’re really a handful, Ingretta…”

Am I really feeling this towards a human girl?

I weighed my feelings. It wouldn’t hurt to spoil her a bit more. I promised myself to keep my promise and return to their farm once the war is over.

“…Yes, it’s fun for me too.”

I entered the portal. And it closed.

---

“Waaah!! My master!! Look what have happened to you! I’ll make Proctor Miriara pay for this later!! Uwaaah!!”

Morgianna was hugging me. I just got back after being lost at the enemy lines few days ago. It was only natural that she would be dead worried. I looked at them. I was relieved that I already got home.

But what did it cost? What did I gain? What did I lost?

Proctor Miriara headed towards me. She gave an apologetic formal bow.

“I’m really sorry My Lord. I’ll make sure to repent on having you go through this incident.”

“You sure bet… For now, I need to rest. That event made me too stressed. You can lift the curse after I got a good sleep and wake up.”

“But first… My lord…”

She gave me a handkerchief. I was dumbfounded. What was it for.

“I see that it’s too heartbreaking to leave a friend behind. It was just two days but it seemed that you’ve forged a deeper bond with her. You might still be the Prime Maou inside, but right now, you’re just a kid that’s lost a friend… I mean, look at you… You’re crying rivers too right now… Even more than Morgianna.”

“Eh?”

That’s right…

That night, I’ve gained something. I’ve gained a friend.

That very night too, I’ve lost something. I’ve left the very same friend behind.

Frederie Spence and Ingrid

Modern Earth, 20xx+3

The sound of the crickets could be heard at the near fields just across the street.

The two of them were both looking at the distant night sky. It was vast and clear and the stars were already shining brightly. The scenery was being stared upon by Fred and Ingrid. A day loaded with heavy work, two cups of coffee and a box of cigar. Nothing beats a chill vibe with some long story-telling which they were doing.

“Then after that, just a few days after I was really shocked that the eight generation yuusha had been discovered. Later on a few years I’ve discovered that it was the same little girl I’ve encountered when I got lost at the human empire.”

“Whoah… That’s pretty fairytale-like. Seriously. Hey, hey, can we make a 4-koma of your romance stories with Yuusha?”

“….You’re asking something unreasonable, you know that?”

Sigh…

Fred gave a big sigh.

He knew of Ingrid’s feelings towards him at first place. So he thought of why she was suggesting something like that. It wouldn’t really make sense, especially when she’s talking about yuusha.

“I think it’s not really a good idea. I’d really be uncomfortable drawing it, you know.”

“…Sorry… I was just teasing you.”

“Of course you would. It’s fine…”

Fred’s spoiled the mood. It seemed like he’s already even more tired than he looked. He said it would be just a short one, but he still ended up telling a lot. That day’s already exhausted him, yet he still pushed himself to recall events from a distant past he didn’t want to recover.

Yet he’s not trying to blame anybody. He just didn’t want to deal with any more teasing even if that’s to make him feel better. That’s the only way he could resort to. Ingrid immediately understood that and backed off.

“Aaargh!! Come on now you’re such a lady you know that?”

“Sorry. I did not mean to make you remember such unpleasant memory.”

Fred lit another stick of cigar and puffed it hard.

“It’s not really an unpleasant memory. Besides, those were still the fun days when I was not yet battling with Yuusha.”

Ingrid looked at Fred again. She was expecting that he would be tearing up again, but it was quite the opposite. He was looking at a distant sky like it was not a very distant memory from his past.

“Yeah, it’ been fun. Those days they were…”

Ingrid knew the meaning behind those words. She knew that something must have triggered the great war that lead to Fred being killed back at Mytherion. Compared to those morbid events which he’s not yet telling her, being told of a fantasy-like little crush story between two kids was easier to bear.

“It’s glad to know you’re not mad or anything.”

“Naaah, I’m not mad. It feels nostalgic, talking about something like this. I don’t know if it’s just me or we’ve been really occupied these past weeks that I haven’t been able to think of the demons I’ve left back at Mytherion. Now that I think about it, it’s really funny. I am the Maou, yet I’m sitting here, preoccupying myself with other stuff so I could forget about the responsibility I’ve left them.”

“I… I don’t know what to say about that.”

“It’s not you to waver that much. I thought you’ll do anything you could to win me over to this side? What if I decide to leave you guys here and resume my conquest back to my previous world?”

“Where… did… that… confidence… come… from!!”

Thud!!

Ingrid kicked Fred’s legs.

“Ouch! Stop resorting to violence everytime you lose an argument!!”

Ingrid did not say anything. A moment ago she was the one who was waiting to see Fred get teary-eyes but it backfired to her fast and she’s at the verge of crying. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing Fred. The longer the time Fred got to spend with her and with the others, the deeper the scar that would be left once he leaves.

Ingrid shook her head fast to drive away the thoughts.

Fred then stopped her with a single pat on her head.

“I won’t go anywhere. Not until I’ve finished my goal here.”

He was not looking at Ingrid but he must have known how she felt and instinctively reacted to calm her down. But those words were enough. It was enough to calm Ingrid’s wavering feelings.

“You’re becoming really mean to me… Fred you dummy… You’re exploiting my feelings already. You demon dummy…”

“I was a demon, alright. Come let’s tidy up.”

He stood up. The ashtray was already filled for more than enough the two of them could finish in one sitting. He had to clean it up or it would really leave the smell of cigar at his balcony. Kyrie would not want that and she would be hitting him with her harisen again.

Ingrid remain seated for a while longer to finish her coffee and calm herself. She went too emotional. Fred was the only one who knew she could let out that side of herself. Still she felt dead embarrassed by it.

Fred spoke silently.

“Thank you Ingrid. Thank you for letting me remember. I was too focused… I know I must be focusing on the present, but I won’t be able to forgive myself if I start to forget about who I was.”

“…”

Ingrid heard him, but she couldn’t deliver a response. That time Fred spoke even more silently that she couldn’t hear anymore.

“Things like these that you do makes me want to appreciate this world even more. Makes me appreciate you even more…”

“Wha..?!!”

Fred entered the room, leaving Ingrid who still had to finish her coffee and cigar.