It Seems That the Demon King Is Among the Members of the Hero’s Party

29. Power Difference

I had a weird dream. In the dream, Noel’s eyes lost their shine, and she had a hollow expression. I could recognize her, but she looked really young, probably under 10 years old.

It was a dream where I was cornered by a young girl much younger than me, and I couldn’t resist her attacks. I was overwhelmed by an unimaginable power and pinned down. I tried to say something to Noel, who was sitting on top of me, but I woke up.

It’s hard to face Noel. I know it’s because of the dream, but I’m scared to talk to her.

Originally, she gets upset when I ask her about the past. That’s why I can never pursue the topic further.

There was one time when she said something about a promise. Her face turned bright red, and her voice was too quiet at the end, so I couldn’t hear it. I wonder if that’s related to the promise.

“You’re awake, Master. Good morning.”

As I sat up in bed, Durandal greeted me. She’s always up earlier than me.

“It seems you had a pleasant dream last night.”

“It’s not pleasant at all! If you weren’t my Master, I wouldn’t even talk to you.”

But since I’m in a good mood now, I’ll forgive you.

“Sorry about that. I’ll be more careful. You’re in a good mood, huh? Did you have a good dream?”

“You’re such a pervert, Master.”

What’s with Durandal’s sudden comment?

“I apologize. I don’t understand what you mean.”

“You were so aggressive in your dream, weren’t you? Our relationship isn’t romantic, after all.”

“That’s just a dream, Durandal.”

“Please continue the conversation.”

“Maybe next time.”

I don’t want to believe that I’m a pervert who gets turned on by a sword. It’s just a weird dream.

The fact that she has a self is strange, too. The holy sword was created by God. Who created her, then?

I asked her once, but she said she didn’t know who made her. Her self-awareness began when the first Master poured magic into her. If someone other than God created her, it must be a Dwarf. They’ve been making magical tools and weapons for a long time.

“I’m going to talk to Tor-san.”

“What about breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry, so I’ll skip it.”

“You’ve been skipping breakfast a lot lately. You should eat to maintain your strength.”

“I’ll eat when I can eat.”

Lately, my stomach hasn’t been doing well. In the morning, I’m especially hungry. But yesterday, I had too much to drink, and I didn’t even wash my body or change my clothes.

I recall holding Durandal and heading to Tra’s room, but I didn’t have the energy to wash my body because of the accumulated exhaustion. She’s a beastman, and her sense of smell is keen, so I don’t want to offend her. I should take a bath before meeting her. I’ll borrow some hot water from the innkeeper.

“Tra, are you there?”

I knock on Tra’s door after finishing my bath, but there’s no response. The innkeeper told me that Tra went out for morning training. I thought she would be back by now, but it seems she’s still training.

Considering the situation, she’s probably still in the middle of her training. There’s a vacant lot behind the inn where she might be. It’s spacious, and at this time, it should be quiet and easy to focus.

I wish she were there.

I greet the innkeeper and head towards the vacant lot. As I get closer, I hear the sound of the wind being cut, “Shu, Shu.”

Just as I expected, she’s there. I see Tra’s figure, in the midst of her training. Her movements are swift and agile, like a performance. I feel like I could watch her forever, but I have other things to do today. I need to get to business.

“Tra!”

I call out to her, and Tra’s fist stops in mid-air. She notices me and breaks into a joyful smile.

“Oh! It’s Kail, isn’t it? What brings you to see me?”

Her voice is also filled with joy. I approach her, noticing that she’s wearing less due to her sweat from training. Her chest is visible, and I feel my gaze getting stuck.

Tra has a well-trained physique, and I thought her chest would be muscular, but it’s actually quite feminine. I recall our intimate moments, feeling a bit embarrassed.

No, I shouldn’t be thinking about that now. I shake my head to clear my mind.

“Are you okay?”

I’m fine. I just gave you a lecherous look, but I can’t say that out loud. I’ll just proceed with my business.

“I’m fine. I just had a bit of a lecherous thought… Anyway, I have something to tell you, Tra.”

“What is it, words of love?”

No, it’s not that. Why do you always expect words of love, Tra? Should I say it? No, that would be a bad idea. If the other person takes it seriously, it could be troublesome.

“Sorry, it’s not words of love.”

“Then what is it?”

Tra doesn’t seem disappointed, unlike Dal.

“I have a plan to leave the town in four days. I want you to prepare as well.”

“Okay, got it! I’ll prepare.”

“I’ll gather everyone at the church the day before to discuss our strategy, so please remember that, Tra.”

“Take note. Is it related to the demon tribe?”

“Yes, I’ve received information about Clovikus and the Four Heavenly Kings. It seems to be a big deal, so let’s have a thorough discussion.”

“Clovikus and the Four Heavenly Kings, eh? They’re powerful enemies. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

Tra laughs heartily, just like always. It’s reassuring to have her by my side.

In combat, I always rely on her. Having her nearby makes me feel at ease.

We often fight side by side as vanguard, which is why our bond is particularly strong within the party.

Suddenly, Tra approaches me. Before I know it, she wraps her arm around my shoulder and pulls me close.

“Did you see my chest earlier?”

Tra whispers in my ear, her husky baritone voice sending shivers down my spine. No, it’s not the voice that’s the problem – it’s the content that’s making my thoughts freeze. She knows I was looking at her chest. Who did I get caught by? Tra. Who was I looking at?

My thoughts are in disarray. Should I apologize? Should I confess honestly? From the tone of her voice, she doesn’t seem to be angry. I think it’s better not to deny it awkwardly. Don’t panic. Stay calm.

If I panic here, the other person might misinterpret it. It’s like when my mom in my previous life caught me watching AV – I didn’t panic that much back then. I just played it cool…

Let’s be honest here. If it’s Tora-san, then that’s fine.

“If Tora-san had a bad experience, I’ll apologize. My eyes slipped away.”

“Kuhahaha! It doesn’t matter. Even Kail is a man, after all.”

“I think it’s bad to look at my comrades with evil eyes.”

All the party members are women, and three of them have feelings for me, but I haven’t given them a clear answer, and it’s become ambiguous. I’m about to fall into self-loathing.

With all the women around me, I’ve been careful with my gaze and behavior, but it seems I’ve been found out. Women often notice when someone is looking at them, and it’s frustrating when they actually point it out. It’s not like I’m a child in puberty.

“It’s okay if Kail looks at me. That’s better than other men, but will he take responsibility?”

Responsibility? Does that mean Tora-san and I having a physical relationship?

But didn’t Tora-san say it was okay and that I didn’t have to worry about it? Tora-san isn’t someone who goes back on their words. Is this something else?

“Responsibility?”

From noble mtl dot com

“Ah, responsibility. I was looked at like that by the man I liked. My female instincts are going wild. Can you calm me down?”

Is that what calming down means? This early in the morning? Even though we’re not lovers?

What should I say? Saying something stupid would hurt her.

“If you don’t like it, resist. If it’s not, then be my partner. I won’t force you to be my lover.

But I just can’t help wanting Kail. Please comfort this pitiful woman.”

Some words almost came out, but they were stopped by Tora-san’s charming voice.

I was told I could resist. If I didn’t like it, I could resist. Honestly, I didn’t dislike it, but… I felt guilty and tried to resist a little, but…

No, the force holding me was too strong, and I really couldn’t break free. Huh? Is there such a big difference in strength?

It’s clear that Tora-san has physical strength, but they’re not even moving a muscle. Can’t I resist at all?

As I was thinking this, I was lifted onto Tora-san’s shoulder.

Ah, so easily. I’m an adult male, and I’m not fat, but I have some muscle, so I think I’m heavier than average, but to Tora-san, it’s nothing…

Come to think of it, this person threw a dragon. There’s no way I can win in a test of strength.

Or rather, I feel like I’m in trouble if this continues.

“Tora-san!”

“Are you dissatisfied with me?”

“Not… dissatisfied…”

My true feelings slipped out. Tora-san smiled in satisfaction, and I was taken to their room.

───I couldn’t beat Tora-san.