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

31. The Collar of Blessing

───Thirteen years ago, memories came flashing back.

That’s right, thirteen years ago, when I was seven, I was forced into a similar situation. I was pinned down by an unimaginable force, and kissed against my will. I still remember being treated like that by a girl less than half my age.

After I somehow managed to rescue her from the kidnappers, I would visit the church every day during my stay in town with the mercenary group. Her father, a high-ranking official, was extremely grateful for my actions and would often cry tears of joy.

As the daughter of a high-ranking official, Noel’s protection was extremely strict. Considering the scale and planning of the kidnappers, it’s clear that they were a formidable group. I shouldn’t have tried to take them on alone.

Luckily, the guards arrived just in time, and I was able to protect Noel’s smile. At the time, I thought I had done a great job.

Let’s get back to the story. As I visited the church every day, my friendship with Noel deepened. Or rather, the high affinity I had with her from the moment I rescued her reached its peak.

There were times when I felt a strange, unsettling atmosphere when we were together. It was when she mentioned a woman’s name. Her eyes would stare fixedly, and her face would become expressionless, like a noh mask. It was terrifying to see a seven-year-old girl behave like that.

In short, she had already shown signs of her unusual abilities even back then. The situation took a drastic turn when the mercenary group decided to leave town.

I remember being terrified when her innocent smile suddenly turned expressionless. It was as if she had been possessed. After that, she was immediately pushed down, and I was forced into a situation like this.

I was simply scared. I had never experienced anything like that before, not even in my past life. I had only seen it in stories, and I never thought I’d encounter it in real life.

Noel’s father was trying to keep me from leaving by using his authority. He wouldn’t let me leave his daughter’s side. Ah, I remember! The mastermind behind it all was Noel’s father!

As an adult, I understood the situation and explained to Noel that I had to leave town. However, her father proposed an outrageous plan, saying that he would give us his blessing to get married under the name of God.

“Noel, don’t make that face. You’re still a child. Marriage is impossible. So, let’s make you two engaged instead.”

It was a blessing in the name of God. Even if we were to part ways, we would be reunited when we grew up. We would definitely be together!

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Noel seemed to agree, and her father performed the blessing ceremony. It was a ridiculous abuse of authority.

In contrast to Noel’s bright smile, my face must have been pale. At fifteen, I was already engaged, and under the blessing of God, no less. It was an absolute promise that couldn’t be broken. In this world, God’s power was real, and if I were to break the engagement, I would be punished.

───Honestly, that was my trauma back then. I didn’t want to remember it, so I forgot. It’s ridiculous that I only forgot the part about the promise, but it’s likely that Mirabel did something. Ah, I remember now. I had asked Mirabel to erase my memories because the trauma was too much.

The reason I couldn’t remember is clear now.

And so is Noel’s current state.

From Noel’s perspective, her fiancé is getting close to another woman and even has a physical relationship with her.

This is it; I need to make a decision. Unlike thirteen years ago, I’ve experienced many things, and my tolerance has broadened. Even Noel now might be able to accept it.

In any case, with God’s blessing, I can’t escape. And if I leave Noel alone, I don’t know what she’ll do.

“Noel”

I called out to her, but she didn’t respond. Her empty eyes stared back at me, muttering something. I know I’m the cause of this. I need to give her a huge shock to bring her back to her senses.

Not a physical one, but words. The words she desires most.

“I’ll defeat the demon king and marry you!”

“Eh?”

I shouted, putting all my strength into my belly. Noel’s eyes widened in surprise, but they weren’t empty like before. They were her usual clear, beautiful blue eyes.

“Noel, I’ll defeat the demon king and marry you.”

“Eh…?”

I think she’s back to normal. But she looks puzzled by my words. She didn’t expect me to say something like that out of the blue.

“With God’s blessing, this time not as an engaged couple, but as husband and wife.”

“Do you remember?”

“I’m glad you remembered, Noel.”

Tears fell from Noel’s beautiful blue eyes, which sparkled like jewels. I was angry at myself for forgetting. If I had remembered, this wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have made Noel sad.

Well, I can understand why it would become a trauma… But for now, I’ve calmed down.

In any case, it’s impossible to escape marriage due to God’s blessing. And Noel is an incredibly beautiful girl. Although she has a slightly difficult personality, I have no complaints about marrying her.

However, the demon king is still on my mind. I want to settle that first. So, I’ll defeat the demon king first.

“It’s okay. You remembered, and that’s enough to make me happy.”

“Noel…”

Noel smiled through tears, looking beautiful. I thought to myself, “You’re still riding on my back, aren’t you?” and stretched out my arm to embrace her. Noel let out a surprised cry.

“I’m sorry for neglecting my fiancée.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t notice either…”

“That can’t be helped. But I forgot my promise, and that’s different. I made Noel sad. I’m sorry.”

“I was sad, but you were by my side.”

“And if you really feel sorry, then be by my side from now on and love me!”

“Ah, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

—–

This blessing is like a collar around my neck, binding me to marriage. In a way, it feels like a curse. Once I received the blessing, my choices were limited to either getting married or dying.

Of course, I don’t want to die. Since I have no complaints about marrying Noel, it’s best to settle for this. Now that I know she’s not the demon king, one problem is solved, but another has arisen.

To put it bluntly, the current Noel is a time bomb on the verge of exploding. I managed to suppress it this time, but if I handle it wrong, it’ll explode next time. I don’t know how much damage it’ll cause to those around us.

If I believe Noel’s words, she won’t hurt me, but she’ll harm those around us. Some people might even die. I need to prevent that from happening….

Thinking about Darl and Tra’s situation gives me a headache. I’m already engaged, and I’ve led someone on. If I can’t persuade them well, it’ll be a real mess.

“Kai…”

“What’s wrong, Noel?”

“I don’t mind if you have other girls besides me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know you’re extremely charming. Everyone at the party has feelings for you. You’re kind, so you can’t ignore everyone’s feelings. So, I’ll yield. It doesn’t matter if there are other girls.”

“But in your heart, I want to be the number one.”

“I think that’s impossible. My female intuition is telling me so.”

It’s troublesome to be told that I can have other girls. I don’t have a childish desire to create a harem. Taking care of one person is already difficult. I can’t imagine taking care of multiple women. My stomach would definitely develop a hole from the stress.

—–

As I was thinking, Noel’s hand touched my cheek. It was a cold, startling touch. Before I could ask what she was doing, Noel’s face drew near, and she gave me a light kiss.

I froze for an instant.

“It doesn’t matter how many women you hold. As long as I’m number one in your heart, I’ll allow it. So, please love me too. Treat me like that female cat, and make me go crazy. This body has been protected only for you. Do as you please with me. Will you hold me?”

Before I could respond, Noel kissed me again, this time deeply, with tongues entwined. I was completely at her mercy…

As I looked at Noel’s expression, I thought to myself, “This is like someone else’s problem.” If things continue like this, I’ll be led around forever. When I think about the future, that’s not a good thing.

“Noel.”

“What?”

“Is there a place where we can be alone? I want to hold you.”

“Yeah! There’s a room in the church. I want you to love me a lot!”

I kissed Noel again, and we stood up together. She led me by the hand, and we headed towards the room.

—–

Mr. Takeshi, I’m not one to talk, but I want to be a man who can love only Noel.