93 悪魔の子供とお礼の石




 Do you think that the devil is the devil, even though he is a child, or do you think that the devil is a child, even though he is a child?
 There is no right answer, and I'm sure they are both correct.

 You're going to have to be careful about what you say, because it's a little bit too much," he said, letting out a small breath as he looked at the two people who had been bracing themselves as quickly as possible with a sideways glance.

 But the feeling is understandable.
 The reason why one of them - the man - got defensive was probably because he was wondering what would happen to Noel, if something happened to him.

 Maybe it wasn't there, or maybe it wasn't because he was a demon.
 It's possible that it was simply a spur of the moment reaction to someone who wasn't one of their own.
 At the very least, it is true that the response of the king's deputy to reflexively protect the king's bloodline was not wrong.

 And it is also true for the other side - Henriette.

 But in Henriette's case, it was probably to protect the children.
 If the child had harmed Noel, how would they be treated?

 Some other species, a demon, had harmed their king.
 It is no wonder that they would seek to exclude other children as well, even if they accepted it because they knew it was for their own good.
 That's why they reacted as they did.

 Well, to say he was defensive is not to say he was reacting so blatantly.
 In fact, Leeds didn't seem to notice, and Milene only looked at him for a moment.
 It's not that much of a concern, as Noel also seems to be unaware of whether he is aware of the child or not.

 The reactions of Leeds and the other three are somewhere between confused and curious.
 They are surprised to be called out by the sudden appearance, but wonder what the hell they want.

 Incidentally, Allen's reaction is curiosity.
 The child was a boy of about three years of age, more of a toddler than a child, although he knew the child was a demon as a result of the omniscience he reflexively used at the moment he saw it.
 And yet the world firmly treated him as a demon, and I was impressed that yesterday's story was true.

 While each of them reacted differently, the child didn't seem to mind that and kept trotting over to me.
 Henriette and the others stiffen their bodies to be more cautious, but as a matter of course nothing happens.
 When she gets close to Noel, she tilts her head, looking up at him.

"One-tan, oh-sama?
...... Right. It's called that in case you're wondering ...... what's wrong with that?

 The child said the same words as before, to which Noel bent down to make eye level with the child and replied.
 Her voice is softer than usual, and a soft smile is on her face.

 The child's smile was as if a flower bloomed, and then he stuck out his hands and said, "I'm not sure if it's the appearance or the words.

"Osama! Yes, this!

 In his hand was something like a small stone.
 Clasped in each hand, just one in each hand, it is clear that it is not just a stone.
 I felt a vague sense of power, and Henriette and the others clearly responded, albeit slightly.

 But the fact that they didn't move suggests it wasn't a bad thing.
 In fact, Allen didn't feel that way either, and just continued to watch the scene.

Can I get ...... for this?
"Yeah! Ageu!
Thank you ......? But what will they do?
You know, One-tan and One-tan said, "I'm going to give you some oil! And thank you!

 Although the words are insufficient in many ways, ...... somehow I understand the situation.
 Perhaps the child was asked to hand over that stone or something like that and say thank you.
 From a much older boy and girl, also a demon child.

 The response of Henriette and the others is the answer to why they don't come by themselves.
 Even a little girl like that had to be on guard.

 If an older person, someone about the same age as that boy who is still watching the situation from behind, then Henriette and the others would have shown a clearer warning.
 It's because they disliked it, right?

 And as for courtesy, perhaps it was to the present situation.
 There were apparently some reasonably sensible children of a certain age who understood that their current situation was due to good fortune and mercy.
 I think they took the opportunity to thank you for that.
 The items given to you are also something from the reactions of Henriette and the others, another token of their appreciation.

 Noel and his friends don't know that the child is a demon or that there is a demon in this land to begin with.
 Still, it's obvious from the way he looks that he's not an elf, and he's probably aware that there are other children like him.

 Did you come to a similar conclusion from that ...... or did you simply sense the certainty of the feelings that went into it without knowing the circumstances?
 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.

So ...... then I'll take it gratefully. And, once again, thank you, too.
......! Yeah!

 Then Noel patted the child's head and the child nodded happily.
 It was very smiling, and Henriette and the others were relieved, but also seemed to be in a happy mood.

 But it seems that this was not a favorable situation for anyone.

......!

 Immediately after hearing a slight gasping sound, they felt a presence running away from behind them.
 Glancing around, they saw that the figure belonged to someone who was only half as tall as they were--

"You can leave me alone at .......

 Turning his gaze to the small, self-conscious words, the man's eyes narrowed as he stared forward.
 His eyes seemed to be watching Noel and the others, but they weren't.

 Apparently, the man was aware of what was going on back there, but it seemed to be on top of that.

It's not that I'm not going to be chasing you, but what am I going to do by chasing you, so I have no choice but to leave you alone from the beginning. ...... Are you sure?
"Probably because I'm jealous. We'll just have to let it go. And she's an elf, albeit a child. She'll come back for a change of scenery in the right place.

 In short, the boy was envious of the little boy.
 He couldn't bear to watch and ran away, so he'd have no choice but to leave her alone for sure.



 Well, for now, Noel doesn't seem to notice it, so it's best not to mention it.
 If no one says anything, they must have gotten bored and gone somewhere else.

 Anyway, despite the fact that there was a bit of trouble, after the child smiled and waved and left, the pace resumed and the scene was the same again as before.
 It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about it.

It's really free.
I can't help but wonder what it's like to live a worse life than a little girl like that, to be honest.
"There are no words to return to ......
It's not just a matter of time before you get to the next level. ...... By the way, it just occurred to me that this is part of the imperial territory, and all the elves are also imperial people ......, right?
"As far as treatment goes, that's certainly true, but ......?
Oh, so you're wondering how I'm able to be free like this? Surely that's what I thought a little bit too.

 An empire is, to put it simply, an invading nation.
 It's not hard to imagine that it would still be committed to the military, although it seems to be holding off for various reasons at the moment.
 It wouldn't be surprising if all the people of the country were ordered and obeyed to get involved in military activities.

 And yet, how is it that we are able to spend our time here so comfortably?

That's your mistake. I understand that, but if I said that, then Henriette wouldn't be doing that either.
"...... sure? I mean, you can pretty much do whatever you want?
The goal of the Empire is to conquer the continent. He is merciless to those who try to oppose him, but he is rather tolerant of those who follow him.
"Neither have we ever been forced to fight. Including, of course, the previous king.
Yes, ...... I honestly forgot about that one, but if that's the case, I guess I won't have to worry about it after all.
"Heh, ...... is a bit of a surprise, but that's about it.
Well, it's a different story if you're a criminal or something.
That's as it should be: ......
There are some things that are lightly beyond the scope of a 'well, I can't help it,' but ......, that's okay. It's not a problem for me right now.

 Walking around talking about it, ...... suddenly, Allen looked back.
 I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what to expect.

 It's a very good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
 It is really just that, though, and I don't know why I'm curious, and I'll tilt my head to the side.

 I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one for you.