Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu

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Interlude: Nirvarna's Runaway Daughter


This time, the story will be told from the perspective of Ouka, the second prince of Nirvarna, who appeared in Arc 13.

—— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ——

　Nirvarna is characterized by a national culture that places great importance on "strength."
　My father, his predecessor, and his predecessors all ruled the country in line with that national culture.
　Though its culture differs greatly from other nations, it is through this policy that Nirvarna has maintained its unity as a single country.

"Father, this time meeting. It proved quite fruitful, did it not." (Note: Chichiue)
"Yeah. I saw something interesting."

　Having returned to my homeland and heading toward the palace with my father, I spoke to him as he commended the ministers who had governed the country.

"If the demon race hadn't faced territorial issues, I understand perfectly well that it would have been our side that suffered defeat."
"Hmm? Is it that bad?"

　Father nodded cheerfully at my words.

"In the end, it seems the Kingdom of Lingle made the optimal choice."

　A meeting between the nations to discuss the future of the demon race.
　Honestly, for Nirvarna, discrimination against demi-humans is practically nonexistent. While there is resentment toward the demon race, considering their current circumstances, I don't believe there's any need to direct excessive hostility toward them.

"I am truly relieved you returned safely, Father."

　As we entered the palace's hall, we saw a large man working there.
　This was my respected older brother, Rildo, the first prince of the Kingdom of Nirvarna.
　Having been entrusted with governing the kingdom during Father's absence, my older brother greeted us with a somewhat weary look.

"Rildo. Thank you for your hard work while I was away."
"Mou... Haha, for the time being, I would like to refrain from governing the country."
"What are you saying? If I die tomorrow, you'll inherit the throne."
"I think Father will live for another 50 years."

　My father responded with a joking remark, and my big brother responded with a sarcastic one.
　Feeling a sense of relief at the sight, I called out to my big brother.

"Don't say such things. Who else but you would inherit the throne, Aniue?"
"Ouka. I'll leave it to you."
"No way. I'm better suited to action than sitting idle. My role is to move as your pawn."
"You always have such convenient things to say..."

　My big brother sighed, his bear-like body slumped.

"So, anything happen while I was away?"
"No, nothing in particular. Well, the crop yield was higher than last year... Ah, but Senri did it again..."
"Mou, again? Who this time?"
"It's Takeru, the winner of this season's boxing tournament..."

　Ah, it's him.
　The famous cat beastman in Nirvarna that had proposed marriage to my little sister...
　The difference in race isn't really something to make such a big deal about.
　In fact, it seems his name comes from the name of a beastfolk who was a friend of my father's.

"How did Senri defeat him?"
"She struck his jaw precisely, knocking him unconscious in an instant..."
"Even though she's my little sister, she's too monstrous..."

　Both my father and I couldn't help but sigh.
　When I think of my little sister's battle record, as if she were born to fight, I feel anxious about her future.
　Perhaps because she herself wishes to choose a man stronger than herself, she's struggling to find such a partner.

"So, any stories to share?"
"Oh, of course. Come on, let's talk over some tea."

　Sitting down on a chair, I tell my big brother about what happened at the meeting.
　Kazuki, the hero of the Kingdom of Lingle and our friend.
　An entity known as a devil.
　King of the demons, Demon King.
　Usato of the Lingle Kingdom.

"The Demon King's intellect and arrogance go without saying. Even now, weakened as he is, his immense power remains unchanged."
"If Father speaks of him so highly, I too would have liked to meet him."

　My big brother nodded cheerfully.
　Truth be told, the man called the Demon King was anything but ordinary, judging by the aura he carried.
　Perhaps he unconsciously instilled a sense of awe in those around him?　
　In any case, he was a truly terrifying figure.

"Usato, Kazuki's friend. He was an even more incredible young man than the rumors suggested."
"You mean the healing mage who fought the Demon King alongside the Hero?"

　I nodded at my big brother's words.

"It was exactly as Kazuki said. If I were to add anything, it would be that it was just as Hyde said, wouldn't you agree."
"Yeah, he mentioned meeting him during the Four Kingdoms Summit too. He seemed to be talking about it with such enthusiasm, so I remember it well."

　When he visited this Kingdom of Nirvarna to deliver the letter, I had heard about a man named Usato Ken.
　He was the unparalleled friend and savior of the Hero of Light, and also a disciple of Rose from the Rescue Squad, known by some. So I paid him some attention.
　Seeing him in person, he was a young man with a gentle impression, quite different from the rumors... but once he entered battle, his demeanor changed completely.

"Well now, I'm truly impressed. It was a battle so intense, it's hard to even put into words."
"That much? Father too?"
"Yes, but the proof of his abilities lies in the physical and mental strength he has cultivated through extraordinary training... Umu, I was hoping he might somehow become Senri's husband..."

　Father looked disappointed, and I couldn't help but smile wryly.
　I thought Kazuki and Senri wouldn't get along, so I didn't make them meet.
　Well, to be precise, it was more like Kazuki avoided encounters with Senri through some divine intuition.

"I was turned down."
"Well, that's to be expected. If that girl had been there, she'd have gotten angry and told you not to decide things on your own, right?"
"No, that wouldn't happen."
"Yes, it's just as Father said."

　Rather, it's more likely that in the heat of the moment, she would challenge Usato to a duel.
　For better or worse, my little sister possesses a beast-like instinct...

"T-To think you'd say that..."
"He's close to Senri's age and surpasses that girl in skill. Above all, he's a highly skilled healing mage. Even setting combat ability aside, he's a valuable asset."

　Reports indicate he also has been using system strengthening on the battlefield, making him an excellent healing mage as well.
　Considering how every attempt to train healing mages in Nirvarna ended in failure, it's clear just how rare a talent he is.

"Ah, that's right. Regarding the training policy for healing magicians, I received some advice from him..."

　Just as I was about to relay the advice from Usato, the healing mage, to my elder brother, who oversees certain state affairs, a woman emerged from the shadows between the columns lining the palace hall.
　Senri, her ash-brown hair, inherited from our mother, tied in a braid, stepped before us with a somewhat delighted expression.

"Senri, eavesdropping isn't exactly something to be praised, you know?"
"Is what you just said true?"
"..."

　Oh no, she heard me.
　Hn? Maybe it's not so bad? ...Nah, it's definitely bad.
　From Nirvarna's perspective, we shouldn't resort to forceful measures.

"Senri, calm down. What happened just now was in Mialak, and this matter has been refused by him..."
"Ouka nii-sama, I was wondering what you were saying... I'm not that ignorant, you see?"

　T-Thank goodness...
　It seems she has some sense of reason.

"So, where is my good-to-be husband?"
"Rildo, Ouka. It seems my daughter has lost her composure... I leave the rest to you."
"Father!?"
"Wait, father, don't run away!!"

　It's so scary that it seems like a set decision.
　Holding back Father as he rose to leave, my big brother and I tried to persuade Senri.

"Well, you're still only eighteen, right? There's no need to rush things that much, is there."
"At eighteen, the only warrior who can beat me is Uncle Hyde. I can’t help but feel a sense of crisis."
"..."
"The fact that Uncle was already married shattered my heart, you know?"

　I couldn't say anything.
　Or rather, that was when you were still nine years old, wasn't it!!

"Father!"
"...Ou"
"Where is that person?"
"In the Kingdom of Lingle... but he'll be dispatched to the Demon King's territory soon, okay?"
"Then let's head to the Demon King's territory immediately!!"
"Waittttttt!!"

　My big brother and I lunged simultaneously at our sister, who was trying to rush ahead, and stopped her.
　But our opponent was a natural-born warrior who had channeled all the grace and etiquette required of royalty into raw combat prowess. Even two men working together couldn't halt her advance.

"My big brothers! How dare you touch a lady!!"
"Don't play the lady only when it suits you, my little sister!!"
"The only thing decent about you is your way of speaking, okay!?"

　My big brother isn't really serious about this, but I am dead serious about stopping Senri.
　If this keeps up, Senri will head straight for the Demon King's territory!?

"What are you trying to do, heading off to the Demon King's territory on your own!! You are the Second Princess of the Kingdom of Nirvarna!! Father! Stop her!"
"..."

　Areh?! “It might actually be okay?” That's the look on his face as he agonizes?!
　It's true that from my father's perspective, it might not be such a bad idea, but I want you to consider the impression it might make on the other parties!

"Then I renounce my position as Second Princess right here and now!!"

　Don't go trying to quit being a royal like a manly fool!

"What's making you so anxious?!"
"Anxiety about the future!!"
"Don't tell me your legitimate worries!!"
"In the face of this anxiety, nothing can stand in my way!! I'm convinced this is truly a crossroads in my destiny...!!"

　This is bad...!
　She has beaten Nirvarna's warriors to a pulp with her overwhelming strength, and her sheer power even draws pitying glances from her own kind.

"Anyway, Usa——"
"No need to say his name! I can tell who my destined partner is at a glance! I'll challenge him to a marriage duel, and whoever defeats me will become my husband!"
"You know we're not supposed to bring Nirvarna culture outside, right?!"

　And that's a vicious random attack, you know!?
　From the other party's perspective, it's a terrifying ritual in which if he defeats her, he will become her husband!
　Kuh, it's no good...!!
　Senri charges toward the palace gates like a wild boar.
　But before her stands Hyde, head of the Nirvarna Warrior Corps.

"Excuse me. I know you're busy... Muh?"
"Hyde! Stop Senri!!"

　He... He's known us since childhood. He must be able to do something...!
　He tilted his head in puzzlement, looking at me, my big brother, and Senri.

"Uncle Hyde...?!" (Note: Hyde-oji-sama)
"Oya, Senri-sama? What can I do for you?"
"I'm heading to the Demon King's territory now! I'd appreciate it if you didn't interfere!!"
"...Fumu."

　Hyde, having confirmed me and my big brother trying to stop Senri, and my father closing his eyes in deep thought, stroked his beard and turned his gaze back to Senri.

"I assume you’re seeking a worthy person for Her Highness within the Demon King’s territory."
"So you understand it...!"
"Yes, of course."

　He really is quick to grasp things...
　Just stop Senri already...!

"I accompanied His Majesty as part of his escort during the previous meeting, and the individual guarding the Demon King appeared to be quite formidable."
"Even from your perspective, Uncle?!"
"Indeed, even from mine. I believe he was called Koga. His physique, honed through relentless training without relying solely on the inherent strength of his demonic race, was nothing short of remarkable."
"Oh...!"

　Senri's face brightened up, and my big brother and I stood up, feeling exhausted.
　Her strength is still incredible...
　My big brother showed no sign of fatigue, but I was utterly exhausted.

"Then let's head straight to the Demon King's territory!"
"But we can't go now."
"Why!?"
"Because travel requires preparation."

　Taking a light, deep breath, I glanced over to see Hyde skillfully admonishing Senri.

"Even if Her Highness declares it is okay, those around you won’t see it that way."
"But..."
"I fully understand your desire to hurry. However, it's not your intention to cause conflict between countries through careless actions, is it?"
"...Yes"

　As expected of Hyde...
　Probably only Father and Hyde could persuade my little sister like this.
　After seeing Senri off as she calmly exited the hall, Hyde turned his body toward Father.

"My apologies. I overstepped my bounds..."
"No, it's fine. Sorry about my daughter, Hyde."
"No problem"
"It looked like she was about to head off to the Demon King's territory on her own. In that case, it's better to have us make inquiries with the Kingdom of Lingle first to avoid any trouble."

　I never thought my little sister might go to the Demon King's territory...
　I'm worried... about the demons she might encounter...

"The Lingle Kingdom wouldn't have any problems if other countries understood. After all, we can't avoid learning about the current state of the demon race."
"Then, immediately?"
"Yes. I'll send a letter to Lloyd and see if we can dispatch personnel from Nirvarna as well. ...But to have this as my first official duty upon returning... It leaves me with an indescribable feeling..."

　Father murmured that, looking somewhat weary.
　Seeing his expression, my big brother turned to me and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't want to be king for a while. Yeah."

　Usually, I'd retort with something like, “Don't say things like that,” but this time, I couldn't even manage that. I could only nod silently.

——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

Author's Notes:
Introducing Senri, the princess who maxed out her combat skills.
And then Koga casually gets hit by a stray bullet.