Chapter 32

The movements of the strange, white-sheeted figures gradually grew more intense.

We moved in time with the sound of the flutes, but the music continued to accelerate.

As it did, the number of people tripping and stumbling increased. The chaos was being amplified.

“Ouch!” “Tripped again…” “Ah, sorry, I bumped into you!”

Voices like those could be heard coming from all over.

Meanwhile, from the spectator stands, laughter echoed.

Since I have sharp hearing, I was able to pick out specific voices even amidst the din.

“Garto, do your best!”

It was Lateia’s voice. There was no mistaking it.

I could also hear the members of the Hero’s party.

“Where is the Demon King…?”

“I think it’s that person over there who keeps accidentally blowing away everyone they bump into.”

“There is no one who can collide with the Demon King and remain unfazed.”

Ah, come to think of it… I hadn’t fallen once, but it seemed I was one-sidedly knocking everyone else down. Well, I am the Demon King, after all. My balance wouldn’t even waver from bumping into an ordinary human.

“The Demon King really is insane. There’s no way to win against that. By the way, is the Demon King rich?”

“Jaunis, no matter how much of a thief you are, stealing from the Demon King is the same as stealing from Angelica’s house. If you do that, you’ll be permanently exiled.”

I heard some rather suspicious talk, but since it was a festival, I suppose we could let things slide.

“That’s the Demon King!” “He doesn’t even budge when hit!” “Give ’em more, Demon King!” “As expected of the Demon King!” “Go for it, Demon King!”

Apparently, I stood out even while covered in a white sheet. In a way, I suppose that was just my natural presence.

I continued to move around with my vision obscured.

There were unexpectedly many cheers for the Demon King.

From the perspective of the onlookers, it must have been entertaining to see the Demon King joining in the dance.

I found it quite fun myself. I was satisfied.

Back when I was acting as the Demon King among the demon race, I was constantly required to maintain self-discipline. On days with many events, my schedule was packed down to the minute.

That was my “public” face, so to speak. It wasn’t my natural self.

Wandering around like this, unable to see what was in front or behind me, felt more like being a living creature.

I kept dancing until the time was up.

While most of the men got tired and dropped out halfway through, it seemed I was the very last one still moving in a white sheet.

The aftermath of a festival is always somewhat melancholy.

Since this festival ended before nightfall, we spent the time from dusk onwards packing up the stalls.

By simply working normally, I apparently did the work of five average people, and I was thanked profusely for it.

“Thanks to you, Lord Demon King, the festival was more exciting than in previous years. As the village chief, I truly thank you.”

The village chief came over to offer his thanks in person.

“Not at all. A resident of the village participated in the festival; that’s all there is to it. I look forward to working with you again from next year onwards.”

“My, Lord Demon King, you really are incredibly humble. I suppose truly great people don’t feel the need to act all high and mighty. People who do that are just small-timers, I suppose.”

Honestly, acting arrogant in the village where I lived would just be painful to watch, so I simply maintained this neutral attitude. However, he might be right about small-timers wanting to act important. Some people aren’t used to being in a high position, so they end up overcompensating.

As I was carrying equipment for the stalls, I spotted a familiar figure near the warehouse.

“Oh, Angelica. So you’re helping with the cleanup too.”

Angelica looked toward me with a cool expression.

“I guess. Everyone in the party went home, and I was bored.”

“You don’t have to overdo it. The cleanup shifts have already been decided. Everything is set up so we finish without leaving anything behind.”

“As the Hero, I’ll at least do a little something for the sake of others. It’s not like I have a job subduing the Demon King anymore, anyway.”

Angelica remained detached, but for a certain reason, I was feeling quite happy.

“I heard your cheering during the dance. Thanks.”

“Eh…? What are you talking about…? Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

Angelica, who was carrying a load of supplies, nearly lost her footing. This kid really was an open book.

“I am the Demon King, you know. My hearing is sharp. I could clearly distinguish your voice among the others. You were shouting, ‘Go for it, Demon King!’”

Amidst the chaotic storm of voices calling out to the Demon King, Angelica’s had definitely been there. It was simple, but she had been cheering for me.

“That was… well, everyone else in the party was doing it… It would’ve been weirder if I was the only one not cheering, so I just said it…”

Angelica quickened her pace as she carried the supplies.

“Even so, it made me happy.”

Since I naturally have a long stride, I had no trouble keeping up with her.

“Don’t go trying too hard to be some ‘understanding father’ or whatever. It’s actually kind of gross when you take it to extremes. Just act normal.”

“Huh? Are you misunderstanding something? This is my normal.”

At the very least, I wasn’t doing anything that required a conscious effort to maintain.

Angelica stole a glance at my face and let out a sigh.

“In a way, you and Mama really do suit each other.”

“Indeed, we get along quite well. By the way, do you have any requests or anything for me?”

Words seemed to flow more easily when we were walking.

“Let’s see… Maybe you could show a bit more of that ‘Demon King-ness’ at home too. I never see that side of you at the house. I’m sure you act the part back at the Demon King’s Castle, but since I don’t know that side of you, it makes things feel even weirder.”

“My attitude at the castle, eh? Hmm, I’ll give it some thought—ah!”

In that moment, I realized I had completely forgotten something major.

“What is it now?”

“Even though I was running a chicken skewer stall, I forgot to eat any myself…!”

Since I went to all that trouble, I should have at least sampled a few. I was so caught up in the selling that I hadn’t touched a single one.

Freeing up one hand, Angelica gave me a chuckling pat on the back.

“There’s always next year, Demon King.”

“You’re going to make me wait a whole year!?”

I decided that cleaning up after a festival had its own kind of charm.