Chapter 56

After that, the Investiture Ceremony for the Crown Prince was carried out as scheduled.

First, I appeared from the rear with my wife, Lateia, moving toward where the vassals stood lined up in waiting.

Since my late wife Sasaya passed away, only a single throne had been placed in the center. However, now that Lateia had become my wife, the throne had been slid slightly to the side to make room for a Queen’s seat.

“What a magnificent chair~. It feels like a waste to even sit in it~.”

“No, Lateia, I need you to actually sit down.”

Lateia remained carefree even as the ceremony began. As I thought, she was a person of incredible caliber.

Countless demons were lined up before her. Some of them had terrifying, rugged faces. And yet, her attitude was unshakable. It wouldn’t have been strange for even an experienced adventurer to tremble in fear here.

Among the high-ranking officials, voices could be heard whispering, “She’s a human, yet she isn’t fazed at all…” “As expected of the woman the Lord Demon King chose,” and “A true lady of iron, then.”

That wasn’t exactly the criteria I used to choose her, but since my wife was being highly evaluated, I suppose I should just be happy about it.

It’s tacky to attach reasons to a fateful encounter. Once you meet someone and fall in love, that’s that. Please, let’s leave logic out of it.

As Lateia sat down, her body sank deep into the cushion.

“Whoa, it’s really fluffy~. It feels like a bed~.”

“Lateia, you’re sitting too far back. Please shift your center of gravity forward a bit. That isn’t exactly a chair designed for humans.”

Sitting in the Queen’s chair, Lateia looked very small. Of course, she hadn’t shrunk; the chair was just gargantuan. It was an item designed more to showcase authority than to actually be sat upon.

Among the relatives in attendance was Princess Freise of Dattle.

She had a look on her face that said, “Tch, the plan failed—” or something to that effect. Sorry, but I won’t let you have your way.

As for Lateia—Angelica notwithstanding—I felt that if I said a single word like “I’m not cheating,” she would believe me completely…

It was an impossible scenario, but even if I were actually cheating, she’d likely believe everything was fine the moment I said, “I’m not cheating.”

The concept of doubting her husband simply didn’t exist to Lateia.

Therefore, I had to be extra careful to always be beyond reproach as a husband…

Now then, according to the program, it was time for my opening address.

I was in front of Lateia, so I had to do this properly. I needed to show off my competence at work.

—Just then, a cheer rose up from the ceremony participants.

Lateia was waving her hand to the crowd.

“Everyone, please make sure to support my husband, okay~?”

Um, this is a fairly solemn ceremony, so I’d appreciate it if you used a slightly less relaxed tone—or so I wanted to say.

But my late wife, Sasaya, had been just like this.

I saw Sasaya’s shadow clearly reflected in Lateia.

Sasaya, too, used to smile like that at every ceremony. She’d say something airheaded and make everyone around her laugh.

I suppose I really am a man who seeks out a woman who can provide peace of mind.

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who felt the resemblance to Sasaya.

From among the participants, I could hear voices saying, “It’s like the previous Queen has returned…” and “Ah, my heart feels at ease.”

Perhaps what the demon race needs from now on is peace of mind.

With the conflict against humans over, the wartime footing is bound to change.

Yes, I feel like a major direction has been set. I’ll start discussing this in earnest from now on.

Now, let’s proceed with the ceremony.

I slowly rose from the throne and stepped out before the gathered demons.

“Everyone, we shall now begin the Investiture Ceremony. Are there any objections?”

By the way, this is strictly a formal question. It would be a problem if someone actually stood up and said, “I have an objection,” in a place like this. In fact, even Freise kept her mouth shut, though she wore a face that said “Gunu-nu…”

“Very well, I confirm that the decision is unanimous. Now, let the Crown Prince enter!”

The front doors swung open, and Angelica appeared, dressed in her formal attire. The horned headband was still firmly set on her head.

Angelica wore quite a proud expression.

The demon-style outfit suited her much better than I had expected.

I could hear the ceremony participants catch their breath.

Yes, Angelica is undeniably my daughter, an existence worthy of succeeding the Demon King. Even when she eventually takes the throne, I’m sure she will lead the demon race magnificently.

Angelica advanced with slow, deliberate steps until she reached me and came to a halt.

Since the dais where the throne sat was raised by several steps, I looked down upon her.

“Angelica, I hereby appoint you as the Crown Prince.”

Angelica looked up at my face. Her expression was less like that of a daughter facing her father and more like a warrior facing a comrade-in-arms.

“It is an honor. I humbly accept this appointment.”

I don’t know why, but my eyes began to sting.

Ah, I see. It’s because this is truly my daughter’s finest hour.

“Angelica, you look so cool and cute. Oh, Mama is so happy… sniff…”

Lateia was already weeping. As expected, Lateia has such a pure heart.

“I wonder what’s going to happen to me when it’s time for Angelica’s wedding…”

“That’s still a long way off, so don’t worry, Mama.”

“Yes, you’re right… Sorry, I can’t stop these tears of joy…”

It felt more like a precious family milestone than a formal public ceremony, but… I suppose that’s fine.

Quite a few of the participants were even pulling out handkerchiefs and dabbing at their eyes.

“I’ve witnessed something wonderful…” “Long live the Demon King!” “Long live the Crown Prince!” “It’ll be tough being a human Crown Prince for the demons, but do your best!”

Then, a spontaneous round of applause broke out—

And so, the Investiture Ceremony concluded, wrapped in an atmosphere of deep emotion.

Since we are heading into a new era, I suppose a ceremony like this isn’t so bad after all.