Chapter 59

That day, when I returned home, I heard the sound of wind whistling through the air.

In the backyard, Angelica was practicing her swings with a wooden sword.

“Ei! Ei!”

Oh, impressive, truly impressive. She really is a Hero.

I stood there in silence for a while, watching her.

After a moment, Angelica stopped.

“What is it, Demon King? It’s creepy how you’re just standing there grinning. Also, it’s hard to concentrate…”

“Sorry, sorry. No, I just thought it was admirable that you’re training so diligently.”

“Well, I am a Hero, after all. It’d be embarrassing if I let myself get out of shape, and at my age, I should still be able to grow stronger.”

That was certainly true. Since she was in her mid-teens, she could still become much stronger if she put in the effort.

“By the way…”

Looking a bit hesitant, Angelica averted her eyes.

“How was my form? You know… from your perspective…”

I see, she’s embarrassed to ask me for advice.

But on the other hand, since I’m an expert, she wants to hear my opinion—that must be it.

“Your axis is moving too much. Because of that, your body drifts after you transition into an attack, and it takes too long to move to the next action. To put it more simply, you leave too many openings.”

“That’s surprisingly specific, but I don’t really get it just by hearing it.”

Well, if people could understand combat just through verbal explanations, no one would have to struggle.

“I’ll show you. Let me borrow that wooden sword.”

I took the sword from Angelica’s hand.

“Your attack just now was something like this.”

I swung the sword, mimicking Angelica’s movements.

The “vwoom, vwoom” of the wind echoed.

“It really is intense when the Demon King uses a sword… I actually got goosebumps… I mean, you could defeat most people with just that.”

“That may be true, but that’s not the point. Even you can beat a pathetic enemy with the way you are now. Now, look closely, because what I’m about to do is the proper example.”

I felt a bit of tension since I hadn’t had many opportunities to instruct someone, but it wasn’t a bad feeling.

I performed a brief sword dance.

I slashed, slashed, and slashed again at the imaginary enemy before me.

Slashing without pause! Slashing before one could even catch their breath!

The wooden sword flexed. In response, a gust of wind rose, fluttering Angelica’s hair. It was strong enough for that, at least.

After a short while, I stopped swinging.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“W-wow…”

Angelica was applauding with her mouth half-open.

“Demon King, that was amazing. I think that might be the first time I’ve seen you act like a Demon King…”

What? Even though we’re family, this is the first time? That comment is actually a bit of a shock…

“Even top-level swordsmen can’t move that beautifully. I tried to imagine myself fighting you, but I couldn’t even picture where I should aim…”

“Of course. As if I’d ever fall behind a mere human swordsman. Our quality is entirely different.”

It feels good to be praised by my daughter!

The sake tonight is going to taste amazing!

However, just then, a shadow of loneliness crossed Angelica’s face.

“I guess the Demon King is just blessed with all sorts of natural abilities. I don’t think we humans could pull off movements like that in a lifetime.”

Hey now, if I ended up crushing my daughter’s motivation, what was the point of all this?

“Wait. While there may be some innate talent involved, basic movements can still be improved through practice. Even I couldn’t move without waste from the very beginning.”

“Then… I can get stronger too…?”

Angelica asked, looking uneasy.

“Of course.”

I gave a firm nod.

“Reduce the waste. If you do, it becomes harder for the enemy to attack you. Naturally, it becomes harder for you to lose. That is what it means to become strong. Decrease the possibility of defeat.”

Angelica seemed a bit hesitant, but she appeared to have reached a decision. I could tell just by looking into her eyes.

“Demon King, train me! I want to become stronger as a Hero and truly make a difference!”

To be blunt—those words made me incredibly happy!

My daughter is asking me to train her! Is this not the greatest joy a father can experience?

“I-I see… Gosh, I’m blushing… Well, I suppose I could help you out… Hahaha…”

Suddenly, Angelica’s expression turned cold.

“Don’t smirk like that. You’re supposed to say something cool and brief like, ‘It will be harsh, so don’t cry.’ Your happiness is showing too much on your face…”

“I can’t help it… My daughter asked me for training. Man, I’m glad I’m the Demon King. I’m glad I’m strong.”

“Maintain some dignity, you’re making me embarrassed to be your student! Otherwise, I won’t let you call me your daughter!”

Dignity, huh? It’s true that a father’s dignity is important.

“Very well. Even if it’s painful, you must endure—actually, if it’s too hard, don’t hold back and just say so. I’ll go at your pace so you don’t overdo it. Also, I’ll take the utmost care to make sure your face doesn’t get scratched.”

“Your concern is too blatant! Besides, I’ve been a Hero this whole time! I’m not afraid of getting a scratch on my face! I have that much resolve!”

Angelica was angry. I could tell without even looking into her eyes.

“But still… if training gets too intense, it can be a thin line away from abuse… and I’m worried about injuries…”

“I told you, I don’t need that softness! You’re way too sweet, Demon King! You need to dilute it with a lot more water!”

Despite Angelica’s complaints, the decision to train together was made regardless.

“Then, how about twice a day—after dinner and early in the morning?”

“Yeah, fine. I’m definitely going to show you I can get stronger!”

During dinner that night, I was apparently smirking so much that Lateia asked me, “Did something good happen today~?”