Walking in another world – Chapter 328 – Demon king – Part two (Rurika’s point of view)

After solving Sera’s problem, we continued advancing until we met a demon.

I knew just from standing in front of him that I was no match for him. I felt like the most I could do was buy time. Would I be able to protect Chris if he attacked?

But contrary to my worries, the demon… Ghido, was very friendly. It felt like an anti-climax, thanks to the magic item we got from the dragon king.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Chris laughed when she saw me, and I could tell that she was nervous too.

We’ve been together for many years. I can easily tell that much.

Then we were taken to the faraway town, a town in the middle of the dark forest.

For the first time since we started traveling, we met an elf. She was the fourth one to me, after grandma, Eris, and Chris. There were nine other elves too, but sadly, Eris wasn’t among them.

Watching Chris’ disappointed face made my heart hurt…

But more importantly, the tension being cut made her collapse.

We took turns looking after her, but I couldn’t stand to see her suffering like that. What kind of dreams was she having?

I felt a sting in my chest again.

As I watched the side of her face, I started thinking.

Sora received information about elves from a slaver he knows, but we don’t have a way to confirm it.

But as long as that possibility existed, we had to explore it. It was all I could do.

And then, we got valuable information from Kotori.

She met an elf in the castle in Elesya. An elf who taught spirit magic no less, so it had to be her.

Our next destination was decided, but… Then I remembered my time in the capital of Elesya.

Going to the castle meant crossing the noble quarter. Of course, it was surrounded by high walls, and heavily guarded.

Even if we did make it in, then we’d have to figure out how to enter the castle, which is even more guarded.

Then Hikari told us of a secret path, and the conversation kept on progressing.

I looked to the side, and saw Chris looking intently at the map of the castle being drawn by Kotori.

Her serious eyes really showed her earnest feelings.

It might have been our last clue. I also did my best to listen to everyone.

But then, a demon showed up.

His name was Ignis, and it was a name I heard before from Sora.

He said the demon king wanted to talk to us, and so, we were taken to the castle.

Mia was so scared, that she clung to Sora’s arm.

I saw Chris kind of had mixed feelings as she watched that.

It would be fine if Chris was more aggressive too, but I think that might be hard considering her character.

Now that I think about it, Mia’s changed. I think the turning point was when she had her slave contract lifted in the Dragon Kingdom. Ever since then, I feel like she’s been more proactive towards Sora.

Meanwhile, Chris is pretty passive. I can tell she likes him, but it’s like she can’t take that step forward.

I think that also has to do with her character, but there was the issue with Eris too. We left everything aside and focused on finding Sera and Eris… Although we took some detours too, like the dungeon.

I’m getting off track. Let’s stop ignoring reality.

There were a lot of demons in front of us. Among them there were faces I recognized, and the pressure coming from them was great. If I was alone, I would’ve ran away for sure.

But with a raise of the hand, the demon king got the demons to step away from us. I know they’re not our enemies, but that still helped a lot.

And then, the next moment, I received a shock.

“…Welcome to the demon king’s castle. I’m happy… That we could meet again.”

A nostalgic voice echoed in my ears.

It can’t be!? I thought.

But that suspicion turned into certainty when I saw her face.

There was no doubt about it. That face was still there. And above all else, those kind eyes…

I took off running without thinking.

My body just moved, as my mind went blank.

I hugged the demon king.

“…Eris.”

I whispered, and couldn’t hold back my tears.

◇ ◇ ◇

That day, our village was attacked, and I ran with Eris.

I ran desperately, but my legs were those of a kid. There was no way I could escape my pursuers.

But I did get away, because of Eris.

Ever since then, I’ve been reminded of it every time I saw Chris’ face. Seeing her face darken made me feel like my heart was being squeezed.

I felt like it wasn’t the people who attacked our village that made Chris suffer, it was me.

If it wasn’t for me, Chris would be with Eris for sure.

The thought that I was the one who tore them apart crossed my mind a lot.

So I hid how I felt, and told Chris we’d look for her together. Our friend Sera was missing too, so we’d also look for her.

I couldn’t tell the truth. I wasn’t brave enough. Sorry Chris.

But I told grandma the truth. She gently told me I didn’t need to try too hard, but I stubbornly denied it.

She taught me a lot after that, but one day, she disappeared and never came back. Was it my fault too?

I never got an answer, and then we started traveling.

We went around a few countries, met all sorts of people, and Chris started smiling more. I felt like she was smiling naturally.

Then we found Sera, and I was convinced that we would also find Eris.

I’m so happy you’re alive. Thank you for saving me back then.

Join my patreon to support me and read ahead.

<<Previous Chapter Index Next Chapter>>