3 days after the diplomats were killed, a Royal Letter arrived to my grandfather—well, Aldric Valmerias, the King of this Kingdom, Valderyn.The letter was from the neighboring Kingdom Caldrithal, where the diplomats were from.
The news of the diplomats being killed and the Royal Letter spread fast in Valderyn.Later, King Aldric made a speech to the people of the kingdom.In that speech, he said that Caldrithal has declared a War with Valderyn for killing the diplomats.The King also said:"We didn't kill those diplomats, but we will find the killer. And for the war—we must protect this kingdom at all cost."With that, his speech ended. But the people were all angry, and they were all against a war, because there hasn't been a war in Valmerias for a very long time.
A lot happened now, and all just because of that demon killing those diplomats.I told Ichoru to take all his demons back and hide for now.Luckily, Ichoru was fast and made the accident of the diplomats being killed look like it was a human who did it—not a demon.
Ichoru told me before that most demons around the world are hiding. That means it isn't like before, back when I ruled.And that's good. I don't want any of my demons to show up yet. I want them all hidden, waiting for the right time.Also, my demon leaders have separated around the world after I got killed.It won't be easy gathering them all together again.
But for now, I need to focus on this human war. It's my chance to shine in this kingdom—not as the Demon King, of course—but as the new hero of this kingdom: Kagen Valmerias.I was planning on staying in the shadows, but I can't miss a chance like this.
I started observing more recently. I saw many army generals going in and out of the Royal Castle.Also, my grandfather was busy making everything ready for this war.I'm sure he's now gathering an army and people for it.
I'll wait for my chance to get into this—and shine.
________
Finally, the day has come.Around two weeks passed since the accident now.Today is the big day where the war will start.My grandfather spent the last week gathering heroes.I had to spy a lot to know everything that's happening.But no one noticed me—I'm really good at hiding.
I peeked out of the window in my room and saw my grandfather with the High General of Valderyn, Varek Thalgrin.He's the one who controls the army in the kingdom—basically the right hand of Aldric.I quickly ran down to the gates. I had to take this chance, no matter what.
"HEEYY, My King!"I shouted out loud.
The king turned around, facing me. Then the High General turned too.
"Hmm... isn't this my grandson?" he said with a little smile.
I was shocked. It was the first time seeing him smile like that.He always looked very serious.
"So, Kagen, tell me— is there something you want?"
He actually knows my name… I thought.
"Y-yes, my King—ehm, I mean my Grandpa. I want to go with you on this war."
His eyes opened wide with a little shock on his face. Then he smiled again...
"Hmm… alright, Kagen. You can come with me. But remember—this isn't some playground adventure, yes?"
"Yes, Grandpa, of course. I'll be careful."
I looked to the right side. There were eyes watching me—it was the High General.
_____
After all that, we went on our way.I was sent in a horse carriage all by myself, while my Grandpa and the General were in a carriage together.At the very front and very back, the carriages were filled with soldiers.Around 20 carriages.
We were on our way to the border between our kingdom and Caldrithal.Apparently, the war will start there.I could tell before that my grandfather was a little nervous.I think this might be his first war.
On our way, we picked up many heroes, and more joined as we moved on.Also, more soldiers were getting with us too.
4 hours passed since we left. The carriages stopped one by one for a little break to eat or rest.
I got out of my carriage and looked behind me.I couldn't even see the end of the carriages—there were more than 200, maybe.I also saw many heroes stepping out—healers, magic users, swordsmen.
I looked to the front where my grandpa was. He wasn't alone—there were 3 healers, 5 magic users, and 13 swordsmen around him.These must be the Top Heroes of the country.They're all A4 stars, high ranked.
The heroes behind me were probably B-ranked.
We started this trip from the Royal Castle, where I live.It's in the center of Valderyn, so we need around 6 days to get to the border.This trip is gonna be long.
"Yoo—"
I turned around.
"You must be Kagen—the prince. How are yo—"Before he finished his sentence, he was slapped from behind—a sharp hit right on the neck.
"Heyyyy Ayuna! Why the hell did you slap me?!" he said with an angry voice.
She bowed, with her right arm on her chest.
"I'm sorry, my prince, for my friend's wrong behavior."
Oh, I see what's happening. She's showing respect because I'm from the royal family.
"I-it's okay. Don't worry."
I reached out my hand to shake both of theirs.I think they're heroes or high-ranking.
After that, I went back into the carriage.
"What was that, Renzo?! You can't speak like that to the prince! Are you dumb or something?"
"Yes, yes, I got it—just calm down, Ayuna."
"Renzo, you're the best swordsman in the kingdom—so you need to learn how to speak to the royal family."
His face turned red.
"YEEES HAHA I'M THE BEST SWORDSMAN!"
"Argh… my fault for saying that. Now stop bragging about it."
I heard everything they said. They were speaking right in front of my carriage...So this man is the strongest swordsman, huh?