This long journey is starting to annoy me. I don't even know where we're headed. They're just dragging me along to wherever they please. I guess it's time I asked.
Tokito: "Do you know where they're taking us?"
Kortus: "Our first stop is the Hertoria region, my lord. We must rest there for a while. But don't worry, we'll take a shortcut when returning to the capital."
Why aren't we taking the shortcut now then? Idiots, all of them. Well, as long as the journey goes smoothly, I won't complain.
The road to Hertoria was quiet, lined mostly with pine trees. Hearing the army's march, the Demon King peeked outside to see what was going on. What he saw was a battle. He wanted to return to his seat, but the urge to help overpowered him. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped outside.
What the hell is going on here? Isn't this demon territory? Why are they fighting each other?
Tokito: "What's happening here, Nanagi?"
Nanagi: "It's a common occurrence, my lord. But… why have you stepped outside?"
Tokito: "Did you think you could keep me chained up in a carriage?"
Nanagi: "You're right, my lord. Still, don't worry. The region's forces will arrive soon and end this mess."
Tokito: "Why are we just standing here when we could flatten these weaklings and move on?"
We need to hurry, yet we're wasting time with this nonsense. If no one's going to do anything, I will!
One side of the battle consisted of bandits, the other of local demons. As Tokito, still in a child's body, began walking toward the battlefield, Nanagi rushed to stop him.
Nanagi: "My lord, if we interfere, we might have trouble with the viscount of this region."
That doesn't mean I'll just stand by and let people die! What kind of king watches his people die and does nothing? Don't screw with me!
Tokito: "You can stay here. I'm going to kill them all."
Nanagi: "If you go, then I must take responsibility and protect you."
Tokito: "Do what you want."
Despite having no magic, Tokito walked toward the battlefield. A group of bandits blocked his path, their leader raising an axe and pointing it at Tokito's head—but before it could strike, Nanagi intercepted, her sword flashing to protect her master's neck.
Nanagi: "Touch my lord, and I'll flatten your entire army!"
Bandit Leader: "And who the hell are you? You're clearly not from around here. Stay out of this, or we'll kill you just like these weak demons."
Tokito: "Hey. Can't you see I'm standing here, you piece of trash? Want me to send you to the gods myself?"
Bandit Leader: "AHAHAHAH! What's a kid like you gonna do to me?"
The bandit leader swung his axe at Tokito, but Nanagi was faster—her sword shielding her lord again. Her eyes filled with fury.
Nanagi: "I told you not to touch him! Soldiers—kill them all!"
Koloton's army of 780 soldiers obeyed instantly. With brutal precision, they slaughtered the bandits, sparing none. Nanagi's forces crushed them one by one, leaving the leader for last.
Bandit Leader: "Please, don't kill me! We were only following orders!"
Nanagi: "I couldn't care less about your reasons. I swore to my viscount I'd kill anyone who dared harm my lord."
Bandit Leader: "W-Wait, are you—"
Nanagi: "Bugs like you don't deserve to live."
Nanagi drove her sword into his chest, then instead of pulling it straight out, she slashed diagonally, slicing through his torso. Tokito watched the whole thing—but his body didn't react.
He's a monster… He just tortured a man who already surrendered. Someone, save me from this psycho!
Kortus: "My lord… why did you even come out?"
Nanagi: "It's my fault he did. I should've stopped him earlier."
Kortus: "Shut your mouth!"
Nanagi: "Wha—"
???: "What in the world happened here? Who are you people? Soldiers—arrest them all!"
Just then, the commander of the Hertoria Region, Gabri, arrived and took control. The soldiers, without even hearing out Nanagi, arrested everyone.
Tokito's eyes were blindfolded. He had no idea where they were taking him. When he turned his head, he bumped into someone else's. Deciding to just sleep it off, he rested. When he awoke, the blindfold was removed. He was now in Hertoria, a region governed by Viscount Viker—but currently under Gabri's command.
Sitting on the throne, Gabri shouted the moment Tokito opened his eyes. Still half-asleep, Tokito was confused. Nanagi, however, had gathered herself and addressed Gabri.
Nanagi: "Y-You misunderstood, Gabri! We were sent under Viscount Koloton's orders to escort the Demon King!"
Gabri: "What the hell are you talking about, Nanagi? The Demon King is dead!"
Nanagi: "This child beside me is his son—the heir to the Demon Throne."
Gabri: "And do you have any proof of that?"
Nanagi: "Check my pocket. You'll find a letter from Lord Viker."
Gabri: "Soldiers—bring the letter!"
They handed Gabri the sealed message. Recognizing his master's seal, Gabri's expression darkened.
Lord Viker sent this...? Why would he send something like this without telling me? I have to read it.
"I am Viscount Viker of the Hertoria Region. If you're reading this, Gabri, the one before you is the true Demon King. We, the viscounts, will be absent for a while to secure the Loropis Region for him. If you act against him, I will have you executed immediately. Commander Nanagi is solely responsible for him. Do as she and the boy command."
It's really from Lord Viker. That child is the real Demon King. I didn't even recognize his mana… What a disgrace I am. I should be ashamed.
Gabri: "Untie Nanagi and the others. Return their weapons. Lord Viker has ordered us to serve them as our lord."
Nanagi: "Didn't I warn you not to act on your own, Gabri?"
Gabri: "This letter saved your lives… I assume you have one of these for every region you visit?"
Nanagi: "The next region's viscount should be there in person. Viscount Koloton's letter will suffice for him."
Gabri: "Is there anything else you need, Nanagi?"
Nanagi: "My lord is tired. I want him to rest in the best bath this region has to offer."
Gabri: "Understood. I'll make sure he's treated with the utmost care."
Kortus: "Don't misunderstand, Gabri. No one is allowed to touch our lord's delicate body but me."
Gabri: "Who the hell are you? I don't recognize you. Besides, a woman shouldn't be attending a man!"
Kortus: "I am the servant of the former Demon King and now his heir. No one else has the right to touch him."
Gabri: "And what if I touch him anyway?"
Tokito: "Will you shut up, or do I have to shut your mouths for you?"
Gabri: "Forgive us, my lord!"
Kortus: "This disgusting demon said he would wash you. Let me punish him."
Tokito: "Aren't you a woman, Kortus?"
Kortus: "As your servant, I must be capable of at least this much."
Tokito: "Do as you please."
Heh… I win, Gabri. Go sulk all you want. The little lord is mine and mine alone.
Tokito: "Gabri. Ready the army. We depart right after the bath."
Gabri: "Don't worry. I'll not only release your army but give you 20 more soldiers. If you'd like, I can escort you all the way to Dralon."
Tokito: "Pointless. Just protect your region. If someone takes it over, Viker will make you suffer."
With the viscounts retreating, the role of commanders must be more important than ever. Taking them with me would harm the kingdom. Nanagi should eventually return to Koloton's side as well, or things might collapse there.
After that, Tokito and Kortus headed to the bath. As usual, Kortus kept talking nonsense in the hallway. Nanagi followed close behind, seemingly intent on entering the bath with them.
Should I help my lord bathe too? I-I'm a little embarrassed… but duty comes first, right? I'll just… wash his back! That's all! Okay… I can do this!
I wonder what kind of person the viscount of Dralon is. I'm eager to meet him. But first, I need to survive this bath... and lose the stalker behind us.
Servant: "My lord, the bath is ready. Hot and filled with soap, just as you requested."
Ahhh, Isekai is amazing! A fantasy world where all my desires come true… This is every doctor's dream.
Unaware of what was about to happen, Tokito entered the bathhouse and stripped off his armor and underclothes. Stepping into the hot water, he felt a soothing calm wash over him.
Totally worth the journey for this moment. This is the best bath I've ever—W-Wait. Are those… hands? On my back!?
Looking left, he saw Kortus. Looking right, he saw Nanagi. Both of them were completely naked. Tokito's face turned beet red.
W-W-W-W-WAIT! Isn't this the men's bath!? What are these two idiots doing here!? I can't take this anymore. GET OUT!
Tokito: "Who said you could come in!? Don't touch me, you garbage!"
Kortus: "Because you're still a child, we thought this service would be best for you, my lord..."
Nanagi: "W-We're just doing our duty as your servants. Even if it's embarrassing…"
Then don't do it! Did I say you could!?
Kortus: "Just turn your back, my lord. It'll be over quickly."
Although Tokito was embarrassed, he couldn't resist the two girls' insistence. As Kortus and Nanagi gently scrubbed his back, they created a memory Tokito would never forget.
Tokito: "That's enough. I want to get out."
He quickly dried off and dressed. Outside, the soldiers kneeled and saluted him. Tokito walked like he was trying to escape. Kortus and Nanagi followed behind—still not fully dressed.
Even though they caught up, Tokito had already exited the building. His army stood waiting. As he climbed into the carriage, Gabri tried to stop him.
Gabri: "Leaving already?"
Tokito: "If I stay any longer, I'll lose my mind. Troops, we're moving out!"
Kortus: "Wait for me, my lord!"
I don't know who that crazy demon lady is. Coachman, drive. Leave her behind.
Kortus leaped into the carriage just in time, slamming the door shut. Nanagi took the lead, and the journey resumed.
Kortus: "Are you mad at me, my lord?"
Tokito: "Shut up."
Kortus: "I only wanted to help. Anyway, we'll talk about this in Dralon."
Finally… we're back on the road. Next stop: Dralon Region! Please, let that place be saner than here. At the very least… I swear I'll never take a bath again.
And thus, Tokito resumed his journey toward Fujih Dralon. But before his arrival, would Fujih try to stop the Demon King?