(Three hours later)
(Soular)
I arrive at the house I built next to the village. Ugh, I'm so sleepy. Come on, Dani, hang in there a bit longer; you'll sleep soon.
"I hope I'm not bothering her."
I knock on Meibis's door… No answer.
…
…
…
Still no answer.
"I guess she's fast asleep."
I'll come back later…
"Who's there?!"
Whoa! That scared me!
I was about to leave, but Meibis shouted.
"Who is it?!"
"I-It's me, Daniel!"
"Daniel?!"
Meibis opens the door and sees me.
A big smile spreads across her face when she sees me. So cute.
"You're back!"
She gives me a big hug… Well, considering how much I helped her, I guess she missed me.
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
"It's fine, come in."
We enter her house, and she lights the candles.
"Why'd you come back?"
"Well… I just stopped a war between humans and demi-humans, and I came here to convince the King to work with us to defeat the demons. I mean, I stopped a war; the least I deserve is an audience with the King."
"Seriously?! That's incredible!"
I pull out my phone and show her the photos I took.
"There were thousands of humans ready to attack Soular; they even had dragons."
"How'd you beat them?!"
"It's not something to brag about, but… I had to kill the kings to stop the fight. The new kings are friends of mine and don't hate demi-humans. We could move past this hatred between humans and demi-humans."
I take out the book about humans and demi-humans from my shirt.
"This book explains the real reason for the hatred between humans and demi-humans. Could you read it for me? I can't read."
"Of course, no problem."
"There's a summary on the first page; please read that."
I hand her the book, and Meibis starts reading.
"Millennia ago, humans and demi-humans coexisted in harmony, sharing a prosperous and promising land. But as with many stories, peace came to an abrupt end, shattering the fragile bond that once existed between the two groups. Those idyllic days were left behind, replaced by an era of hatred, cruelty, and sadness."
Idyllic? I don't know what that means, but it sounds important.
"Tired of being marginalized and scorned by humans, demi-humans were forced to endure decades of mistreatment. Seen as strange and different, they faced mockery, discrimination, and violence from those they considered their equals. Over time, the demi-humans' patience wore thin, and the seed of resentment sprouted in their wounded hearts."
So the humans are to blame. They started all this.
Ugh… Seriously, humans in this world are idiots.
"United by their shared suffering, demi-humans found solace and strength in their community. Living together became a way to protect themselves and find purpose amidst the darkness surrounding them. However, their attempts to find safety and peace in their own land didn't go unnoticed by the human kings, who began to suspect the demi-humans' intentions."
Idiots, the demi-humans just wanted to live happily and without fear.
"Fear and paranoia gripped the human leaders, who ordered relentless surveillance of the demi-humans. The shadow of suspicion loomed over their every step, and their freedom was constrained by the invisible chains of distrust. Life became a constant reminder of their inferior status, and they suffered under the weight of oppression."
Ugh, nothing surprises me about humans anymore.
"Then, a group of demi-humans, fed up with the cruelty they'd endured for so long, decided to rebel against their oppressors. Defying fate and wielding their weapons, they organized in a desperate attempt to seek justice and change the course of history. War broke out between the two groups, and for five long years, the world became a battlefield bathed in blood and tears."
Who won the war?
"The struggle was brutal and merciless. Tales of horror and suffering wove through every page of that dark chapter in history. The atrocities committed by both sides left indelible scars on the souls of the survivors. Cities were reduced to rubble, families were torn apart, and dreams were buried in a sea of pain and despair."
Ugh… Both sides did horrible things.
"Finally, after years of relentless bloodshed, the demi-humans, exhausted and decimated, surrendered to the overwhelming power of the humans. It was a bitter surrender, a symbol of their defeat and a grim omen of an uncertain future. The few demi-humans who survived were forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind their shattered memories and hopes."
At least the humans didn't wipe them out.
"In their exile, the demi-humans ventured into unknown lands, where they established their own country. However, the land they called home was tinged with sadness and bitterness. Though they had freed themselves from the chains of oppression, the memory of the war and pain haunted them like unbreakable shadows."
Yeah, I can imagine. After all, they lost their families.
"Hatred and distrust took root in the hearts of both sides, and borders were raised to separate them irrevocably. The humans, remembering the suffering inflicted by the demi-humans, closed their doors to them, denying them entry to their country. Likewise, the demi-humans, filled with resentment and pain, banned humans from their lands, leaving an open wound that seemed incurable."
No wonder they hated me so much without even knowing me.
"Thus, sadness enveloped the story of two races that once shared a promise of peace and a common future. Cruelty and bitterness tore apart the bonds that united them, condemning them to live apart in a fractured world. That's the summary."
"Now it all makes sense."
"My parents told me humans started killing demi-humans because they began seeing us as disgusting monsters."
"I think this book is telling the truth… By the way, why were you living on the streets? What happened to your parents?"
"They were killed by thieves a year ago. When they died, my siblings kicked me out, and I've been living on the streets since."
"Ugh. Well, well… I'm sorry."
"Don't worry."
The humans are to blame for discriminating against demi-humans, but the demi-humans started the war.
… Yeah, I'm still neutral on this.
"It's late; I think I'll go to sleep."
"Sleep well."
"You too."
I'm about to leave and turn to look at her… There's a way to make the demi-humans trust me… I thought of it while flying.
"By the way, I'm really not a demon."
I take off my vest and shirt.
She blushes and gets nervous. Ugh, please don't misunderstand; I only took off my clothes so I wouldn't ruin them.
"W-wait, I think we should get to know each other better first!"
… She got the wrong idea.
"Angel conver!"
I transform into an angel.
Look, look, I'm not a demon, I'm an angel! Don't be afraid of me! I'm one of the good guys!
"I'm half-demon, half-angel."
Meibis approaches me, surprised and full of excitement.
"Incredible, you're the angel Fransme!"
Who? I guess that's what they call angels.
My transformation fades, and I put my shirt and vest back on.
"I don't know what you mean, but good night."
I leave her house and enter mine… Well, I gave it to her, but I think I can use it.
"This'll be tough."
I lie on my bed.
"Should I meet the other two?"
Ugh… One step at a time, Daniel. One step at a time.
•
•
(The next day, 8:34 AM)
Knock, knock, knock
Ugh, so lazy. I wanted to sleep more.
Someone's knocking at my door, and I try to get out of bed.
Come on, Daniel, I know you're super sleepy, but this country needs you.
"Daniel!!"
Yeah, yeah, I'm coming, I'm coming.
I get up and open the door.
"Good morning, Meibis."
"I'm going to have breakfast; want to come?"
"I don't think that's a good idea. Your village hates me, and they'll probably try to kill me."
"Don't worry, if you turn into an angel, they won't be afraid. The last thing we'd do is hurt an angel."
"I think you're right."
I should try it.
•
•
A few minutes later, we arrive.
I reach the village, and the adventurers draw their swords… Here we go again.
Blah, blah, blah… Ugh… I don't have the energy to try to be funny.
"Get out of here, demon!"
Yeah, yeah, demon. Ugh… Let's get this over with.
I take off my vest and shirt.
"Angel conver!"
I transform into an angel, and the shouts of insults stop.
"I'm half-demon, half-angel!!"
Everyone stares at me in shock, unable to believe what they see… Or so I assume. Their looks are weird.
"B-but angels disappeared thousands of years ago!"
"Incredible!"
"It's the angel Fransme!"
"Lower your weapons!"
"Angel Fransme?" I ask, confused.
Everyone lowers their weapons, and my transformation fades.
Did angels live here? Interesting.
"Thanks!" I say, smiling.
I put my shirt and vest back on.
Meibis and I keep walking and enter the guild.
"Get out of here, demon!" the waitress says with a disgusted tone.
"Damn it… I'm half-demon, half-angel! Didn't you hear me shouting that like a maniac?!"
"Hey, hey…"
That voice… Rocco!
Rocco sees us and approaches.
"Well, Daniel, you're back. I guess you have your reasons."
"I just stopped a war between humans and demi-humans, and this is how you thank me?"
"Stopped?"
We sit at a table, and I show him the photos.
"Last night, they tried to destroy the kingdom I lived in, then come to Soular and kill the demi-humans. I stopped it by killing their kings, and the new kings are my friends. They're willing to work with demi-humans to fight the demons."
"You're incredible. Stopping a war in a single day… Wow… Sounds impossible."
"But I did it. That's why I need to talk to the King, though I don't know if he'll see me."
"You should go to the King's castle and show him what you did. It's in the Capital."
"You think he'll see me?"
"I don't know, but you've got nothing to lose by trying."
"I guess you're right."
"Waitress, bring plates of food!" Meibis says.
Going to the King without an invitation would be rude and give him reason to think humans are crude and untrustworthy, but time's running out. I have to try.
"Alright, Rocco… I'll go."
•
After a delicious meal, we leave the guild… Going to the King might be the best move.
Ugh… I've got a bad feeling, but it's not danger—it's more like… awkwardness. Weird.
"I'm going to the King's castle; I'll be back."
"Be careful," Meibis says.
"I will."
I take off my vest and shirt, holding them in my left hand to keep them clean. I need to look presentable for the King.
"Angel conver!"
I transform into an angel and fly off.
"I'm slower flying like this, but the King will trust me if they think I'm an angel."
The rumor of an angel will make the demi-humans trust me. Thousands will see me flying… I should fly as an angel.
I pull out my phone and open the map app.
I check the map… It's a bit far; it'll take a while to get there.
"Ugh… It's pretty far… I think it'll take me an hour."
I wonder what the Capital's like.
•
•
(Two hours later)
Wow, the Capital city's massive. And it's got huge walls surrounding it! So different from the villages.
I'll visit it as a tourist later; I'm here for the King.
The castle's in the center of the Capital. Come on, Daniel, you've got this!
I reach the castle entrance. The castle's enormous, absolutely massive… It's the size of three or four entire villages. So much space for the King… Ugh, please, don't be another rude, arrogant King.
Please, fate, let him be a kind King like King Finder!
"Took me a while."
I land at the entrance and see two guards at a huge gate. How cute, lion guards! Their manes are so fluffy!
"Hey, good morning! I'd like to speak with your King; I have something to tell him."
The guards look at me in awe and enter the castle… They didn't even say hi… I guess seeing someone with angel wings is too fascinating.
Well, I'll wait here.
La, la, la… Oh, hi, little one. How cute, a baby waved at me. This is how humans and demi-humans should be—kind and polite!
La, la, la… Ugh, I'm still hungry.
Oh, finally. The gate opens after 15 minutes.
A guard approaches me.
"Follow me, please."
I follow the guard, and we enter the castle. The main hall is huge, decorated with flowers, paintings, and a massive angel statue. No wonder they respect me like this; it must be tied to some legend.
I reach the King. He's with a woman and two young girls. The King's a man with a white cat-like face—not a cat head, just a cat-like face, which is odd but adorable. The woman has long red hair, a cat tail, and cat ears. The girls are almost identical, except one's taller; they have long pink hair, cat tails, and cat ears. They're very flat-chested, so I think they're under 13, probably 12.
I can feel excitement and surprise in their gazes… Ugh, I sense something else from the girls. Please, don't let it be what I'm thinking.
"You're really an angel; I've always dreamed of seeing one!" the King says, astonished… He's genuinely amazed and excited, like the girls… Maybe I can use that to convince him.
"To be honest, I'm half-angel, half-demon."
"H-half-demon?"
My transformation fades, and I kneel.
I hate doing this, but it's necessary.
"My name's Daniel, an adventurer with all types of magic. My mother's a demon, and my grandmother's an angel. I come as a representative of Grenfor."
"I've heard of you. They say you defeated a demon with a single strike."
"Actually, I've defeated two demons with a single strike, Your Majesty."
"What do you really want, Daniel? I doubt you came just to chat."
"Last night, three of the four kings united to attack a kingdom that didn't support the fight against demi-humans. They planned to destroy the kingdom, then attack Soular. I stopped it by killing the kings, and the new kings are my friends. They want to work with your country to fight the demons."
"I see, I see. You want us demi-humans to work with humans?"
"I know you hate humans, but we need to set aside hatred to fight the demons. Would you rather your subjects be slaughtered by demons? Your Majesty, if we don't unite and form an alliance, the demons will win the war. Let's leave hatred behind and try to come together again. With new laws and harsh punishments, we could prevent racial discrimination!"
"Does this have anything to do with the rocks?"
"No, but if I were you, I'd destroy them. They're too dangerous."
"Alright, we'll destroy them."
"Please, I beg you to destroy them; they're very… Huh?"
I fall silent for a few seconds, shocked by his response… D-did he agree that easily? Well, well… I guess I'm lucky. Or is he joking? Don't play with my feelings, King!
"W-what did you say, Your Majesty?"
"That we'll destroy them."
An awkward silence lasts about five seconds… That easy?!
"S-seriously?"
"If the angel Fransme says we must destroy the rocks, we'll destroy them."
They called me angel Fransme again… Is that a legend in this country?
I stand up.
"Sorry, could you tell me who the angel Fransme is?"
"He's our God. It's said he had all types of magic and could transform into an angel."
Was he a reincarnated person from the past?
"Your God?"
"It's said he was the one who defeated the demons thousands of years ago."
Yeah, probably someone like me, sent by God.
"They think I'm him?"
"Yes, you must be his reincarnation!"
The girls start screaming, even more excited than before.
"You're incredible!!"
"You're even really handsome!!"
"T-thanks."
This is super convenient.
I think I need to play along.
I look at my hands… I need to act surprised.
"T-that's why I have all types of magic? Incredible!"
Sorry for lying, but it's necessary.
"The rocks are hidden here; follow me."
The King approaches me, and the princesses join their mother.
They glance at me, smile, and talk to their mother, who just nods.
W-what are they talking about? I'd better not ask.
…
…
…
Ugh… So many stairs. This castle's well-protected.
I follow the King to a heavily guarded basement and see five moderately large rocks. They're the size of basketballs, but… they're so ordinary. Are these really magic rocks? I expected colorful, glowing ones.
"Those are them?"
"Of course."
Alright, time to destroy them, but first, I'll ask something else.
"Sorry, is the angel Fransme your only God?"
"He's the God of the demi-humans; humans have another God."
That explains a lot. My influence as the supposed reincarnation of the angel Fransme won't work on humans. I'll think about that later.
"Well, well. I see. Muslar asio! Dex Sword!"
I grip the sword with my right hand and start smashing the rocks.
"Darling, we need to talk."
Oh, the Queen.
The King and Queen leave to discuss something. What are they talking about? Well, it shouldn't matter to me; keep smashing rocks!
After a few minutes of breaking rocks into pieces, I finish, turning them to dust.
"Guess that's it."
Hmm… I expected something cool or mysterious to happen, but it's good that nothing did.
According to the King, the rocks no longer work, so I'm done with this issue.
Goodbye forever, OP rock problem.
I extend my right hand to the King.
"I hope we can leave the hatred between humans and demi-humans behind."
We shake hands.
"Of course, we'll do anything for you."
It's convenient to pretend I'm the reincarnation of their God.
It hurts to lie, but it's necessary.
We leave the basement.
Ugh, I want to eat something, but I don't have money. Will the King invite me to eat? I hope so; I'm hungry.
"By the way, may I offer you something?"
I hope it's food; flying made me hungry.
"Sure."
We enter the main hall. Are we eating here?
Huh?
He grabs my right arm and takes me to his daughters.
Huh? What's he planning? Do they have some illness, and he thinks I can cure them? Sorry, but I can't do that; I don't know how. If I kill and revive them, will they come back without diseases? Wow, I never thought about that.
"This is Esmeralda, and she's 14; this is Charlotte, and she's 15."
Esmeralda's the tall one, and Charlotte's the short one.
So adorable!
Will they get mad if I touch their ears?
"Pleased to meet you, angel Fransme," Esmeralda says.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, angel Fransme," Charlotte says.
"Please, call me Daniel; that's my name."
The King pats my right shoulder.
"Choose one."
"Choose? Why? Will she be the demi-human representative?"
"To marry her."
…
…
…
Wait… Marry?! I don't want to marry; I don't know them!
"M-marry? B-b-but I barely know them!"
"You need to marry one to prove our friendship with humans."
… He's right… If the princess marries a human, it'd show humans and demi-humans are friends now… But I don't want to marry! I'm too young for that!
"B-but…"
"It'd be an honor to be your wife," Esmeralda says in such a sweet tone that I can't help but stare at her cat ears in shock.
"Same here," Charlotte says, even sweeter.
Ugh… Whoa! They're so adorable! Cuteness is my weakness! Noooo!
T-the girls get too close to me.
"Choose me," they say at the same time, grabbing my hands.
"B-but I can't choose…"
"You want to marry both? That's fine, no problem," the King says.
… What?
"Both?!"
The girls grab my arms and hug me.
Noooo! I don't want to marry; I'm too young for marriage!
"I don't mind sharing you with my sister," Esmeralda says.
"Me neither," Charlotte says.
The girls are super flat, but still, feeling their bodies against my arms makes me blush.
I don't want to marry… but I'll do it.
I have to sacrifice myself for the humans… I have to sacrifice my dignity as a man.
If this secures the alliance between humans and demi-humans, I'll do it.
"A-are you sure?"
"Yes, choose, or do you want to marry both?"
"Choose me!" Esmeralda says.
"No, choose me!" Charlotte says.
"She'll choose me!"
"No, me!"
Whoa!
The girls start fighting, and I separate them.
To prove our friendship with the demi-humans, I need to marry one of their daughters… I guess I have no choice.
I kneel before the King.
"Alright, to not disappoint your daughters, I'll marry both."
But that doesn't mean I'll treat them as wives. I barely know them; I'll treat them as friends.
I'm only agreeing to marry both to avoid pointless fights between them later.
Knowing my luck, that was bound to happen.
"We'll start preparations immediately!"
The King walks away.
"Yes, our God will be part of our family!!"
I'm not the reincarnation of that God! Ugh, I feel so guilty for deceiving them.
The King leaves, and his daughters hug me.
"I'll make you so happy, Daniel!" Esmeralda says.
"No, I'll make him happier!" Charlotte says.
"No, me!"
"Me!"
The girls start fighting again, and I separate them.
"Wait, I want to say something. The marriage is just to show that humans and demi-humans are friends again. You don't have to act like my wives if you don't want to. I don't want to force you to be with me. Don't worry, I won't touch you or…"
"But I do want to be your wife!" Esmeralda says, interrupting me.
"Me too!" Charlotte says.
The girls try to kiss me, but their heads collide.
"Charlotte, I'll kiss him first!"
"No, Esmeralda, I'll kiss him first!"
The girls start fighting again, and I separate them.
"Save that kiss for the wedding, okay?"
"Can I kiss your cheek?!" Esmeralda says.
"I want to kiss your cheek too!" Charlotte says.
"Alright… I guess."
They both kiss my cheeks at the same time.
Ugh… I guess I'm getting married… Well, at least I'll fulfill one of my dreams: getting married… I'm marrying without love, but… Ugh, damn it.
"Sorry, I have to go; I'll be back tomorrow."
"I'll wait for you!" Esmeralda says.
"Me too!" Charlotte says.
"Angel conver!"
I transform into an angel and look at them.
"See you later," I say, smiling.
The girls blush, and I fly off.
If I'm getting married, I'll at least try to fall in love with one of them.
Ugh… I hope so.
…
…
…
I've calmed down.
Ugh, I'll cross off the cliché of marrying a princess you barely know from my cliché list.
I'm flying over a forest and call Rose, who answers immediately.
"Daniel?"
"I destroyed the rocks; they're no longer a problem."
"How'd you find them?"
"They mistook me for their God, the angel Fransme, and told me where they were."
"So they'll work with us?"
"Let's just say yes… Though I have to marry the King's daughters."
"You're getting married?!"
"The King said it's how we'll prove humans and demi-humans are friends again."
"Well… Honestly, that's a great idea. Well done, Daniel."
"Thanks… Do you know anything about the angel Fransme?"
"He's the God of the demi-humans; we humans believe in the God Jisas."
"They lived together for thousands of years but have different Gods?"
"As I told you before, the story of Fransme and the other two legendary heroes, we consider it just a tale; we don't believe they really existed. Have you read the story yet?"
"Not yet. Bye."
"Bye."
I hang up and call my grandma.
"Hi, Dani."
"I sorted out the rock issue, and humans and demi-humans are friends again."
"Congratulations, Dani!"
… Ugh, I hope she doesn't get mad.
"There's just a small problem: I have to marry the King's daughters to prove our friendship."
"You're getting married?!"
"What?!"
I hear my teammates shouting.
"You're getting married?!" Alex says.
"Why?!" Rem says.
"When?!" Sara says.
"I'll explain later! Wait, Dani… Now, tell me everything!"
"I don't know when I'm getting married, but don't worry, I won't treat them as real wives. I'm only marrying to prove humans and demi-humans are friends again."
"I get it. Can we come?"
"Of course, I'll let you know when the wedding is."
"Alright."
Ugh, she didn't get mad… After all, I didn't want to get married!
But I'll do it… I won't treat them as wives until one of them makes me fall in love… Or both… Lately, I care less and less about my dignity… Ugh… Damn it.
•
•
Dome Village, Soular
In a small demi-human village, the ground starts to shake.
"Earthquake!"
"Run!"
The ground splits open, and five demons emerge.
"We're free again!"
"The rocks were destroyed!"
"We're alive again!"
"We need to celebrate!"
"The five legendary demons have been freed!"
"We must go to our King immediately!"
The five demons fly off.
Daniel thought the demons wanted the rocks to boost their power, but no—they wanted to destroy the rocks to free the legendary demons… Yes, Daniel made a fatal mistake.