I Became the Main Character’s Demon Sword

36

“Rohan.”

On the night of the seventh day since Rohan’s strange behavior began, Arpel carefully called out to him before going to bed.

“Yes?”

As the child looked at him with round eyes as usual, Arpel’s lips moved slightly.

“Why have you been acting like that towards those two lately?”

“Those two?”

And for the first time, Arpel saw Rohan’s face freeze coldly head-on. The shock, like being hit on the back of the head with a hammer, left him unable to continue speaking for a moment.

“Arpel.”

Rohan called out in a small voice to Arpel, who was just blinking blankly. Only then did Arpel’s eyes regain focus on Rohan.

“Do you want to be with those two?”

“…Huh?”

“Why? They have holy power, don’t they?”

What if Arpel gets hurt?

The face that had been completely stiff until just a moment ago was now faintly on the verge of tears. Only after recognizing this change in expression did Arpel realize that the incident from that day, which he had vaguely let pass, had left a deep wound on the child.

Clearly etching in his mind the image of Arpel in pain from holy power, Rohan had compulsively excluded anything that might pose even a slight risk.

“If Arpel is in pain again, I…”

Seeing the expression that looked like it might burst into tears at any moment, Arpel couldn’t help but reach out. Carefully extending his hand towards the child, he caressed not only the worried eyes but also the cheeks that had become a bit paler than before.

“…Alright. I’ll do as you wish.”

“…Really?”

He nodded. Hadn’t he decided to live for the child and grant his wishes? Because Rohan was more important to Arpel, he chose to remain silent. Of course, it was one-sided favoritism.

As he accepted the pitiful gesture of the child burrowing into his arms, he put aside the brief thoughts of Leriana and Casia that had crossed his mind. They were connections he wouldn’t have cared about if not for Rohan anyway.

“If you’re worried about me, just stay by my side.”

Embracing the body that had grown considerably taller since they first met, Arpel whispered with a hint of selfishness.

“Okay, I will.”

Rohan’s face brightened. Meeting the gently curved eyes that seemed to be rejoicing in something, Arpel fully accepted the fluttering in his chest that asserted its presence at the sight of the child’s smile.

Whatever it was, as long as it came from Rohan, he liked it. A faint smile appeared on Arpel’s face too. It looked as if he had directly copied the child’s expression.

***

“The movements of the temple side are not normal.”

The space, even with knights dismissed, was excessively quiet. The only sounds were the voice of the person who had just spoken and the monotonous tapping of fingers on the armrest by the man listening to the report.

Despite sitting on an enormous imperial throne that seemed twice the size of a human body, the man possessed an intimidating presence that could inspire awe in others.

His neatly arranged, luxurious silver hair and jade-like eyes, seemingly dyed in verdant green, had the power to captivate people’s gazes. His overall warm and gentle impression was one of the reasons why he was praised by many people.

Although the smile that spread across his face was far from warmth.

A coldness that meticulously calculated everything was etched into the slightly upturned corners of his mouth.

“Has there been any contact from that dimwit?”

“…We haven’t received any. Given these movements observed from the Celestial God’s side, it’s highly likely that the Demon God’s side has already been discovered.”

“Well… that fellow was more useful than expected, so I suppose this is good enough.”

The man who had finished his report just stood with his head bowed, silently listening to the Emperor’s words. After a moment of silence, the Emperor smiled gently at him. Similar to before, his upturned mouth corners now held a faint affection.

“My son. Raise your head.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Unfortunately, it seems this plan has failed. What would you do in this situation?”

“…If it were me, I would abandon them.”

The deepening smile proved that the answer just given was correct. Affection clouded his eyes as he looked at his son who resembled him exactly.

“That’s right. Even if they speak the truth with their meager mouths, nothing changes in this situation.”

It was quite regrettable that they were discovered before causing discord between the two temples.

However, even if all the truth was known, the fact that they had shaken the foundations of the temples for over 20 years remained unchanged. The Emperor had already gained considerable benefits from this incident. Even if it was discovered now, nothing would change.

In fact, more time had passed than the point he had predicted it would be discovered. Perhaps the temples had weakened more than he thought.

“We must not leave behind those who would covet what we have built.”

His elegant eyes closed gently. His face seemed to be reminiscing about a distant past. The figure of the Crown Prince waiting motionlessly for the next words bore a striking resemblance to the owner of the imperial throne.

Appearance, gaze, atmosphere, and even the one and only wish. The Emperor’s face showed a pleased expression as he slowly opened his eyes and examined his son.

“Rohan, was it?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Inform me when that child shows signs of moving in earnest.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Having been influenced by the fallen Demon Sword, he couldn’t possibly be in a sound state. That child, living quietly in the temple, would someday become a massive crack that would shake their foundations.

From before he ascended to the imperial throne until now as Emperor, his wish had never changed even once. He had been running towards that one thing all this time.

The end was not far off. The Emperor of the Empire, Mikhail Lencester, wore a satisfied smile.

***

Three years passed after that.

Rohan improved by leaps and bounds to the point where not only Dionel but anyone who had taught him would applaud in admiration. It was thanks to not losing his humility and diligence even after three years had passed.

Although it wasn’t entirely pleasant that their time together had decreased, Arpel loved the moments when Rohan was engrossed in something. When his eyes sparkled with full concentration, Arpel couldn’t look away, as if captivated and unable to move.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason Arpel watched Rohan’s training. The moment when Rohan would return after finishing his daily routine and throw himself into Arpel’s arms was a precious time he never wanted to lose.

Arpel didn’t question the repetitive daily life. Rohan was still bright, hardworking, and all of his aspects were lovely.

“This can’t go on.”

That’s what he thought until he heard Dionel’s words.

“…What do you mean?”

Dionel, who had taken the seat next to Arpel while Rohan was engrossed in training, had quite a serious expression. Arpel glanced back at Rohan.

Only after confirming that he wasn’t looking this way did Arpel fully turn his gaze to Dionel. Dionel, who had inadvertently smiled at the noticeable behavior, cleared his throat a beat late and opened his mouth.

“Do you know how many days Rohan has rested in the past three years?”

It was an unexpected question. After briefly recalling past memories, Arpel couldn’t help but frown at the belated realization.

“……”

“None. Not even a single day. Every day, he strives to learn and acquire something new. Of course, from a teaching standpoint, there couldn’t be a better attitude.”

None.

For Arpel, just the time spent with Rohan itself was precious. What they did or how they spent it wasn’t that important.

It’s not that he wasn’t interested, but rather that whatever they did, however they spent it, was precious. Just looking at his smiling face was good, and sitting side by side with Rohan having casual conversations was good too. Everything was simply joyful and happy, so he hadn’t paid attention.

The reason he didn’t question Rohan’s repetitive learning and practicing without missing a single day was along the same lines. Perhaps it was because he wanted to keep seeing Rohan’s joyful face as he jumped into his arms, delighted with his improving skills.

“If he keeps moving forward busily without a single day of rest, everything might turn into poison someday. If it’s alright with you, Arpel… how about going on an outing with Rohan to catch your breath?”

“…I’ll ask him.”

“Please do. It’s starting to show, so I should be going now.”

Dionel left after asking to be contacted again if a positive answer was received. Right after he left, Rohan, who seemed to have finished his lesson, came running and sat right next to Arpel. It was the exact spot where Dionel had been sitting until just now.

“Why did you run here so quickly?”

“Just… because I wanted to see Arpel…”

As Arpel wiped off the light sweat, the child’s face, which had looked somewhat displeased, smoothed out beautifully. The behavior that seemed like nuzzling and acting cute completely captured Arpel’s attention. The teacher standing far away with a dejected face had long been forgotten.

“What were you talking about?”

The hand that had been carefully caressing the face that still hadn’t lost its childish features paused. Rohan, not missing this sign, immediately furrowed his brow.

“Was it something bad?”

“No.”

The voice that immediately asked the question was tinged with distrust towards someone. Even after quite a long time had passed, Rohan occasionally had negative thoughts about Dionel. It would be quite saddening if the person in question knew.