Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?
“Shit, damn it!!”
Storming through the streets with ferocity was Tonio, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King’s army. The murderous intent radiating from him was overwhelming, distorting the very air around him.
One of the highest-ranking combatants in the Demon King’s forces was walking openly, unbothered by concealing his irritation. While many demons were active at night, they all sought refuge indoors, avoiding Tonio’s line of sight.
As a result, the night had become eerily desolate and silent.
“Huh? What the hell do you want now?”
Tonio, understanding the situation perfectly, furrowed his brow in disbelief at the figure standing in his path. Just being there was reckless enough—but it was who it was that made it even more unbelievable.
A chance encounter? No, that wasn’t it.
The fact that this person exuded murderous intent and hostility directed at him made that clear.
“…Heh, so that’s how it is, huh? Pretty impulsive of you, bastard. You call me a boar, but aren’t you the one acting like one?”
Tonio smirked. The presence before him was on par with himself.
Which meant that if they fought, it wouldn’t be an easy victory for either side. He’d definitely take damage, and if things went poorly, he might even lose his life.
But fear? That wasn’t in the equation. He’d never liked this guy to begin with.
If that was the case, then this fight was something he welcomed.
“But yeah, I’m not hating it. Let’s get this started already! I’ll kill you where you stand! Who cares about collateral damage?!”
He took a stance. As his magic surged, a violent storm began to swirl around him.
The residents, sensing the impending clash between monsters, sealed themselves further inside their buildings.
“Huh? Oh, wait—you’re not planning to fight me directly, are you?”
Tonio frowned in confusion at the cryptic words of his attacker. His eyes widened as he realized something unexpected…
The citizens, bracing for a collision like two typhoons colliding, were stunned by the sudden, eerie silence that followed. They emerged cautiously from their homes only to find Tonio lying in a pool of his own blood.
◆
……Huh?
“Why did you say ‘wear’ twice?”
Flau asked curiously. Seriously, stop reading my mind without permission.
…Oh crap. My mind just went blank, and I forgot everything. Damn, I need to reflect on this.
Luna said she wanted to play with me, and forgetting that isn’t cool. Yeah, yeah, sorry about that.
“…? I don’t understand what you’re saying, but should I repeat myself?”
Luna tilted her head, her long white hair tied in twin tails swaying gently.
No, no, don’t say it. Seriously, don’t. I remember clearly, okay?
“I want you to….”
What? Play with me until I drop? Hell yeah! I’ll stay up nonstop for ten days straight!
So please, don’t say what you were about to say!!
“Make me the Demon King!”
KYAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Even though my armor kept me immobile, if it hadn’t, I would’ve been writhing on the floor for sure.
“Why do you want to become the Demon King?” Flau asked on my behalf since I was too mentally incapacitated to speak.
Luna fell into deep thought for a moment before slowly opening her mouth and saying…
“Because it’s cool!”
You little brat! I’m losing it! My brain’s veins are exploding!
I would’ve rejected you even if you came with some noble-sounding excuse like ‘for the sake of the demons,’ but because it’s COOL?!
Even someone as mild-mannered as me has limits!
“Sure, I’d love to become king and blow money like crazy, but assassinations are a thing…”
You’d make a terrible king, and you’d definitely get assassinated.
“Pleaseee~ I really want to become the Demon King! I wanna be at the top and laugh maniacally~”
Luna clung to me, making a nuisance of herself. Why can’t you do this when I’m out of my armor?! She feels so soft…
And honestly, you’re already pretty high-ranking, so deal with it! You’re the leader of your faction—just laugh maniacally from there!
Ugh, this is bad. If Dennis’ subordinates catch wind of this, we’re screwed. Knowing you, you probably didn’t even clear the area properly.
I can only pray that the people under you are competent. Honestly, bringing in one of the Four Heavenly Kings to strengthen your position should be celebrated rather than hidden. It’s better to spread the word… damn it!
How stupid can this princess get…?
“But if this was all part of your plan, that’d actually be impressive. You’ve been pretending to be indifferent to faction struggles, but now you’re forcing yourself into the game.”
Flau whispered conspiratorially. A plan? Nah, impossible.
This is the girl who wants to become Demon King because it’s “cool.” She doesn’t have the brains to think that far ahead.
…Still, as much as this is a bad move, it’s not the worst-case scenario. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
“Oh ho?”
Flau leaned in, intrigued. Between Dennis and Luna’s struggle for the throne, which outcome would suit me better? Definitely the latter.
With Dennis, I’d likely end up being worked to death. And no, this consideration doesn’t factor in the greater good of demonkind.
Objectively speaking, Dennis is the safer choice—he’s ruthless and manipulative, but at least he’s competent and responsible.
Luna, on the other hand, is clueless. She has no vision for the future, and she’ll become an utterly useless Demon King.
But for me, she’s convenient. Why? Because she’s dumb.
Being dumb makes her easier to control. With some sweet talk, I might even convince her to let me step down as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Right now, my goals are simple: quit being a Heavenly King and get out of this cursed armor. If I can do that, I won’t have to deal with things like the Hero or other monstrous threats anymore.
Once my safety’s assured, I’ll keep pushing Yulia to research ways to remove the armor. In the meantime, I don’t need food or drink—I can just zone out and exist.
…Come to think of it, I’m no longer surprised that Flau reads my thoughts effortlessly. I can kind of guess what she’s thinking, too.
“What is it?”
See? Luna, oblivious as ever, tilts her head adorably. Fine, I’ll support her!
Though I don’t want to openly join her faction and start brawling with Dennis’ crew—that sounds like a pain, and scary.
Instead, I’ll back her from the shadows. If I explain it, she’ll probably agree. She’s dumb, after all.
Phew… I feel like I zoned out for a bit, but it’s fine. Luna’s carefree anyway.
Alright, Luna! I’ll be on your side!
Just as I was about to say that…
“…Perhaps lies won’t work after all.”
A chilling voice froze me in place. …Huh?
Who just spoke? That voice felt like absolute zero.
Was there anyone here capable of sounding like that? Not me—it wasn’t my voice.
And unless someone cleared the area, the only ones here besides me were Flau and Luna…
It couldn’t be Flau . She wouldn’t use a voice like that—not now.
Which leaves…
“As expected of the strongest Dark Knight among the Four Heavenly Kings?”
Gone was Luna’s carefree expression, replaced by a cold, emotionless gaze directed straight at me.
…Who are you?