The Villainess Has Proposed a Contract Marriage

94 – Unforgettable Memories

In a room within the Luminel estate, where the light was rising. There, the path created by Hart’s miracle unfolded.

The heart of humanity’s arch-nemesis was right before them. Hart had easily paved the way to the inner sanctum of the demon king’s castle, which he had destroyed himself.

This miracle was not for personal gain, nor did it betray justice. It was to help the innocent Glen, who was a victim, escape the constraints. Hart had narrowly avoided the line he should have kept as the owner of the divine name.

“Glen, just take one step forward, and you’ll be in your hometown.”

“Chief…”

Glen gazed beyond the space that had opened up. He had thought his parents were gone forever, but it was hard to believe he could meet them so easily.

“Are you scared?”

Elpecia asked, as if throwing a question. Glen’s lips then froze, as if deep in thought.

Glen was reflecting on his current emotions, but Hart realized that Glen was not fully prepared.

It was only natural to be scared.

He had decided to meet them, but the other party was the demon king and Letisha. They were the ones who had been taught to throw stones at humans. They were not people who could be met with a lukewarm heart.

Glen then quietly nodded.

“… Do they want to see me too?”

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“Do you have doubts?”

“…”

Glen responded to Elpecia’s question with silence. In reality, it was a silent affirmation.

Elpecia then turned her gaze to Hart.

“Hart, hold Glen’s hand.”

“Should I do it directly?”

“… I’m not qualified. At least, not in front of them.”

Elpecia’s face clouded over.

Glen had received harsh treatment from her since he was a child. It was not possible for her to hold the child’s hand in front of his real parents.

Hart didn’t force the issue. He simply held Glen’s hand as Elpecia had wished.

Next, Elpisia provided an answer to Glen’s question.

“They said they wanted to see you too.”

“Uh, yes…”

“They’ll want to meet you. They want to see you in perfect health… They’ll definitely want to see you.”

With a single-minded determination to bring Glen along, the leader of a species regularly checked on human souls. The Demon King, who had missed the opportunity to return before, unleashed his anger on Elpisia, who had captured him.

Despite knowing it was futile, he charged forward against the last bastion of humanity.

Elpisia watched his actions and felt that the Demon King was not showing courage as a king, but rather struggling with nothing to lose.

If Glen had been nothing, he would have been more cautious with his words.

Glen, unaware of the whole truth, carefully asked for an answer.

“Why do you think that…?”

“Because they’re parents. They’ll risk their lives for anything you’re involved in… They’re that kind of people.”

“… Like the Director?”

Glen recalled the past when he had bravely defeated the Bloody Dragon for Tina. From then on, he had secretly admired Tina.

Harte pretended to think for a moment, then smiled slyly.

“This is a secret, okay?”

“Yes, Director.”

Harte whispered into Glen’s ear, who was tense with anticipation.

“They, or I, would be the same. Definitely.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve lived a life full of mistakes and sin. In fact, when I think about it now, I think all parents must be like that. No matter how hard I try, I make mistakes and do wrong… I can’t show a weak face in front of my child, so I desperately hide it.”

“Did you and Elpisia do that too?”

“Of course, we’re so ashamed we can’t even lift our heads.”

“I don’t believe it…”

Glen thought the couple in front of him was perfect. If there was a family that existed like a painting, it would feel like this, he was certain.

However, Harte and Elpisia, the ones involved, knew that this expectation was an excessive illusion. If they had lived a life without a single mistake, there would be no reason to turn back time.

Harte, who knew this better than anyone, smiled wryly.

“Let’s go, Glen.”

“… What if I make a mistake?”

Glen was making excuses, afraid to take a step.

“It’s okay to make mistakes. You’ll know when you see Tina.”

“I’m not as cute as Tina, though…”

“Snap out of it, Glen. You’re a child who can be compared to Yurian in terms of looks. The Duke will also be pleased with your manners.”

“That’s…”

“Most importantly, you’re kind. The Echo from the fragmented era confirmed it with their own eyes. You’re the best kid, Glen.”

Glen’s only flaw was his low self-esteem. It was understandable, surrounded by Tina, who was faultless, and Yurian, who was full of himself. After all, they were children with strong presences…

It was as if being trapped in a prison of praise would drive him crazy.

“Now it’s time to show off the best son in the world, Glen.”

“Uh, well… yes…”

And so, Harte obtained permission from Glen, who was in a state of mental exhaustion.

The boy still took a step forward, gathering his courage.

It was only a single step of courage, but it was enough to take him to a world beyond the horizon.

A hometown he thought he could never return to.

◇

The towering watchtower of the Demon King’s Castle.

From a high altitude where the entire capital city of the demon tribe could be seen, Harute spoke calmly.

“I should’ve brought Eko along.”

Those were the first words Harute uttered after arriving at the Demon King’s Castle. Glen reacted sensitively to the unexpected mention of the name.

“Why Eko, Director…?”

“I thought it would be a good idea to bring her along since we’re visiting suddenly and the homeowner might be upset. It’s a good opportunity to introduce her, don’t you think?”

“What are you talking about…!!! We’re not at that stage yet!”

“Hmm, the word ‘yet’ is quite interesting. I’m the type who likes to plan ahead. And, as a man, I should have a certain sense of responsibility, don’t you think?”

“Director!”

“Well, I’ve been wanting to see her every night, so it’s only natural, right? They say a gentle cat will conquer the kitchen first, haha…”

“Ugh…”

For a moment, Glen empathized with Yulian’s feelings whenever Harute teased him. He didn’t know how rare it was to be treated this way, but Harute’s words were quite provocative.

At the same time, he realized that the tension had dissipated.

Until a loud noise echoed from somewhere.

Kuung!

“Someone’s coming.”

Harute grasped Glen’s hand a bit tightly and slightly pushed Elphasia back.

By the laws of the material world, the Demon King was the strongest being. Even if he was just chatting in the watchtower, the Demon King’s keen senses would have detected the noise of an intruder.

Soon, the Demon King’s successor, who looked like a young boy with a hint of innocence, jumped over the wall and arrived at the watchtower.

He had the appearance of a boy who was still growing up, but according to the demon tribe’s standards, he was already in the midst of his growth period.

Despite his immaturity, his talent was evident from the fact that he had been chosen as the Demon King.

“As expected, there should be one more guest left.”

Harute’s prediction was correct.

A crimson light filled the surroundings, taking the shape of a bell. Then, as if keeping a promise, the High Priest appeared, cutting through space and revealing his powerful presence on the watchtower.

“You… what’s your intention for coming here? And using divine power, no less…”

The High Priest questioned him without any pretenses.

“I have no intention of fighting. Today, I’m visiting as the director of the orphanage, not as a messenger of God.”

Harute answered without backing down.

“Nonsense…!”

“… Please wait, High Priest.”

The Demon King intervened, then observed the unfamiliar boy who was hiding behind Harute, almost as if he was copying him.

“… What’s your name?”

“Glen Baskerville… sir.”

The concise exchange was enough to silence the entire room. Even the High Priest, who was filled with hostility, looked at Glen with a momentarily vacant gaze.

In the midst of the suffocating silence, the Demon King released his clenched lips.

“I’ll guide you to the reception hall.”

◇

The one who opened the passage connecting the throne room to the reception room was the high priest. It would be troublesome if rumors spread that the demon king had seen a human in the demon castle. The reason for granting an unintended miracle was out of consideration for the demon king.

As the reception room, which had been desolate, was filled with the warmth of life, the demon king broke the tense atmosphere and spoke.

“What’s the purpose of bringing the child here?”

“It’s only natural to find the child’s parents if they’re discovered.”

That was the truth.

Although Yurian’s achievements were touted, the real goal was to find Glen’s lost happiness.

However, the demon king didn’t erase his suspicions and instead heightened his vigilance.

“Speak your mind.”

“… Nothing.”

“You didn’t come here to waste time, did you? Tell me what you’re planning to do with that child as a hostage.”

The initiative was on their side, and that was a frank admission.

In reality, the demon king was anxious.

A child, who could be called the ultimate goal of his life, was now in the hands of the one known as the last ruler of humanity.

In reality, the demon king’s possible responses were limited. He tried not to reveal his true feelings, but that was all. If he wasn’t careful, the child and the demon tribe’s commander would be swept away in a massive catastrophe.

Meanwhile, Harlte and Elpisia were quite taken aback. They had expected hostility, but it was more intense than expected.

“I understand why you’re on guard… but we really just want to help Glen find his parents.”

“Despicable. You think I’d believe you’re doing this out of pure motives?”

Pfft.

The demon king’s teeth gritted, and his eyes narrowed as if gazing at a distant, faded landscape.

The demon king recalled his past memories, like dusting off an old frame.

“I know you from before the world’s time was distorted.”