Chapter 10: The Demon King of Philanthropy

“Even if the theme is free, it’s troubling if we don’t have models.”

While Groomrok was setting up a workspace for the two girls, Yaltalion took care of finding models for their paintings.

To be exact—he summoned them.

“Come forth, little ones! A rare spectacle awaits you!”

Gyaruk gyaruk!

Bubble bubble!

Fire lizards, tropical fish, land turtles, sparrows…

Manifestations of elemental spirits in the form of living creatures.

They were minor spirits under contract with Yaltalion.

“You’ll need something to compare against, to make judging fair. I’ll assign four spirits to each of you, so don’t worry,” Yaltalion said.

“Okay,” the girls replied.

“The evaluation will be held in a week. Until then, keep the summons stable.”

Maintaining summoned spirits for an entire week—

Just for a children’s painting contest.

It was a subtle but undeniable display of the Archmage’s might.

“Both of you must finish your paintings by then. Understood?”

“Yes!”

Emil, already familiar with spirits, simply nodded.

She saw them all the time; it wasn’t anything surprising for her.

But Chloe was a different story.

After all, it was her first time seeing spirits.

“C-cute… Ahem, I mean—do you dabble in Spirit Magic as well?”

Chloe hurriedly masked her flustered words with a cough.

Was this what it meant to truly master all arts, as the legends said?

“I didn’t contract them with spirit affinity. Gramps charmed them with his painting skills,” a voice answered bluntly—a girl’s voice.

It was Emil.

“Eh? You can contract spirits… with paintings?”

“Magic and Spirit Arts are part of a painter’s basic education. Don’t you know that?”

“I-I didn’t know…”

Well, not completely.

Something similar had been mentioned in the original setting of the world.

A heroine and a great artist.

A future Archmage.

This background had been crafted to explain the strength of Noemilica.

‘Ah, right. Emil did summon spirits in the original story too.’

She had simply forgotten because it left a weak impression back then.

Original Emil had only summoned spirits to light campfires.

As expected, Emil’s talent as an Archmage shone even at this young age.

From her small hand, a minor spirit of water had been gracefully summoned.

“If you don’t know, I’ll teach you,” Emil said.

With the water spirit perched elegantly on her shoulder, Emil turned her back to Chloe.

“After I win.”

There was a fierce determination in her small frame,

An overwhelming pressure befitting a future Archmage.

Maybe it was that sheer force that made Chloe blurt out:

“You summoned that fish just to look cool, didn’t you?”

“…No.”

“You didn’t even need it. You just wanted to show off.”

“I said no.”

“You turned around on your heel just now and thought, ‘I totally crushed it. I’m kinda awesome,’ right?”

“I’m leaving.”

“Safe travels!” Chloe teased.

“I’m going to paint!”

Rather than swinging her precious brush in anger, Emil elegantly chose to kick her rival square in the shin.

“Ow!”

Chloe tumbled to the ground, squeezing out a few tears.

She had brought this upon herself, poking fun even after knowing Emil’s temper from the original story.

Meanwhile, Yaltalion simply smiled, pleased by the scene.

“I’ve never seen that girl open up her heart like this. Bringing Chloe was the right choice.”

“Open up her heart… Yes, it seems so,” Groomrok replied, his expression careful.

Groomrok was wise enough to know when to speak—and when to stay silent.

That was probably why he had managed to persuade Yaltalion in the first place.

“I understand your situation now. Looking at it… maybe we’ve spoiled Emil too much.”

Starting her apprenticeship early to instill a sense of responsibility—

That was the family’s hope.

And who better to recognize her talents than her own parents?

Groomrok nodded furiously, thinking to himself:

‘Better not mention that she’s due for a month-long stay at the monastery soon.’

He couldn’t even begin to imagine Yaltalion’s reaction if he knew.

No need to complicate things further.

‘Our Chloe can handle herself anyway.’

Deciding to enjoy this unexpected event to the fullest—if only to spite Oliver a little—Groomrok gave Chloe a hearty thumbs-up.

“Good luck, Chloe! Uncle’s cheering for you!”

“Thanks!” Chloe grinned.

Since when did he become ‘Uncle’?

She gave Groomrok, who was flexing his iron fists, a wry smile.

It was because the beautiful, enchanting princess had formed a contract with the Water Spirit King.

The Water Spirit King!

One of the four most noble Great Spirits — an overwhelmingly powerful ally beyond compare.

Just having such a being on your side would instantly elevate a nation’s influence.

In terms of the 21st century, it would be comparable to owning a hydrogen bomb.

(Both are ridiculously strong water-based weapons, so it’s close enough.)

However—

When they actually formed the contract, it turned out to be something far beyond expectations.

“Spirit King! What on earth is this?”

“Ah, that’s called a [canal]. I made it.”

“Canal!”

“Using canals speeds up logistics, lowers prices, makes national defense easier, and even lets you absorb the assets of rebellious noble factions.”

“Uwooooh—! That [canal] thing is amazing!”

A project to carve canals across the inland territory.

“Spirit King! What on earth is this?”

“Ah, that’s called a [water purifier]. I made it.”

“Water purifier!”

“With water purifiers, we can reduce plagues, curb the church’s excessive influence, and even improve the taste of bread.”

“Uwooooh—! That [water purifier] thing is amazing!”

Nationwide improvement of water quality through spirits.

“Spirit King! What on earth is this?”

“Ah, that’s called [rain]. I made it.”

“Rain!”

“With rain, crop yields will rise, population will grow faster, and people’s loyalty will increase.”

“Uwooooh—! That [rain] thing is amazing!”

“…Are we going to keep up this silly comedy routine?”

“No, but seriously, it is amazing that you can make rain.”

Artificial rainfall and precise weather control to boost agriculture.

Of course, the emperor wasn’t an idiot.

He already knew about rain, canals, and water purifiers —

Even in the rural backwaters of Loontraval, people had some idea of these concepts.

But—

Executing and applying all of this within just a few weeks?

Across a nation spanning 50 million hectares?

Even a 21st-century advanced nation would scream, “Stop hacking reality, you cheater!”

“Kyaaaa—! Bartender, another glass of wine!”

“His Majesty is a true hero!”

“See that? Damn it, this is why we loyalists never lost faith!”

Naturally, the emperor’s prestige skyrocketed, skyrocketed, and skyrocketed again!

The nobles and the church — once like a skin disease clinging to the empire — were now weakened.

The people’s loyalty soared ever higher.

The endless upswing even melted the emperor’s brain with pure bliss.

No wonder people’s attitude toward the Second Princess changed dramatically.

“My daughter! Do whatever your heart desires!”

“I am most honored.”

Even her biological father, who had long forgotten her name, was now groveling with affection.

But the Second Princess herself wasn’t too thrilled.

“Are you really okay with this?”

“With what?”

“Come on, you know. I may have initiated these public works projects, but you’re the one who planned and designed them.”

Her golden irises, characteristic of the royal bloodline of Fleurden, gleamed.

At just eleven years old, she already radiated breathtaking beauty —

And intelligence that outshone even her looks.

The Second Princess shook her head.

“Intellect is a kind of power. If you don’t use it, it’s as good as not having it.
Besides—”

“Besides?”

“My top priority right now isn’t clearing my reputation. Am I wrong, Lady Elaine?”

Elaine nodded grimly.

The girl was absolutely right.

“How did it go? The ones who tried to make contact with him?”

“…They failed.”

It was then.

For the first time, the Second Princess’s face stiffened in tension.

“We still have no leads. On the ‘Demon King of Charity.’”

If Chloe had overheard their conversation, she would’ve blinked in confusion:

“Wait, there’s another Demon King besides the Seven Great Demon Kings?”

Of course, needless to say—

This so-called Demon King of Charity was just a nickname.

An alias for a certain devil.

The Great Demon Cynthia —

In other words, Chloe’s current codename.

‘Cynthia’ is obviously a fake name.

What kind of lunatic demon would go around openly using their true name?

It was a perfectly reasonable suspicion.

And, ironically enough, it was correct.

Because it was a fake name.

Elaine recalled the latest intel.

“Didn’t the Painter’s Guild Master himself try to approach?”

“He did. But the Demon King of Charity slipped away before the Guild Master even got close.”

This referred to the time Chloe flat-out blew off the invitation to the art concours.

“Did he catch on to us?”

But neither Elaine nor the Second Princess knew the truth.

No wonder they were on edge.

“No. If he had noticed, he would’ve already changed identities.”

“That’s a relief… but man, he’s sharp.”

“Seriously. How is he dodging us so perfectly?”

Even the composed Second Princess groaned in frustration.

“We took great pains to lure a third party in, to avoid exposing ourselves…”

Their alliance was based on one objective:

To investigate and subdue the unknown Great Demon, the Demon King of Charity.

That was the hidden bond between Elaine and the Second Princess.

And so—

Elaine couldn’t help but click her tongue in admiration.

While organizing the Empire’s governance and consolidating her authority in just a week, she even dispatched investigation teams while hiding her identity.

She was that astute a princess.

As her contractor, Elain could confidently say there was no better partner.

Which made it all the more terrifying.

Synthia’s cunning, which even exceeded the princess’s schemes.

And the ‘charity’ she would spread with that cunning.

‘Not an easy opponent, truly.’

Just as Elain’s worries were about to deepen, the second princess’s golden irises suddenly gleamed.

“Maybe… they’re not interested in human society.”

“What?”

“Doesn’t it seem like their only goal is to spread their paintings while hiding their identity? That’s how the ‘Charity’ behaves.”

“…They’re not aiming for social status?”

“Yes.”

It certainly seemed plausible.

But why?

Human society values personal authority.

That was the very reason Elain had contracted with the second princess.

‘Strange. When demons infiltrate human society, they usually possess nobles or form contracts with aristocratic houses.’

Why go to such lengths to hide their power?

For what reason?

Elain, lost in thought, flinched.

“…Could it be…”

“Elain?”

“They’re aiming to lure spirits or demons to react to their paintings? Only beings with spiritual sight would recognize the true nature of those artworks!”

“…Ah!”

Turing targets while hiding their identity—

It was exactly what the second princess had done herself.

Except the targets weren’t humans, but spiritual beings.

Which explained why the bait had been so easily spotted.

After all, the ‘Charity’ was doing the exact same thing.

Then, why seek out spirits and demons?

That question was even easier to answer.

The Demon King of Charity—

Their goal was probably…

“To forcibly contract with spirits and steal their power…!”

“I think so too.”

Spirits and spirit summoners.

Demons and demon worshippers.

Reversing the natural hierarchy and cooperation established through contracts.

Not merely borrowing power—but taking it by force.

Unfair dealings with the weak.

Overturning the roles of master and servant.

All very fitting moves for a high-ranking demon.

There was a brutal kind of nobility in how orthodox their methods were.

“So it was a trap. Leaking paintings into Yaltessance was a set-up.”

Grit.

Elain clenched her teeth in disgust.

“To lure in powerful spirits who would recognize them and dare to approach? How arrogant.”

“Good thing you didn’t attack rashly.”

“I know. Charging into a trap would’ve left me little chance of winning—and if I lost, it would’ve been all over.”

Their opponent was a Great Demon.

One estimated to be at least Demon King-level.

If such a being managed to steal Elain’s power, there would be no way to recover.

“Let’s summarize our deductions.”

Clap!

The princess clapped her hands lightly to shift the mood.

“One: The Demon King of Charity has the ability to forcibly contract with or steal power from spirits.

Two: Because of this, they are leaking clues about themselves.

Three: Eventually, once they have secured enough strength, they will move to accomplish their true objective.”

And four:

The ‘objective’ was almost certainly malicious.

Thus concluded the deduction— so convincing that even Turing-sensei (8 years old) might have nodded and said, “Oh? Is that so?”

Perhaps because of that, the princess let out a small groan.

“Will we be able to detect if a spirit gets captured?”

“It’s difficult. Even human emperors can’t keep track of all their citizens. It’s the same for us.”

Spirits were inherently free beings.

Their kings reigned, but did not rule—benevolent sovereigns who did not dominate.

Besides, the category of ‘spirit’ was too broad.

Roughly equivalent to ‘humans’ among humans.

‘By that logic, elves and goblins would be considered the same race too.’

Even spirit kings didn’t always know where the others were or what they were doing.

Aside from the Four Great Spirits, most didn’t have kings at all.

“This is enough information. At least, you’ll follow my orders, right, Elain?”

“Unless someone else forms a deeper contract with me, yes.”

In other words—

If a spirit under human contract were captured, the Great Demon Synthia would gain a spear with which to wreak havoc upon the world.

The two allies, sharing this grim understanding, locked eyes and nodded.

“We can’t sit around. We must act swiftly.”

“I’ll send renewed orders to all subordinate spirits to find the other Spirit Kings. What about you?”

“I’ll apply… a little more pressure.”

“Pressure?”

The princess smiled mischievously.

“I’m a bad kid, you know. I’m not above exploiting innocent citizens if I have to.”

Her smiling face showed not the slightest crack.

But Elain saw it—

The princess’s hand, resting on the table, small and trembling from fear and guilt.

Even with all her wisdom and maturity— she was still just twelve years old.

This battle weighed heavily on the second princess too.

Maybe that’s why—

Elain smiled confidently, to at least ease her contractor’s fear.

“Don’t worry. We’re nothing like those vile demons.”

It wasn’t just a comforting lie.

Elain’s voice carried real conviction.

“Even if we’re captured and tortured, there isn’t a spirit anywhere who would bow to a mere demon.”

A pride as vast as the ocean.

A smile imbued with the dignity of a Spirit King.

***

After the match against Emil was officially set, and I finished the painting I planned to use—

I had to face an entirely unexpected situation.

GWAAAAAAHHH!!

BEEYAAAAAAAHHHHH!!

The spirits assigned to me by Yaltarion— the very ones meant to be my models for this battle—started shrieking and fleeing the moment they saw my painting.

“Uh, you don’t… like it?”

I glanced awkwardly at the caricatures Clicky had drawn.

Seeing the spirits’ extreme reactions, I was left feeling bewildered.

“It’s not that bad, right? I think it’s kinda cute…”

[I think so too! 😆]

Don’t just agree so casually.

You’re making me even more anxious here.

The spirits looked at me, as if they were staring at a complete lunatic for thinking it was cute.

Then, they ended up throwing themselves face-first into the ground and crying out:

We’ll serve you no matter what! Please just spare us!

We pledge loyalty to our new master!

The Water Spirit King resides in the north!

Huh.

Looks like I don’t have spirit affinity after all.

Considering how their cries all sounded like nonsense to me.