Heat, a deeply penetrating sensation and the rising warmth.

    …That’s what people would usually say, but unfortunately, I was not one to fit that norm.

    It must be because of my divine flesh, endlessly dull to both heat and cold.

    Even other children, like Beatrice, seemed unaffected as if it were nothing.

    “I knew this would happen so I bought some madogu in advance.”

    Indeed, even the desert climate couldn’t stop them.

    …But shouldn’t Shimagu, who doesn’t fit in at all, take off some clothes now, Adela?

    Shimagu with real blonde hair… well, how should I put it? Um… Well, if you like it, you can wear it.

    Um… Yeah, yeah. Surely, wearing something won’t cause any trouble…

    “Too bad. I thought I’d have some fun incidents since Shimagu is heavily monitored here, but it seems the kingdom’s princess has sensed your father’s aura.”

    If it’s a princess… it must be referring to one of the key figures, the prophet, right?

    Hmm… Maybe the prophet, like Abel, seems smart but is actually just a pure eccentric.

    Yes, people tend to call such individuals like Abel dim-witted or foolish.

    I think the same way.

    It shows this child’s immaturity, indicating that I am still needed.

    “So, how about taking off that outfit now?”

    “…Of course, but if people start giving sharp looks, soon enough something your father would like will happen…”

    “…It’s fine, please take it off.”

    Ah.

    The journey is beginning, surely it should be enjoyable and happy, but how will we spend the time next, all together, happily?

    My head already started throbbing.

    However, since I’m the spiritual leader of these children, I cannot openly show such things.

    Yes, at least I must show a form that matches their expectations of me.

    “Today… we came on market day. In the afternoon, we’ll stroll around and visit the night market at night.”

    Hmm.

    By the way, people’s gazes are still focused here.

    It’s quite fascinating to see these exotic-looking individuals gathered and moving like this.

    Certainly, even if it were me in the same situation, it would be intriguing.

    As they move together, the gazes are fixed on one person in the middle, while others hold weapons and guard the surroundings…

    Am I an emperor? No, even emperors aren’t surrounded like this.

    “Caesar, the look in that person’s eyes over there seems suspicious. They could be an assassin.”

    “Quickly kill them.”

    With those words, a swift movement pierced through the head of an innocent civilian.

    …Oh, heads.

    “Evil! Don’t worry! I’ve told all the dragons living here that if they come near you, Evil Lord, I’ll tear their heads off!”

    “…Maria, you’re the Dragon Lord. Is it okay to say that even to the dragons?”

    “Hmm… But don’t the ancient dragons have to obey my words?”

    In a society of survival of the fittest, ruling through fear seems familiar and natural for dragon society.

    Oh dear.

    My head really hurts.

    “Guests… If you act like this in front of the store…”

    “…Who do you think you are to approach the Evil Lord…”

    “Ha, hahaha! No, sir. These friends are a bit impulsive… We’re truly sorry!”

    Yes, yes, kids.

    Don’t you feel anything watching this?

    “Hmm… It seems your father intends to kill them before they even get close.”

    “Indeed, if it’s the teacher, he will definitely crush those around him…”

    “Kids, we’ve come on a trip, so don’t act so tired and let’s all enjoy it. Is there anywhere you want to go? Let’s relax and have fun today. Is there anywhere you want to go?

    Everyone seemed relaxed after my words, but quiet.

    Were these kids here for a trip, or did they just want to take a walk with me to a faraway place?

    “Yeah, that’s right. Since we’ve come this far, let’s buy some clothes suitable for this place.”

    I bought desert-specific attire.

    The loose, white robe made of cotton felt quite exotic and refreshing.

    “Master, may I touch it once?”

    Mari asked with a twinkle in her eye, but I took a step back and politely declined.

    Yes.

    Let’s set the mood.

    “Well, since we’ve come this far, meeting a friend wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

    “…A friend, you say?”

    “Once, when I came to the desert, I met someone as an assassin. After a few drinks, we found that we got along quite well.”

    Unbelievable.

    Caesar, you are impressive.

    In a place where friends are scarce, at least you…

    “Of course, wearing Shimagu and destroying numerous important buildings makes it difficult to meet at this hour, but meeting at night should suffice.”

    …Come to think of it, why was Shimagu prohibited in this kingdom?

    Perhaps because there were assassination organizations and anti-government groups that wore Shimagu…?

    “Being a leader…”

    “…I see. You’ve made good friends.”

    “It’s too much praise.”

    My head started to ache.

    Well, I guess I learned something new, even if it’s something I shouldn’t know.

    “Evil one, isn’t that side too dark? Surely there are new drugs… no, those cheap ones are just body enhancers.”

    “Father… may I, just once, visit here?”

    “Veronica, feel free to buy whatever you want.”

    Is this a weapons shop?

    Well, I guess I prefer a place like this.

    At least it’s a place where the interests of those present align.

    “Hmm… this black weapon seems suitable for cutting. However, it’s too flashy… get a few for the priests.”

    “Master, would you accept my dagger?”

    “…A spear… I don’t know what to do with this trashy spear.”

    What a mess.

    Phew… I felt sorry for the shop owner.

    “I’ll buy all the weapons in this shop. Sorry, owner.”

    I had no intention of using my usual tone.

    Controlling these kids was indeed arrogant.

    But since we’re all traveling together, everyone seems to be in a good mood.

    More talkative and lively atmosphere.

    Well, maybe now it’s truly the family-like atmosphere I’ve longed for.

    “Haha! Feel free to look around!”

    Seeing the money I gave was more than expected, the owner laughed brightly as if he had won the world.

    “Master, the pricing here is incorrect. These shoddy weapons can’t possibly be worth this much.”

    Beatrice stopped me and finished the accurate calculation.

    She even figured out the overcharging and threatened the owner.

    “As long as these people are here, no matter what you do, wherever your blood goes, we will find and kill you. Will you take the money?”

    With a wide smile, she scared the owner into backing off and briefly left the shop.

    Well, it’s not that bad, I suppose.

    Ultimately, I almost fell for a scam, but Beatrice stopped me.

    “Of course, we should still pay for disrupting their business.”

    She said so while putting the money down.

    And then Teresia put all the weapons in the pocket dimension she created.

    “…In the end, it became just like the money I gave.”

    “In the end, because the criticism was harsh and interfered with business, it’s the same. And I have no intention of intensifying the reward bestowed upon him by the demon lord.”

    So, did she just want to scare them?

    Hm… what a perverse hobby.

    While others play with weapons, Beatrice played with people.

    …Indeed, it is certain that there is something wrong with the demon religion.

    Drawing people’s attention like that, let’s enjoy the leisure of the afternoon, and night fell.

    As the lights came on one by one, they soon created a night market.

    Food stalls were selling, and many tourists walked the streets.

    “…This atmosphere is not bad.”

    “If Father liked it, let’s come out more often and more frequently.”

    Then it’s good for me.

    Since there’s nothing to do anyway, I might as well take a walk every day.

    “There are many delicious-looking things here.”

    “Indulging in unhealthy foods occasionally is also a way to enjoy.”

    Saying this, the children went to eat what they wanted.

    Finally, I can relax normally and enjoy myself…

    “Demon Lord, please try this. I brought it because it looked good to you?”

    …Eel tail?

    What’s this doing here?

    They say the desert is where most interactions happen, but can such fresh things be found here too?

    Amazing.

    Well, with magical engineering and the power of magic, what can’t be done?

    I didn’t expect it to be so fresh.

    “Hmm… thank you.”

    Could Mari have known what to give?

    She probably just wanted me to try it once. Yeah, that’s right.

    “Tastes good.”

    “Oh my, I’m glad. I’m truly grateful that the Demon Lord enjoyed the food I prepared.”

    Saying that with a smile, as we walked forward, next was Cecilia.

    “P-Please try this…”

    “Thank you.”

    Just like when she gave me the elixir before, she’s a kind child who shares well with others.

    “Father! Try this once…!”

    …Surely, you don’t have to suffer as much as you guys, right?

    Only an unknown question echoed emptily in the night market.

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