Published: March 21, 2026
We descended from the airship back onto the Demon Clan territory and followed the route Akira had checked during the night. By the second day we had progressed far enough that we could reach the town closest to the Demon King's Castle by tonight. So far, everything was going according to plan.
I shook the cloak we’d been using as a blanket to knock the fine sand off it and put it on. In my old life in that other world I had always slept on soft indoor beds, but now I’d grown used to sleeping on hard ground. I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the thought that this camping life might already feel more like normal than the old one.
“All right, everyone, ready to move out?”
I stood up and looked around after finishing organizing the shared supplies I was in charge of.
Last night, on Akira’s suggestion, we used magic to hollow out two large rocks—each about three meters—and made a makeshift base so we could camp without putting up a tent. On the Volcano Continent, there are no tall trees like at our previous campsites, so any artificial structure would stand out even if it matched the landscape. Just scraping out a cavity in a rock provided enough concealment in this lightless land. We didn’t need camouflage magic; as long as we paid attention to the surroundings, this kind of camp was easier than any night we’d spent in the Forest of Death or during our early journey from the Kingdom of Reytis to Yamato Country. Maybe it’s just experience. Akira’s quick thinking and resourcefulness is one of those things I’ve found I can’t beat since coming to this world. Well, I haven’t given up — I’m determined to catch up.
We stepped out of the rock, keeping an eye on the surroundings, and found Lady Lattice Nail—the Demon King’s daughter and the only woman in our group—already waiting outside, having used the other rock alone.
We’d been wary of her when we first met during Mari’s handsome-and-beautiful contest, but over time we’d come to understand her cheerful, outgoing personality and reconciled. I still don’t know why she’s traveling with us. I can tell there’s some trouble with her father, but even if she explained it in detail, I can’t really relate—my parents and siblings gave me a normal upbringing—so I’m fine not knowing the specifics. Akira seems to understand, so it’s probably okay.
Speaking of Akira, at first it felt like we were following him around by force, but recently he’s started double-checking decisions he used to make only with himself or Ms. Amelia. Seeing him consult us like that, as if he respects and accepts us as comrades, has made me smile more than once. He even called me by name in front of everyone—maybe the day Akira acknowledges me is coming.
“Hey, don’t wander off too far, Akira.”
Just as we were approaching the point where we’d reach the nearest town, Asahina, who had been walking behind me, suddenly turned and said that. When I looked back, Akira—who’d been at the rear—had stopped and was staring further back. There was no one behind him and only rock in sight; what on earth could he be looking at?
“Something wrong?”
“No, sorry. It’s nothing.”
I tilted my head at Akira’s odd behavior.
Since the three at the back had stopped, Lady Lattice Nail at the front noticed and called everyone to a halt.
“Akira, want to take a break?”
Lady Lattice Nail, who had started calling Akira by name without us noticing, raised her voice slightly and asked the rear.
Every time she called Akira’s name I was reminded of commander saran—maybe because I’d learned they were related.
“…No, I’m fine.”
“Hm—still, let’s rest for a bit! I want to give you a few warnings before we enter the castle town!”
Akira gave a face that clearly asked why she’d bothered to ask at all, but Asahina and I, used to this, took out our canteens and sat on a nearby rock. We didn’t know when we’d get another chance to rest, so even if we weren’t tired, it was important to relax.