The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 183

“….Hmm…”

“What do you think we should do?”

I received a request for consultation regarding a matter of great importance that affects the future of the nation, and what I found was none other than Eliza, who was sharing a truly awkward story.

Feeling a deep confusion from being asked such an unexpected question, I couldn’t figure out how to respond.

‘No, from the very beginning, the whole polygamy thing has been a dead end, but this involves a woman, of all things. What am I supposed to say about that?’

Even though I was listening, my head was spinning with the conversation.

In such an impossible situation, I had no choice but to remain silent for the time being.

Then, it was Beelzebub and the Demon King, who was quietly sitting and listening, that broke the silence.

“Certainly, this is a difficult issue…”

“I agree, Your Majesty. According to the national law, every man and woman can only have one partner, so there’s bound to be a problem from the start. But we can’t just ignore it since the other party is, well, the other party.”

“Unlike us, in other races, polygamy is accepted. I understand the cultural differences, but it would be problematic if this leads to moral degradation in the nation. Once in the Demon Kingdom, it seems only right to adhere to the laws of the Demon Kingdom.”

The Demon King spoke in a calm yet resolute manner.

Though just a moment ago she was trying to act cute in my arms, now a sense of firmness befitting that of a ruler was present.

‘Surprisingly, she has a strict side when it comes to principles, huh, my dear wife…’

She is generally kind-hearted and broad-minded, but she has a surprisingly rigid belief about keeping order.

While that aspect might be attractive in its own way, in this situation, her stern demeanor could be taken rather awkwardly.

“However, Your Majesty, we shouldn’t view this matter simplistically. As Eliza pointed out, this has the potential to escalate into a diplomatic issue, so we need to be cautious.”

Beelzebub looked at this from a practical perspective beyond mere regulations.

Naturally, she would want to do everything possible to prevent the situation from deteriorating again after it had barely settled down.

And I felt the same, but… I understood that if I spoke carelessly, I might land myself in a troublesome position, so I had no choice but to keep quiet for now.

If I were to insist that I should accept the women who express feelings for Eliza, it would inevitably lead to the Demon King’s remark, “Aren’t you secretly wanting a harem?”

Even if that wasn’t my true intention, I didn’t want to invite misunderstandings, so I could only sip my tea and watch the reactions of others.

Of course, considering that I was seated here, it was very likely that I wouldn’t be able to dodge a response entirely.

And, unfortunately, my expectations turned out to be spot on.

“It certainly is a tricky issue, but in such times, I believe we must emphasize the basic laws. No matter how important national interests are, if this kind of situation continues to arise in the future, responding in the same way would only lead to a breakdown of the legal order.”

“Hmm…”

The Demon King’s attitude suggested she didn’t want to compromise on the fundamental issues.

Upon noticing this, Beelzebub started to react slightly strained…

Then, she turned to look at me and asked in a calm voice, “So, Hero, what do you think? Do you believe it would be better for Eliza to decisively reject others? Or…?”

“Hmm…”

It seemed that Beelzebub wanted me to persuade the Demon King for the sake of national interests.

As I contemplated this, I felt truly perplexed and began to cautiously take note of the Demon King’s expression.

She looked as if she would not let me off the hook if I said something odd.

Feeling a tightening in my stomach, I finally began to voice what I had been thinking as delicately as possible.

“Well… Certainly, we cannot ignore the laws, but that said, being overly fixated on them to the detriment of national interests doesn’t seem like a great idea either. And above all… I believe the most important thing here is Eliza’s own wishes, right?”

“Eh?”

Eliza exhibited a slightly surprised expression at my words.

In response, I glanced again at the Demon King, relieved that she wasn’t reacting too sensitively, and continued calmly.

“In the end, regardless of how things go, everything will flow according to what Eliza wants. If she truly doesn’t want to engage with anyone besides Nyadan, then it will proceed that way. Conversely, if she wishes to leave a little room for others, she should think about how to do so without violating the rules.”

With that said, I looked at Eliza, wanting to convey my concluding thoughts.

“When it comes to matters of love, as far as I’m concerned, I believe it’s best to follow one’s true heart as much as possible. Of course, within the confines of established regulations, that is.”

“Hmm…”

“…”

The Demon King, who appeared to ponder over my words while maintaining her silence, and Eliza, who looked bewildered as if pointed out a surprising fact, were both lost in thought for a moment.

Then, Eliza began to speak up with a cautious voice.

“…I…”

*

The Hero’s question of how Eliza felt and what she wanted to do sparked a brief shift in her gaze that had been focused on laws and obligations.

Honestly, Eliza had no significant complaints about her current life.

Her wife (?), Nyadan, shared an abundant affection as both partner and friend, and their adorable daughter was growing up well.

However,

Separate from these facts, there was indeed a lingering conflict within Eliza regarding her present circumstances.

It was the pain associated with not achieving love.

Knowing all too well how substantial the hurt was when one yearned for someone sincerely yet couldn’t fulfill that desire, Eliza couldn’t simply ignore those who were vying for her affection.

Above all, in this world where polygamy was commonplace outside the Demon Kingdom, for them, giving up on Eliza might be even more challenging than the Hero giving up his hopes.

‘Unlike me… they have possibilities. Rejecting them outright isn’t necessarily the right answer.’

Moreover, although unintentional, Eliza had indeed instilled feelings of love in them. Unlike Eliza, who had vacillated and ultimately failed to sort out her feelings, they were currently expressing their feelings without hesitation, pinning hopes on what possibilities lay ahead.

This was something often found among the nations on the continent.

Regarding the position called ‘concubine.’

And, having synthesized all these facts, Eliza reached a conclusion about what she wanted to do and shared it with the three individuals in front of her.

“I want to… If possible, I would like to accept them. Not for the sake of national interest, but for their sake.”

“…Is that so.”

The Demon King began to show a somewhat cautious response to Eliza’s words.

Then, she gazed at Eliza with calm eyes and asked.

“But… if that happens, what will Nyadan think? After all, she’s your partner. Have you considered the potential hurt she might feel?”

“…Yes, for that reason, if I truly decide to do such a thing, I will not proceed without Nyadan’s permission. Right now, the most precious people to me are indeed both her and our daughter.”

“…Sigh.”

The Demon King sighed heavily at Eliza’s words.

Then she looked steadily at her retainer before speaking in a calm voice.

“Understood. Regardless of the conclusion reached, I will follow your wishes. I will consider the methods here on my end.”

“Yes?”

“…Your… Majesty?”

The Demon King surprising everyone with her reaction.

Eliza, of course, as well as Beelzebub and the Hero, were all taken aback, but regardless of their reactions, the Demon King continued speaking.

“Honestly, all of this can be considered your personal matter. While it tangentially involves national interests, I want to grant you this degree of choice, especially after having served the nation all this time.”

“Th-Thank you, Your Majesty.”

In the end, the Demon King granted her permission to proceed as Eliza wished.

Eliza bowed her head in gratitude, and at that sight, the Demon King quietly thought to herself.

‘With this… I can consider the debt I owe you to have been repaid… a debt that had once made you lose your feelings for the Hero.’