"What if someone else defeats the demon lord? Doesn't that mean that all the years worth of training that you put in is gonna be a waste, right?" I gave out a sly smile as I said that.
"And who would be the idiot that defeats the demon lord without my approval?" The hero replied.
I guess he has me there.
"And besides, it's my job to defeat the demon lord. That's what being a hero means."
"So you'll defeat the demon lord?"
"What about it?"
"Can you defeat all seven of its underlings too?" I asked.
"I'll do my best." He replied.
"Oh well." I said, as I sat down again.
"What?" He looked confused at my response.
"I'm just disappointed. You don't seem to be as cool as I thought you were."
"What are you talking about?"
"I thought you were a real hero. But you don't seem to be as cool as some of the other heroes I've heard of." I replied.
"What's your problem?" He asked.
"It's just that... You being the hero... It doesn't sit right with me." I replied.
"What are you gonna do about it then?" He asked, looking all smug.
"What, you ask? Well, I'm gonna steal your thunder." I replied.
"Is that a challenge?" He looked serious as he asked that question.
"Yup. I'm gonna defeat the demon lord before you do." I replied.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"What are you gonna do about it?"
"That's not happening."
"Oh really? I mean, you can do it now, right?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?"
"The demon lord is asleep, isn't he?" I asked.
"So what?"
"I can take him down. Why should you be the one to defeat him?" I replied.
"No way."
"I mean, I'll employ the entire army of ours and defeat the demon lord when he's at his weakest—which is right now... Without your help, that is." I spoke.
"Even with all those people, I promise you that you won't be able to put a scratch on the demon lord's body. You need the power of the hero to do that." He looked so smug. I hated that look of his. Made me look inferior.
"Oh really? You're sure about that?"
"I'm positive."
"Oh well. I guess it's time to show you what I'm capable of." I stood up, and started walking away.
The hero stood up, and started following me. "Where are you going?"
"Why do you even care?" I asked, as I left the room.
I promised to myself at that point. The next time I'm gonna see that guy, it will be him on his knees begging me for forgiveness.
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"What happened, your highness?" Martha, my maid since my early childhood, asked.
"Ask the army to get prepared, Martha. We're going to war!" I spoke.
"War? Against whom?" She asked.
"The demon lord, Martha! Who else?" I asked back.
"But the hero-"
"We don't need the hero, my faithful servant. We'll defeat the demon lord without him and show everyone that he is an unnecessary existence in this world. So, do what you've been asked and bring in the army general for me!" I commanded.
"Your highness, I-"
"Now, Martha!" I replied.
She bowed. "Yes, your highness!" And left the room.
I didn't know what I was thinking back then. But I did know that I had to show that hero that he's not needed. My kingdom needs me! And I will show everyone that he's a fraud by taking down the demon lord by myself.
#
"I heard you called for me, your highness." The army general bowed his head down before me.
"Yes. I want you to get the army ready and bombard the demon castle with magic attacks. Determine the best strategy that'll kill the demon lord all at once." I gave out the order.
"What about the hero we were expecting?" He asked.
"What about him? I want the army to attack. I'll take care of the hero later." I replied.
"..." He didn't respond.
"Is there a problem?"
"Well, your highness... Aren't you going to ask the hero for help?"
"No."
"But why-?"
"It's because I don't need the hero. He's not needed for this. I'll show him that he's not needed." I replied.
"But, your highness..."
"Is there a problem, general?"
"Yes. I don't agree with what you're doing."
"Do you realize what you're saying right now, general?" I asked. I was really furious at that point.
"Yes. I do, your highness."
"Then it's treason you're committing!"
"No, it's not. I'm just stating my opinion, your highness." He replied.
"I'm the crown princess of this country! You're supposed to listen to my orders!" I shouted at him.
"I understand that, your highness." He replied.
"Then why the hell are you saying this?!"
"I can't allow you to do this. You're going to get all of us killed." He replied.
"Get out, general." I spoke.
"With all due respect, I'm staying here." He replied.
"You're still trying to go against me?!" I was flabbergasted.
"I don't want you to die, your highness. I've been your loyal subject since I was a child, and I just want to serve this empire. But I don't think I'll be able to retire peacefully if you're gonna give me such orders. I mean, it would've been more rational if you had asked me to attack the neighboring country." He spoke.
"Huh, is that so?" I mumbled.
"Yes, your highness."
"Hmm. Prepare the army nevertheless. Let's invade the neighboring country. I did hear that they are going through a civil war. What better time to attack them but now?" I asked.
"But your highness-"
"Stop, general! And choose your words carefully. I mean, you are the one who suggested this to me." I shrugged.
"Yes, your highness." He replied.
"Good. Now bring me my horse." I spoke.
"Yes, your highness." He bowed, and left the room.
I didn't know what I was thinking at that time. I just knew that I'm gonna follow what my instincts tell me to do. And my instincts told me that I should seek my pleasure elsewhere... And the invading neighboring country is the best place for me to do that.
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