The next day, I woke up to the gentle touch on my back. "No one will push me to wake up..." he said sadly, but I wondered who it was. As my mind awoke, I began to understand the situation.
"Good morning. Dinner is ready, so come downstairs."
With just one word, he left the room without bothering to check with his own eyes that she had woken up. He must have touched her back to wake her up.
"...I thought he'd attack me, but he seems okay."
I was a little worried that I might be attacked, but nothing happened. I got changed and went down to the first floor. Today was also fried eggs, and while eating them on a plate, I saw the hero putting on his leather armor. He was preparing to go out somewhere.
"Nefia. Once you've eaten, get ready and I'm going to earn some money at the adventurer's guild."
"Adventurer's Guild?"
"It's a place that helps you find work."
The hero easily shouldered the sword hanging on the wall and carried it on his back. That sword was the one I couldn't hold yesterday. From the way the hero carried it on his back with ease, I could tell he was actually a great sword user.
"Some kind of mercenary?"
"The Jack of all trades is the closest."
"Hmm. So that's how you raise funds for your trip?"
"Oh, that's right. And Nefia."
"Hmm? What is it?"
The hero laughed and pointed to his head.
"It would be difficult if you were too fixated on too many things. It's a social study trip."
*
I also put on my sword and left the hero's house with my robe pulled down over my shoulders. The entrance to the house was in a back alley, and I walked through the shadows and darkness. Yes, I headed towards the voice.
The voices seemed to be those of people on the main street, and the moment I left the alley, the darkness suddenly changed. I was greeted by the lively voices of people calling out to customers from the stalls, the voices of people talking, and the sunlight. I got the impression that this was a street thriving with business.
"Oh, so human stores aren't that different from our demon stores?"
"Does Nefia know?"
The hero asked with a surprised look on his face. It seemed like he knew about my situation.
"Well, I just snuck out and played."
It's a lie to say that I played with him. I once escaped from my isolation and ran away, but I was caught and locked up.
"So, you have some common sense."
"of course"
"That's a relief. And that castle-like thing is the adventurer's guild."
The hero pointed to a corner of the main street. There was a large building at the tip of his finger. It looked like a royal palace, or a castle. I was surprised. It looked just as big as the castle I was told it would be.
"It's big because it's the capital of the empire and its headquarters. The capital itself is big, so there are lots of head offices here."
"I, I see."
Even though it's not a place where there is a king. It's big and exciting. It's a place I'm seeing for the first time.
Perhaps sensing my tension, the hero gently patted me on the back. The hero whispered gently in my ear. Yes, gently.
"Don't be so stiff. Forget about the enemy. You are now a Nefia, a human of the Empire. People will get suspicious."
"Um, yeah. I guess so."
I quietly followed behind the hero. Once inside the building, I was greeted by the large pillars supporting the building.
The ceiling was high, and there was a guide to the multi-purpose facility written on it. It was a lodging, a bar, and a training center. "Amazing," he exclaimed, looking at the facility that seemed to be a whole town attached to it. It seemed that the entire castle was owned by the guild.
"It's a pain, so I thought it would be better to just put everything in there a long time ago. Other adventurer's guilds also have bars attached to them. Also, I'll give you this. Don't lose it, it's important."
The hero hands me a metal plate. I take it and look at it, and see that the name Nefia is engraved on it. Other than the name, there are numerous magic circles overlapping in a complex pattern. I don't understand it, but I think it's an incredible thing.
"What is this?"
"An adventurer's guild ID. You can't entrust a request to someone you don't know, right? You need one to even enter the city."
"That's true," I thought. I wanted to ask someone I could trust. "Maybe the Adventurer's Guild is acting as an intermediary?" I asked, and he nodded.
"It's an important form of identification. Let's take it quickly and complete the registration. We'll engrave our information into the magic circle so that no one can disguise themselves."
"I'm a demon. Are you alright?"
"There are no demons among the adventurers. All we need is this board. However, it's hard to get hold of it, so take good care of it."
"What a pain? For such a thin piece?"
"That's right, it's like a privilege. With just this, others can understand me. It also makes traveling between cities easier. Especially in the Demon Country."
"Hmm."
You can register there.
The hero pointed to a female servant at the reception desk, and I went over to her and called out to her.
"Yes, what can I help you with today?"
"I want to complete the registration."
"Yes, then I'll take a look."
The woman at the counter took my guild card. "Please wait a moment," she said, before I heard the sound of magic chanting and felt magical energy surrounding my body. My body was being probed by magic.
"Yes. Your identity has been confirmed. I will return your ID to you."
I take the metal plate. The magic circle on the metal plate starts glowing, then slowly disappears.
"Please. A woman, please."
"N-No!!"
The servant looked puzzled. The hero put his hand on his shoulder and moved closer to his face.
"Nefia, let's go find a job."
"W-wait a second!! Let me correct that!!"
"Nefia, you have a female body, right? Your character seems small."
"It doesn't matter!! It doesn't matter!!"
"Ummm..."
The servant cautiously spoke to them. He must have sensed that there was a dispute.
"We don't accept any falsifications or changes. Lying is a no-no. Sorry."
He showed his defiance by smashing a metal plate into the hero's face.
*
The capital of the empire is protected by five walls, and outside the walls there are unprotected towns. However, outside the towns there is always danger from monsters. I was told that the people outside the walls are not citizens of the empire, but people who have drifted here. The hero points to the top of the fifth wall and explains.
After registering the guild card, the two of them were given the job of guarding the outer wall. They signed a contract for a week, a month, and were to watch over monsters and outside movements from the top of the outer wall. It was such a simple job.
This time it was a short-term one week. It was the lowest wage, but the hero could see the city while working. He chose it as a good opportunity.
"Nefia. Did you see it on the map?"
While listening to the hero's words, I compared the maps he bought me and learned about the Empire. It would be useful when I attack in a war someday.
"It's a big, robust capital city."
We have to go through five walls to get there. I realized that a short-term battle is impossible. The walls are increasing as the city grows.
"You monster, Imperial."
"So, you're strong in war. Are you satisfied?"
"Yes. It's wonderful to be able to see the enemy's information live. 'Seeing is believing.' But, well, that's only after we've regained our power... that's still a long way off."
Not yet. He is still a former demon king, and even if he returns, he thinks the demons will not have enough power to attack him. However... he feels that he will have to do it someday.
"Really? Was that seat really that good? Worth the effort of starting a war."
The hero spoke to me while looking straight at me. For some reason, it sounded like he could see right through my heart.
"How much do you know?"
"Everything about you."
"Huh? Everything? That's stupid! Someone like you... you don't know anything!"
The hero waved his hand to stop yelling. After checking his surroundings, he looked into his eyes and continued speaking.
"There's no one there... I'll say the same thing. I know everything."
"Don't say something nonsensical! We only just met yesterday!"
I raised my voice and yelled at the hero. There was no reason to yell. "There's no way he knew! That I was being held captive!" I thought.
"No. That's not fair, Nefarius. How many siblings did your father have?"
"What are you trying to say?! I don't know!"
"You know, right? They were all killed."
The hero sighed. He was at a loss for words. It wasn't what he had thought. The hero knew about assassination.
"I know that. It's just Nefia's turn."
"Yes, that's right. I became the Demon King without doing anything. So what!!"
"Isn't it hard? What do you think about the people around you? If you win the war, you'll be able to act more easily with your power, so that's why you're aiming for that, right?"
I remembered the gossip that had been going on at the Demon Castle. My hand gripped the sheath of my sword tighter.
"Hmph! So what?! A demon king shouldn't show weakness! Hero, if you say anything more I'll cut you down!"
"No!! I'll say it!! With all my might!!"
The moment I heard the hero's words, I drew my sword. And pointed it at the hero. For some reason, my breathing was rough. However, the hero was not afraid of the sword and smiled gently and reassuringly.
"It's okay to show weakness now. No one will think of you as a demon lord. And no one will think of you as a man. You're finally free now. Nefia is free. So you need to have more fun."
Kind words. My heart feels...warm.
"...You mean we have to have fun?"
"Yes, Nefia is free. I will guarantee her freedom. Now all you have to do is take the weight off your shoulders. 'I will protect you, absolutely. I will protect you, absolutely.'"
A brave man throws out strong words. Words with a strong core.
"...Hm."
I succumbed to the hero's will and put away my sword. My face was burning and I turned my back.
"What on earth do you want from me? Seriously? You're just telling me to have fun."
I don't know why the hero would say something like that.
"You want that, don't you? Be happy, Nefia. That's all I want. Seriously?"
"Okay. Okay. I get it. I get that you're a weirdo. You're going to have weirdo thoughts. Shut up and let's not talk about this!"
I decided to stay silent. There was no continuation of this story that day. I don't know what the hero wanted to say now.
*
After returning home. The hero goes to an unfamiliar room, chants a spell, and speaks to her.
"I'll heat up the bath. You'll take a bath, right?"
"There's a bath?! A hot spring?!"
I like baths, they feel good.
"No, I'll draw in the water and warm it up. So you know about hot springs...surprising."
I knew about it from books and had heard stories.
"More importantly, why didn't you tell me there was a bath!!"
"I didn't wash the bathtub."
"Show me! Wow, it's tiny."
Looking into the room, there was a bathtub heater made of iron in the middle of the small room. It was a really simple thing.
"It's rare for commoners to own a bathtub heater. Besides, it's considered high class if you can fit one person in it. Want to go to a public bath?"
"Why should I have to blend in with the masses?!"
"I have no choice but to go to the women's bath."
"That's stupid! No, I agree."
I'm a woman now. If I go to the men's side, I'll make a fuss. I might be able to peek, but I'm not interested in sex. And I'd be embarrassed to go in with the women, so I'll reject it.
"I'll boil some water and bake some bread, so just wait patiently."
"It can't be helped. It's small, but I'll bear it. If I don't keep it clean, I'll get sick."
I went back to my room and changed into comfortable loungewear. I wasn't used to it, but the skirt was easier to move around in than I thought it would be. If I didn't mind it, it was very comfortable.
"Ahh... I'm tired."
A few minutes passed while I was complaining. I heard the hero say, "The water is boiling," so I left the room. I went straight to the changing room. I passed by the hero cooking.
"Go first."
"I'll join you."
The hero followed me to the changing room. I turned around in surprise.
"Don't come!"
"You're talking about washing a guy's back?"
That's a good mindset though.
"Ugh... No!! Not even to peek or go in!! No!!"
For some reason, my heart doesn't like it. I feel embarrassed.
"I see!! I get it!! I guess it's okay to treat me like a woman after all."
Hearing this, the hero left the changing room with a big smile on his face. Feeling uneasy, I took off my clothes.
Then, looking at herself in the mirror again, her body looked like someone else's, and she let out a big sigh.
"When will I be able to return to being a man... Let's change our mood."
I struggled to get into the hot water, and was surprised to find that although it was small, it was shoulder-deep and not as cramped as I had thought, and that it was just the right size and comfortable. I had been preparing myself for a hero to come in, but no one was peeking or breaking in, and it was a really nice bath.
*
The next day, the hero was told to go play alone in the city. He was given pocket money and told that he would be the only one providing security.
It was a sudden proposal, but being interested in human life, I decided to accept it.
"Where should we go? More importantly, let's eat. That guy, he thought about what would happen and skipped breakfast."
I really think he is a thoughtful and kind man. I walk down a street lined with shops and find a place that looks good. It is a bar, but there is a sign saying it is open and the menu is written on a wooden board.
"Let's do it here."
As I opened the wooden door, the sound of a bell rang through the store, and a cute waitress called out to me and guided me to the counter. When I sat down, a glass of water was brought to me and I was asked what I would like. Of course, I ordered spaghetti. I removed my hood and looked around the store, and confirmed that there were quite a few other customers besides me. I could hear people chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was lively... a smile naturally appeared on my face, in an atmosphere so different from my life of confinement.
"Hmm, what is it?"
He felt as if he was in another world. It had been this noisy since he had escaped with the chief of the troll tribe. He thought that he would never be able to experience this again once he became the Demon King. But for some reason, he found himself in a place that felt familiar. Even though it was supposed to be foreign land.
"Customer"
"yeah?"
As I was lost in thought, someone called out to me. When I turned towards him, a middle-aged bartender began speaking to me from across the counter.
"Hey, would you like to work here? I see you're a member of the adventurer's guild, so I'll ask you directly."
He is taken aback by the sudden news. "How did he know I was an adventurer?" he wonders. He doesn't understand why he's being invited. He thinks about a lot of things, but can't get it together. He tilts his head.
"Yeah, I'll pay you a decent salary. How about trying it out for a month?"
"Sorry, there's security."
"I'll pay double. It's cheaper if there's no security. How long will the security last?"
"Only until the end of this week. Um..."
"Then I'll bring the contract."
He went to the back of the store and emerged with a piece of parchment in his hand. The amount was written on the parchment and it had a fingerprint on it. He handed me a pen and I grabbed it without knowing what it was.
"Well... I don't understand."
"Just write your name and fingerprint here and the contract is complete. This is really your first time. You'll get scammed if you're not careful."
"Uh, hmmm."
I've never done any paperwork before, so I just filled it out as I was told.
"Thank you. Here's the bag containing the uniforms. The working hours are written on the copy of the contract."
"Ah!!"
After I finished filling out the form, I realized that I was going to work here.
*
While guarding the wall, I sat down and looked up at the sky. Today, the sky was clear and blue, not a single cloud in sight, so I leaned my sword against it and rested.
"Ah, that's comforting. I'm a bit worried, but you seem to have common sense so it should be fine."
I gave Nefia some money and let her do as she pleased. She was originally at the level of becoming a Demon Lord, so she's skilled with the sword, and I think she has a fair amount of natural magical power. I believe she can protect herself to a certain extent. At least, within the town.
"No problem. No monsters."
He keeps watch while looking up at the sky. In reality, the job of a guard is to act as a decoy, buy time, and serve as food for the monsters that come from the sky.
Outside the outer wall is a different security request, and it's the same there. However, in exchange for the danger, if you defeat a monster, you can turn all of its materials into things. The reward is also increased. I've heard that there are people who make a living just by doing this. As a monster killer... I used to make money this way with my best friend, who became a mortal sinner for killing his allies.
"Um, I guess I'll go see the leader and the fortune teller once this is done."
He thinks of his acquaintances and what he'll do after his guard job is over. He doesn't tell Nefia, but he's not actually short on money.
I have enough money for the trip, and I'm confident in my skills so I can earn money quickly. The reason I didn't tell her was because I wanted Nefia to get used to her current body and to gather and examine the information.
"Well, I'm just getting started here."
Open the treasure locket pendant in the chest and look inside. Inside is a small portrait. It's a beautiful picture of Nefia smiling.
*
As soon as I finished eating at the restaurant, I came home. I spread the contents of the bag on my bed. Inside was a white waiter's uniform and a cute skirt with frills. Yes, it was the same as the waiter's uniform. The skirt was short.
"Dammit, the shopkeeper! Isn't that a woman? Damn it!"
I thought about drawing my sword and burning him, but I had accepted the job. I took a deep breath, calmed myself down, and picked up my clothes.
"..."
I'm a bit curious. What is it like?
"Well, if you try it on and it doesn't work, then I'll refuse it."
Swoosh
I change clothes. I was worried about how to change clothes, but I was surprised that it fit me well and fit perfectly. I feel very complicated when I see my cleavage, but I can wear it.
"Well, I did wear it. What do you think? Is it weird?"
In front of the mirror stood a beautiful golden-haired girl wearing a cute outfit. When I touched the mirror, she made the same movement and tilted her head.
"Is this me?"
In the past, I hated actively looking at myself in the mirror, but now when I see myself as a completely different person, I feel embarrassed. The embarrassed girl in the mirror doesn't look like the majesty of a demon king.
She is just a girl, but she does resemble a certain person a little. It wasn't until I looked closely that I noticed.
"I see, I'm a different person now. But I don't like the fact that my hair resembles my dead mother's..."
He lowered his eyes. He hated looking in the mirror because he felt guilty that he wasn't such a great demon. He hated seeing that he resembled his mother, a whore who died as a woman. He remembered his mother who gave birth to him and sold him for money.
"I am who I am... I'm not that kind of woman."
Yes, I told myself, and trembled.