A Midnight Confession

Author: Unicoon
Raw: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8138gc/18/
Translator: Lilia v4
Editor: Yuriko AYA

Night.
The hour even vampires rub their eyes.

In King Zenon’s study in Romulus Castle, there were three figures.
King Zenon, Princess Charlotte, and Lady Ulrika.

“—I thought I would be killed… but Natasha fought the lesser dragon with everything she had…”

In the quiet study, only Princess Charlotte’s voice could be heard.
She was reporting the events of the field exam to King Zenon.

“But she was no match for the lesser dragon… after that, Ulrika and Olivia saved us.”

Princess Charlotte continued, voice tense.
King Zenon’s expression was severe.

“If Ulrika and Olivia hadn’t come, Natasha and I would have died… it was all because of my foolish actions, so… um…”

Princess Charlotte looked straight at King Zenon.
A serious gaze, full of resolve.

“Natasha, and everyone on the team, only went along with my selfishness. So please, if there is to be severe punishment, let it be me alone—”

“That’s enough. I understand…”

A low voice thick with pressure. A sharp, glittering gaze.
King Zenon’s air was like a different person from usual.
Princess Charlotte’s shoulders jumped.

“I understand the circumstances. I understand your argument as well. However—”

“—fugyah!?”

A cute voice cut in.
The speaker was Lady Ulrika, sliding off her chair.

“Hmm… blast… I fell asleep.”

“Hey, Ulrika. We’re having a serious conversation…”

“But the talk is dull, and I’m sleepy. Kuaaah~”

King Zenon’s intimidating air did not work on Lady Ulrika at all.
He was left exasperated as she yawned hugely.

“Charlotte. Why did you bring Ulrika?”

“Um… it’s embarrassing to say, but… I was too scared to report the circumstances alone… I asked Ulrika to come with me…”

King Zenon sighed, “Haa…”

“Charlotte. I strip you of all your royal privileges. You will never be allowed into the castle again.”

“……”

“Is what I would say, and excommunicate you, if this were ordinary. Conveniently, I’ll leave the severe punishment for this matter to Ulrika.”

“To Ulrika?”

“From what I hear, you’ve done quite awful things to Ulrika, haven’t you? Then isn’t it proper that Ulrika decide the punishment?”

“…I understand. I will accept any punishment.”

King Zenon and Princess Charlotte both looked at Lady Ulrika.

“Now, Ulrika. What will Charlotte’s punishment be?”

“Unnecessary.”

Lady Ulrika answered at once.
Princess Charlotte let out an “eh” of surprise.

“Punishment and such is unnecessary.”

“But… I did terrible things to you, Ulrika…”

“You’ve already apologized. You apologized properly to Livi as well. That’s enough for me. More than that, Charlotte—you managed to report to Zenon. You found your courage.”

“Uuh… fuug…”

Lady Ulrika patted Princess Charlotte’s head.
Tears spilled from the princess’s eyes.
The thread of tension had snapped, and feeling overflowed.

“But Ulrika. She aimed at your life, you know?”

“It happens often.”

“”It happens often?””

King Zenon and Princess Charlotte tilted their heads.

“Come to think of it, when we spoke in the daytime, you said ‘it happens often’ as well.”

“Mm. The Demon Realm is a meritocracy. Having your life aimed at is a common thing.”

“No, but still…”

“A lesser dragon is a cute thing, isn’t it? In the Demon Realm, I’ve even had a swarm of ancient dragons set on me.”

“Ancient dragons!? Those are legendary rank A monsters, you know?”

“And what did you do then, Ulrika?”

“I kicked them all flying!”

“”Kicked them flying!?””

“Mm!”

Lady Ulrika did not look as if she were lying.
The story was so far-fetched that King Zenon clutched his stomach and laughed.

“Ha ha ha! I really can’t win against you, Ulrika!!”

“Father…”

“I’ve completely lost the tension. Haa… there will be no severe punishment for Charlotte. Of course, the same for everyone on the team.”

“Father! Is that true?”

“However! What you did was the lowest a person can do. Never forget that.”

“Yes… of course.”

“Never forget this debt as long as you live. Be grateful to Ulrika, and hone yourself further.”

“Ulrika, thank you.”

Having received pardon, Princess Charlotte bowed, tears falling.
As for Lady Ulrika—

“Zzz… zzz…”

“She’s asleep.”

“As expected of a Demon King. Thick-skinned.”

“”Haa…””

They sighed together and slowly drank herb tea.
The study had settled into a calm air.

“Even so, Charlotte. I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Yes… a lesser dragon truly is a terrifying creature.”

“That too, but what I mean is Ulrika.”

“Eh?” Princess Charlotte tilted her head.
King Zenon’s face was a little pale.

“Ulrika is the Demon King, you know. If you’d angered her, the country would have been destroyed for real…”

“Th-that’s true… I am reflecting…”

Lady Ulrika slept on, breathing softly.
Father and daughter looked at each other and let out a breath.