CH 44.2

４４.2 Pitiful Pet Dog

「…」

Hearing that, Shidar was at  loss for words.

「… Oh right. Speaking of a Hobgoblin―― I heard about this matter a few days ago when i visited my father’s office.」

Jilbagias looked up in the air as he spoke, as if he was just recalling this matter.

「It seems the hobgoblin and night elf officials have always been in a dispute.」

Shidar straightened his back hearing the prince suddenly changed the topic of the conversation.

「… Indeed.」

It was already common knowledge in the demon kingdom that the hobgoblins were in a conflict of interest with the night elf to expand their influence. Since there was literally no comfortable position except for being a civil official in the demon kingdom, both races had actually been trying to get that less dangerous position.

The night elf refused to allow incompetent races like the goblins hold―― such a position.

「My father―― His Majesty, The Demon King, is an impartial person. He decided to not take side in this conflict of interest.」

Jilbagias seemingly enjoying Shidar’s reaction. There was silence for a while. Shidar then showed his usual shady smile that made it hard to grasp what he thought.

「I received the permission to go to the office. I might be able to have one or two consultations while I’m learning about the government job by my father’s side. I can actually express my view in this conflict depending on my mood.」

“――What do you think?” Asked Jilbagias with his eyes.

There was no problem if the so called “Consultation” was convenient for the night elf side.

The demon kingdom was ruled by the Demon King as the absolute ruler. Being in the position to talk directly to such a ruler was an extremely tempting offer.

But―― The conflict with hobgoblins  was still lacking as a bargaining chip for Liliana.

「… Thank you, very much.」

Shidar replied with a bitter smile on his face.

「… For allowing us to gain the upper hand. The hobgoblins being incompetent workers, who aren’t up to their civil position is a fact. Your Highness’s opinion will become another big push but, it’s actually already tumbling down the slope even without that.」

“Thank you for the offer, but we can manage that problem even without your help.” That was the underlying meaning behind Shidar’s remark.

「Uhm… Then.」

Jilbagias smile became even more wicked than before.

「――What do you think will happen if I praise the hobgoblin’s dedication?」

Shidar’s face twitched again.

This shitty brat had actually dared to blackmail us seeing that he can’t bargain!!

「T-That’s――」

Naturally he couldn’t answer that. The influence of his remark might cause huge damage to the night elf.

The stone that was already tumbling down the slope couldn’t be recovered indeed. But, a push from the side could change its direction――!

（This shitty braa――at!）

Shidar screamed inside. Blue veins already throbbing on his forehead, even his shady smile was already wrecked beyond recognition.

「… Fufu, HAHAHAHAHAHA!」

Jilbagias rolled around on the floor, laughing non-stop as he saw Shidar’s bitter expression.

「… Well, enough with the joke. I won’t interfere in that matter between night elfs and the hobgoblins so cease that look on your face.」

After laughing his ass off for a while, Jilbagias finally calmed down and stopped teasing Shidar.

「You’re asking for the expansion of treatment quota right?」

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「… Yes.」

Shidar also got a grip on himself and replied with the most serious look in his entire life.

「You ask me to become mediator to the Reiju clan but, unfortunately I can’t do that. Surely, I’m a member of the Reiju clan but I’m also the demon king’s child, and not the next patriarch of the clan either. The one with authority for assigning the quota of treatment is the patriarch of the clan, I might cause internal friction if I speak carelessly to him.」

Being a prince means you’re the member of the privileged class among the one who governs the kingdom―― It wasn’t the kind of position that could be abused.

「But…」

The prince shifted his gaze meaningfully while caressing Liliana’s head.

「I, who inherited the blood of Reiju clan―― Can naturally use the transpose curse.」

His remark was followed by a moment of silence.

「Personally speaking, I have no reason to refuse if you ask me to use the transpose curse for you.」

Shidar―― Needed a few seconds to fully understand the meaning behind the prince’s remark.

「T-That’s!」

「That’s what you’re wishing for, right? To save as many warriors of your race as possible. I―― I don’t have to use a scapegoat for the transpose curse thanks to Liliana. She has become extremely attached to me after all, anything that cause a crack in our relationship might result in the loss of my grace.」

""

Liliana, who was rubbing her cheek, suddenly raised her face, looking at Jilbagias with a dumbfounded face. It was as if she felt safe and sound in the presence of Jilbagias―― Maybe because she realized that the prince was her protector, or else――

「Therefore, the one responsible for the injured warrior from your race is me. And then, I’m going to be healed by Liliana after the treatment.」

Shidar gulped his spit. Reason being the prince risking himself to save the night elf.

「And for convenience’s sake, let’s not put a quota on that. But giving a healing for free will create unnecessary friction between me and the Reiju clan. We need to discuss the remuneration for the healing service. Let’s assign Vigne for the mediator between me and the night elf.」

Vigne couldn’t hide her shock when her name was suddenly mentioned out of nowhere.

「As for you, Shidar. You―― Will be put in charge of the decision to choose the one who will receive my treatment. Since I leave this position to you, you should’ve at least realized what I wanted for you, right? I’ll only negotiate with you and no other.」

Shidar’s eyes opened wide.

That moment he realized that everything was falling into its place.

The prince did demand compensation for each treatment but, to put it in other words, depending on the negotiation, it was possible to receive the treatment. Up to this point, such things were a mere pipe dream due to limited quota.

Shidar couldn’t even imagine just how much influence he could get―― Just from the position as the negotiator alone. That was more than enough to compensate for his blunder for letting the saint leave the underground prison ――

Shidar closed his eyes, his expression turned into an extreme reverence as he bowed to the prince.

「――I shall entrust saint Liliana to you, Your Highness.」

Thus, the negotiation reached an agreement.