The Demon King's Paladin Part 1 Vol 2.

Chapter 367. Parents Of Friends

" Interesting..."

King Leonard looked over the carvings on the walls around the castle. After finishing our conversation about the worst-case scenario, we all walked inside the castle, it's a pretty ornate design, from the looks of it, I think it's retelling the history of all 4 groups that'll be here today. King Leonard was currently looking over what I believe to be the Elf's history.

" What's the matter, are you missing your wives already, Matthew?"

Queen Aria had walked up behind me with a smile on her face. I guess she thought I was lost in my own thoughts.

" No. Not particularly, I prefer them not having to be near here... For now. You can understand that, can't you?"

" I suppose you're right, it's just that I struggle to really find a time in my mind where I didn't seem them next to you, only when we asked you to take us around Paradise. Even then, they walked you to us and were waiting at the door for you."

I thought for a moment before answering her question.

" Well, yes, around other people, they're quite protective of me, but I'd argue it's because we spend more time away from each other than together during the day."

" Oh? How so? If you don't mind me asking?"

Queen Aria seemed to be somewhat interested in my personal life for some reason. Well, this all started based on the fact that along with the Princesses that each Royal Family brought, I had Sarah and Anna stay back at the mansion. Mostly out of concern, I still don't know the exact way those Elves made things explode, I'd rather they'd be safe far away from the Elves than have them here. Granted, it's only a 3-hour ride by carriage, but I think it's the thought that counts on this one.

" Well, when it comes to our normal days, I really only spend around 4 hours with them before we head to bed at night. I do fulfill my duties as a Town Lord along with running my business during the mornings and early afternoon, after lunch which we sometimes miss each other, I'll join them for a bit of sparring and other such training, then I leave to the garden to temper my mana and meditate. Once I finish, it's around dinner time, that's when we really relax with each other."

" What about other people?"

" Huh?"

Queen Aria brought up other people... I couldn't figure out why? I mean, do other people really matter when it comes to a martial relationship?

" Are you thinking I'm referring to other people being involved in your relationship? That's not what I meant, what I meant is what about your friends?"

" Friends? I mean, Emily and Ruby are probably my closest friends... Also, Prince Delcan is also my friend... Granted I haven't spoken to him since he returned to Darkheim, but he counts... Right?"

Queen Aria's curious expression changed to one of someone teasing a fun subject. She still looked stunning, but I'd rather not ever know about the way she looks right now, since I know it means I'm her target.

" I'm sure he does count, and Prince Delcan would be more than happy to hear you think of him that way, but out of the 3 examples you've listed out, do you realize something strange about them?"

I was confused by her question again... Maybe I'm not that good at dealing with Queen Aria?

" 2 of them work directly under you and the other is someone you don't see very often. Don't you find that somewhat strange, Matthew?"

" Are you trying to say that friends are people around me that I view as equals? If so, then I don't think I'll ever truly be able to have friends."

" What?"