The Death Mage that doesn't want a fourth time

135 The Holy Son and his comrade that will face trials, gather what is needed

Vandalieu blinked as Queen Donaneris, ruler of the city state of Arachne and Empusa that worshipped Zanalpadna, the evil god of carapaces and compound eyes, addressed him in a way that he had never heard before.

"The Holy Son who will face a great trial?" he repeated.

"Yes, the details can wait until all of the guests have been gathered –" Queen Donaneris began.

"Darling! You can't be out of bed; your wounds still haven't fully healed!" Princess Kurnelia squealed as she rushed past Vandalieu with the speed of the wind, towards the Noble Orc.

"K-Kurnelia, I'm alright. There's no problems; I don't have to lie in bed anymore," said the Noble Orc in a voice that was deep, but with a tone that gave the impression of a gentle young man.

It seemed that he was indeed Prince Budarion, Princess Kurnelia's fiancé, the one whose throne had been stolen from him by his younger brother.

"You're lying! Your voice sounds pained... and your face is pale..." Princess Kurnelia murmured.

Vandalieu looked up at Prince Budarion, wondering if this was true. The face of Prince Budarion, who had a Noble-Orc-like height of around three meters, was... pale, probably.

Vandalieu felt like he could smell a faint scent of blood from his bandages, too.

"Bufuh. Princess, I can't lie to you, can I..."

Ah, he's a bit Orc-like.

It was probably the 'fuh' noise Prince Budarion made while exhaling. Though he spoke human words, the structure of his nose was different, so not everything about his speech was perfect.

Prince Budarion stroked Princess Kurnelia's pink-blonde hair, his one remaining eye filled with a gentle light. "But Ogibo-ue* has told me that the discussion that will take place now is an important one that will determine the fate of every race that lives in this land," he said. "With that being the case, I can't not be present. All of this was caused by my own shortcomings, after all."

TLN*: This is a respectful term for mother-in-law.

"Darling, that's not true at all! It's all the fault of Bugitas and that mysterious god who's lending him his strength! And you fought harder than anyone else to try to stop Bugitas, didn't you!" Princess Kurnelia exclaimed.

"No, all of this was caused by my own naïvety that could not see through my brother's foolishness. Because of this, I have dragged not only my own vassals and empire, but numerous nations including Zanalpadna, into war."

"Darling..."

"Kurnelia... Budarion-dono... could you please leave such conversations for when you are alone?" Queen Donaneris interjected.

The two of them came back to their senses.

"Our apologies!" they said to the Arachne and Empusa in the chamber, who seemed to be mentally fatigued from this, as well as to Vandalieu.

"I'm glad we didn't bring Kasim," said Eleanora.

"Hmm, a calm, gentlemanly Noble Orc..." Zadiris murmured.

"If you told me there was actually a human inside him, I'd believe you," said Basdia.

"No, I can tell. That prince has considerable skill. If he was in good condition, he would rival me or be even stronger," Vigaro said.

"You're right," Borkus agreed. "Considering his appearance and his nice guy...ish face, his sense of presence is no joke. He's probably at least Rank 10."