Camille did not participate in the selection ceremony because he wanted to be a King, but because he wanted to live.

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Even if the Demon King became active again, there would still be those who would hold grudges against the humans and those who would not think well of Camille’s existence. But the situation was no longer so desperate that Camille would need to hide out in other countries and run away, as they had done before.

Camille would make a good adventurer in the Khalfaan Empire or anywhere else where there was less prejudice against Dark Elf. Ron would be able to get a job or an assignment for him.

Camille was now free.

“…I never thought I could be a King. I never thought I could lead Demons with the people who killed my mother. But after this battle, after knowing the depth of the Demon’s resentment, I think I understand a little more about the Demons.”

Camille looked up as if looking into the distance as he said this.

“There are reasons to hold a grudge. But some people were not only resentful, they were struggling to stay alive. They were all just desperate. They were just like us. So I’m going back to Demon Nation. I’m going to help my father with his work and try to find a way for Demons and humans to coexist, like I told Ron before.”

“I see.”

That seemed like a thorny path to take, but I had nothing to say to him if that’s what he decided to do.

“Aria…”

But Camille turned his eyes straight at me, never taking his eyes off me, and called my name.

“Will you… join me?”

“…”

As I silently pondered the meaning of those words, Camille continued to speak, as if he couldn’t stand staring at me any longer.

“…You can think of me as a pathetic man, I’m ready to live as the prince of the Demons. But I realized, I need you. I really need you, Aria!”

“I’m sorry, I’m going back to Elena.”

I muttered low and Camille’s words stopped.

I have decided to protect Elena. That was why I would return to her side. I needed to return to my master’s place.

I didn’t misinterpret the meaning of Camille’s words. I understood his words based on the “knowledge” from that woman, and it was not like my feelings did not exist.

But even without that my promise to Elena, I would not walk with Camille.

“I see…”

Camille exhaled deeply as if he had swallowed a lump of iron, and when he opened his eyes, there was a strong light in them that was different from before.

“Aria… fight me.”

“Are you asking for a match?”

I asked, unsure of the meaning of those words, and Camille pulled out a spare dagger instead of his magic dagger.

“It’s shameful, but it’s what I currently need. However… if I beat you, I will forcefully take you with me, no matter what you say.”

“…”

I didn’t understand this thought, but I did understand his desire for closure.

I had my own “wish”. I have a wish that I would like to fulfill by my own power, not by asking someone else to fulfill it.

There was no reason for me to accept the match. But…his desire to challenge me and take me with him seemed a little more favorable to me.

“Then, you should be serious.”

“Aria…”

Camille gasped as I pulled out a black knife and a black dagger, my whole body radiating “power”, while he put back his spare dagger and pulled out his two magic daggers.

“…I won’t be able to take it easy on you once I pull these out.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll face it properly.”

I have heard that his magic weapon had sealed a level 5 Combat Skill. If he seriously unleashed it, there would be a possibility that I would die.

I let my emotions sink deep into my heart and took a step forward.

“I be serious too… prepare for it.”

“!!”

We took about ten paces apart and faced each other with our weapons at the ready, just like in the western movies I had seen based on that woman’s “knowledge”.