(......やっぱりイベントだったのね)
迷い込んだ子供を痛めつけられ怒った親が人間を襲ってしまい、倒される。そういう理不尽きわまりないイベントだったのなら、たとえ自分の進退に関係なくても回避できて万々歳だ。
いい気分で、アイリーンは優雅に微笑む。
「忘れ物を取りにきましたのよ」
「忘れ物、か。......魔物が出たと聞いたのだが」
「ええ、いましたわね。そちらの獣用の罠にはまっていたので、逃がしてやりました」
「逃しただと? こんな獣用の罠を、君が解除できるわけないだろう」
そう信じて疑わないという声色に反論し損ねてしまった。
(......まあ確かに、普通、できませんわね)
その沈黙をどう勘違いしたのか、マークスが率直に尋ねる。
「君が罠にかかった魔物を傷つけ、リリアを襲わせようとしたという報告を受けたのだが」
「――は?」
「ここはリリアの部屋の、真下だろう」
指摘され、アイリーンは横にある寄宿舎を見上げる。
そうなのかという妙な納得と共に、笑いがこみ上げてきた。
「馬鹿馬鹿しい計画ですこと。穴がありすぎますし、真っ先に自分が死にますわ」
「それでも君ならやりかねない。現に、返り討ちで襲われていたとも聞いている」
ちらとマークスの後ろを見ると、先程逃げ出した男子生徒がいた。
自分達のやったことを先回りしてアイリーンにかぶせたのだろう。そう言えばマークスはそれを信じるから。
(あらどうしましょう、マークスが没落する未来しか見えませんわ)
冷たく笑うアイリーンに、マークスが厳しく告げる。
「魔物とは不戦条約があるとも知らないのか、ドートリシュ宰相のご令嬢が」
「待って、マークス。私はアイリーン様がそんなことをたくらんだとは思えないの。何かの誤解だわ。そうでしょう、アイリーン様。私は信じます」
さすがヒロインだ。正解にたどり着いている。だがアイリーンはあえて黙ったまま、何も言い訳しなかった。それをどう思ったのか、マークスが舌打ちする。
「......何もなかったわけだし、リリアの優しさに免じて許してやるが。さっさと学園から出て行くことだ。失礼する。行こう、リリア」
「マークス。アイリーン様、怪我をなさってるんじゃ」
「自業自得だ。這って帰ればいいんだ」
ちらとアイリーンの足下を見たマークスは、アイリーンの負傷に気づいているのだろう。さすが未来の騎士団長候補だ。
(でもこれで騒ぎにならずにすんだわ。何もかも私が悪いのは癪だけれど、特にこれで落ちる評判でもないし――)
胸は痛みはしなかった。とっくに諦めているからだろう。立ち去るマークス達の背中を、ぼんやり見送る。その時だった。
夕闇に染まりかけた空が、ねじ曲がった。
「な、ん――っ」
マークスがリリアを背に庇い、剣に手をかけたところで、固まってしまう。
夕暮れの空に宵闇の髪と漆黒のマントがなびく。赤い目が、ゆっくりと開かれた。
空に浮かぶその姿は、人間ではあり得ない。
「魔王......?」
「まさか、森から出てこないって」
誰かが呟いた。
アイリーンも瞳をいっぱいに見開く。
(......どうして、クロード様が?)
今、彼が出てくる理由はどこにもないはずだ。
つま先から地面に足をつけた魔王の姿に、人間達が魅入られたように凍り付いている。
その呪縛から真っ先に解かれたのは、マークスだった。
「――貴様、何者だ! 魔王か!?」
「答えろ。......でなければ、不審者とみなして捕縛する!」
夕日に剣先がきらめく。だがアイリーンが制止するより先に、クロードの剣がそれを受け止めていた。マークスが両目を見開く。だがすぐさま次の剣戟を繰り出した。
アイリーンの目には見えないマークスの剣さばきを、クロードは目線も投げずにその場に留まったまま受け止め続ける。圧倒的技量の差が、素人目にも分かった。
「――くそっリリア、後ろに下がっていろ」
「は、はい」
「おおおおおおおぉ!!」
雄叫びと一緒に、剣を握り直したマークスが突撃する。だが、クロードが溜め息と一緒に、呟きを落とした。
「うるさい人間だ」
何が起こったのかは見えなかった。
マークスが目を丸くして尻餅をつき、剣を首元に突き付けられた格好で呆然としている。
クロードは最後までマークスに目を向けず、剣を鞘におさめた。その音を聞いて、マークスが叫ぶ。
「――待て、どうしてとどめをささない!」
「アイリーン・ローレン・ドートリシュ」
「は、はいっ?」
「あなたに感謝を」
完全にマークスを無視したクロードは、胸に手を当てて、アイリーンに頭を下げた。
ざわっと周囲に動揺が走る。同じようにアイリーンも動揺した。何が起こっているのかさすがに理解が追いつかない。その間に、クロードの口上は続く。
「同胞を助けてもらった。罠にかかり脅えたフェンリルの子供がかみついても、怯まず助けの手を差し伸べたあなたの高潔な魂に、魔王である私が直接礼を言うのが筋だ」
クロードの口調がいつもと違う。よそ行きのしゃべり方なのだと察したが、どうしてクロードがそんな風に自分に語りかけるのか分からず、アイリーンは困惑したまま口を動かした。
「......礼だなんて、わたくしは何も......」
「魔物との争いを起こさぬよう、あなたは魔物を傷つけたのが自分であるという濡れ衣までかぶろうとした。自分が傷つけられたならば誰も庇わないからと、そんな悲しい理由で」
クロードの言葉に周囲が目配せし合う。
マークスが眉をひそめ、アイリーンと先程魔物の子供を傷つけようとした男子生徒達を見比べていた。
「助けられた魔物が、恩人であるあなたを侮辱する人間に怒っている」
そこでちらとクロードは背後の人間達に目を向けた。震え上がったのはもちろん、魔物の子供に暴力を振るった男子生徒だ。
「――だが、あなたが許せと言うなら、今回は飲みこもう」
呆然とクロードの話を聞いていたアイリーンは、やっと気づく。
(......助けにきて、くださったんだわ)
アイリーンの濡れ衣をはらしに姿を現してくれたのだ。
そんなことをしても、クロードになんにもいいことなんてないのに。
「......いえ。その言葉だけで、十分です」
胸に手を置いて、アイリーンはやっと、それだけ答える。クロードは頷いた。
「そうか。では不問にしよう――あなたに免じて」
最後まで念を押すことを忘れず、クロードはぱちんと指を鳴らした。途端、アイリーンの周囲を光の粒が舞う。
魔法だ。引き裂かれた服が元に戻り、ついた泥も汚れもほどけて消える。滲んだ腕の血も足の痛みもなくなった。一瞬で起こった光景に、マークスもリリアも目を丸くしている。
「どこか痛みは?」
「だ、大丈夫ですわ」
「なら、私が屋敷までお送りしよう」
もう一度ぱちんとクロードが指を鳴らした瞬間、今度は真横に銀色に輝く馬車が現れた。
立派なたてがみを持つ黒馬による二頭引きの、豪華な馬車だ。
「ど、どこから出したんですか!?」
さすがに驚いたアイリーンに、クロードが目を丸くしたあと、かすかに笑う。
(あ)
冬なのに、花の香りがする。今、どこかで花が咲いた。どうしてだか、そう確信する。
「驚くのはまだ早い。――手を」
言われるがままに、アイリーンは手を差し出す。その手を引いて、クロードが馬車の扉を開けた。
「この馬車は、空を飛ぶ」
馬がいななき、その背から翼を出す。ペガサスだ。
驚いて思わずクロードの腰に抱き付いたアイリーンの体が、馬車ごとふわりと浮く。
ぽかんと口を開け惚けるマークス達を地上に置いて、馬車が宵闇の空へ向けて駆け出した。
(......As expected, this is for the event)
A pup got lost in the human settlement and was injured, so the parent of the injured pup got mad and attacked the humans; but in the end, it was defeated by them. If it was that kind of extremely unreasonable event and even if it did not have anything to do with my course of action, if I could avoid it, it's a matter for a great celebration.
Feeling good, Irene showed a graceful smile.
[I came back to pick up something that I had forgotten] 
[Something you had forgotten, is it?......I heard there was a monster here] 
[Yes, there was. I helped to set it free from the beast trap over there] 
[Set if free you said? There's no way you could release it from this kind of beast trap] 
Upon hearing his voice that was filled with conviction and distrust, Irene was too stunned to refute him.
(......Well, certainly, normally, I could not do it)
Maybe Max had somehow misunderstood her silence, he straightforwardly interrogated her.
[I had received a report that you had injured a monster using a trap and tried to use the monster to attack Lilia] 
[----Huh?] 
[This place is directly below Lilia's room, isn't it?] 
As Max had pointed out, Irene looked up at the dormitory beside her.
Together with a strange understanding dawned upon her, she couldn't help but laugh.
[What a foolish plan. There are too many holes in that plan, I'll die before I'll be able to execute it] 
[Even so, you are capable of doing anything. In fact, I also heard that you were attacked by the monster in retaliation] 
She s.h.i.+fted her gaze to the people behind Max. They were the male students that ran away earlier.
They were using Irene to cover up for their ill intention earlier by putting all the blame on her. Now that I think about it, Max would definitely buy those lies made by them.
(My, What should I do, I can only see the future where Max falls into ruin)
Looking at Irene who was laughing coldly, Max strictly informed Irene.
[Do you not know there's a peace treaty with the monsters? Even though you are the daughter of the Prime Minister] 
[Wait, Max. I don't think that Irene-sama would deliberately do something like that. There must be some misunderstanding. Isn't it like that, Irene-sama? I will trust you] 
As expected of the heroine. She had arrived at the right conclusion. But, Irene deliberately said nothing, not offering any kind of explanation.
[......There's no way she didn't do anything, but I'll let you off in consideration of Lilia's kindness. Leave this academy immediately. Excuse us. Let's go, Lilia] 
[Max. Irene-sama, you're injured] 
[She reaped what she sowed. She can crawl her way back] 
Max, who was looking at Irene's feet, must be aware of her injuries. As expected from the future candidate of the Holy Knights Leader.
(But with this, I managed to put it to rest before the commotion can happen. It was annoying that they blamed me in just about everything, but it's not like my reputation will fall because of this ----)
Her heart did not feel hurt. Maybe because she had given up long ago. She vacantly saw the back of Max and others leaving. It was at that time.
The sky that was painted twilight was twisted.
[Wh, th----] 
Max protected Lilia by moving her behind his back, his hand that was tightly gripping on the sword had become tense.
His jet black mantle and twilight hair fluttered under the twilight sky. His red eyes slowly opened.
It was unlikely that the figure who was currently floating in the sky was a human.
[Demon King......?] 
[I never thought that he'll come out of the forest] 
Someone murmured.
Irene's eyes were wide-opened.
(......Why, Claude-sama is?)
Right now, there should be no reason for him to come out.
The humans as if being enthralled by the Demon King's figure froze with their whole feet. Even their toes were stuck to the ground.
The one who managed to dispel himself from Claude's binding spell was Max.
[----You, what are you?! Are you the Demon King!?] 
[Answer me....... If you don't, you'll be treated as a suspicious person and will be apprehended!] 
The tip of the sword was sparkling due to the evening sun. But, right before Irene who was standing still, Claude had stopped the blow from Max's sword. Max's eyes widened. But, he immediately sent out the next attack.
Claude continued to stop Max series of attack that couldn't be captured by Irene's eyes, without glancing at him while staying on the same spot.
[----s.h.i.+t! Lilia, stay behind my back] 
[y, yes] 
[OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!] 
Together with a war cry, Max regained his grip on the sword and charged at Claude. But, Claude landed on the ground with a sigh along with a murmur.
[What an annoying human] 
She didn't see anything that had happened.
Max, with his eyes wide open, had fallen on his back looking dumbfounded as his sword was thrust before his neck.
Claude did not look at Max until the very end, not even when he sheathed the sword into its scabbard. When he heard that sound, Max shouted.
[----Wait, why did you not finish me!] 
[Irene Loren D'Austriche] 
[Y, yes?] 
[You have my grat.i.tude] 
Claude, who was completely ignoring Max, put his hand on his chest and bowed his head towards Irene.
Immediately, a commotion started to run around her. Similarly, Irene had lost her composure as well. Her comprehension still had not caught up with what was happening. Meanwhile, Claude continued his speech.
[You had helped me to save my brethren. And yet, even when you were bitten by the Fenrir's pup that was caught in a trap, your n.o.ble soul had not faltered to reach out a helping hand, I as the Demon King, want to directly say my grat.i.tude to you] 
The way Claude talked was different from the usual. She could guess why he used a formal language, but she did not understand why he used that kind of speech to her; Irene, in her bewilderment spoke to him.
[......Grat.i.tude, I didn't do anything......] 
[For the sake of preventing a dispute with the monsters, you were willing to bear the false accusation of hurting the monster that was made against you. Even when you were injured, no one stood up for you; it's for that kind of sorrowful reason] 
Hearing Claude's words, the people at the scene were exchanging looks with each other.
Max frowned while he was comparing between Claude's statement and the accusation made by the male students that said Irene had hurt a monster child.
[The monsters that you had saved were angry at the humans that had insulted their savior] 
At that, Claude turned his eyes towards the human behind them. As expected, the male student that had used violence against the pup was the one currently trembling in fear.
[----But, if you forgive them, I shall let them go this time] 
It was finally dawned on Irene, who was dumbfounded, after listening to Claude's words.
(......He, came here to help me)
He came here to clear up the false accusation made against Irene.
Even if he did that, there's nothing good that Claude could gain from it.
[......No. It's good enough with those words] 
With her hand on her chest, Irene finally, responded with only those words. Claude nodded his head.
[I see. Then I will overlook it----in consideration of you] 
He did not forget to be mindful even after everything that had happened; and then, Claude snapped his fingers. The moment he did that, a grain of light danced around Irene.
It was magic. The cloth that was torn had recovered its original state. The dirt and stain had disappeared, too.
[Do you have any injuries?] 
[I, I'm fine] 
[Then, I'll send you back to your residence] 
The moment Claude snapped his fingers once again, a silver-colored sparkling carriage appeared right beside them.
It was a luxurious carriage pulled by two black horses with an elegant mane.
[W, where did that come from!?] 
As expected, Irene was surprised; Claude's eyes widened briefly, then he faintly smiled.
(Ah)
It was winter, and yet, there was a sweet scent of flowers. Currently, somewhere around here, there were flowers blooming. She did not know why, but she'd like to believe that the flowers were really blooming.
[It's still too early to be surprised---- your hand] 
When she was being told that, Irene offered her hand. Claude pulled her hand and opened the door of the carriage.
[This carriage will fly in the sky] 
The horses neighed and from their backs, pairs of wings were spread. They were Pegasuses.
Surprised, Irene body moved by itself to hug Claude's waist, and the carriage softly floated.
Flabbergasted, Max and other people's mouths were gaping open with a blank look on their faces, and the carriage started moving towards the twilight sky.
Villainous Daughter Aims for the Last Boss
悪役令嬢なのでラスボスを飼ってみました
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/villainous-daughter-aims-for-the-last-boss/
Drama Fantasy Romance School Life Shoujo
Adapted to Anime Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Beautiful Female Lead Bloodlines Broken Engagement Business Management Businessmen Calm Protagonist Demon Lord Demons Female Protagonist Handsome Male Lead Hated Protagonist Kuudere Multiple Reincarnated Individuals Nobles Otome Game Politics Reincarnated in a Game World Royalty Saints Sword And Magic Villainess Noble Girls
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n2766dz/
永瀬さらさ