Dragon Express Delivery

How's it going? I'm Zilvagias, the demon prince, and it's been decided that I'm heading to the Demon Realm.

For as long as I can remember, I've lived in the Demon King's castle, but now, I'm finally heading out.

Turns out, getting horns really does unlock a whole new level of freedom.

Still, for my first trip to be to the Demon Realm... isn't that a bit too dramatic?

"It's a beautiful day."

It's the middle of the afternoon, early morning by demon standards, and my biological mother, Platifia, is standing tall on one of the castle's massive balconies.

She's usually dressed in glamorous gowns, but today, she's sporting a rare pants look. It's like a noblewoman (chieftain's wife) in riding clothes (barbarian-style). It's high-quality tailoring, but the fur and fang embellishments completely ruin the aesthetic.

Then again, I'm dressed similarly, so I can't exactly talk!

As for my current appearance, I look like a human boy of about ten, with silver hair and cold, striking beauty inherited from my mother, and red eyes from my father. I'm an unnervingly handsome boy.

Calling myself handsome is ridiculous, but every time I see my reflection, I get startled by how well-proportioned my face is. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm way better looking than I was in my previous life.

Platifia may be vain, but she does have good genes. And unfortunately, I've inherited them. Ignoring the blue skin and the menacing horns sprouting from my temples, I could pass for a noble somewhere.

Actually, I am a prince.

...As I'm contemplating this, a loud flapping of wings breaks through the air.

A red-bronze-scaled wyvern lands on the balcony.

This is, after all, the dragon's landing zone.

"Climb aboard..."

A voice like creaking metal calls out. The wyvern crouches low, revealing a saddle on its back to make it easier to ride.

Dragons are naturally proud creatures, as prideful as any demon.

The White Dragons that helped us during the assault on the Demon King's castle allowed us to use ropes to stay on their backs, but they absolutely refused any sort of riding equipment.

They grudgingly let us ride them in the battle against the Demon King, but being treated like mere mounts? Unacceptable. Even the more temperate White Dragons had that attitude. If we tried putting a saddle on one of the more aggressive dragons, I don't even want to think about what would happen.

But here's this dragon, allowing itself to be treated like a common riding beast.

After being beaten into submission by the First Demon King, most dragons swore fealty to the demons.

No, perhaps "submission" is a better word.

There's a dragon hatchery in the basement of the Demon King's castle. The dragons' beloved children and eggs are held hostage.

This mountain, now home to the Demon King's castle, used to be a nesting ground for wyverns. But the First Demon King conquered it, proclaiming, "This is a magnificent marble mountain! I shall make it my castle!" and used his magic to carve out the mountain into the fortress we see today.

The dragon before me, crouched and staring at the ground, refuses to meet my eyes. It's hard to tell with dragons, but this one doesn't seem happy with the situation.

"It's been a while since we've flown on a dragon. Flying is exhilarating, Zilvagias."

Platifia hops onto the saddle effortlessly. While she usually plays the role of the Demon King's wife, her graceful movements hint at the high physical ability of a warrior. She's definitely more than just a pretty face.

"I'm looking forward to it, Mother."

Nodding, I move to climb aboard too when—

"Well, well... Off for a little trip in the middle of the day, Platifia?"

A sultry, mocking voice echoes from behind.

I turn around to see a demon woman standing in the shadows by the balcony entrance.

She's dressed in a blue gown, coordinated with a white fur wrap. Her vivid blue hair is styled up, adorned with jewels and fangs. Her sharp golden eyes glitter like a full moon, and she radiates the arrogance of a queen.

"Lazriel. How thoughtful of you to see us off, though it's quite unlike you to show such care."

Platifia's tone drips with sarcasm.

"I'm not here to see you off."

Lazriel snaps her fan shut with a sharp snap and smirks.

"I just wanted to get a look at that son of yours before he leaves. After all, it might be my last chance."

Her eyes shift to me.

"Hmm..."

She looks me over, practically dissecting me with her gaze, while her magic lightly curls around me, surrounding me loosely.

From the context, it's obvious this is one of the other princes' mothers. I doubt she'll make a move here, but just in case, I reinforce my body with a layer of magic and stare right back at her. If she's trying to intimidate me, I'll give it right back—that's the demon way.

"...No charm at all."

With a bored snort, Lazriel snaps her fan shut again.

"To send such a small child to the Demon Realm... How cruel, Platifia."

"He's my child. He'll be fine. Though, I can't speak for anyone else's."

"Hmm."

Once more, she fixes her gaze on me, leaning in closer.

"I do hope you survive, little boy. Farewell."

With a slow, regal turn, Lazriel leaves, her footsteps echoing in the corridor as she walks away.

"...What was that all about?"

"Lazriel. She's the mother of the First Prince, Aiogias," Platifia says, spitting the words out like venom.

"That woman can't stand not being the best at everything."

...That sounds just like you, Mother. I can't help but think.

"Was she trying to sabotage my trip to the Demon Realm?"

"Perhaps. But she can't openly interfere, so she was probably just trying to scare you. She's a fool if she thinks my son, Zilvagias, can be rattled like some weakling. Typical Lazriel."

Platifia smirks, her lips curling in disdain.

"Remember this, Zilvagias. Petty behavior like that comes from fear. That woman likely had some harrowing experience in the Demon Realm herself. Her arrogance is just a mask for her insecurities."

Her dark eyes—full of malice—fix on me.

"You're different. You're strong, Zilvagias."

"Yes, Mother."

Well, Sophia had already briefed me on what to expect in the Demon Realm. It's a place where the mental and emotional states are more pronounced due to the fluid nature of matter there.

If you go in trembling with fear, nothing good will come of it.

While there's always the unknown to deal with, honestly, this can't be any worse than storming the Demon King's castle.

Satisfied with my calm demeanor, Platifia nods.

"We've wasted enough time. Let's go."

The dragon had remained crouched this entire time, waiting.

Taking Platifia's outstretched hand, I leap onto the saddle. I was planning to just hold onto her back, but she grabs me and pulls me into the front seat.

Damn, she even put on some fancy perfume...

Once we fasten ourselves together with a belt, Platifia wraps her arms around me, securing me in place before lightly tapping the dragon's side with her foot.

"Take us to the Dark Portal."

"Understood..."

With a groaning noise, the dragon finally responds and, after a short run-up, takes to the skies.

Whoa, it's bumpy! And the only thing keeping me in place is this skinny leather belt and my grip on the saddle handle.

...Is this safe? Am I going to fall off?

Despite the brief flash of worry, our journey through the sky begins.