THDK Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Let’s Go See the Simurgh! (Part 1)

After finishing my usual magic practice, I headed to the stables with Oreole and Beatrice to see the Simurgh.

A few days ago, I received word that the preparations to accommodate the Simurgh were complete, and it had been moved to the stables. It’s still a child, so it could stay in my room for now, but once it grows, it’ll become too large to fit. Nox had arranged for it to be cared for in the stables.

“The stables are also where the Beast Cavalry trains. Selected members of the knight order become riders who control the monsters.”

“Wow! I’d love to see that.”

As Beatrice explained, we walked along a path paved with hardened earth.

“Controlling monsters… That’s such a demon-like idea.”

“Oh, Oreole, you’re still saying things like that.”

Oreole seems to dislike demons. I hope he’ll come to like them someday. When we arrived at the stables, we found Nox, Zain, a man I hadn’t met before, and Alan deep in conversation.

“It seems humans are poaching monsters. They’re targeting juveniles, not adults. We’ve confirmed scenes where corpses were left behind with only their horns removed.”

“Only the horns? Considering they’re not taking the meat, there must be something else going on.”

“They’re targeting juveniles because they’re easier to hunt than adults. To do this on demon territory… Humans really are nothing but pests.”

Zain’s report prompted reactions from the man and Alan. Nox remained silent, deep in thought. I hesitated to interrupt, but Nox noticed me and came over.

The moment he picked me up, my heart started racing. Alan was glaring at me, but being held protectively in Nox’s arms made me feel safe.

“Oh, so this is the child the Simurgh has taken a liking to…”

I met the eyes of a man with hair the color of autumn leaves and gentle brown eyes.

“I’m Sol. What’s your name?”

“I’m Ruki. I manage the monsters here at the stables. You’ve come to see the Simurgh, right?”

“Yeah!”

Ruki led us into the stables as he spoke. The building was enormous, housing many monsters. Most of them were flying monsters, though there were also some horse-like ones. We climbed the stairs to the top, where we reached a rooftop-like area. Inside a massive birdcage with a perch larger than a person, I spotted the Simurgh and felt a surge of joy.

After being set down, I ran over to the Simurgh. It seemed to notice me and walked closer. It licked my cheek through the cage, and I couldn’t help but smile at the ticklish sensation.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a Simurgh take to someone like this.”

“Its feathers are so soft and fluffy. Don’t you think so, Ruki?”

When I asked Ruki, who had stepped back a little, he shook his head.

“I can’t touch it.”

“Why not?”

“The Simurgh is a noble creature. It’s said to only bond with one person it deems worthy. The only recorded instance of a Simurgh bonding with someone was with the first Demon King. They say the Simurgh chooses heroes.”

“…The first Demon King.”

I stroked its smooth beak, and the Simurgh let out a contented chirp. The fact that the Simurgh, which chooses heroes, chose me felt incredibly special. I was genuinely happy.

“Thank you for choosing me.”

“Squeak!”

Its iridescent feathers fluttered, tickling my cheek. It felt like it was responding to me, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Hah! As if a Simurgh would bond with a Demon King!”

Suddenly, Oreole blurted out a denial, though it wasn’t directed at anyone in particular. His tone sounded slightly angry, and I hesitated to say anything.

“Are you denying demon history?”

Nox questioned Oreole. Both of their expressions were unreadable, and watching them made me uneasy. I didn’t want them to fight.

“I’m merely stating facts. I’m a sword. History means nothing to me.”

“Even as a sword, I cannot tolerate you denying the first Demon King, our founder.”

“What do you know about the first? Keep your mouth shut, brat.”

Their argument grew increasingly heated.

“Both of you, stop fighting!”

I hurriedly stepped between them, and the argument abruptly stopped. The two fell into an awkward silence, and when I scolded them with a glare, they both apologized.

“I may have spoken too much. I’ll take a nap.”

Oreole fell silent after saying that. I gently stroked him and let out a small sigh. He seemed a bit off, but I couldn’t force him to talk if he didn’t want to.

“Sorry for the commotion. The sun’s setting, so it’s time to head back to your room.”

I looked up at Nox, who was now calm and composed. Ruki, Alan, and Zain nodded in agreement. Only the Simurgh let out a small, lonely cry.

“I’ll come back, okay?”

“Once the Simurgh grows, you’ll be able to practice riding on its back. It won’t feel lonely then.”

“Really!? Hehe, I can’t wait!”

Ruki’s words made me giddy. The Simurgh seemed to feel the same, chirping happily. The thought of riding on its back and soaring through the sky felt like such a luxury. It must be incredibly fun and freeing.

“It might feel lonely until it’s big enough to ride, but I’ll come visit, so don’t worry.”

After reassuring the Simurgh, I was about to suggest we head back when I stopped myself. Nox had turned his gaze to Alan.

“Alan, starting tomorrow, you’ll train Sol in swordsmanship.”

“W-What!? But he’s—!”

“This is an order. Zain will accompany you during training.”

“Understood.”

I was stunned by the rapid-fire instructions. While I was happy to learn swordsmanship, the idea of being taught by Alan made me uneasy.