I Became a Demon Who Can Never Be Headpatted in the Academy?!

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“It seems there are people who know that there are things more important than money in this world.”

Nikea wore a proud expression as she carefully closed the lid of the box containing the will.

“I’ll make sure to deliver this box to Esme personally.”

“That is a wise decision, Princess. However…”

Unlike the joyful Nikea, the expressions of the three maids attending to her were complex and subtle.

“Your actions today were reckless.”

One of the maids, ‘Liora Ashborn,’ who had been serving Nikea the longest, spoke in a serious voice, after gauging the situation.

“While it was somewhat overshadowed by Count Collette Bloodberry’s disgraceful behavior, you declared yourself friends with a member of the Demon race in front of quite a few students and faculty today, Princess.”

“That’s… a very dangerous and reckless action.”

Maris, a maid with freckles on her cheeks, also spoke with a worried tone.

The prejudices they held were common sense, and the worries rooted in that common sense were purely for ‘Nikea Hollimpia.’ Therefore, the Princess was not displeased. She was even a little grateful.

Because she knew how devoted the women before her were for her, who had blood on her hands, and how they always acted to the best of their abilities, to the point where they were often called harsh.

“Ahem…”

Nikea covered her mouth with her left hand and cleared her throat.

“First of all, thank you, Liora, Maris, and Brisa. Even though you were all worried, you persuaded the Imperial Archivist.”

“No, we only delivered your letter to him, Princess.”

“No. You were probably worried about me, so you might have dragged your feet to stop Murmur from being bothered further. But none of you did that. Thank you.”

Nikea smiled sincerely. The women before her had been on her side for a long time, and they were the first people she needed to persuade for the things she wanted to do in the future.

“Princess… I know this is out of line, but being close to Murmur is a very, very reckless and dangerous thing.”

“There are rumors going around in the Imperial Council these days, and considering the Crown Princess’ popularity… I’m scared.”

Nikea nodded and gently took the hands of the maids who were worried about her. Nikea’s hands were a little cold rather than warm. But she was doing her best, as if forcing herself.

“I know. I, Nikea Hollimpia, am a student of Cosmos Academy before I am a Princess. That’s how I want to live.”

“Princess…”

“I made a precious friend, and that friend is being treated unfairly. My friend is throwing herself into the fray to help, and I can’t just stay behind, worrying about how the nobles will hate me, or that this will need a lot of explaining… I can’t just sit back and grab onto my skirt.”

Liora Ashborn let out a somewhat hollow laugh.

“Father always said that one must be a person first before becoming a Princess. Even if one intends to live above others forever, one must know their hearts.”

“You might regret it.”

“It’s okay. I’ll regret it. I don’t want to live like a doll, sitting quietly with my mouth zipped shut, without even helping a friend. That’s not a Princess, nor is it Nikea Hollimpia, but just a pretty flower in a vase.”

Nikea poured out a story she had held in her heart for quite a while.

“Even if you heard that Murmur is related to the Demon God?”

“The Murmur I see is a very cute and feisty child. A cute friend whose head reaches my waist, right?”

“Even if other nobles speak ill of her?”

“If I had to judge based on what others say, Father would have burned all the kingdoms and Demon races remaining on this land a long time ago. Listening to advice is important, but isn’t it more important to judge for oneself with our own eyes, ears, and mind?”

Nikea spoke confidently, but there was something that bothered her greatly. However, it was not something that she, still young, could judge.

“Hoo…”

Liora Ashborn, who had brought up this complex and sensitive topic, finally let out a long sigh.

“Liora?”

Nikea felt her heart sink, but this was something she had prepared herself for.

“…I understand. Was I too presumptuous? I’m really sorry. But I still intend to be friends with Murmur. So, if you think your safety is at risk, you can quit at any time.”

Nikea smiled slightly.

“Princess Nikea, you still can’t put on your bra by yourself, and yet you say such things?”

“T-That’s! It’s just because I’m not used to it yet!”

“And you can’t wake up in the morning unless we wake you up?”

“And you secretly pick out your food if we’re not watching?”

Nikea’s face turned red, and she covered her mouth with her right hand.

“We were just worried that Princess Nikea was acting on sweet words without any clear goal in mind.”

“That’s right! If the Princess has such a strong heart, then there’s nothing to be afraid of, right?”

“Everyone… do you understand me?”

Nikea was touched by the words of the adults, which she had never asked for. Honestly, she had never dreamed that the women before her would understand.

It was only natural. Helping a member of the Demon race was insane.

“Princess Nikea, who always tried to be quiet and well-behaved, acted so wonderfully today!”

“That’s right! When you asked us to deliver the letter to the Imperial Archivist… Ooh!”

“Princess. As arduous as the path you wish to walk may be, we will do our best to help you.”

Starting with Liora, the other two maids also bowed their heads in unison.

There are adults who do not understand the hearts of children.

Conversely, there are also adults who cheer them on, pushing them forward.

“Thank you. Everyone, I will definitely show you that I will not regret it.”

Nikea took the maids’ hands again and stroked them. Her hands had already warmed up and were now quite warm.

“Can I ask one more thing?”

“You’re thinking of going to ‘Starlight Alley,’ aren’t you? We can certainly help you scout the shops and plan your route!”

Brisa said with a bright smile.

“Princess Nikea! You’re definitely going to buy pajamas, right? The three of you will look so, so cute together!”

“Maris, didn’t you say that Murmur looked scary back then?”

“Yaaa! I couldn’t help it back then!”

Nikea’s tension was relieved, and she chuckled.

‘It’s a relief. Everyone knows that Murmur is actually a cute and kind child.’

* * *

With Collette Bloodberry also gone, my plan to talk to the Demon God, Armonia, had been beautifully shattered.

It was strange how the time after school seemed busier than class time.

“Hehehe! Welcome! Murmur! Hurry! Hurry!”

So, how did this happen? Was there such an event?

For an unknown reason, Esme, who was in high spirits, was grabbing my hand and dragging me along. In front of her was Nikea, holding a map.

“Murmur doesn’t really…”

“We agreed to hang out this week, right? We need to get pajamas ready! I’ll buy them for you as a gift, so be happy!”

“Esme is right. It would be more fun if we bought three sets, like a matching set.”

No, no, I don’t want to.

I can see what kind of pajamas you’re planning to buy. I never even said I’d go in the first place!

“Murmur has pajamas.”

“I have pajamas too. We’re going to buy new pajamas to wear together?”

“It’s okay. They’ll be very cute and pretty. I guarantee it.”

Princess, please don’t guarantee things like that.

I tried my best to resist, but with the addition of the three maids who had appeared out of nowhere, we had formed a small party, so I had no choice but to walk toward the shopping district.

This is bullying, right? Isn’t this a new kind of bullying?

Isn’t this like telling an ugly kid that they’re pretty, putting makeup and pretty clothes on them, and then giggling?

“Ugh…”

“By the way, Murmur, have you ever been to ‘Starlight Alley’?”

“No.”

“Oh my, really? What do you do on weekends then? Some kids say that spending their allowance in Starlight Alley is their only joy?”

What Nikea said was true even in the game.

Unlike ‘Dragon Tail Street,’ where you could buy various equipment items, ‘Starlight Alley’ was a place where you could purely reduce stress, increase favorability, or trigger other events.

It was a really good place, but since it consumed ‘funds,’ it was irrelevant to me, Murmur.

You could only get a part-time job from the High School Division. Why would I go there? I don’t need to see the noble young masters and ladies laughing and giggling as they eat snacks.

“Murmur eats on weekends.”

“You eat on weekdays too, right?”

“And sleeps.”

That’s a perfect schedule.

Since I don’t have any funds, I don’t do anything pointless and diligently read the grimoires Armonia and Esme gave me in my free time.

“… Eating and sleeping is all you do?”

“I also read the grimoires Esme gave me.”

“Murmur…? Is that all? Are you kidding? Eating, sleeping, and studying grimoires is all you do? It’s the weekend, you know? It’s your day off?”

Esme and Nikea’s expressions changed subtly. What, do I look like I’m studying too hard?

“I also have happy imaginings.”

To be precise, I’m planning out what events will happen in the future and what I need to prepare.

If I said that out loud, they’d think I was a crazy demon.

“Oh my goodness…”

One of the maids standing behind me suddenly exclaimed.

“Murmur, you’re not joking, are you?”

“Why? Murmur has no money. Can’t play in Starlight Alley.”

“Uh… but even if you don’t have money, you can play in the playground or read books in the library, right?”

“Murmur can’t do that, Esme.”

What are they talking about? How can a demon kid play in the playground? How can they read books in the library?

Are they asking me to twist my body to be bullied?

“What should we do…”

“Did we say something too harsh back then?!”

The maids whispered amongst themselves.

“Murmur… this weekend, I promise we’ll have fun together. Is that a promise?”

Esme gently squeezed my hand and shook it up and down.

“… Let’s definitely play in Starlight Alley next time. I promise.”

Nikea’s eyes sparkled as she patted my head.

What’s with them? Why are they all reacting like this?

Did I make a mistake? I don’t think so. I just talked about my weekend normally, right?

“Ah, we’ve arrived. Shall we go inside?”

Esme was holding my hand and trying to go inside the ‘horrible shop,’ so I pressed my heels firmly on the ground.

─ Squeak!

“Murmur?”

“Murmur doesn’t like it here. Won’t go in.”

“We were going to buy pajamas, right?”

I never said that!

“If it’s because of money, don’t worry. If the Imperial Princess keeps track of something like this, she’ll be called petty until the day she dies.”

“It’s not because of money.”

“This is a shop for elementary school students like us, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

That’s exactly the problem.

The ‘horrible shop’ in front of me was full of clothes that were cute, soft, adorable, pink, and colorful, the kind that elementary school students would wear.

There were some slightly more mature-looking clothes in the corner, but they were all overly sparkly, cute, fluffy, and embarrassing.

Where did they even get those huge, flashy accessories?

“I absolutely don’t want to go in.”

“There will be pajamas that will suit you well.”

“You’re going to make me wear an animal costume. I don’t want to.”

“Ah! How did you know? Murmur? You do want to wear one, right? I heard they have cute fleece pajamas.”

Nikea grabbed my butt and neck, and lifted me up as easily as if I were a sack of rice.

“Murmur doesn’t want to!”

“They’ll suit you well, so don’t be shy.”

“You’ll be 500 times cuter than a Nightmare!”

Do you know how old I am?

Are you telling me to wear a white fleece ball as pajamas?!

“Murmur… won’t wear cute things!”

Unfortunately, Nikea didn’t put me down and strode into the shop.

This is bullying, right?! Right?!