Shijou Saikyou no Daimaou, Murabito A ni Tensei suru (The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody)

I wish to know about defeat.

People call me the Demon Lord,

while my former friends no longer see me as human.

That's why,

I've come to wish for defeat.

If they see me pathetically defeated,

then they might realize that I'm human just like them.

However, worthy opponents who could take me down have disappeared,

and my life is seemingly stuck in a stalemate.

But in the next life, I might just be able to have a different destiny.

That's why I'm reincarnating.

On the occasion of the birthday of our son, Ard Meteor,

we're thankful for the Divine Ancestor,

the Demon Lord Varvatos, and Her Majesty, the Queen.

Happy Birthday, Ard!

Ard is already ten years old.

It feels like you were just born yesterday.

Time flies.

We're really happy to have you as a son, Ard.

Thank you very much, Father, Mother.

My son here is just as good-looking as you, Carla.

My! But the fact that he excels in both academics

and fighting is because he's your son, Jack.

And so, I, who was once called the Demon Lord,

was reborn into a family living in a countryside

as the only son of a normal couple

who are only good at being happy together.

And they named me Ard Meteor.

Fortunately or not,

the level of magic and knowledge in the present day

seems to have declined when compared to my time.

Also, I seem to have been blessed

with health, stamina, and athletic abilities.

And so my combat skills improved without much effort.

-Well then, Ard. -What do you plan to do from now on?

At the age of ten, they start to rebel against their parents.

And when they start to think about their future and dreams, right?

A dream?

That's right. I have a dream, an ambition!

It's been ten years.

With my mental and physical capabilities,

I've grown up to be a person who deserves friends.

I'll find humans who don't look at me with fear,

and make friends with them as equals!

Yes! It's my win!

-That's not fair. -I won again.

-Why are you so strong? -Right.

Come and talk to me.

In my previous life, it was unthinkable for them

to speak to a Demon Lord like me directly.

But times have changed. I'm just a typical nobody.

No need to hesitate! Come on!

I'll play with you!

Let me try that.

Hey, look.

What's with him?

-He's kinda scary. -Let's go.

Yeah.

I was waiting without forbidding their approach.

Why? Why did they run away?

Perhaps even after reincarnation, I can't hide my majesty

and they sensed it, so it stopped them from approaching me?

Then I need to give it all I have! I should take action instead of waiting.

What's with this pressure?

Inconceivable!

I, who held not an ounce of fear

even when facing the gods in battle,

am so nervous that my stomach hurts?

To have me cornered like this... It's expected.

However, I was once called the Demon Lord.

I cannot back down from facing such a small crisis!

You there!

Face me!

Well done for responding to my call.

I commend you for it.

You all...

Yes?

I...

That is... I...

Be my friends!

If you do, I'll bequeath you half the world!

I said it. I finally said it!

What? Wait...

I am the Demon Lord Varvatos.

I have destroyed numerous nations, slaughtered countless heroes,

and even annihilated the gods.

And yet now, I can't even bend the wills of human children.

Why? Why did they not respond to my command?

I even called out to them, and even offered a deal!

What more do they want? I just don't understand!

I should stop here. It might affect the ecosystem in the vicinity.

But still, what else should I do?

What's wrong, Ard?

You don't look too happy.

Don't tell me you've forgotten the face of your village chief?

Sir Olhyde...

Friends?

How do I build friendly relationships?

I've attempted plan after plan,

and I feel like I'm running out of ideas.

Let me tell you of a simple method, Ard.

What kind of spell is it?

Or is it a sophisticated political scheme?

Not at all.

No matter when it is, or whoever you're facing,

always be kind and gentlemanly towards them.

If you do that, then I'm sure you'll naturally make friends.

Kind...

Gentlemanly...

I see! As expected of Sir Olhyde!

And also, Ard, speaking of friends...

My daughter...

I will heed your advice and set forth right away!

My dear son...

He does have a strange, mysterious side to him.

By the way, Weiss, about what we talked about just now...

Yes. If it's about national politics, I can manage,

but I lack the courage to decide what to do

when it comes to these types of matters.

I understand your anxiety. We feel the same.

Would you be willing to be the closest of bosom friends with me,

the humble Ard Meteor?

With my deepest respect, if I were to be able to be friends

with beautiful ladies such as yourselves, then I'd truly...

Shall I just destroy this world already?

No, calm down. Calm down, Ard Meteor.

In my previous life, I learned

that destruction and chaos won't solve anything.

This is not good. I took it out on them again.

You! I really, really, really hate this!

That voice! It must be a girl in her tender years!

What in the world?

Come forth, burning flames. Bear my wrath and consume all within your blaze!

What's this? The enemy is a mere Ancient Wolf.

She shouldn't have a hard time with it.

Is she just blowing off some steam?

Due to the bullying and gossiping back then,

my daughter ended up shutting her heart off to others.

Even I, her father, can't have much of a conversation with her.

But I do understand why she has shut her heart away.

After all, her bloodline is something she cannot change.

Compared to the royal capital, there are less prying eyes here.

Coming back was the right decision.

I truly hope so.

Thunderbolt! Come to my hand!

Heavenly Thunder, strike down the foe before me!

Lydia...

Apologies. I did not mean to frighten you.

What's with you?

I...

I saw the battle just now!

It was truly wonderful!

There aren't many your age that command such talent!

Damn! Is she the type who prefers not to show her powers?

My obvious flattery is having the opposite effect!

In that case...

But with all due respect, you're still not powerful enough,

and there is still room for improvement.

Damn it! Have I said too much?

Praising is not good, and criticizing isn't good either.

What should I do?

If you'd like,

would you please be my friend?

Damn it! I was planning to slowly get to know her,

but I ended up blurting it all out!