THDK Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Demon King Arrives in a Pinch! (Part 2)

Finally, the cake was baked. After letting it cool, I started decorating it. I swirled lightly sweetened whipped cream around the cake. The first attempt was messy, but I got better and eventually made it look nice. I topped it with strawberries and an ornament handmade by Thomas. The little figurines that looked just like me and Nox were adorable. And with that, my favorite cream-filled cake was complete!

“Can I take this to Nox now?”

“Go ahead and take it to him right away.”

“Thank you, Thomas! Let’s go, Beatrice.”

After bowing to everyone, I placed the cake on a tray and left the kitchen. I carefully walked down the hallway, alternating between looking at the cake and the path ahead. If I dropped it, it would be a disaster. Staring at it made me want to eat it too.

Humming as I walked, I noticed a boy about my age coming toward me. He seemed to notice me too and frowned openly.

“You’re the human the Demon King brought here, aren’t you?”

His reddish-orange eyes glared at me.

“Yeah. I’m Sol. And you are?”

“I don’t owe a name to a bug like you.”

It seemed he disliked me. But I’m used to this kind of reaction. I smiled and said, “Nice to meet you.” I had to hurry, or the cake would melt.

“Sorry. I’d love to talk more, but I need to get to Nox.”

“Tch… How dare you call the Demon King so casually… Wait, are you seriously planning to take that monstrosity to him?”

“It’s not a monstrosity! It’s a cake I made with Thomas and everyone else. I heard Nox likes sweets, so I wanted to give it to him as a thank-you for working so hard.”

My brother used to say that sweets are comforting when you’re tired. It’s only been a few days since I came to the Demon King’s Castle, but everyone has been so kind to me. I wanted to do something to show my gratitude. I know this isn’t much, but I hope it conveys my feelings.

The boy took a step closer to me. I tilted my head, about to ask what he wanted, when he slapped the tray out of my hands. The cake flew through the air and crashed onto the floor.

The sound of the cake splattering echoed through the hallway. Cream splashed onto the walls and my shoes, and I could only stare in shock.

The boy wiped his hands with a handkerchief, as if they’d gotten dirty. Tears welled up in my eyes. The cake everyone helped me make… I worked so hard on it to give to Nox. Everyone said they hoped he’d like it…

Beatrice quickly pulled me away from the boy. Between us lay the ruined cake, and an uneasy tension filled the air.

“Something like this isn’t fit for the Demon King’s palate. A bug like you should stay quietly in your room where you belong.”

His venomous words felt like they were eating away at my entire body. Sweat began to bead on my palms.

“A dangerous child like you shouldn’t get close to him! Just stay quiet and behave!!”

“You don’t deserve an education. Don’t ever show your face in front of me again. Just stay quiet.”

The words my parents had said to me raced through my mind. Oh… oh no… I have to apologize. I… I…

“…I’m sorry. You’re right, I messed up again… I shouldn’t have stepped out of line. I was taught that staying quiet is best. Uh… thank you for reminding me.”

Hasn’t it always been like this? Everything I do backfires. Maybe it’s better if I don’t do anything at all. I should just live quietly, helping with chores like a servant. That’s how I’ve always survived.

The demons are kind, so I must have misunderstood. I’m dangerous and unnecessary. The only way I can exist is by being a burden to others.

“Heh, I’m always failing. Oh! Beatrice, could you tell everyone I couldn’t give them the cake? I don’t think I can face them right now. And, uh… uh…”

I had to say something. Anything… or I’d start crying. Beatrice gently patted my back. If she kept doing that, I’d really start crying. So, I stepped away from her and forced a smile onto my face.