THDK Chapter 3

Chapter 3:  I Got My Own Room in the Demon King’s Castle! (Part 2)

I absentmindedly gaze out the window, admiring the view. The beautiful sky is no different from the one in human lands. The cityscape is full of vibrant colors, soothing my heart. I wonder where this place is. The lands of humans and demons are separated by high, steep mountains and deep forests, and they never intersect.

Since I was brought here by the Demon King-sama, maybe this is a land inhabited by demons. I try to guess, but that thought doesn’t scare me. What’s truly frightening in this world is the hatred one can receive from others.

“Excuse me. I’ve been tasked with taking care of you by Demon King-sama. My name is Beatrice.”

After staring at the scenery for a while, a woman with silver hair tied up and golden eyes enters the room.

“Take care of me?”

“Yes. Please leave everything related to your daily needs to me.”

Beatrice speaks in a flat, emotionless tone, stating her duties. I get off the chair and approach her, extending my hand to say “Nice to meet you.” However, she only looks at me, not returning the handshake. I sense an air of caution about her, so I pull my hand back.

“I can do things for myself. So, it’s okay.”

I put a smile on my face. I don’t want to trouble anyone on my behalf. I’ve always done things for myself, and I don’t want to be a burden.

“This is a direct order from Demon King-sama.”

“But…”

Her flat voice cuts off my protest, and I can’t say anything more. She then encourages me to take a bath to freshen up, and after that, she combs my hair and changes my clothes into something new. All these tasks were done inside the room I’m staying in, and I didn’t leave it as instructed.

“Hehe.”

“Is something wrong?”

Beatrice looks at me with a puzzled expression as I suddenly start laughing. As I touch the soft fabric of my new clothes, my cheeks naturally soften. The shirt with frills on the chest and the silver waistcoat embroidered with silver threads look so beautiful. The matching trousers are smooth and comfortable.

“I’ve never worn such a wonderful outfit before, so I’m really happy!”

“…I see.”

“Also, the warm water, having my hair combed—it’s been so long! And being treated so kindly by someone… it makes me really happy.”

“Th-That’s my job.”

Beatrice turns her face away. Her shy actions are so cute, and I smile even more. It’s the first time I’ve realized how nice it is to interact with others.

“You seem really happy.”

While I was watching Beatrice, Nox entered the room. I could tell from his expression that he furrowed his brows at my smiling face. Beatrice bows and leaves the room.

Once we’re alone, Nox crouches down to meet my gaze. His crimson eyes are as beautiful as always, and I feel like I might get lost in them.

“Do you like the room?”

“Yeah! It’s amazing. And look! They prepared this wonderful outfit for me, and they even made my hair look nice. I’m really happy.”

I spread my arms wide and twirl around in front of Nox.

“I see. Your golden hair shines even more beautifully now. Your aquamarine eyes stand out well. It seems Beatrice did a good job.”

“You know, this is the first time anyone has been so kind to me, and I’m really surprised. Why are you being so nice to me, Nox?”

The moment we met in the forest, I felt an inexplicable sensation in my heart, like it was telling me we were meant to meet. But I don’t know if Nox feels the same way. If it’s just me, it makes me feel a little lonely.

“I can’t just leave you alone and let you die. Besides, you’re still too young.”

“Sure, I’m only ten, but I can do lots of things. I can sew, fetch water, clean, and…”

“Don’t do any of those things from now on.”

“But… I feel bad about always being taken care of. Besides, isn’t it wrong to let people be so kind to me?”

I hurt my older brother. I know that his condition worsened because of the magical power, and I must accept it and atone for it. My parents never allowed me to be just a normal ten-year-old. I secretly studied, but I was forced to work like an adult, so relying on others has always been difficult for me.

“Come here.”

“Eh…”

Hearing my words, Nox suddenly opens his arms. He pulls me into his chest and holds me tightly, his warmth slowly seeping into my heart.

I’d often watched other children in the village being hugged by their parents, feeling envious. I wondered if anyone could accept me, even if they weren’t my parents.

That wish was granted by Nox.

“Children should just rely on adults honestly.”

“…Is it okay for me to be just a normal child?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“Can I be a little selfish?”

“Go ahead.”

His big hand gently strokes my head. It’s strange. In fairy tales, the Demon King is a cruel person who torments people, but Nox feels completely the opposite. Being wrapped in the comfort of his chest, tears start to fall, and I cry out loud for the first time in years.

Nox holds me the entire time, occasionally stroking my back, unsure of what to do. This new place, though unfamiliar, holds many things I’ve wanted, and it’s Nox who has given them to me.

“Thank you.”

“That’s more like a child’s face.”

Nox glances at my tear-streaked face, and I feel my heart skip a beat as I catch a glimpse of a smile in his otherwise emotionless expression. He wipes away my tears and carries me to the bed. He holds me in his arms until I fall asleep.

The next morning, I wake up to find Nox sleeping beside me, and I feel relieved. Craving warmth, I bury my face in his chest, and he hugs me back. I can’t help but smile. I close my eyes and savor the drowsiness. He gently strokes my head, and though I’m surprised at first, in the end, I give in to the comfort and fall into a deep sleep again.