THDK Chapter 34

Reunion with the Past (Part 2)

With my bag slung over my shoulder and Oreole at my waist, I quietly made my way toward the stables. The Demon King’s castle at night was dark and melancholic. A bittersweet feeling filled my heart. I navigated the familiar hallways and finally reached the stables, heading straight for the cage where the Simurgh was kept.

As I climbed the stairs to the top floor and caught my breath, I noticed someone standing in front of the cage.

“Ah, I knew you’d come.”

“Ruki…”

His gentle, hazel eyes narrowed as he smiled softly at me.

“For the past few days, I had a feeling you’d come, so I waited here. It seems I was right.”

“…I…”

I hesitated, unsure how to respond, but Ruki handed me a set of reins—the kind used for riding the Simurgh. Just as I had grown, the Simurgh had also matured rapidly, now a magnificent, towering bird. As Ruki had said, it was now fully capable of carrying a rider.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

“…You’re not going to stop me?”

“Honestly, I’d like to. But you’re someone who should see the world outside. So, as far as I’m concerned, tonight never happened.”

“…Thank you.”

Ruki was such a kind person. While Alan was strict, Ruki had always been gentle with me. He was the one who had tirelessly trained me to ride the Simurgh.

I gripped the reins tightly and approached the Simurgh. It noticed me and nuzzled against me affectionately.

“Simurgh, will you take me to the outside world?”

“Squawk!”

It let out a loud cry, as if answering me. I stroked its feathers, then led it out of the cage and climbed onto its back. Ruki made no move to stop me, instead watching me with those kind eyes.

“Ruki, I’ll definitely achieve my dreams! So, please watch over me.”

“Of course. I’ll be watching.”

I smiled back at Ruki, then urged the Simurgh to take flight. A strong wind brushed against my cheeks, its coldness sending a slight shiver through me. We soared through the night sky, the Simurgh’s iridescent feathers shimmering as it flew. With each beat of its wings, the clouds seemed to part.

As I gazed at the countless stars twinkling before me, my vision began to blur. Tears fell like rain, scattering into the sky.

When I looked back, I could see the entirety of the massive Demon King’s castle. That place was all I had ever known. My life had revolved entirely around the castle. But now, I had no choice but to move forward into the wider world on my own.