THDK Chapter 9

Chapter 9: The Demon King Arrives in a Pinch! (Part 1)

Ever since the day we saved the Simurgh, I’ve been allowed to leave my room—on the condition that I’m always accompanied by Beatrice. I was so happy that I jumped on Nox and thanked him just a little while ago.

“I deeply thank you for saving the Simurgh.”

“Whoa! Please, raise your head!”

As soon as she entered the room, Beatrice bowed deeply to express her gratitude. I was so surprised that I panicked. When she finally looked up, her gaze fell on the Simurgh, who was quietly being held in my arms, and her expression softened.

“To demons, monsters are like family. Especially the Simurgh—it’s a very precious creature. I’m truly glad you saved it…”

I could tell she cared deeply for monsters.

“Thank you for sharing your feelings with me. I’m really happy to talk with you like this, Beatrice.”

I’ve always wanted to become friends with her.

“I apologize for my rude behavior before.”

Next, Beatrice apologized. I took her hand and smiled back at her, and she looked at me with slightly confused eyes.

“Don’t apologize. Let’s talk a lot more from now on, okay?”

“Yes… of course.”

I’m so happy. I wish I could become friends with so many people like this. It would be wonderful if humans and demons could be friends, regardless of their differences.

“Hey, there’s a place I want to visit. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you! I want to go to the kitchen.”

“…The kitchen?”

“Yeah!”

I want to see how my favorite cake is made. I want to make a delicious cake myself and give it to Nox. Just thinking about the fluffy, moist texture makes me drool. I quickly straightened my face.

“What kind of cake do you like, Beatrice?”

“…Cheese, perhaps.”

Her answer, after a brief pause, made me smile. I’ve never had cheesecake before, so I decided to ask for it next time.

I want to know what Beatrice likes. Of course, I also want to know what Nox, Zain, and everyone else likes. Sharing what we love and making each other smile would surely bring happiness.

“Oreole and Simurgh, you two stay here, okay?”

Oreole might scare people since he’s a weapon, and the Simurgh might get scolded if it enters the kitchen.

“Very well. Go ahead.”

“Squeak!”

After thanking Oreole and the Simurgh for understanding, I left the room with Beatrice.

When we arrived at the kitchen, Beatrice went in first to inform the head chef of my arrival. Once I got permission to enter, I stepped inside. The first thing I saw was a large pot over a fire. Then, there were so many cooking tools. Seeing so many things I’d never seen before made me excited.

“Is this the kid you were talking about?”

Beatrice nodded at the head chef’s question. Confirming this, the head chef extended his hand. I shook it and introduced myself with a smile.

“Thank you for having me. I’m Sol!”

“I’m Thomas. I heard about the Simurgh. Thank you for saving it.”

“Everyone seems to know about it. I’m a little embarrassed.”

“You’re quite the celebrity in the Demon King’s Castle, kid. So, what brings you here?”

I honestly told him I wanted to learn how to make cake, and he gladly agreed. I was so happy I could’ve jumped for joy. A whisk, a bowl, ground Gim fruit powder, Cockatrice eggs, Demon Cow milk, and butter made from that milk—all the ingredients were laid out in front of me, and my eyes sparkled.

It’s amazing that so many ingredients go into making a cake! I couldn’t wait to start.

“First, mix the butter and sugar.”

“Okay!”

I followed his instructions and began mixing the ingredients.

“Wow! It was clear before, but now it’s fluffy and cloud-like!”

When I vigorously mixed the egg whites, they turned into something like snow, and I was amazed. The other cooks also taught me various things, and I managed to finish the batter. I poured it into a mold, tapped it a few times to remove the air, and baked it slowly in a brick oven. Now, all that was left was to wait.

“Making cake is so much fun!”

“Is that so? I’m glad. Next time you come, I’ll teach you how to make cookies.”

“Really!? Thank you, Thomas!”

Once I learn how to make all sorts of things, I’ll make sweets for Nox every day. I wonder if he’ll be happy.

I want Nox to be the first to taste the cake I made. I wonder why I feel that way. Just imagining Nox’s face warms my heart, and I feel so happy when he hugs me or holds my hand.

“I wonder if Nox likes sweets…”

I haven’t seen Nox eat sweets much, so I suddenly felt anxious. If he says he doesn’t like them, I’d be sad and feel bad.

“The Demon King has a sweet tooth, believe it or not.”

Thomas’s reassurance put me at ease.

“Hehe, then I don’t have to worry.”

I want him to try it right away. I hope it’s done soon. I wonder if he’ll say it’s delicious. My heart feels light and giddy. Just imagining Nox saying it’s delicious makes me smile.