Chapter 2: The Demon King Kidnapped a Princess
Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations
Editor: Karai
The Land of Death was the most terrifying place in the world. Its skies were eternally dark, and its monsters were the most fearsome in existence. No one should ever venture there.
Those who did never returned.
—A small human folk rumor, Part II
His Majesty the Demon King was fully prepared and in high spirits. He summoned his demonic dragon, stepped onto its back, and declared,
“Now, it’s time to visit my little darlings.”
He stood proudly atop the dragon, his voice brimming with excitement. Not that anyone could tell. Thanks to the mask strapped to his face, none of the servants nearby noticed his smile. Only the wind, which lifted the ends of his golden hair and sent it fluttering like a banner, betrayed his good mood.
“Roar—!” The dragon bellowed, spread its massive wings, and with a force that shook the earth, launched itself skyward. As they climbed higher, the Demon King reached up and removed his mask, breathing in the rush of fresh air and laughing freely. “Hahahahaha! I’m coming for you, my little darlings!”
Ah… it was good not to have to maintain the dignity of the Demon King when no one was watching. Seated upon his dragon, he stretched out his arms to embrace the wind. The dragon, sensing its master’s happiness, even swished its tail in delight.
The Demon King’s good mood lingered as his blue eyes curved into crescents, gazing proudly upon his thriving domain. There—a demon was smashing up his own house in a fit of rage.
The Demon King nodded approvingly. “Excellent. A wealthy and unrestrained demon should be able to vent his emotions whenever he pleases without worrying about consequences. Petty calculations and restraint… those are for humans, not us.”
Further along, two demons were locked in combat, while a sultry demoness watched from the sidelines. The Demon King clapped in the air, beaming. “Splendid. A strong demon should always settle disputes with strength. You want something? You fight for it. Someone else wants it too? You fight harder. Power above all—this is true iron-blooded spirit!”
And then… Several demons were out in the wilderness… The Demon King rubbed his eyes. Confirmed. …Mating.
He promptly lowered his gaze, covered his eyes with one hand, and praised them earnestly. “Well done. With our dwindling numbers and low birthrate, the demon race is starting to look like an elderly retirement village. You are contributing to the next generation. Admirable. Truly commendable.”
The dragon flicked its tail twice in response. The Demon King, cheeks faintly red beneath his mask, cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and declared proudly, “My domain is truly full of life!”
The dragon roared in agreement. After that, the Demon King wisely chose to stop looking around. He waited until they reached the remote thornwood forest he had cultivated personally. Then he jumped down from the dragon’s back, his robes billowing and his golden hair arcing gracefully behind him. Mask in hand, he entered the Land of Death.
He checked on several magical creatures first, making sure each of them was well cared for, before approaching one of his favorites—a massive, thorn-covered vine, deep violet and bristling with sharp spikes. He smiled… until he noticed many of its spikes were missing. His expression froze in shock.
The vine rubbed against his hand affectionately. The Demon King remained motionless for a moment before snapping out of it. He closed his mouth, bent down, and stroked it with heartbreaking gentleness. “Are you sick?”
This vine was one he had planted himself, tended for five or six years. It had always been healthy, thriving, its spikes growing sharper with each season. Why now, of all times, has it weakened? The last time he visited in autumn, it had been as lively as ever.
But the vine, of course, could not speak. It simply rubbed against his hand, again and again, as if seeking comfort. The Demon King’s chest ached. “Don’t worry. I’ll find someone to heal you. I promise.”
The vine coiled once around his hand, almost playfully. Seeing it still trying to move in such a state, the Demon King frowned. “No. You need to rest.”
He gently pressed the vine down, carefully covering it with fallen leaves like a blanket. “Stay here and recover. I’ll bring someone who can help you.”
The vine wriggled weakly in protest, but he pressed it down again, firm but gentle. After tucking it in, His Majesty stepped out of the Land of Death and began to think. Who could heal his beloved vine?
He quickly ruled out the dukes who had never even cared for a houseplant, the marquises he’d beaten up more than once, and the earl who wrote endless petitions to conquer the continent. Then—suddenly—he remembered. The Orland Empire had a princess famed for her knowledge and wisdom.
Perfect. The Demon King mounted his dragon, flew to Orland, and—without hesitation—kidnapped the princess and brought her back to the Land of Death. The princess refused to answer his questions. He glanced around. The wind was so cold it made her shiver. Fine. He took her back to his castle. He couldn’t risk his vine staying sick while the princess froze to death.
But even in the castle, the princess stayed stubbornly silent. The Demon King pondered. The problem was here. The person who could solve it was here. So what was missing? When he couldn’t find the answer, he reached up, tapped his mask, and tried a different approach.
He loomed over the princess and growled, “If you don’t heal my vine, I’ll kill you!”
He threatened her with utmost sincerity, even wearing his most serious expression beneath the mask. The princess flinched. The Demon King nodded, satisfied, and waited for her answer. Instead, the princess spun, grabbed the nearest chair, and hurled it at his head. Her expression was even fiercer than his. “In your dreams!”
Author’s Note:
True Demon King Logic™: Fighting? Excellent! That’s how demons prove their strength!
Wasting resources? Wonderful! That’s true demonic extravagance!
Outdoor… activities? Perfect! The demon race needs children!
P.S. Please… maybe be a little mindful of public decency next time.
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