Kidnapped Princess C33

Chapter 33

“A child?”

“…There is someone I have already taken in to become my bride.”

“Ah, yes. The human princess. I heard she was taken as a prisoner, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

When Albreto repeated what the humans claimed, irritation flared in me.

Humans said I had abducted a princess they had “lovingly cared for.” For a moment, I thought perhaps I had misunderstood the dictionary definition of the word “lovingly.”

“Lovingly cared for”? Nonsense. She was an abandoned child whom I saved.

“She was no prisoner. I merely took in a forsaken child.”

My voice rose, betraying the anger I couldn’t hold back.

“Hm… So she is dearly loved, it seems.”

He drew out his words, mildly surprised. Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat.

“In any case, I already have someone chosen. I can’t accept your proposal.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t back down. Elves are weak.”

“Albreto-nim!”

The elves shouted, finding it shameful that their king would admit weakness before another race. But Albreto remained calm.

“Elves are crushed under the weight of human armies. We’ve always been trampled that way. But demons are different. In wars against humans, demons have always dominated. You possess overwhelming strength that overcomes disadvantages and are not outnumbered either.”

Every word he said was true. Even if humans had their clerics, they were no match for high-ranking demons—unless they were heroes.

And demons came in many forms. It would be a mistake to think they were merely horned beings with wings.

“That’s why we need change. To live lives no longer subject to scorn, we need your blood.”

The elves clenched their lips tightly; some trembled with barely suppressed anger.

Seeing them, I sighed inwardly. They wouldn’t back down easily.

Tap, tap—

I drummed my fingers on the armrest, thinking. Elvin, sensing the tension, spoke loudly.

“Your Majesty, please refuse. It was the elves who sought protection from us first. We have no obligation to grant such an outrageous request. They’re insolent, ungrateful for all the leniency you’ve shown them.”

At his sharp tone, the elves glared back fiercely.

Both kings stayed composed, while their followers were the ones losing their tempers. Albreto and I both raised our hands, signaling our subordinates to stand down.

Then, I decided to make my final move.

“If this continues, I may have to reject your migration altogether.”

“You’re not as I’d heard. They say the demons have grown soft.”

What? Soft?

I might be the Demon King, but that didn’t mean I agreed with calling my kind gentle. Had he not seen Elvin glaring daggers just moments ago, ready to strike him down?

“They say it’s since you became Demon King—you’ve taught them kindness and compassion.”

“Wait… I wouldn’t go that far—”

“Hmph. Indeed, it’s thanks to Your Majesty’s guidance. You have a keen eye, Albreto.”

Albreto smiled faintly.

“Will you truly cast us out? It’s not too late to reconsider.”

“…”

He was right about one thing—I wasn’t planning to sever ties completely simply because they defied my will. Still, the image of Luminas crying came vividly to mind.

“You’re misunderstanding something.”

“What do you mean?”

“You said you need a child of my blood—as a symbol of unity. But you’re only thinking of the benefits. You forget that there are demons who covet my throne. If I had an heir, they’d immediately try to kill the child.”

“…”

“You probably intended to raise the child yourselves, given your obsession with ‘strong blood.’ But do you really think it would be that simple? That’s why Luminas always remains in the Demon Castle—because dangers can arise from anywhere. You elves live amidst nature, don’t you?”

“…Yes. No matter how desolate the land, we live with the forest.”

That much was true. Some elves joined demon villages, but most built their own settlements deep in the woods.

“Then you’d die.”

My calm tone made the elves’ eyes widen.

“Survival of the fittest—that’s what you believe, isn’t it? The weak are prey. A newborn child carrying demonic mana would be the most tempting prey of all. Someone would try to eat the infant’s heart to claim that power as their own.”

In the old days, when the Demon King’s title was passed through blood, the previous king would sometimes offer his heart to his successor before death, birthing a stronger Demon King. But many bodies couldn’t withstand it—some went mad—so the practice had nearly vanished.

“…I hadn’t considered that.”

“See? Demons are savages!”

“Albreto-nim, seeking protection from demons was a mistake! At this rate, they’ll destroy us all. They thrive on threats—have you forgotten what they did to us—!”

“Silence! Do you think humans are any better? We all agreed that migration to the Demon Realm was our best option, didn’t we?”

“T-that’s…”

The noisy chamber fell quiet. Their hesitation was proof that not all the elves had accepted this decision. It wasn’t surprising—it was no small matter to abandon the World Tree and cross into the Demon Realm. Such unanimity was impossible.

Still…

My eyes narrowed as I glanced around the room. One elf’s earlier words caught my attention.

“What they did to us…”?

That sounded as though something terrible had happened at the hands of demons.

I recalled something. Those demons who had once plotted to seize my throne—and had kidnapped young Luminas.

They hadn’t resurfaced since. Dylan and I suspected they might be hiding in some temple, biding their time.

But now I realized—there was another possible place.

Elves lived deep within the forests, guarded by trees, by the forest itself, by the World Tree. Their villages were shrouded in dense mist, invisible from the outside.

If this was the royal clan’s village, its defenses would be even tighter.

There were many elven groups, but sightings of their royal bloodline were rare—so rare that people only believed they existed.

Even Rain and Lenya had been astonished when they first heard of the royal elves; neither had ever seen a High Elf before. Neither had I.

Why, then, would they suddenly decide to migrate to the Demon Realm?
Could it be that something happened to their god, the World Tree?

I’d already heard that the World Tree’s power was weakening. If so, it would’ve been more typical of elves to die alongside their god than abandon it.

“The World Tree…”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t speak of that—at least not until I can fully trust you, Demon King.”

Albreto’s words cut mine short.

If he wouldn’t tell me, then I’d just find out myself. Tracking down those hidden demons—figuring out where and what they’d been doing—would be easier than scouring the entire world.

Could they have coerced the elves and hidden within their royal domain?

No… if that were the case, the elves wouldn’t be trying to move to the Demon Realm.

I rubbed my chin.

Hm. Should I follow them?

If they could read my mind, the elves would’ve been horrified.

But if they wouldn’t tell me, then I’d uncover the truth myself. Besides, how long was I supposed to wait until they decided to “trust” me?

I wasn’t about to gamble on that uncertainty. Even if Albreto wanted to be transparent, his people’s hostility would stop him. Just look at those glares.

Even Rain and Lenya hadn’t been allowed inside the royal village; they’d only met the elves at designated locations nearby. Still, that meant the village wasn’t far.

“Everyone has secrets. I understand that. I only ask that you understand my position and withdraw.”

I thought that would end the discussion. Surely, after such a reasonable statement, they’d drop the matter of marriage and heirs.

But that was only my assumption.

“I refuse.”

“Did you not hear the Demon King’s words? Do not make him repeat himself. His patience has limits. You should be grateful for being granted audience at all!”

Elvin’s voice rang through the hall, his neck taut with anger.

“We know our request is excessive. But you promised us noble status—tell me, who will truly treat me as such?”

History depends on the words exchanged and oaths made in moments like these. To be treated as equals—that was what they wanted.

It wasn’t that they were unsatisfied with a high noble title; rather, they knew that without power, that title was meaningless.

To adapt quickly to the Demon Realm, they wanted harmony with demons—meaning, to share strong blood.

“Ah.”

I glanced at Elvin. My companion, my aide, and a remarkable demon. Not because he was my friend—but because he truly was capable. Well, aside from being overly passionate at times.

“Ahem.”

I cleared my throat to draw attention.

“I understand your reasoning. Then how about Elvin?”

“Wh—Your Majesty?!”

“If it’s strength you want to preserve your race, there are other powerful demons besides me. Elvin is both my old friend and my chief aide. Within the Demon Castle, he’s second only to me—his position commands even the nobles’ respect. And he’s been the one managing the princess all this time.”

Hearing my praise, Elvin’s lips twitched upward in pride. Though Lenya had been the one caring for Luminas daily, Elvin was technically in charge overall.

“In terms of stability, he might be an even better choice than I am. He fits your description of a strong leader. If all you seek is unity, then surely an elf could be introduced to him instead.”

Partly, I said it out of gratitude—he’d supported me constantly—but also because I wanted him to start living for himself.

Dylan had a child due to succession matters, and Rain and Lenya each had their wards among the elves—children they treated as their own. Even if they didn’t, the two were twins; they had family.

But Elvin had no one. Perhaps it was time for him to form his own.

Albreto studied Elvin for a moment, then shook his head.

“I need parents who will give everything to the child. The leader responsible for the elves’ safety must do the same. And if he had to choose between the child and the Demon King, he’d choose the Demon King. Wouldn’t he?”

“…”

“I understand your resolve. Then I’ll stay for one month. If by then your heart hasn’t changed, I’ll leave peacefully.”