Kidnapped Princess C34

Chapter 34

In the end, Albreto managed to get what he wanted. Lenya, her face shadowed with concern, spoke cautiously.

“Demon King, are you truly all right with this?”

“He insisted so strongly. Let’s just play along for now. There were some suspicious remarks in what he said, too.”

“Could there be something wrong with the World Tree?”

“Who knows… Rain, you’ll escort the elves. And this time, don’t run your mouth unnecessarily. Lenya, I want you to find out everything you can about the World Tree.”

“Is it fine if I don’t assist Lady Luminas?”

“She’s been acting more independent lately, maybe going through some kind of adolescent phase… She’s always been the type to want to do things alone anyway. And she’s old enough now that she doesn’t need constant attendants.”

That part stung a little—realizing she was growing up, becoming capable of handling things on her own.

“Human years pass in the blink of an eye,” Lenya said softly.

She was right. Luminas had grown so much that she was nearly unrecognizable from the child she once was.

“Will Lady Luminas be all right? After all, she’s your bride, isn’t she?”

“…”

That was exactly what worried me. The way she had burst into tears after overhearing that conversation was still fresh in my mind.

But I had made it clear to her that I had no interest in the elf.

“They seem to be around the same age. Maybe they’ll get along well…?”

It had always bothered me that Luminas had no friends her age in the Demon Castle. Even though the elf boy was male and only looked about her age rather than actually being so, it would still be good for her to have someone to talk to—someone to help her world grow a little wider.

He might even teach her things I couldn’t.

“She’ll welcome him warmly.”

“…Your Majesty, Lady Luminas is not that kind of person,” Lenya said gravely.

Her concern struck me as odd.

“She won’t be welcoming at first, sure. But once they spend time together, won’t they open up and become friends?”

Before Lenya could respond, Elvin snorted loudly.

“That princess? Not a chance. She’ll probably kick him out the moment she sees him. Have you not seen how she treats me? She’ll never forgive anyone who threatens her position beside the Demon King. She’ll smack him around like a dusty carpet! She’s a tyrant in silk dresses!”

“…Elvin, must you say it like that? That’s exactly why she’s so sharp with you. She’s actually kind to everyone else.”

“You’ve been deceived, Your Majesty!”

I sighed, shaking my head. The two of them were always at odds—it was almost like watching a quarrel between siblings.

Still, he had a point. It was only wishful thinking to assume Luminas could befriend someone who might threaten her claim as my bride.

“Would it be better to keep them far apart, then?”

“Demon King! I wanna meet the princess!”

Rain shot up her hand like a desperate student in class, squirming impatiently as if she couldn’t hold it in.

Naturally, I cut her off immediately.

“No.”

“Why not?! I wanna see her too! Everyone else has met her except me!”

“The castle’s going to be loud for a while…” Lenya muttered under her breath.

Bang—!

I flinched. No one ever dared to barge into the Demon King’s office so rudely.

Even Elvin’s eyes went wide as he demanded, “Who dares—?”

It was Luminas.

Her bangs shadowed her eyes, concealing her emotions, but the air around her pulsed with raw agitation.

Despite my efforts to keep her far from the elves, news of our guests must have reached her.

“Can you not enter quietly?” Elvin barked, but Luminas ignored him completely.

“Demon King, I heard something strange.”

“Ah… Luminas, about that…”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s… fine?”

Her calm reply was so unlike her that I felt relieved—and strangely uneasy.

“It wasn’t what you wanted, right? I heard everything from Lenya. It was her sister who caused all this. And besides, you already reassured me, didn’t you? I’m far better than that High Elf, right?”

She smiled throughout her words. I couldn’t tell if she was masking her anxiety or if she was truly at ease.

I rose from my seat and placed a hand on her head. Even though her body had matured, she still looked so young.

I believed I’d given her plenty of affection, yet she often grew anxious over small things. The other day had been one of those times, and lately her behavior had been increasingly delicate.

Maybe it was just adolescence—at least, that’s what I hoped.

“I’d never take my eyes off you.”

Her lips parted in surprise, then curved into a bright, graceful smile—so much warmer than the one before.

“Yes. I believe you. You adore me after all.”

“As long as you know that. The elves will only stay for a month.”

Rain and Lenya had been working tirelessly to extract information about the World Tree from the elven royalty, but they’d remained resolutely tight-lipped—never even mentioning the word World Tree first.

If only I could speak directly with it, I thought.

For years now, the gods had remained silent. It was unlike them—especially the talkative one I once knew. Ever since delivering a divine oracle, not a word had been heard.

Even Nyx had told me that, since his bond with the divine had been severed, he could no longer communicate with them.

But the World Tree was another matter entirely.

That was one of the main reasons I allowed Albreto to stay. I wanted to learn what the elves knew—and perhaps, to speak with the World Tree itself.

The god of this world was the very being I once knew. The World Tree, however, was a lesser offshoot—born from that divine essence. It was one of the most mysterious and powerful entities in existence, second only to its creator. Its power had waned as nature decayed.

“Demon King? Demon King!”

“Ah, sorry. I was just… thinking.”

I hadn’t even realized Luminas was calling me. Seeing her frown slightly, I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed.

“You’re overworking yourself again. Come sit. I brought refreshments.”

She held a small tray neatly in both hands. Sitting down on the sofa, she patted the space beside her with a soft thump, thump, inviting me to join her.

I studied her carefully. Though she smiled, I could tell she was still hurt inside. Understanding that didn’t make it easier to fix.

Letting the elves stay was my decision after all.

“What would you like first? I made everything myself.”

She poured me tea, the fragrant steam curling up between us, and presented an assortment of desserts. Her skill in baking rivaled her cooking talents—everything looked as delicious as it smelled.

As I reached for one, I noticed how her face had changed. The baby fat in her cheeks had vanished, replaced by elegant sharpness. She’d grown beautiful… but a part of me missed that soft, chubby face.

“Did you eat already?” I asked.

“I’m fine.”

“Really? You’re not skipping meals, are you? You’ve been training every morning. You need to eat well. Don’t skip breakfast, and have something before bed too. You’re losing weight.”

“I’m all right…”

She always said that—I’m fine. It only made me worry more. She rarely complained, always accommodating me, too kind for her own good.

And Elvin had called her fierce? Please. She was only fierce with him because he provoked her constantly. Even now, he was muttering something about my taste in sweets.

“Elvin, quiet.”

“Ha! You heard that, didn’t you? Really, Elvin—should you be annoying His Majesty like this? Is this what a proper aide does?”

“Why, you—!”

“Luminas. Don’t tease him too much,” I sighed.

“Yes, Demon King.”

Elvin clutched his neck dramatically, pretending to faint—but no one paid him any attention. It was just another ordinary day in the castle.

Today again, Luminas wore a scarf around her neck.

Has she always liked scarves?

Curious, I reached out to touch it—just to feel the fabric. But before I could, she slapped my hand away instinctively, as if guarding her throat.

Everyone froze. Luminas looked the most shocked of all.

“I—! I’m sorry!”

“…No, it’s all right. I startled you.”

Still, I couldn’t help but stare at my hand, the one she’d pushed away. Something about it left a bitter taste in my chest. And her expression…

“Do you like the scarf?” I asked quietly.

“You said it looked nice the other day.”

Something else caught my eye—the dress she wore. It covered her entire neck. I didn’t recall ever buying her something like that.

Without Lenya around, I missed her insight. She always noticed what I overlooked—small lies, subtle changes—because she’d spent so long watching over Luminas, and perhaps because, as a woman, she saw things I couldn’t.

“Does it not suit me? I wanted to look good for you, so I tried different styles…”

Her eyes shone so earnestly that I had no choice but to answer,

“It suits you perfectly.”

Elvin muttered from the side, “She must’ve gone to the village to buy it. Said she was going out earlier.”

I didn’t recall giving Luminas any allowance.

“Where did you get the money? You should’ve asked me to go with you.”

“I’ve been saving a little on my own. I can’t depend on you forever. As your bride, I want to support you, not be a burden. Besides, you’ve been so busy.”

“No matter how busy I am, I’ll always have time for you. Next time, we’ll go together.”

The thought of her wandering the village alone unsettled me—and knowing there were things about her I didn’t know frustrated me even more.

“…All right. We’ll go together next time.”

I nodded, satisfied.