Kidnapped Princess C39

Chapter 39

The air grew heavy. Everyone understood the meaning behind Albreto’s words—and no one more so than Luminas. Blue veins stood out on the back of her hand as she gripped the fabric of her dress.

Forcing a smile, Luminas asked,

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean exactly what I said,” Albreto replied evenly.

Unlike before, Luminas no longer hid her hostility behind her smile. The raw emotion on her face shocked me—it was the first time I’d ever seen her look so wounded.

“Do you really think I’ll just sit back and let that happen?”

Her sharp gaze locked onto Albreto, her teeth grinding audibly. She clutched my hand tightly—just as she had when she was small, when she swore never to let go of me.

“Yes, you’re right. Humans live short lives, and we age quickly. I can feel myself growing older day by day. I’m nothing like the eternally beautiful elves, so I have to try harder—so much harder!”

Her ragged breaths showed how agitated she was.

“I just want to be recognized as your bride… as soon as possible…”

Luminas looked down at her trembling hands and could no longer speak.

She was fully aware of what I already knew. She had grown up—while the rest of us, around her, remained unchanged.

For us, ten years felt like a day to humans.

That was why Luminas dressed herself so beautifully now. When she was younger, she used to wear whatever I picked for her. But somewhere along the way, she began to choose her own clothes—to polish her own beauty.

“My time… is too short. Before the day comes when I’m no longer beautiful and the Demon King abandons me… I have to stay by your side for as long as I can…!”

Her eyes glimmered darkly.

Even if I needed information, accepting Albreto’s offer had been a mistake.

In front of the man she saw as an enemy, Luminas revealed her true feelings without hesitation.

“Get out. This is my domain.”

The words were sharper and angrier than I’d ever heard from her. Beneath the fury, though, there was a fragile kind of fear.

Looks were important, yes—but Luminas had far more than just beauty to offer.

“Albreto,” I said, “I only accepted your help because I needed the information. But I’d prefer if you left now. I don’t want Luminas to feel uneasy anymore. I’ll make sure the elves are treated well. With Rain by your side, no one will dare touch you.”

“Demon King…” Luminas murmured softly.

“And Luminas,” I continued, “do you really think I’d ever abandon you? Even when you grow old, you’ll still be beautiful to me. Don’t worry—I’ll stay by your side until this hair turns white.”

Her eyes trembled, then she suddenly threw herself into my arms. Her thin arms wrapped around me, trembling.

Why did he have to bring up lifespans? That subject was painful for both of us.

“Even so,” she whispered, voice heavy as stone, “I still want to stay by your side while I’m beautiful.”

I gave a strained smile. She was human. It was a wish that could never truly come true—and she knew that.

“Do you love me most of all?” she asked suddenly, smiling again.

With a look that said she needed to hear me say it, how could I refuse?

“…Of course I do.”

“I believe you. You’ve never lied to me, after all.”

Luminas stood on her toes and planted a small kiss on my cheek. I covered my face with one hand, embarrassed—but my lips curled into a smile before I realized it.

Behind us, Albreto let out a deep sigh.

“…There’s no opening between you two.”

“Don’t state the obvious,” Elvin snapped.

“You’re bound tightly together,” Albreto murmured. “I understand. I’ll take my leave.”

If only he’d done that sooner. Still, I was relieved he’d finally given up.

“I’ll give you the information you wanted,” he added. “I’ve learned enough to know the Demon King is trustworthy. I’ve seen how you’ve worked for both beastfolk and elves. You’re someone I can rely on.”

“What?!” Elvin burst out. “Who are you to judge the Demon King’s worth? You could never grasp his true greatness!”

So that was it. His talk of marriage had just been an excuse—to stay here and observe, to gather information about me and my people.

If one wanted to know a king’s character, the best way was to observe how his people lived.

The High Elves had never once stepped foot in the demon realm, protected as they were by the World Tree’s barrier. To them, this place was an unknown world—so they’d proceed cautiously.

In other words… they lived long because they were careful.

Albreto’s lips curved faintly.

“I hope we can maintain a good relationship from here on.”

“…Sure.”

I shook his hand, pretending not to notice the hint of calculation behind his eyes.

“But tell me,” he said quietly, glancing toward Luminas, “how can you stand having such a frightening human by your side?”

Elvin immediately barked at Luminas to give me some space. She had been a bit sharp with Albreto earlier, yes—but only out of jealousy.

“Frightening? No,” I said calmly. “She’s adorable.”

“…You’re worse than I thought,” Albreto muttered dryly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Even if her life is short, if she gives you all her love, then she’ll have no regrets in the end.”

It sounded almost like advice. I suddenly found myself wondering just how old he really was.

“How old are you, anyway?”

“I’ve lived so long I’ve forgotten,” he replied, eyes clouded with faint sadness.

After Albreto left, Luminas finally relaxed.

The castle felt unusually quiet again—peaceful, almost.

Still, his words lingered in my mind. As did the countless things others had once told me. Back when demons protested Luminas becoming my bride, the most common reason they gave was her short lifespan.

Did Luminas know that?

Ever since Albreto had brought up the subject, her mood had been sharp and restless, even after he was gone.

“Luminas. Couldn’t sleep?”

Her eyes were shadowed. She hadn’t even come to wake me that morning—a task she and Elvin usually fought over daily.

“No. I’m fine,” she said.

Hearing it from her own lips left me no room to press further.

“Elvin, the hero’s party—were they really wiped out in the labyrinth?”

“No, my lord. Quite the opposite—they’re thriving. They’ve learned to fully control the power of the Holy Sword, and even the labyrinth monsters couldn’t stop them. They’ve also opened treasure chests and taken new equipment and weapons. Shall we reclaim them?”

“Leave them. Those trinkets are nothing but low-grade items. If they find joy in them, let them. The demons haven’t even started the war yet.”

“That’s true,” Elvin agreed.

Humans had raised an army and invaded our lands, dragging their mud-covered boots into our territory. They crossed poisonous swamps, fought through forests filled with monsters. Many had died—by poison or by beast.

The demons, on the other hand, had yet to strike. I’d only sent commanders to observe.

But after escaping the forest, the heroes had reached a small village and slaughtered the lesser demons living there.

Yes, they were weak, but they were still my people.

In human terms, it was like invading a peaceful rural town.

The demons considered those deaths honorable—dying while facing a hero—but it didn’t change the fact that it was infuriating.

“Our people are dying. We can’t just stand by.”

The entire demon realm was seething. Most demons weren’t cowards—they were fighters, eager to take the hero’s head as proof of their strength.

“Still, we can’t underestimate them,” I warned. “The hero is dangerous. Maybe not himself—but the Holy Sword certainly is. And there’s a saint among them, too.”

“Shall I deploy the army?”

“That’s not a bad idea. Once the hero dies, their will to fight will crumble. I’m tired of dancing to their tune.”

If humans kept running into walls they couldn’t climb, I thought they’d eventually give up. But they never did.

The goal of rescuing the ‘kidnapped princess,’ Luminas, had long been forgotten. They no longer even asked about her safety. Despite the open chance for peace, they only ever drew their swords.

Now, the only thing driving them was ambition—the desire to slay the Demon King and conquer the world.

“Should I prepare the army for annihilation, then?” Elvin asked seriously.

He would do it without hesitation the moment I said the word. To him, humans were insignificant vermin.

For now, skeleton soldiers were stalling them—weak, yes, but perfect for buying time. They were tireless, unlike humans, who would inevitably exhaust themselves.

“…Still, we should assess their strength first,” I said. “They’ve gained weapons and armor from the labyrinth, and they even have a saint. I refuse to let this story end like some fairy tale where the hero slays the Demon King.”

“No lowly human could ever defeat you, my lord!” Elvin clenched his fist with fiery conviction.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I know that. But don’t forget—someone might be using the hero to scheme behind the scenes.”

Albreto’s words echoed in my mind once again.