The Demon King, who had returned to the cathedral on Erin’s back, was met with—
“Here, eat this while you calm down.”
“This is…?”
“It’s a chicken sandwich. I made it with leftover chicken from this morning.”
“1…192.”
“What’s that? There’s milk too, so eat slowly to avoid upsetting your stomach. You’ve been through a lot today. There’s a meeting with His Majesty, the Emperor, in a few days, so rest well until then.”
“I understand. I shall… sniff!… accept your kindness.”
After Erin disappeared—
In the middle of the room, where sunlight passed through the stained glass, the Demon King quietly nibbled on the chicken sandwich with small bites.
“Nom nom.”
Soft, crunchy.
Not long ago, the feelings of exhilaration from achieving a long-held ambition were now being comforted by the simple joy of eating delicious food.
By the time three sandwiches were completely devoured, calmness returned, accompanied by a realization.
***
Something felt odd.
‘Wait a minute. I’m the Demon King…? Is it really okay for things to end like this?’
While the gratitude for having all their demands met was genuine, the Demon King realized negotiations should ideally occur on equal footing to avoid complications later.
Looking back, it didn’t feel like an equal exchange at all.
In fact, it was more like the humans were “generously bestowing” favors rather than negotiating.
Of course, at the negotiation stage, some degree of concession from the humans was expected—it was necessary for them to grant land to the Demon King’s kind.
But that didn’t mean the Demon King planned to simply accept handouts without offering something in return.
The Demon King had every intention of providing benefits that humans would find valuable.
This way, it wouldn’t seem as if the demons were unfairly receiving all the benefits.
After all, maintaining balance in such matters was crucial.
The Demon King was well aware of this.
Erin, the saint who brought the Demon King here, was certainly someone who could be trusted.
Her decisions were guided by the will of the one true deity, Igogodon.
The Demon King knew better than anyone else that being brought to this form for negotiation was part of divine will.
Thus, accepting Erin’s kindness without reservation was understandable since it didn’t stray from her ultimate goal—to strictly follow divine commands.
But ordinary humans were different.
Even though the Demon King now had the appearance of a human child, if their kind started to indiscriminately “accept” such kindness, humans might begin to perceive demons as inferior beings.
They might say things like, “Even your representative, the Demon King, was grateful enough to shed tears before us. Who are you to act so arrogantly?”
It wasn’t that the Demon King distrusted humanity entirely.
However, unlike demons—who had a singular ruler capable of projecting their will across the population—humans, even within their hierarchical societies, exhibited a vast diversity in personality and ideology.
Moreover, humans, who had consistently triumphed over the demons despite lacking raw power, were a formidable opponent.
Thus, maintaining dialogue was important, but letting one’s guard down and adopting a submissive stance wasn’t wise.
‘I must have grown complacent after becoming human,’ the Demon King thought.
‘Perhaps I’ve become too comfortable with the results of divine intervention.’
Even in the body of a human child, the Demon King remained the sovereign of the demon race.
For the sake of ensuring that the demons wouldn’t be looked down upon after securing their territory, the Demon King resolved not to forget this fact.
The speech delivered earlier was merely to sway public opinion among humans.
‘What truly matters is the upcoming meeting.’
***
In a few days, the Demon King, as the representative of the demons, was scheduled to meet the human Emperor.
This meeting would determine how far the demons could coexist with humans and what the demons could offer in return.
It would also provide an opportunity to dispel the misunderstandings between humans and demons.
‘Just because I’m in this body doesn’t mean I should forget. Even though I’m asking for something, that doesn’t mean I must grovel. Such an attitude would undoubtedly spell disaster for both demons and humans in the long run.’
The Demon King, reaffirming this determination, placed both hands on the floor to push up from where they had been sitting.
‘If the divine power has granted me this opportunity, I must make the most of it to benefit my kind.’
- Grrrrr…
‘Sunlight… and territory…’
‘Why am I hungry again after just eating those chicken sandwiches?’
The moment the Demon King recognized the hunger, it felt as if their thoughts weren’t processing as clearly anymore.
Embarrassed by the situation, the Demon King hesitated momentarily before cautiously heading toward the door.
Each step produced a small squeaking noise, which led to a nearby nun promptly responding as soon as the door opened.
“Oh my, Demon King! What brings you here? Do you need the restroom?”
“No, that’s… not it. I…”
“Then what is it?”
“That is… could I have… a little more food?”
“Ah! Your mouth feels idle, doesn’t it? Just a moment! Eating plenty around this time is considered a virtue.”
The nun quickly brought chicken soup, warm milk, and soft bread made of wheat.
“This is what I could prepare quickly. It might not be as delicious as the chicken sandwich blessed by the heavens, but this is still quite tasty!”
“…Thank you.”
The Demon King accepted the tray, sat down again, and ate the soup and bread while contemplating.
‘Why do humans seem to love chicken so much?’
Despite the peculiar train of thought, the Demon King didn’t notice how odd it was.
***
The next day—
“Can you go alone? Shall I hold your hand?”
“Erin, I understand your concern, but I’m fine now. I’ve been practicing walking to ensure I won’t fall.”
Indeed, the Demon King had spent days walking around the room, producing soft squeaking sounds while practicing balance.
Falling again would have felt like an irreparable blow to the Demon King’s dignity.
Although the excuse of “not being used to a human body” had worked before, it would hardly suffice anymore.
Concerned about causing disturbance with the squeaking sounds, the Demon King practiced only during the day and rested quietly at night.
With a determined tone, the Demon King reassured Erin, who smiled and nodded.
“Alright. But let me know if it becomes too difficult.”
“I shall.”
Fortunately, the Demon King had now become quite adept at walking without stumbling.
Although the wings could have been used for ease of movement, spreading demonic energy in the capital was something to be avoided at all costs.
‘Let’s keep this in mind. Unlike yesterday, when I needed to appeal to emotions, today is the time to discuss real stakes. I must be able to refuse proposals that seem unreasonable.’
For example, demands like: “Provide demons regularly as a labor force in exchange for the land granted.”
‘Even though sunlight is essential for survival, how could the Demon King sell their kind into slavery?’
‘That’s why I cannot lose my dignity as the Demon King by being swept up in emotions like yesterday. If necessary, I must be ready to reveal my strength indirectly—’
At that moment—
“Don’t worry too much.”
“…What?”
The soft squeaking sound of tiny steps abruptly halted at Erin’s words, as if she had read the Demon King’s mind.
“His Majesty Emperor Eirene is a person filled with divine impartiality. I’m sure things will turn out well.”
“Is that so? Even so, I must remain cautious. Regardless of lineage, one doesn’t maintain such a position without merit.”
The Demon King, inheriting the experiences of past Demon Kings, understood all too well.
The infighting that had occurred over the human throne—the very conflicts that sometimes benefited demons—came to mind.
Even while opposing the Demon King, humans’ internal divisions had occasionally allowed the demons to gain advantages.
Erin responded with a gentle smile.
“You’ll see when you meet them.”
***
Upon arriving at Igogodon’s Imperial City with Erin, the guards stationed at the gate ran over upon spotting them.
“You’re here, Saint. May the divine impartiality be with you.”
“Thank you, Brother. May the divine impartiality be with you as well.”
“It’s an honor. And this must be the Demon King?”
“Indeed.”
The guard knelt on one knee, lowering his head to meet the Demon King’s gaze.
“I heard your speech. It’s presumptuous of me to say, but even a guard like me deeply felt your desire for peace. I hope meaningful results come of this meeting.”
“Thank you.”
The Demon King felt a momentary lapse in tension at the warm reception.
Quickly shaking their head, they refocused their thoughts.
‘I must not let fleeting emotions sway me,’ the Demon King repeated inwardly while stepping into the palace.
***
The palace’s interior was unexpectedly simple—no excessive luxury.
A plain red carpet and minimal decorations were all that adorned the space.
The rhythmic squeaking sound of the Demon King’s steps filled the empty hallway.
‘This is certainly different from what remains in the memories of past Demon Kings.’
Some Demon Kings in the past had invaded the imperial palace within the human capital.
Back then, the palace was adorned with sculptures of fine marble and expensive, lavish artwork—entirely unlike the restrained elegance of this place.
Despite its grandeur, the Emperor of that time had been easily defeated by the Demon King—though the matter had been later resolved by the saint and the holy knights.
After walking for a while—
“This is the audience chamber.”
“Thank you, Erin. I’ll go alone from here. I can’t rely on you for everything, especially in such an important place.”
“If that is your will, Demon King, then it must also be the will of the divine. I’ll wait here for you.”
Leaving Erin behind, the Demon King opened the doors to the audience chamber.
Truthfully, until this very moment, the Demon King couldn’t fully comprehend what awaited.
***
Stepping into the chamber bathed in radiant light, they were greeted by a clear voice.
“You’ve arrived, Demon King.”
“…What?”
Inside the designated chamber stood—
“I’ve been expecting you. I am Eirene von Einsberg, the Emperor of this realm.”
Golden, radiant hair crowned with a small, elegant tiara framed her figure.
Her asymmetrical bangs exuded unique charm, while her neatly tied-back hair signaled that she was no ordinary person.
Her perfectly proportioned features and porcelain-like skin radiated vitality that belied her 36 years of age.
The off-shoulder dress she wore accentuated her feminine charm, while the divine force emanating from her was undeniable.
But—
It wasn’t just the dress that caught attention.
She wore something peculiar over it: an apron.
The apron, draped around her neck and tied at the back, sat like a strawberry atop a shortcake.
‘…An apron?’
And that wasn’t all.
In her left hand, she held something wooden and cylindrical.
‘What… is that?’
The Demon King rummaged through the collective memories of past Demon Kings, identifying the object without difficulty.
It was a baby rattle.
A toy.
A harmless object used to soothe infants.
The Demon King was struck by confusion.
Meanwhile, Eirene, wearing an expression of utter composure, gracefully knelt and patted her plump thigh.
“Come here, Demon King. Hehe.”