ㅤChapter 70
ㅤThe Demon King, who had come to see the two off to the castle gate, gazed intently at Ruby and casually drew her into an embrace. He brought his noble, artwork-like face close to her ear and whispered softly.
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ㅤ”I truly have taken a liking to you. My desire to make you my mate is genuine. If you become my mate, my heart and everything in the Underworld will be yours to command. If you ever tire of that man, come here anytime.”
ㅤ”Hey, what are you doing to my wife?”
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ㅤTheodore intervened with a demonic expression, but the Demon King remained brazenly holding Ruby.
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ㅤ”I merely told her to come marry me if she grows tired of you. Because I am a much better man.”
ㅤ”Are you still going on about that? Don’t worry, I will make her happy.”
ㅤ”――Well, fine. Forcing someone is not my style, so I shall wait patiently.”
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ㅤHis father, who had once tried to forcefully take the Flame Grand Saintess, had failed and walked the path of ruin. Whether that was due to intense passion or hatred, the truth remains shrouded in darkness, but the Demon King was determined not to follow the same path. If they were destined mates, their bond would naturally be formed.
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ㅤ”Demon King-sama. I truly love Theodore-heika. I apologize, but I cannot marry you.”
ㅤ”Human feelings are fleeting. In that regard, I am devoted. I will lavish you with affection every day and grant you any wish you desire.”
ㅤ”Don’t lie. You looked quite pleased to be surrounded by those Medusas who came for the food distribution.”
ㅤ”Do you not offer smiles to your people? You’re such a grim-faced man, you must lack facial muscles.”
ㅤ”My people understand me even without smiles. They are a hundred times better than a king who needlessly flirts.”
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ㅤFacing the bickering Theodore and Demon King, Ruby burst out laughing.
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ㅤ”You two seem to get along well. It seems you will be able to get along as good neighboring countries from now on.”
ㅤ”Unlike you, the Saintess has a broader perspective. Of course, visits are welcome. I am also interested in the human world.”
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ㅤDue to his father’s death at the end of the conflict with humans, he had been confined to the Demon King’s castle for hundreds of years with nothing to do. However, remembering that humans are interesting creatures with ever-changing emotions, he thought it might be fun to venture out.
ㅤTheodore nodded with a bitter expression.
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ㅤ”As Emperor, I am not opposed to making peace with the Underworld. If you have any troubles, please contact me.”
ㅤ”If you ever need my poison, I will come running anytime. The Underworld is also the home of my beloved creatures under my care.”
ㅤ”Yes.”
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ㅤThe Demon King lovingly embraced Ruby. When Theodore pulled her away, he pouted but obediently released her.
ㅤThey mounted Blacky’s back and bid farewell to the Underworld.
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ㅤ”See you again! Take care, Demon King-sama!”
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ㅤWith each flap of the Dark Dragon’s wings, the ground grew further away. Despite only staying for about a day, Ruby felt a reluctance to leave.
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ㅤ（I’m sure I’ll come back again. Maybe it’s because I possess deadly poison, but this place feels somehow special.）
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ㅤThe Demon King’s castle and the Black Forest quickly shrunk in size. Cutting through the sky, they passed through the cave and reached the lake. The light visible at the end of the long darkness grew closer and closer.
ㅤAs they emerged from the entrance of the Underworld, they were enveloped in a loud cheer.
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ㅤ”Theodore-heika! Ruby-denka!” “You have returned safely!” “Prepare the welcome!”
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ㅤThey were relieved to be back in their original world. The knights on the surface raised their hands in joy, and some even collapsed and sobbed. Arnold looked haggard but seemed well. As she looked down at each of them, she felt a surge of emotion.
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ㅤ”We have returned. To our country.”
ㅤ”Finally. The history of Langley will greatly change from this day forward.”
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ㅤThe two were overcome with emotion on Blacky’s back as he circled above the fortress. They looked at each other, smiled, and exchanged a soft kiss.