Ch 11: Enemy Attack?
The next morning, Bal abruptly opened his eyes. He had a dream; he dreamt that he was struck by a blade, the Bal in his dream bleeding profusely, his body growing heavy, his temperature gradually dropping. He couldn’t see who had done it. Before waking, he saw Phia, covered in wounds, tearfully running towards him.
“An unfamiliar ceiling.”
Bal, awakened early by a nightmare, calmly said. Sunlight streamed in through the window; it seemed like a beautiful day. He quickly lowered his head because he was still holding a lovely Catgirl in his arms. The Catgirl in his dream was covered in wounds, and he was terrified. Bal looked at Phia, who was still drooling in his arms, pinched her little face, and then stroked her head, feeling healed in his heart.
Actually, Phia had woken up long ago. She hadn’t dreamt, but the scene from last night felt unreal. The two, who were once rivals, were now lovers who could sleep in each other’s arms. It was illogical, but that was reality. Closing her eyes, she greedily nestled in Bal’s embrace, wanting to feel his warmth a little longer. Then she discovered that her face had been pinched and her head stroked.
“Meow~ You dared to touch me while I was sleeping, how bold of you.”
Phia slowly opened her eyes, using her small hand to secure the large hand stroking her head, and then rubbed her head against his in return.
“Please punish this bold sinner, Demon King.”
Bal smiled at Phia, tightened his arm around the Catgirl’s slender waist, pulled her closer, and then lightly kissed Phia’s forehead.
“This is a good morning kiss. Good morning, my little Cat.”
“Mmm… Taking advantage of me, don’t get too cocky!”
Phia felt the touch on her forehead, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She tried to pretend to be calm and get up from Bal’s arms, but without magic to enhance her strength, she was no match for Bal.
Bal looked at the struggling Catgirl in his arms, pressed his nose close to Phia’s head, inhaled deeply, and then released her.
“Go out for a moment; I need to change my clothes.”
“Before, you always changed clothes while your back was turned towards me. Why do you want me to go out today? Aren’t you shy? We’re a couple now, what’s wrong with changing clothes together?”
“It’s because we’re a couple that I want you to go out. I’m so beautiful and have such a good figure. If you can’t control your desires, I’ll be the one to suffer… and I’m not ready yet…”
Phia’s voice grew softer. Demon Race tradition dictates that couples can only see each other completely after marriage. She was naturally traditional.
“Don’t worry; I won’t do anything before the marriage. And we might not get married for a while.”
“Why? Are you going to abandon me? Or do you have a childhood sweetheart waiting for you back in your Homeland?”
Phia crossed her arms, leaned forward, and glared at Bal with displeasure.
“No, I swore to be faithful to you last night, but…”
“But what? Hurry up! Otherwise, I’ll summon lightning to strike you right now.”
“But I haven’t finished my Mission yet. I should go back to the Royal Capital to Report and receive my reward. Marriage is expensive, and I haven’t even picked out a Ring, let alone a Formal Dress for the wedding.”
“You’ve got a conscience. Alright, alright, a lady needs to change her clothes. Get out, you stinky Man.”
“Okay, okay.”
Before Bal went out, he pinched Phia’s waist again; the feeling was still excellent.
A quarter of an hour later, Phia opened the door to let Bal in. Bal was carrying Breakfast. Upon receiving permission, he entered the room with the breakfast.
“Dumb Dog, what are your plans today?”
Phia chewed on a hard Bread, looking at Bal with anticipation.
“I plan to leave early today; we need to hurry back to the Royal Capital.”
“Tch, boring.”
Phia’s initially excited Tail drooped, and the tuft of hair on her head became listless.
Seeing Phia’s low spirits, Bal’s brain worked quickly.
“The road from Leontri City to the Royal Capital passes through a Great Grassland. I remember that this time of year, the grassland should be in bloom. We can stop for a while on our way.”
Hearing this, Phia perked up again, looking forward to the blooming grassland. For hundreds of years, she had never seen a grassland, let alone flowers. In the eyes of the Demon Race, flowers are weak, and those who admire strength should not like flowers.
After the meal, the two found a Coachman and continued their journey.
The Carriage drove outside the City. A vast, flat grassland stretched out before them. Under the blue sky and white clouds, a gentle breeze blew past them. In the distance were Ranches, with a dozen or so Rock Oxen leisurely grazing. Although Rock Oxen are Monsters, they are docile and peaceful, and their meat is tender. Therefore, Humans also raise them in large numbers. What’s more, the growths on their backs, as hard as rocks, are also Herbs used to clear heat and toxins.
“Is this the grassland?”
“You’ve never seen one?”
“There are many Demonic Beasts in the Demon Race’s territory, and those Demonic Beasts all hide in the Forests. Besides Forests, the Demon Race’s territory only has barren plains. Places where grass can grow have become farmland. But these farmlands alone cannot support so many people. One of the main reasons I sent the Demon King’s Army to the Human territory was to establish Trade with Humans, exchanging the Demon Race’s Ore and crafts for Human Grain. Who knew the Humans would send an Army to wipe us out? I was even captured by you.”
“So, do you still plan to go back? The Demon Race doesn’t have a Demon King now; it’s going to be in chaos, I’m afraid.”
“I will eventually go back, but not now. And when you were winning continuously, I made preparations. I left several loyal Subordinates to manage the Demon Race’s affairs in my absence. If I go back one day, I can ask them about the situation. Or if I die in battle, they can assist the new Demon King.”
“You’ve thought it through. I’m not keeping you under duress now, and with your abilities, you could teleport back directly. Why don’t you run?”
“First, I was defeated by you. If I escape, you will continue to attack the Demon Race. Me being a hostage will keep you Humans from attacking, protecting my Demon Race compatriots. Second, I came out with you to investigate the development of Humanity. I want to know how Humans live and how they have grown so strong.”
“You’re truly a great King.”
“It’s too late to say anything now. I’m going to follow you. If I can trick you back to the Demon Race and make you my Subordinate, it would be even better.”
“Then your wish will be in vain. I will not betray Humanity. But if it’s to accompany you back to your Homeland, I’m willing.”
Phia’s face flushed, and she punched Bal’s chest. Bal looked at his beloved’s adorable action and smiled lightly.
At that moment, the Carriage suddenly stopped. The two looked out inquisitively to ask the Coachman what was going on.
“What is it, Tysis? What happened? Why the sudden stop?”
“Lord Bal, a small Squad of Demon Race is charging towards us.”
“…I understand. I’ll go meet them; you take Phia and retreat.”
“Wait, Bal! I’ll go with you! Tysis, take the Carriage and retreat. I will help Bal.”
“…Understood. Then I beg you to protect Lord Bal.”
After the Coachman said this, he drove the Carriage backward. Bal drew his Long Sword, assuming a fighting stance, preparing to meet the oncoming Demon Race. At this time, Phia also stepped forward, condensing a Spear with her magic, but her face was full of hesitation. This was the first time she had drawn her sword against the Demon Race since becoming their King.
“Let me be the vanguard and scout the situation. You cover me from behind.”
Bal blocked Phia behind him and went forward alone with his sword.
“Who are you? Why are you blocking my path?”
“Hmph, lowly Human, I am an elite under the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King’s Army. Hand over your valuables, and I might spare your life. Otherwise, I’ll kill you.”
“Wait! Didn’t the Demon King say that ordinary Commoners should not be harmed?! Why are you doing this?!”
Phia looked at the Demon Race members who called themselves the Demon King’s Army and questioned them.
“So it’s you. A Demon Race traitor who has become a Human slave! As expected of the Cat Demon Tribe, such a weak race should be grateful to be alive! Now you have the audacity to question us, the Demon King’s Army. I’ll be merciful and send you and your Human Master to reunite in Hell! Brothers, attack! Kill them!”
“How… could this be…”
Phia faltered. She couldn’t understand why her subjects would ignore her orders and do evil. Her momentary daze left her unable to react to the oncoming attack.
