Interlude - Marcela
"Mmm..."
Yuria slowly opened her eyes. After letting her gaze drift for a moment, she bolted upright the instant it met mine and flung herself into my arms.
"Master...!"
"It's me. Sweet dreams, I hope?"
"Yes...!"
I said nothing, simply patting her back to soothe her. She clung to me tightly for a long while before finally lifting her head and looking around to get her bearings. When she confirmed she was in a familiar house, Yuria breathed a deep sigh of relief. Then she grabbed a strand of her own hair and pulled it close to her face.
"I... haven't changed?"
She now considered her corrupted form her true self. So instead of saying she had changed, she phrased it as not having changed at all.
"That's right. You're exactly as you were in your original form."
"Ahh...♡"
Yuria let out a heated breath and looked up at me with glistening eyes.
"Please... take good care of me... Master...!"
"Soon you'll move into the apartment where Sehwa and I live."
At those words Yuria swallowed hard. She seemed to sense it instinctively—that Sehwa ranked higher than she did in the hierarchy.
"I... I understand..."
"Don't be too afraid. I've already spoken with Sehwa. How does your body feel?"
"I'm... fine. I feel wonderfully refreshed."
"Good."
I opened a portal in midair leading to the South Pole Secret Base, then dressed Yuria in a simple t-shirt and pants before offering her my hand.
"I'll introduce you to my subordinates."
"Ah, yes..."
Yuria shyly took my hand. Together we stepped through the portal and arrived at the audience chamber of the Antarctic base. Inside, only Marcela stood waiting at attention. The moment Yuria saw her, her eyes widened.
"You...!"
"It is an honor to serve you, Concubine Mother."
I burst out laughing at Marcela's choice of title for Yuria. Concubine Mother? Someone had clearly been watching too many historical dramas. Marcela smiled awkwardly and bowed her head, looking thoroughly embarrassed. Seeing her reaction, Yuria's tension eased and she offered a gentle smile.
"You're Master's strategist... Marcela, correct? I'd prefer you simply call me by my name."
"As you wish... Lady Yuria."
Marcela seemed even more cowed than when she had first met Sehwa. It was understandable. Yuria had known of Marcela's existence and, while not as intensely as I had, had harbored the next strongest grudge against her. That was why Marcela feared her so deeply—worried she would be punished for all the suffering she had caused Yuria until now.
To speak plainly, Marcela was worrying for nothing. Had this been before Yuria's corruption, she certainly would have tried to crush Marcela's skull. Even now, as one of my own, she would remain cold toward lesser beings. But Marcela was different. Knowing she was my right hand, Yuria would feel only gratitude toward her—for serving me so well.
"Thank you for taking such good care of the Demon King, Marcela. I look forward to your continued support."
Look at that. A princess's innate grace never truly faded. Moisture welled in Marcela's eyes. While Sehwa had immediately used her as a chair, Yuria's reaction was so genuinely kind that it moved her to tears.
"With all my heart... *hic*... I shall devote myself entirely to serving you, Lady Yuria...!"
Sniffling as she made her vow, Marcela wiped her tears and brought out a dress—the same one from the castle, with its short, frilled skirt that left the wearer's legs completely exposed. At the familiar design, Yuria's eyes widened again.
"This is..."
"A gift from me. Does it not remind you of Erandel?"
"Th-thank you...! Master...!"
"Go change."
"Yes!"
Yuria left the audience chamber with Marcela, changed clothes, and returned. The sight of her in the dress felt different from the lucid dream. Back then she had worn it right before her fall. But now? The black hair, the purple dress, and the heels formed a perfect harmony. Her pale, slender legs looked especially enticing. It was a shame the stigma remained hidden, yet the natural aura of royal dignity that radiated from her was far from displeasing.
Yuria approached me with graceful poise and took the seat I had prepared. At the same moment, monsters began to emerge one by one along both sides of the audience chamber's carpet. Starting with Amon, the Four Knights, Sabnock, and the rest—even those who had died inside the lucid dream—were all summoned.
The feeling was strange. This was the headquarters Yuria had desperately sought. Yet here she stood, not as an enemy but as an ally, and in the position of a concubine no less. The monsters standing at attention on either side were the very beings against whom she had once sharpened her blade of vengeance. Yet the Yuria of now sat with perfect composure, regarding them as nothing more than her own subordinates.
Does finding this sight arousing make me a pervert? No, surely not.
"The feeling is... so new. There are so many of the monsters I once hunted... the ones I wanted to kill..."
At Yuria's icy words the monsters flinched.
"And now?"
"Now... they all look like such lovely children. It feels as though I'm looking at my own offspring..."
The monsters relaxed in visible relief. A few were even moved by Yuria's warmth—the complete opposite of Sehwa's demeanor—much as Marcela had been. What soft-hearted creatures. At this rate, could they even bring themselves to attack humans?
"I see."
"But I'm still not fully adjusted... Everything feels so unfamiliar..."
"You'll grow accustomed to it in time. You'll probably start playing pranks on them, just like Sehwa."
"Ah... Yes...!"
"I have business in Korea, so I'll return for now. What about you?"
"May I remain here a little longer? My mind feels at peace..."
She was adapting well, albeit in a different way from Sehwa. Gladly granting her request, I stepped through the portal alone.
"Jihyeok!"
I was checking my phone when the voice beside me made me turn my head. A woman with perfectly maintained short black hair that swayed as she smiled brightly. Her fresh, twenty-year-old energy shone through her cute girlfriend-style outfit.
I returned Oh Yeon-su's smile with one just as bright.
"It's been a while."
"Forever, honestly. I was surprised when you called."
"I just suddenly felt like seeing my old classmates."
"If you wanted to see them, you could've asked to be added back into the group chat."
What a sly fox. Was she fishing for me to say I specifically wanted to meet her one-on-one? I answered with an evasive grin. In response, Yeon-su gave my arm a light smack.
"You've changed a lot, haven't you? I'd say you've become more... active?"
During university I'd been pegged as a frail bookworm. I'd been acting the part of someone left gaunt after losing his parents, so I hadn't exactly been fit before taking my leave of absence. But now it was different—a complete transformation, one might say. Since Yeon-su had already been interested in me, the sight of my current self must have filled her with jealousy toward Sehwa.
"I don't remember being particularly introverted."
"That's true. You're dating Sehwa now, right?"
"That's right."
"You two were always together, so I figured it was only a matter of time. Once the semester starts it'll probably get even worse, huh?"
Once the semester started... The only reason I'd enrolled in university was to seduce Sehwa. Now that she was already corrupted, there was no longer any reason to attend.
"I'm planning to drop out."
"Really? Why? You loved Future Science so much."
"I still do. But even without attending school, I can involve myself in anything related to future science if I choose."
"You sound like some incredibly wealthy man. Future science research costs a fortune, you know."
It seemed Sehwa hadn't told her about my wealth. From what I'd gathered, Yeon-su wasn't destitute but came from an ordinary family. She'd been street-cast, so she was currently just an aspiring actress. She'd have to repay her agency's investment once she debuted.
In short, Yeon-su was a woman who could be won with money. And the board was already set.
"At least I won't starve. You're pursuing acting, right?"
"Yes. I joined an agency—WW Entertainment."
World Wide Entertainment. I'd already investigated that she belonged there. It wasn't even a major agency, yet the name was absurdly grandiose; I'd laughed when I first saw it. I widened my eyes in feigned surprise.
"WW Entertainment? World Wide Entertainment?"
"That's right. You know them?"
"I know them... quite well."
"They're somewhat famous."
Watching Yeon-su lift her chin with pride nearly made me laugh. That wasn't what I'd meant by knowing them well... Well, I'd let her discover the truth naturally. That way she'd fall for me completely.
"Jihyeok, let's not just stand here. It's too hot."
At Yeon-su's words I nodded with a smile and led her toward the public parking lot. I'd brought a rather nice car, so her face brightened considerably. She climbed casually into the passenger seat and asked,
"What about Sehwa? Does she know you're meeting me?"
"I'm just meeting an old classmate. Sehwa does the same thing often enough."
When I shrugged and gave a vague answer, Yeon-su flashed me a foxy smile. You wicked little thing. You'll become slave number two after Choi Aram.
Though Yeon-su sometimes seemed lacking, she was actually a model student. After all, getting accepted into Korea University's Future Science department meant she was no ordinary talent. Even if not quite on Aram's level, she would prove a great help in managing both the base and the company.
I took Yeon-su to the upscale restaurant I'd reserved beforehand. The staff treated us with impeccable courtesy. Yeon-su was clearly flustered but tried hard not to show it. Once we were seated at the best table, I whispered to her,
"I'll order for both of us. The food is generally excellent, but there are a few traps on the menu."
"Ah, okay."
As I turned my attention to the menu I noticed Yeon-su letting out a quiet sigh of relief. Of course. It's not as if you've ever been to a place like this before. No matter how hard you try to act sophisticated, it shows.
After ordering skillfully from the waiter, I asked,
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"I do. It's been a little over three months."
So she met him right after I dropped out... This reed of a woman! Even then she was trying to make a move on me? All the better. I'll enjoy her thoroughly as dessert.
I subtly feigned disappointment—the kind of look a man makes when he hears the girl he liked has found another man. Seeing my expression, Yeon-su gave a mysterious smile.
"Things not going well with Sehwa these days?"
Not going well? Nonsense. We're so deeply in love it's almost sickening. Still, she bought it. My acting truly is first-rate. Maybe I should try becoming an actor for real?
"Not at all. But you're still just an aspiring actress, right?"
"Yes. The agency president said he'll push for me. I took an acting test and he said it was good."
"Really? He's willing to push you even though you haven't debuted yet? You must have been that impressive."
"Just...? Average, I guess?"
"Does WW Entertainment really lack talent that badly?"
At my joke Yeon-su burst into laughter and waved her hands. As we chatted casually, the first dish arrived. She tried to behave elegantly, but it was amusing to watch her struggle—she clearly didn't know how to hold a knife properly or what kind of dish it was.
Who cares about such things these days...? Still, the way she tried was rather cute.
I cut my food slowly so she could follow my example and asked,
"What does your boyfriend do?"
"Ah, he's just... a high school classmate I've been close with. He's in medical school now."
Medical school, huh. Not bad at all.
"Pre-med, I assume?"
"Yes, pre-med."
"Things will get busy once he enters the main program."
"That's why we're trying to meet as much as possible now."
You? I wonder if you'll manage. I nodded silently and brought another bite to my mouth. Delicious. I hope you taste just as good, Yeon-su.
That night, Sehwa met Yuria in the apartment. I couldn't help feeling anxious. I'd told her to treat Yuria well, but given Sehwa's strong possessive streak, I worried she might torment her.
But my fears proved groundless.
"Sister! Please take care of me!"
Sehwa hugged Yuria tightly with a bright, lively expression. Yuria bowed her head, completely flustered. Honestly, I'd expected her to be displeased... This was a truly unexpected reaction. Had becoming the same demon race made her see Yuria as family? Or was it simply refreshing to encounter the lovely Yuria after spending time with grotesque monsters?
Whatever the reason, it was good for me. If the two got along, their synergy would only grow stronger. It would probably make things more enjoyable in bed later, too.
"Please... take care of me..."
Yuria greeted her awkwardly. Sehwa gently scolded her in a soft voice.
"We have to keep up the act outside the base. You know that, sister."
Yuria glanced at me before nodding.
"Ah, yes... That's right... Sorry."
"How was the base? Did you see Marcela too?"
Sehwa's eyes sparkled as she peppered Yuria with questions. Thanks to her friendly nature, Yuria's fear gradually faded, and soon the two were chattering away like close friends.
I watched them with a satisfied smile. At this rate, it would be perfectly safe to leave them alone. I could head to Busan with Marcela without worry.
"Jihyeok! Can I go out and play with sister?"
While I sat on the sofa lost in thought, Sehwa came over with that request.
"Go ahead. Just don't cause any trouble."
"Okay!"
Once the two had left, I took the portal to Marcela's laboratory at the base. She, who had been working busily as usual, jumped to her feet the moment she saw me.
"Demon King, you've arrived?"
"Yes. What were you working on?"
"I was searching for Caroline and Celine."
"Still no progress?"
"None... Should we begin looking beyond Earth?"
I shook my head.
"How could we possibly search the vastness of space? Let's simply wait until they appear on Earth."
"Understood... I'm sorry..."
"What do you have to apologize for? It was my fault for growing too complacent. What about the WW Entertainment acquisition?"
"It is underway... However, rather than acquiring the company outright, a partnership with our existing fashion enterprise would be wiser. Entertainment agencies draw explosive public attention... If either you or I became the representative, it would attract far too much scrutiny."
"It's still time to remain hidden?"
"Yes. That is my belief. We could appoint Choi Aram as the representative, but her brainwashing is not yet complete..."
I trusted Marcela completely. She had never once done anything that would harm me. If she judged it best, then it was. I would follow her decision.
"Understood."
"Shall we resume the Aether replication research?"
"Yes. But begin four days from now."
Marcela tilted her head.
"Four days from now?"
"I must keep my promise to you. Let's go to Busan. I'll give Sehwa an appropriate excuse, so don't worry."
At those words Marcela's eyes trembled with emotion. I couldn't simply ignore such pure devotion. After enjoying a sweet date with her, I would set the stage for greater things. For now, keeping my promise to her took absolute priority. Nothing was more important.