Chapter 50
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Demon King Beatrice (2)
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『Demon King's Castle. Fantasy World.』
I drew in a breath, only for a blade to prick lightly against my chest.
It hurt. The stabbed spot hurt for real. This was an excruciatingly vivid dream.
A droplet of blood trickled down my chest. I couldn't even breathe properly.
Someone, please save me...!
"Did I frighten you too much? Your trembling is utterly adorable."
A mature, seductive voice wormed into my ear.
At that moment, the blade slowly withdrew and vanished into the wall.
My body shook uncontrollably. I clenched my fists, trying my best to calm myself.
Get a grip. Even in a tiger's den, stay sharp and you'll survive.
"Will you now come see me? I truly wish to behold your face."
Damn it. No choice. For now, I had to play along with this woman's whims.
I slowly approached the curtain.
I halted right before the light purple curtain.
"Enter beyond the curtain."
I extended my trembling hand toward the curtain.
The Demon King waited on the other side.
Whatever horrific monster awaited me, I steeled my heart.
Even if it was a woman's body topped with an octopus head, I wouldn't flinch!
"An octopus head? What a rude one you are."
Amusement laced the woman's voice.
Her voice and demeanor inspired fondness, but this was the same woman who'd just held a blade to my throat.
And that book I'd read before described the Demon King—and if it was accurate, she was one hideous woman.
It detailed her grotesque appearance and the cruel deeds she'd committed.
"That book recorded my actions truthfully, but the description of my looks was utter nonsense. I am a peerless beauty."
This woman. She read my thoughts again.
"See for yourself with your own eyes. Whether I bear a hideous octopus head or am the world's greatest beauty."
Feeling my heart pound, I slowly parted the curtain.
"Guh...?"
The instant I saw the Demon King's face, I involuntarily gasped.
I froze in place, mouth agape.
The Demon King was nothing like I'd imagined.
Far from some ugly monster, she was a jaw-dropping beauty.
The horns and bat wings marked her as a monster, sure—but a monster more beautiful than an angel.
"I told you. That book's depiction of my appearance was nonsense."
She flashed a leisurely smile, brimming with composure.
Just that smile, with her flawless features, turned even the slightest expression into a masterpiece.
"Examine my body closely and etch it into your retinas. This is a form you must never forget."
The Demon King rose from her jade throne and spread her arms wide.
Her folded bat wings unfurled behind her.
Her dynamic motion sent her ample breasts bouncing up and down.
Confidence overflowed from her raised chin and relaxed smile.
Her attire was a black dress—exquisite, fit for the highest nobility.
Her purple-tinged black hair swayed, gleaming with silky luster.
At that moment, a rich chocolate scent wafted over.
"As expected of a chef—your nose is keen. I adore chocolate. I'm looking forward to the one you made."
She prattled on about something, but I was too busy scrutinizing her body.
A slender waist flowing smoothly into voluptuous hips.
A full, pear-shaped rear that would sink fingers deep if gripped.
Thick thighs too much for both hands to encompass.
Perfect so far—but then came the problem below.
Thick shackles bound both her ankles.
"How embarrassing. I never imagined she'd interfere even in my mental realm... that lizard wench."
The Demon King furrowed her brow and balled her fists.
Lizard wench? She meant Lucy?
Judging by her tone, she and the hero party were definitely enemies.
I couldn't let anything happen to Lucy. I had to be careful not to fall for this woman's schemes.
"Ah, right—you're quite close with that lizard, aren't you?"
She read my thoughts again. It was chilling how she caught every single one.
Hiding my expressions was hard enough, but thoughts too?
How the hell do you hide thoughts? Sing the national anthem in my head?
"No need to hide. Let us share all thoughts in the closest intimacy."
The Demon King grinned wickedly, her smile sly as a vixen.
I glared at her. Sorry, but I don't want to share thoughts with you.
"Heh heh... You'll grow accustomed in time. Come closer to me."
I hesitated, but gauging her mood, I approached slowly.
I stopped just a step away.
"At last, we meet. My hero. And my future mate."
Hero? Mate? What the hell?
While I stood dumbfounded, she suddenly seized my hand.
Startled, I stumbled back.
"I, Emperor Beatrice, stake everything on this proposal."
She gazed down at me solemnly.
"Become my hero alone. Devote yourself to me."
She clasped my hand with one of hers and wrapped the other around the back.
Her long, slender fingers gently stroked my hand.
"Such rough hands. Covered in scars... I'm sorry for all the suffering you've endured."
For some reason, she wore a sorrowful expression.
What did she mean, the suffering she caused me? And becoming a hero—what was that about?
"It was I who summoned you to this world."
Her pitch-black eyes fixed on me.
You summoned me?
"Indeed. I gathered your wandering soul after death and reincarnated you into a goblin's body."
I'd overheard Lucy and Sera say the Demon King might have summoned me.
I'd known, but hearing it confirmed from her lips left me stunned.
"From the moment of your reincarnation, I have watched over you."
A gentle smile curved her lips.
"Your fleeing figure. Your bewildered wandering. Your brave battles. Even your exhausted despair—I saw it all."
She pressed her hands to her chest, closed her eyes, and let out a rapturous breath.
She looked utterly entranced, as if intoxicated.
"Your desperate struggles were so pitiable, so endearing—I fell for you completely."
Her cheeks flushed as she beamed.
A chill raced down my spine. This woman was totally insane.
"Insane wench? Such harsh words... even toward an emperor."
She feigned sternness, but her true nature was clearly psychopathic.
So she'd been watching me this whole time?
Watching meant she saw everything—eating, sleeping, even shitting?
"Of course I saw it all. Your sleeping face was so cute, I wanted to poke your cheeks in secret."
She giggled playfully like a child.
Fine for eating and sleeping, but I worried she'd seen my most pathetic moments too.
Like taking a dump, or dying to monsters and hunters.
"I watched your deaths without fail. Even those stirred something thrilling within me."
No, why go that far? Pervert?
"Pervert? Borrowing your knowledge, I'd say devoted fan."
Okay. That conversation just proved this woman was nuts.
The remaining question: why did she summon me?
"Heh heh... Allow me to explain step by step."
She smiled softly at me.
I knew she was dangerous, yet my foolish heart still raced.
"First, what do you know about me?"
What did I know?
Name: Beatrice. Race: Succubus Queen. Class: Demon King.
Invaded from another world to conquer this one.
Failed and got sealed by the hero party.
That about it?
"Ahem..."
She cleared her throat awkwardly, cheeks quite red.
"First, I'll tell you my goal."
Her expression turned grave.
I listened intently.
"My goal is to settle my subjects in this world."
Subjects—meaning monsters?
"Yes. Drive out this world's natives and let monsters prosper—that is my aim."
Why go to such lengths?
"As their goddess, I must fulfill my duty."
Goddess? You?
"Indeed. I was originally a goddess managing that world."
Wasn't she the Demon King? Holding down two jobs?
Her sudden claim of goddess threw me off—it didn't click.
She was inhumanly beautiful, but lacked that divine aura.
"Ha ha... Not wrong. I've lost my divinity, becoming no different from mortals. Calling myself a goddess is laughable now."
The Demon King smiled faintly, swallowing bitterness.
"Regardless, as a former goddess—now their emperor—I have a duty to protect and prosper my people."
Why not prosper in your own world? Why invade?
"We were the ones invaded. By humans called 'Hunters' who came through gates."
What? Hunters?
"Ruthless, merciless fiends. We held at first, but their growth was exponential."
The Demon King's face twisted terrifyingly.
"Their goal wasn't my land, but precious artifacts. They slaughtered my people indiscriminately and fled with the treasures."
She paused, hand on her chest, steadying her breath.
Tears welled beneath her sharp gaze.
She tried suppressing her emotions, but it seemed unbearable.
"Witnessing my people's slaughter, I could endure no more. With tears of blood, I crossed to this world."
She clenched her fist fiercely.
"One day, I will have vengeance. I'll tear those Hunters apart."
Hearing her story, it sounded genuinely tragic.
She came off as a benevolent ruler—gaining some favor.
Of course, it could be an act to deceive me...
"No act! I never lie!"
She shouted indignantly.
I wanted to believe her, but trust isn't built on thoughts alone.
Besides, I'm Team Sera—siding with the Demon King is tough...
"I understand. You harbor feelings for Sera now."
The Demon King nodded understandingly, eyes closed.
"Thus, persuading you is my priority."
She gazed down at me soulfully.
She was quite tall, making me feel even smaller.
The Demon King smiled faintly and returned to her throne.
"Come into my embrace."
As her words ended, an intangible force enveloped me.
My body floated up and settled onto her lap.
I nestled into her bosom like a babe in its mother's arms.
Her firm, plush thighs cushioned my back.
What the hell are you doing to me?!
"For vengeance, I spare no effort or face."
A lascivious smile played on her lips.
"Have you heard of the honey trap?"