Demon King and Witch
About two hundred years had passed since I was summoned to this world as the so-called Demon King. One thing I'd realized in all that time was just how goddamn boring life got when you outlived everyone else.
Of course, it was my own doing. When I first opened my eyes, the demon race had already been crushed in a long war and was on the brink of extinction. Humans who couldn't stomach the idea of a Demon King would occasionally come charging in, but I'd dispatch them easily enough, and peace would return. So all I had to fill my days was hanging out with my one and only subordinate and reading books.
"Abela. I'm heading out."
"Off to fetch more human books, I see, Master."
I gave her a quiet smile.
"...Please come back safely."
"Will do."
And if I ran out of books? I'd just slip into a human city, buy some more, and that was that. No horns, human-like appearance—no real difference from them. Cover my black hair, and no one was the wiser.
Not that I wanted close ties with humans. Watching people you'd grown fond of age and wither away was harder than it sounded.
Of course, life doesn't always go as planned.
"Mister! Hello!"
As I stepped into the little bookstore in the city, a sweet scent wafted over, and a girl reading a picture book in the corner bobbed her head in greeting. She always welcomed me with that bright smile whenever I came.
"Hey, Edel."
I returned her greeting, picked out a few books, and headed to the empty counter. Edel, who'd been watching me, came over.
"Looking for Teacher?"
"Yeah."
"I'll get him!"
"Thanks, kiddo."
She scurried to the room behind the counter and soon emerged with a lanky man in tow.
"Sorry about that. I was so focused, I didn't hear you come in."
"No worries. I didn't exactly keep you waiting."
Edel stared up at me intently. I ruffled her hair.
"Thanks for fetching him."
"Heehee."
She grinned happily and scampered back to her spot. Watching her go, I turned to the man.
"She looks healthy today."
"Haha, yeah. What a worry she gives me."
"Found the cause yet?"
"Well..."
He examined the books I'd selected, wrapping them in cloth as he continued.
"Still, I've got to do my best. She's precious to me."
"Hope you find a way."
"Thank you for caring. Here you go."
I took the books and turned to leave, but paused at the murmur of voices from beyond the door. The Teacher sidled up, as if used to this.
"Noisy out front, huh? Sorry about that. Let me show you the back door."
I nodded slightly and followed him.
"Come again, Mister!"
Edel waved. The Teacher offered a gentle smile of thanks.
"Always appreciate it."
We'd grown close despite my visits being just for books. I'd sworn to cut ties someday, but ironically, that very bond kept drawing me back.
"See you next time."
And so the relationship between shopkeeper and regular—maybe something more—continued.
"It's the mister!"
I entered the bookstore to Edel's usual welcome. As always, I browsed, then approached the counter. The Teacher rushed out from the back room at the sound.
"Oh, that's the one getting good reviews."
"Is it?"
"Yeah, sequel's coming out soon. I'll stock it—drop by again."
"Sure thing."
He finished ringing me up and wrapping the book, then hurried back to his room.
"Sorry, got work to finish."
As I headed out, Edel came running and tugged my sleeve.
"Mister, read with me!"
I hesitated, but she kept begging.
"Read it!"
"...Alright, let's do it."
"Yay!"
She grabbed a book and dashed to the little table outside. I followed, and she patted the single chair.
Sit down?
I sat, and she spread her arms wide, staring expectantly. Not getting it, I looked back quietly.
"Put me up!"
"Huh?"
Ah. I lifted Edel onto my lap.
"Heehee."
She giggled in satisfaction, her sweet scent blooming again. Ignoring it, she opened the book. Last time it was a fairy tale; now a pretty tough novel.
Smart kid.
As we read together, I felt odd stares from passersby. They whispered and pointed—not at the hooded man with a kid on his lap, but at her.
"That's her."
"Oh god, scary."
Edel glanced their way briefly, then returned to the book. After a good while, she closed it contentedly and hopped down.
"That was fun! Thanks, Mister!"
"Glad you enjoyed it. Me too. Head inside now."
I patted her head and left.
"Read together again, Mister!"
"...Sure."
How much time passed after that exchange? The city was noisier than ever when I returned.
"Get out, witch!"
"You gonna blow up our city too?"
"Take that brat and scram!"
"Die, you monster!"
The usual uproar in this city, always about the same topic. The witch who'd obliterated the mighty Black Tower in an instant. And she lived here.
Surrounded by the mob, sobbing in the middle, was Edel.
"I-I'm sorry, hic! Waaah...!"
It happened whenever the townsfolk's fear peaked, but today was on another level—scale and fury incomparable.
All sorts of junk flew at the five-year-old at most.
"......"
It was too cruel for a child that young. Should I step in? Protecting her now might blow my hard-won cover.
Because she was a witch.
Still, sympathy tugged my foot forward.
"Edel—"
Then.
"Everyone! She's not a witch! Please!"
A man burst out, shielding her. The Teacher. But his desperate cries didn't reach the enraged crowd. A flying stone gashed him, blood staining his shirt red.
Seeing that, my feet wouldn't move.
Much later, after their rage spent itself, the chaotic city returned to normal. Edel wept in the Teacher's arms in the street. He spotted me and gave an awkward smile—the only ones left.
The next day, I headed to the city again. At the bookstore, my steps faltered. Deep breath, then I entered.
"Mister!"
She greeted me brightly, as if yesterday never happened.
"...Hey."
I went straight to the counter. Still empty. Waiting, the back door opened, and the Teacher emerged—covered in wounds from head to toe. He smiled awkwardly at me.
"You're here..."
"......"
Before I could speak, he did.
"Don't worry about yesterday."
"That's a shame."
"Haha... Oh! I prepped that book I mentioned. Want it?"
"...Yeah."
As he wrapped it, he spoke lowly.
"Probably the last time."
"...Got a place to go?"
"......"
He stared at the floor, then inhaled deeply and met my eyes.
"...Demon King's Forest. We'll hide there."
"Dangerous, isn't it?"
"No choice. Found an old cabin. Abandoned long, but livable."
He finished wrapping.
"Here. No charge."
"Still..."
"Won't need money much now, right? Haha."
"......"
"Consider it thanks for being kind to Edel."
I took the book and bowed my head.
"Good luck."
"Thanks."
As I left, Edel followed, calling cheerfully.
"See you, Mister!"
"......"
That day, they vanished from the city. Our bond ended completely.
Or so I thought.