0.0000001% Demon King - 0DK Chapter 54. The Prince's Invitation (2) (Part 1)

“I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“Is a demon king who is understood by humans really a demon king?”

“It seems you are not understood even by your own kind.”

“Prophets are originally not understood even by their own people.”

“It depends on how you put it.”

Irina smirked and furrowed her brow.

“…Are you serious?”

“Do you think I’m faking it?”

Karos adjusted his clothes and spoke bluntly. Irina sighed.

“I really don’t understand.”

Karos said he would return to the Demon King’s castle and follow Irina. Naturally, there was an outcry.

The prince looked at Karos’ face. Yet Karos said he would personally visit the ball hosted by the prince. Lillis and Bathesia also raised their voices at the idea of a rabbit walking into a trap.

And Karos silenced them with the authority of the Demon King.

“Even though I said not everyone… No. Not everyone is against it.”

“Only Sinclair was quiet… and that was strangely scary.”

Sinclair merely smiled and affirmed Karos’ words, giving the impression she would follow whatever Karos intended, which made Karos feel uneasy.

“I really don’t get it. Anyway.”

Irina appraised Karos from head to toe.

“It suits you better than I thought.”

“Does it?”

Karos was dressed in black servant’s clothes. The matching hair and eye color gave him a subdued look, which Irina found quite fitting.

“We’re ready.”

Karos put on a necklace that blocked demonic energy.

“It’s time to go.”

“Are you really going?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“I still don’t get it. You are truly a mad demon king.”

Irina muttered quietly as she opened the door. A splendid carriage awaited them as they stepped out into the street.

“It’s quite modest.”

Irina murmured. There were two knights, one coachman, and four horses. Since it was expected, Irina approached nonchalantly.

“Are you Lady Irina Astrea?”

One of the knights greeted her. Irina took out the invitation.

“Here, take it.”

“Prince’s invitation confirmed. Then this person is…?”

The knight checked the invitation and looked at Karos. Irina replied.

“A servant.”

They had arranged their story in advance. The knight stepped aside without further comment.

“Please get in. We invite you to the prince’s ball.”

Irina stepped into the carriage. The villagers watched nervously from a distance. Irina waved to them.

“I’ll be back.”

The carriage obscured her from view.

* * *

Naturally, there were no fights on the way. Bandits or robbers knew better than to attack a carriage bearing the prince’s seal.

Thanks to that, Irina and Karos had a boring ride.

“Why are you coming?”

“Quiet.”

Irina grumbled incessantly inside the carriage. The royal carriage was soundproof, so there was no worry of being overheard.

“Do you think they found out?”

“Who knows.”

The prince sent the invitation to Irina, suspecting Karos’ identity. While it seemed possible, it was highly unlikely.

“Our identity wouldn’t have been revealed. Didn’t your aide say the same?”

Irina continued.

“If they had found out, they would have sent soldiers, not an invitation.”

The demon king was the enemy of humanity. There was no room for negotiation or peace. Even the worst criminal wouldn’t negotiate with demons.

Even a prince wouldn’t be foolish enough to do so. Therefore, there was no reason to send an invitation. That was their conclusion.

“Who knows.”

But Karos simply said that.

“You take on dangerous tasks.”

Irina leaned against the carriage wall.

“It’s a ball, and I can’t even enjoy it comfortably.”

She grumbled and closed her tired eyes.

Dark circles that makeup couldn’t hide were visible under her eyes. Her skin was dry from lack of sleep, barely covered by powder.

She had been through a lot. Vivaldi was complaining, but his workload was less than half of Irina’s.

Before Vivaldi, she had handled everything alone.

“What do you want?”

“What do you mean?”

Irina asked in a sleepy voice. Karos spoke.

“You made a deal with me for revenge.”

Revenge against the brother who imprisoned her. For the sake of the villagers, she made a contract with him. She did what even the worst criminal wouldn’t do.

“And that goal has been achieved.”

She had her revenge. She became a lord and ruled the territory.

“What do you desire next?”

Humans live with goals and dreams. Now that she achieved her goal, what did Irina desire next? She opened her mouth to answer.

“What are you talking about?”

She looked puzzled.

“Isn’t it already achieved?”

“…Achieved?”

“My goal was to live again for the villagers. I’m doing that now.”

Irina spoke calmly.

“Although I wavered for a moment, thanks to your words, I regained my resolve. What more could I desire?”

Her pure question left Karos silent.

“I see.”

“Ho.”

Amused by his silence, Irina smiled.

“Moreover, your question is meaningless. I am your servant. I must follow your orders. My desires are meaningless.”

Karos had made a contract with Irina and granted her wish. Irina was eternally his slave.

“But asking that means…”

She smiled slightly.

“You’re kinder than I thought.”

“Shut up.”

Karos dismissed her and closed his eyes. Irina silently watched him with a smile.

‘He’s better looking than I thought.’

She hadn’t taken a good look at his face due to everything that had happened. He wasn’t exceptionally handsome but not bad either.

Just as Irina was about to speak, the carriage stopped. A knight knocked on the door.

“We’ve arrived.”

“…Quicker than I thought.”

As the door opened, a grand building came into view. Irina glanced at Karos.

A servant should get off before their master. Karos stepped out of the carriage. Then Irina placed her foot on the carriage step.

“…”

She hesitated for a moment before smiling.

“Karos, escort the lady, please.”

She extended her hand to Karos. Her confident demeanor made Karos chuckle and take her hand.

“Understood, my lady.”

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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