—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: selkie
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“So, that’s why you’re disguising yourself…”
“Yes, at least for now. It’s a bit burdensome to announce our relationship as humans and demons, especially after just ending a war.”
After hearing the Demon King’s explanation, I nodded slowly.
Certainly, even if I’m the Hero who has contributed greatly, openly being in a relationship with the Demon King could pose problems for her as a ruler.
Maybe later, but for now, it’s better for both of us to keep things this way.
In fact, from my perspective, it’s more convenient to be with her without worrying about what others think.
“Thank you for considering me like this.”
“Well, we are lovers, after all. It’s only natural to do what’s right.”
As she spoke, the Demon King’s face turned slightly red.
Seeing her unexpectedly cute expression, I found myself staring at her, my mind momentarily blank.
Even though her appearance was different, knowing who she truly was made my heart flutter in a way it hadn’t before when I felt guarded.
So, we sat there in awkward silence, both of us blushing.
After a while, it was the Demon King who broke the silence.
“Alright then… let’s do it this way for now. I should return; even though my double is taking my place, it’s not good to be away for too long.”
As she stood up slowly, I felt a deep sense of happiness and spoke to her in a respectful tone.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll follow you back soon.”
“Let’s meet again in a more private setting next time.”
With that, we parted ways, exchanging gentle smiles.
Even though she was in disguise, it wasn’t a good idea to show everyone that we were too close in a crowded place.
After the Demon King disappeared from view, I began walking back to the banquet hall, feeling a bit relaxed.
Then…
“Huh?”
“…”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Elisia’s mother, Elias, looked clearly disheveled.
Elisia felt her anxiety deepen and cautiously asked.
“Mama… where have you been?”
“Huh? Ah… I just got a bit drunk and wanted some fresh air.”
Elias’s stiff voice sounded like an excuse.
Her words were clearly different from her usual demeanor, as if she was hiding something.
Elisia’s anxiety intensified as she pressed her mother further.
“The banquet just started, and you’re already drunk? You don’t usually drink that much, Mama.”
“Th…that…”
Elias looked visibly flustered at Elisia’s words.
However, she quickly composed herself and said, smiling.
“Of course, on a day like today, it’s only right to celebrate a bit. The war is over, and we’ve recovered all our lost territory.”
“…That’s true…”
Elisia wanted to say more but decided to keep quiet for now.
Seeing Elisia like this, Elias smiled warmly and gently stroked her daughter’s hair.
“Our daughter… you must have been worried about me, coming to look for me like this. Thank you, dear. You’re all grown up now.”
“…Hmm…”
Elisia’s face reddened slightly at her mother’s gentle touch.
The tense atmosphere seemed to dissipate quickly, and Rebecca, standing behind them, felt relieved.
‘Thank goodness… I was worried something might happen.’
Rebecca knew that romantic conflicts could be incredibly intense, so she was relieved that this situation hadn’t escalated.
However…
Unlike Rebecca, Elisia was still caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, her senses heightened.
‘The scent… it’s not Mom’s usual one. There’s another man’s scent mixed in. And judging by her heartbeat, she’s still very tense… and what I see now right in front of me… that’s definitely…’
Elisia’s gaze fell on her mother’s neck, where she now clearly saw a mark that hadn’t been noticeable before.
It was a faint mark, like someone’s lips or teeth.
Elisia knew what it meant, even though she had no real-life experience but had read about it.
However, she couldn’t bring herself to point it out directly.
She was afraid of what her mother might say, and what secrets her mother might be hiding from her.
‘Mama… no… is it what I think? Please, please say it’s not true… please…’
Elisia was desperately trying to deny the image in front of her.
But then…
“Uh?”
“!…”
A small voice suddenly came from the side, a sound Elisia didn’t want to hear.
She slowly turned to look, and her eyes began to focus on someone.
As soon as she realized who it was, Elisia couldn’t maintain a normal expression.
“H-hero…?”
“Uh… umm…”
The Hero looked somewhat uncomfortable as he caught Elisia’s gaze, then quickly glanced around and left in a hurry.
His behavior seemed like he was hiding something.
Realizing this, Elisia felt her heart being shaken.
‘Really… it was real?… Really, Mama and the Hero?… Then… the mark on Mama’s neck is from him…’
The cold reality was making Elisia’s head spin.
As she understood this, tears began to fall from her eyes.
“…Elisia?”
“Hngh… Huwaaah…!”
Elisia started sobbing uncontrollably in her mother’s arms.
Elias looked bewildered and asked Rebecca and Amelda, who were watching the scene.
“Why is she acting like this?”
“Uh… well… it seems like she’s just a bit drunk.”
Amelda replied with a calm voice, trying to deflect the question.
They had all seen the Hero briefly appear and leave, and they understood what it might mean.
However, they couldn’t dare speak the truth, especially since Elisia had feelings for the Hero, and revealing this could lead to an unbearable situation.
Fortunately, Elias seemed to accept Amelda’s explanation, nodding slowly.
“Well, she does cry when she’s drunk sometimes. It’s okay… Mama’s here. No need to cry, my love.”
“Hic… hic… huuu…”
Elias began to comfort Elisia with her touch, but Elisia just cried more.
However, the people present didn’t know that Elisia’s tears weren’t just from resignation or despair.
They were tears of determination and sorrow, knowing she might have to confront her mother over this.
