Chapter 3: Sylvia

“Oh?”

The Demon King let out a low chuckle, a glint of interest flashing through her eyes.

Instead of anger, it was as though she had heard the most enchanting melody.

“I look forward to that day, little hero.”

She bent slightly forward, her fingertips lightly brushing across the hero’s sweat-damp cheek, carrying a cruelty that was almost indulgent.

“Make sure you stay alive until that day.”

With that, she turned and left.

The heavy prison door slowly closed behind her.

The sound of chains dropping rang out, crisp and cold.

Once that oppressive presence completely vanished, the hero’s tightly wound body collapsed at once.

Like a puppet with its strings cut, she hung limply from the cross restraining her.

She gasped for air, her chest rising and falling violently, her mind in utter chaos.

Sigh… I can’t drag this out any longer… I have to think of a way… I have to escape soon…

But at that moment, she suddenly froze.

That burst of rage just now was not because of her own suffering.

It was because the Demon King said Sylvia had become her wife.

If the Demon King had not mentioned that, she might have already become numb to the Demon King herself, no longer even feeling hatred.

Just now, if the Demon King hadn’t spoken about Sylvia, I might not have felt any malice toward her at all…

That realization stabbed into her heart like a poisoned thorn.

She realized in horror that the fusion with the phantom was not only eroding her memories and body.

It was also quietly dismantling her emotions and will.

She was becoming indifferent.

Becoming obedient.

Becoming… less and less like “herself.”

It seemed the degree of fusion was growing greater and greater…

Despair washed over her like an icy tide.

She tilted her head back, staring at the eternal darkness above the cell, her voice so light it was almost inaudible.

“Sigh… this frail body… and the feeling of being controlled by the Demon King from time to time… it’s really exhausting…”

She closed her eyes, fatigue swallowing every nerve.

“Maybe… I should just submit like this.

What’s the point of resisting anyway?

I can’t escape no matter what, and I’m already slowly turning into a monster…”

But in the next second, she shook her head violently, casting the thought away.

No.

I can’t give in like this.

She bit her lip, forcing herself to stay conscious.

“Sylvia is still waiting for me to save her… if even I give up, who will bring her home?”

Yet immediately, she fell into deep thought.

Why did the Demon King bring up Sylvia?

Why not mention someone else?

Why didn’t she just kill me outright?

Could it be… that I still have some use?

Or… does she simply see me as a toy she can play with at will?

A pet for her amusement?

As her thoughts tangled into chaos—

Inside the Demon King’s hall.

Sylvia was kneeling on the floor, holding a cleaning cloth, carefully wiping the marble tiles that were already shining enough to reflect light.

Her movements were meticulous, as if this were the most important task in the world.

Soft footsteps sounded.

“Sylvia, don’t be so serious.”

A familiar voice came from behind her, gentle and indulgent.

“It’s already very clean here.”

Hearing the voice, Sylvia immediately stopped, stood up quickly, and lowered her head respectfully.

“So it’s reminding Demon King.

I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t notice your arrival.”

The Demon King walked closer at an unhurried pace, a soft smile on her face.

“It’s nothing.

I only just arrived as well.”

She reached out and gently lifted Sylvia’s chin, gazing into those blue eyes.

“You’re mine now, so there’s no need to be so constrained by formalities.

You should go and enjoy life properly, understand?”

Hearing the Demon King’s gentle words, a sweet smile immediately bloomed on Sylvia’s face.

She stood up eagerly and leaned against the Demon King, wrapping both arms around her long arm and pressing her cheek against it.

Her voice was soft and clingy.

“No, Demon King…

As your wife, I should at least do something for you.

If I do nothing at all, I’d feel really sad.”

The Demon King looked down at the blonde girl clinging to her, a trace of genuine tenderness appearing in her eyes.

She raised her hand and slowly stroked her hair, smiling.

“Sylvia, you’re such a good girl.”

The Demon King paused, her tone carrying a hint of reflection.

“If that little hero were even half as obedient as you, things would be much easier.”

“Why is the hero like that?”

Sylvia puffed out her cheeks slightly, her voice tinged with dissatisfaction and confusion.

“Being a demon is such a happy thing…

The body feels so good, every touch feels like floating on clouds…

Why does she refuse it?

Why does she keep resisting?

She’s such a big dummy.”

The Demon King laughed softly, her fingers continuing to gently comb through Sylvia’s hair.

“Sylvia-chan, the little hero just hasn’t experienced the true joy of being a demon yet.

Let her experience it a bit more.

One day, she’ll understand.”

“That’s right, that’s right!”

Sylvia’s eyes lit up, excitement flooding her expression as she hugged the Demon King’s arm tightly.

“The hero should experience it more!

Like the rewards you give me, Demon King…

That feeling exploding from deep inside the body, completely uncontrollable, crying and screaming, yet after it ends all you want is more…

Where would humans ever experience something like that?

All they do is chant spells, pray, and suppress their desires.

How boring.”

She looked up, her face full of happiness.

“The hero really doesn’t understand where happiness lies.”

The Demon King was amused by her innocent expression and laughed, stroking her back.

“Mmm… then how are things going with Lilith lately?

She’s very good at taking care of others.”

“You don’t need to worry at all, Demon King~”

Sylvia leaned into her arms like a satisfied cat, rubbing against her affectionately as she spoke in a coquettish tone.

“I’ve been learning properly from senior Lilith.

How to serve you, and also… how to guide newly arrived familiars to adapt to life here.

I’ve memorized everything.

I won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m not worried about you.”

The Demon King lightly pinched her earlobe, her voice gentle.

“I was just asking.”

“Then… Demon King, would you like me to prepare some afternoon tea for you?”

Sylvia looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“I can brew your favorite black tea and pair it with some freshly made sweets.”

“No need.”

The Demon King shook her head lightly and tapped Sylvia’s nose with a smile.

“I still have things to take care of this afternoon.”

“Aww… what a pity.”

Sylvia sighed softly, but instead of sulking, she pressed herself closer, her expression becoming dreamy.

“But Demon King… being a demon feels so good…

Not only can I constantly feel your presence, I can also receive rewards personally bestowed by you…

That feeling of having your magic pierce straight through my consciousness, even my soul feels like it’s melting…

It’s so much happier than being human.”

She closed her eyes, as if immersed in memory.

“The hero is such a fool.

She could have all of this, if she’d just submit.”

Listening to her words, an excited smile appeared on the Demon King’s face.

“Soon.”

She said softly, her voice carrying unquestionable control.

“It won’t be long now…

That little hero will give in as well.”