Chapter 69: The Warmth of a Demon King’s Rest

“So, must we continue this?” The conversation seemed to have ended, as a silence had settled between them for three full minutes. Typically, after a minute without exchange or eye contact, a topic would be considered utterly exhausted. They should have each gone about their own business by now—though Wade, it seemed, had nothing in particular to do.

“Is that not allowed?”

“Ah, it’s not that it’s not allowed, it’s just…”

“Then let’s leave it at that.”

…

Wade’s polite words were cut off by Lamia just as they began. He had taken the day off expressly to forage for Lamia, a privilege reserved for those in leadership. For them, a day off meant precisely that—no attendance records, no clocking in or out.

“Oh, right, foraging.”

He had almost forgotten. His attention had been so consumed by Orlan that he’d completely overlooked the gift he’d brought back for Lamia.

It wasn’t precisely a gift from him. At best, it was an offering from Lilith, the succubus who called herself Lamia’s sister. Theoretically, it had been prepared by her kin; he was merely the delivery boy.

Still, presenting another’s gift as his own wasn’t entirely out of the question. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that if he did, Lilith would once again conjure some twisted, ‘corrupting’ expression and fix it upon him.

‘It’s not that I dislike it; it just gives me goosebumps. Not the disgusted kind, more like the overly sappy kind.’

‘Lamia and I aren’t at that stage yet, are we? That succubus shouldn’t always use that expression, that tone…’

…

Yet, as these thoughts crossed his mind, Wade inwardly teased himself. ‘Did you smile when you thought that? What exactly does “not at that stage yet” even mean?’

She was already burrowed into his clothes!

Lamia remained silent, like a languid kitten basking in the sun, though no sun shone here. Wade’s recent praise seemed to have delighted her, hitting precisely the right note.

For Lamia, it always came down to two things. First, satisfying her arrogant disposition, demanding a submissive acknowledgment like ‘I am the greatest in heaven and on earth.’ Second, there was another kind of submission, perhaps, one rooted in emotion.

Wade was expected not only to treat her as the household’s absolute ruler but also as his beloved wife.

A Demon King’s dominance, or rather, Wade, as someone who had settled comfortably beneath others, could command respect. However, if one were to truly assert complete dominance, Wade would certainly not accept it. Even against the current Pope, or high-ranking officials he could defy, he resisted by “sleeping in meetings” or “climbing out windows to skip classes.” It appeared rebellious, yet utterly free.

What traditional knightly codes were there left in this? Wade knew he wasn’t of orthodox origins. Those who fought their way up from the alleyways rarely adhered to many rules; those who did wouldn’t survive to his age.

Lamia lay sprawled there, seemingly accustomed to Wade’s body heat. Her body directly, limply pressed against his. While Wade could certainly bear the weight, the friction against his chest felt undeniably strange.

Could one imagine it? Right against his abdomen, even his lower belly, Lamia’s stomach rested. She breathed, and her belly rose and fell with each breath.

Her stomach was indeed pressed tight; Wade certainly hadn’t starved the Demon King to emaciation. Even so, with each breath, Wade could feel Lamia’s belly tightening, relaxing, tightening, and relaxing. Her warmth molded against him, then receded, pressing against his stomach, nearing his lower abdomen, then pulling back, leaving the lower abdomen, resting against his midsection… This motion repeated, subtly brushing the edge of his lower belly. It was somewhat inconceivable, yet it was happening.

Next came the movement of her arms. Lamia didn’t grope; she wasn’t so brazen as that.

Although the black lining had some elasticity, it wasn’t excessively stretchy. Lamia’s hands couldn’t move with much dexterity, so she chose to embrace him—yes, embrace.

[Hmph… there’s warmth.]

Then, as her arms wrapped around his shoulders, she let out that sigh—a sigh for warmth.

Lamia possessed warmth, roughly that of a normal person. However, if one were to truly compare, Lamia was indeed not as warm as a man like Wade, who had experienced the mortal world.

Perhaps that was simply the nature of the demonic energy within the Demon King’s castle. It was slightly cool, but not icy, akin to a night breeze. Theoretically, it was quite comfortable, yet in comparison, human body heat was undeniably much warmer.

Lamia had grown accustomed to Wade’s warmth. She wasn’t the type to indulge in sweet nothings, nor was she a cold-blooded creature that preferred icy landscapes. She craved warmth—or rather, the “Tower” itself possessed temperature. It had merely been adjusted over generations, eventually settling at a temperature slightly cooler than that of humans, then fixed in that state, devoid of seasonal changes.

[Warm…]

Lamia had been drowsy from the start, or rather, she had already slept for a few minutes and was still struggling to stay awake; she appeared quite sleepy. Naturally, who wouldn’t feel sleepy when so warm and cozy? Wade knew that to sleep well in a university professor’s lecture, one simply needed to dress warmly enough so as not to get cold while dozing off.

***

But would they truly remain in this position indefinitely?

“Lamia.”

Wade called out softly, receiving a hazy, “Hm?” in response.

“I said—are you just going to sleep like this?”

“Not sleepy.”

***

Wade pursed his lips. He always felt as if the Demon King’s castle walls were forged from the Demon King’s own mouth, so unyielding were they.

“Anyway, aren’t you going to change your position?”

“Your clothes are too tight, I can’t turn over…”

Lamia’s voice had grown indistinct. She had been terribly sleepy from the very beginning. If she truly could, given her accumulated fatigue from the past, she could sleep for half a year straight without waking.

“Is it possible for you to try getting out of my clothes? You could go sleep on the bed…”

“No.”

Lamia rubbed her face against him.

“Why?”

“I want to hear your heartbeat.”

[—Lilith said I need to capture a man’s heart. I must hold onto it tightly…]

****

Wade was probably relieved that Lamia hadn’t interpreted that as “dig out his heart and hold it in her hand.”

“Actually, you could hear it clearly even if you came out…”

“No.”

[…If I came out… I’d open my eyes… and he’d be gone.]

Lamia was still half-asleep, her inner thoughts equally disjointed. She was likely vaguely recalling the morning’s feeling—she’d opened her eyes to find Wade had already cleaned the breakfast dishes, leaving the plates spotless. There was no breakfast left.

She rubbed against him again.

“Sleep a little longer. No classes today.”

“Aren’t you supposed to go to class?”

“Skipping once in a while isn’t out of the question.”

“Wade… you should sleep with me… for a while.”

“Lamia, when I sleep with you, it’s not for you to continue sleeping, but for you to hold me while you sleep.”

[Mm…]

Wade smiled helplessly. He knew the girl Lamia wanted to be close to him, but sleeping… He looked at the sleeping Lamia in his arms and felt like a scoundrel.

[You are a very gentle person…]

Wade’s cheek brushed against Lamia’s hair. He wanted to gently move her head, but Lamia rubbed and shifted her head against his neck, then found a new comfortable position.

“Wade… I had a nightmare…”

“Hm?”

“I dreamed you threw me away.”

Wade’s cheek brushed against Lamia’s cheek. Her cheek was like a magnolia blossom dewed with morning mist, fragrant and soft.

“How could I ever throw you away?”

“Wade… didn’t you say… you couldn’t like me?”

“Mm…”

“Then now… do you… like me a little?”

“…”

“Wade?”

“Hm?”

“Then are you hating me a little now?”

“Not at all.”

Wade rubbed Lamia’s cheek again. Though the position was a bit uncomfortable, being able to hold her like this was also quite nice.

He looked at Lamia. Suddenly, a wild thought occurred to him. He wanted to tell everyone. He had a particularly adorable girlfriend.

[Mm…]

He patted Lamia’s back with his hand. She was still asleep, deeply so. He leaned his head close to Lamia’s ear.

“I like you, Lamia.”

“Mm… I like you, Wade.”

Lamia murmured softly, whether in her sleep or truly hearing him, he couldn’t tell. Wade suddenly smiled. He lowered his head and kissed Lamia’s forehead.

“Today is a day of rest.”

[Mm…]

Lamia continued to sleep. Wade watched Lamia; she was in a deep slumber. He suddenly felt an urge to kiss Lamia’s lips, but he held back.

[Lilith is right, the boy shouldn’t always be the one to initiate.]

He lay there, gazing at Lamia’s sleeping face, a hint of tenderness rising in his heart. He suddenly wondered what kind of dreams Lamia was having.

[Are they about me?]

He closed his eyes, enjoying this moment of tranquility.

[They’re about Wade…]

In her dream, there was warm sunlight, a gentle breeze, and…

He suddenly stirred. Lamia frowned.

“Wade?”

“I’m here.”

He responded softly.

“Don’t go…”

“I won’t go.”

He gently stroked Lamia’s hair with his hand. Her hair was very soft and smooth.

“Wade…”

“Hm?”

“I like you.”

“I like you too.”

He kissed Lamia’s forehead again. She slept deeply in his arms.

***

Wade stayed in bed all day, and Lamia stayed in his arms all day. He greatly enjoyed this feeling. Lilith sent him a message.

[You didn’t go to class today?]

[Mm.]

[I guessed as much.]

[Are you happy now?]

Wade looked at Lamia in his arms; she was sleeping soundly.

[Mm.]

He replied.

[I am very happy.]

[That’s good.]

[When do you plan to tell Lamia your secret?]

Wade looked at Lamia; her sleeping face was peaceful.

[Later, perhaps.]

[She is not an ordinary person; she has the right to know everything.]

[I know.]

[You and she are destined not to be ordinary people.]

[I know.]

[Then you…]

[Lilith, thank you.]

Wade replied.

[Thank you for always being by my side.]

[I just hope you can be happy.]

[Mm.]

He looked at Lamia, feeling incredibly fortunate. He had a girl who loved him.

[She sleeps so sweetly.]

He gently patted Lamia’s back.

[Wade…]

Lamia stirred.

“Awake?”

“Mm…”

She rubbed her eyes.

“Want to get up?”

“No.”

She rubbed against Wade’s neck again.

“Wade… I’m hungry.”

“What do you want to eat?”

“I want… your breakfast.”

Wade smiled.

“Alright, I’ll go make it.”

He gently picked up Lamia and placed her on the bed.

“You stay put, I’ll be right back.”

“Mm…”

Lamia nodded obediently. Wade left the bedroom and went to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator; it was stocked with ingredients. He thought for a moment and decided to make a sandwich.

He sliced the bread, added ham, cheese, and lettuce, then squeezed on some salad dressing. He placed the sandwich on a plate and poured a glass of milk. He carried the breakfast back to the bedroom.

Lamia was already awake. She was sitting on the bed, watching him.

“Breakfast is ready.”

“Mm!”

She took the breakfast and bit into the sandwich. “It’s so delicious!” she exclaimed happily. Wade sat on the edge of the bed, watching her eat breakfast. He felt that this was happiness.

[Mm…]

Lamia finished her breakfast and took a sip of milk.

“Wade… are you still going to class today?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then… will you play with me?”

“Mm.”

Wade nodded. He picked up a book, sat by the bed, and began to read. Lamia finished breakfast, jumped off the bed, and came to Wade’s side.

She climbed onto the bed, nestled into Wade’s arms, and watched him read. “Wade… what are you reading?”

“A book about magical beasts.”

“Magical beasts?”

“Mm.”

“Wade… can you do magic?”

“A little.”

“Then… can you show me a magic trick?”

“A magic trick?”

“Mm!”

Wade smiled. He extended his hand, and a fireball danced in his palm.

“Wow!”

Lamia gasped. “That’s amazing!”

“Want to learn?”

“Yes!”

Wade nodded. He extinguished the fireball. “Hold out your hand.”

Lamia extended her hand. Wade took it in his. “Feel it.”

Lamia closed her eyes, sensing the magical energy in Wade’s palm. She felt a warm power flowing through her hand. “It’s so wondrous!” she exclaimed happily.

“Mm.”

Wade smiled. “You need to practice a lot to learn it.”

“Mm!”

Lamia nodded. She withdrew her hand.

“Wade… do you like me?” she suddenly asked. Wade looked at her, her eyes sparkling.

“I do.”

He answered without hesitation. “I like you too!” She happily hugged Wade.

“Mm.”

Wade smiled. He held Lamia, feeling her warmth. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

Time passed quickly, and soon it was afternoon. Wade took Lamia out for a walk. They walked along a forest path, sunlight dappling through the leaves onto the ground.

Lamia held Wade’s hand, walking happily. “Wade… look!” She pointed ahead. Wade looked over; a small squirrel was leaping in a tree.

“So cute!”

Lamia exclaimed happily. She ran over, wanting to touch the squirrel. But the squirrel was very wary and darted away in a flash.

“Oh dear!”

Lamia was a little disappointed.

“It’s alright, we’ll look again.”

Wade comforted her. They continued walking and saw a small rabbit. Lamia happily ran over. But the rabbit was also very wary and quickly scurried away.

“It ran away again…”

Lamia was a little dejected. Wade smiled. “It’s okay, let’s keep going.”

They walked for a while and came to a field of flowers. All kinds of fresh flowers bloomed, vying for beauty.

“Wow!”

Lamia gasped. “So beautiful!” She happily ran into the flower field. Wade followed behind her, watching her run through the flowers. He felt that this moment was wonderful.

[Mm…]

Lamia played in the flower field for a while, then came back to Wade’s side. “Wade… can we pick some flowers to take back?”

“Mm.”

Wade nodded. He picked a few flowers and handed them to Lamia. “Thank you!” Lamia happily took the flowers. She held a flower to her nose and sniffed.

“They smell so good!” she said happily. Wade looked at her; she was truly happy. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

They continued walking and came to a small lake. The lake water was clear, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.

“Wade… shall we sit here for a while?”

“Alright.”

Wade nodded. They sat by the lake, watching the water.

“Wade… why didn’t you go to class today?” Lamia suddenly asked. Wade looked at her.

“I wanted to be with you.”

“Really?”

“Mm.”

“Wade… you’re so good to me!” Lamia happily hugged Wade.

“Mm.”

Wade smiled. He held Lamia, feeling her warmth. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

They sat by the lake and talked a lot. Wade told Lamia that he was a magician. Lamia listened intently.

“Wade… you really can do magic?”

“Mm.”

“Then… can you teach me?”

“Mm.”

Wade nodded. “But, we’ll take it slowly.”

“Mm!”

Lamia said happily. She felt that she was very lucky. She had a magician boyfriend.

[Mm…]

The sun set in the west, and the evening glow painted the sky red. Wade and Lamia returned home. Lamia was already very tired. She lay on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

Wade looked at her; her sleeping face was very peaceful. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

He went to the kitchen and started making dinner. He made simple pasta. He brought the pasta to the bedroom. Lamia was already awake.

“Dinner is ready.”

“Mm!”

She sat up and began to eat dinner. “It’s so delicious!” she said happily. Wade watched her; she ate with great enjoyment. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

After dinner, Wade and Lamia watched television together. They watched a comedy movie. Lamia burst into laughter. Wade looked at her; her smile was radiant. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

After the movie, it was already very late. Lamia yawned. “Wade… I’m sleepy.”

“Go to sleep,” Wade said. Lamia nodded. She lay on the bed and quickly fell asleep. Wade looked at her; her sleeping face was very peaceful. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

He turned off the light and lay beside Lamia. He held her, feeling her warmth. He felt that this was enough.

[Mm…]

He closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep. He had a dream. In his dream, he and Lamia lived happily together. He felt that this dream was wonderful.

[Mm…]

He hoped that this dream would never end.

[Mm…]

Wade had already left. If she had slept just a little longer, the residual warmth beside her would have vanished. She didn’t know why she liked this temperature, but—liking it was liking it. As the Demon King, shouldn’t it be so, without reason?

If she wanted to stay here, then she would stay. She was truly like a fickle cat, choosing a seemingly nice rock and sprawling upon it, for no reason other than the desire to do so. She didn’t believe there was anything wrong with what she was doing, because she was the Demon King.

Moreover, there were no commands from Orlan now. No Orlan to say, “Your Majesty, you shouldn’t be resting here; your work isn’t finished,” nor any sudden petitioners declaring, “Your Majesty! There’s an urgent matter requiring your attention!”

[Not to mention… that… exaggerated image…]

‘I am just me. I am simply the me who wants to be here, without thought, without concern, simply here.’

“Hmph…”

Wade heard her intermittent thoughts, her blurry ideas. He pressed his lips together. She didn’t know why, but a strange sense of pity arose in her heart. Was this meant for an enemy? No, perhaps for a wife, like a… bad wife staying at her maiden home?

To become the person one wanted to be—this was what Wade had always done. He had always been this way, without rules or constraints, doing whatever he wished, as long as he maintained his correct values. It was as simple as drinking water.

But for Lamia… was this, in fact, a rare and cherished hope over these past few centuries, a chance?

“Lamia? La—”

“…”

After a few brief exchanges, Lamia’s voice faded, leaving only the steady sound of her breathing. She remained nestled in Wade’s clothes, her arms around his shoulders, her cheek pressed against his chest.

Thump-thump.

It was the sound of his heartbeat. Ah, indeed. Pressed so close, it seemed, she could hear it very clearly. *Sigh*…

‘The leave I worked so hard to get will be wasted…’

‘But if it’s Lamia’s cherished hope… fine. I’ll generously grant her a few minutes of my life.’

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