Chapter 8: The Demon King’s Unfiltered Thoughts

Demons rarely consumed human food; the Demon King was no exception. They considered human cuisine utterly meaningless. Such aesthetically pleasing meals, devoid of even a speck of demonic energy, offered no benefit whatsoever to their pursuit of power.

Instead, their diet consisted of foods infused with demonic energy. These were scarcely what one would traditionally call ‘food,’ often comprising a handful of earth from a ley line, a few mineral ores from deep mountains, or even spirit beasts and herbs.

As for whether they consumed humans?

No, certainly not. Humans possessed no demonic energy, rendering them utterly devoid of nutritional value to demons.

‘However… White Knight looks so delicious. I truly wish to devour him~ Leave nothing behind ❤️’

“…😨”

Lamia’s sudden thought, drifting into Wade’s mind, left him momentarily stunned. Her perilous declaration sent a jolt of anxiety through him, especially when coupled with her recent actions in the room… hah…

As for devouring Wade, Lamia might genuinely mean it in a physical sense. After all, Wade radiated an abundance of demonic energy, making him appear remarkably nutritious; a single bite would surely provide an immense boost.

However, Lilith had also taught her a unique method for extracting demonic energy. This technique not only drained White Knight’s power but also induced a period of profound exhaustion in him, and even offered the potential to conceive offspring. It was a truly ingenious three-in-one solution, far quicker and more convenient than simply consuming him raw.

“…😰”

At that very moment, the Demon King was meticulously reviewing the technique’s application and specific movements in her mind. She mentally simulated potential issues that might arise during its practical execution, running through the entire process psychologically.

And just like that, every whispered detail of her mental rehearsal flooded into Wade’s consciousness. The sheer volume of illicit thoughts instantly sent his heart racing, causing the hand gripping his knife and fork to tremble. For the first time, he wished his mind-reading ability possessed an off switch, preventing such intrusive thoughts from ever reaching him.

Lamia’s face remained utterly impassive, as if she were mechanically mimicking human eating habits to suit the current atmosphere. She had only recently learned to use a knife and fork from Wade, for demons typically found immediate gratification either by stuffing food directly into their mouths or by seizing and instantly refining it.

Consequently, her movements with the cutlery carried an unsettling ‘deadpan’ detachment, making her seem utterly out of place at the dining table.

Yet, what truly occupied the mind of this Demon King, whose expression was so serene, almost aloof, was—

‘First, I’ll do this… then that… followed by his chest… hmm… up and down first… then a secret kiss… and then observe White Knight’s expression… after that… based on his reaction…’

A vivid, almost tangible scene exploded within Wade’s mind. One of them, Lamia, mechanically ate the meat on her plate, her thoughts a chaotic jumble. The other, Wade, awkwardly sawed at a piece of meat, as if unable to sever it despite his prolonged efforts, repeatedly hacking at it with his knife.

At this rate, he might even cleave through the plate itself.

Ordinarily, with his mind-reading abilities, Wade could effortlessly compartmentalize, listening to others’ thoughts while maintaining his own coherent reasoning. Now, however, Lamia’s mental voice completely overwhelmed his own thoughts.

Those unspeakable scenarios expanded relentlessly in his mind; though he was merely privy to Lamia’s silent musings, it felt as if the entire vivid scene were plastered directly onto his face.

His face flushed an abnormal crimson, and his breathing grew heavy, like that of a wild beast. To mask his disconcerted appearance, he reached for two dried chili flakes meant for seasoning and sliced them into his meat, as if using the spicy heat to feign the flush born of inner turmoil.

Lamia, however, remained oblivious, or perhaps simply unconcerned that Wade was privy to her every thought. She only knew that today was the day they registered their marriage, which, in theory, signified their wedding night.

Perhaps her previous theoretical studies were about to commence their first practical application.

‘Good. After this is over, when the time comes, as long as I successfully extract his demonic energy, I’ll align my movements with White Knight’s in a way humans prefer, and then, following Lilith’s instructions, let out a triumphant battle cry!’

‘A battle cry…?’

Hearing this, Wade paused, utterly dumbfounded.

‘Why a battle cry? What… what is she planning to do to me then? Does she intend to kill me at that moment?!’

Wade listened to Lamia’s thoughts with growing apprehension, even muttering inwardly that demons, as expected, always resorted to such base tricks. The succubus who proposed such a method was no different; truly, they were evil creatures deserving of eradication.

But the very next second, a powerful burst of sound suddenly pierced his mind.

‘Hoooooh-oh-oh-oh ❤️ Hoooooh-oh-oh-oh ❤️ Hooooh-oh-oh ❤️ Whooooh-oh-oh-oh-poo-oh-oh-oh-oh—’

‘—What in the world is that sound?! What kind of battle cry is that?!’

Wade utterly failed to comprehend how this Dark Demon King could produce such sounds in her thoughts while maintaining a perfectly expressionless face as she ate. Her outward demeanor was serene, yet why… why were her inner thoughts so tempestuous?!

‘Damn it…! I cannot allow the Dark Demon King’s thoughts to commandeer my mind! But… but why can’t I concentrate—!’

‘Phew~ Husband ❤️ Let me bear your child ❤️’

‘—Enough!’

*Clang!

His thoughts had reached a point where he could no longer extricate himself from the Dark Demon King’s mental clamor. Wade could only forcefully strike the table. Amidst the sharp reverberation, Lamia’s chaotic mental noises vanished, replaced by her inner questions.

These, however, Wade could easily filter out, no longer allowing them to impede his own thoughts.

Next, he took a series of deep, steadying breaths, striving to calm both his mind and body. ‘Please, just relax.’

Fortunately, he was seated, the table mercifully shielding him. If he were to stand… well, things would truly become apparent.

In the span of a single minute, he replayed every vexing moment of his life, only then managing to regain his composure through sheer, formidable self-control.

Not only Lamia, but also the attending chefs and servants, had all ceased their movements, staring at him with expressions of astonishment. This collective gaze instantly plunged Wade into an awkward silence.

After all, no one else could hear Lamia’s thoughts, so it appeared as if he had abruptly slammed the table during an otherwise peaceful dinner. His sudden action startled the head chef responsible for the evening’s meal, who seemed to worry if the food had displeased their master and mistress.

Wade was, of course, not such a man. He disliked making others feel uneasy or pressured. Thus, he could only part his lips, clear his throat, and speak:

“—Tonight’s dinner was truly exceptional. I was just pondering how to commend you all, but its exquisite taste momentarily rendered me speechless. Thank you for your preparations this evening; we are both thoroughly satisfied.”

The chefs were likely anxious about the master’s appraisal of their first dinner with his wife, having been on edge throughout the meal. Wade’s positive assessment, delivered as the head of the household, finally put their minds at ease.

Observing this scene, Lamia’s eyes flickered. She then cut a piece of meat and placed it in her mouth. While human food held no particular flavor for her, since Wade had praised the chefs, she naturally felt compelled to add her own words of commendation.

Though she understood little of romantic relationships between men and women, having reigned as Demon King for so many years, she certainly grasped the concepts of reward, punishment, and encouragement. Indeed, as a leader, she knew the necessity of winning over hearts.

So, Lamia offered a faint smile and echoed praises for their preparations and culinary skill.

Amidst Lamia’s commendations, the surrounding staff appeared even more delighted than they had been by Wade’s praise. They smiled, gazing at their future mistress, clearly harboring considerable affection for her. This gentle first impression had firmly taken root in their hearts.

Wade, meanwhile, cast a slight frown towards Lamia, who was still smiling beside him.

‘This one—she seems even more challenging than I initially thought.’

Yet, despite his stern inner monologue, the flush on his face had not entirely receded.