Kelsey never planned to kiss the demon king on the cheek. She was consumed by her emotions. Having just realized her feelings and thrilled to meet Luca, she agreed to grant his request. But why didn't he react at all?
"Wait. Was that a joke?" Kelsey struggled in Luca's hold, then gave up as his arms tightened.
"I was just teasing you, but I'm so glad you did. I should've asked you to kiss me right here." The shameless demon king tapped his lips with a naughty wink.
"Dream on. You've already ruined my mood. Forget taking advantage again."
"Aw… how do I fix it?" Luca pinched her cheeks.
"If your feelings are still the same as the first day we met, then make me your only one."
"What?" Luca thought something was wrong with his hearing.
"I'd like to be your queen."
If Luca had heard this before the Emmeline incident, his heart would have leapt with joy. But now…
Receiving no response from the demon king, Kelsey grew anxious. "Do you no longer like me?" She yelped in surprise when Luca suddenly tightened his embrace, as if afraid she would escape.
"Silly girl, if I didn't like you anymore, why would I sneak out of the palace to meet you? You're my refreshing air, my soulmate, and my light in this dark world. Marrying you is my top priority. You have no idea how much I want to bring you to the capital, prepare our wedding, and announce to the whole world that you are mine. Don't ever doubt my feelings."
"Then why do you look unhappy?"
"It's not that I'm unhappy. I'm just worried you'll be in danger, even before I take you to the palace."
Kelsey looked up at the demon king's face. "Did something happen?"
Luca briefly explained the rumors and the risk of death if Kelsey were to become his wife and assume the position of queen. The fox clan had strong defenses, and few dared oppose them. Even Lady Emmeline, though no weak demoness, was not immune to the threats of other demons. If Kelsey, a mere human girl with no powers or defenders to protect her, were left vulnerable and unguarded. Her situation would likely be precarious, making her susceptible to threats she cannot face alone. Although Luca could guard her and send trusted aides, there would surely be demons who refused to accept a human queen—and some might betray her.
"I want you to be my wife, but I'm also worried about your safety. Even so, are you still willing to be my queen? I can't promise your life in the palace will be as peaceful as it is here, but I promise—as long as I'm breathing—no one will harm you."
"I do," Kelsey answered without hesitation.
"Aren't you afraid?"
"No. Strange, isn't it?"
"It's good that you know that."
"Tsk. I wasn't joking." Kelsey punched Luca's chest. Even so, her punch was like a caress to the demon king.
"What makes you unafraid?"
"Because you're here. I know you won't let anything happen to me."
Luca looked at her gently and lovingly. He hadn't expected her to place such complete trust in him. "I won't let you down. But this is still too sudden, and I can't control the situation in the Capital yet. Why don't you hide in Human Land first? I'll come for you once I'm sure no one dares challenge my choice of bride."
"Human Land? Do I have to go there?"
"Why do I feel like you're reluctant to return? Aren't you human? I'm sure you have family there."
Kelsey shook her head. "I don't know. Other than my name, I don't remember anything from before the boar demon couple found me. Even if I went back, I wouldn't feel safe because I know or remember no one." There was still the possibility that someone was hunting her in Human Land.
"You remember nothing? At all?" Luca saw Kelsey shake her head sadly. "I did hear you were found badly injured a few years ago, but I didn't expect you to remember nothing. You must feel lonely."
Kelsey placed her head on his firm chest. "Very much so. Even though my foster parents treated me sincerely, I still felt alienated and uncomfortable. But now, that's no longer the case. Our relationship has gotten closer thanks to you."
"Me? I did nothing, though." His heart skipped a beat as he saw Kelsey give him her sweetest smile. "Okay. Human Land is out of the question. Looks like I need to bring you to the palace before they find you here."
"Alright!"
"Why do I feel like you're more excited?"
"Really? Maybe it's because I just realized my true feelings."
Luca was stunned to hear this. He gently cupped Kelsey's chin, guiding her to look directly into his eyes. "Your true feelings? What are they?"
Kelsey stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Luca's neck, and whispered sweetly, "Luca, I like you. Hmph!!" Kelsey's purple eyes widened as Luca suddenly pressed his lips to hers. Feeling how soft and sweet his kiss was, she closed her eyes, savoring their intimacy.
They say the first kiss is the sweetest—and oh, how true that is.
Since Luca couldn't stay in Boar Village for long, the demon king immediately teleported back to his castle after saying goodbye to Kelsey's parents. Even though they weren't married yet, Luca honored Kelsey's request—treating her parents as his own. He even bought them new clothes and delicacies from a fancy restaurant.
Kelsey's parents were deeply pleased with their future son-in-law's actions. They wondered when Luca would come to formally propose to their daughter. Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long. Two days later, a proposal letter arrived—not from the Minotaur family, but from the royal family!
That day, Boar Village bustled with activity as a large army arrived, accompanied by a magnificent black carriage adorned with pure gold, pulled by an enormous horned horse. The figure that emerged from the carriage was a monstrous humanoid with waist-length black hair and a goblin mask that concealed his face.
There was no need to announce who he was. The carriage bore the symbol of the Devil Dragon—the true form of the North's Demon King.
The demon king walked toward Kelsey's humble house, followed by four guards and dozens of curious eyes.
He knocked on the door three times and said in a polite, loud voice: "Demon King of North has come to ask for Miss Kelsey's hand in marriage."