During the journey, Kelsey gazed at the scenery outside the carriage as they left Boar Village. This was only her second time leaving the village, yet it felt like the first. The last time, she couldn't enjoy the view—fear had consumed her. Fear of facing the Demon King. Fear that he might choose her. Who would have thought she would feel so happy now, chosen by that very Demon King?
"I don't really remember what Human Land was like, but it was beautiful," Kelsey said, letting Luca feed her a strawberry.
"Human Land is far more beautiful than here. They have botanists, and wars are rare. Their settlements remain well-maintained and lovely."
Kelsey remembered that high-ranking demons were often at odds with one another, and that other demon kings frequently sought to expand their territories through conquest and plunder. "Does that mean all humans are united?"
"You could say that. In strength, demons surpass humans. But in solidarity and loyalty, humans surpass demons many times over."
Kelsey studied Luca in amazement. He had removed his mask as soon as the carriage door closed. She recalled him once saying that his mother had taught him to value both demons and humans. No wonder there was no trace of hatred in his voice when he spoke of the human clan. He sounded completely neutral.
"If there were another war between demons and humans, whose side would you be on?"
"The demons," he answered without hesitation, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Kelsey wasn't surprised, nor was she disappointed. She asked out of curiosity, not in hope that he might defend humanity.
"Aren't you disappointed I wouldn't side with humans?"
"You know I don't remember much of my childhood. I also know I'm destined to marry one of the demon kings. Wouldn't it be strange if a demon king chose to protect humans over his own people?"
Luca pulled her head gently onto his shoulder. "It's not that I won't protect humans. The only ones I'll kill are demon slayers and saints. Humans themselves aren't a threat. But they are. If war breaks out, I'll only target them."
"You don't seem to like war," Kelsey observed. Even though they had only known each other a few months, their short time together had been enough for them to read each other clearly—so clearly that even the smallest change in mood did not go unnoticed.
"No. If possible, I want to erase the hatred between demons and humans. But before that, I must end the conflict among demons themselves."
"You can't do it alone, even if you're a demon king. There are still three other kings and the emperor." Despite her amnesia, she had a sharp mind. After reading countless books about Demon Land, she could easily spot the flaw. "Unless… you plan to become the Demon Emperor?"
Luca chuckled. "It seems I made a mistake by falling in love with a human girl smarter than me."
She swatted his chest lightly. "Don't change the subject. Are you planning to become the Demon Emperor?"
"I am. But not now."
"Why not?"
"Because soon, you will be my wife. Your life will already be in danger as queen. If you also become empress, even I couldn't protect you from the other kings' attacks."
"The other demon kings are that strong?"
"I can fight them one on one, but I can't defeat all three at once."
"I see. Then I suppose I could use a little more relaxation." Her words made him chuckle. He glanced out the window, unsettled. "Is it just me, or is it getting cold?"
"Haven't you ever taken vitality protection pills?"
"What's that?"
Luca sighed and produced a golden, eye-sized pill. "Take this. It will protect your vitality." Kelsey swallowed it without hesitation. At once, warmth spread through her body. "You just ate it? Aren't you worried I tricked you? What if it was poison?"
"Would you poison me?"
"Of course not."
"Then why ask?"
He smiled faintly. "I knew you'd accepted me, but I didn't expect such trust. Didn't you once say you wouldn't marry someone with so many secrets?"
"I trust my instincts. You won't betray me or hurt me. And if I'm wrong—if someday your feelings change—I'll simply call it bad luck." Kelsey lifted her chin to rest on his shoulder. "I've given you everything I have—my life, my heart, my soul. Do you understand what that means?"
Luca fell silent. He couldn't tell if she was naive and foolish, or simply strong enough to convince herself of his loyalty. Either way, she loved him—so deeply that he wasn't sure who loved whom more.
"I will never betray this love. Never." For a moment, they embraced in solemn silence, listening to the carriage wheels rolling and the distant calls of small animals.
"By the way, how have you survived this long without a vitality pill?" Luca asked. Ordinary humans would die—or fall ill quickly—if they remained in Demon Land. Even though Boar Village was on the outskirts, it was still part of the demon realm, tainted with demonic energy. Yet Kelsey had lived there for three years.
"What happens if I don't take one?"
"Ordinary humans either die or become easily sick. Maybe the demonic energy in Boar Village was weak enough for you to adapt. But in the Capital, where nobles and high-ranking demons gather, the energy is many times stronger. Without the pill, you'd be gravely injured—or even die."
"Oh my. My parents never told me."
"Perhaps they didn't know. It's extremely rare for humans to survive here."
"Maybe so. Phew… that was close. Luca, can I still call you by your name? Or should I address you as Your Majesty, like everyone else?"
"I'll cry if you change how you call me," he said, brushing his nose against hers, earning a light giggle.
"Then I'll prepare a bucket to catch your tears."
"You naughty girl. You're getting bolder with your teasing."
"Kyaaa!" Kelsey squealed, dodging his tickling attack by leaping across the carriage. But Luca simply used magic to pull her back into his lap.
"Hey, that's cheating!"
"What can you do?" He buried his face against her neck, inhaling her sweet scent, and nibbled her ear. A smirk tugged at his lips as her heartbeat quickened.
"What are you doing?" Kelsey whispered, breathless.
Instead of answering, Luca cupped her face and captured her lips in a deep, soul-searching kiss.