CH 20

Chapter 20: the Demon King and Mika

When I awoke, I found myself on the bed. I became aware and let out an inaudible scream. I’m embarrassed. after crying myself to sleep, like a little girl.

“Are you awake, Mika-sama?”

Sarah enters the room quietly with a knock. Sarah smiled as I lowered my head and blushed.

“You were brought here by His Majesty.”

Sarah strikes a princess pose.

Oh my goodness! I knew it was the Demon King who had brought me here. I’m embarrassed and ashamed. I went there to do a job, and now I’m bothering him.

I’ve decided to write an apology letter to the Demon King.

Thank you so much for your help.

I reasoned, “This is not acceptable.” I had a feeling there was something wrong with this. Let’s just go and apologize in person. I asked Sarah to set up a meeting with the Demon King, and he agreed right away.

“You’re awake, Shrine Maiden.”

I walk into the office, and the Demon King looks up when he notices me.

“Yes. I apologize for causing you so much trouble.”

“Good. You’re just a kid. You’re gonna cry sometimes.”

In my past life, because I thought I would go back one day, I didn’t have time to think about it. But my time in the land of demons is peaceful, and I think that’s why I miss my home world so much.

“I’m truly sorry… Thank you kindly.”

“Oh.”

Slowly, the Demon King smiled. His smile makes me strangely nervous.

“Um, if I’m not interrupting, may I do some paperwork?”

I took advantage of the Demon King’s nod and allowed myself to assist him with the paperwork. We were both silent, but I felt at ease beside the Demon King.

“Let’s call it a day, Shrine Maiden.”

I realized it was night. I nodded my head, and the Demon King said blankly.

“Speaking of which, how did you come to this world?”

“I was summoned to Astoria.”

When I told him that I was on my way home from school when a magic circle suddenly appeared and summoned me to this world, the Demon King became thoughtful.

“Did they use coercion to bring the Shrine Maiden? —If that’s the case, then what are the humans after?”

Maybe now is the time to tell. The true Saint will reveal herself. I’ve been in Astoria for a year, and my bond hasn’t been severed simply because I was executed. Garen is also in Astoria. But Crystalia has become even more special to me in the last two months. I do not wish for the Demon King, Yulin, or Sarah to perish.

“Your Majesty.”

“What’s the matter?”

“You may not believe it, but the Saint will appear in nine months.”

They might accuse me of lying again. But, nonetheless, the Demon King simply nodded.

“Yes, I think so.”

“What?”

“The Shrine Maiden and the Saint are a pair—when the Shrine Maiden appears, so does the Saint.”

When I heard those words, I had a terrible thought. Is it true that I was summoned to summon the Saint? However, I had never heard of a Shrine Maiden in Astoria. But suppose…

“Don’t look at me like that, Shrine Maiden; I’ll protect you.”

“Your Majesty.”

the Demon King looks me straight in the eye. I can’t help but be drawn in by his crimson eyes. Why is the Demon King being so nice to me? Is it because I’m a Shrine Maiden?

“Please don’t spoil me too much—I’m a weak person, and I’m quick to lean on you.”

“I’m already carrying Crystalia on my back—you are not alone.”

It’s because the Demon King is strong. I’m wondering if I can be strong as well.

I return to my room with these thoughts in mind.

“…Eh?!”

I tried to open the door, but someone from behind blocked my mouth.