CH 8

Chapter 8: Talks with the Demon King

“How is she doing? —Any complaints about the castle?”

When I returned to my brother’s office, he asked me nervously.

“If brother O’Dowell is so concerned, why don’t you ask her yourself?”

I’ve never seen my brother so restless. He glared at me while I tried not to laugh.

“What if she hates me for it!”

This was unbearable, and I finally burst out laughing.

“If you care so much about her, she must be the Shrine Maiden, doesn’t she?”

I assumed she was, and even if she wasn’t, I would have protected her, but my brother’s reaction reassured me.

“… I’m not sure.”

“…Huh?”

What exactly are you on about, brother?

“You also referred to her as the Shrine Maiden, brother—doesn’t something about her appeal to you?”

“When our gazes met, I experienced heart palpitations and dizziness, but that was it.”

My brother doesn’t seem to understand what that means.

It’s my elder brother’s first spring. I suppose it’s inevitable.

But it would be tactless of me to point out his feelings.

I made a suggestion, trying to hide a smile.

■□■

So, what are we going to do?

This is the first time I’ve been told I’m free to do whatever I want, and I’m at a loss for words.

“What do you think I should do, Sarah?”

“Mika-sama is free to do whatever she wants.”

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it.

While I didn’t know what to do, there was a knock on the door. Immediately, Sarah opens the door.

“His Majesty has arrived, Mika-sama.”

the Demon King?! What’s going on?! He had earlier turned away from me. Perhaps he dislikes me. So I guess I’m not welcome as a guest. Will he request that I leave? I wonder what he’ll say.

I’ll ask the Demon King to let me stay.

“H-How are you, Shrine Maiden?”

the Demon King is stuttering a little. And his gaze remains averted.

“I’m fine, thanks to Your Majesty’s attention.”

the Demon King muttered a few words as I bowed deeply.

“… Not ‘Your Majesty’, just ‘O’Dowell’ …… on second thought, not yet.”

“Your Majesty?”

I can’t hear him because his voice is too low. I knew I was going to be kicked out.

“I mean, this room is a bit stuffy for a lady.”

Is it? It looks more than luxurious to me.

“Does the Shrine Maiden appreciate flowers? —I brought you flowers.”

the Demon King then presented me with flowers. It was a lovely, colorful bouquet.

“I like it. I can’t believe his Majesty sent flowers to me.”

They are truly lovely. Was it the Demon King who chose these flowers? the Demon King gave me a shy smile, as if my question was written all over his face. His smile emphasized his handsome face even more, which was bad for my heart.

“These flowers were grown by me—I’m glad you liked them… Now if you’ll excuse me.”

And with that, the Demon King left.

I’m relieved that it wasn’t about getting kicked out.

──The flowers smelled delicate and sweet.