Chapter 6 – She Doesn’t Bet on Losing (3)

Back at the estate, as evening approached—

–So, you’re not planning a grand escape, then? Our sheltered young master. What do you intend to do out in the cold, cruel world, all alone and unprepared?–

The Demon King’s voice intruded as I sat at my desk, reviewing my lessons.

“…Mocking me again?”

–Perhaps a little.– Her expression was one of pure amusement, the condescending smirk of someone looking down on the weak and incompetent. –You’re powerless, Cariel. That’s why you submit, why you yield. Do you really think leaving here will change anything?–

“So I should embrace your power?” The suggestion was ridiculous.

She scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. –Too late for that, little bird. You rejected power without strings. I rather enjoy watching you squirm, knowing what you’ve thrown away. Perhaps you’ll learn to appreciate such opportunities in the future.–

“……”

–Even your father relied on the Holy Sword and its relics. Did you think that power came without a price? You’re so naive, it’s almost endearing. Almost.– She clicked her tongue, a theatrical display of disapproval.

“…What do you want from me?” There had to be a reason for this constant needling.

–Let me ask you this. Would you accept power… with a price?–

“Are you proposing some kind of contract? My soul? My body?”

She whistled, a low, appreciative sound. –Now there’s a thought. I’ve heard tales of other Demon Kings attempting such… crude resurrections. So undignified. A true king wouldn’t stoop so low.–

“……?”

–As I said, I have no need for such petty schemes. You wouldn’t understand, of course. Too young.–

I didn’t understand her. This Demon King… what was her game?

“You’re not suggesting… that you’ll… mentor me, are you?”

–Why would I do that? You’re not going to become a Demon King. And why would I waste my time on the son of the man who killed me? Don’t be ridiculous.–

That was… reassuring, in a strange way. If she had offered guidance, claimed some connection, some destiny… that would have been truly suspicious. She knew me well enough by now to know such tactics wouldn’t work.

–But watching you… flounder… being used and abused… it’s irritating, you know?–

“What… what are you talking about?”

–You’re pathetic. So I’m giving you a chance. A chance to struggle. No special treatment, no favors.–

–But if you fail… it will be a hell of your own making.–

“I don’t understand what you’re—ugh…”

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I collapsed, my body hitting the floor with a dull thud. Darkness closed in.

====

When I woke, I was in a desolate wasteland, a barren expanse of sand and ash.

Screams ripped through the air, followed by a wave of searing heat. I looked up. The sky was filled with black dots, descending rapidly.

Arrows.

Pain exploded through my body as they struck, tearing through flesh and bone. Darkness.

–Shriek?–

I gasped, drawing a ragged breath. I was surrounded by people, charging forward, screaming. They wore scraps of leather armor, wielding mismatched weapons. And again, the sky rained arrows.

I died again, and again, and again. Each time, the pain was excruciating, the terror absolute. I tried to hide, to run, to use the bodies of the fallen as shields, but it was no use. The arrows were relentless. I lost count of how many times I died.

Why?! Even in this hellish landscape, a sliver of rationality remained. How had I ended up here?

The Demon King… This was her doing. But why?

Just when I had given up on thinking, on understanding, on even caring…

My eyes snapped open.

“Gah!” I instinctively curled into a ball, the familiar confines of my room a welcome relief. Where…?

–How was that? Feeling… invigorated?– The Demon King materialized in the air above me, a mischievous glint in her golden eyes. Her smile, usually so playful, now seemed… predatory.

====

–Sleep deprivation is just an excuse. Wouldn’t you agree that using that time to train your mind and body is far more productive?–

“……” Her logic was twisted, utterly self-serving.

–You said you didn’t want power without a price. So I provided you with a training ground. A chance to earn it. You should be thanking me.–

“That… hellscape? That wasn’t training; it was a slaughterhouse. I was nothing but a target.”

–Your parents faced far worse, and they didn’t whine about it. You’re such a spoiled little brat.–

“Do you think I’m anything like them?”

–That’s the reality you’ll face if you run away. Bandits, mercenaries, rogue soldiers… they don’t discriminate. You haven’t seen the true face of the world yet, little bird. And those arrows… at least they were visible. What will you do when the attacks come from the shadows?–

“Why would I—?!”

A knock at the door.

“Young Master? Are you awake?”

“……” The Demon King smirked, a silent challenge. Go on, tell them. Tell them about your little… adventure. Her amusement was infuriating, almost… malevolent.

“Yes,” I said, my voice tight with suppressed anger.

The door opened.

“You’re up early. Tired from yesterday?” Silpia’s cheerful smile grated on my nerves. How could she be so… oblivious? Her dark hair was neatly bobbed, her maid’s uniform impeccable. Even at this early hour, she was already busy with her duties. We had a steward and a head maid, but the entire household staff numbered less than five. Small for a noble family, but House Brendiar wasn’t known for extravagance.

I looked at her, at her warm brown eyes, and said, “Silpia. I’ll be leaving for the academy early today. Prepare something light for me to eat.”

Her smile widened. “Of course, Young Master! Right away!”

====

Damn her, she was right. I felt… alert. The usual fog that clung to my mind was gone, replaced by a razor-sharp clarity. A side effect of dying repeatedly, I supposed. The phantom sensations of arrows piercing my flesh were still vivid.

I was used to the heightened awareness that came from sleepless nights, but this… this was different. Sharper, more intense. Unsettling.

“Cariel. You seem… well-rested today.” Even Elhermina noticed. Had I really been that visibly exhausted before?

“……” Irritation simmered beneath the surface.

–Ki-ki-kik!– The Demon King’s laughter grated on my nerves.