episode_0027

Episode 27

Asking for seed is like asking to impregnate oneself, isn’t it?

“Yes.”

“Can you read minds?”

“No, I only read the absurdity revealed in your expression.”

It seemed that she was aware of her absurd statement. Perhaps it’s fortunate.

I looked at her worriedly. As expected, Leila had a face that seemed ready to draw a sword at any moment.

She admires her wife for holding back her anger. However, her words revealed her emotions without concealment.

“Your Majesty, this joke has gone too far.”

“It’s not a joke. I may think I’m saying something ridiculous, but if I consider the future of the kingdom, there’s no choice.”

I don’t understand what there’s no choice about. There’s probably no reason why it has to be my child. Isn’t it just that she desires me?

“I won’t deny that part either.”

I seemed to be able to convey my thoughts through my expression. Or maybe the insight of a woman in the queen’s position is just that exceptional.

Anyway, before my wife loses her temper and becomes a rebel, I should put an end to this insane conversation.

“Your Majesty, as you may know, I have currently transformed into a demon. If a child is born because of me, there is a possibility that they will become a demon, not human.”

“It’s a possibility, isn’t it? Above all, you are currently human. Maybe we should also test your sperm before the wedding night.”

Seems like not only blood but that too can be tested. Should I be amazed by technological advancements or feel bewildered by the queen’s determined will to conceive with me?

I don’t know. In my momentary speechlessness, Leila eventually started to get angry on my behalf.

“Why does it have to be my husband! If you are the Queen, you can have any man in the kingdom!”

“It’s simple. There aren’t many outstanding men available.”

I had recent actions to defend against such an unreasonable argument.

In fact, supporting the Holy Maiden to fulfill her role in the Law Kingdom might have had exceptional effects, but it would only result in hypocrisy.

Of course, I couldn’t just obediently offer myself next to my wife, so I remained silent, prompting the Queen to speak regretfully.

“I’ve neglected my personal life in dedication to running the country. I’m already over thirty, and I’ve never even interacted with men. It’s already late, but as a queen, I can’t avoid securing a successor. That’s why I want the strongest and most exceptional husband among the men I’ve seen in my life.”

At this point, it wasn’t the Queen speaking; it was the plea of a spinster. Even Leila couldn’t say anything in response to the Queen’s words, which abandoned all dignity.

Seizing the opportunity, the desperate woman continued her words.

“It’s not necessarily for a formal marriage. Just give me your seed. I promise not to make things difficult for Edward and you anymore if I can have a child.”

“…What if the child born is not a princess but a prince?”

Oh. This is surprising. Just now, Leila’s words were based on the premise that I would impregnate the Queen.

The Queen seemed to sense that, but she didn’t hastily bring up a way to avoid this situation.

“In that case, we’ll have to try again.”

“Is this a command as a queen or a request?”

“It’s a request. If you run away, there will be nothing I can do.”

That was true. If I fled to Bell Territory and resisted, even the Queen would be powerless.

“Would you give us some time to talk with my husband?”

“Permission granted. I will prepare a room for you, so return after having a sufficient conversation.”

Following the butler who was waiting outside, Nara and Layla entered the room.

“Really! Edward is so popular! From demon king to saint, now even the queen! Do you think I’m inadequate, planning to conquer powerful figures worldwide?”

As soon as we entered, Layla clung to me and whined. It seemed she was angry for not mentioning her as her older sister, but it didn’t bother me to the point of losing my composure.

Receiving the somewhat rare behavior from my wife, I pondered for a moment and threw a question.

“Will you fulfill the queen’s demands?”

“No! Absolutely not! Edward is mine, so only I can look at and touch him! But… ugh. It’s complicated because there are more than one eyeing you.”

Although I didn’t say it aloud, I had been contemplating something similar recently. Well, Maria’s case is more of a self-inflicted situation, but still…

“Yes! I was going to ask about that! Why did you end up seducing the saint when you went for treatment?”

“Seducing… well, in the end, it turned out similarly.”

“Edward, your actions are so significant that I thought telling you how great they are would make the kingdom bow down to other countries automatically!”

I had a rough idea, but hearing Layla’s explanation made me feel like it was even more significant than I had imagined.

Until then, the Law Kingdom had apparently been quite unruly with its monopolistic power called “sexual prowess.”

Layla said that turning that into something peaceful was such an achievement that it wasn’t surprising the queen was impressed.

Realizing the magnitude of it all, I found myself reflecting on what I had done, and suddenly her hand grabbed mine.

“Tell me honestly, Edward. Weren’t you excited at the thought that your child might become a queen?”

“Yes.”

“You’re too honest, you fool!”

It was natural for Layla to be angry, but imagining my daughter becoming a queen got me genuinely excited in that moment.

More than her anger, Layla hitting my chest with both hands was quite painful. It looked like a child throwing a tantrum on the surface, but the thumping sound was not light; it was heavy.

If it weren’t me, I would have surely died from that.

“Sigh. Since it’s out in the open, I had prepared myself for such moments. If the demon king reappears, this time I’ll immediately go against Edward…”

I agreed. I couldn’t expect Lumani to hesitate like before when we met next time.

But I didn’t want to make Layla sad.

“If you wish, we can escape together, Layla. You can confine me in the Bell Territory as you please. The issue might be removing the horn, but if that’s the case, you can call Maria to the territory.”

It was sincere. I’d rather be holed up in the mansion protesting no matter what happened in the world than make her sad.

I don’t know how long I can endure like this, but I’ll try to hold on until I can. At my words, Layla nodded slightly.

“I’m very glad, but that’s not a fundamental solution, Edward. Instead of that, it’s better for you to take the lead and maintain balance.”

“Maintain balance? How?”

It was an unexpected statement. I thought Layla would either agree immediately or say she would kill all the other women.

“Well, I used to think that way until recently, but realistically, it’s impossible, and I’m not invincible, right? So, I thought about it. Instead of being tossed around, why don’t we do the tossing ourselves?”

Specifically, seeing me tempt Maria to control the Law Kingdom seemed to have led her to that conclusion.

Yeo is saying that she wants to prevent women who cling to each other from killing each other and at the same time achieve peace in the world.

“No, it might be difficult to achieve world peace no matter what. I’m not asking for such an unreasonable demand. Just maintain balance until only one remains without perishing as it is. Peace is a bonus.”

A bonus, huh? Somehow it seems like you should take the lead.

“And Edward, did you enjoy seducing the saint to do as you pleased with the kingdom?”

“Yeah.”

Indeed, my wife. She knows me well.

Responding with admiration, Leila laughed playfully, crafting mischievous jokes like a naughty girl.

“I thought so. If you’re not interested in something, you won’t lift a finger. It’s fortunate for people in the world that Edward isn’t trying to destroy the world.”

“Is that so?”

Come to think of it, it doesn’t seem entirely impossible on that end. If Maria and Rumanel, and the Queen are manipulated here and there…

“Oh, no. Don’t think about it! What if my husband, a nobleman, a duke, and a knight, ruins the world!”

I have no intention of that. It was just a passing thought.

“Anyway, as I mentioned before, all I need to be is Edward’s first. So, please just focus on maintaining balance from now on.”

“Are you really okay with that?”

“Don’t ask! It’s not like everything will be fine! I’m forcing myself to accept this because it’s the best option! If you show consideration, my resolve will waver!”

After all, what woman would like to share her husband? I still don’t know how things got to this point, but since Leila has prepared herself, I must also comply.

We embraced each other.

For a moment, we said nothing.

—

Heading to the royal chamber with Edward to meet the Queen again, Leila smiled inwardly.

“I succeeded.”

Now his heart belonged completely to him.

Of course, he always knew he was Edward’s first. However, when they met again in the demon castle and he had horns, he felt a sense of crisis for the first time.

“I may be fine, but the world isn’t.”

He was anxious. The unease that he might be taken away by the demon king never completely disappeared.

But now, it happened. Even if he sleeps with other women, he will always put himself first.

Out of gratitude, remorse, and guilt for making sure no one dies, he would undoubtedly prioritize her.

“My true intentions would be to kill them all if possible, but as I said, that’s impossible.”

To kill the demon king, the saint, and even the queen, leaving Edward alone? If that were possible, Leila would have become the founding ancestor of the world’s first unified nation.

The method of washing blood with blood is not wise or realistic. That’s why he took the initiative.

To ensure that no other woman’s feelings ever settle on him.

It’s just to make sure they can’t be more than second place.

“Haha, I’m number one. I’m number one.”

Thanks to that, when they returned to the royal chamber, Leila could face the Queen with a relaxed expression.

And one more thing. She decided to embarrass the iron-willed old maid who aims for her friend’s daughter’s husband, despite the age difference.

“I will grant Your Majesty’s request, ma’am. There is one condition.”

“A condition?”

Penelope, who didn’t expect her to actually agree, asked with bright eyes, and Leila smiled slyly as she replied,

“I want to be involved in the process of Your Majesty’s husband sowing seeds.”