Chapter 23
The ship headed toward Cordelia Island was crowded with people.
Even though everyone knew this sea was managed by the Demon King, the atmosphere was cheerful.
“I heard Cordelia Island is really beautiful!”
“They say flowers bloom there nonstop, all year round. I’m so curious!”
It was because the Demon King who governed this area was well-known for not harming humans.
Well, even in the game, when the world was being destroyed, Shaila didn’t do anything and stayed put until the very end.
I wasn’t planning to fight Shaila either.
Standing on the deck with Lian, I held onto the railing and watched the ship cut through the water.
“Ugh… I’m getting seasick.”
“Demon Kings get seasick?”
Lian gently rubbed my back as I clung to the railing and tried not to throw up.
“Sometimes I seriously doubt what image of a Demon King you have of me.”
Even a Demon King gets hungry, gets motion sick—does everything, okay? I grumbled under my breath as I tried to tame the strands of hair blowing in the wind.
Lian, who wasn’t seasick, looked completely fine.
Why do I always get seasick as soon as I’m on a boat? Even before possessing this body, I was like this. Possessing a Demon King apparently didn’t give me any immunity.
“I should’ve asked Felix for an extra potion…”
Maybe I shouldn’t have taken the hair-color-changing potion instead. When the wind eased and my nausea settled, I finally felt able to talk.
While rubbing my back, Lian looked out at the sea and spoke.
“You said we’d go together, but I still have no idea what you’re planning.”
He was wearing a robe, but the wind occasionally revealed his face. A hint of worry flickered through his red eyes.
“You want to know what I’m thinking?”
“……”
“You don’t have to wonder. I only think about you every day.”
His gaze on me changed. I laughed and stretched.
“This time, I’m going without any tension. Shaila and I are kind of similar.”
We’re both the type who hate getting dragged into troublesome things. That’s probably why she stays in the deep sea and just watches everything.
“No need to be nervous. Besides, Shaila likes humans.”
“There’s a Demon King who likes humans?”
“I like you, don’t I? You don’t even treat me like a Demon King.”
Lian cleared his throat and looked away, but I knew perfectly well why he asked.
It’s not like I think humans are bad, but the only human I like is Lian.
Shaila, on the other hand, likes the entire human race.
“She probably already knows I’m bringing you with me.”
“Then that’s a relief.”
“What is?”
“I thought you were going there to fight. I didn’t want to be a burden.”
Because he looked so serious, I stopped myself from teasing him.
“If we were going to meet someone other than Shaila, I’d be nervous too. I’ve never had a real fight yet.”
“……”
“And I’ve never once thought of you as a burden. Not even once. I never will. So don’t think that way.”
A sudden gust of wind blew. I pulled his hood down so it wouldn’t fly off, then met his gaze up close.
I have to see his red eyes like this at least once a day. It gives me strength.
“You’re mine. So be confident.”
“…I don’t know how that requires confidence.”
“Of course it does. You’re my person.”
When I answered with a smile, his eyes trembled just slightly. Thankfully, his hood blocked the view—he was mine alone in this moment.
I wanted to lean closer when—
“We’re about halfway to Cordelia Island!”
The captain’s shout stirred excitement. Everyone started buzzing at the thought of arriving soon.
“All right. Time to move.”
Reluctantly, I stepped away from Lian.
To reach the deep sea where Shaila lived, we needed the help of her subordinate sea dragon.
Even in the game, you had to summon it with glowstones—a tedious side quest I remembered clearly.
Plop.
I dropped a glowstone into the sea, creating gentle ripples.
“Oh—by the way, I didn’t mention this. Can you hold your breath underwater for a long time?”
Lian looked confused by the sudden question but nodded.
“Longer than most people, I assume. I’ve never timed it.”
“Good. Because I can’t hold mine long.”
“……?”
“If it looks like I’m dying, save me.”
I smiled. At that moment, something began to appear in the water.
Passengers gathered around, gripping the railing.
“Mom… what’s that in the water?”
“There’s something weird in the ocean!”
Just as the crowd leaned in—
Shaila’s avatar, the sea dragon called by the glowstone, emerged from the waves.
“Kyaaaa!”
“Everyone inside! Run!”
People on deck screamed and fled.
I calmly watched the sea dragon. Like in the game, it wasn’t solid—just a body made of water.
Noticing that I was the one who summoned it, the sea dragon opened its mouth toward us.
“Rrrel!”
“It’s fine. We just have to let it eat us.”
I held tightly onto Lian’s hand. If we were eaten, we’d be delivered straight to Shaila.
Just before it closed its jaws, I spoke again.
“And earlier—what I said wasn’t a lie.”
I really can’t hold my breath long.
And then we were swallowed.
I squeezed Lian’s hand as tightly as I could and tried to hold my breath. With my eyes closed, I had no idea how far we were going.
I refused to let go of his hand.
How long to the deep sea…?
I’m already at my limit.
Even practicing at the pool before didn’t help. Swimming, holding my breath—even floating was a struggle.
…What if I die before we arrive?
I tried everything—blocking my nose, covering my mouth—but in the end, I couldn’t hold it anymore.
“—gh!”
At that moment, someone wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed their lips to mine.
I couldn’t see his face, but I didn’t need to.
He was giving me air. I helplessly took his breath until suddenly, my body broke the surface.
“Haa!”
I gasped hard, clinging to his clothes. He held me and guided me to land, rubbing my back to help me breathe.
“Are you all right?”
“Maybe….”
I almost died. I am never trying to swim down here.
“Th-thanks.”
“How were you planning to go alone when you can’t even hold your breath?”
“I thought it would… work out somehow…”
I struggled to breathe, still gripping his clothes. No more reckless ideas. Ever.
“…I think I’m okay now.”
When my breathing steadied, I stepped away. Lian brushed his wet hair back, relieved.
If I say he looks sexy like this, he’ll despise me, right?
I stopped myself and peeled wet strands off my cheek.
“Are we in the right place?”
“Yes. This is where Shaila lives.”
We were in an underwater cave. Water dripped from the ceiling, and torchlight flickered along the walls.
Footsteps approached. Someone carrying a torch appeared—a creature with gill-like ears, one of Shaila’s subordinates.
“Welcome, honored Demon King. And the human hero accompanying you. We have dry clothes and a place for you to wash. Please follow me.”
The creature bowed and led us down the corridor. Meeting Lian’s eyes, I nodded and followed.
“To the right is the Demon King’s chamber. To the left is the human hero’s. Once you are prepared, we will guide you to Lady Shaila.”
“Got it.”
The subordinate withdrew. I glanced at Lian, then quickly escaped into my room.
When the door to his room closed as well, I pressed a hand to my chest and exhaled sharply.
“I must be insane.”
My heart was pounding ridiculously fast. My face felt hot—totally unlike me.
We’ve kissed before. Why am I acting like this now?
Trying to calm down, I went into the bathroom and froze at my reflection.
My chronically pale face was flushed like a peach, wet hair sticking to my cheeks.
“So he saw me like this…?”
And Lian didn’t react at all.
It was just him saving me. Nothing more.
Right. I was the only one expecting anything.
I forced myself to calm down, peeled off my wet clothes, and sank into the warm bath.
“Idiot. Moron.”
❖ ❖ ❖
Complaining about Lian the whole time helped a lot.
From inside my wet clothes, I pulled out the letter. Amazingly, it wasn’t wet at all—must be because it was a quest item.
After getting dressed, I took a deep breath in front of the mirror.
“Haa…”
The outfit was much lighter than what I usually wore—flowy, like sleepwear. The neckline dipped slightly, though not indecently.
…Definitely Shaila’s taste.
My hair had already returned to its original color. I braided it loosely over one shoulder and left the room.
“Lian, I’m ready.”
Lian was already waiting outside.
I smiled—then froze at his outfit.
Same flowy material as mine. The neckline dipped just enough to show a glimpse of his chest.
It reminded me of when he had worn rags in the castle.
…This is dangerous.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Even now, my inner desires were sprouting vigorously.
