Chapter 95
The Demon King’s Daughter?
The music from the orchestra filled the ballroom, and many guests were dancing.
A few young nobles from high society kept glancing over.
They were nobles from the Emperor’s faction and young gentry, all hoping to ask someone attractive and well-connected to dance.
But the tense atmosphere here made them hesitate.
“Oh dear, maybe we’ve made things too uncomfortable,” said Rudolf with a chuckle. “Since you’ve come all the way to Dynaise, why not try dancing?”
He turned to the demon youths and asked if they were interested. Coralden looked at his companions.
“What do you think, Veras?”
“Dancing, huh. I’ve learned it as a cultural skill, but… in high society, dance partners are just another way to scout for romantic interests. I don’t want to waste time on that kind of fun.”
The young demon with glasses, called Veras, adjusted his frames as he spoke.
Another demon, a rough-looking one, laughed loudly.
“You say that, Veras? You’re always calling me too violent, but if you say stuff like that, won’t it seem rude to the Crown Prince who invited us?”
“Then you should dance, Carmine.”
“Me? I prefer fighting over dancing.”
“Dancing is done with a partner, Carmine. If you say you like fighting instead, are you planning to punch girls? You’re not some barbarian.”
“Then why don’t you dance with me, Linser?”
“With you? I’d rather fight.”
At that moment, Coralden reached his hand toward Idnia.
“If it’s alright, would you dance with me for a moment, Lady Idnia Katse Betelgeuse?”
“…What?”
Idnia was shocked.
“I learned dancing as a child but forgot everything since I stayed away from high society.”
“Just follow my lead.”
“……”
Idnia was flustered by the unexpected request.
Then something even more unexpected happened.
“Before that, dance with me.”
It was Rudolf.
He held out his hand to Idnia first.
“As you know, if someone has a fiancé, the fiancé must be the first to dance. Only then can others ask.”
“But I heard the engagement was broken.”
Coralden gave a wry smile, looking at Rudolf and Idnia.
“Lady Idnia, it’s your choice. Who will you dance with first?”
“Then, excuse me, Coralden.”
Idnia took Rudolf’s hand and walked to the center of the ballroom.
“They’re all watching you,” Rudolf said quietly, smiling.
“Be careful, Idnia. The demons probably don’t like you. After all, your father, Duke Betelgeuse, killed their king.”
“That makes sense. But why ask me to dance?”
“I wanted to dance before that Coralden guy did. So, may I have this dance?”
“With pleasure.”
Idnia and Rudolf stood at the center of the ballroom.
Because they were known for their broken engagement, all eyes turned to them.
“Oh my.”
“What’s going on?”
“His Highness the Crown Prince and the Duke’s daughter…?”
“Wait…”
The socialites who loved gossip fell silent.
A beam of light from the ceiling lit the young pair’s smooth, glowing skin, making them look almost divine.
The two elegant figures started dancing. No one wanted to miss the moment with meaningless gossip.
Rudolf gracefully led the dance, as expected of a Crown Prince.
Idnia followed his lead with ease. Even though she hadn’t danced in years, it was like muscle memory.
“You’re impressive. I thought you avoided social events.”
“Well, I’m more worried about Wizard Ball right now. We’re missing the game…”
“Haha. That’s what you’re thinking about now?”
Rudolf smiled as they danced.
“After you broke off our engagement, I was honestly very shocked. You were the first person to ever shake my heart like that.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. My situation was just… complicated.”
“Yes, I understand. I realize now that back then, I was just a pampered boy who never had to worry about anything. But you were already more mature and thoughtful than I was.
So, I don’t hold a grudge. But still…”
Rudolf trailed off as the song came to a close.
“That was a wonderful dance. Now then…”
He escorted Idnia back to their seats.
Coralden was waiting.
Rudolf handed Idnia off to Coralden, then turned to Marie and held out his hand.
“Now, Lady Marie. May I have this dance?”
“Me? Oh—yes!”
Marie was shocked but honored.
✦✦✦
“Now, Lady Idnia. Will you dance with me?”
Coralden offered his hand again.
“Sure.”
Idnia took his hand without much thought—but immediately felt a strong energy flowing into her from him.
“Ugh?!”
Surprised, Idnia looked around.
But no one else noticed anything strange.
It was like that moment in the palace when the air was suddenly filled with deadly energy.
[Don’t worry. I mean you no harm, Lady Idnia.]
Coralden sent her a telepathic message and began to dance.
Idnia resisted his energy and replied in her mind.
[What’s going on? Should I call you Coralden or Prince Kais, First Prince of the Demon Realm?]
[…How did you know?]
[Your subordinates practically worship you. Did you think I wouldn’t notice? If you’re the first prince, then you must be the top student of Gimmel, the strongest mage among demons. Too obvious.]
Coralden smiled.
[They say you’re a crazy noblewoman who threw away the Crown Princess title, but you’re smarter than the rumors say. That’s good. Listen carefully, Idnia Katse Betelgeuse.
You are half one of us.
Or to use your words, half-demon.]
[So what?]
[Wow. I thought I couldn’t be surprised anymore today, but this is a day full of shocks. You already knew?]
[Yes. So what now? Planning to expose me and cause chaos in the Empire?
Sorry, but I already broke off my engagement with Rudolf. So even if you tell everyone I’m half-demon, it won’t shake the Empire. It’ll just become another juicy bit of gossip.]
[Don’t misunderstand. I have no desire to destroy your life or status. Like you said, it wouldn’t benefit us much.
Also… there’s a chance you and I are siblings.]
[Siblings?]
[Yes. The divine blessing in your body came from my father, the Demon King. Your body may be from Duke Betelgeuse and Saintess Flora, but your spirit and soul came from my father. So physically we’re not related, but spiritually, we are siblings.
If you accept it, I’ll recognize you as part of the demon royal family.]
[Are you asking me to join the demon side?]
[From our perspective, you are the one who belongs with us.]
[…]
[What are you thinking? I know you must be torn.]
[No, don’t get the wrong idea. I was thinking of something else.]
Kais must’ve thought she was seriously considering the offer.
Idnia quickly corrected his misunderstanding.
‘In the original game, there was an episode where the demons claimed ownership of Dynaise Academy and challenged the students to duels. But this is going in a completely new direction. Maybe because Idnia is still alive?’
In the original story, she died pointlessly in Season 1.
But really, she is the daughter of the Demon King.
With the blood of a tyrant and the saintess, her heritage is highly valuable among the demons.
Now that she’s alive, the story is going off course.
‘In the game, Idnia dies at the end of first year. That’s still far away. Maybe staying away from high society is what’s changing the story this much.’
Idnia sighed, thinking about her fate.
[So, you’re rejecting our offer?]
[No need to decide everything right now, is there? I understand. I’m half-demon. Maybe I even have the Demon King’s inheritance rights.]
[…I didn’t say that, but… yes, it’s true.]
[Also, who’s competing with you for the throne?]
[…]
Kais stopped dancing at that question.
The music ended just then.
“That was a wonderful dance. Well then.”
Kais escorted her back to her seat.
[What about my question?]
[You’ll get your answer… after my subordinates test you.]
[…What?]
[They want to know if you’ve really inherited the Demon King’s authority.]
He smiled mysteriously.
✦✦✦
“Well then.”
Crown Prince Rudolf, Karl, and Lorenzo stood up, carrying the frozen dishes.
“It was nice meeting all of you. Let’s keep in touch. But please, let’s meet on weekends next time. It’s hard to keep up with classes.”
“Weekend parties sound great. No shop work, just excuses to go out…”
Karl smiled at the idea of sneaking out every weekend.
Of course, the Academy wouldn’t allow that forever.
This time was special, since demons suddenly appeared and the Emperor gave permission. But if it happened too often, not even the Emperor could convince the Academy.
“We’ll head back now.”
Idnia and the Academy students said goodbye and left the hall, heading toward their carriage.
Then suddenly…
The air froze.
“Huh?”
Idnia found herself alone in an empty courtyard.
Rudolf, Karl, Lorenzo, and Marie were gone.
Even the busy servants had disappeared.
Someone had split space and created a magical barrier.
In the Imperial Palace?!
There should be tons of mages and agents here…
As Idnia wondered what was happening, a figure appeared ahead.
It was the demon woman, Linser.
She walked slowly, holding a magic wand, and bowed to Idnia.
“Pardon me, Lady Idnia. As a mage, I challenge you to a duel. Will you accept?”
“And if I refuse?” Idnia asked with a sly smile.
“Then I’ll attack you anyway.”
Linser’s answer was firm.
