The tension was dense, almost palpable.

  Souta advanced slowly, his smile cutting through the darkness.

  — I told you I’d be back, princess.

  On the bed, Stingara barely lifted her eyes.

  — It’s you… I don’t have the strength or the will to put up with you.

  Souta raised an eyebrow, confused.

  — Huh? Come on… don’t kill the mood.

  She turned her gaze away, cold, indifferent.

  — Whatever you came to do, do it quickly. I don’t care.

  In an instant, Souta approached and grabbed her arm invasively.

  The princess didn’t react. She only turned her face aside, submissive, as if she had already given up.

  Souta sighed, disappointed.

  — Such coldness… it even hurts. Are you telling me you’ve given up? That this is as far as you go?

  He laughed, but the laugh sounded hollow.

  — Where’s that fire? At this rate, the next queen will be Melisara.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Stingara remained silent.

  Souta leapt back, rubbing his hair, bored.

  — Ahh, how dull. There’s no fun in breaking something that’s already broken. I don’t want anyone’s leftovers.

  Inside, he reflected:

  She’s depressed… there are people who never overcome this illness. She might stay like this forever.

  A flash crossed his mind.

  I’ve been in that abyss too. I only escaped when I created my fake smile. That’s what saved me.

  He rubbed his chin.

  The smile widened.

  Suddenly, a flood of notifications echoed.

  Bzzzzzzzzzz.

  Creamy appeared, distressed.

  — Sir, I know what you’re thinking. I don’t recommend it. It would be suicide.

  The shadows stirred.

  The room filled with darkness.

  Vooosh.

  Souta teleported, taking Stingara with him.

  Darkness.

  Black forests whispering laments.

  From the shadows, Souta emerged, carrying Stingara in his arms.

  — We’ve arrived.

  He dropped her to the ground. The princess fell, fragile, and lifted her face toward him.

  Souta bowed, his piercing smile illuminating the gloom.

  Several figures emerged from the darkness. Voices echoed in unison:

  — Welcome to the Demonic Kingdom. We have come to receive the king’s guest.

  Stingara’s body trembled. Terror filled her eyes.

  — What…?

  Amid laments and shadows, she realized: they were in the heart of the Demonic Kingdom, the most dangerous place in the world.

  And Souta, with that insane smile, seemed to have planned it all.

  What were his true intentions?

  This move could cost not only their lives… but the fate of the entire kingdom.