Bon Appétit, Femme Fatale

Nika Satanic Balfiesta was a beautiful woman.

As natural as birds flying through the sky or fish swimming in the sea, her beauty had become an unshakable truth of the world.

Good day to you, my dear demons! Once again, the beautiful me makes her grand appearance!

In the quiet hours before dawn had fully broken, Nika walked through the Demon King’s castle with elegant steps.

Her skin was white and smooth as milk, her limbs supple and graceful. Her breasts, soft as melting butter, strained against the fabric of her dress. Both her eyes, framed by long lashes, and her abundant hair were a sensual shade of pale pink.

She was the embodiment of beauty—peerless in every sense of the word. That was Nika Satanic Balfiesta.

Wherever she walked, the world seemed to revolve around her. Her radiance never dimmed, not even in the Demon Realm.

Nika smiled and greeted a lizard-headed demon, who was yawning his way toward the dining hall.

She waved to the demons in maid outfits heading off to clean the castle, her perfumed pink hair swaying gracefully behind her. Its sweet fragrance awakened even the sleepiest soldiers.

Male or female, demon or beast, made of rock or liquid—every creature without exception found their gaze drawn to Nika . . . the only human in the Demon Realm.

Beauty captivates the heart. So mesmerizing was her appearance that no one thought to question why a human was out and about so early in the morning.

She walked the halls of the Demon King’s castle as though they belonged to her, her aura of beauty surrounding her like a cloak—undetected, unquestioned.

At last, she arrived at the highest tower of the Demon King's castle, where the master of the castle resided.

Using a key she had obtained beforehand, Nika unlocked the heavy door and slipped inside, silent as a shadow.

The castle's master showed no sign of noticing the approaching threat. He slept deeply, his face innocent and peaceful, entirely unaware of what was to come.

Nika's lips curved in a small smile. Slowly, she placed her hands on the neckline of her dress.

Slip. Flutter.

The fabric came undone as easily as untying shoelaces, falling in a heap around her feet.

Now entirely bare, Nika stepped toward the bed.

The Demon King inhaled her scent, his eyelids twitching slightly.

Ugh . . .

A small groan escaped him.

Nika snapped to attention and struck a dramatic pose, both arms raised high above her head.

Then, like a coiled spring, she bent forward, her muscles tensed.

Good morning, Demon King!

She launched herself energetically onto the bed.

With perfect form, she slid her naked body under the covers.

Whoa?! What in the world . . . aaaahhh?!

Hehehe, this is a wake-up surprise from the beautiful me! Now, feast your eyes and burn my gorgeous body into your freshly awakened retinas!

A cry of shock was swallowed by the sweetness of her voice.

The puffy, swollen covers thrashed about wildly.

Waah?! Wh-whaaat?! Ahhhh!

Now, let's have a tryst that will go down in history! Melt for me and become my captive!

This had become the daily routine at the Demon King's castle.

Demon and human—two different species—attempting to bridge their divide, right there in bed.

This world had been divided between two factions for ages, locked in fierce battle.

Humans dwelled in the pure land known as the Flat Realm.

Demonkind lived in the harsh Demon Realm, saturated with magical energy, where countless diverse species coexisted.

These two peoples, inhabiting the Flat Realm and Demon Realm that split the continent, had clashed and warred countless times.

The battles were brutal and dragged on for an exhausting length of time—over a thousand years, long enough to fill entire libraries with chronicles of their wars.

Through changing generations, evolving tactics, and shifting methods and approaches, both sides fought relentlessly.

And so, as this endless battle wore on, at one point . . . the leaders on both sides suddenly came to the same realization.

Honestly, what's the point in fighting?

They had been at war for so long that no one even remembered what had started it in the first place.

Nothing is more exhausting than a fight without purpose. The ceasefire was signed with surprising ease. Humans and demonkind formed a pact to never harm each other, welcoming the dawn of a peaceful world.

And so, the thousand-year conflict ended as anticlimactically as snuffing out a candle.

Demonkind and humans learned to coexist as neighbors sharing the land, harboring no resentment and keeping mostly to themselves.

Fifty years passed without a single conflict.

But now, a certain plan was about to unfold in the Demon Realm—one that would shake up this mind-numbingly boring world.

◇

The "Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth", just as the name implies, was a demon castle hidden deep within a forest where the thorns of the Demon Realm grew thick and wild.

Once a stronghold in the war against humans, the Demon King’s castle had lost its original purpose after the ceasefire. Now, it served merely as a base of operations for demonkind.

The monsters in the surrounding area weren't particularly strong. The forest was dangerous, but as long as you stayed out of it, there was no real threat. There were no terrifying monsters or hidden treasures to speak of.

With no famous attractions and poor transportation, the castle lacked the resort appeal or commercial redevelopment that other Demon King castles had undergone. Additionally, with mediocre air quality and security, it was a boring, run-of-the-mill Demon King castle.

And yet, from a certain day forward, the Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth would become the most important place in the world.

Even on that fateful day, the atmosphere was the same as always—relaxed and boring.

Being Demon King really was my calling, wasn't it?

Lounging in his oversized bed, Nathaniel Noah murmured this with a perfectly content expression.

High in the Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth, in the king’s private chambers, what should have been a productive morning—it was already past ten o’clock—was being thoroughly wasted.

He had woken around seven and spent nearly three hours lounging in bed. But he felt no guilt for squandering his morning. As long as no one disturbed him, he was happy to remain wrapped in his blankets, indulging in lazy bliss forever.

Demon King Nathaniel Noah was a shut-in.

His black curls were unkempt and left to grow wild. His pale, lustrous skin never saw sunlight. Beneath the covers, his face appeared relaxed and childlike, younger than his years.

His horns, the unmistakable mark of demonkind, were unique even among his people. From the right side of his forehead, one curved along his temple like polished obsidian. On the left side, another horn sprouted—twisted and chimney-sized, reaching high.

Though asymmetrical and unmatched in size, they were magnificent, befitting the title of Demon King. Yet those horns had never once been shown in public.

A full year had passed since Nathaniel became Demon King and he had barely left his room.

When Father forced this whole Demon King thing on me, I seriously thought about running away from home. But who would've guessed there'd be absolutely no work to do? Sleeping in a giant room forever—it’s basically paradise, right?

Wrapped in his warm covers, Nathaniel let out a big yawn, his expression completely at peace.

Outside his window, the Demon Realm stretched beneath the same gloomy, overcast sky as always. Above the dense canopy of the Thorn Labyrinth Forest, the shadows of giant birds twisted and writhed, while the occasional scream of some creature echoed through the air.

No dangerous monsters ever showed up. With no other Demon King castles nearby, not a single visitor came calling.

It was the very picture of tranquility. Mind-numbingly boring. This had to be blissful leisure granted from heaven.

And so, Nathaniel wrapped himself in his covers and savored this peace to the fullest.

Ahh, this is happiness. I'm happiest when I'm all bundled up like this. Throwing that away to go outside? Only an idiot would do that.

Why are you spouting life philosophy in that enlightened tone? Has that blanket infected your brain and made it all fluffy too?

A cold voice fell from above, sending a chill down Nathaniel's spine.

When he fearfully poked his face through a gap in the covers, a woman stood beside his bed.

She had a tall frame that radiated intimidation, glossy black hair cascading to her waist, and cold, emotionless eyes the deep red of rubies. Near her back, a dragon’s tail covered in reddish scales swished and swirled through the air. She wore what appeared to be a maid uniform—a black-and-white dress-like outfit from the human world.

Uh . . . Cooli . . .

Acting like a bagworm as always, aren’t you? How does that lazy sleep taste when you’re sitting pretty on everyone else’s shoulders, Lord Nathaniel?

Under those cold red eyes, Nathaniel felt a crushing pressure in his chest. For shut-ins, being watched hurt more than summer sunlight—especially when it was the cold stare of the Demon King castle’s lieutenant, Cooli Lazriella Mysterio.

Morning’s long gone, and it’s nearly lunchtime. At this hour, when even babies have woken up and joined the world, the only things still squirming under covers would be fleas, ticks, or Lord Nathaniel. Are you hoping to evolve backward into a single-celled organism? Or conducting some personal research on how far you can degrade biological dignity?

As a dragon demon, Cooli’s hands and the area around her cheekbones were covered in reddish scales. Her battle attire looked like armor, making her already piercing eyes seem even sharper. Nathaniel had always hated being on the receiving end of Cooli’s glares, especially since she’d been his nursemaid since childhood.

But he couldn’t forget: the most important person in this castle was him—Nathaniel, the Demon King. He pulled the covers back over his head and glared up at Cooli with bleary, half-lidded eyes.

It doesn't matter how much I sleep anyway. You handle all the castle work yourself, Cooli.

Please stop talking like I’m stealing your job. I’m covering for work that should be done by my master. This is where you should express joy and gratitude for having such an excellent maid.

You're the one acting all high and mighty about it. The work’s just cleaning the castle and sending soldiers to kill forest monsters. You can’t act all important over such basic tasks. It’s pointless.

If it's such pointless work, then you should do it yourself once in a while.

No way! This is my perfect, efficient personnel management as Demon King. The excellent lieutenant does the work, and the important me stays shut in!

Nathaniel buried his face completely under the covers, entering igloo mode. The outside light, and Cooli’s presence, were now completely blocked out by his soft blanket.

Looking at the small mountain of puffy, swollen covers, Cooli let out a deep sigh.

However peaceful the world may be . . . for the castle’s master to be in such a pathetic state . . . Your predecessor would weep if he saw this.

I don’t care. Father can cry all he wants for forcing the Demon King position on me and retiring. Besides, why should I be criticized when there’s no work to do? What’s wrong isn’t me being shut in—it’s this boring world where being shut in causes no problems!

Fifty years had passed since the conflict with humans ended and the world became peaceful. The position of Demon King—once a wartime general commanding demonkind—had become nothing more than an empty title now that there were no enemies left to fight.

In fact, even after a full year of being shut in, there hadn't been a single situation requiring the Demon King.

The Demon King had no purpose anymore. That's exactly why Nathaniel could shut himself in without any guilt!

If you want to get me out of bed, then bring me work worthy of a Demon King. If such a thing even exists in this Demon Realm!

Yes. That's why I brought you work.

. . . What did you say?

At this unexpected response, Nathaniel's face popped out of the covers.

The tall dragon maid spoke without changing her characteristically cool expression, her eyes narrowed as always.

In other words, Lord Nathaniel, you want to be needed, don't you? You're demanding I bring you some grand assignment worthy of your noble status as Demon King. Something that determines the fate of the world. That's what you're really saying, isn't it?

No . . . that's, well, just a figure of speech . . .

Well then, I’ve brought you a job with heavy responsibility—perfectly suited for you as Demon King. It’s a direct imperial decree from the Demon Ash Master himself, who governs all sixty-six Demon King castles throughout the Demon Realm.

From her pocket, Cooli produced a rolled paper. The leather-bound letter radiated formality at a glance, its edges sealed with an imposing wax emblem that screamed authority.

Impossible . . . even the highest authority in the Demon Realm is telling me to work?!

Receiving an imperial decree from the Demon Ash Master is an honor shared by fewer than five people in any given era. How wonderful for you, Lord Nathaniel.

N-no way—I don’t want to work! I won’t give in to any eviction notice! I’ve got permanent residency in the Duvet Cavern!

No such ridiculous thing exists.

Nathaniel tried to hide under the covers again, but Cooli was faster. Her tail slipped into the bedding and wrapped around Nathaniel’s torso with swift precision, lifting him effortlessly.

Nathaniel found himself suspended upside down in midair in an instant.

Ahh! Put me down, Cooli! I have an outdoor allergy! I’ll die if I’m exposed to outside air!

No such idiotic allergy exists either—and please don’t call getting out of bed "going outside." Now then, let’s read the words from the Demon Ash Master together.

Completely ignoring Nathaniel's fierce protests, Cooli broke the letter's seal and spread it before his eyes.

An imperial decree, issued directly from the highest authority in the Demon Realm to the shut-in Demon King.

It read as follows:

Nathaniel Noah, Lord of the Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth—I command you to marry a human.

. . . Huh?

Unable to comprehend the meaning of the words, Nathaniel froze, still suspended midair.

Cooli ignored his shock and continued reading the text.

The visit is scheduled for next week. We need to make urgent preparations for their arrival, it says. Sigh. Looks like the castle will be bustling for a while.

Wait, wait, wait! Did I mishear? Did I just hear marriage?!

Yes, that's definitely what it says. How wonderful—you're finally escaping your eternal solitude. Just like in your dreams.

I heard human too?! Why do I have to marry a human—why?!

Lord Nathaniel, demonkind and humans have a ceasefire. Just calm down, please.

Suddenly, Cooli loosened her tail’s grip and dropped Nathaniel onto the bed.

Nathaniel was about to resume his protests, but when Cooli sharply struck the floor with her long tail, he flinched and shrank back. Seeing him fall silent, Cooli began speaking in a matter-of-fact tone.

You know very well, Lord Nathaniel, why you’re able to live wrapped in covers, barely moving more than a flea tucked away in some cupboard corner, and being less productive than a mushroom.

Do you hate me? You do hate me, don't you? . . . Well, I can tell that much without you saying it.

The ceasefire agreement had been concluded fifty years ago between demonkind and humans.

The Demon Realm and Flat Realm, two worlds existing side by side, had ceased all interference, including warfare, and now enjoyed a peaceful coexistence without any involvement with each other.

It was the ultimate policy, to bring leisure and boredom to all of demonkind. Nathaniel had also benefited from this blessing, continuing to shut himself in and indulge in laziness. Until this very moment.

Fifty years. That's more than enough time for peace that was initially welcome to become unbearable suffering.

What are you talking about? Doing nothing in bed until you die is the best life possible.

With all due respect, you should have some awareness that you're abnormal, you rare specimen.

You think you can say anything as long as you start with "with all due respect"?!

While casually calling her master a rare specimen in the most natural tone, Cooli continued the conversation.

The Demon Ash Master believes we should move to the next step—from ceasefire to friendship. If we could stop fighting, we can also work together. In other words, demonkind wants to become close allies with humans.

So how does that turn into me getting married? That's way too big a leap!

Think about it carefully. We’ve been enemies for over a thousand years. It would be difficult to suddenly say "let’s be friends." You’d freeze up completely and just open and close your mouth—like when you get dragged to some trendy cafe, Lord Nathaniel.

I-I could at least place an order! Probably!

So as a first step, we decided to invite a human representative as an honored guest to experience the Demon Realm. The marriage part is just a figure of speech. It seems the Demon Ash Master hopes you'll become friendly enough to eventually marry.

Having said that much, Cooli snapped the letter shut.

She was acting like the explanation was completely finished, but that was far from the case. Nathaniel wasn't convinced at all.

I understand the circumstances, but why am I the one chosen of all people?

Nathaniel spread both arms to show himself off, clad in days-old sleepwear and sporting disheveled black hair streaked with bedhead—clear signs he hadn’t bothered to change or fix himself—and a thin, underdeveloped body with little muscle.

He was the perfect example of a slovenly shut-in. How could someone like this possibly represent demons to humans? Nathaniel wanted to shout that question at the top of his lungs, but Cooli answered without even raising an eyebrow.

Lord Nathaniel, since taking the position of Demon King, you haven't caused a single violent incident or hurt anyone.

Of course not. I haven't taken a single step out of my room.

You delegate all administrative work to your subordinates, and the castle operates smoothly without you lifting a finger.

That's exactly why I stay shut-in . . . Since you can handle everything, Cooli, there's no need for me to be here.

Taking all of that into account, after careful investigation, Lord Nathaniel, you were judged to be ‘the most harmless Demon King in the Demon Realm, with deep trust from your subordinates.’ You’re the perfect candidate for representing us to humans.

You're overlooking the fatal flaw of being a shut-in! What kind of careful investigation was that?!

That was a serious overestimation, and the title Most Harmless Demon King was practically an insult.

Wait, this is clearly the wrong personnel choice! That's right—when it comes to gentle Demon Kings, Grimgun from the Demon Castle of the Raging Crag is famous! Just leave it to him!

That place is located right next to a volcano, and Grimgun is a rock-formed species with a body composed entirely of stone. The environment and biology are too far removed from the human world. That would be rejected immediately.

What about Fleugel from the Demon Castle of Suzugao Hill? He's humanoid and hundreds of times more sociable and handsome than me! Humans would definitely like him!

The forces led by Fleugel are vampires, a radical species that most regrets the ceasefire with humans. Are you planning to turn our honored guest into a drink dispenser?

Ugh! Well, there are others, um . . . !

Give up and accept it. Besides, once the letter was sent, this became a done deal. Refusing would constitute an act of rebellion against the Demon Ash Master. You'd literally lose your head.

What?!

Cooli made a gesture as if her palm were a knife, drawing it across her throat. The straightforward motion made it feel all the more real, sending a chill down Nathaniel’s spine.

So then, steel your resolve. Leave your room, or get blasted to smithereens along with it. Either way, you’ll escape being a shut-in. How wonderful for you.

C-come on, Cooli. The dying part is a joke, right? The letter too—you prepared this lie to get me to go outside, didn't you? I'll reflect on this and leave my room a little more often, so please—

Don't waste time running from reality. Now then, let's start with planning the welcome ceremony.

No way! Humans are scary, I don’t want to work, and going outside is scary! I swore I’d live quietly here!

You'll go down in history as the first Demon King to welcome humans. I'll support you, so let's work hard to ensure you're not remembered as a disgrace to the Demon Realm.

Waaah. Someone help! Just leave me alone!

And so, the Demon Realm's grand project of opening its doors to humans began by dragging a single shut-in out of his bed.

Thus began the plan to forge a friendship between humans and demonkind.

The Demon Realm and Flat Realm had been able to stop fighting. Surely, they could become friends as well.

Now was the time to cast aside their sad past and begin a glorious future.

With such hopes, the Demon Ash Master, supreme ruler of the Demon Realm, penned a letter with his own hand.

It was the first contact in fifty years, and history's first message for the sake of friendship.

The letter that would begin a new era was delivered to the Flat Realm where humans dwelt.

Greetings to the Mighty Sovereign Who Governs the Flat Realm, the long winter has ended, and we now enter the season of Earthquake Hell—when monsters stir and shake the land in search of prey. I understand that, in the Flat Realm, this time is known as the beautiful season of awakening, when you admire the tender young leaves sprouting from the earth. When I imagine the blue sky shining above you and the dazzling sunlight that warms your land, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of longing. Fifty years have passed since we sheathed the blades we wielded for a thousand years. Our hands, once raised in battle, now refuse to grasp at emptiness. Is this not the time for us to take each other’s hands and step forward into a new era? We, the demonkind, wish to deepen our friendship with humanity. Let us call each other not enemies, but brethren, and strive to unite the continent long divided between the Flat Realm and the Demon Realm. As proof of our resolve, and as a first step toward friendship, we of the Demon Realm offer the following proposal: Might we invite a human with resistance to magical energy to visit the Demon Realm? We shall offer a grand welcome, worthy of changing long-held perceptions of our people. There is no need to feel limited by the presence of only one emissary. In time, the Demon Realm shall welcome all humans. Please, open your doors, if only a little, and allow yourselves to come to understand demonkind. I pray this act of hospitality may become the catalyst that binds our races together. May blessings fall upon our shared future, and upon this earth where all peoples are rooted. On this auspicious day, Eleuka Enigmanas, 117th Demon Ash Master.

What kind of ridiculous story is this?!

Helianthus III, King of Humanity, flew into a rage.

The letter that had taken several days to arrive from the center of the Demon Realm was crushed in the king's hands and hurled away with a roar, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

No matter how you try to deceive me with flowery language, I can see right through your true intentions! I won't be fooled by you filthy monsters!

Helianthus III's furious voice echoed through the vast audience chamber.

The location was the Flat Realm where humans lived, in a country called Lumise. Because of its proximity to the Demon Realm, it had long been considered a strategic stronghold in the battle against demonkind, establishing itself as one of the Flat Realm's premier military powers.

Befitting Lumise's national power, the royal castle's audience chamber was among the most luxurious in the Flat Realm. The soaring hall was large enough to host a tournament, with the kingdom's elite soldiers standing in orderly rows in full armor, while dozens of advisors and attendants waited to support the king's governance.

One of the advisors timidly approached the furious king.

Please calm yourself, Your Majesty. If what the letter says is true, doesn't the Demon Realm want to build friendship with us?

Don't speak such spineless nonsense! Surely you know just how terrifying demonkind truly is!

Demonkind.

Regarding the alien races dwelling in the Demon Realm that divided the continent, numerous accounts existed in the Flat Realm as well.

These were terrifying and horrifying tales of them as monsters.

It was said that they had blasphemous forms like humans with horns sprouting from them, mixed with beasts.

Their strength far exceeded that of humans—powerful enough to tear off human heads with their bare hands. They had also adapted to the poison called magical energy that filled the Demon Realm and could use magic to defy the world’s natural order.

Their nature was cruelty itself. They devoured the flesh of slain humans, bathed their bodies in blood, and crushed bones to use as components for magic. During the great war, such hellish scenes were said to unfold across the land.

Demonkind are our sworn enemies! They're beasts who see humans as nothing but food! Otherwise, why would we have continued fighting for over a thousand years?!

B-but there is a ceasefire agreement in place, is there not?

That's obviously a trap! My grandfather always said while he lived that the ceasefire agreement had ulterior motives, that they were definitely plotting something. Grandfather was right. This letter is proof!

I thought the text didn't seem to have any particularly strange points. Rather, it felt very dignified and seemed to earnestly wish for friendship with us . . .

Fool! This is provocation using metaphor! Look carefully! See the malice hidden behind their words!

Helianthus III picked up the letter he had been trampling and held it before his aide.

The text mentions '"the next era." Do you know what that means? The destruction of the current era! Demonkind is plotting a declaration of war against us humans!

. . . ?!

Of course, that’s not all. "Truly uniting the continent" reveals their plan to invade the Flat Realm and make it theirs. "Welcome" refers to weapons and grand magic for slaughtering humans! Under the guise of this ceasefire, they’ve been steadily preparing to kill us all!

The aide was left speechless by the king's forceful declaration. To think that such bloodthirsty schemes could be hidden behind this elegant prose . . . !

The letter further states that this "welcome" will soon be extended to all humans. After explaining all this, even you should understand their true intentions.

Then, sending one human to the Demon Realm means—

A sacrifice, obviously! To them, humans are food and tools for magic. They're threatening us into obeying demonkind's commands unless we want to be massacred immediately!

The image that flashed through the aide's mind was a terrifying one—a monster with a mouth split to its ears, licking its lips at a human on a plate, stabbing down with a bloody knife and fork.

The aide turned pale. Seeing that he finally seemed to understand the gravity of the situation, the king snorted in displeasure.

They deliberately disguise themselves as humans and dangle friendship in their letters. They must be enjoying our reactions. How badly they underestimate us! They're gravely mistaken if they think humanity will bow to demonic hands.

Then what do you intend to do? Should we firmly reject their proposal?

Seated on his throne, Helianthus III shook his head at his aide's question.

As king of a military power well-versed in tactical studies, he had already devised a counterstrike against demonkind.

No, we'll deliberately take their bait. We'll send in a carefully chosen spy and slit the throats of those demons who underestimate us.

However, going alone to the Demon Realm would be tantamount to suicide. Since we're accepting their invitation, we can't exactly infiltrate in secret. Is there even a human miracle holder with magical energy resistance who could undertake such a harsh mission?

Helianthus III already had the answer to that question.

Resting his cheek on the throne's armrest, he smiled wickedly and spoke.

There is one. An exceptional talent, in this castle's dungeon.

The dungeon—surely you don't mean to use the Femme Fatale?!

The king's words brought great turmoil to the audience chamber.

Make that woman humanity's representative?! She's a notorious criminal who's brought entire cities to ruin!

Your Majesty, with all due respect, she spent nearly a decade wreaking havoc across the realm before we finally captured her. She should face public trial and execution!

I'll use whatever tool serves my purpose. If they demand we send a sacrifice, then we'll send them poison wrapped in human flesh! The legendary villainess who toppled entire nations just might be capable of conquering even demonkind.

That's . . . well, yes. If the rumors hold any truth, it's not entirely impossible . . . !

If she devours the demons from within, excellent. If she's consumed as their sacrifice, we'll have rid ourselves of a great criminal—a cause for celebration either way. Our conscience remains clear!

The king's reasoning was both audacious and sound. No one dared object, and gradually an approving silence settled over the chamber.

The king made his decision.

It's decided then.

He laughed as he rose from his throne, raising his hand high to declare his proclamation.

I, Helianthus III, King of Lumise, hereby decree! Humanity accepts the demons' proposal. Send history's greatest criminal, Nika Satanic Balfiesta, as a sacrifice to the Demon Realm!

The entire audience chamber erupted in response to Helianthus III's proclamation.

The advisors dropped to their knees in deep bows, while the knights in formation struck their armor with clenched fists, the sound ringing out with martial pride.

Every person present showed the utmost reverence to their king.

All but one uninvited guest.

Yes, I understand.

A voice sweet and melodious, utterly out of place in these halls of power.

The knights who spun around in alarm found themselves staring at the figure standing in the open doorway.

Beautiful.

Everyone shared the same thought, as if every other word had been stripped from their minds.

There in the doorway stood a woman of such extraordinary, impossible beauty.

Her limbs curved with graceful elegance no artist, however skilled, could ever hope to capture. Her exposed skin was smooth and white as pearl.

Her eyes, framed by long lashes, held a radiant vitality that captured all who looked upon her and refused to let them go. Her pupils were a pale pink like fresh fruit, matching the long waves of hair that cascaded to her waist, adorning her more beautifully than any dress ever could.

She wore nothing but a simple, dirt-stained hemp garment. Yet even these prison rags seemed to transform into the finest silk when draped across her form.

She needed only to stand there and smile—that shy, gentle curve of her full lips was enough to captivate every eye, ear, and heart in the chamber.

After you captured me, I was simply trembling with anticipation, wondering what kind of hospitality you'd provide. The Demon Realm—what refreshingly novel entertainment this promises to be.

N-Nika Satanic Balfiesta . . . ?!

But oh, how disappointing. I do prefer when we plan things together rather than leave me out of surprises. Making travel arrangements in secret—I might be just a little hurt by that.

Helianthus III was so shocked he nearly tumbled from his throne.

This beauty, whose very existence seemed like a gift from the gods themselves, was absolutely the last person who should be standing in this place.

Why are you here?! You should be locked away in the deepest dungeon. How did you escape?!

My beauty deserves to be admired by far more people than that. It would be such a waste to hide it away in some dark corner. When I explained this to the guards, they understood completely. They even opened my cell and escorted me here so I wouldn't dirty my hands.

There were hundreds of guards stationed throughout the castle! What happened to them?!

They all gladly stepped aside for me, of course! Beauty is power incarnate. My path can never be blocked by anyone. I must always shine at the very pinnacle!

Nika spoke with complete confidence, as if her words were absolute truth. When she placed her hand upon her chest, the gesture overflowed with such dignity that her dirt-stained prison garb seemed to transform into a pure white gown adorned with the finest lace.

She delicately pinched the hem of her phantom dress, stepped back gracefully, and curtsied with perfect elegance.

And so, I've come to claim the position that befits my beauty.

What are you doing—seize her immediately! Don't let her use her miracle!

How unfortunate. It is far too late for that.

Her lips curved in a bewitching smile as she let out a soft laugh.

She slowly raised her face and, with a graceful sweep, gathered up her abundant pale pink hair.

Her hair, gleaming like golden thread, spread through the air.

It was as if a sea of pink, glittering stars bloomed around her.

Everyone present felt as if time had stopped.

Beautiful. That single word swept away all other thoughts.

She gathered every gaze and thought, drawing them all to herself.

Slowly, Nika opened her eyes.

Look at me.

Her bewitching eyes seized every heart in the chamber.

Now then. What would you have me do?

Approximately ten minutes later, Nika was seated in the audience chamber, now dressed in an elegant gown and lounging arrogantly on the throne.

A trembling voice responded to Nika, whose expression had gone completely cold.

Y-yes. Please, with your power, destroy demonkind from within . . . !

Hmph.

Nika gave a contemptuous snort, then smoothly lifted her long leg and drove the narrow, pointed heel of her shoe with all her might into the “throne” beneath her.

Eep!

Don't try to deceive me at this point! Cast aside your pride and expose your vulgar desires, you pig!

Yes, yes! Please hit me more, curse and trample me like livestock, Lady Nika!

A deep, masochistic voice echoed throughout every corner of the vast audience chamber, emanating from beneath Nika's feet.

Nika was seated on the throne—the chair that symbolized the highest authority in the kingdom. A seat that now belonged to her alone.

More precisely, she sat atop King Helianthus III, who had been stripped naked and forced to crawl on all fours.

A mere king thinking he could dictate my future—how laughably presumptuous. Perhaps all that fat has finally clogged your brain.

I-I'm so sorry! I'm nothing but a pig who speaks out of turn without knowing his place. Please show me your generous mercy, Lady Nika—OHHHHHHH?!

Beasts don't speak human language! Listen carefully: from this day forward, your body is my chair. Your voice exists solely for my entertainment! Weep with joy that I'm merciful enough to use your hideous body as a toy and make you utter your vulgar sounds! Answer me!

Oink, oink, oink, oink! Th-thank you for this blessing!

Nika mercilessly drove the tip of her heel into his bare, greasy buttocks. Despite enduring such humiliating torment, the king's voice carried unmistakable joy he could not hide.

His voice, stripped of all dignity, echoed throughout the audience chamber, but no one paid any attention to the king's disgraceful display. After all, not a single decent person remained in that place.

Simply put, what was unfolding there was pure debauchery.

The audience chamber held King Helianthus III, several advisors, dozens of elite armored soldiers, and numerous servants attending to daily needs.

Nearly a hundred people without exception had stripped completely naked.

Amazing, this is amazing! I never knew being naked could feel this good!

What liberation! How did I ever manage to wear something as heavy as armor until now?!

Lady Nika has awakened us. Lady Nika is wonderful. Long live Lady Nika!

Men and women alike made no attempt to cover their private parts. Everyone wore bright, cheerful smiles, as if freed from all the world’s suffering—or as if they had consumed some mind-altering drug.

Ahahahaha! Yes, from today this castle becomes a nudist colony! You unsightly people have no business dressing above your station. Cast away your clothes, your possessions, everything you wear—throw it all away!

Yes, Lady Nika!

Guards, run naked around the capital's perimeter while shouting my praises! Whoever returns first without shame will receive a reward—I'll personally trample you with my bare feet!

With wild cries of joy, the burly naked men burst from the audience chamber, racing against each other. Screams of shock echoed throughout the royal castle.

The maids who remained in the audience chamber began discarding everything as Nika had commanded. First the clothes off their backs, then personal items like pocket watches and purses, castle furnishings, and even treasures hauled out from the treasury. They competed to hurl it all from the balconies.

The area around the royal castle erupted into complete chaos. Just as the castle gates burst open and burly naked men rushed out, massive amounts of clothing, gold, and silver treasures rained down from above. Citizens screamed at the naked men, cheered the shower of valuables, and swarmed the castle to fight over clothes and treasures.

Above and below, complete pandemonium shattered all order, scattering its pieces to the wind.

The beauty with pale pink hair and eyes gazed down from her throne at the castle fallen into chaos and burst into satisfied laughter.

Ahahahaha! No power or authority means anything before my beauty. Writhe lewdly and expose your disgraceful forms for my entertainment!

Nika Satanic Balfiesta was a villainess.

With her extraordinary beauty and innate miraculous power, she has committed every tyranny imaginable.

One city leader surrendered all rights to his city just to have her trample him with her bare feet. An honorable knight captain who protected a certain country pledged his submission the moment Nika glanced at him, and was made to walk through the streets wearing a collar. Hundreds of nobles offered their entire fortunes to win her favor.

Two countries and eighty-four cities have fallen to her demonic charm. The number of people whose desires she has corrupted easily exceeded a thousand.

The title she earned was Femme Fatale.

In this peaceful era, when conflicts with demonkind were supposedly over, she was the most feared criminal alive. She was Nika Satanic Balfiesta.

This latest country offered no challenge whatsoever. To think they could capture me with mere chains and prison walls—did they truly believe that I could ever belong to someone else, even for a moment?

Having conquered her third country as mere entertainment, Nika snorted with boredom atop her creaking throne.

She then picked up the letter from the Demon Realm that she had snatched from an advisor and toyed with it between her fingers.

An invitation to the Demon Realm, I see . . . Being used as a sacrifice is rather irksome, but it's quite an attractive proposal, isn't it?

Nika smiled wickedly, her expression openly revealing desire and curiosity.

I don't mind being pursued, but I was just thinking I needed a safe place to settle down. Besides, I was growing rather bored with using human kings as comfortable seats. I wonder what magnificent sense of conquest I would feel using a demon king as my chair?

Nika feared no demons.

She thought of only one thing: how pleasurable it would be to conquer them.

Standing up, she dug her heel into Helianthus III's rear as though announcing her decision.

Eeeek!

Very well, I shall take you up on that invitation! The demons are rumored to devour humans down to the marrow—let me turn the tables and reduce them to putty with my beauty!

She curved her soft lips into a smile and moistened them with a flick of her fresh tongue.

With demonic light shining in her pale pink eyes, Nika gazed toward the Demon Realm beyond the horizon.

I'll trample their twisted horns and make them my captives. I shall make the entire Demon Realm bow before me.

Thus, the two races that had divided the continent took their first step toward a new era, one no one could have predicted.

◇

A human! The first human is coming to this castle!

The Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth buzzed with the excitement of an unstoppable festival.

Humans—mysterious neighbors living on the same continent.

Ever since word spread that a human would be invited to the castle, it had been the sole topic of conversation within the Demon King’s stronghold.

What do humans look like? Do they have horns, or maybe tails?

I wonder what kind of person will come. It's definitely going to be someone important, like the Demon Ash Master!

I think I’m the strongest warrior in the Flat Realm! Humans have miracle holders, right? People who can wield powers greater than magic? I’d love to have a sparring match!

No, it’ll definitely be a stunning beauty! Someone so wonderful they’ll make your heart flutter, and a lovely romance across species will begin right here!

Whatever the case, it's a human! The first one to ever become friends with demonkind!

That's right. We need to give them the warmest welcome possible!

The Demon Castle of the Thorn Labyrinth, which had been so boring that there wasn't even enough happening to make conversation, now overflowed with renewed vitality. Everyone let their imaginations run wild about the human while cheerfully preparing for the welcome.

Time passed remarkably quickly amid all this unprecedented excitement and activity.

Before they knew it, the day to welcome their human visitor had arrived.

A red carpet stretched from the Thorn Labyrinth Forest all the way to the front of the Demon King’s castle, where a special venue had been prepared to welcome the human. The area around the carpet was secured by a group of uniformed maids led by Cooli—the so-called Clean Team.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Demons from all over the castle had gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the guest. The crowd around the red carpet was dense with bodies, and countless more peered out from the windows above.

With all this excitement in the air, Nathaniel Noah was on the verge of death.

I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home . . . !

At the far end of the red carpet, directly in front of the castle gates, Nathaniel sat frozen on the Demon King’s exclusive throne, his body rigid, as if seized by convulsions.