Beloved of the Demon King: A Healing Magician’s Life in the Demon King Castle - Chapter 30
Chapter 30: Emergency Meeting at the Demon King’s Castle
Thus, days passed without any major incidents, though small problems occasionally arose.
Since that day, Leon has been gradually warming up to the inhabitants of the Demon King’s Castle. While it would be untrue to say there were no lingering resentments, at least no major conflicts had arisen.
The utilization of Leon was still undecided. With the disappearance of the hero causing a commotion in the country, the invasion had slowed considerably. Therefore, the decision was made to keep the hero’s existence hidden and continue to sow a bit more unease.
In addition, the food expenses had increased by about 1.5 times, but it was considered a trivial issue.
Or so they thought.
“We will now begin the emergency meeting at the Demon King’s Castle.”
Viola’s face contorted at Arnold’s solemn announcement.
In a corner of the Demon King’s Castle was a room referred to as a meeting room, but it appeared more like a storage space. Viola couldn’t help but wonder why it had been cleaned so thoroughly recently, only to discover it was being prepared for such an event.
Seated at the center of a large wooden table, with an expressionless face and crossed legs, was Nox. On either side of him sat Arnold, maintaining an impeccably precise posture as if a ruler were pressed against his back. Arnold seemed to be the moderator for this meeting, and in front of him were stacks of papers.
On the opposite side was Ignatz. Despite Viola finding his posture amusing—arms crossed, lifting his chin—he did exude a certain dignity when observed with half-closed eyes.
Other high-ranking demonkind occasionally passed by Viola in the castle, but Leon was conspicuously absent.
However, their appearances were haphazard, their postures chaotic, and their seating positions entirely unrestricted. It was clear that there was no order or discipline—a departure from their usual behavior.
As for Viola, she found herself seated next to Nox, the person who had brought her to this meeting.
“Um, today’s agenda is…” Arnold deliberately cleared his throat.
“It’s about the hero Leon, who has taken residence in our Demon King’s Castle.”
The room erupted into chaos, with no clear intention to speak in order.
Among the voices, Ignatz’s stood out particularly loudly.
“What’s with that guy!!! It gives me the creeps!!!”
“Go ahead, Ignatz, share your thoughts…”
In the momentarily silenced room at Arnold’s voice, Ignatz shouted loudly.
“When I bumped into him in the hallway, he let me pass!!! What’s up with that!!!”
“Yeah, that’s right!” voices echoed in agreement.
“I experienced the same thing!” another voice chimed in.
“But that’s not all!!! When I was carrying vegetables to the kitchen, he offered to help!!!”
“Yeah, that’s true!” voices confirmed.
“Don’t just help yourself to snacks,” someone added.
At this point, Viola had a realization.
“Next, please.”
Various expressions of dissatisfaction were voiced.
“He cleaned the entrance alone.”
“He helped with weeding.”
“He secretly gave me my favorite Rays flower.”
“He went out of his way to deliver a dropped item to my room.”
“Yeah,” Viola thought. “So, to summarize what I just heard…”
It seemed that, from the perspective of the inhabitants of the Demon King’s Castle, Leon’s behavior was unsettling. That seemed to be the consensus.
Certainly, when she thought about it, there weren’t many normal people in the Demon King’s Castle. Even when it came to cooking, it was rare for someone to directly tell Viola that the food was delicious. There were men who silently helped themselves to snacks, those who frequently peered into the kitchen door like cursed dolls, and those who arrogantly claimed that they would not find anything delicious even if they died, but hardly anyone gave genuine compliments.
Everyone is somewhat like their master. The top three in the Demon King’s Castle are no exception, or so they say. However, it seems that Leon’s actions appear to be peculiar to those who are not accustomed to such behavior.
“Well,”
Viola’s voice made everyone stop talking and turn to look at her. Feeling a subtle awkwardness in the sudden silence, Viola smiled vaguely.
“I think that’s just Leon’s way of atonement. Since he hasn’t caused any trouble, isn’t it fine?”
“But,”
The man who was about to retort pursed his lips and closed his mouth, seemingly giving up.
“He hasn’t caused any trouble?”
In a low, alluring voice, everyone fell silent this time.
Nox, with a displeased expression, lightly tapped the table with his fingertips.
“He’s been nothing but a nuisance.”
“Why?”
“He’s taken up most of Viola’s time.”
“Well, I don’t deny that. But I want to get along with him.”
“Is it more enjoyable talking to another human?”
“Well, Nox.”
Viola lowered her voice in response to his unreasonable statement.
“You shouldn’t phrase it like that. You know, I don’t care whether someone is human or demon.”
“…”
“Hey, Nox… Are you sulking?”
“Woman!!!! Mmmph!?”
Arnold forcefully suppressed Ignatz’s loud voice and nodded vigorously toward Viola. His eyes seemed desperate, and Viola tilted her head in confusion.
Returning her gaze, Nox leans on the table with an expression of genuine dislike. His jet-black hair spread smoothly across the desk. Although he sent a displeased look her way, his lack of denial served as evidence that Viola’s words were correct.
“Oh, well… That’s how it is.”
“Why are you laughing there?”
“It’s nothing; don’t mind me. Hehe.”
“Don’t mind? Is that so?”
The outstretched hand abruptly pulled Viola’s arm. Her body jerked, and with resentful eyes, Viola looked up at Nox.
“Hey, Nox—!?”
Her lips were forcefully sealed. Without any warning, she was not only embarrassed but simply astonished. The surrounding men, as if they hadn’t seen anything, averted their eyes.
Using both hands, Viola managed to peel Nox’s arm away and glare at him, breathing heavily.
“Nox!”
“It’s a therapeutic act.”
“It’s all lies! There’s no magic at all…”
A gentle knock on the door interrupted her.
Despite her shyness, many eyes in the room looked at her as if asking for help.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Leon. I have something to discuss.”
“…Come in.”
At that voice, Arnold hurriedly began collecting the meeting records. With no hiding place, Arnold placed them on top of the chair he had been sitting on and nonchalantly sat down.
The door opened simultaneously.
Viola was surprised.
In front of the door, Leon seemed to be smiling as usual, but she noticed a somewhat troubled glint in his eyes.
