NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Seere’s birthday was just a week away. Nahun took advantage of Seere’s nap and secretly crossed over to the 70th floor. He held a large crown of Andromalius in one hand.
The blacksmiths who studied and crafted weapons were located on the 70th floor. Among the blacksmiths, there were artisans skilled in handling items like crowns, so he had come here.
For a surprise gift for Seere.
“Nahun-nim.”
As Nahun approached the forge, a troll blacksmith with a bushy beard rushed out on tiptoes. He was Doomgrik, the appointed leader here.
“Doomgrik, it’s been a while.”
“What brings you here? If you’d given me a heads-up, I could have waited more tidily…”
Doomgrik was drenched in sweat, as if he had been hammering just moments ago. Nahun waved his hand, indicating it was fine.
“It’s all right. I intended to come secretly anyway, so it couldn’t be helped.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you see this?”
Nahun showed the Andromalius crown to Doomgrik.
“I would like it adjusted to fit Seere’s head size. Also, gold coat the faded portions.”
“Ah, understood. There are blacksmiths here who can handle such things. But do you know Seere’s head circumference?”
“47.82 centimeters.”
Doomgrik was slightly taken aback by Nahun’s prompt answer, precise to two decimal places. While Nahun remembered it from having looked at Seere’s character profile dozens of times while playing the game, Doomgrik, not knowing the circumstance, could only wear a perplexed expression.
“Why are you surprised?”
“Oh… you came well-prepared.”
“Of course.”
“Seere’s head is a bit smaller, I see.”
“Is that so?”
Nahun nodded, recalling the illustrations from when Seere was growing up. Doomgrik spoke to Nahun.
“Is there a timeframe for this?”
“A week. But I would like to have it before then.”
“Understood. Shall I proceed while maintaining the design?”
“Yes.”
Doomgrik bowed his head. Nahun asked him one more thing.
“How is the research progressing?”
“We’re analyzing it day and night with skilled blacksmiths and making prototypes ourselves. There are some samples over there, but…”
Doomgrik spoke with a hint of uncertainty.
“They’re still at a level I’m embarrassed to show to others.”
“Is that so?”
It hadn’t been long since Nahun entrusted them with the task. He didn’t expect something great to have materialized so quickly. Nahun lightly tapped Doomgrik’s shoulder.
“It’s fine. Take your time, and make sure to show me a solid finished product.”
“…Thank you. I will do my best.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
After entrusting the crown to Doomgrik, Nahun quickly returned to the 72nd floor. Since he had sneaked out to see Seere, he hurried back, worried he might be caught.
However, as soon as he returned to the Demon King Castle, Nahun was quite shocked.
“…….”
“Waaaah…! Boo….”
Seere was crying loudly. She was sitting in front of Nahun’s office, being comforted by Cecili and Rea.
Cecili was desperately trying to distract her with whale and penguin dolls, while Rea was showing her a plate of pudding to persuade her.
“Nahun-nim is just out for a moment. Your Majesty, shall we wait together while we eat pudding?”
“I don’t want it!”
The rejection of pudding blurted from Seere’s lips. Everyone, including Rea and Cecili, as well as Nahun, who was blankly observing, was greatly shocked.
“Your, Your Majesty…”
“Does she… not want pudding?”
Rea and Cecili were stunned, unable to hide their shock, their mouths agape.
“Waaah, waaaah…!”
Unable to take it any longer, Nahun rushed forward and revealed himself in front of Seere.
“Se, Seere! Why are you crying?”
“Boo, Teacher…?”
“Yes, yes, the teacher is here.”
“……Waaaah!!!”
As soon as she saw Nahun, Seere burst into tears again. Nahun, at first, held her in his arms. With Seere sobbing so heart-wrenchingly in his embrace, Nahun was at a loss for words.
Nahun looked at Rea and Cecili. In response to Nahun’s questioning gaze, Rea sighed a little and answered.
“Your Majesty came to the office, not knowing you were away, and that led to this. It seems she thought you had gone forever.”
Realizing the situation, Nahun gently patted Seere’s back and spoke kindly.
“I only went out for a moment, Seere.”
“Waaah, boo….”
“I’m not going anywhere. Now, now, let’s go inside.”
Opening the office door while holding Seere, Nahun glanced back. He slightly bowed his head in gratitude towards Rea and Cecili, who clearly looked exhausted from comforting Seere, and then closed the door.
Once inside the office, Nahun sat down in a chair with Seere on his lap. She had been crying so much that her eyelids were bright red and swollen.
“Seere.”
“…….”
“Are you feeling a bit calmer now?”
Nodding.
Still sniffling, Seere had stopped shedding more tears. Nahun said to her.
“You were scared because I left without saying anything.”
“…Yes.”
“You don’t have to worry. I won’t leave your side, Seere. Why would I leave you? I will take care of you until you grow up healthy and rise to the top.”
“To the top…?”
Seere tilted her head and struggled to say a word.
“So, when that’s over, will Teacher leave?”
“…Huh?”
Nahun was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected to be asked if he would leave once the task was complete. He had momentarily forgotten Seere’s unusual insight for her young age.
‘If everything ends and we see the conclusion….’
He certainly thought of returning. He was pursuing the ending for that reason. But how could he tell that to this child?
Nahun smiled gently and replied.
“Of course not. I will always be by your side, Seere.”
He affectionately patted Seere’s head. Seere looked at Nahun for a moment before slightly nodding in understanding.
“Yes.”
Nahun smiled at Seere, as if resigned, and stood up while holding her again.
“Shall we go eat pudding together?”
“…Yes!”
Although Seere’s eyes were still red, her face broke into a beaming smile.
#
Today, Teacher lied to me for the first time.
He had the eyes of a person lying.
Teacher would surely leave once he achieved his goals.
That cannot happen. Teacher must always be my teacher. He must always be by my side.
If I work harder, Teacher won’t leave either. Right, white bear?
In the dark room, her blue eyes glimmered ominously. The always pure and bright eyes were now clouded with sinister emotions.
She murmured, hugging the pristine bear that Nahun had gifted her, alongside the whale and penguin dolls.
“I won’t let you go.”
#
The morning of Seere’s birthday dawned. Since three days prior, everyone in the Demon King Castle had been working diligently to prepare for Seere’s birthday celebration.
Finally, they were able to finish all the preparations before the morning of the day.
“Waaaah!”
Seere entered the party hall in Nahun’s arms, beaming brightly. Today was her birthday, and dressed in a pretty dress with a large ribbon in her hair, she looked even cuter than usual.
The decorations prepared tirelessly day and night by the castle staff, along with delicious food prepared by Chef Mark, filled the room. Seere, turning her head excitedly, exclaimed to Nahun.
“That one, that one looks delicious!”
“Indeed.”
Nahun followed where Seere pointed to the food. It was a fluffy tiramisu cake. Though the guests had yet to arrive, no one could complain when the birthday girl wanted to eat.
Nahun picked up a piece with a fork and held it out to Seere. With her mouth wide open, Seere swallowed the fork whole. Smiling broadly as she savored the cake filling her mouth, she said,
“Is it delicious?”
“Yes!”
As Seere ate the tiramisu cake, the guests began to arrive. The first guest approached Nahun and Seere to offer their greetings.
“Congratulations on your birthday, Your Majesty.”
“Happy birthday, Your Majesty.”
It was Lin El Lazine, leader of the 4th legion, and her vice-captain Baruna. Dressed in dresses and tuxedos instead of their usual battle gear, the two’s appearance was notably different.
Seere smiled brightly at their congratulatory remarks.
“Thank you!”
“!”
For a moment, Lin felt her heart skip a beat. Seere was too cute.
Nahun chuckled softly at Seere.
“Seere, you’re being so polite.”
“Ah… thank you!”
Seeing Lin’s expression melt with happiness, Baruna let out a small laugh and retrieved something from his belongings.
“Your Majesty, this is a gift prepared by the Captain and me.”
“A gift!”
It was a small, beautifully wrapped box. The bright ribbons and wrapping paper were sure to attract a child’s attention. Seere took the box with her tiny hands and glanced at Nahun.
“If you’re curious, open it. It’s your gift.”
Upon hearing Nahun’s words, Seere pulled the wrapping ribbon tight. She tore open the wrapping paper and opened the box.
“Wow!”
Seere exclaimed with her mouth wide open in awe. She pulled out a gift from the box right away.
“It’s a ribbon!”
Since Seere loved tying her hair into pigtails, Lin and Baruna had prepared a ribbon that would suit her. Seere appeared pleased, smiling brightly as she thanked both of them.
“Thank you!!”
“Not at all.”
After Lin and Baruna, more guests gathered in the party hall. Although the number of attendees was less than one would expect for a Demon King’s birthday, none among Seere’s subjects were absent.
“What? Am I the last one?”
Then, a stunning lady made a grand entrance, it was Citrie, their ally. Her curvaceous figure emphasized by the dress and her flowing golden hair stood out today.
Some male demons couldn’t help but express their admiration for her beauty. Citrie, noticing their gaze, walked forward with pride.
As she approached Nahun and Seere, Citrie raised her hand in greeting. Nahun narrowed his eyes and remarked,
“Coming to a child’s birthday party in such a dazzling dress.”
“Hehe, I put in some effort for my beauty.”
“Not a compliment. Is Your Majesty really foolish?”
“What… what? What’s wrong with my dress?”
Citrie’s dress wasn’t problematic from a common perspective. It wasn’t overly revealing but was attractively designed to showcase her beautiful figure.
However, Nahun felt it wasn’t suitable for a child’s sensibilities. He spoke in a sharp voice.
“It doesn’t look good to Seere.”
“…Then I should ask Seere.”
Citrie smiled and looked at Seere, who was held by Nahun. In a friendly voice, she asked,
“Seere, isn’t my dress pretty?”
“…Huh?”
Seere tilted her head, unsure. Given her age, she was completely unaware of the appeal of showcasing skin or figure and couldn’t understand the beauty of it.
Citrie was taken aback by the unexpected response, while Nahun chuckled lightly. Citrie shot Nahun a sharp glance before turning back to Seere.
“Really, is it not pretty?”
Tilting her head again, Seere smiled brightly.
“Citrie is pretty!”
“Oh my!”
Citrie’s expression filled with emotion. Nahun felt a pang of incredulity seeing her nearly on the verge of tears.
Citrie, hearing Seere’s compliment, looked confidently at Nahun.
“See? See?”
“Yes, yes. If it makes you that happy to get the desired response after asking twice, then I should congratulate you.”
“Y-You keep talking…!”
“Instead, should you not offer your congratulations first upon arriving?”
“I was about to, but you commented on my dress!”
Citrie, flaring up in anger, took a deep breath to calm herself and said to Seere,
“Seere, as your only ally, I will celebrate your birthday. This is a small gift I prepared.”
As Citrie said this, she gestured to the attendants she had brought with her. They struggled to bring forth an enormous item.
“Whoa…?”
“Your Majesty Citrie….”
Seere appeared slightly overwhelmed with joy, while Nahun facepalmed. It was a gift that immediately drew the eyes of all the guests at the party.
“Hoho, how do you like the present I prepared?”
“Wh-What….”
Citrie’s gift was, in fact, a bronze statue crafted to resemble Seere. It was proportioned almost one-to-one with Seere’s height.
“A Demon King must also know how to showcase their dignity. Each time I visit this castle, I notice there aren’t any symbolic representations of you.”
Citrie said lightly to Seere.
“Thus, place this here. It may look cute, but it will remind everyone that you, Seere, are the Demon King.”
Nahun found it unexpected. He had thought the gift would be more of a playful nature, but Citrie’s intentions were surprisingly sincere. It was certainly not a wrong observation.
Rulers should have something that symbolizes them. There was a reason kings had their portraits painted for public display and erected statues to commemorate their achievements.
As Nahun was genuinely impressed by Citrie’s deep thought, she smirked.
“What’s with that expression? You look utterly surprised.”
“Yes, that’s correct. I never imagined Your Majesty would have such a thoughtful idea.”
“…That’s a compliment, right?”
Despite Citrie’s somewhat ambiguous expression, Seere sensed Citrie’s sincerity. She smiled brightly and bowed her head to Citrie.
“Thank you!”
“…Okay, I’m glad you liked it.”
Unable to keep it inside, Citrie’s gift was moved outside, and Seere continued to receive several more gifts after that. An abundance of presents piled around Seere, who sat happily on the throne prepared on the podium.
As Seere gleefully smiled at the numerous gifts, Nahun spoke.
“Now it’s time to see the gift I prepared.”
“You’re giving me one too?”
“Of course, it’s only natural. It’s your birthday, Seere, after all.”
Nahun briefly stepped down from the podium. He approached a troll present at the party.
“Here it is, Nahun-nim.”
It was Doomgrik. He had come at Nahun’s invitation and brought along the gift he had prepared. Nahun received the box from Doomgrik and returned to the podium.
“Since I often give you what you like, I thought I’d prepare something a little different this time.”
“Something different?”
“You’ll like it too.”
As Nahun presented the box, Seere said.
“Thank you!”
With a bright smile, Seere displayed remarkable behavior. She released the white bear with one hand and took the gift with both hands. Until now, she had been holding the white bear tightly and receiving gifts with one hand or had Nahun accept them on her behalf. The sight left those from the Demon King Castle who knew Seere’s habits astonished.
Nahun was also slightly surprised. Though she had briefly set the bear down when holding a sword before, the circumstances were different then and now. Despite being able to receive the gift while still holding the stuffed animal, Seere chose to set it aside and extend both hands for the present.
“Can I open it?”
“Uh… Yes, go ahead and open it.”
Seere tore through the elegant wrapping. As she opened the box, the sides collapsed, revealing the contents inside.
“Waaaah!!!”
Seere was genuinely delighted. Emerging from the box was a magnificent crown. It was a gold crown that had been altered to fit Seere and had all its faded spots re-gilded from the one seized from Andromalius.
Mesmerized by the glimmering crown, Seere couldn’t take her eyes off it. It was a reaction befitting someone who loved shiny things.
“Seere.”
Nahun smiled warmly.
“Happy birthday.”
Upon Nahun’s congratulatory message, Seere looked at him. As always, she responded with a bright smile.
“Thank you, Teacher!”
Unlike last year’s birthday, which had been a bit lonely, this year became the happiest day of Seere’s life.