A Suitor

King Edge sat on his grand throne. His golden eyes were fixed on the scroll in front of him. He looked through it for what felt like the hundredth time and sighed. "Are you certain about this?"

The Prime Minister spoke. "Yes, Your Majesty. This scroll carries the royal sigil; it can't be replicated."

"We've never had any dealings with the Demon Realm. I see no reason why they would want to form relations with us."

"Perhaps..." the older man started to say, but he hesitated due to uncertainty. The king urged him to continue. "I believe it is because of the princess."

"My daughter has no interactions with the Demon Clan."

"Yes, but Princess Kira's beauty is known throughout the four realms. There is no doubt the Demon Lord has heard about her. Also, our kingdom has always been neutral—we neither stand on the side of Heaven nor Hell. If he wishes to marry his child into royalty, then truly, our princess is the best option."

The king knew this as well. It wasn't the first time he had received marriage offers from other kingdoms, but this was the first one that left him feeling conflicted. The Demon King wasn't someone whose offer he could easily reject. He needed to at least entertain the thought.

Now that the Unholy King intended to visit his kingdom with his demon spawn, King Edge knew he would have to inform Kira. He just knew she wouldn't take the news well. The Golden King prepared to go see his only child. He could only hope she would be reasonable.

---

Kira had just finished taking a bath. The servants had noticed her depressed state since waking up and thought it might have something to do with the incident yesterday. Only Kira knew that her depression stemmed from the fear of not being able to return home.

She had gone to bed the night before with hopes that when she woke up, she would find herself back home. But that hadn't been the case. She was still in this dreadful place.

She didn't even bother getting dressed and laid her head on the table, thinking about her miserable life.

There was a gentle knock on the door. "Princess, the King—"

"Forget it," King Edge cut the maid off and walked into the room. He found his daughter half-lying on the table, wearing only her inner garment. He frowned. "Won't you even put on clothes? You'll catch a cold."

Kira glanced at him briefly and then looked away. What did it matter if she caught a cold? It would be better if she just died.

"Kira, what's the matter with you?"

"Nothing... I'm just not in a good mood today."

He took a seat opposite her. Today, he was dressed in dark imperial robes with gold highlights. His golden hair and eyes made him strikingly handsome. One might look at him and be unable to look away. He was particularly beautiful.

The princess couldn't help reaching across the table to touch his hair. It was soft and silky, very pleasant to the touch. She wondered what kind of shampoo he used.

The king didn't see anything strange in her behavior. When his princess had been younger, she had been fascinated with his hair. She would always want to groom it and would make a fuss if he didn't let her. Those were nostalgic memories he held dear to his heart.

Now, his little girl was all grown up; she might even end up marrying the demon spawn who had wreaked havoc on multiple towns and villages.

"How was your trip to the market yesterday?"

"It was alright."

"You didn't get anything?"

"I got something."

It was clear that she wasn't going to tell him what she had bought. He sighed. "Kira, it seems just like yesterday when you were so small. Back then, you were easy to coax. But now..."

"I'm sorry if I'm being difficult. It's not my intention to burden anyone."

"You will never be a burden," he said seriously. Edge hesitated. He didn't know how to break the news of the marriage proposal. Looking at Kira, who was staring at him intently, he knew he couldn't leave without saying anything. "You... you're grown up now. D-Don't you think it's time to let go of your little playthings? Perhaps find someone and settle down?"

"What?" Kira sat up, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"I received a marriage proposal from—"

"No."

"Kira..." He closed his eyes tiredly. When he opened them, the princess was already throwing a tantrum. "You don't have to agree to the proposal, but just entertain the thought."

"No way! Why should I?" She wasn't the real princess; she didn't owe them anything. And now she was being asked to agree to a marriage proposal? Marriage? No way! She had thought this dream might be a good one, but it turned out to be a nightmare in disguise!

Kira was so angry that her entire face turned red. Coupled with her wide doe eyes filled with emotion, it gave her a rather charming look. King Edge was momentarily stunned by her appearance but quickly recovered.

He tried to comfort his daughter, but she wasn't listening to him. His patience ran out.

"Are you willing to put the entire kingdom in danger just because you refuse to entertain the proposal? Will you watch the Demon Realm burn Fyn to the ground?"

"But isn't it just a marriage proposal? Why would it bring danger to the kingdom?"

"You're so naive! Don't you know who the Demon Venerable is? Do you think he would take an insult lightly? I'm not surprised. You spend all your time with those useless companions and forget your position in the kingdom. I am not requesting you to do this. You will meet Lu Wentian and his son when they come, and you will treat them with respect—or else!"

He didn't finish his sentence and stormed out of the room. Kira was left stunned and then furious. She kicked the chair and smashed the tea cups, plates, and vases. Her maids rushed into the room to stop her from hurting herself.

"Princess, Princess, please calm down!"

"Get the hell away from me!"

Kira wouldn't listen to them. The three maids exchanged meaningful looks, and one of them rushed out of the room. Soon, she returned with Moon by her side. By this time, Kira was pacing around the room, her gaze unfocused, muttering to herself. Her hair and clothes were disheveled, and her eyes were glazed. She looked distraught.

"Go out first," Moon said, his face troubled. The maids obediently left the room, closing the door behind them.

The room was silent, except for the princess's constant muttering. She didn't even seem to notice him.

"Princess?"

The distraught woman finally noticed him. Her eyes were filled with fire. "What? Did you come to try to convince me too?"