Chapter Fifteen: There’s a Traitor Among Us

“Mia, why did they lock you up in the Demon King’s Castle? Do you know how to get out?”

Mino lifted Mia in his arms. Unsure if she understood his question, Mia placed a finger to her lips and quietly gazed at him.

As her hair shifted, two small demonic horns emerged from her head.

This was a trait unique to the demon race.

Mino’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Could it be…”

In an instant, Mino recalled a tragic love story between a human and a demon: tormented by a world that refused to accept them, both parents had passed away, leaving only Mia—the fruit of their love. But with only half demon blood, she was left all alone in the Demon King’s Castle...

Tears welled in Mino’s eyes.

“So that’s it—we’re both lonely, aren’t we?” he said.

He bent down, holding Mia tightly and shouted hoarsely, “Don’t worry, I will definitely escape with you!”

“Whether you are human or demon—that’s for you to decide!”

“…Huh?” Mia looked at Mino, dazed and confused. Soon, her eyelids drooped, and her face nestled against Mino’s chest, looking sleepy.

Mino watched Mia sleep soundly in his arms. It was getting late, so he decided to explore the castle’s exit next time. He had resolved to bring Mia out of this ‘prison’ called the Demon King’s Castle.

Even if it meant opposing the Demon King himself, he was determined to succeed!

…

Kletina slowly stepped up the stairs, standing beneath the cold moonlight.

“Where could they have gone…”

She had searched nearly every floor but found no sign of the person who was supposed to be in their room.

Suddenly, two even breaths caught her attention, coming from a cell deep within the corridor.

A flicker of disbelief shone in Kletina’s eyes as she approached the cell door.

Inside the blankets, the sleeping hero cradled a small white head that restlessly poked out.

Could it be…? Kletina transformed into a shadow, slipped through the gap, and cautiously lifted the curled-up creature from the hero’s bedside.

Sensing a faint fragrance, the small head stirred again, revealing a drowsy face mumbling in a dreamlike voice:

“Tin…na?”

Kletina exhaled softly, her voice filled with reverence:

“My Lord Demon King…”

As her words fell, she became a shadow that enveloped Mia and vanished into the cell, making her way down to the ground floor hall. There, she gently placed the still-sleeping Mia upon the throne.

Looking at the Demon King curled up like a little kitten on the throne’s cushion, Kletina sighed:

“A thousand years…”

A thousand years had passed since the hero and the former Demon King united a millennium ago, their life forces waning until only Mia and a few demon officials remained.

Yet, the Demon King had still not grown up.

Kletina knelt before the throne, gently holding Mia’s hand.

In the next moment, a wondrous light blossomed throughout the hall.

Ripples vibrating through the air spread outward like tangible waves. In the windless space, dense magic formed a pathway.

Within Kletina, countless streams of magic surged like a flood. Moments later, the roses on her faded, turning pure white like snow. Her gown blossomed outward, the pristine and sacred hem covering the entire hall.

Behind her neck, countless strands of hair turned silver-white, fluttering and glowing faintly.

Kletina opened her eyes, now white and shimmering with terrifying energy, bearing the detached calm of a deity.

Meanwhile, atop the throne, the horns on Mia’s once-white hair gradually faded, her hair turning a soft black. She pursed her lips in sleep, seemingly more peaceful.

About half an hour passed.

As the energy receded, Kletina wiped the sweat from her brow and returned to her original form.

She touched Mia’s cheek.

Though it was not visible on the surface, Kletina knew the Demon King had grown a little.

“A thousand years,” Kletina thought.

The Demon King embodied desire. Each successive Demon King’s desires differed, but when those desires were exhausted and life reached its end, they did not mind dying by the hero’s sword.

Yet, this Demon King still had not matured…

A thousand years later, the strongest hero in history, Mino, had appeared among humans. Even if he was killed, how many more years would pass after… Kletina sighed deeply.

In her dreams, Mia murmured softly, as if dreaming:

“Bang… bang…”

This time, Kletina’s mind replayed the scene she had just witnessed: a little girl cradled protectively by a strong human hand, two clear demon horns poking through her hair…

“Perhaps you are the most worthy hero of all, but neither you nor I can end this war.”

“For that reason, no matter how reluctant you are, Mino, the interrogation will continue to the end.”

The whispered words echoed throughout the Demon King’s Castle.

…

The next day.

In the royal capital, inside the round table conference room.

With the arrival of the chief of the Round Tower, Rack, a solemn meeting gathered the full might of the Kingdom of Kur.

Mino was absent from the meeting—again!

Prince Ota sat at the round table, the dark circles under his eyes startling Rack.

“Your Highness, what’s happened to you?”

“Chief Rack,” Ota forced a smile, “Don’t mind it. I’ve just been a bit addicted to affairs of state lately, unable to pull myself away.”

Although the fall of the hero Mino was a great loss, the demon army had quieted considerably, stabilizing the kingdom and giving Ota more room to govern.

In his heart, Ota felt a quiet thrill.

His recent efforts had not been in vain—the kingdom’s economy was improving, and his own treasury was finally filling up.

What was lost would all come back!

“…Very well.”

Rack nodded and took his seat at the round table.

“Everyone, the demon army’s harassment of the border has sharply decreased recently, giving us a chance to catch our breath. But we all know who made that possible.”

Ota took charge of the meeting, scanning those present:

“We have lost our strongest hero. If we do not unite now, what awaits us is annihilation…”

One decree after another was discussed.

“A memorial ceremony for Hero Mino will be held soon. My sister Kalia will serve as the speaker and host…”

“The selection process for the next hero is nearly ready…”

As the meeting drew to a close, Ota suddenly clasped his hands, his expression turning grave.

Those present held their breath, sensing an important issue was at hand.

Ota looked toward Chief Rack of the Round Tower.

“Finally, a devastating incident occurred recently. For the kingdom’s stability, I have decided to reveal it only within this round table meeting. It must remain a secret.”

A flicker of pain passed through Rack’s dark eyes; his face twitched slightly before he stood and said:

“The notes of the Round Tower were recently destroyed. Many of the tower’s functions will be lost for a long time…”

“At present, the culprit remains unknown.”

A sharp intake of breath swept through the hall. Panic, shock, and anger spread like wildfire among the attendees.

Those notes were protected by countless mages guarding the Round Tower with the utmost security. Even demons and rebels could not have destroyed them without leaving a trace!

“That’s right. I believe you have all guessed.”

Ota’s eyes sharpened like an eagle’s, his voice solemn:

“There is a traitor among us…”