The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 102

The Demon King was displaying clear emotions of anger right in front of me.

Seeing this, Octavia was gripped by a chilling fear that shook her body, yet she was doing her utmost to regain her composure.

“Calm down, after all, I was already prepared for this kind of situation. Though the power of the Demon King is far more terrifying than I expected, I still can’t retreat like this.”

The Demon King’s words urged her to struggle against herself.

Within that statement was a mocking implication that she was merely relying on futile hope, yet at the same time, it also suggested that the Demon King would indeed listen to her.

Moreover, despite appearing ready to decapitate her at any moment, Octavia knew one fundamental truth—the being standing before her was not merely a creature driven by emotion.

“The way the war has unfolded so far, the Demon King has always sought out the best possible gains. There’s no way such a Demon King would let this golden opportunity slip by.”

Even though they had won the war, everyone in the continent’s upper echelons, not just Octavia, was well aware that the internal conditions of the Demon Kingdom were far from stable.

The prolonged conflict had ravaged the land, resulting in the deaths of countless demons.

Given such circumstances, the Demon Kingdom needed to restore its internal stability as quickly as possible, not to mention prepare for any future invasions, making the pursuit of national interest essential.

And for the Demon Kingdom,

“Whatever the conditions, we will comply as much as possible…”

In essence, this situation was tantamount to the Elf Church Country handing over a blank check, something that no matter how deep the hatred was due to the Racial War, the Demon King and the demons surely couldn’t easily reject.

“Furthermore, this could be a sensitive issue, but the Demon King must understand what the destruction of the World Tree Jupiter signifies…”

Thus, after calming her emotions with what little faith she had left, Octavia fixed her gaze directly on the fearsome dark lord before her.

At that moment, her body was gripped by a chilling pain emanating from the Demon King’s presence.

However, despite her combat power being insignificant, she was born with a mental fortitude stronger than others as the Daughter of the Pope.

The fact that she had barely survived the flames of death that consumed her master and fellow comrades was a testament to her unyielding will to live, even at the very end.

With her shaking heart stabilized, Octavia spoke up in the calmest voice she could muster.

“I understand that Your Majesty holds our elves in disdain. It’s only been a few months since the war ended, and the lingering resentment between the Demon Kingdom and our Elf Church Country remains.”

“…”

“Yet, Your Majesty, regardless of the past, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity at hand, nor can we simply ignore the imminent disaster, can we?”

Even under the pressure of the Demon King’s aura, Octavia’s words flowed clearly.

Watching this, the Demon King bore a demeanor that seemed to say “continue,” and despite her fear of inciting his wrath, Octavia forced herself to stay alert and continue speaking.

“As I mentioned, if you could just offer us a little assistance, the Elf Church Country is ready to provide everything we can for the Demon Kingdom. Moreover, should our Elf Church Country fall apart, the consequences following that are something Your Majesty is surely aware of, right?”

“Hmm…”

The Demon King made a sound that was neither an affirmation nor a denial in response to Octavia’s words.

Though she wasn’t fully convinced, she believed her persuasion was somewhat taking root and continued onward.

“All we desire is but one thing, to find a way to halt that black flame before Your Majesty. We won’t inflict any harm on the Demon Kingdom and will rather promise immense benefits in return. Your Majesty, I earnestly request… please consider our request from the Elf Church Country.”

After pouring out everything she could say, Octavia bowed respectfully toward the Demon King.

She felt her explanation was logically sound and delivered steadily without tremors.

If her words were at this level, she thought she could sway the Demon King’s heart to some extent, feeling a bit of relief and expectation as she awaited his response.

And then…

“…It’s not bad, indeed.”

“…”

The Demon King spoke softly in response to her words.

At that, Octavia cautiously raised her head to look at the Demon King.

“Indeed, as you say, analyzing this type of magic is not difficult for us. On the other hand, the gains our Demon Kingdom would acquire in return would be truly significant.”

With a demeanor noticeably softened compared to earlier, the Demon King’s words started to make Octavia think perhaps things were going to work out well.

“An intelligent person would naturally seize this moment. I, too, believe that for the sake of national interest, one can put aside personal grudges.”

“Oh…!”

The Demon King spoke positively.

In response, a genuine smile began to bloom uncontrollably on Octavia’s face for a brief moment.

However…

“But let me say this… Elf.”

“?”

“Regrettably, I cannot accept what you’ve proposed.”

“What? W-why is that? What… what are you deciding… ughhh!”

In an instant, the cold yet piercing tone of the Demon King returned as he lifted his voice with chilling intensity.

The abrupt change in the Demon King’s demeanor brought forth profound confusion and deep embarrassment within Octavia.

And then, directed toward her…

With a horrifying surge of magic power, the Demon King began to tighten his grip around her neck.

“C…cough…ugh…ugh…”

“You have a remarkably short memory. Didn’t I clearly state that questions are not permitted?”

“Ugh…ugh…ugh…”

Octavia groaned under the weight of pain, and as the Demon King observed her, he spoke quietly, laden with chilling hatred.

“However, if you’re that curious, I shall enlighten you.”

With those words, the Demon King exuded an overwhelming pressure as he slowly began to rise from his seat.

Next, he watched Octavia writhe in agony, rolling helplessly on the floor as she suffered.

“As I mentioned, I can suppress personal feelings for the sake of national interest. However, it is truly regrettable that there are thousands, even tens of thousands of citizens in this land who bear irredeemable pain and resentment due to your kind.”

“G-gah…ugh…ugh.”

As those words flowed, the Demon King’s grip only tightened around Octavia’s neck.

In her despair, she looked upon the Demon King, filled with genuine rage directed at her.

“And as the ruler of this nation, I will not ignore the anguished cries of those citizens. I will not engage in negotiations, no matter how sweet the proposal may be, until I grind your bones to offer to those who have perished and wipe their tears with your blood.”

With that final declaration, the Demon King’s grip became overwhelming.

In that instant, Octavia felt the world around her dim into darkness, and she lost consciousness.

As if being thrown into an unfathomable abyss…

A dark, all-consuming despair enveloped her.

*

It was unclear how much time had passed.

Feeling the cold, hard floor beneath her, Octavia began to struggle to open her eyes amid excruciating pain.

“Ugh….”

“Are you awake?”

The moment she heard a voice next to her, Octavia forced her still-clouded eyes open and attempted to rise.

“…Ugh… where… where am I…?”

She caught sight of her surroundings slowly coming into focus.

It was her own self, confined within the damp, oppressive underground prison.

And through the iron bars, a figure was watching her.

It was the demon, possessed of a milky hue, who had previously guided her to the presence of the Demon King.

Undoubtedly, it was the demon named Eliza.

“It seems you’ve regained consciousness.”

“W-what happened? I-I definitely angered the Demon King…”

In the midst of abruptly flowing situations, she found herself frantically questioning Eliza, someone she had felt a trace of fondness for.

At that moment…

“Your Majesty the Demon King.”

“!…”

“Be sure to use the proper titles. Depending on the situation, I might just take your life myself.”

For a brief moment, Eliza spoke with an edge sharper than a blade.

At this, Octavia froze in sheer terror, feeling a shiver of fear run down her spine as she stared blankly in response.

On the other hand, Eliza, noticing her dazed state, continued to speak in a cold tone.

“What is your answer?”

“!… Ah… yes… I-I’m sorry. So… what exactly happened? Where are my companions…?”

Octavia, feigning a slight embarrassment yet hastily following up with her questions, panic rose within her.

As Eliza maintained her chilling demeanor, she quietly continued on.

“The answer to that question relies on how you proceed from here.”

“W-what…?”

Octavia began to sense something ominous within Eliza’s words.

And so, observing her with a cold smile tinged with twisted cruelty, Eliza prepared to speak further.