Chapter 113

“Demons?”

“Yes.”

“Why the sudden interest in demons?”

“It’s just curiosity.”

“Hmph… Most people don’t even know what demons truly are.”

Gilbert’s gaze turns toward me.

His sharp eyes pierce through with a mix of keen observation.

“Well, what about demons intrigues you?”

“I want to know what they look like.”

“Demons? You can usually tell just by looking at them.”

“Most have dark skin. Many have wings and bulky physiques. They’re often violent and hostile to life.”

Then he slowly continues:

“Black skin. Most have wings and imposing bodies. Generally aggressive, enemies to all living things.”

“Do all demons fit this description?”

“Typically.”

I can’t help but tilt my head in confusion.

What about Yul then?

The system identified her as a demon…

Pale skin, red eyes—she looks human enough.

And those small horns…

If it weren’t for the horns, she could easily pass as human.

Honestly, if not for the UI, I wouldn’t have suspected anything.

“So you seem dissatisfied. Have you met a demon?”

“Just curiosity, that’s all.”

“All curiosity has its roots. Naturally occurring curiosity is rare.”

Gilbert says this while staring directly into my eyes.

I meet his gaze without flinching, not wanting to scratch where it might itch.

“I won’t pry further.”

“What else do you know about demons?”

“There are some records… For example, Mara Papayas. The ruler of all desires, the king of the otherworldly realms. What we commonly refer to as the Demon King. In terms of appearance…”

There’s a brief pause.

Just subtle enough not to raise suspicion, so I wait silently as Gilbert resumes speaking.

“He’s incredibly alluring. Ever heard that phrase? Demons approach in the sweetest way possible.”

“I’ve heard it.”

“You’re well-read. Indeed, they appear to humans as beautiful humans. To fairies, as fairies. Elves, dwarves, monsters—it doesn’t matter. They take on whatever form imagination deems perfect.”

“So there’s no fixed appearance?”

“Exactly. No one knows their true form. Just ancient tales passed down through generations. Records from long ago—after all, it’s been a thousand years since the last Demon King appeared.”

“A thousand years?”

“Yes. And over time, not just physical things erode. Stories fade too.”

So, a horned human-like demon… or a childlike demon—what exactly are they?

“The Demon King isn’t necessarily evil.”

“Eh? Why’s that?”

“If the Demon King unites demons, it means gathering dangerous beings in one place rather than letting them scatter everywhere.”

Gilbert smirks slightly as he explains.

“Having all the threats concentrated makes things safer for humans.”

“What if the Demon King attacks with an army of demons?”

“Hmm… I haven’t heard of any past Demon Kings doing that. Though destroying troublesome villages or cities—yes, but only after humans provoked them first.”

That was an interesting backstory.

It’s fun hearing these hidden stories that aren’t covered in games.

“Are there any demons with horns?”

“Horns? Hmm… Let me think.”

Gilbert taps his fingers on the table, then gestures into the air, summoning a dusty old library that materializes before us. He flips through some brittle books until finally landing on something relevant.

“The records mention demons with horns. Their potential is so clear it becomes their greatest weakness. Their talent and potential are tied to their horns, making it easy to suppress them during childhood.”

“Interesting details.”

“Don’t trust it blindly. It’s just recorded information—I haven’t experienced it myself.”

“When fully grown, their power rivals that of a Demon King.”

A little girl with red eyes playing quietly at home flashes in my mind.

“That sounds exaggerated.”

Gilbert clicks his tongue and returns the book to its original spot.

“Do all horned demons follow this pattern?”

“Again, I haven’t tested it personally. This record seems reliable enough.”

“What does it say about their appearance?”

“Nothing more detailed than that.”

Maybe a future Demon King…

I shake off the negative thoughts.

As Gilbert said, there’s no need to jump to conclusions.

Records are just records.

I’m dealing with someone right in front of me.

What I see and feel is reality.

Even if there’s potential to become a Demon King, proper upbringing could change that direction.

I’m confident in raising her.

Not because of me specifically, but because of the two women beside me. Their warmth inspires trust.

They’ve grown up positively, so I believe in their values.

Who else can I trust if not the people close to me?

“Did that answer your questions?”

“Yes.”

“Good. You always bring interesting questions when you visit.”

He smiles contentedly.

“And your magic skills have improved significantly.”

“Really? How can you tell?”

“I sense it. Don’t boast in front of other mages though—they get jealous easily. Seeing your achievements might make them lose their minds.”

“How about you, Gilbert?”

“I’m too old for such emotional drain. At my age, I enjoy dopamine from pure curiosity.”

Lucky break, I guess.

Building goodwill seems to be paying off.

Bringing food regularly, asking questions when needed—all these efforts seem to have strengthened our bond.

“Keep progressing. Once you surpass certain levels, the world will look different.”

“I will. I’m working hard.”

“How does he know I reached Intermediate 8?”

This implies Gilbert must be at least Advanced Level 1.

“Leave some fruit next time.”

“Sure. See you again soon.”

“Alright.”

I leave casually, feeling relieved that Gilbert didn’t press further despite noticing something unusual.

If we weren’t on good terms, he probably would’ve interrogated me.

Demons are ancient beings buried in history.

Legendary creatures from old texts.

How one ended up wandering near my mountain home remains a mystery.

Especially such a rare horned demon.

Potentially harboring Demon King-level power.

Careful observation is necessary.

If I hadn’t known, maybe it wouldn’t matter, but now that I do, monitoring is essential.

Safety measures are also important.

For the fairy, for my family—everyone needs protection.

Time to finish crafting equipment I’ve been putting off.

Better materials, improved skills—safety can never be overstated.

Now’s the time to create something useful.

The walk home is lively.

Soldiers training.

Construction workers moving supplies.

Fairies flying around, greeting me cheerfully.

“Back already?”

My voice draws short footsteps.

A black-haired girl dashes toward me, reaching mid-thigh height, and hugs tightly.

“Thank you.”

Her cuteness hits me, especially realizing she spoke human language instead of demon tongue.

She briefly rubs her cheek against my leg before running off somewhere.

“Well done.”

“Eeeeng!”

Evangelin’s feet now hold onto Yul, who’s acting cute.

“Did you teach her?”

“Yes. She learns quickly. Very smart.”

Evangelin gently strokes Yul, who closes her eyes enjoying the affection.

“That ‘thank you’ earlier…”

“Oh! Since you saved Yul from danger, I thought it was important to teach gratitude and politeness. Always greet properly, I told her. Isn’t she a good girl?”

“She is.”

I trust Evangelin’s nurturing side.

Believing in proper growth.

Even wild bears raised among humans can become friendly companions.

Why shouldn’t it work with someone who understands communication?

Though destined to potentially become a Demon King…

I honestly don’t know.

Even if the records are true, isn’t shaping that destiny my responsibility?

“Cook rice.”

“‘Please cook rice.’ Try again?”

“Rice please sir.”

Still clumsy pronunciation, but meaning gets across.

Adorable imperfections charm everyone.

“Great job.”

Every word brings praise.

Yul’s smile stretches wide—it’s undeniable.

“Will you join us for lunch?”

How could I refuse Evangelin’s invitation?

Anne crawls out to hug me while Evangelin cooks, starting to play with Yul.

Jack enters, ready for lunch.

Yul keeps her distance from Jack, still wary of humans.

Anne firmly tells her it’s not okay to stay distant from friends.

She might not fully understand yet, but it’s part of learning.

“This is water.”

“Moo.”

“Water.”

“Moo.”

Anne points to water, but Yul struggles with pronunciation.

Confusion sets in as she fails to grasp the difference between “water” and “moo,” looking sad.

“Wa – ter.”

“Moo – oo.”

“Still difficult, huh?”

Anne tilts her head, mimicking Yul’s confusion, which leads to Yul copying her movements.

Left, then right.

Watching them mirror each other is amusing.

Heartwarming too.

“What’s this called?”

Anne touches Yul’s horn, prompting excitement.

“Horn!”

“Prrr!”

“Horn!”

“Prrr!”

Watching Anne’s dedication and Yul’s confidence in her answers cracks me up.

Laughter spreads, infecting everyone.

Even Yul joins in, happy to see others laughing.

“Aww, so cute.”

Relieved they enjoy it.

Hopefully nothing disrupts this peaceful life.

Our lunchtime feels like the most adorable moment in the world.

Warm, harmonious bonding shared among us.