Luca stared at Kelsey in surprise, then silently injected his demon mana into her. His frown deepened as he sensed two seals within her body—one implanted in her brain, the other in her heart.
If there's a seal in her brain, that explains her amnesia. Someone must have sealed away all her memories. As for the one on her heart…
He sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. Now he understood what it meant to let her die once. This girl would never truly die. Even if someone pierced her heart, she would survive—because the heart beating within her was forged, not her real one.
Two truths emerged before him: Kelsey could digest golden fish, and she did not age. Together, they revealed her identity. Kelsey was an Eternal—the mortal enemy of all demons, someone he was destined to kill in order to challenge the gods.
However…
"Kelsey."
"Hm?" She had no idea what he was thinking. A faint worry lingered in her chest—would the Demon King look at her differently now? When he sat beside her and embraced her, she chose silence.
"Kelsey, no matter who you really are, I will still love you."
"Do you know who I am?" For some reason, she felt as though he had seen through her background just by touching her.
"I don't know. Perhaps you'll tell me once your memory returns."
She sighed softly. "Will my memory ever, though? I gave up on it a long time ago."
"Then let us not dwell on it. I have something for you." Luca took out a pearl necklace—his mother's legacy—from his spatial storage.
"It's beautiful. How many pearls are there?"
"Twenty. Each one carries equal defensive energy. It will protect you in my place if I must leave your side." He fastened it around her delicate neck. He tried not to show his disappointment when none of the pearls turned blue.
He had already suspected it—her feelings were only temporary, the result of her lost memories. Just as demons despised Eternals, so too did Eternals despise demons. If Kelsey truly was one, then somewhere deep within her, she must hate him.
To shield himself from disappointment, Luca cast an invisibility spell over the necklace.
"Eh? The necklace is gone?"
"It isn't of demon origin. Better to hide it and avoid suspicion."
Kelsey nodded without further question.
Too bad. Had he delayed the spell, he would have seen half the pearls glowing blue, transforming one by one until the necklace shone with nothing but blue pearls. Half of it.
A knock at the door interrupted them.
"Dinner has arrived," a voice called.
Luca opened the door, and a rich aroma drifted in, making even Kelsey's picky appetite stir. On the round dining table, several grilled fish and great slabs of steak were arranged by maids. Though she didn't recognize most of the dishes, her eyes widened at the sight of the golden hornfish.
"This is… a golden hornfish?"
"Few can stomach it, let alone prepare it skillfully. The soup you've been eating is only the simplest method. This"—he gestured to the grilled fish—"is the highest level of preparation, reserved for noble demons."
"It looks tempting, but I can't eat it."
"Why not? I had it made for you."
"You said only high demons could consume it."
"Silly girl." His voice softened. "I said very few can digest it. The fact that you can, and remain unharmed, proves you can eat this as well." He added silently, And it will be excellent for an Eternal's cultivation.
He picked up a fork, speared a piece of fish, and held it to her lips.
Kelsey shyly parted her mouth and took it. At once, rich flavors burst across her tongue, the meat melting as her purple eyes sparkled with delight.
"I knew you'd love it." Luca chuckled, watching his bride devour all three golden hornfish with uncharacteristic impatience.
When she finished, she sighed in satisfaction. "It's strange. Each time I eat this fish, warmth spreads through me, and my fatigue vanishes. The cooking method is different, but it feels like my body is actually growing stronger. Not that I was strong before. Is this a magical fish?"
Luca only answered by stroking her head tenderly.
The fish had been grilled using a rare heaven-earth formation fire. It purified impurities and strengthened the essence of whatever it cooked. No wonder Kelsey's body felt transformed; her physique unknowingly tempered to that of a fighter. She might not feel much benefit now, but once the seals were broken, her strength would surge beyond measure.
She is practically immortal. Even now, her body surpasses most noble demons. Only the seal on her heart keeps her aura hidden, making her appear to be a fragile girl. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Kelsey, I need you to save someone from our clan."
"Me? What can I possibly do? I'm only human."
"That is precisely why only you can."
"Should I save him?" She had accepted the boar demon as family, and even embraced her love for the Demon King, but that didn't mean she was willing to risk herself for a stranger.
"Not necessarily. In truth, I almost hope she dies."
"She? So it's a demoness. Then why save her?"
"Because someone poisoned her—because I myself spread false rumors that earned her their hatred. If she dies, the nobles will turn even louder against me. Our wedding will be jeopardized."
Kelsey's brows knit. "…We can't let that happen. What do you want me to do?"
He led her to a long table, setting down two sheets of white paper and two black brushes.
"I want you to imitate me. Draw exactly as I do."
"Eh?" She eyed the brush in her hand doubtfully. She had only ever used pens and pencils. And didn't demons usually write with magic? Why would the Demon King use a brush? "I'd rather use a pen. I'm not used to this."
"Try it first," he instructed, his tone regal. Human tools were useless for transmitting spiritual power.
"Fine. Where's the ink?" She glanced around the table, finding none.
"You won't need it. This brush is no ordinary brush."
Her eyes widened, though the brush looked utterly plain. Still, she chose to believe him.
"Start now. We must finish quickly." His tone sharpened.
Kelsey pouted faintly, but gripped the brush with resignation and copied his movements.
To her astonishment, her hand flowed smoothly, as though she had always known the art. A black line appeared, faintly glowing with light. Strangely, there was no light at all within Luca's circle.
"This brush is truly magical."
"We're not done. Watch the next stroke."
Kelsey frowned at his sudden strictness. Why had her gentle lover suddenly turned into such an uncompromising teacher?