Although this lifestyle was new to her, some might think she was living in pure bliss. Normally, her days consisted of swordsmanship training, hunting, sparring, and combat. But at this time, wielding a sword seemed unattainable.
The Lord had promised to raise her as his child, yet after two days without a visit, she felt neglected. Estelle didn't expect anything, nor did she intend to stay there indefinitely.
"Are you okay, Princess?" Dena inquired.
Upon learning that Demetrius intended to adopt her, people began referring to her as Princess. When she declined the title, insisting it wasn't necessary, they ignored her. It wasn't essential to call her Princess; she felt no kinship with the Demon Lord. He had taken her in out of sympathy.
She held little hope that they would not grow weary of her and eventually cast her aside.
"Would you like some cookies, Princess?" Dena giggled, but Estelle knew she wasn't in the mood.
She watched the people in the kitchen with confusion as Dena pulled her in, insisting she make tea for the Demon Lord. "Why should I? He hasn't even seen me in two days. Maybe he's forgotten about me."
Estelle was uncertain why she had become so sensitive since becoming a child. Perhaps her emotions were erratic because she was trapped in a child's body.
Reluctantly, she made tea for the Demon Lord, and they set off to deliver it to his office. She hadn't expected Dena to be so stubborn; she was always dragging her along. Yet, Estelle didn't dislike her-Dena was sweet and kind. Dena was genuine, while Estelle was good at spotting pretenses.
Dena knocked on the door twice before entering.
"My Lord, tea is here!" Dena announced. The sight of the Demon Lord slumped over a massive pile of papers shocked her.
So that was why he had disappeared for days. Raising his head, Demetrius noticed Dena holding a teapot. "You're here too," he said, glancing at Estelle, who was hiding behind Dena.
"The Princess brewed this herself, Milord!" Dena said with pride.
"She did?" Demetrius seemed momentarily revived, waiting eagerly for Dena to serve him tea.
"This tea must be amazing, brewed by those little gentle hands," he remarked before sipping it. His face paled as he quickly swallowed, and tea dribbled down his mouth.
Was it awful? Estelle wondered, bracing herself for his response. Demetrius considered whether to tell the truth or fabricate a lie. The tea was so bad that even a lesser demon would have fainted from drinking it, but he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"It's fantastic! Excitement caused me to bite my tongue by accident," he replied.
Estelle felt a bit relieved that he hadn't been honest and resolved to make tea for the Demon Lord again. After drinking the tea Estelle had made, Demetrius looked nearly lifeless once more. It occurred to him that this child might be trying to kill him.
With a glance, Secretary Esmael noticed that Demetrius was now staring out of the glass window behind his chair.
"Are you considering adopting that child as your daughter, Milord?" Esmael asked, feeling compelled to inquire.
"Yes," Demetrius answered immediately.
"She doesn't belong here. They might turn her against you," Esmael warned, sounding anxious.
"Would you prefer I return her to the people who treated her like a beast?" Demetrius retorted. "I can appreciate your concern, Esmael. However, I would rather face threats than abandon a child who already knows what it's like to be neglected. It is disgraceful for an adult to break a child's heart, and I would rather perish than become like them." He leaned back in his chair.
Esmael couldn't argue with his lord. Though he had fought to defend his people, humans had labeled him "Evil." They would all happily accept such a title if it was considered sinful.
"Now that I have a daughter, what should I do as her father?" Demetrius asked unexpectedly, realizing he had never been a parent. The thought posed a significant dilemma for both Demetrius and Esmael.
Then Esmael recalled something. He rummaged through the bookshelves until he found what he was looking for. He placed the book in front of his lord.
Demetrius picked up the book, gazing at it as if it were a newfound treasure, and began reading rather than focusing on his paperwork. Esmael could only hope that everything would turn out well.