Kelsey still felt doubtful and confused about her decision.
Even if she didn’t mind getting acquittanced with her father-in-law, she had no idea how Luca’s father-and-son relationship was.
“If you’re uneasy, we can speak here,” Void said calmly.
She brightened at once and nodded.
“Forgive me, Father-in-law, but I heard you’ve been gone for over two centuries.
I didn’t expect you to attend our wedding.
If I had known, I would have welcomed you properly.”
“No need,” Void replied.
“I returned in secret.
It would be troublesome if the nobles learned of my return and began stirring rebellion.”
“Why?”
“Although I’m pleased that Luca ascended the throne, Beltal was the rightful heir.
His blood was pure, while Luca’s…” Void sighed, lifting his gaze toward the sky.
“Tell me, child.
How did you come to the Demon Land?”
“I… I believe I was fleeing from pursuers in Human Land and accidentally crossed into Demon Land.
The boar couple found me and adopted me.” Even when she couldn’t remember the past, she was found in a severely injured state.
What other explanations could explain if no one hunted for her life?
“As far as I know, humans do not hunt one another without cause.
Do you know why they were chasing you?”
Kelsey shook her head.
“I’m afraid I don’t.”
“Well then,” Void said quietly, “since you married Luca, you may return to Human Land one day—if you wish—to seek revenge.”
Revenge?
Kelsey frowned inwardly, unsettled by the word.
“I only ask one thing of you,” he continued.
“Stay by Luca’s side, no matter what.
Do not abandon him.
Do not betray him.”
“I don’t have the ability to do such things,” Kelsey answered firmly.
“You don’t need to worry, Father-in-law.”
Void studied her closely.
“Knowing that child’s stubbornness, I was certain he wouldn’t tell you.
So I will.” His voice grew serious.
“Did you know that ordinary humans cannot walk across lava rocks?”
Kelsey stiffened.
Was it that dangerous?
“They have been baptized in hellfire for a thousand years without pause.
Anyone who treads upon them undergoes a baptism of agony—starting with the soles of the feet, then spreading throughout the entire body.”
She shuddered.
She couldn’t imagine how she survived that, but she did!
“Even noble demons risk severe damage.
If they cannot endure it, their demon core cracks.
Some lose the ability to wield magic.
Others are crippled for life.” Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Her throat went dry.
“Then… what would happen to a human?”
Void met her gaze.
“Your flesh would blister.
Your body would melt—slowly, like wax.”
Kelsey’s heart lurched.
“The only reason you remain unharmed,” Void continued, “is because Luca transferred your suffering to himself.
The bracelet you’re wearing is not protection—it is a conductor.
Every pain meant for you was passed to him.
And the backlash he endured was far greater than his own.”
Her hands flew to her mouth.
Tears blurred her vision.
“Not only that,” he went on softly.
“He forged that bracelet with blood infused with his demonic essence.
Through it, you grow accustomed to his power—and even injury will no longer cause you pain.” His eyes darkened.
“Tell me.
When he cut your palm… did you feel anything?”
Kelsey’s breathing grew ragged.
Her knees weakened beneath her to the point she didn’t have the strength to support her body.
Almost.
“I wanted you to know,” Void said quietly, “that he loves you enough to give everything—his power, his blood, even his life.”
“And one more thing,” he added—
BANG!!
The door slammed open violently.
“What the hell are you filling her head with?!” Luca snapped.
Void merely smiled and turned to Kelsey.
“Since you are awake, I will take my leave.”
By the time Luca reached her side, Void’s form had faded—though his voice lingered.
“I look forward to seeing you again… after you pass your trial.”
Luca’s jaw tightened.
He knew exactly what his father meant.
“Luca,” she sobbed.
“Is it true?”
“Don’t listen to him,” Luca said immediately.
“But you… You used—”
“Shh.” He pulled her into his arms.
“Look at me.
I’m fine.
What matters is that you didn’t suffer.”
“But I saw you,” she cried.
“You groaned.
You coughed.”
It’s all over.” Luca tightened his embrace, patted her back gently, and whispered soothing words.
Demons didn’t fall ill, even for low-ranking ones, unless poisoned.
Luca’s body alone should’ve endured anything.
And yet he had smiled through pain, pretending nothing was wrong.
“I don’t know what to do when you cry,” Luca murmured, kissing her crown.
“Don’t be sad.
Wife… I didn’t realise you were such a crybaby.”
“I wasn’t like this before!” Kelsey protested, wiping her tears.
“I didn’t cry once in Boar Village.
You’re the one who made me like this.”
“Alright, alright.
My fault,” he said gently.
“Punish me if you want.”
Her grip tightened around his clothes.
“Tell me.
What else did you give me?”
“You can’t trust his words,” Luca replied firmly.
“He’s talking nonsense.”
“Why would he lie?”
“He enjoys seeing me suffer.”
“What kind of father enjoys his son’s suffering?”
“A demon father.” Came his straightforward answer.
“…I see.” Kelsey sighed, knowing he wouldn’t tell her.
“Then promise me this.
Don’t hide things like that again—especially when you’re protecting me.
I don’t want your blood, your core, or anything else sacrificed.”
“…”
“Luca?” There was a determination in her eyes.
She refused negotiation and demanded the answer she desired.
“Okay.
I promise.”
“And your demon core?”
“It’s fine,” he said—then corrected himself at her glare.
“It’s cracked.
Not destroyed.
It will heal in time if I avoid fatal injuries.”
“How long?”
“A few months.
Nothing serious.”
“Then you’re not leaving my sight until it’s healed,” Kelsey declared, clinging to his waist.
Luca laughed softly.
The thought of his human wife intending to protect him from a deadly attack wasn’t bad.
Of course, he was only imagining it, since he would never let his wife confront the danger.
The next day, the danger Kelsey feared arrived far sooner than expected.