I Got a Job as the Demon King’s Toy - Chapter 89

“If that’s true, you should have brought Bonita here from the start.”

“That’s…”

“I’ve learned something from interacting with humans.”

Teshiel smiled, a cruel smirk curling his lips.

“Demons don’t care if their children live or die, but humans are different. Let’s test your father’s love for you. Let’s see if the Emperor will trade your life for Bonita’s.”

As soon as Teshiel finished speaking, black flames erupted from his hand. The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and drew his sword. The holy sword, sharpened by the prayers of the high priest, glowed with a brilliant white light.

Just three hours later, the imperial army was annihilated—every single soldier, except for the Crown Prince.

* * *

When the demon army arrived at the imperial palace, more than half of it had already been abandoned. Soldiers, having lost their morale, and terrified nobles had fled, leaving the Emperor behind. Even the guards at the gates threw them open without the Emperor’s permission, groveling and begging for their lives. Teshiel passed by them without a glance, and before they could even feel relief, they were trampled to nothingness by the demons that followed.

Even the Emperor was not immune to the fear that gripped everyone in the presence of the Demon King. A mere gesture or glance from Teshiel could send dozens or hundreds of demons swarming, tearing apart any opposition. Amidst the blood-soaked demons, Teshiel alone stood untouched by even a drop of blood, untouchably regal.

When his golden eyes, shining as brilliantly as the sun, met the Emperor’s gaze, the Emperor’s body began to tremble uncontrollably, regardless of his will. His fear escalated to its peak when he recognized the bloodied captive being dragged behind the Demon King—it was his beloved son.

“D-Demon King, what do you want?” the Emperor stammered.

Teshiel strode forward, stopping right in front of the throne. The two knights who had somehow remained by the Emperor’s side raised their swords, but everyone knew it was futile. Teshiel glanced around slowly before speaking.

“Bonita, where is she?”

After sweeping through half of the empire and storming the heart of the imperial palace, his first words were to ask about a woman. The Emperor’s mouth fell open.

“She is unharmed, I assure you. If you return my son, the Crown Prince, I will return her to you.”

“The Crown Prince?” Teshiel laughed loudly, incredulous.

“Do you really think your son is worth that much? Bonita is not to be exchanged for him. She is to be exchanged for the ones who stole her.”

“T-Then…”

“The price for Bonita is the rest of your empire.”

The Emperor was struck speechless by Teshiel’s arrogant words. It was a threat: if Bonita wasn’t returned, the Demon King would wipe the rest of the empire off the map. What was truly terrifying was that the Emperor knew Teshiel could—and would—carry out that threat.

The Emperor let out a deep sigh and squeezed his eyes shut. Then, he stepped down from his throne, knelt on one knee before Teshiel, and bowed his head.

“I will return the woman to you. Please, show mercy and release my son. He is my only child.”

Mercy from a demon? Teshiel laughed aloud again.

“From what I hear, he isn’t your only child. A man named Lucas claimed he was your son too.”

“He is nothing but a bastard. My true son is in your possession—please, I beg you, let him go.”

“If this son is so precious to you, then bring Lucas here. Or have you hidden him away somewhere?”

“J-just give me a moment,” the Emperor stammered, quickly glancing to the knight waiting nearby and gesturing desperately.

“Hurry and bring the woman here!”

“No, I’ll go. Lead the way,” Teshiel replied, unwilling to wait even a second longer. He grabbed the Emperor by the collar and pulled him to his feet.

Bonita was being held in a small bedroom. She was kneeling by the window, where no sunlight reached, quietly praying when the sound of the door opening made her turn weakly toward the entrance. As soon as she recognized who had entered, her eyes widened, and a silent gasp escaped her parted lips.

“Teshiel…?”

“Bonita.”