Sometimes, I get curious about the other life I could have lived.
I mean, not as Mangja Seongnyeo Isia, but as another me in a different world.
Witch of the Dark Star Lirisia?
If we’re being technical, she’s probably the worst example you could find in any textbook, similar to a malicious troll from the genre hunter gallery.
How dare Mangja Seongnyeo fall from grace?
I had the desire to save and help Lirisia, but apart from that, I was curious about the “good” version of me.
In some worlds, I might be a wizard. In others, I could have been a hero.
Maybe in another world, I’m living a completely ordinary life, not as a saintess, wizard, or hero at all.
Ah, that would be interesting.
In 2024, if I were to finish my military service and lived a normal life without being sucked into the Great Rift, it might not have been so bad.
If suddenly, I, as a regular human male, were to meet my other self and he told me, “This is what you look like in the future!” I’d probably just stare at him dumbfounded.
Anyway, if there’s a me out there living a happier and more enjoyable life than I am, it might make me feel jealous or envious.
Being human, after all.
No, in my case, I had human emotions and memories, so it’s instinctive for me to feel such emotions.
However, I am always grateful for the life I have now, the world in which I and my people can live.
Whether it’s hardship, pain, or sorrow,
Even when the world tries to forcefully throw me away… I still try to be grateful.
Not every version of me in every world will be a saintess. Not every one of me saved the world.
So, I’m satisfied with the me who saved my world.
And let’s be grateful for those who can navigate through hardships together.
Still, I…
I can confidently say that there is one thing that is the same for every version of me in every world.
Hehehehe~
“……..”
It’s that I love meat and rice.
Yujin and I accepted the meal invitation from Mawang Shia and were waiting for a sumptuous feast.
“I’m actually relieved.”
“…Me too.”
Yujin and I let out sighs of relief in unison as if we had made a pact.
I might seem like I’m taking it easy and not worried about this place, but honestly, when I first heard that a Demon King’s Castle appeared on Earth, I was shocked, then anxious, and since stepping in here, I haven’t felt safe for even a moment.
All the nonsense I babbled and the way I feigned interest in food, it was all deliberate, as if I wanted Yujin to hear.
Otherwise, I would probably feel nauseous, so I had to calm my mind somehow.
If I accidentally release a demon king or a massive malicious entity from this castle, causing devastation or turning humans into demons, I’d probably scream until my throat is raw.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that my mental state is a more significant unstable bomb than my physical condition.
Anyway, whether I can defeat an incomplete demon king or not is a different matter, but even fragments of the king can allure humans and leave indelible scars on Earth.
Take, for example, the elf and mermaid I met; they nearly reached the brink of destruction due to the influence of the demon king’s fragments. It’s possible that those I don’t know and can’t reach have already fallen into ruin because of the demon king or the fragments.
In any case, the demon king’s fragments are that dangerous. And, naturally, the Demon King’s Castle would surpass the threat level of an S-grade raid dungeon.
During the first Great Rift, many S-grade dungeons caused 90% of Australia’s land to become desolate. Some areas of Russia completely lost their territory and turned into habitats for monsters.
Considering the danger level, the Demon King’s Castle is even more perilous, and now Mawang Shia has shown up—it doesn’t take a genius to imagine how nauseous I felt on the way here.
“Mawang Shia. What a terrifying name… I expected a kid more wicked than Lirisia or perhaps even worse…”
“Yeah, we should look at her initiating the conversation about dinner positively.”
Yujin likely felt relieved too.
Still, to be sure, countless snakes were writhing in her palm, but since she’d eased her fighting stance, it was enough to mean we were in a more relaxed situation, considering Yujin’s temperament.
“She’s not trying to poison us, is she?”
“Do you think poison would work on either of us?”
“Oh.”
Despite appearances, we’re the Mangja Seongnyeo and the hero.
Yujin is immune to all toxins that harm the body, with a few exceptions like alcohol or minor drugs. As for me, I possessed the body of a saintess from the start, making me impervious to toxins, much like the concept of being immune to all poisons in martial arts novels.
‘And if that Mawang Shia wanted to fight us, she wouldn’t bother with such tedious methods.’
She could just kill us outright without even saying a word or going through the hassle of inviting us for a meal.
Well, I’d probably act the same way if I were a demon king…
[You’ve been waiting, right?]
Mawang Shia still looked just like me.
Since she had the same face and the ceremonial robe I wore in my previous world, I couldn’t help but flinch a little.
Everything about her was identical to me, except for her black eyes; if this weren’t the Demon King’s Castle, I wouldn’t have even recognized her as Mawang Shia.
But it doesn’t matter if she’s a demon king.
I can’t ignore the malicious aura radiating from her, yet for some reason, the malevolence I felt was much less than I initially expected.
To put it a bit dramatically, she seemed less of a demon king and more like someone who just had a lot of power and energy, without signs of a corrupted soul or the theft of lives and hearts.
If she possesses even less malice than the Witch of the Dark Star, then I had more than enough reasons to embrace that Mawang Shia.
‘If she has a mind, enjoys meat and rice like I do, and we can share a meal together in the same place, there’s room for rescue and negotiation.’
[I’m a little late since I’m the only one in the castle preparing.]
“That’s alright.”
As if she were accustomed to it, Mawang Shia gestured, and countless trays covered with plates flew towards us.
I’m not sure if she was using her Seongnyeok, but it was quite a spectacular sight as the trays floated and arranged themselves perfectly on the table like marionettes.
Yujin smirked at the sight, finding it amusing.
“It seems like Isia knows how to cook, unlike you.”
“Hey, I can cook!”
“Don’t think frying up a mosquito makes you a chef.”
“….. How did you know I did that?”
“Do you think I haven’t seen the mindless posts of the genre hunter gallery where you became the gallery master?”
Oh, wait—were you the previous gallery master?!
Sorry, I pushed you aside to take that position…
[You must have had quite an ordeal on your way here.]
Before Yujin and I knew it, Mawang Shia sat across from us, looking with a gentle smile while resting her chin in her hand, gazing at us dreamily.
Yeah, it definitely wasn’t an easy path.
The Void Palace made of beef Wellington.
The Black Skeleton Dragon, which aimed to annihilate both me and the castle in a single blow.
The endlessly changing corridors of this peculiar space known as the Demon King’s Castle.
There weren’t any moments that could be deemed particularly dangerous, but that was mainly because Yujin and I were extraneous beings with power.
There could have been rooms or corridors that played tricks on the mind, though.
If a group of ordinary humans or other hunters, who weren’t me and Yujin, entered here, they would have faced certain death. In the worst-case scenario, a malignant entity within the Demon King’s Castle could have poured out, eroding the surroundings.
[It could have been difficult, and it might have hurt, but it couldn’t be avoided. No one should enter this place.]
“Why?”
At Yujin’s question, Mawang Shia met her gaze.
Her black eyes seemed to mechanically shrink and then return to their original state, like a doll.
[Because it has to be that way.]
“I’m asking why.”
[It has to be that way for me.]
“……..”
Yujin judged that Mawang Shia simply didn’t want to respond, but seeing her talking like a robot made me realize that her words held truth.
She didn’t lie, but she also wasn’t giving us a clear explanation.
[You can’t come here. You cannot destroy this castle.]
“Why can’t we?”
[Because it has to be that way.]
Another same response.
Yujin seemed to sense something strange in Mawang Shia’s mechanical answers, furrowing her brow and looking at Shia, who subtly nodded, acknowledging that it wasn’t a typical occurrence.
[So just eat and go back.]
“……..”
“If we go back, what will you do?”
[I’ll do nothing. I’ll just stay here quietly.]
Stay still?
Shia couldn’t comprehend what Mawang Shia was saying overall.
It seemed like there was a reason she needed to guard this place, not allowing anyone to intrude. Yet she wouldn’t share the reasons or ask for help, responding only with mechanical reactions.
Could it be that she’s already broken?
Had she lost her heart or soul after losing Menelapie and Teresa, turning into a mere puppet?
No, if the parallel version of me was like that, then she would be worse off than Lirisia.
“Who are you?”
[I’m the demon king.]
“I mean your real name.”
[I’m the demon king. Or, I might be the demon king, I’m pretty sure.]
Feeling that the conversation was going nowhere, Shia sighed inwardly.
While the dialogue was established, whenever we tried to go a bit deeper, it turned into evasive mechanical responses.
And she’s claiming to be a demon king? It’s almost as if someone told her, “You are the demon king.”
While the responses were evasive, each time we talked, I became increasingly convinced of Mawang Shia’s strange existence.
[What I want is to be left alone as I am.]
“To be left alone?”
[Yes, then nothing will happen. Neither to this land nor to this world.]
“If the land’s master were to hear this, he’d be in disbelief. Suddenly, a demon king’s castle popped up, and construction and development plans that should have progressed here are halted—what’s your plan for that?”
[…I should be sorry about that. But there’s nothing I can do. This was the appropriate place.]
However, since Mawang Shia didn’t desire anything and was asking to be left alone without a clear understanding, Yujin and I aren’t that naive.
‘Something’s suspicious, right?’
‘That’s right.’
The exchanged glances suggested we were probably thinking the same thing.
A demon king embodies deception, hypocrisy, and the wickedness of lies. Even though there may be room for conversation, Mawang Shia’s uncooperative attitude prompted Yujin and me to quietly prepare for battle.
Although it was labeled “conversation,” it was merely talk. Leaving the lord of this Demon King’s Castle unattended and going back was simply unacceptable.
If we were other hunters or humans, perhaps we would have accepted Mawang Shia’s proposal to leave in order to minimize casualties.
But both Yujin and I had long surpassed such naivety.
Even if it put us at risk of death, we could not accept the mere existence of a demon king in this world.
We knew all too well that feigning ignorance or being complacent would ultimately cost innocent lives and inflict suffering.
Having once been careless, I lost many lives, while for Yujin, an entire world succumbed to ruin.
Even if a dialogue could exist, there was no leeway; both Yujin and I had to deal with Mawang Shia somehow.
Of course, we didn’t need to brand the kind Mawang Shia, who was already preparing a meal for us, with a mark of evil just yet….
[Let’s focus on the meal first.]
Saying that, Mawang Shia gestured, and the trays covering the food opened.
Alright, let’s have the meal first.
Though the conversation wasn’t unfolding properly, I still didn’t know her true identity, her past, or what her real desires were, I decided to think about those things after this meal.
What’s more, the absence of malevolence was… no, to be honest, the fact that it barely registered at all was a positive element.
If the extent of power Mawang Shia possessed was real, then the level of malevolence she exuded was nonsensical.
“This is…”
“A salad?”
The numerous plates contained what seemed to be a colorful variety of vegetables.
While they were still vegetables, they were quite large, but they were still greens nonetheless.
It appeared to be an appetizer.
Usually, before the main course, appetizers like salads or soups are served, and personally, I prefer soup or a simple foie gras over salad.
When it comes to salads, I like light smoked salmon salads or escargots.
[Let’s eat well.]
“…Be sure to eat well.”
“Let’s dig in!”
Of course, I’m not picky about salads.
After all, salad is food too, and I fundamentally have a grateful attitude toward all food.
Nom nom nom.
Gulp.
The sound of the fork clanging against the bowl.
And the fresh fragrance of the salad, combined with the light sweetness of its dressing, pleasantly filled my mouth.
My mouth wouldn’t stop chewing.
While Yujin managed to finish barely a bowl, Mawang Shia and I gobbled up the salads served as appetizers, yet surprisingly, while I finished three plates, Mawang Shia was already on her fifth.
Yeah, no matter how much of a demon king I am, there’s no way I would dislike food.
As we ate, I felt my tension ease a little.
[Seemed tasty, huh?]
“Yeah!”
Actually, it was more than just a little—it was a lot.
There were no toxins in the food; it was pure, deliciously paired salad.
It wasn’t just plants from Earth; it seemed like dressing from my previous world was mixed in.
[It’s such a relief to hear you enjoyed it.]
As she spoke, Mawang Shia gestured, causing the empties to fly away like toy soldiers, and shortly after, new plates filled with fresh food lined the table.
“Eh, more veggies…”
Is the appetizer a bit long?
While Yujin seemed content eating without fuss, I stole a sly glance at Mawang Shia’s face.
What’s with this, a hidden prank?
Why are only vegetables being served?
[Hurry and eat.]
However, Mawang Shia resumed the meal as if unfazed, and Yujin started to munch on what appeared to be a delicious yuzu salad.
No toxins. No malicious aura. Not even a trace of a potion.
The appetizers weren’t even finished yet, and I didn’t want to seem ungrateful by crying out for meat just yet… so…
Alright, I’ll bite my tongue.
Nom nom nom.
I went back to chewing greens like a cow.
Well, it tastes good.
The vegetables are fresh, well washed, and the dressing has a remarkably healthy flavor.
Yeah, a healthful taste….
But wait, aren’t there too many vegetables?!
It wasn’t just greens—if it wasn’t, then it was fruit, and the fruits were the calm-flavored kinds like tomatoes or figs, not the strong-tasting ones.
Nom nom nom…
Slurp slurp.
[How’s the taste?]
“…It’s delicious.”
“It’s fine. It’s a healthy flavor.”
[Hehe, glad to hear that.]
Eventually, I finished the dish.
Food is precious, after all.
And they say you shouldn’t spit out food offered by a smiling face.
Seeing Mawang Shia smile with relief as I ate, it made it difficult to express any displeasure or irritation.
Slurp slurp…
But still, still…
Nom nom nom.
Gulp.
“What’s next on the menu?”
[Stewed wild vegetables from the Giant Ice Fortress.]
“…..”
What on earth…?
And the appetizer isn’t over yet?
More than that…
Why are we only getting vegetables?
Why are the trays coming out filled only with salads, fruits, and veggies?
‘Ah… don’t tell me…?’
Could it be that Mawang Shia eats ten times more than I do?!
‘Then it makes sense why there’s this much salad as an appetizer…!’
If she was eating 100 servings of meat, then if she was consuming tenfold, she’d be downing 1000 servings of meat, and her vegetable appetite would follow suit.
That’s why she’s able to shovel down heaps of salad—there’s no other explanation.
Okay, that’s it…
Somewhere down the line, the table hit the fifth round.
The eaten plates vanished somewhere, and as Mawang Shia gestured, new plates came flying onto the table.
Finally unable to hold back, I asked Mawang Shia, fully aware it might be rude.
“Hey, Mawang.”
[What?]
“When’s the meat coming?”
[Ah, meat?]
At that, Yujin sneakily kicked my foot.
It looked like she was giving me a side-eye for so carelessly asking about meat.
But meat is important to me!
“You’re a demon king. You can’t tell me you’re not eating meat. Even those elves these days eat more meat, so you too…”
[I hate meat!!]
What?
[Meat represents a harmful civilization.]
“What?”
[Respect life…!]
“…Hmm, I guess you could think like that…? Wait, Isia, what are you doing? Hey, what are you doing, you crazy woman, stop it…!!”
[Miracle – Divine Body Extermination]!!!!
Kaboom!!!
You wicked, evil demon king…!
An evil, vegan demon king!
Negotiations have officially ended!!!!
○○○○
“Haah… Good job, Menelapie.”
“No, you’ve worked harder, you fool.”
“I’m not a fool!”
After finishing up at the National Assembly, Menelapie and Yeonhwa took in the fresh air outside, trying to cleanse their sickened ears from the politicians’ voices.
Menelapie realized that, just like when she played the emperor in her previous world, getting used to the unnutritious nonsense from aristocrats and the powerful in this place was nothing new. But she never expected the process of elevating mermaids as the human race would be so complicated and annoying.
Back when she was the emperor, if she got tired, she could simply suppress it with power or push things through and justify later. But in this world, it wasn’t about oppression; it required a maximum overlap of opinions through countless discussions, dialogues, and persuasion.
Even though Yeonhwa had the backing of the Yeon Family, there was no way around the time it would take.
“Right now, there are too many politicians connected with the Industry-Academia Cooperation Group and… the Fishing Club members involved. Just the directly related ones alone are a handful, and if you count those indirectly involved… I bet more than half the National Assembly seats would go up in smoke….”
“If it were up to me, I’d want to blow them all away.”
“I totally agree, but it’s not feasible…”
“I know. While I don’t like it, I realize in the end they all bear some responsibility, big or small, and their absence would have a significant impact too.”
Menelapie shrugged while sending a message to Yeonhwa.
She was on her way to Busan, where Shia was.
For reference, Yeonhwa used her space manipulation ability to teleport Menelapie and Yeonhwa to the front of the National Assembly in Seoul.
Beep beep
“Oh, it’s Yujin.”
“Yujin?”
Even though they knew each other’s contacts, Menelapie and Yujin were not that close.
They were connected through mutual acquaintances.
In fact, Shia and Yujin weren’t particularly close either, so it was hardly surprising that Menelapie had no strong connections with Yujin.
After all, Yujin was looking after Olgania, while Shia was watching over Menelapie, so it made sense they wouldn’t steal each other’s thunder.
Anyway, it was unusual for Yujin to suddenly contact Menelapie, so it stood out.
“I answered. This is Menelapie. What’s up, hero from another world?”
[……….]
“What is it, you lying hero?”
[……..]
Sounds could be heard, but no words came through.
It wasn’t an unstable connection, nor was it one of those moments.
Menelapie realized Yujin had gone silent after calling her without uttering a word.
“Is it urgent? Please speak quickly….”
[Hurry and get your saintess, dammit…!]
“What?”
This little brat dared to refer to Shia as ‘your saintess’?!
I don’t know what our Shia is up to, but it’s possible she could!
Menelapie began to organize her words to firmly lecture Yujin in 1000 characters or less.
Before she finished organizing, Yujin sighed heavily and spoke to Menelapie.
[Your saintess is currently fighting the evil vegan demon king. Get her out of there before she gets killed…!]
“………..”
Menelapie thought.
What the hell is this nonsense?
She felt as if her typically sharp mind had come to a grinding halt.
In that midst, a deafening blast was heard over the call.
Bang!
Bang!
Boom!!!
[Ahhh! You crazy woman! Please stop it! ]
[Negotiations have collapsed! Evil vegan demon king!!!!]
[That wicked seafood saintess!!!]
Boom!
Bang!
[Hah! I won…. wait, isn’t there a freaking second phase!?]
[You little…!! Isia, you damned woman!!!!]
Menelapie could just imagine Yujin’s situation, spitting out furious curses towards Shia.
Originally, she would usually shout, “Hey! Our Shia could do that! Why are you cursing her!?” but today, Menelapie simply shut off her smartwatch.
“Menelapie, is everything alright? Did your sister take too long?”
“……………”
No, I don’t even know myself.
Menelapie had to think for a little longer to choose her words before answering Yeonhwa.
