I stared at the massive door before me. "No matter how many times I see it, this door always feels so imposing, doesn't it?" Well, that wasn't particularly important. I pushed the door open and stepped into the corridor stretching ahead.
The long corridor was illuminated by crystal chandeliers that cast a soft glow across the dark wood-paneled walls. A thick red carpet ran neatly down the center of the floor, muffling footsteps and lending the place an air of tranquility.
On either side, portraits of past demon lords and leaders hung in gilded frames. Their gazes seemed to follow anyone who passed by, not through magic, but because of the painter's extraordinary skill.
The air here was warm, still carrying the lingering scent of tea and cinnamon, as if someone had just passed through moments ago.
"Hmm...? That is..." As I walked down the corridor, I glanced slightly out of the corner of my right eye. Something was following me from behind. I could feel it clearly.
"What are you doing, Lilith?" I asked in a dramatic, deep voice. Instantly, my shadow on the floor twitched, as if startled by being called out. I knew it had to be her.
"I've been found out... huh?" The voice came just before the shadow swelled, solidified, and slowly transformed into the form of a cute girl who materialized from the floor. "Hmph, who do you think I am?" I retorted.
Well, honestly. Her shadow camouflage technique was quite impressive, but the problem lay in how she was still mismanaging her mana. Though the amount was minimal, I could still sense it.
Perhaps her shadow camouflage could fool mid-tier mages, but for high-tier mages, her technique still seemed easily readable. You still need a lot more practice, Lilith.
Lilith had long, jet-black hair with bangs that covered her left eye. She was short, standing at around one hundred and fifty centimeters, and wore a neat maid's uniform that was slightly elegant yet still conveyed the impression of a dangerous personal servant.
"As expected of Master Malrik," Lilith said, bowing her head politely. "Welcome back, Master."
"Enough. What kind of visit warrants you stalking me?"
"It's nothing," Lilith said with a faint smile. "I simply wanted to greet Master Malrik."
"...I see." I continued staring straight ahead down the corridor. "Then where are the others?"
Lilith walked beside me, her footsteps light and almost silent.
"They are all performing their duties diligently, Master."
"Really? Good to hear."
The two continued walking side by side down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly in the dimly lit passage.
My personal maid, Lilith; the greatest Dark Mage of the century, Maltheris; the Sword Demon, Joseph; the Commander of the Reconnaissance Forces, Lamia; and lastly, the Monster Tamer, Kira. They were all my finest subordinates at the moment, and I was certain each of them commanded their own forces. Except for Lilith, whom I had assigned to guard the mansion.
"By the way, Master, you fought the Hero again, didn't you?" Lilith asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What was the result this time? What kind of person was he? Was he strong? A formidable fighter?"
Come to think of it... this Hero was indeed remarkably stubborn. I was certain I'd pierced a hole through his abdomen, yet he still managed to scream and curse at me, as if the pain I inflicted were merely a minor inconvenience he refused to fear.
Could it be?!
...Could he be activating some kind of ultimate skill? An awakening? A final power that would transform him into an invincible Hero?
If that's the case... This is bad. If that's true, I shouldn't have ended the fight there. Damn it. If he truly awakens and returns with the power to finish me, then I should have—
"So?" Lilith asked again, cutting through my train of thought. "What was he like this time?"
"Oh... right." Damn it. I'd gotten too carried away. I cleared my throat to regain my composure. "Ahem. He's nothing special. Just your typical homeless Hero."
"Huuh... I see." Lilith sighed softly, then glanced at me sideways. "But... it looks so fun. Lilith wants to fight like Maltheris and the others too."
"That's not going to happen."
"Ehh... why? Master Malrik is being unfair."
"...Because you're the only one who can protect this mansion."
Lilith was impressed and blushed at my words, taking them as a compliment. She tilted her chin up haughtily. "If that's the case..." she said, feigning resignation. "Then there's nothing I can do."
Well... Compared to my other subordinates, Lilith was the only one who could still be considered sane. I didn't even dare imagine what would happen if I entrusted the task of guarding the mansion to Kira.
The image flashed through my mind: Kira standing in the courtyard, summoning his massive, terrifying creatures to surround the mansion like a war fortress, their eyes fixed on anyone who passed by as if they were prey.
No, no, no. This mansion needs guardians, not new threats.
"Oh, right... Lilith. It seems we'll have to part ways here. There's something I need to take care of."
"Is that so...?" Lilith glanced at me briefly, immediately assuming it was an important matter.
"Until later, then, Master Malrik," Lilith said, bowing politely. "Please call on me if you need anything." With that, she turned to leave—but before she could get far, her body slowly dissolved, merging into the shadows.
SPLASH—!
"Haah..."
The hot water enveloped my body perfectly. I leaned against the edge of the pool, letting the sound of the water drown out the outside world.
There used to be an old saying. I don't remember who said it—maybe a human, maybe a demon. doesn't matter. That person said:
"Hot water doesn't cleanse sin. It only makes one forget they're dirty."
At the time, it sounded like nonsense. Now I understand its meaning. Humans always bathe after sinning, saying, "This is to wash away all that is wrong." Then they submerge themselves in hot water, hoping their guilt will dissolve along with the steam that clouds their eyes.
They believed the warmth would soothe their souls and wash away their sins... but all it did was cleanse their bodies. It was true: their skin became brighter, the metallic stench vanished, and even the darkest bloodstains disappeared. But sins? Don't be ridiculous. Sins cling deep within, in places that hot water can never purify.
It's quite amusing, isn't it? They curse me as the Demon King, hoping for my torment, while they themselves soak in hot water every night, pretending to atone for their sins. The only difference between them and me is this: they call it remorse. As for me? I call it... right... I call it habit.
I opened my eyes and gazed at my blurry reflection in the water. Huh... and honestly, this hazy reflection actually made me look quite handsome. Sometimes even a Demon King has his moments of vanity, right?
The hot water was soothing. The world hadn't changed. And I remained the Demon King—resolute, cold, and utterly myself.
So cool.