Free Web Novel“For some reason, the life fluctuations inside that golden cocoon suddenly began to weaken. Each day was weaker than the last. At this rate, in less than a week, the little Demon King would have died inside the cocoon. But the cocoon’s gestation still needed at least a month.”
The black cat glanced at Vieya’s tightly furrowed brows, then slumped back down on the sill, tail drooping.
“The elders of the Demon King’s Castle tried every possible method, but none could stop the fading of that life aura. It became as fragile as a reed swaying in the wind, liable to vanish even during sleep.”
“They couldn’t wait. Time was gone. So they prepared to help the little Demon King hatch early.”
“In human words, it was a premature birth... and far, far too early.” The black cat saw Vieya remain silent and had no choice but to continue:
“When the little Demon King was first born, her aura was faint, one hand and one leg were imperfect, and her body was that of a half-human, half-demon despised by demonkind.”
“Faced with such a result, the elders could only accept it. She had no ability to protect herself. From the moment she was born, her range of activity was restricted within the Demon King’s Castle. Even the outer streets could only be visited with monster escorts.”
“In our demon race, the weak are not respected. Especially her—while frail, she also stood in a dangerous position.”
“Still, as a former subordinate of the Great Demon King, I occasionally went to check on her, meow~”
The black cat was about to continue when she suddenly saw the bathroom door push open.
Click!
The small sound broke the heavy stillness of the room.
Vieya’s heavy heart stirred. She looked up toward the source.
A tiny figure in a bathrobe appeared behind the door. First peeking her head out, she spotted Vieya by the window. Her eyes lit up as she gave a shy little smile, then she tiptoed toward the cabinet with the clean clothes.
“These clothes...” She pulled some from the bottom shelf, clutching them to her chest as she looked at Vieya, her tone touched with happiness. “...are all for Jasmine?”
“Yes.”
Vieya smiled and nodded, leaving the black cat’s side and coming over. She picked up a dry towel hanging nearby and gently laid it over her daughter’s head, tenderly wiping the beige strands still wet with droplets.
The little girl stiffened all over, eyes screwed shut like she was facing down a deadly enemy. But when she felt the kindness and the gentle touch, her body slowly relaxed. Curiosity pushed her to peek open her eyes and secretly observe the mother she had only just met.
As Vieya dried her hair, she looked down and saw her daughter’s face reddening like a ripe apple.
Did she catch a fever just from bathing?
Vieya sighed, regretting letting her wash alone. She reached to feel her forehead—but the girl’s blush only deepened.
Ah. Was it shyness?
Realizing that, Vieya withdrew her hand. Forget it. Until their relationship grew closer, she wouldn’t do anything that might trouble her.
“How’s your knee?” Vieya shifted the topic, crouching to look at that unsteady leg. After a moment of hesitation, she touched the unnaturally pale skin.
“I-it’s fine...” Jasmine insisted.
But the instant Vieya touched it, she clearly trembled, like a raccoon shocked by static. Vieya felt more heartache than amusement.
“Don’t worry. When there’s a chance, I’ll see if I can find someone to take a look. Human medical techniques are far better than what those demons can manage.” Vieya let go, speaking softly. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
“Almost forgot, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? There’s nothing decent at home right now. Let’s go out and eat together later.”
Once Jasmine finished changing, Vieya held her hand, preparing to take her for a proper meal.
As a qualified parent, wasn’t feeding your child and keeping her warm the most basic duty?
Besides, she was an adult who had once been married. Even if she was usually too lazy to talk, move, or show excess expression, she still knew a thing or two about how to make a little girl happy.
Especially since this girl was her own daughter.
Happiness, after all, was simple.
Buy her pretty clothes. Feed her tasty food. Take her somewhere fun. If she grew bored, chat with her. If she was thirsty, prepare a warm sweet drink...
So easy~
For the first time, Vieya felt Flaviel’s little tricks might actually be useful. She was smug about it.
“Mm?”
Suddenly, she noticed Jasmine hadn’t moved. Looking up with her small face, she stared at Vieya. In those strange, beautiful eyes, something firm seemed ready to be spoken.
“Do you have something you want to tell me?” Vieya smiled encouragingly, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. “I’m here, always listening.”
On the windowsill, the black cat rolled her eyes and mimed gagging—only to freeze when Vieya shot her a look that said, “Are you sick in the head?”
“T-then... I want to tell Mama something. Something important.”
Jasmine fidgeted, ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) palms sweating, but at last she raised her head. Though not even 1.2 meters tall, her gaze shone like a tiger ruling the world—bright, lively, fearless.
Finally, as though surrendering something, she shut her eyes and shouted:
“Mama, I really, really like you! S-so...”
Vieya froze. When she recovered, she chuckled, helpless: “I like you too.”
Hearing the reply, Jasmine’s face flushed redder—whether from shame or joy, who could tell? Her voice grew smaller:
“Then... Mama, could you not leave me alone anymore?”
Vieya didn’t answer right away, so Jasmine hurriedly gripped her hand tighter.
“I’ll be good, really, I promise not to cause trouble... and I’m not picky, I’ll eat anything!”
“I won’t leave you behind.”
Vieya smiled easily. In that moment, she realized all her worries about being rejected or resented by her daughter had been nothing but groundless bubbles.
A bolt of lightning split the clouds, lighting the curtain of rain outside and drawing her gaze.
This weather was so bothersome. When she’d left the convent this morning it had been sunny, yet by noon it was pouring like this.
“I heard humans say thunder and rain always bring misfortune. Maybe we shouldn’t go out. Anyway, she already went hungry yesterday—one more day won’t matter, meow.”
“Shut it! You’re a demon beast, yet you believe human superstitions? You’re regressing with age.”
“Your kid’s right here—how can you curse like that and corrupt her? Meow!”
“You burning with fever? Or did some human smack your skull this morning while you were stealing? What nonsense are you spouting?” Vieya snapped, startled.
