when I got reincarnated in a demon world (light novel)

chapter 2

listen to renegade x i was never there x under the influence

[ ]: call

**: whispers

Sama: calls it after a name for high respect

Here's an expanded and more detailed version of the story:

Kurai's deep voice broke the brief silence in the dining hall.
"No, I will slay the phantoms today as usual."

Your mind reeled at his words. Phantoms? So, this world has those too, you thought, trying to piece together the nature of this strange realm.

Kimiko-sama pouted slightly, her tone soft and persuasive. "Aw, but I wanted you to spend time with Y/N today."

Kurai turned his cold, crimson gaze toward you. For a brief moment, your eyes locked, the air between you almost crackling with tension. You raised an eyebrow before rolling your eyes dismissively, standing abruptly to leave.

Kurai's hand paused mid-air, his grip tightening slightly on the fork. He hadn't expected that reaction. What is with her attitude? It's even more infuriating than before, he thought, his jaw clenching as you disappeared from the room.

Kimiko-sama chuckled lightly. "Y/N must be shy," she said, her gentle tone masking amusement.

But Kurai wasn't amused. He ground his teeth in irritation. Her attitude has changed so much... and it's even more annoying.

In your room, you paced back and forth, frustration bubbling under the surface. I have to get out of here... I can't stay in this place, you thought, rubbing your temples aggressively. The events of the day, this life, felt like a surreal nightmare.

A knock at your door broke your spiral of thoughts. Taking a deep breath to calm yourself, you called out, "Come in."

The door creaked open, but instead of the maid you expected, Kurai walked past with an air of indifference. His crimson eyes flicked toward you briefly, and your frustration spiked again. You gritted your teeth, which didn't go unnoticed.

She's infuriating... I swear I'll kill her one day, Kurai thought, his cold expression unwavering as he continued down the hall.

A maid finally entered after him, and you closed the door behind her. But before you could say anything, the maid slapped you hard across the face, sending you to the ground. Pain blossomed on your cheek, but you barely flinched. Of course, a demon's slap would feel like this... but why is this happening?

Before you could recover, the maid locked the door and pulled out a hair straightener. The hot iron pressed against your skin, but you remained stoic, showing no reaction.
"Not even a scream?" the maid sneered, her frustration building.

Grabbing a fistful of your hair, she slammed your forehead into the wall repeatedly, the sharp pain making your head spin. Blood trickled down your face as she finally stopped, her breathing ragged.
"Do you know why I'm doing this?" she hissed.

You shook your head, still too dazed to speak.

"It's because I love His Majesty, and I hate the fact that you're the one marrying him. Even if it costs me my life, I'll ruin your face!"

Despite the threat, you nodded, your expression eerily calm. Maybe this means I won't have to marry him after all, you thought.

Your nonchalant response pushed her over the edge. She stormed out, leaving you bleeding and battered on the floor. As your vision began to blur, you muttered weakly to yourself, "Why... is it... always me?"

With that, darkness consumed you, and you collapsed.

The muffled sound of hurried footsteps approached your room. Kurai entered first, his expression unreadable as he took in the sight of you lying on the floor, blood pooling beneath you. His gaze swept over the bruises on your neck and hands, the fresh cuts on your forehead.

Tch. She can't even protect herself, he thought coldly.

Kimiko-sama rushed in moments later, her eyes widening in horror. "Y/N!" she exclaimed, kneeling beside you. Without hesitation, she placed a glowing hand over your heart and closed her eyes. A soft light enveloped you, and slowly, your wounds healed, the blood vanishing from your skin.

Kurai stood back, watching silently before turning on his heel and leaving the room.

Kimiko-sama carefully lifted you onto the bed, her face lined with concern.

When you finally woke, your head throbbed. As your vision cleared, you saw Kurai sitting beside you, his crimson eyes sharp and penetrating. You flinched instinctively, the ache in your head intensifying.

"Why are you here?" you asked, your voice hoarse.

Kurai's reply was as cold as ever. "I am the king. I'll go wherever I want. I don't need permission from a weakling like you."

His words stung, but you glared back defiantly. "I let them hurt me on purpose."

Kurai raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Who was it?"

You hesitated before answering, "A maid..."

His jaw clenched. "A maid? And you let her do that? You're truly pitiful."

Your face fell, a shadow of gloom crossing your features. "Why the hell are you marrying me?" you snapped, your voice trembling with frustration.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Because Mother wants it. Don't mistake this arrangement for love."

You forced a grin, though it didn't reach your eyes. "Why would I hope for love from someone I don't care for in the slightest?"

For a brief moment, Kurai's stoic mask faltered, confusion flickering in his eyes. Did the abuse mess with her brain? Yesterday, she looked at me with such affection...

Before he could respond, you leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

Kurai jerked back, his eyes blazing with shock and fury. "HOW DARE YOU!"

Your expression softened, tinged with sadness. "I hate you," you murmured, your voice trembling. "Please marry me anyway. Maybe then you'll understand the kind of pain I do, pain that a human never could, but a demon might."

Tears spilled freely down your face as you closed your eyes, exhaustion overtaking you.

Kurai stared at you, stunned. His usual coldness returned quickly, though, and he rose from his seat. "A demon will never understand such feelings. Don't waste your time hurting yourself mentally," he said icily before walking out.

As soon as the door shut, your tearful expression hardened into a cold glare. You wiped your tears away with trembling hands.

In his office, Kurai summoned the maids. His voice was low and threatening as he asked, "Who hurt Y/N?"

One maid stepped forward, her head held high. "I did it."

Kurai didn't hesitate. He closed the distance between them and wrapped his hand around her neck, his grip unyielding. With a cold glare, he muttered a spell, and the maid vanished into thin air, her existence erased.

Kimiko-sama entered moments later, her serene smile softening the tension in the room. "Kurai, dear, show Y/N affection. She's important," she said gently.

Kurai's brow furrowed. "Why? What makes her so special?"

Kimiko-sama's gaze turned distant, as if seeing something far beyond the present. "I've told you before. I see the future in her eyes. She will lead our generation, and she will be the most powerful person standing beside my strong son."

Kurai's voice dropped. "She wasn't even a demon before..."

Kimiko-sama's smile widened. "And that's what makes her destiny extraordinary."