As the Demon King, I have married a slave elf. How should I express my love?

His upward gaze was blocked by her unexpectedly large breasts, leaving Sagan with only half of her face visible. The sight truly left him unsure where to look.

Then, Nefi awkwardly stroked Sagan's head.

The itching sensation and intoxicating comfort made my vision even more blurred.

To feign composure, Sagan cleared her throat and said:

"But why did you suddenly decide to do this?"

Neferpitou looked away, momentarily lost in thought, then murmured softly:

"Master, you said... even knowing I possess magic, you still said I could stay. So I thought I should repay you in some way..."

This was the first time she had brought up these things on her own initiative.

Sagan knew how happy this meant to her, and her mood brightened as well.

Sagan, lying on his back, reached out his hand to the girl's cheek.

"You've already done enough; you don't need to go to such lengths for me."

"……yes."

Nefi nodded shyly.

As she lay there, Sagan remembered something she hadn't had a chance to tell her. The paladin had interfered, and she hadn't even had a chance to speak.

"I said, Nefertari."

"Yes."

The girl nodded expressionlessly, letting Sagan continue.

Would you like to learn magic tricks?

Nefi stared blankly, blinking twice.

"Would you like to teach me magic?"

"That's right, I think you have the potential. Besides, you can't quite control that 'magic' you do during the day, right?"

She's wearing a collar now, so she can't use magic.

However, 'magic' can still be manifested and used even when wearing the collar.

If Neferpitou had been left unchecked, the knight would probably be torn to pieces by her attack by now. The same applies to Sagan's healing wounds. If these things aren't consciously controlled, there's no guarantee she won't accidentally injure herself one day.

"The two powers are based on different principles. Even if you learn magic, you may not be able to control 'magic,' but at least you can use it to protect yourself."

Although it may take some more time, Sagan has not given up on helping her remove the collar.

Nefi's eyes darted around, unable to conceal the bewilderment within.

"Can...can I really do it...?"

"Yes, I think you can become a stronger magician than me."

Elves are a race born with powerful magic, and if they were to combine that with Nefi's talent, they might even be able to seize the throne of the Demon King.

Nefi clutched his chest tightly.

"Would that allow me to be of help to you, Master?"

"Actually, you've already helped enough, haven't you?"

That doesn't just refer to those everyday trivial matters.

Recently, she has gradually begun to express her feelings, communicating face-to-face every day, and Sagan has indeed felt that it brings irreplaceable benefits.

"Can I be like you, Master?"

"Uh... I mean in terms of skill, okay? I hope you won't try to match me in other areas."

He really wanted to teach magic, but it would be a bit of a headache if she started idolizing a villain like him.

Besides, while he wanted to see Neferi's other expressions, he also hoped she would remain the same as she was now.

"Can I also become a good servant who protects my master?"

"Didn't you protect me once today when we faced the paladin?"

Although it was a little embarrassing to be protected by a girl, Nefi's kindness touched him deeply.

Neferpitou's ears twitched slightly.

"I'm willing to give it a try. I'm willing to learn magic for my master."

—At a time like this, she should say she learned it for herself…

Regardless of her motivation, if it can inspire her, then it's a big step forward.

Therefore, Sagan did not hesitate to encourage her.

"Then Nefi, from this moment on, you are my apprentice."

"Yes."

The expression on her face when she replied could easily be described as happiness.

—But, an apprentice…

Before mentioning this word, he never imagined that he would one day have the power to impart knowledge to others.

But since the recipient is Nefertari, he is willing to impart everything unconditionally.

After that, the two remained silent for quite some time.

But then, Neferpitou spoke in a comforting, soft voice:

"Um, Master."

"What's up?"

"About what happened this evening..."

The evening she was referring to was probably the time after she drove away the paladin and helped Sagan heal.

"Master, you once said that because you are all-powerful, you cannot understand the feelings of the weak."

"Oh, I think that's what I said."

That was one of the things Sagan said to Nefertari when she revealed the secret of her past.

Those were just trivial past events, meant only to tell Nefi that he didn't need to care about other people's opinions and gossip.

Neferpitou gently and affectionately stroked Sagan's head.

"Master, although you say it's not a big deal, you're actually very sad inside, aren't you?"

Sagan was dumbfounded.

Why would you think that?

Nefi shook his head, his snow-white hair swaying in the breeze.

"I don't know, but..."

The girl clutched her chest, as if she could empathize with the pain.

"Because you looked so gloomy and lost back then, Master."

Neferpitou curled up and pulled Sagan into his arms. The soft, rounded shape pressed against his face, making him blush.

"Uh, hello..."

But Neferpitou didn't care about Sagan's panic and continued:

"Master, you are not wrong. Although you are taciturn, you have always treated me so gently, and I will never forget that."

For no apparent reason, Sagan almost shed tears because of those words.

Her voice, almost trembling, could only manage a few strained words in response.

"...I see."

But though the words were short, the sentiment was deep, and Neferpitou happily nodded, her pointed ears trembling.

"Yes."

Neferpitou pressed against her chest, and the pounding of her heart could be heard.

Whether it was due to nervousness, shyness, or some other emotion, it sounded quite hurried.

The burden that had been weighing on his heart seemed to gradually loosen, allowing Sagan's body to relax from his shoulders.

"Nefertari".

"Yes."

Despite calling out, Sagan couldn't think of anything to say to her; he just wanted to call out the girl's name.

"It feels pretty good like this."

"……yes."

Neferi simply nodded.

Even if she were to ask for a more intimate relationship now, she probably wouldn't resist.

However, the girl's legs were so pleasant to lie on that Sagan unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

I don't know how long ago it was before I slept this soundly.

◇

"Hey, hey, hey, didn't I hear you were being pursued by paladins? How come you're completely unharmed?"

The next day in the throne room.

Barbaros, who had trespassed and invaded the gate, began with this sentence.

Having not seen him for about a week, his attitude remained unchanged, prompting Sagan to wave his hand impatiently.

Frankly speaking, since he was nowhere to be found when help was most needed, his presence now is nothing more than a hindrance.

"How would I know? Blame it on their weakness."

"Too weak? I heard they even sent someone with a holy sword, didn't they?"