Chapter 17…
The Mirage Princess Is Captured by the Demon King.
Felicia opened her eyes, momentarily bewildered by the unfamiliar room around her.
She sat up from the soft bed that had been gently embracing her body and looked around.
(Ah, yes—this is the Demon Lord’s… the Duke of Dumerque’s castle… Last night wasn’t a dream after all.)
Quietly, Felicia stepped down from the bed and walked out onto the balcony.
The crisp morning air wrapped around her, cool and clear.
Before her stretched a sea of deep green, and the pleasant sound of birdsong filled the air.
Even though she had endured such a terrifying ordeal the night before, her body felt astonishingly light. The pain from where she had struck her head was completely gone.
(Did His Grace heal me…?)
When she remembered Johan’s hand touching her cheek and head, her chest tightened inexplicably.
(Why did His Grace save me?)
She could not understand why Johan—called the Demon King and said to live in seclusion in the forest—had rescued her.
Had he simply happened to pass by?
(But… they say no one has ever seen him outside the castle…)
As she pondered this, a knock sounded at the door.
“Lady Felicia, breakfast has been prepared. What would you like to do?”
It was the voice of a young man—calm, with a gentle tone. Probably Johan’s attendant.
Felicia approached the door and replied,
“Thank you. I’ll get ready.”
“Understood, my lady. Please feel free to use the bathroom. Clothes have been prepared for you in the wardrobe. When you are ready, please come down to the lower floor,”
the man said politely before walking away from the door.
Taking him at his word, Felicia decided to use the bathroom provided in the room.
The window of the bath was fitted with stained glass, through which streams of colorful light poured in. Delicate flowers were arranged along the windowsill.
Somehow, the bathtub had already been filled with pleasantly warm water, its surface scattered with vibrant flower petals that released a sweet fragrance.
By coincidence—or perhaps not—the bath soap, with its pure and transparent scent laced with a hint of sweetness, was the very same kind Felicia herself used.
As she slowly soaked in the bath and washed her body, it felt as if the terrible memories of the previous night were being cleansed away as well.
Felicia let out a quiet sigh of relief.
