NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30
Chapter 30. Hunger Makes
I love food.
It’s one of the few pleasures I have in life.
It’s been that way since my previous life—countries were exhausted by war, but that’s why the soldiers on the frontlines got to eat relatively good food. They needed it to keep morale up.
And the heroes, frequently thrown into the fiercest battle zones, were fed nearly as lavishly as nobles. I often thought that this could be their last supper, and those who couldn’t swallow their food or ate with long faces somehow didn’t last long.
That’s why I made sure to savor every bite. I made it a habit to enjoy my meals, no matter the situation, and it really became a part of me.
What I’m trying to say is that the Demon Lord family’s late-night snacks were incredibly delicious.
Even with the Demon Lord sitting across from me at the round table and the avenger of my parents nearby, the food tasted amazing—it left me unsure whether I should celebrate my adaptability or lament my body’s greediness.
I loathed this one, but the food was tasty. For the first time, I realized I could think of two opposing things at once.
The appetizer was beautifully presented in a transparent crystal dish with prosciutto, seasonal vegetables, and fruits arranged like a garden—a true work of art. At this point, I sensed the chef was no ordinary cook. The green mousse that accompanied it was incredibly flavorful, tingling my tongue and sending me into bliss. I even suspected it might contain some kind of drug.
Seeing the muscular Demon Lord bending over and delicately scooping the mousse with a tiny spoon was amusing. Aiogias exuded an air of elegance, deftly handling his knife and fork.
As for the fifth Demon Lord’s Prince? He was still munching away. That’s when I noticed that the mountain of food in front of him was made from the exact same ingredients as the appetizer, presented in a lazy, haphazard manner. I felt like I could sense the chef’s silent protest against this coffee-shop-style arrangement.
Just then, to keep my appetite from waning after the starter, a white potage was brought out. Made with pureed root vegetables and laden with butter, it was rich yet not overwhelming. Before I knew it, I’d finished it all. The small portion size was just perfect.
Rubyphia polished hers off in no time and then leaned back, glancing at the others as if contemplating how to catch them off guard like prey… though maybe she just looked intimidating.
Finally, the Sleeping Beauty woke up and sluggishly began picking at the leftover appetizer. I was worried that the plate before her would go to waste since everyone else was leaving it untouched. The green-haired brat who had finished earlier was eyeing her plate with too much interest, making it annoying.
By the way, I exchanged a nod with her when we caught eyes, but she simply ignored me. Maybe she was still half-asleep while eating with her eyes wide open.
The main course was roasted duck. The fatty breast meat was cooked just right, leaving a soft pink hue, and coated in a fig sauce. The way it was sauced was masterfully done as well. The lightly sprinkled salt allowed the flavor to transform as I ate from one side to the other, creating a gradient of taste. I’ve thought before that something was “exquisite,” but to experience changing flavors on the same plate—all of them exceptional—was otherworldly.
It seemed the Demon Lord was quite fond of it, taking slow, savoring bites while groaning, “Mmmm…” as if fearing it would vanish. The third Prince muttered, “I need to bulk up…” and requested a second helping. Seeing that, the green-haired brat demanded a refill as well, unwilling to lose out.
Food fighter? That guy constantly requested seconds. The mound of meat piled high looked overly generous, perhaps just to provoke his appetite even more.
I pondered a bit as well, but the portion seemed hefty for my growing body, so I decided to restrain myself. In hindsight, that was the right call— the duck fat had a way of sneaking up on you. I should have anticipated when a robust Demon Lord only stuck to one plate.
Diagias gleefully finished his meal, while the green guy seemed to regret his second plate midway through.
As I soaked in the deep satisfaction from the main course, dessert and hot drinks were served. Ice cream topped with whipped cream. As expected from a dining table of a magic-rich race, even ice treats made an appearance. Pairing it with a strong, bitter coffee—my taste buds danced back to life, tightening up after the rich main course. It was magnificent.
The others also took their time sipping tea, relishing the afterglow of the meal… except for the food fighter, who was wolfing down ice cream from a bucket-like container. Just watching made my head ache.
“Ah, right, Zilbagias. I almost forgot to scold you for your manners.”
Suddenly, the Demon Lord spoke up.
“Our table has one crucial rule.”
The serious tone of the Demon Lord made Aiogias and Rubyphia smirk.
“Don’t discuss politics during meals.”
The two voices perfectly overlapped.
“Anyone who breaks this rule will be immediately thrown out. Keep that in mind.”
The Demon Lord sipped his tea with a straight face.
“…Got it.”
At that moment, it felt like we were just a regular family—
—but by the time I finished my tea, that delusion vanished. The food fighter, well, he had a normal amount of drink…
“It was our first meeting, and I’m glad it went smoothly.”
Goldgias had returned to his cold, stern demeanor.
“Is there anyone who wishes to report something?”
Silence.
Only the snores of Topazia could be heard, having fallen asleep right after the meal—she might regret it.
“Alright then. Meeting adjourned.”
At the Demon Lord’s words, Diagias bolted upright and dashed away like lightning. He mentioned having girls to attend to…
“See you next week.”
Rubyphia lifted the Sleeping Princess on her shoulder and whisked her off. Looks like that princess has a faction leader to escort her… that’s not just bold, it’s audacious.
“Farewell.”
Aiogias also stood up gracefully and left the room. The green-haired brat got up sluggishly behind him. They probably staggered their exits by a bit to avoid an awkward descent down the long staircase together…
The food fighter rubbed his slightly bulging belly in a daze… considering what he ate, the bulge was rather modest.
“…Uh, Father.”
“What is it?”
I called out to the Demon Lord as he was about to exit through a different door.
“Is it possible for me to observe your work?”
At my question, the Demon Lord raised both eyebrows, saying, “Hmm?” This was a spur-of-the-moment thought, but I felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance—to grasp the Demon Lord’s patterns of behavior.
“Not today. I have a meeting with the executives.”
“Executives…?”
“Me, the captain of the royal guard, the Demon Legion Commander, the Dragon Chief, the Undead King, the Vampire Duke, the Night Elf King, and the Beastman King.”
Wait! Isn’t that the entire core of the Demon Lord army gathered together!?
I want to see it!! I really want to observe!!! Even just a little of the meeting’s content would be invaluable…!! It’s gotta be filled with strategic info!
“I can’t allow even my child to attend just because they want to.”
I felt my shoulders sink at the Demon Lord’s prior knowledge.
“Well, ordinary state affairs shouldn’t be a problem, but observing won’t be entertaining.”
“I want to know what kind of work you do.”
“As a Demon Lord?”
That was unexpectedly serious of him. I paused for a moment before answering, “Yes.”
The Demon Lord smirked.
“Very well. I’ll think about it for next week.”
With that, he hastily left the room.
…Alright. This is the first step in probing at the Demon Lord’s vulnerabilities.
Feeling accomplished, I turned around to face the food fighter—Spinethia was watching me.
“…What is it?”
“I was just remembering when I was little.”
This was the first time I was speaking while my mouth was empty.
…It probably isn’t the first time a Demon Lord’s child asked to observe his work. Thinking back, the Demon Lord’s reaction felt practiced… which was convenient.
“I used to feel like I could become anything.”
Spinethia, with a far-off gaze for a moment, suddenly stood up. I realized her previously swollen belly had already flattened.
“Oh, I’m so hungry.”
Mumbling that, she dashed out, as if forgetting about me… that one alone would probably devour supplies on the frontline… she’s probably contracted with some demon to gain strength by munching away, but I seriously question the cost-efficiency of that.
I, too, left the room.
“Father likes serious people.”
Right then, a raspy voice interrupted me from the side.
The green-haired brat—Emelgias stood there, leaning against the wall.
“…You’re trying to worm your way in, aren’t you? Is that Mom’s idea?”
His sticky gaze scrutinized me.
What was his intention? I felt like Aiogias had told him to probe me.
I had several options: engage him, throw out a casual word or two, or share no information at all.
I chose the last option. I ignored him and started walking away.
Talking seriously could reveal things I’d rather keep hidden.
“…I don’t like this.”
The fourth Demon Lord Prince Emelgias clicked his tongue as he glared at the back of his cheeky younger brother.