C19 CHAPTER19

Royal Father earned his title as the Demon King of Cruelty for good reason. He was a harsh ruler who brooked no foolishness from those who served him. His dominion was absolute, his rule enforced with an iron fist in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Any soul brave—or foolish—enough to discuss Devon's origins in his presence never lived to spread the tale. A year prior, two palace servants were overheard by Christian, speculating crudely about the king's inability to restrain his lust, resulting in the impregnation of a human woman—Devon's mother.

The terror etched on their faces was palpable when they turned to find Royal Father looming ominously behind them, seething with fury. Without hesitation, he ripped them to shreds and incinerated their remains with a scorching breath. This gruesome display served as a stark warning to all others: slander the king or his lineage at your peril.

Yet now, the status quo was challenged, not by a mere servant, but by his own progeny—his son, sharing his flesh, blood, and spirit.

Devon locked eyes with his father. Although a fierce gust had knocked him to the ground, he was unscathed. He fought to stand, his legs wobbling as he sought equilibrium.

"Father, I understand your anger, but please realize my pain. It has been my constant companion throughout life. Unlike my brothers, my hybrid devil nature has kept me apart, always reminding me that I'll never match their success.

As I stand on the brink of full devil adulthood, this war has laid bare my weaknesses, yet I am prepared to accept them and strive to improve. I've endured endless criticism for my low Devil Energy, and you know this all too well. If magic is my refuge, then I will stop at nothing to master it!" Devon proclaimed with fervor.

Liam and Alexander watched, dumbfounded by his audacity.

"I sincerely hope you'll support me in this endeavor, Father," Devon implored, a note of desperation in his voice.

At this juncture, Liam's patience with his brother's folly reached its limit. "Third Brother, have you lost your mind? What on earth are you thinking? You owe Father an apology, not a lecture! Acknowledge your errors, for heaven's sake," he insisted, barely containing his exasperation.

Devon was resolute, unwavering in his decision to never offer his father an apology for anything. So when his father rose from the throne, Devon remained unflinching. The Royal Father's displeased gaze fell upon him, yet it sparked a glimmer of hope within Devon.

"Are you implying that you're set on learning more magic from the humans?" Royal Father Christian inquired.

"Yes, Royal Father," Devon replied without hesitation.

"I understand. You have the freedom to pursue your interests, Devon. The humans are under your domain, and you may do as you please with them, provided it brings no harm to us." Christian paused, descending from the throne, his footsteps causing the room to tremble. "Remember, the Devil Clan has no place for failures. You have ten days to demonstrate your worth as my son." With that, Royal Father Christian exited the throne room, leaving his three sons behind.

As soon as Christian departed, Alexander rose from his seat, his gaze fixed on Devon with unmistakable contempt and annoyance.

"What's the issue now?" Devon inquired.

"I'm sure you're quite pleased with yourself, considering our father's surprising tolerance for your nonsense. Just so you're aware, acquiring magic won't be enough to win Olivia's heart!" Alexander declared with venom.

Devon's initial reaction was to inform his brother that Olivia Tara Miller held no allure for him, but he recognized that such an admission would undermine his strategy. He had to maintain the facade.

"Whether you approve or not, I will marry her, and you'll witness it," Devon retorted.

Alexander simply glared at him before exiting the room.

"Devon, are you alright?" Liam approached, concerned, checking Devon for any injuries from the fall.

Devon let out a soft chuckle. "No need to worry, First Brother. I'm fine; it was nothing more than a minor tumble," he assured, smiling warmly. Liam was the only one in the entire Devil Clan who treated him with genuine kindness and as an equal.

"I'm relieved to hear that, but why provoke our father like that? You're aware of his sensitivity regarding any mention of your mother and the circumstances of your birth. The Royal Father can't stand being reminded of his youthful indiscretions with your mother that led to your arrival in this world," Liam remarked.

"I know," Devon sighed.

"If you knew, then why did you say all those things to him? You're lucky he didn't get really furious with you. Otherwise, you'd have been grounded for a whole month!" Liam chided.

Devon was well aware of the consequences, and he understood that if he had been confined to his bedchamber, he would have done everything in his power to break free and initiate his plan.

He was just about to respond to Liam when his eyes drifted to Liam's bare neck, causing him to tremble.

"Devon, are you alright?" Liam asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Liam... your... your neck..." Devon stammered, his voice taking on an eerie tone. "It's... enticing," he murmured, his lips unconsciously beginning to lick his lips.

"W... what?" Liam stammered, taken aback. "Did the Forbidden Spell hit you?"