I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 70: Demon village

The village stretched before Elysia like something out of a dream, each corner more charming than the last.

As she walked alongside the soldiers, the cobbled streets under her feet felt unfamiliar yet oddly comforting, and the air buzzed with a blend of excitement and curiosity.

"Alright, Queen-in-Disguise," one soldier teased, nudging her lightly with his elbow. "Ready to experience village life? Hope you're prepared for more than just sitting on a fancy throne."

Elysia rolled her eyes beneath her hood but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'll manage, somehow."

"Will you, though?" another soldier chimed in, grinning. "You don't exactly scream 'village girl.'"

Elysia shot him a playful glare. "You mean this cloak isn't enough to blend in?"

"Not when you walk like you're inspecting your kingdom," the scarred soldier laughed. "Relax a little. Try not to look like you're planning to raise taxes."

The group burst into laughter, and Elysia, despite herself, joined in. This... feels nice, she thought, surprised at how quickly she had eased into their banter. She wasn't the Queen of Demons here. She was just... Elysia.

As they strolled through the bustling market, Elysia's eyes darted from stall to stall, each one brimming with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.

Demons and humans alike called out their wares, bartering with enthusiastic smiles and exaggerated gestures.

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"Oh, look!" one soldier pointed at a stall selling skewers of sizzling meat, the aroma making Elysia's stomach rumble. "Hungry, Your Majesty?"

Elysia groaned. "I told you to stop calling me that."

The soldier grinned wickedly. "Sure thing, Your Majesty."

Before she could retort, another soldier grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the food stall. "Come on, you have to try this."

The stall owner, a burly demon with dark green skin and a wide grin, presented them with skewers of meat that glistened in the sunlight, juices dripping onto the hot grill with a satisfying sizzle.

Elysia took one hesitantly, biting into the tender meat. Her eyes widened in surprise as the flavor burst across her tongue, rich, smoky, with just the right hint of spice.

"This is... incredible," she mumbled around her mouthful, earning a round of chuckles from the soldiers.

"Careful," one of them teased. "If you eat too much, your royal gown won't fit."

Elysia swallowed her bite and glared. "I will stab you with this skewer."

"Oh no," he gasped mockingly. "Death by delicious street food. What a tragedy."

They continued through the village, stopping at every other stall that caught their eye. At one, they tried sweet, syrup-soaked pastries that melted in their mouths.

At another, they sampled spiced fruit slices that made Elysia's eyes water and the soldiers laugh at her expense.

"Not everyone can handle demon spices," one soldier teased as Elysia fanned her tongue desperately.

"I'm fine," she insisted, coughing between words. "Totally. Fine."

"Sure you are," another chuckled, handing her a cup of cool water with a smirk.

As they wandered further, they passed a small open area where musicians played lively tunes on strange, otherworldly instruments.

Children danced around them, giggling and clapping to the rhythm. Elysia found herself smiling fondly, the scene tugging at something deep within her.

I never thought the demon realm could feel so... human.

"Thinking about joining the dance?" a soldier teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Elysia laughed. "Not unless you want to see me trip over my own feet."

"Now that would be worth the trip," he shot back.

They continued exploring, and Elysia marveled at every detail. The buildings, though clearly ancient, were beautifully maintained, their stone walls covered in creeping vines and bright flowers.

Lanterns hung from wooden beams, casting a warm glow even in the midday light. Narrow alleys twisted between homes, leading to hidden courtyards where potted plants and laundry lines created a patchwork of color.

At one point, they passed a small shop displaying delicate trinkets and handmade jewelry.

Elysia paused, drawn to a pendant shaped like a crescent moon, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow.

"Thinking of getting something for the missus?" a soldier whispered conspiratorially, wiggling his eyebrows.

Elysia's cheeks burned. "I am not buying Malvoria a souvenir."

"Sure, sure," he grinned. "I'm just saying, if you did, I wouldn't judge."

"Keep talking and I'll leave you here," Elysia threatened, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

The soldiers, clearly enjoying themselves, continued to poke fun at her, but Elysia didn't mind. It was... refreshing.

She wasn't used to this, this lightness, this freedom to laugh and explore without the weight of her title pressing down on her.

"Alright," one of the soldiers announced, rubbing his hands together. "Time for the best part."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "There's more?"

"Of course," another soldier grinned. "We haven't even hit the taverns yet."

Elysia blinked. "Taverns?"

"You're in for a treat," the scarred soldier chuckled. "Demon taverns are... an experience."

Elysia followed them down a narrow street that opened up into a lively square, where several taverns stood side by side, their doors wide open and inviting.

Laughter and music spilled out onto the street, and the scent of roasted food and aged ale wafted through the air.

"This," one soldier declared proudly, "is where the real fun begins."

Elysia's heart raced with anticipation. She had never experienced anything like this before. No castle walls, no royal duties, just her and a group of mischievous soldiers exploring a world that felt entirely new.

As they made their way toward the nearest tavern, Elysia felt a sudden impact against her leg.

She stumbled slightly, looking down to see a young demon child who had accidentally bumped into her while chasing a wooden ball.

The child, startled, lost his balance and fell, scraping his knee on the cobbled street.

Oh no, poor child.

Elysia gasped, immediately crouching down to help him. "Are you okay?"

The child's eyes filled with tears, and he whimpered softly, clutching his knee.

So much for a quiet entrance, Elysia thought, her heart aching for the little boy.