The story begins with Refia, a 17-year-old farm girl from Mariel Village, being forcibly brought to the Demon King's castle. She is presented in the audience chamber, a grand and ostentatious hall filled with hostile gazes. Refia is informed she has been chosen as the Demon King's bride, a notion she vehemently rejects, asserting her peasant origins and lack of romantic experience. Her current predicament stems from a previous encounter where she apparently struck down a demon who had initially designated her as the bride. This led to the demon's return with a more formidable companion, and ultimately, the villagers being taken hostage, forcing Refia's compliance.
Upon reaching the Demon King, Refia is addressed by a subordinate, Lord Balurunt, who demands her kneeling and pledge of loyalty. Refia defiantly refuses, sparking outrage from Balurunt and the assembled onlookers. She boldly denounces the Demon King's methods, questioning his sincerity in seeking a bride while holding her village hostage and demanding he show his face. This outburst leads to Balurunt ordering her execution. However, a young man named Adolphus intervenes, stopping the knights. A heated argument ensues between Balurunt and Adolphus, with the Demon King eventually intervening and instructing Cellazam, a kindly old gentleman, to escort Refia away.
Refia is taken to a surprisingly normal room, where she is changed into a pure white dress. She is then met by Linsheid, a beautiful young woman who addresses her as "Queen." Refia is confused, having rejected the Demon King's proposal. Linsheid explains that the Demon King's will is absolute and that Refia, as his chosen consort, is now the Queen. Refia questions the nature of this arrangement, expecting a grim fate like sacrifice or imprisonment, but Linsheid insists the Demon King is not cruel and does not mistreat women, nor is his face ugly. Linsheid also reveals the Demon King has no harem and has always walked a righteous path.
The narrative then shifts to the perspective of Maogreed Asura, who goes by Maoli. He is the son of former clan leaders who died in battle. Raised by Cellazam, his father's old friend, Maoli harbors complex feelings about his parents and his upbringing. He recounts his childhood in Mariel Village, where he met Refia. Initially aloof, Maoli was drawn to Refia's spirited nature. They became inseparable, and he learned much from Cellazam, including the truth about his parents' sacrifice. At age eleven, Maoli awakened his powers and returned to the demon realm, promising Refia he would return for her. Five years later, after unifying the demon realm, he became the Demon King. He was surprised when the idea of marrying Refia was proposed, as she was human, but accepted it, seeing it as a chance to reunite with her.
Back in the audience chamber, Maoli, disguised in armor, is overjoyed to see Refia but is taken aback when she denies recognizing him. The confrontation escalates as Balurunt demands her loyalty, and Refia continues to refuse. Maoli, unable to reveal himself due to his armor and the political implications, is distressed by Refia's rejection and her harsh words. He eventually stops the argument and asks Cellazam to handle Refia.
Later, Maoli, as the Demon King, visits Refia. He apologizes for the forceful abduction and reiterates his desire to marry her. He promises to return her to her village regardless of her answer, but asks her to wait until things stabilize. Refia, however, expresses her lingering distrust due to a past betrayal by her childhood friend, Maoli, who promised to return but disappeared. She recounts the story of being left hanging from a pillar while waiting for him. Maoli is visibly affected by her story, realizing she doesn't know he is the Demon King. He asks to be left alone.
Refia is then given a tour of the castle, starting with the training grounds. She is impressed by the skill of the Demon King's Royal Guard, led by Adolphus. She requests to train with them, and after some initial reluctance from Adolphus, she is allowed to participate. She demonstrates remarkable swordsmanship, surprising both Adolphus and Cellazam, who reveals he taught her. Refia spends her days training, finding solace in the routine and the camaraderie of the guards, while the Demon King remains distant. She learns about the demon realm's history of internal conflict and the current efforts to rebuild.
One day, Linsheid, who had been Refia's constant companion, disappears. Refia suspects she is being targeted due to her human status and the political instability. She confides in Cellazam, who evasively confirms her suspicions. Refia realizes she is in a precarious position, with potential enemies within the castle and the Demon King's intentions unclear. She resolves to take matters into her own hands.
Refia is then shown her designated residence, the "White Palace," a starkly white structure adorned with numerous statues of muscular, nude men, all bearing a resemblance to the Demon King. She is overwhelmed by the bizarre decor and the realization that she will be staying there. The story concludes with Refia reflecting on her situation, the lingering distrust from her past, and the growing realization that the demon realm and its ruler are not what she expected.
