Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 58 - Cautionary Tale, Part 7

"First things first, Helix. What is your connection with those demons?" Nickelson asked, as the five stood in a circle, with Van positioned next to Yilla and Varlog, while Lilac sat obediently behind them.

"That's Yilla, Varlog, and Lilac to you, Nickelson," Van started. "As for my reason, I visited the Demon Realm and hung out there for the last two years. Considering we have a peace treaty, I fail to see how that's a problem," Van stated flatly.

'Well, you almost started a war, dear Van, considering how you went about hanging out,' Varlog thought in resignation.

Nickelson rubbed his temples, struggling to contain his anger. "I doubt your 'Party' would approve of this if they knew..." He sighed heavily.

Van shifted slightly, casting his gaze aside in thought. 'He's right...' The thought lingered, and lingered hard. 'I'll need to keep the "important" details under wraps if it ever comes to that. They'd go for my throat if they knew. Guess I'll just have to save their lives again... and tell them then, that'll soften the blow... Nah, considering the shit we've been through, even that might not be enough. Nickelson and his daughter not flipping their shit right now is pure luck...'

"M-may I ask something, Sir Hellix?" Cerille stuttered as she emerged from behind Nickelson.

Varlog, Yilla, and Van raised their eyebrows; 'Sir?' they all thought in unison, looking at Cerille, as Nickelson sighed.

"...You may," Van affirmed, looking at her squarely.

'I was sure he'd be much older... Is that an ability?' she wondered, scrutinizing his face.

"...Hello?" Van asked, noticing her prolonged silence.

Startled, she jumped. "Y-Yes! That... Sir Liliac," she glanced at the bone dragon. "Why did he come here?"

"Well, he was probably bored. So, he just flew here," Van said casually. "That's why he's so calm now after we played around for a bit," he nodded at Lilac.

"Bored..?" Nickelson whispered, his voice shaky. "You wish to tell me I dispatched all of the knights and alerted the king himself because that monster was bored!!?" he yelled. "And what else, played around..!? My daughter almost died because of that dragon!!!" Nickelson erupted.

"You're being unreasonable, Nickelson. No one died, so—" Van began, but Varlog interjected, placing a firm hand on Van's shoulder.

"I believe what dear Van means to say," he began, giving Van a scolding nod before facing Nickelson squarely, "is that we acknowledge this mistake, King's Hand Nickelson. It was a very grave error that could have sparked a second great war. We deeply apologize and hope this has not damaged our relations," Varlog said, stepping forward.

'Hah, right,' Van thought, conceding the stage to Varlog. 'Nickelson may have matured, but he's still a piece of shit, I bet. He'd retaliate if this isn't handled carefully.' Van stepped back gracefully.

'Impressive. He showed both at the pool and here that he can be level-headed when it matters,' Cerille thought, somewhat relaxed as she watched Van back off. 'As expected... He really is Van Hellix. He wouldn't have survived otherwise.'

"Hmph. At least you know when to let the wiser adults speak, Hellix," Nickelson mocked, turning to face Varlog. "Aside from your newly acquired brawn, you're naught but a meaty child."

"Yeah?" Van snapped at the word 'meaty', glaring at Nickelson as he stepped forward again.

"Ah..." Cerille's heart sank at the exchange, concerned, while Nickelson smiled triumphantly as Van stomped forward.