Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 62 - Velvet & Plush (SEASON 1 FINALE)

"So, who does this sword belong to?" Alicia asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity as she sat beside Van at the table near the throne. Her hand rested gently atop his, her fingers brushing his palm's bare skin as she glanced at the sword laid out before them.

"Some kid's," Van replied calmly, meeting her gaze. "She was using it irresponsibly, so I took it to calm the boy (Liliac) down." His eyes remained steady on hers.

"I see," Alicia mused, her curiosity shifting. "Either way, that dragon didn't cause any damage?" She prodded further, her tone light.

"No..." Van admitted, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he looked away, his voice trailing off. "The one who caused damage... was me."

"And you say she was using it irresponsibly..." Alicia sighed, amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Well, no one got hurt... And..."

"And what?" She pressed, her gaze narrowing slightly as she studied him.

Van hesitated, his thoughts briefly drifting. 'Ah right,' he thought, catching himself as he looked into her crimson eyes. 'I don't really have anything to hide from her.'

"...I really wanted to see how strong I've gotten after slaying Arutol," he murmured, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.

Alicia's interest piqued at his words, a spark igniting in her eyes as she saw the flame of determination flicker within him. "Hah, spoken like a true demon."

"Well, they say a husband merely mirrors his wife's desires..." Van hinted.

"Oh? So, you must REALLY love yourself, then," she replied slyly, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Uh... Not more than usual..." He blurted, narrowing his eyes in confusion. "Funny, you never seemed like the narcissistic type... Well, not too much..."

"IMBECILE!!! I'M SAYING I REALLY LOVE YOU!!" She spat, a burst of flames escaping her mouth in her flustered state.

"Oooh~OOOOH!!!" Van cried out, feeling the sudden, fierce grip Alicia tightened on his hand.

'Dear Archdevil...' Alicia thought as she felt the strength in his hand, noting how it had grown. "You've gotten really strong, huh? Usually, that'd break your hand..." She remarked, a touch of admiration in her voice.

"So you wanted to break it, my dear wife...!!??" Van countered, barely holding back from squirming in agony.

"I mean, you could be revived... So, no harm done." She shrugged nonchalantly, her grip loosening slightly but still maintaining their connection.

"Speaking of which—"

"Alicia, listen, I—" They both spoke at the same time, their words colliding in the air.

"... You first," Van offered, gesturing for her to continue.

Alicia sighed softly, releasing his hand as she stood up, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "Everyone here considers you a demon-kin," she began, "And before the wedding, you are not considered my equal. As your queen, I order you to go first." She straightened her posture, her regal bearing unmistakable.

Van's lips curled into a smirk. "... You're so hot when you're dominating. Keep doing that after the wedding as well, my wife."

"I SAID GO FIRST ALREADY!!" She screamed bashfully, flames shooting from her mouth in her embarrassment. Van merely shrugged off the display, his smile widening.

"Right..." He sighed deeply, the smile slowly fading as a more somber expression took over. "... I... still have things to do there. In the capital, I mean." He admitted, standing up to face her squarely.