Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 8 - Regret

THE NEXT DAY...

"Varlog~!!!" Van called out joyfully as he burst through the doors, exchanging cheerful greetings with the maids and servants of the demonic castle.

"Today's the day, I can just feel it! She'll say yes!" Van proclaimed, his enthusiasm shining bright.

Varlog sighed, but with a smile this time as he continued his work on a scroll.

 
"That's what you said last week... and the two weeks before that. Would you like something to eat before you propose to her majesty today?"

"Hmm... Not today. I'm still full from the game we shared yesterday with you and the rest of the castle's staff," Van replied cheerfully.

"That was indeed quite the feast... Her majesty's servants and I thoroughly enjoyed it," Varlog remarked.

"Speaking of which, did she eat it after she pierced my skull?" Van asked with a hint of concern.

"Her Majesty was quite hungry; it took her a bit to dispatch you that day... However, she did take a bite, said nothing, and then left. I believe she might have liked it," Varlog offered, trying to add a positive note.

"Oh, I see. That's good to hear. How's the wife?" Van asked casually.

"She's fine, fine... Actually, no, she's still quite upset with you for missing our 583rd wedding anniversary two days ago. She even made that roast you praised so highly last year," Varlog replied, his gaze stern.

"Ugh... Varlog, I told you, I was THIS close with Alicia! I nearly had her convinced!" Van exclaimed.

"It is 'Her Majesty' to you, Van Hellix. You do not have the privilege to address our Demon Lord so casually, no matter how passionate you are about making her yours," Varlog cautioned.

"Aside from reminding you the relaxation teachings of Ace The Venturer, from my world; today, she will be known as 'My Wife', Varlog," Van declared with unwavering confidence.

Varlog sighed deeply. "...I suppose Her Majesty will decide your penance for such insolent familiarity. As she always did, anyway..." he remarked resignedly.

"I see. Well, I'm heading in now," Van said, walking past Varlog toward the throne room, his arms full of a meticulously selected bouquet and the usual ring.

"Ahh, quite the selection you've brought... Those are indeed her favorites! For such consideration, I shall warn; it's been quite some time since she shared her tactics on how to deter you... Be on your guard," Varlog warned.

"Don't worry! I am resolute," Van assured him, his voice filled with determination.

"I understand. But of course, you are. See you tomorrow, Van."

"There won't be a tomorrow! Today, I shall leave the throne room with her as my fiancée!" Van declared boldly.

"Of course, you will," Varlog responded, his smile resigned yet tinged with a faint glimmer of hope, echoed silently by the other servants.

"He may be the hero's companion, but he's quite the character," the maids whispered among themselves, chuckling softly.

"Yeah, Van's cool. I enjoy sparring with him," the guards mused, appreciating his indefatigable spirit.

"If they do marry, I sure won't mind Van as the second ruler beside Her Majesty," another demonic guard said.

"It may seem like he just barges in thoughtlessly every day, but when Varlog tells him that she's too tired and wants to rest, he just helps us out in what stuff we need! He's such a considerate soul!" Another maid commented.