"Ah... How vexing," Varlog muttered under his breath as he awoke, still in the wagon en route to the royal capital. He sensed a disturbance nearby, a ripple of unease stirring the air.
"Elder? Are you alright?" The spokesman's voice cut through his thoughts, concern etched into his expression.
"Ah, yes, good lad. My house is nearby in these woods, so I shall get off here," Varlog responded, masking his growing unease with a calm demeanor.
The lad quickly relayed the message to the wagon driver, signaling him to stop.
"Watch yourself out there, alright elder!? I like you, so I'd rather we meet again under joyous circumstances!" the spokesman exclaimed, his voice carrying warmth as he and the others waved goodbye. Varlog offered a gracious smile and returned the gesture before vanishing into the dense woods.
'Demonic presence... here? This pressure... Could it really be...?' Varlog pondered, feeling the weight of the dark energy intensifying. With a swift motion, he extended his thick leather wings from beneath his robes, soaring upwards and then darting toward the source of the disturbance.
As he flew, a bone-dragon with a demonic rider streaked past him at an unfathomable speed, heading straight for the Royal Capital.
'Hmm... This might prove troublesome,' Varlog thought, his eyes narrowing as he watched the creature slice through the clouds.
---------A WHILE EARLIER----------
Alicia sat on the table next to her fancy throne, going over documents related to the state of her kingdom, the light and joy that once sparkled in her eyes now dimmed.
Suddenly, a leather envelope appeared on the floor, materializing within a burst of flames.
'A letter...? From Varlog...!?' Alicia thought as she raised her attention which was buried in paperwork. Her curiosity piqued as she flicked the envelope toward her with a gesture of telekinesis.
She opened it meticulously, her eyes scanning the contents.
Just then, a maid entered the throne room, ready to deliver news regarding the kingdom in Varlog's absence.
"My Lord... Liliac has—" the maid began with a respectful bow.
"Ah..." Alicia gasped softly, her attention snapped back to the note, her hands trembling with the weight of its words.
"Van is... in the Royal Capital... I'm..." she murmured, clutching the letter tightly.
"So... So happy that he's okay..." Tears welled up as she pressed the note against her forehead, a sob escaping her lips.
'Master Varlog has found Master Van...!!!' the maid thought, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"MY LORD, I SHALL PREPARE LILAC, LET US RIDE TO THE CAPITAL AND—" the maid burst out enthusiastically, stepping forward.
Alicia raised her palm, signaling her to halt.
"I know... I know Liliac misses Van, and that he has grown restless with no one to play with him..." Alicia spoke softly, wiping away her tears and straightening her posture as she faced the eager maid. "As do I..." She added, her voice trailing off, her blush faint.
"But I must not leave. I cannot abandon my kingdom," she declared, her voice firm.
"...But... My Lord, it is Van! We now know where he is! Allow me to manage your throne while you—"
Flames flickered in Alicia's eyes as her gaze narrowed.
"Do you covet my throne, servant..?" she asked, her voice cold and sharp.
YOU ARE READING
Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord
FantasyVan and his friend Magus had reincarnated in another world with magic. Tasked to kill the demon lord, they set forth. Van was granted very rough skills that made life for him in that world a living hell, yet he muscled through. Magus however, was be...
