Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 66 - Not, See

As Van approached the guild, he couldn't help but notice the large crowd gathered around it. Their faces were a mix of curiosity, but some, especially the older folk, bore expressions of resentment and anger. Among the crowd, a few adventurers stood out, their gear marking them as professionals.

'Oh?' Van thought, his eyes scanning the scene. 'What's this commotion about?' he murmured under his breath as he casually approached the group. 'Is it about Varlog and the boy?' He wondered, thinking of Liliac.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from beside him, followed by a tap on his shoulder. "Van! Where the hell have you been?"

Van turned his head, immediately recognizing the voice. "Anne," he said, meeting her gaze as she stood close to him.

Across the square, Michael and Lizzy watched from a distance, their expressions darkening as Anne left their side to approach Van.

'Again, that guy...!' Michael thought, his brow furrowing. 'We tried asking Anne what happened when they left the guild, but all she said was they finished early and hung out until the alarms rang... But that's got to be a lie! And what's with that armor he's wearing?' His fists clenched tightly at his sides. 'He's definitely up to no good. I have to protect them!'

Lizzy, standing beside Michael, frowned as her thoughts turned inward. 'I know how Anne feels about Michael... I know they aren't on the best of terms. But still, I somehow expected her to be on my side when I told her what happened at our house...' She sighed, recalling the events with a sense of frustration. 'But then...'

-------Flashback--------------

"Ahh... He did that...?" Anne muttered meekly, her gaze dropping to the ground.

"I mean, he didn't mean anything by it to me... He just wanted Michael out of there. But he ended up hurting his feelings so cruelly. You'd understand, right, Anne?!" Elizabeth said, her voice almost enthusiastic, as if seeking validation.

"Oh..." Anne responded, and Liz noticed her shoulders loosening. "So... He didn't mean anything by it... Like, you and Van are not... close, or anything?"

At first, when she said it, I thought she was concerned for me...

"What!? NO! He's just a brute and a womanizer! I'd never go near him!" I snapped back, almost too swiftly.

... But I couldn't have been more mistaken.

"Oh... So, you're not close... I see." Anne murmured, her eyes still downcast. I could see the relief flooding her face, her muscles relaxing. I could tell... Anne likes him. I just... I just couldn't comprehend what in the world she saw in him.

'What...!?' I thought.

---------------------

"My mom told me you ran out on her!! And then stole some armor and LEFT!! Where did you go!?" Anne almost yelled, crossing her arms in frustration.

'Oh... So she's berating him...!' Michael thought as he overheard her sharp tone, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. 'So... Anne! You can see who he really is, like I do, right?!' Michael's excitement began to rise, thinking she was finally seeing Van for what he believed him to be.

'Wait... But... Ran out on MARCY?! How did he...?' Lizzy's mind raced as the realization hit her.

"Sorry. I just needed to... Uh, check up on my dad. Haven't heard from him," Van replied coolly.

"Where DOES your father live...? I thought you were staying with Lizzy and her mom..." Anne questioned, her voice still filled with suspicion.

"Oh..." Van paused, briefly glancing at Lizzy before answering. "Neither of you have to worry about that. I have my own place starting today." His words caused Lizzy's eyes to widen in surprise.