Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 68 - The War, Part 2

Varlog began his explanation, his voice steady and deliberate.

"One of the reasons the demons went to war was over resources. Your king's and other races' refusal to share with the demons, despite the growing tension, pushed things over the edge."

That didn't sit well with the girls, who exchanged uneasy glances.

But it was the second reason that truly unsettled them, regarding the Royal Academy.

"The other races also need heroes," Varlog continued. "Heroes summoned and granted divine grace directly by the Gods."

"So?" Lalyn interjected calmly. "While a summoning involves intricate mechanisms, formulas, and the coordination of several experts, along with the Goddess's approval, that doesn't mean it's impossible for other races to summon heroes of their own." Her explanation earned subtle nods from the room.

"If that's all it required," Varlog countered, "then we—the dragons, elves, or dark elves, with our much more experienced mages and longer lifespans—would have summoned heroes long before you humans ever did. It may seem to you as if the elves are simply in no need for such a hero, but that is because they mask their desperation well. Either way, like you, we are equally devoted to our gods. I have no reason to doubt the same applies to the other races." His words made Lalyn frown slightly, her brows knitting in discomfort.

"Then why is it," Varlog pressed, "that only humans have ever succeeded in performing the summoning ritual, despite having shorter lifespans and less experience?" His question drew the room's attention, and even Van leaned in.

"The founder of this capital, the first protégé of the Goddess Varolia—Varolon, who was also a close friend of the first Demon Lord, Lucifer—shared with him that he received a vision from your Goddess."

As Varlog paced the room, Lizzy's curiosity got the better of her. Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "The demons and humans were once friends?"

"Liz!" Amoria's voice was sharp, immediately drawing her attention back.

Varlog turned to the girl, kneeling slightly as he offered a warm smile. Amoria, however, tightened her grip on her staff, her body tense and ready.

Everyone appeared to be on edge...

Until Van placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Van...?" she called, her voice soft as she, along with the others, turned to him.

"It's alright," he said, his voice calm. "He won't hurt her."

Their eyes widened at his words. Questions swirled through their minds—How could he be so sure? He wasn't exactly known for being the best judge of character.

Yet, despite their confusion, they instinctively lowered their guards. Marcy's words echoed in Amoria's mind.

'Let's trust Van,' she remembered. With a reluctant sigh, she lowered her staff, though suspicion still lingered in the air. This act of trust towards the demonic advisor earned wary glances in Van's direction, but for the moment, tensions eased enough for Varlog to continue.

"Young lady," Varlog began, his tone reminiscent of a storyteller, "once there was less power in the world. Yes, there were powerful individuals, but fewer power struggles. It was a time of adventure and romance, when the goal was to explore and experience the world, rather than control it or claim resources."

Lizzy, taken aback by the vigor in his voice, asked, "Do you like history... uh... Demonic Advisor?"

Her innocent question made Amoria, Lalyn, and Marcy flinch slightly at her friendliness toward the demon.