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“Who’s that?” Van inquired casually as Liz seemed to struggle with the visitor at the door.

“That’s Michael Evenbrown. He grew up with Liz, Anne, and Mel—good friends, always together… Almost became childhood sweethearts, even. But recently, he’s become quite persistent,” Amoria explained, watching her daughter with a mix of concern and frustration.

“Persistent like this?” Van gestured towards the door, eyebrows raised.

“Exactly like this,” Amoria confirmed, her tone flat.

On the other side of the door, Liz attempted to handle the situation diplomatically. “Michael, I appreciate you coming by… I really do, but I’m just… A little tired right now, haha. Aunt Marcy had us running all over the place today,” she explained with a weary chuckle.

“Oh, yeah! Aunt Marcy can be super tough! Remember when we interned at the guild together? I thought I was going to collapse!” Michael responded with a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

Liz forced a smile, “Yeah, that was… something.”

Van nodded, “He just doesn’t seem to know when to stop, huh?”

“Exactly. And I often have to step in. Liz values her friendships deeply; she wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so she will never admit that kid grew up to be a bother for her, draining her energy reservoir. The Michael she grew up loving isn’t the Michael who’s standing at our door right now, and unfortunately, she won’t realize it until she grows up a bit…” Amoria added, her gaze returning to Liz who was visibly struggling.

Van sighed, reflecting on his own past. “I get it. I was a handful myself before I ended up in this world,” he commented as he stood and walked towards the door, ready to intervene.

“Van?” Amoria asked, her tone laced with surprise as she saw him rise from his seat.

“Just relax, Imma give my cute niece a break,” Van said with a reassuring smile, then turned to address the doorway where Liz was talking.

Amoria’s expression softened into a knowing smile as she watched Van take charge, easing back into her chair, feeling more relaxed now that he was stepping in.

Outside, Michael’s voice carried on with hopeful persistence. “Well, if you’re still working at the guild, maybe I could join you? Like when we were kids?”

Liz hesitated, her voice tinged with polite dismissal. “What’s the point, really… The Academy starts in just a week. You should probably rest and spend time with your friends.”

“But Liz, you’re one of my closest friends! I… uh… I wouldn’t mind hanging out more. Maybe if you’re not sure now, I could come back later, and we could go out then? Would that be alright?” he continued, his voice a mix of eagerness and uncertainty.

Liz forced a laugh, a hint of impatience beneath her politeness, yet she was unable to refuse as she saw the earnestness in his eyes, “Ahaha… Coming back later might be a bit too late, don’t you think?” she replied, hoping he would catch the hint.

‘Dude… Masking your obviously lewd intentions as pure like that… Don’t you know girls have a built-in bullshit detector? Besides…’ Van thought as he took a deep breath.

‘… My niece just told you she was nearly worked to death earlier, and you’re still pressing her to go out with you? Looks like I have no choice but to step in…’

Just as Liz was struggling to politely refuse, Van stepped in smoothly, placing his arm around her neck and leaning on her.

‘Well, might as well make good use of my chiseled young face…’ Van mused internally, as Liz turned her head and her cheeks flushed deeply upon seeing Van so close.

Michael froze in his spot, his face draining of color as he looked at Van, especially noticing Van’s arm casually draped around Lizzy’s neck.

“Who’s this, Lizzy? One of your friends?” Van asked, adopting a slightly rough tone as he eyed the stunned Michael.

“O-oh… V-van… He… He’s Michael… J-j-just my friend… He… uh… just came to…” Liz stuttered, her voice faltering as she struggled to maintain composure under Van’s imposing presence.

‘Nice acting, my niece!’ Van thought, internally applauding Liz’s performance… Not getting that it might be genuine.

‘Oh my…!’ Amoria thought as her eyes widened a little, still intrigued as she watched Van in action.

“L-liz…?” Michael’s voice was quiet and timid, as if he’d shrunk back, unable to meet either Van’s or Lizzy’s gaze.

“Come on, Lizzy… The bed isn’t going to warm itself. Tell your friend here to leave; I’m getting cold out here!” Van declared, not holding back.

“W-what? G-get in… bed… I… uh…” Liz faltered, her body trembling slightly as confusion and embarrassment took over. Her face now redder than a tomato.

“Bed…? Liz… You have a boyfriend?” Michael’s voice cracked slightly, his eyes glossy as he fought back tears.

“Huuuuh?! Isn’t it obvious what’s going on here?” Van boomed, feigning surprise, leaving Liz utterly shocked by the unfolding situation.

‘Van, you’re overdoing it…’ Amoria thought, her expression tinged with concern.

“With a guy like that…!” Michael muttered under his breath, his teeth clenched tightly.

“What? You wanna fight over her? Think you can handle me?” Van taunted with a smirk, his gaze piercing as he looked at Michael. Liz, caught between bashfulness and embarrassment, now looked distinctly uncomfortable.

Michael paused, his eyes meeting Van’s confident smile briefly before tears welled up. He turned abruptly and ran away from the doorstep.

“Oh my…” Amoria murmured, covering her mouth with her hands.

‘That was perhaps too harsh, Van…’ She reflected silently as Liz’s face remained an unreadable mask. Van watched until Michael was out of sight, then he closed the door, his arm still casually draped around Lizzy’s neck.

“Well, that was tha—” Van began, but Liz abruptly shoved him aside with both hands.

“That was cruel!” she exclaimed, tears beginning to pool in her eyes as she faced Van.

Van held her gaze, silent, letting the intensity of her emotions hang in the air.

“He looked so sad! Yes, he can be too forward, but he’s really a good person at heart!” Liz insisted, her voice quivering as the image of Michael’s tearful departure replayed in her mind.

‘I told you, Van… Haaah… That girl will never realize he just did her a huge favor, not until she matures…’ Amoria thought with a resigned sigh, preparing to intervene and comfort her daughter.

“You shouldn’t have done this, Van! You were so cruel!” Liz snapped, frustration lacing her words.

Van met her glare with a serene composure.

“I’ll take cruel if it means you finally get some sleep,” he retorted coolly.

Liz lowered her gaze, her frustration simmering just below the surface.

He was then waving dismissively as he strolled back to the living room, leaving Liz alone with her turbulent thoughts.

He passed Amoria, who wore a look of slight concern yet seemed relieved at Van’s decisiveness.

‘…Oh well. She’ll mature eventually… Thanks, Van. Perhaps this kind-hearted lady will eventually show you how to handle these situations with a bit more finesse,’ she mused mischievously as Van passed her.

As Van approached the table, the sight of dirty plates and utensils irked him. He blushed and swiftly returned to the kitchen to deposit the dishes. Amoria couldn’t help but giggle as she watched him handle the cleanup.

‘That guy… Why does Mom like him so much?’ Liz wondered in her frustration, observing Amoria’s playful reaction to Van’s clumsiness as he came back to the table to help her clean.

“So… The elves. Why did you and your father went there to begin with?” Liz asked after shaking off her initial surprise learning about the secret.

“…To try their game, as I said. We just liked to travel, so there wasn’t a major reason. Since they let the forest animals eat the best food, their flesh was of the highest quality.”

“I see…” She murmured, slightly unsure of how to answer.

“Either way, stay away from the meat if you ever visit those herbivore-nuts,” he added with a sigh.

“Hmm… Do you dislike the elves, Van?” Liz asked, her curiosity piqued. Amoria also leaned in, listening intently.

“Not really. They have their traditions and rules, and we blatantly disrespected them. Honestly, considering what we did, just an execution seems pretty generous.” Van replied with a chuckle and a shrug, his tone nonchalant.

‘They’re practically saints compared to the mermaids… I was trapped underwater for months because after they drowned me as punishment for proposing to their princess, I respawned in an underwater air pocket instead of on the surface. I managed to escape by repeatedly drowning, which increased my Vigor and Resistance stats each time. That gradually extended the time I could hold my breath. And let’s not even talk about the multiple times I suffered from decompression sickness when I swam up too quickly… Ugh, now I can last over 37 hours underwater on a single breath… And that’s BEFORE dying to Alicia.’ he mused inwardly, the memory still vivid.

“I see… You and your father are really wise…” Liz murmured, turning away shyly.

“Wise? Did you miss the part where we ate the sacred deer?” Van quipped, slightly amused.

“Well, that part wasn’t wise… But you acknowledge that despite how harshly the elves treated you and your father, they can be kind if you respect their customs. I think… Your father was wise to understand that, and you are too for seeing it the same way,” Liz responded, her cheeks coloring as she stole a glance at him.

Amoria smiled, watching the exchange between Van and her daughter.

Van’s eyes widened slightly at Liz’s interpretation. He chuckled inwardly.

‘I swear, it’s like dealing with two Amorias here. Magus… You did a good job with these two, you cucking bastard.’ he reflected as he looked down, slightly solemn.

Their dinner continued, with Van sharing stories of his adventures, cleverly presenting them as tales of him and his father. His narratives, filled with misfortune and his own blunt reactions, kept Liz laughing throughout the meal.

“Say, are you here for a long visit?” Liz asked after they finished eating, her voice lingering in the quiet of the dining room.

“Uhm, not really. My dad wanted to catch up with old friends here, so we split up in the city to find them. I just happened to run into Amori-… Aunt Amoria by sheer chance,” he explained, his voice slightly stuttering as he corrected his informal slip.

Amoria couldn’t help but smile at his correction.

“We’ll probably leave after we’ve met with everyone, maybe tomorrow or the day after,” Van added, his tone matter-of-fact.

Liz’s expression fell slightly, “Oh… I see,” she murmured softly.

Amoria’s smile faded as she watched Liz’s disappointment. She chewed her lip, thinking.

Van’s thoughts wandered. ‘It’s not like I can really blend in with their teen daughters as a forty-year-old man, and I’d rather avoid running into Mika and Rika right now after what I did to them… Besides…’ His mind drifted to Alicia’s smile once more.

Suddenly, Amoria perked up in her seat, a spark of inspiration flashing across her face.

“Actually!” She let out.

“Hm?” both Van and Liz turned to her, intrigued.

“I… just remembered something! Your father sent word earlier, Van! He mentioned he wanted you to socialize more. He asked me if you could stay here and attend the Academy with Lizzy, Anne, and Mel!” Amoria announced with a burst of enthusiasm.

‘WHAT?!’ Van’s thoughts screamed, completely caught off guard by her suggestion.

“Obviously, I agreed! Isn’t that great, Liz? Van could go with you to the Academy!” Amoria exclaimed, her voice shaking slightly with excitement.

“R-really..? He’s really a free bird, huh?” Liz responded, her face lighting up at the thought, and she offered a bright smile in Van’s direction.

‘I am NOT saying here, Amoria.’ Van’s mind raced as he stared back at her in disbelief.

Amoria met his gaze firmly, her eyes burning with a mix of determination and a silent plea not to disappoint her daughter.

Resigned, Van sighed inwardly. ‘I’ll think about how to leave later.’

“But… will you be okay? The Academy is going to become really strict this year…” Liz added, her tone laced with concern as she looked back at Van.

“Ahh, don’t worry, sweetie! Vanny here is really, really… REAAAAALLY strong…!” She encouraged her daughter cheerfully, while sneaking a knowing gaze to Van.

“A-ah… I see… T-that’s good to hear…” Liz murmured, her gaze inadvertently drifting to Van’s upper torso, now hidden by a shirt as she blushed with a faint smile.

‘Hm?’ Van thought, not understanding the meaning behind her gaze.

“Anyway, I told him it was fine for Vanny to stay here until you all go to the Academy. Are you okay with that?” she asked Liz.

‘Here it comes…’ Van thought, bracing himself as he observed Liz’s reaction.

“I… I don’t really mind…” Liz replied softly, her voice faint as she averted her gaze from Van.

‘See? You’ve made her uncomfortable. This is just like when my dad’s new wife moved in…’ Van mused, offering Amoria a resigned, weak smile.

Amoria, noticing Van’s resignation, felt a renewed surge of determination. “Actually… the Academy’s director arranged a place for Van and his father nearby… I was thinking of escorting him there soon…” She assured her daughter.

‘Woah, okay. Good. Her daughter’s going to ‘reluctantly‘ agree to it to not make me feel too uncomfortable.’ Van thought, appreciating the gesture.

“N-no..!” Liz suddenly protested, nearly rising from her seat.

‘Huh?’ He mused, dumbfounded by her reaction.

“I mean… if you already have a place, that’s great… But… I would’ve liked it if you stayed here too… I had fun talking to you tonight, and you’re also the son of one of my mom’s best friends…” Liz explained, her voice growing more confident.

Van was momentarily speechless.

‘Woah, woah, kid! No need to try so hard to not offend me! I’m… Honestly, a little happy… But… That’s just trying too hard…’

“Oh, great! Because actually, he doesn’t have a place to stay,” Amoria chimed in cheerfully, catching her daughter off guard.

“M-mom!!” Liz exclaimed, her face flushing with embarrassment as she playfully punched her mother’s shoulder and then buried her face against it.

‘Devious, Amoria… very devious…’ Van thought, squinting at Amoria. She returned his gaze with a knowing smile, as if telepathically saying, ‘I told you so.’

‘Grr…’ He growled internally before sighing.

‘Well. I guess I’ll just keep those two safe until I’m out of here,’ He thought to himself as he looked at Amoria and Liz’s smiles.

Just then, a series of knocks echoed through the house.

“Oh? Who could that be at this hour?” Amoria wondered aloud as she turned toward the door.

“It’s not that late… Maybe it’s Aunt Marcy or Anne!” Liz exclaimed, springing from her seat and heading to the door.

As Liz left the room, Amoria’s gaze shifted back to Van.

“Van…” she began softly.

“Yeah?” he responded, meeting her eyes.

“Thank you,” she said with a gentle smile.

Van chuckled softly, “You said it yourself—we’re party members,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of warmth as he returned her gaze.

“Oh… Uh… Hi, Michael… I’m a bit tied up right now…” Liz spoke through the door, her voice hesitant, capturing the attention of Van and Amoria inside.

“Y-you are? Um, when you’re free… maybe we could go out for coffee or something?” Michael, a timid boy around her age, suggested from the other side.

“Uh, are you sure? It’s kind of late, and I wouldn’t want to impose…” Liz replied, her smile strained as she hesitated.

“You’re never an imposition, Liz! No matter how late, it’s… um… always worth it if it’s with you,” he rushed to reassure her, his voice earnest.

Amoria leaned back in her chair with a visible sigh, observing her daughter’s awkward interaction.

“Haaaah…” she exhaled, a mix of amusement and frustration in her tone.

“That boy just doesn’t get the hint…” she murmured under her breath, watching the scene unfold.

Van raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the conversation unfolding at the door.

“Uhm… So, Van… Where did you and your dad come from? Were you living near the capital after he separated from the party?” Liz asked as they dined.

“Well… Uh…” Van hesitated, glancing at Amoria as if looking for cues. She simply smiled back, clearly enjoying watching him squirm.

‘She’s getting a kick out of this, huh…?’ Van thought, a touch of resignation in his mental tone.

“We just… traveled around, really. Never stayed in one place too long, so we never really had a ‘home’ as such. I guess you could say I’ve been on the road all sixteen years of my life…” Van said, trailing off a bit at the end.

“Woah…! That sounds so cool… Have you been to the golden grasslands? Oh, and I’ve always wanted to see the elven kingdom. Have you been there?” Liz asked, her excitement bubbling over.

‘Ah, the elven kingdom… Proposed to their queen once. Got executed for my trouble. Lovely place, though,’ Van reminisced wryly to himself.

‘She’s really excited… But that place would probably just overwhelm her with culture shock. She’d be running for the hills before sundown,’ he thought, amused by her enthusiasm.

“Yeah, the elven lands are uh… fascinating, I suppose. Forget the sights, they have an array of unique dishes. Just a dash of salt on some of their local game, and it’s like a little slice of heaven…” Van mused, his tone nostalgic as Liz’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“WOW!! You’ve had meals cooked by the elves?!” Liz exclaimed, her earlier embarrassment fading into sheer awe.

‘… The closest I got to ‘elf-cooked’ meals was dodging flaming arrows…’ Van thought wryly, observing her enthusiasm. Despite his reservations, he found himself not wanting to burst her bubble.

“Uh, yeah, I’ve had elven cuisine, the.. uh… Game I told you about,” Van conceded, bending the truth just a tad.

‘Technically, the horned deer from there counts… though they’re sacred or something. That also might have been why they were so angry with me… Hopefully she doesn’t catch onto how elves are herbivores…’ he recalled silently, reflecting on the cultural faux pas.

“Wait, but aren’t elves herbivores?” Liz suddenly interjected, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Caught off guard by her insight, Van faltered for a moment. Glancing at Amoria and finding reassurance in her serene expression, he relaxed and returned his attention to Liz with an easy smile.

“Don’t tell an elf if you meet one, but my dad hunted a sacred horned deer for us to eat,” Van began nonchalantly, causing Liz to gasp and cover her mouth with her hand.

“Oh my..! That’s their sacred animal, how could you?!!” she exclaimed, eyes wide as she looked at Van.

“Yeah,” Van continued, unfazed, “The elven cuisine I mentioned? It was just that… We cooked it right in the middle of their forest.” Liz’s expression grew solemn, but her fascination with Van’s tale only intensified, much like Amoria’s.

“Then, they had us completely surrounded, threatening us with arrows and shouting about execution. Starving and not in the mood for their fruit, my dad and I packed up the deer right in front of them while trying to calm them down. Then we bolted, sprinting away as they chased us, shrieking like banshees,” he described with a casual shrug.

“YOU’RE SO TERRIBLE!!! THE POOR DEER!” Liz yelled, laughter mingling with her mock outrage. Amoria also chuckled, clearly entertained by the story.

“But eventually, they cut us off. We were captured and brought before their queen,” Van added, his tone still light.

“You met the ELVEN QUEEN HERSELF?! AND LIVED TO TELL THE TALE?!” Liz interjected, her eyes practically bulging with awe.

“Well, depends who you ask. Seeing no way out, my dad just went for it and proposed to the elven queen, ring and all. True story,” Van concluded, as if recounting a casual day out rather than a brush with death.

Liz burst into laughter again. “What!? That’s ridiculous!” she exclaimed, while Amoria eyed Van with a mischievous grin.

“DID he now…?” she prodded, her smile laced with curiosity and a tinge of envy.

Van shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. “Y-yeah… So, the Elven Queen, utterly insulted by a human’s proposal—and by a human who had just hunted their sacred deer, no less—had him executed right there.”

Liz hung on every word as Van elaborated on the story.

“Feeling a bit of pity for me, since I was just a kid, she let me go with a stern warning. I met up with my dad outside the forest. They didn’t realize he could revive after death, so that was our lucky break,” he concluded.

‘Fuck. I slipped up.’ He winched at his own words.

“Wait… So… Your father… died?” Liz asked, puzzled.

“Uh… yeah. He died, and then revived later. His Dark Soul passive… you haven’t heard about it?” Van asked, slightly confused.

“Your father… can revive after dying? What!?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with awe and skepticism.

Bewildered, Van looked at Amoria. Her expression had turned stern.

“…Well, since you said it, there’s no point keeping it a secret anymore, at least not from Liz,” she sighed.

“Lizzy, your uncle Van could revive after every death. Only the royal family, their first battalion of royal knights, and us know about it,” Amoria revealed, turning her face to Van.

“We all kept it a secret. Every enemy that killed your father died before they could spread it. The king knew that if this secret got out, it could be used against him and the party,” she explained.

“That’s why, Lizzy, you need to keep this to yourself. Understand?” Amoria asked, locking eyes with her.

She nodded. “Alright… I will!”

‘… Not easily deterred, are you, kid?’

[FULL STORY HERE, ON WORDPRESS: Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord [READ HERE] ]

Van returned to the dining room, fully dressed this time.

“Sorry for the show, wasn’t quite ready yet,” he apologized as he took a seat at the table, adjusting the shirt slightly.

Liz, overwhelmed and still processing the scene, barely managed a response.

“A-ah… N-no… Don’t worry about it…” She stammered, her gaze flickering away shyly.

Van inwardly cringed at his earlier blunder.

‘Ah, look at her. She probably thinks I’m some kind of freak now. Walking around topless in her house… Get it together, man. You’re a guest here, act like one!’ he scolded himself, feeling a mix of embarrassment and resolve.

Amoria concealed a knowing smile as she observed the pair.

“Liz, let me introduce you properly,” Amoria said as she gently touched her daughter’s shoulder, coaxing her to pay attention.

Elizabeth slowly lifted her head, giving her mother a nod of acknowledgment.

Amoria rose from her seat, subtly closing the distance between herself and Van. She casually leaned against his shoulder, pressing her large breasts onto him.

Van felt a jolt of surprise as her warmth pressed against him.

‘Close,’ he thought, taken aback by the sudden proximity. He turned towards Elizabeth, ready to introduce himself.

“Hey. You must be Amoria’s daughter, right? My name’s Van—”

“—Junior. He’s Van Hellix’s son,” Amoria interjected smoothly, flashing a mischievous smile.

‘What is she doing..?’ Van’s mind raced, stunned by her improvisation. Amoria leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper in his ear.

“Play along, okay? Just for a bit, little fella~” Her tone was light.

Taking a deep breath, Van decided to embrace the role Amoria had crafted for him.

‘Sure, why not. Since I’m kind of immortal. Would be weird to tell this kid that I’m actually 42 years old; while still looking to be around her age. I guess this is what Amoria was going for… RIght?’

“V-van? Van Hellix’s son..!? No way…!” Elizabeth exclaimed, her surprise evident as she scrutinized Van more closely, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

“Yep… That’s me…”

“And this adorable munchkin right here…” Amoria cooed, leaning in behind her bashful daughter, enveloping her in a warm embrace as she drew her closer, their heads nearly touching, while fixing her gaze on Van.

“Meet my daughter, Elizabeth. Can you believe she’s actually a year older than you, Vanny? Turning 17 soon…!” she purred with a hint of mischief in her tone.

“A-ah… Y-yes… S-she’s right… H-hello… V-van…” Elizabeth stuttered, her cheeks flushing as she struggled to meet Van’s gaze, hoping to conceal her embarrassment.

Van observed Amoria closely, a sense of unease creeping over him.

‘Please don’t tell me she’s doing what I think she’s doing right now,’

“So, what do you think of my daughter, Van? Isn’t she just… sooooo cute~…?” Amoria inched closer to her flustered daughter, a sly smile playing on her lips as she awaited his response.

‘She does, then…’ Van reluctantly acknowledged in his mind, recognizing the hidden agenda behind Amoria’s gaze. ‘I’m not going to fuck a minor, Amoria.’

‘But, hm… How do I respond to this…?’ Van thought, a sense of urgency creeping up on him.

He then examined Amoria’s daughter. Almost at awe with how similar she was to her mother, and how similar she looks to the Amoria from 16 years ago.

Van then smiled weakly.

“Well… she’s your daughter. Of course I think she’s cute,” He said as he glanced at the two.

“Oh..!” Elizabeth blushed slightly.

“Oh….” Amoria echoed, sharing in her daughter’s reaction with a blush of her own.

Amoria chuckled, a hint of warmth tinting her voice. “Ah, what a gentleman, just like your father,” she remarked, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her face.

Van noticed their reactions and mistakenly thought he had made them uncomfortable. ‘I said something wrong, huh…’ he pondered, unsure.

Shifting the mood, Amoria stood up and joined her daughter at the table. “Now, let’s not waste any time and dig in! I bet you two are hungry!” she announced cheerfully, clapping her hands together.

“W-wait, mom… Shouldn’t we pray first?” Elizabeth gently interjected.

“Liz, we have guests. What have I always told you?” Amoria reminded her calmly.

“Person first, Goddess second,” Liz replied with a smile, her eyes lighting up.

“Person first, Goddess second,” Van echoed, his voice blending with Liz’s.

Both Amoria and Liz turned to Van in surprise.

“E-eh? How did you know that, Van?” Liz asked, her curiosity piqued.

Van chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head.

“Ah… well, my uh… My dad used to say that too,” he admitted, his gaze drifting away as a blush crept up his cheeks.

Amoria’s smile deepened, her eyes softening as she observed Van’s embarrassed expression.

Several hours later…

“Mom… I’m back… Hehe…” Elizabeth’s voice drifted through the house as she entered, her posture relaxed and tired from the day’s work.

Amoria, standing in the kitchen, was surrounded by the aroma of cooking food.

“Ah, Liz… How was your day at the guild?” she asked cheerfully yet gently, not turning from her cooking as she awaited her daughter’s response.

Elizabeth wearily made her way through the house and leaned against her mother in the kitchen, embracing her gently as Amoria continued to cook.

“Exhausting… Aunt Marcy is relentless…” Elizabeth murmured, her eyes half-closed, resting her head on her mother’s shoulder and glancing at the simmering pots.

“…Wow… All this for me… Yay…” she added, her voice trailing off in fatigue.

Amoria chuckled softly. “I might have to scold Marcy next time I see her,” she teased.

“No… As much as I want to scream from the muscle pain… I think I need to bulk up a bit before heading to the academy next week, don’t you think? They’re definitely going to ramp up the training now…” Liz sighed, using her mother’s shoulder for support.

Amoria smiled warmly, continuing her cooking with a calm focus. “Well, they will indeed panic and make things more strenuous for the students… Especially for first years like you and Anne.”

“Were you here all day? What happened that Aunt Mika had to take you so suddenly?” Liz asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“Oh, that… I met with an old friend, one I haven’t seen in over a decade, actually before you were born,” Amoria replied casually.

“Really? Who is it?” Liz’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“Hmhm, Van Hellix. My former party member,” she stated proudly.

“Oh…?” Liz responded, a mix of curiosity and confusion in her voice.

“What a cold reaction, Liz,” Amoria sighed. “This is your brave uncle we’re talking about. He was summoned alongside your father, you know,” she added.

“No, I know. It’s just… He doesn’t have the greatest reputation, that’s all. Everyone says he didn’t contribute much to the party and just dragged them all down…”

“Haha, if it wasn’t for him, your mother wouldn’t be here,” Amoria chuckled.

“You always speak so highly of him… Was he stronger than father?” Liz asked, her gaze intense with curiosity.

“In every single way,” Amoria responded firmly, her expression turning to a frown tinged with spite.

“I’m sorry. I… I also haven’t really forgiven father for leaving us,” she confessed as Liz buried her head further into her mother’s shoulder.

“It’s not just about that, Liz,” Amoria added reluctantly.

“What?”

“…No, forget about it,” Amoria shook her head, dismissing the subject. “That’s a story for when you’re a bit more grown up.”

Liz pouted, her voice a mix of protest and softness. “Stop treating me like a kid…! I’m 17!”

“ALMOST 17. Regardless… You. Are. Still. A. Kid!” Amoria playfully emphasized each word, a teasing sparkle in her eye.

Liz watched the pots simmering on the stove, her thoughts stirring just like the soup that was beginning to boil.

“Hey, Mom… Do you think another dragon like Arutol might attack us?” Elizabeth asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Amoria paused her cooking, setting aside her utensils and turning to face her daughter more directly.

“Elizabeth,” she began softly, her hand gently caressing her daughter’s back.

“Whatever happens, you mustn’t burden yourself with such worries. I may have unfinished matters with your late father, but he did have a few words of wisdom. Remember them?”

“Yes…” Liz murmured, pressing closer to her mother.

“If you focus too much on the future, you’ll miss the present,” Liz recited, feeling a slight ease wash over her.

“Good girl,” Amoria purred as she turned back to her cooking, picking up her utensils to focus on the meal.

“Now, go and take a seat at the table. I’ll bring the food over shortly, okay?” Amoria instructed calmly.

Liz nodded and released her hold on her mother, walking clumsily to the dining room. She pulled out a chair and settled into it, waiting.

Before long, Amoria was ready with the meal. She placed it on the table along with three plates, which made Liz look up in confusion as her mother continued to set the table with utensils.

“Is someone joining us?” Liz asked, eyeing the third plate.

“Ah, yes, actually. I forgot to mention—just one second, I’ll call him after I finish setting the table,” Amoria replied as she hurried to place a can of water alongside the glasses and eating utensils.

“Call him? Someone’s already here?” Liz inquired, her confusion growing.

After finishing setting the table, Amoria walked down the hallway to the room where Van was staying.

“Oh…? Someone so important that mom let him stay in that room…?” Liz mused aloud, her curiosity piqued as she slightly tilted her head.

Amoria opened the door to find Van still asleep. With a mischievous smile, she stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind her.

“Van…? Wake up, it’s time for dinner,” she whispered, as if purposely trying not to wake him up.

Seeing no response, her smirk widened. She then approached the bed, leaned down, and gently blew into his ear.

Van shivered and abruptly opened his eyes.

“If you don’t wake up now, I’ll have to punish you for being late… <3” she whispered teasingly into his ear.

Van immediately rolled off the bed in a panic, hitting the floor with a thud.

“W-what the…!?” He exclaimed, looking up at Amoria in disarray.

Outside, Liz heard the noise.

“Oh…! What was that thud? Did something fall over somewhere..?” she wondered, still seated at the table.

Back inside the room, Van was flustered.

“Amoria..!?!” he stammered.

Amoria giggled at his reaction.

“Van, dinner’s ready. Come on out and join us,” she said cheerfully before leaving the room.

“Mom! I heard a thud… Did something fall in there?” Liz called out, still puzzled.

“No, sweetie. It was probably just the neighbors,” Amoria reassured her as she sat down beside her at the table.

‘Ahh… That girl… Yep, this confirms it; She’s like a whole different person.’ Van thought to himself as he got up from the floor, stretching his limbs and looking out the window.

‘Wow, I slept through the entire day? That felt great…’ Van mused, stretching contentedly. He turned toward the door, a thought crossing his mind.

‘Man… Being called for dinner after letting me sleep the whole day… It IS almost like she’s my mom now… Hah, she really is a MILF now, as I thought…’ He pondered as he stepped out of the room, a hint of amusement in his thoughts.

‘Well… It’s not such a bad feeling,’ he conceded internally, a warmth spreading through him as he walked down the hallway.

As he strolled toward the dining room, still yawning, a realization dawned on him.

‘Wait, she said ‘join us‘…?’ His thoughts halted abruptly as he entered the dining room and saw Amoria at the table, her smile welcoming. Next to her was a younger version of herself, her face flushed red as she looked up at Van.

“Aaah…!!” Liz murmured, covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide at the sight of Van’s toned, muscular and rough upper torso and arms. Overwhelmed with embarrassment and excitement, she quickly lowered her gaze, hiding her eyes beneath the table.

“Uh… Hello…” Van said, slightly bewildered as he addressed the embarrassed Elizabeth.

“Ah, could you please… put on the shirt I gave you earlier?” Amoria asked gently, still smiling.

“Um, yeah, sure. Sorry,” Van responded softly, turning back to retrieve the shirt from the room he had just left.

“Don’t worry about it…” Amoria reassured him softly.

Amoria then gave a quick, knowing glance at her daughter.

“Ara~…?” she murmured to herself, watching her daughter’s shy behavior.

Observing Liz’s reaction to Van, a mischievous, almost devious smile spread across her lips, her cheeks tinged with red as an idea began to form in her mind.

[FULL STORY HERE: Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord [READ HERE] ]

“Thanks, the clothes fit well,” Van commented as he emerged from the bathroom dressed in the casual clothes Amoria had given him.

Amoria gave him a quiet smile. “Glad you like them,” she replied softly.

“Were these Magus’s?” Van inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice as he adjusted the fit slightly.

‘I swear that guy wore bigger sizes,’ he thought to himself.

Amoria paused, her smile faltering slightly. “I suppose you could say that,” she responded with a forced laugh.

‘Hm?’

“Come on, follow me,” she said, leading Van down the hallway of her apartment.

“You look exhausted. Even though it’s still early noon, why don’t you take a nap?” she suggested as she opened a door to a spare room. The room was simple, with a single spacious bed and clean sheets.

“This room isn’t anyone else’s, then?” Van asked as he stepped inside.

“No, it’s all yours,” Amoria confirmed after a brief hesitation.

“Thanks… I might just lie down for a bit then. I won’t impose for long; just need to catch a bit of rest, and I’ll be out of your hair.” Van said, his tone casual.

‘Once I’m up, I’ll head to the guild, take up a quest for some cash, and maybe find a place of my own. Don’t want to overstay my welcome,’ he planned silently as he walked inside and sat on the bed.

Amoria looked down, a subtle blush tinting her cheeks as Van explored the room. “You can stay if you want… For more than just a day, I mean,” she murmured quietly.

“Huh?” Van looked up, puzzled by her offer.

“Don’t be ridiculous, you live here with your daughter, right? What’s going to happen when she sees me here and feels uncomfortable?” Van asked, his tone serious.

“If she feels uncomfortable, you mean…” Amoria corrected him gently.

“No, listen… I told you about my dad back in my previous world, right? How him nonchalantly inviting a woman into the house made me feel displaced, and then It’s like I started to feel like a stranger in my own home. Neither I, or you, would want that for your daughter,” Van explained.

‘I mean, it’s a part of it… Another reason is that I’m honestly starting to feel like her kid… And it feels odd.’ He thought, recalling the image of his mother from his own world.

‘I… Haven’t realized just how much I miss her,’ His eyes softened as he brought up her image.

“I remember you telling me that story. But Van, you’re not that woman. If you decide to stay, my daughter and I would welcome you,” Amoria assured him with a soft sincerity.

Van sighed, conflicted.

“Look, I appreciate your offer, but I don’t want to impose. It’s your family’s home. I’ll find a way to manage on my own. Maybe I’ll even get a place nearby,” he reasoned, trying to keep the situation light.

Amoria shook her head, her expression firm. “I’m not offering this out of courtesy, Van. I genuinely want you here. And I’m sure once my daughter gets to know you, she’ll feel the same,” she insisted, locking eyes with him.

“Amoria…” Van whispered.

She took a deep breath and turned toward the door.

“Anyway, make yourself comfortable and rest up. Again… Take all the time you need,” she said, her voice softer now as she closed the door gently behind her.

‘…All the time, huh?’ He mused as he looked at the closed door.

With a sigh, Van went to lay on the soft bed, the mattress yielding beneath his weight with a comfort that made his muscles relax instantly. He exhaled deeply, a contented sigh escaping him as he felt the tension melt away.

‘Feels like sinking into a cloud…’ he thought, a faint moan of relief escaping him. He glanced toward the closed door, ensuring it is closed tight.

‘Just this much is okay… Right?’ With a final nod to himself, he removed his shirt, folded it neatly, and placed it on the wooden nightstand beside the bed.

‘Now I can really unwind…!’ He stretched out again, his body sinking back into the bed’s embrace.

As he stared at the ceiling, Amoria’s offer replayed in his mind; her image mixing unintentionally with his own mother.

‘…Whatever… I’ll think about everything… After… Af—ter… A… Nap…’ His thoughts trailed off as sleep quickly claimed him.

After Van had finished the additional servings, Amoria led him to the bathroom.

“Take as much time as you need. Let’s just say you’re not exactly the picture of cleanliness right now,” she teased playfully.

“Right…” Van muttered, scratching his head awkwardly after catching a whiff of himself.

“…I can help you bathe, if you want,” Amoria offered casually, her smile unwavering.

“…Sorry, what?” Van exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise as his face flushed with embarrassment.

Amoria gasped as she saw his embarrassed expression, couldn’t help but laugh at it.

“S-so cute…! You’re just too adorable when you’re embarrassed, like a little boy… and with that face!” she giggled, reaching out to pinch his cheeks gently.

“…” He groaned silently, almost in frustration.

‘His skin… It’s so tough…!’ Amoria noted silently, surprised by the firmness of his cheeks.

He quickly moved to brush her hands away.

“Stop teasing me. I might look young, but you know I’m older than you.” he said, his voice shaking slightly, his cheeks still beet red.

Amoria’s laughter filled the room as her smile broadened, finding his flustered state even more endearing. “Saying that with such a youthful face!” she continued to tease, pinching his cheeks again.

“You’re like a kid trying to act grown-up!” she chuckled, squeezing his cheeks a bit more firmly.

“I said stop…” Van’s protest was soft and shy.

“Oh, you poor, adorable thing, are you sure you don’t want this sweet older lady to help you bathe..!?”

Amoria cooed, increasing the intensity of her rubs and squeezes.

“I’ll do it myself,” Van exclaimed as he shook her off, “No need for teasing to this extent, Amoria.” He hurried into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

‘Damn it… I thought my heart was gonna burst.’ Van thought, his heart still pounding as he leaned against the bathroom door, trying to catch his breath.

Outside, Amoria let out a soft sigh, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

“I was serious about helping you out, though…” she murmured to herself as she bit her lip with a pout, her voice barely audible as she glanced back at the bathroom door one last time before walking away.

A few minutes later, Van sat on the stool in the bath, beginning to soap himself.

‘She was never this forward before.’ he pondered, struggling to reach a spot on his back, his breathing still uneven from the earlier encounter.

‘Should I have accepted her offer just now…?’ He mused, his body relaxing as he stared up at the bathroom ceiling through the rising steam.

‘If I had been firm about me and Amoria continuing the journey without Magus and the rest back then, could things have been different between us? Did I… make a mistake by listening to Magus when he begged me to stay?’

Van gazed down, a shadow of defeat clouding his features.

‘… Relax.’ He reassured himself, ‘I’m going to live far beyond the burning out of the last star in this universe. Am I really crying about not being loved when I’m in my 40s? What am I, a lovesick teenager?’ He scolded himself, his mood lightening as he stood up and stepped into the bath, stretching out and trying to relax as the cleansed the lingering soap from his body.

‘Really, why am I getting worked up over something that happened over 16 years ago? I’m supposed to be immortal… Act like it!’

‘Magic is advancing, new dungeons are appearing with stronger monsters every week or so, and the complexity of spells is increasing. My current stats already place me on par with this world’s mightiest for the next couple of centuries, and I can still level up my stats by dying in creative ways. Why am I wasting time bitching over something as trivial as unrequited love?’ he pondered.

‘It’s… Not that important,’ He tried to convince himself, yet his heart betrayed him, a subtle knot forming in his abdomen.

‘I should… I should just focus on Alicia. Let’s be honest… She kissing that demon didn’t mean anything to her, it was just a game… I left because… I’m just immature. That has to be it.’ He thought.

‘To hell with all of it,’ Van decided with newfound resolve.

‘… I’ll return to the demonic realm to Alicia after a few days.’ he decided, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips as he relaxed further into the warmth of the bath.

‘I bet she’s mad that I left so suddenly. I’ll tell her why I left… And,’ He thought, as several minutes later, he left the bathub and dried himself, noticing clothes neatly folded near the door.

‘I’ll also tell this girl she’d being kind to the wrong person. I’ll tell her everything in due time.’

“Alright, here we are!” Amoria announced cheerfully as she opened the door to her home, ushering Van inside.

“Nice place,” Van commented, stepping in after her. He inhaled the scent of an enclosed space, his gaze wandering curiously around the spacious living room.

‘I somehow expected a mansion, with all of Magus’ harem living side by side… But Amoria having a spacious apartment on a quiet street fits her personality more than anything else,’ he mused, managing a weak smile.

“Sorry about the smell… My airheaded daughter forgot to open the windows when she left,” Amoria explained with a sigh.

“I specifically told her to air out the house before she went out…”

“A daughter?” Van inquired, his interest piqued as Amoria headed towards the kitchen.

“Yes, I’ll introduce you when she gets back. She’s helping out at the guild with Marcy, so she’ll be home later. Meanwhile, you must be starving. Just sit at the dining table there, and I’ll whip something up for you.” She casually said, pointing at the table near the kitchen; positioned a few steps after the entrance door, as she entered the kitchen.

‘Of course she has a kid. It’d be stranger if she didn’t, honestly. Doesn’t matter much if the kid’s Magus’s or someone else’s,’ Van concluded internally as he walked to the wooden dining table, pulled out a chair, and settled in.

“Marcy lives in the city too?” Van raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, she and her daughter,” Amoria responded cheerily as she bustled around the kitchen.

“I’m sure she’d be thrilled to introduce you.”

Van’s mind drifted to the girl he had seen the previous night, bearing a striking resemblance to a young Lalyn—a resemblance Lalyn had later confirmed.

“What about Lalyn’s daughter?” Van asked.

“Oh, yes! Her name is Melanie. She’s a sweetheart, just like her mom. Lalyn is working as an instructor at the Royal Academy now. We had a bit of a disagreement recently, and we haven’t seen each other since, unfortunately,” Amoria replied, her voice bright but tinged with regret.

“Speaking of which, she thanked you for helping her daughter. What happened yesterday?” She questioned as she focused on her task at the kitchen, her eyebrow raised upwards in curiosity.

“Last night, after the dragon attack, I saw a girl who looked a lot like a younger Lalyn just wandering around the city,” Van explained.

“Wandering at night? That’s unusual. I always thought Lalyn was very strict with her,” Amoria said, her expression turning to one of slight concern.

“It seemed like she might have been on a date… with a boy named… Braile… Bon… Brendan?” Van struggled with the memory, attempting to recall the correct name as he tapped his fingers on the table lightly.

“…Bernard…?” Amoria asked.

“Yeah, I think that was the name,” He said as he then pointed his finger upwards.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

“…That’s Duke Brayle’s son—quite popular among the kids in the academy, and generally has a lot of influence and friends in high places,” Amoria remarked, her eyes lighting up with recognition. “Lalyn’s daughter dating him… wow, she has really grown up,” she said, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and surprise.

Van nodded slowly, his expression casual.

“Yeah, but Lalyn might need to have a word with her about watching the company she keeps,” he suggested with a sigh.

“Oh? Was she in trouble when you saw her?” Amoria asked, a tinge of concern in her voice.

“Well, that Bernard boy was pretty out of line last night when I came across the two. Aggressive and violent toward the girl. It nearly escalated into an assault. I had to step in,” Van explained flatly.

“Oh, dear..!! Thank the Goddess you were there as well, then… It seemed like you fancied being a hero last night, huh?” She added with a warm, wide smile.

“Hero is… Was… Magus’s thing. I just happened to come across.” He replied solemnly.

Amoria chuckled lightly, “Hahaha, well… Lucky for her… And us, that you came across then.”

She muttered. A slight blush coloring her features, unnoticed by Van as her back was turned to him.

“…What?” He asked, curious.

‘She knows I killed the dragon…? Well, I don’t think I need to keep it a secret from her… She already saw the runes.’

“Ahh! It’s ready. Let’s talk some more later, okay?” she said as she brought over a plate of food—a hearty serving of steak with vegetables and a glass of warm water.

“Here! I tried to recreate it just like in our party days. I hope it tastes as good!” She beamed, standing next to Van, watching his reaction eagerly.

Van stared at the plate, a mix of surprise and nostalgia washing over his face…. And confusion.

‘Well… It’s… Cleaner than back in our party days, for sure…’ He mused.

He then glanced up at Amoria, his expression a blend of confusion and admiration.

‘…Huh.’ He wondered to himself as he recalled his reasons for almost enslaving Rika and Mika.

Catching his gaze, Amoria smiled gently. “Something on your mind?” she inquired softly.

“Uh… How do I put this…” Van started, his eyes briefly lifting to the ceiling as if searching for the right words, then lowered back to meet hers.

“Yes?” Amoria prompted patiently.

“…Thanks,” he said quietly, his voice low as he lowered his gaze again,

Amoria’s smile widened warmly.

“Of course! We party members should always be there for each other, right? Just make sure to thank me after you’ve tried the food!” she replied, her voice filled with cheer.

‘…. She’s saying something like that WAY too lightly, doesn’t she…?’ Van thought as he recalled Arlyn’s promise; glancing at Amoria’s expectant expression once more.

‘Ah, I’ll figure it out later.’

Van took a bite from the steak, slowly chewing it before swallowing it.

“Well?” She asked, slightly nervous as she clutched her palms together in anticipation.

“It’s… good.” He muttered quietly, before taking another bite.

Amoria sighed softly, her smile lingering as she took a seat across from Van, watching him eat.

“Aren’t you eating?” Van asked, looking up from his meal.

“No, I’m not hungry right now,” she responded with a gentle smile, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him.

‘So familiar, yet so different… Hah…’ Van thought, chuckling softly to himself as memories of Mika and Rika briefly crossed his mind before he continued eating.

Soon, Van had polished off the entire plate of steak and vegetables, and drained both the glass and the can of water provided.

“Thank you,” he said, leaving the plate spotlessly clean.

“You’re welcome… But are you sure you’ve had enough?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Why wouldn’t I be? It was a hearty meal,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment.

Amoria sighed with a knowing smile. “Well, lucky for you, I made four more servings. Just sit tight, I’ll get them for you,” she said as she stood from the chair.

“I said I’m full, Amoria…” Van protested, his voice trailing off.

“Do you think I’ve forgotten how you used to hunt down another monster after dinner, leaving only bones, after devouring servings meant for three?” She asked with a playful smirk as she re-entered the kitchen.

“Y-you noticed that…? I even cleaned up after myself…” Van asked, both confused and surprised.

‘I always ate more to keep myself busy during the nights. The sound of chewing always drowned out the the sound of their moaning; so I eventually made eating my pastime, too. It changed when you came along, Amoria… And then returned a bit into our relationship. You were always ‘looking for a shrine’ or some other excuse to be away from me…’

Van sighed as he looked down.

‘Always for each other, huh? I don’t think either of us can say that and fully mean it. Since, I knew about them all being brainwashed… And kept my mouth shut.’ He thought, and then Amoria’s voice pulled him back from the haze.

“Van,” She called; causing him to raise his head, “everyone in the party cared about you, despite how…” She paused, her expression hidden as she was turned away from Van, using the kitchen as her cover.

Van noticed her hesitation, choosing to remain silent.

“…Anyway, eat up! I made plenty!” she called out, her voice brightening as she returned with more plates piled with food, setting them on the table.

‘I’m not stupid,’ Van thought, ‘She obviously feels guilty. And she’s a priest, to boot. Devotion’s supposed to be her thing…’

‘… Well, she would change her mind real fast if she knew she was being brainwashed.’

‘… I’ll tell her when the time’s right,’

“Hey, have you heard?” a man dressed in farmer’s garb said, sparking a conversation in a wagon bustling with fellow travelers.

“The mighty dragon Arutol attacked the capital just the other day!”

“No way… That place must be ashes now,” his friend responded incredulously.

“Not at all! He was magically cleaved in half as he was about to roar, and his corpse was hurled just outside the city walls! The guards claimed it was the Goddess herself who intervened, promising their safety before swiftly dealing with the dragon!” he recounted with a mix of awe and excitement, captivating the attention of others in the wagon.

A figure swathed in cloth from head to toe listened intently to the exchange.

‘Hm… It was a wise decision not to rush straight to the Royal Capital of Varolon,’ The figure thought, ‘It would be preferable to gather some information first from the travelers regarding the world today,’

“That’s nonsense… Where was the Goddess when the Demon Lord wreaked havoc!?” the skeptic retorted dismissively.

“The Goddess works in mysterious ways,” the first man said, gazing skyward reverently. “Besides, she summoned the Hero, Magus. That’s your proof,”

“What a load of crap! That’s just something people say when they can’t explain something! The Goddess does whatever she pleases, whenever she pleases. And The Goddess didn’t stop the Demon Lord, it was MAGUS who did anything on his own.” his skeptic friend argued.

“H-HEY! You shouldn’t speak so disrespectfully about the divine—”

“Now, now, fellow travelers,” the cloaked figure intervened, his voice soft yet carrying an authority that quieted the wagon. “There’s no need for such spirited debate among us. Remember, our nature is measured not only in times of conflict but also in peace,” he counseled gently.

‘Really, how bickerish, these lot,’ The figure thought, ‘They are very similar to Demonic Children with their valor and need for validation,’

The wagon fell silent, the other passengers reflecting on his words.

“Indeed, the ways of the divine are not for us to judge so harshly. We humans must strive to understand each other’s views, not condemn,” the cloaked figure continued, his hands resting calmly in front of him.

“Y-yeah… That makes sense, I guess,” the skeptic replied, somewhat pacified by the old man’s gentle logic.

“Now, I’m particularly keen to hear more about how Arutol met his end. Could you elaborate on that tale?” the cloaked figure inquired, leaning forward with keen interest, urging the storyteller on.

“Sure, uh… Well, you see, the Royal Capital has been under dragon threat for the last sixteen years. About ten years ago, Yagun, an offspring of the Dragon King, tried to incinerate the capital himself but was stopped by Magus Veil and his party,” the storyteller began, his enthusiasm rekindled.

“Ah, Magus Veil… the hero?” the old man interjected, curiosity piqued.

“Yes, the very same… Uh, let me think… what else…” The storyteller paused, looking upward as he tried to recall more details.

“Despite Yagun’s defeat, the Dragon King kept sending his forces to attack the capital. The city responded by reinforcing its defenses. For about eight years, everything held steady, mostly because whenever a crisis arose, Magus Veil would appear to save everyone; since he had lived there after beating the Demon Lord,” he continued.

“But then, two years ago, Magus Veil committed suicide. Nobody knows why. He had everything—a horde of beautiful women, numerous children, and the adoration of the populace,” the storyteller elaborated, a note of bewilderment in his voice.

“Yes, yes, I am familiar with that part…” The figure muttered, ‘It is the one thing everyone loves to blabber about in these parts. The Hero and his women and whatever material things he held in his palm. It can get quite old…’ He thought, sighing mentally,

‘… And quite insulting. Van was at the age where he should’ve experienced human youth to his fullest… And yet, under the Hero’s ‘watchful’ eye, something as wicked as adultery happened; staining Van’s confidence years to come – which eventually contributed to him leaving Her Majesty… Honestly, I often find myself wonder just why would the Hero, who had such abundance would do something like this to dear Van…’ He took a deep breath.

‘Haah… The more I hear about Magus Veil, the more I find myself… Displeased of him.’

“But please, do go on. Your storytelling is quite captivating,” the hooded old man encouraged warmly, touching the storyteller’s hand lightly to urge him further into the narrative.

“Ah, I’m glad it interests you, Elder!” the storyteller chuckled, pleased with the old man’s attentiveness. “But after Magus’s death, the Capital was thrown into chaos. They overhauled the Royal Academy’s curriculum to make it much more stringent, ensuring that only the strongest could graduate and join the city’s defense forces against the dragon threat. They’ve been pushing their troops and these new Wyvern riders to their limits, and even started developing powerful magical weapons to stand a chance against threats like Yagun.”

“Wyvern riders? I’m not familiar with that term,” the old man interjected, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Oh, right! About six years ago, the Royal Capital managed to acquire several Wyvern eggs from the demonic realm,” the storyteller explained with a nonchalant wave of his hand.

“Did they now?” the old man’s voice sharpened with a sudden intensity, his interest clearly piqued.

“Yep,” the storyteller confirmed obliviously, unaware of the old man’s growing agitation.

“They initially used the first batch as test subjects to figure out how to tame and ride them. Once they cracked it, they assigned their most formidable fighters and wizards to the Wyverns, enabling them to take on dragons on more equal footing,” he continued, growing more animated with the tale.

“R-HE-HE-HE-HE-HE-HE-HEeeeeally..?” the old man called slowly, his tone laden with a mix of anger and disbelief.

‘I finally remembered… The way of Ace The Venturer…’ the old man mused internally, his deep sigh masking a tumult of emotions as the storyteller paused, slightly unnerved by the old man’s sudden change in demeanor.

“Are you all right, old man?” The storyteller asked with concern as everyone’s attention shifted to him.

‘Well… I suppose the humans were desperate. It doesn’t mean either I or Her Majesty will overlook these actions lightly,’ the old man pondered internally.

“Ah, yes, quite. Please excuse me, my allergies are acting up,” he said, regaining his composure with a soft sigh. “Please, continue. Your storytelling has a calming effect on my spirits,” he added encouragingly.

‘Ah… Ace from Van’s world. The great Ace The Venturer,’ he thought to himself, a sigh of relief escaping him, ‘If it weren’t for your teachings, I might have lost myself once more. I find myself at awe of your peculiar chants, that are able to calm children as well as this old, yet heated heart of mine.’

“Right… Anyway, fast forward two years to today, Arutol decided to attack. The Dragon King must have heard about the Hero’s death, so he probably thought it would be an easy conquest. And then, the Goddess herself intervened! Who else could it be, with Magus Veil gone?” the storyteller continued, his voice carrying across the wagon.

“Ah… I see. Do you know why the Dragon King would want to attack the capital?” the old man inquired further.

“No one really knows. Perhaps something precious is buried beneath it, or maybe it’s because it was where Magus was summoned from his world,” the storyteller speculated, shrugging slightly.

“Ah, I see. But may I indulge a bit of your time for an old man’s curiosity?” he asked the storyteller gently.

“Of course! I enjoy your company, Elder, so ask away!” the storyteller replied with a warm smile.

“You mentioned… Who else could it be but Magus Veil to stop Arutol? Is there truly no one else?” the old man queried, his voice steady yet imbued with a hint of intensity, his eyes expectant.

“Well, there really isn’t anyone else at his level except, perhaps, the goddess herself…” the storyteller responded confidently, his statement resonating with nods of agreement from the others in the cart.

“Ah, but are you quite certain of that?” the old man pressed, his expression pensive.

“I’ve heard that when the Capital conducted their Heroic Summoning Ritual some 23 years ago, they summoned not one but two heroes. The second hero… what was his name… Ah, yes! Van Hellix! He was also part of the hero’s party, wasn’t he? Could someone like him have stopped Arutol? I heard he favored a large greatsword; perhaps he could have been the one to slay the dragon.” He suggested, enthusiasm coloring his tone as he raised his finger.

Everyone in the wagon fell silent for a moment, trying to remember the name.

“Van Hellix? Uh… Ah, yeah!” the storyteller exclaimed, snapping his fingers as if trying to jog his memory. They then exchanged looks, a brief silence falling over them…

… before they all burst into laughter.

‘Ah… What is this…? Why would they laugh at the mention of Van? Perhaps, he passed the teachings of Ace The Venturer to the humans…? Hm, I doubt that, considering his skillset…’ He thought as he looked around, bewildered at their response.

“Getting old, aren’t you, old man?” The storyteller’s skeptic friend teased, clapping Varlog on the back as laughter rippled through the cart, the wagon driver chuckling along.

Varlog, clad in his cloak, looked around, his confusion evident despite the mirth around him.

“Van Hellix was the weakest member of Magus Veil’s party!” one of the cart travelers exclaimed amid laughter.

“Hahaha, yeah, I heard he always sat on some distant chair, watching while Magus fucked all his future wives… None of the six women in their party even wanted to touch that loser!” another added, his laughter booming through the cart.

Varlog’s hand clenched in anger.

“Wasn’t he just tagging along because he was Magus’s best friend from their old world? I heard Magus just took him along out of pity!” another chimed in, their laughter growing louder.

Varlog felt his blood boil at the blatant disrespect for Van.

‘How dare these ignorant humans…’ he thought furiously. Yet, just as his anger nearly overwhelmed him, the storyteller patted his back.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, elder… We didn’t mean to offend… It’s just, there’s no way Van Hellix could have been the one to stop Arutol, even if he was summoned with Magus. His strength aside, didn’t he leave their party over 16 years ago, right after their victory over the Demon Lord? Why would he return after all this time?” he reasoned, looking sympathetically at Varlog’s concealed form.

“I understand… Thank you for the clarification,” Varlog replied, striving to maintain a calm demeanor despite his simmering anger.

Suddenly, unable to contain his emotions, Varlog burst out with an odd chant… “BIDI-BIDI-YO-WAH, PLCK!!”

“Old man…?” one of the travelers muttered, their amusement turning to concern as they looked at him quizzically.

“Shimichimi, shimichimi, shimichimi, HAIIII-YAH!! RRRUFF!!” Varlog continued more loudly, his outburst echoing strangely in the air.

‘Ahh, once again, the peculiar methods of this Ace from Van’s world have helped me control my wrath,’ he thought with a hint of gratitude.

“Excuse me… My allergies seem to be acting up. I think it best I take a nap so as not to disturb you all with my outbursts,” he explained, bowing slightly to the others on the wagon.

‘I wish I could have met this Ace… Just once, for a brief handshake… Perhaps then I could have absorbed even an eighth of his talents; That much would have been enough to better guide the younglings towards a brighter future,’ Varlog mused internally. A small smile played on his lips as a sense of peace washed over him, reflecting the comforting thought.

‘Well, regardless… It seems I must seek out dear Van Hellix in the Royal Capital,’ Varlog resolved, settling back into his seat to rest for the remainder of the journey, enveloped in his thoughts. ‘For now; I should stay with these travellers. Who knows just what else I may uncover.’

“This is bad…!” Lalyn murmured under her breath, tension tightening her voice.

Amoria’s face paled as she and Lalyn struggled to maintain the ritual’s magic. “What’s happening in there?!”

“The meatshield… The spell’s unraveling his psyche—and Arlyn’s too!” Lalyn exclaimed, biting her lip in frustration. “I don’t understand why! She’s only supposed to act as an anchor, not get drawn in!”

‘Do you understand now, Arlyn?’ Van’s voice echoed in her mind. ‘There’s no light. There never was.’ His thoughts were cold, relentless. ‘You know it’s the truth, don’t you?’

[…]

Arlyn inhaled deeply, her mind clearing.

‘…?’ Van sensed the shift, her raging expression disappearing.

Her voice cut through his thoughts with firm resolve.

[I understand.]

A beat of silence.

[Then, consider me your sworn enemy, Van.]

“It’s working—something’s happening!” Amoria shouted, sensing the sudden shift in the turbulent spell.

Lalyn’s lips curved into a faint smile as she whispered inwardly, ‘Arlyn… Thank you.’

Van let out another chuckle, dark and resigned. ‘Then tell me—why try so hard to cure me if it’d be better to fail and let the runes stay? What changed?’ His gaze sharpened on Arlyn, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

[I doubt you’d understand,] Arlyn replied, her voice hard and unyielding. [This isn’t for you. My master’s happiness matters more than petty revenge. I act for her, not you. I’m doing this so she wouldn’t be sad… And because she asked me to.]

As the ritual concluded, the oppressive tension in the room evaporated, leaving only the ragged breathing of Lalyn, Amoria, and the priest, all collapsed on the floor, drenched in sweat.

“It… worked…” Lalyn gasped, relief washing over her as she noticed the runes had disappeared from Van’s skin.

[…]

[But mark my words, Van,] Arlyn’s voice echoed, cold and final. [Because of your involvement with Magus and the manipulation of my master’s noble mind… I will have my vengeance. The next time you hurt her, I will not be so merciful. And there will be a next time. When that moment comes—you will answer for this.]

As the silence deepened, Lalyn straightened her posture and swiftly made her way towards the exit, her steps quick and determined.

She paused, turning slightly to look back.

Van caught her expression. Arlyn’s promise still lingering.

“Thanks…” Van said softly, his voice carrying a weight of gratitude that filled the quiet of the church.

She sighed audibly, her tone dismissive.

“You are just a meatshield… Nothing more, nothing less. I… I did this as a favor for Amoria, not for you.” Lalyn stated coldly.

Van chuckled as he was reminded of the early days by Lalyn’s cold response, while Amoria’s face twisted with indignation.

“Lalyn…!!” she almost growled.

“But… Just… Don’t lose yourself anymore…” Lalyn added softly, her cheeks coloring as she averted her gaze.

“You’re just… my meatshield… What would I do without my meatshield…” Her voice faded into a murmur, tinged with embarrassment.

Amoria’s expression softened, a smile breaking through as she understood Lalyn’s true sentiment.

Meanwhile, Van tilted his head, puzzled.

‘My meatshield…?’ He pondered.

“…Who is supposed to absorb attacks for me… Ridiculous… I have such a fragile… Meatshield… Stay strong, you airheaded… Meatshield…” Lalyn continued, her words trailing off.

Van’s confusion deepened.

‘The hell…?’ He thought.

“And…” She added.

“…Thank you for looking out for my daughter yesterday.” She briefly murmured.

Observing the exchange, Amoria smiled wistfully, resigning herself as Lalyn hurried out of the church.

‘Hah… It really was her kid, then.’ Van thought as she left.

Lalyn walked by herself outside, ‘Want to tell me what that was all about, Arlyn? I couldn’t hear you while the spell was activated… What did you two talk about?’

[I do not wish to say anything about that, master. Not right now.] Arlyn coldly replied.

‘I see…’ Lalyn sighed, ‘Then, I’ll respect your wishes.’ She thought.

[…You always have, Master.]