Chapter 174: Hugh’s Arc Part 2
Chapter 174: Hugh’s Arc Part 2
Chapter 174: Hugh’s Arc Part 2
Hugh: “Hah, so your the man, who was supposed to be the fiancé of Princess Sylphy.?”
I couldn’t help but maniacally laugh at the almost childlike excuse for a king and romantic competitor.
I sighed and spoke.
Hugh: “You better hope she’s alive and not injured, cause if there’s a single scratch on her...”
My bright green eyes stared as if I was about to steal his soul.
Hugh: “Well, who cares about peace, you’re supposed kingdom will burn, and you’ll beg for death as I
tear off your flesh and dissect you with my bare hands.!”
I could see the fear on his face as he tried backing away. His body trembled, looking as though about
to cry. I smiled at the sight. Even though I was a half-breed, the Demon inside me enjoyed this feeling
of dominating others into fearful submission. I didn’t have such a feeling before I became the Demon
King. However, I eventually started to get a taste for it when fighting foes.
I took a step and heard a scared quiver in his voice. I crouched down and looked at him.
Hugh: “Now, if you speak truthfully, telling me everything that happened here and whatever else I want
to know, then I’ll quickly leave this place. I’d say that’s a great deal.”
He shook his head agreeing.
I smiled as I stood, my gaze not leaving his.
Hugh: “Great, that makes things easier.”
————
-Vanity Household-
The day dwindled to dusk, dinner was just put forth on the table.
Val sat watching to see Leon begin his meal, before partaking in the food himself.
Even though he was considered royalty only until the age of three, he still showed a high level of
refinement when eating. He seemed to take pride in this manner of acting, he never was one to let
such a display of nobility slip away from him.
Rose: “Emelia, I didn’t see you after you left with Val, how was the tour.?”
Emelia: “I believe Sir Val enjoyed it, however, that’s a question you should probably be asking him.”
Most of the eyes at the table looked Val’s way. Before speaking he grasped the cloth napkin from his
lap and whipped his mouth.
Val: “I was opposed to it at first, but Princess Emelia made it a very enjoyable tour.”
Leon eyed Val down, though Val didn’t seem bothered.
Luna: “It’s funny how much you’ve changed from the last time we’ve seen you.”
Leon spoke with the same tone.
Leon: “I honestly didn’t even know the previous Demon King had a son back then. However, it’s quite
obvious now that you are of his blood. Not just your eyes, but your face as well. You’re also my son's
guard, so you must have some skills in battle... We’ll have to spare some time, I’d like to see if you
have a knack for fighting as your father did. If that's not too much to ask?”
Val cut the meat on his plate, sticking it with a fork. Before putting the piece to his lips he spoke. He
laughed with a minor bit of nostalgia.
Val: “Ha, my mother also said I reminded her of him, however, I don’t even remember what he looked
like. As for the sparring match, I’d be delighted to have the chance to face you. I only ask not to
compare my skill to that of my fathers, since I’ve never been able to train under him.”
He ate the piece he previously cut and looked at Leon. Their auras were clashing but no malice was
felt.
All Leon thought about was the resemblance of the two. Val and his father truly were alike in many
ways.
Emelia looking in on the sidelines spoke to Val who was sitting close by.
Emelia: “Do you ever feel anger or sadness about your father and his death.?”
Rose looked at Emelia away as if trying to warn her not to touch the subject.
Val’s dropped his gaze with Leon and turned her way. The air about the table completely changed. His
tone seemed gentle towards the princess.
Val: “Not really. It’s hard to get mad over the death of a man I hardly remember. The only real memory I
have is of his voice. My mother was the one who raised me after his death, so I had a stronger
relationship with her than anyone.”
Leon pointed his fork toward Val
Leon: “Well, looking at you now I’m guessing you had a pretty good life growing up. At least I hope so, I
made sure that you and your mother didn’t have to fend for yourselves.”
Val: “It was a very kind gesture on your part, Your Highness. We didn’t have to scrounge for food or
anything. Mother had a hard time adjusting to a newer simpler lifestyle, but after a few years it became
quite normal.“
Luna drank from her glass and asked him a question.
Luna: “How did Hugh find you? I don’t remember ever telling him about you. Except what happened
after the Ascension Competition.“
Val took a sip as well and spoke with a tone close to Luna’s.
Val: “I’m not sure either, I was just leaving my home about to go into town when his highness walked up
with another individual and asked me to join him.”
Emelia: “That’s all, he just asked you without even introducing himself?.”
Val: “Not entirely. He introduced himself, inquired if I was the previous Demon King’s son and if I knew
how to fight. I asked him why it was important, and he replied, saying he had a proposition for me.”
Leon: “Did you have to fight him?”
Val laughed and spoke in nostalgia.
Val: “Yes, he told me of how he’d like to recruit me for his personal guard. Of course, I wouldn’t call us
personal guard, we’re more like His Highness’ assistants who fight next to him.”
Emelia laughed and enjoyed the look on Val’s face.
Their eyes made contact when Val turned his gaze towards the joyful princess.
Emelia: “What made you want to join him, did you want to get stronger..?”
Val: “I was already strong, of course, my technique needed work, but it was what he said about helping
the Empire that drew me in.”
Leon: “What made you want to help the empire so much, I would have thought you might have
resented it.”
Val: “I enjoyed helping those in the area that needed the help. Stopping any stupid criminals that tried
stealing from those who were struggling. Plus, I was pretty lonely, mother died of an illness around five
years ago, so I was alone in that house.”
Val: “I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I’ve made friends and am helping make the Demon
Empire a happier and safer place to live.”
———
To be continued