117. Another Betrayal

After a while, Rudolph looked at Eveam with a smile.

"Demon Lord Eveam!" Rudolph called Eveam while ignoring the others.

"What is it?"

"Do you believe in Evila?" Rudolph asked while grinning.

"Yes, because they're my family." Eveam confirmed while nodding her head.

"I see, then supposing one of your family members hates you, what will you do?"

"Why did you ask that?"

Rudolph's question sounded strange to Eveam for questioning whether Evila's people hated her or not. Naturally, Eveam realized that there must be people who hate her. However, if she managed to make her country prosperous, no one should hate her anymore.

"Even the Evila people have some feelings. They also have free will. If that's the case, they also have personal thoughts. Or, are saying that all of the Evila need to swear an oath to you? Isn't that just your arrogance?"

Izumi wondered why Rudolph was so stupid. Rudolph's words had no basis at all. Of course, all Evila had to submit to Eveam since she was the demon lord. If they didn't submit, it meant they were the rebels that must be exterminated.

Rudolph added.

"I will tell you something good, demon lord Eveam. Although it may sound unbelievable, everyone should have flawlessly crossed over to the demon continent through our border."

"Impossible, there is a small possibility where they can cross over by fighting them. However, they won't come out unscratched!"

Eveam could only think that, with Grayald, Shublars, and Iraora, the Humas race wouldn't be able to cross the border.

"I have another interesting piece of information."

Izumi interrupted just as Eveam was about to ask.

"That interesting piece of information you have, should Iraora who is on your side, am I right?" Izumi sneered. He even tried to hold his laugh.

"Iraora? What do you mean, Izumi?" Eveam couldn't believe what she heard. But then, Teckil clarified.

"Your Majesty, it's so clear that Iraora betrayed us. We, the Cruel Brigade members already knew about that."

Eveam glanced at Teckil in surprise.

"Hahaha, the existence called the Evila race seems to be chained with betrayal. Even though I was quite confused that some people knew about the betrayal but remained silent. Why is that? Seems like your "elite guard" didn't fully trust you, demon lord Eveam." Rudolph laughed with satisfaction. Then his gaze shifted to a certain place.

"Don't worry Your Majesty. Iraora did betray us. But, Shublars and Grayald who are guarding the bridge will be assisted by Aquinas. I'm sure they won't be able to cross the border." Teckil tried to calm Eveam down as he also confirmed that Iraora was indeed a traitor. Eveam narrowed her eyes. She asked,

"Wasn't Aquinas in—"

But, before she finished, Izumi swiftly grabbed her to get away from an attack.

Izumi already saw Kiria who was about to act. In that instant, he used his magic to teleport to Eveam's side, grabbed her, then teleported again.

Izumi once again teleported in front of Kiria.

"Fuck off, bitch!"

Izumi didn't hold back and imbued his sword with his spiritual energy.

*Slash.*

Izumi managed to cut her hand and immediately kicked Kiria to prevent her from approaching Eveam.

Kiria was blasted in Rudolph's direction while leaving her cut arm.

On the other hand, Teckil was relieved that Izumi could stop Kiria in time. He didn't think that Kiria was too strong. He didn't have time to react to her attack. Luckily, Izumi was around.

Eveam trembled. At a glance, Eveam saw Kiria who intended to kill her. Sensing something was wrong with her, Eveam asked.

"K-Kiria! Why?"

Kiria didn't answer. But it was Izumi who responded to Eveam's question.

"Didn't you see already? Isn't it obvious what she's doing, is it?"

"Your Majesty, Kiria is the traitor that Avoros sent to you." Teckil added and confirmed Izumi's statement.

"Lie! I know her since my childhood! Kiria must be brainwashed." Eveam shouted back at them with slight tears flowing down her cheeks. Bitterness was mixed in Eveam's words. Her body went limp so Teckil approached Eveam to support her upright. Izumi then said.

"Your Majesty! To begin with, Kiria wasn't an Evila."

Hearing Izumi's words, Eveam raised her head and looked at Izumi while asking.

"What do you mean "wasn't an Evila"?"

"In short, she is an artificial demon, I'll tell you later." Izumi only gave a short answer, because now wasn't the time to talk about that. And most importantly, to finish her off before her reinforcement arrived.

"Teckil, use your magic to create a barrier or something! Kiria's power is on par with Aquinas." Izumi ordered Teckil.

Although Teckil knew Izumi was much younger than him, Izumi's strength was much stronger. More importantly, Izumi could destroy any magic with his eye.

"Sigh. Although I hate to say it, I'm not her match at all. But, can you take care of her?"

"No problem. Too bad my other abilities were sealed. Otherwise, even Avoros would be kneeling in front of me in an instant."

Hearing such outrageous words from Izumi, Teckil frowned.

"Sealed? What do you mean?"

"You will know once we get back. More importantly–"

Then Izumi turned his head toward Eveam while speaking.

"Snap it out, demon lord Eveam! Face this reality!"

"B-but, how can this be possible? She was artificial?" Eveam still didn't seem to want to believe what Izumi said. She hoped what Izumi said was a joke. Or perhaps, she was still in her bed while having this bad dream.

However, the reality is still a reality. She cannot forever run away from reality by rejecting the bitterness of reality she is currently experiencing.

Izumi said,

"I will tell you everything later. All of the Cruel Brigade members except Iraora were aware of this. Fortunately, there was Aquinas who could calm Marione down, otherwise, I don't know what would happen if he lost control. And this was why I didn't tell you beforehand."

"What Izumi said is right, Your Majesty. And I'm sorry to keep this from you. But, you won't believe us if we told you that Kiria was the enemy."

Teckil said after Izumi.

"Wait, a lot of people are coming!"

Nine auras were similar to Kiria's, which meant they were the other Valkyrias. In addition, three large auras also appeared from another direction.

Izumi wrinkled his forehead. Izumi sensed that two thin auras were with the nine Valkyrias.

"Failed, huh? I didn't expect there's an irregular demon on your side, demon lord Eveam. But, how does it feel? Betrayed by those closest to you?"

Rudolph said with a smirk.

"Rudolph! Is this the plan you've been making all along? I'm really disappointed in you! You used to be my best friend, but not anymore. You're crazy! You sacrificed your two daughters to summon heroes only to turn them into tools to instigate a massive war! You're no longer human!"

Judom had completely lost his temper from everything Rudolph had done. He didn't think Rudolph could be this crazy. And even allying with the enemy just to kill the demon lord who wanted peace.

Suddenly he heard Izumi speaking loudly to him.

"Mr. Judom, I need your strength! We're being surrounded. Nine Kiria– no, nine Valkyrias were coming this way. Don't let your guard down! Not even Aquinas can match one of them in physical strength. Also, there might be a King of Gabranth from another direction."

Izumi pointed in three directions where the nine Valkyrias would come. And one direction seemed to be that a Gabranth King would come.

"What? Are you serious?" Judom was quite surprised. He didn't understand how Izumi could know someone was coming, but seeing how serious he was, maybe what he said was true.

Izumi didn't respond to Judom, but he looked at a Valkyria who brought two weak auras together. One of them is a girl who wears a dress like a princess. It was like she was being held hostage by Valkyria. And when Izumi saw the other one, he trembled. He can only say one word softly.

"Kyouko—chan!"