57 - Cautionary Tale, Part 7

"First things first, Helix. What is your connection with those demons?" Nickelson asked, as the five stood in a circle, with Van positioned next to Yilla and Varlog, while Lilac sat obediently behind them.

"That's Yilla, Varlog, and Lilac to you, Nickelson," Van started. "As for my reason, I visited the Demon Realm and hung out there for the last two years. Considering we have a peace treaty, I fail to see how that's a problem," Van stated flatly.

'Well, you almost started a war, dear Van, considering how you went about hanging out,' Varlog thought in resignation.

Nickelson rubbed his temples, struggling to contain his anger.

"M-may I ask something, Sir Helix?" Cerille stuttered as she emerged from behind Nickelson.

Varlog, Yilla, and Van raised their eyebrows; 'Sir?' they all thought in unison, looking at Cerille, as Nickelson sighed.

"...You may," Van affirmed, looking at her squarely.

'I was sure he'd be much older... Is that an ability?' she wondered, scrutinizing his face.

"...Hello?" Van asked, noticing her prolonged silence.

Startled, she jumped. "Y-Yes! That... Sir Lilac," she glanced at the bone dragon. "Why did he come here?"

"Well, he was probably bored. So he just flew here," Van said casually. "That's why he's so calm now after we played around for a bit," he nodded at Lilac.

"Bored..?" Nickelson whispered, his voice shaky. "You wish to tell me I dispatched all of the knights and alerted the king himself because that monster was bored!!?" he yelled. "And what else, played around..!? My daughter almost died because of that dragon!!!" Nickelson erupted.

"You're being unreasonable, Nickelson. No one died, so—" Van began, but Varlog interjected, placing a firm hand on Van's shoulder.

"I believe what dear Van means to say," he began, giving Van a scolding nod before facing Nickelson squarely, "is that we acknowledge this mistake, King's Hand Nickelson. It was a very grave error that could have sparked a second great war. We deeply apologize and hope this has not damaged our relations," Varlog said, stepping forward.

'Hah, right,' Van thought, conceding the stage to Varlog. 'I'm still too emotionally charged to handle this. Nickelson may have matured, but he's still the reckless, hotheaded piece of shit he always was. He'd retaliate if this isn't handled carefully.' Van stepped back gracefully.

'Impressive. He showed both at the pool and here that he can be level-headed when it matters,' Cerille thought, somewhat relaxed as she watched Van back off. 'As expected... He really is Van Hellix. He wouldn't have survived otherwise.'

"Hmph. At least you know when to let the wiser adults speak, Hellix," Nickelson mocked, turning to face Varlog. "Aside from your newly acquired brawn, you're naught but a meaty child."

"Yeah?" Van snapped, glaring at Nickelson as he stepped forward again.

"Ah..." Cerille's heart sank at the exchange, concerned, while Nickelson smiled triumphantly as Van stomped forward.

Just before he let his bubbling anger take over, Van caught a glimpse of Varlog's gaze and felt most of his rage draining away.

"Someday, Nickelson," Van said, turning to him again. "Someday, you will answer to me for everything." He stated firmly.

As Cerille watched the seriousness in Van's eyes, she couldn't help but wonder...

'What happened between Van Hellix and my father...?'

"...But not now," Van continued. "Not at the expense of those demons," he said, turning back and walking away. "Demons whom you praised as wise just a moment ago."

"Tsk," Nickelson clicked his tongue in irritation, while Varlog couldn't help but smile pridefully.

"Now then!" Varlog muttered loudly, smiling as he clasped his palms. "Let us converse. I assume you also wish to resolve this peacefully. After all, we demons are bound by contract and faith. There is no reason to break such a treaty due to a child's temper tantrum," Varlog stated, nodding at Lilac, who lowered his head.

Nickelson sighed deeply, shifting his gaze from Van to Varlog.

"I understand. But this is no laughing matter... demon," Nickelson replied. Varlog's soft smile remained unwavering. "This child's presence, and yours, riled our troops, the royal families, and most nearby villages. It put us on full alert, ready to fight to the death," he explained, with Cerille looking away shamefully as she recalled her father's attempted escape.

"...You realize I cannot simply dismiss this as a 'child's temper tantrum.' It would instill even more fear in our people that our prior enemies can become our present ones just by having no one to 'play' with. Especially amidst these constant dragon attacks. I must report this incident in its entirety and leave it to the King to decide how to act," Nickelson stated firmly.

'Fuck... The king's also an unhinged bastard. He'll immediately start setting things in motion against Alicia if he finds out,' Van grimaced.

"I understand completely," Varlog stated calmly. "You are loyal to your kingdom and your people. But, what did you say? Dragon attacks?" Varlog's demeanor changed as he leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"I have. What of them?" Nickelson muttered, raising an eyebrow at Varlog.

"Oh, nothing much." Varlog murmured. "Although, I must confess, I sometimes keep myself busy hearing about the Royal Capital. I'm intrigued by the culture. Sixteen years of constant attacks, and now, Arutol himself... Quite the predicament," Varlog said, looking up at the sky.

"Speak your mind, then," Nickelson said, his curiosity piqued.

"Oh, there is no mind to speak!" Varlog replied. "But seeing as you are in quite the tight spot, and given that we owe you an apology, I thought we could lend you a hand with your draconic threat. As a show of good faith," Varlog suggested.

'I don't remember much news from the outside reaching the Demonic Realm... How does he know about this?' Van thought, curious.

Nickelson pondered as he looked down at the grass. Meanwhile, Yilla smiled triumphantly at his contemplative expression.

"Ah-ah-ah!" Varlog said loudly, raising his palm to Nickelson. "Forget what I just said," he began, startling Nickelson, whose attention snapped back to him.

"After all, your king, being so fair and just for his people, would never accept our help once he learns of this incident... Such a shame," Varlog stated, causing Van's eyes to widen in surprise.

'So that's what he wanted... Nice, Varlog!' Van thought.

'That demon... is smart!' Cerille thought, looking at Varlog in awe.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Varlog clicked his tongue and shook his head slowly. "And to think the Dragon King now stands in the realm of the mythical... almost godly. No matter. As you wish, we shall leave and let you report this incident to your king," Varlog said, turning to signal the others to leave.

Van stood, watching him, waiting for Varlog's words to bear fruit; waiting besides Cerille and Nickelson.

"Van?" Varlog called, as he and Yilla stopped. "What are you doing? Come on, it is time to leave," he said, looking almost surprised that Van hadn't followed.

'W-... What?' Van thought, gasping softly as he looked between Varlog and Nickelson.

"...I admit one must appeal to the other in diplomatic exchanges. I am sure the dignified King's Hand knows this well," Varlog began. "However..."

"I will never entertain the notion that you are not one of ours, regardless of who frowns upon it," Varlog stated firmly, his gaze piercing as he looked at Van, extending his hand to him.

"Her Majesty is waiting," he exclaimed.

Van's mouth was momentarily agape. Even Cerille couldn't help but feel moved.

'I had grown to believe,' she thought, 'that demons are cruel, uncultured, and vicious. That they hold blood matches in the highest esteem... I believed it...'

'But... I never believed that a demon could shine this brightly,' she thought, as Van, almost subconsciously, began walking towards Varlog.

"HOLD IT," Nickelson called, halting their movements.

Varlog turned around, his eyebrow innocently raised. "Yes? What is it?"

"...What is your name, demon?" Nickelson asked, causing Cerille to gasp.

'To think... Father would ever ask a demon their name...! Has he earned Father's respect!?'

"... I am Balrogothiel Malachor Abbadon, a proud servant of Her Majesty, the Queen of Darkness," he replied, his arms clasped behind his back. "Although I would rather you address me as simply Varlog."

'He actually said his full name... Damn,' Van thought, in awe.

"...Varlog. I am Sir Alistair Ealdred Ignatius Nickelson, the King's Hand. Address me as Sir Nickelson," he said as a gentle breeze brushed the group.

"Pleasure, Sir Nickelson," Varlog nodded.

"...So, Varlog. What has happened here?" Nickelson asked, his tone slightly softer.

Varlog's smirk stretched slightly longer as he took a step forward. "Why, we were so concerned upon hearing about your predicament that we had to come ourselves, and as swiftly as possible," he said.

"I see... How considerate," Nickelson murmured. "But that energy you exuded when you arrived—what was the cause of it?"

"Ah, we simply wanted to alert you to our arrival, so as not to startle you. We believed that suddenly appearing at the front gates would be ill-advised. We are terribly sorry our actions ended up causing harm; it was definitely not our intention. We were short-sighted in that department and hope you can forgive us," he said with a short bow.

"I understand. I must deliver news of what you just told me to my king, as it is my duty," Nickelson said.

'Yes...' Yilla thought proudly as she looked at Varlog. 'That is our Master Varlog... His wisdom is unparalleled!'

"Walk with us," Nickelson ordered. "First, we need to reassure my troops... and our people," he said with a swift glance at Cerille before they all started to walk in unison.