The Demon King

Veridin hummed in satisfaction, turning the paper in his hands over and over. A strange anticipation welled up in his chest. It felt almost as if all the shackles he had chained himself down with were crumbling down around him. Nobles would have to bow down before him, even the high priest would have to show his respect. Veridin couldn't contain his excitement, his expression contorting into a devious grin. He was in the perfect position for revenge.

His smile faded quickly. All of this was only possible after the commander was dead. Veridin wouldn't be able to show him any of this. He sat down and sighed. This strange gnawing in his chest wouldn't leave him alone. He knew its name, but this was the first time he had ever felt it. Quietly, he muttered to himself,

"Live a life you feel is worth living, Ver."

The entrance to the tent was flung open, cold air following the soldier that stumbled in. Galwund stood at the entrance with a breathless grin on his face. He held up a paper and panted.

"I… Got a reply Captain! The demons are going to contact the demon king!"

Veridin gave a soft smile as he stood up. "You didn't need to rush for a response." He rested his hand on Galwund's shoulder. "Go rest. You did well."

Galwund looked up, still panting. In his eyes, Veridin's calm expression held turbulent grief underneath. Those deep violet eyes that were the visage of a night sky flickered with the pain of loss, yet looked ahead in determination. Galwund had realized the rumors of the Holy Knight being an angel were true. His golden hair perfectly framed his pale features that were rigid, yet soft; masculine, yet beautiful. It felt as if he didn't belong in this world full of blood and war. He caught himself staring when Veridin raised an eyebrow.

"Ah! Y-yes sir!"

Veridin watched the young soldier scurry out of the tent, leaving the paper in his hands. He let out a sigh before unfurling the paper. He set it down after glancing over it. Within the next week, the Demon King had agreed to meet in the middle of the battlefield. It was acceptable. Considering the fact the letter was abrupt and frankly disrespectful, Veridin felt that the content of the response was quite compassionate. He was a moment away from opening his book when Rowan limped into the tent.

Rowan was by no means an intimidating man, but his limp made the once respectable soldier seem pitiable and heartbroken. Any soldier that had met Rowan knew about how he lost his family. How a family of farmers had been killed when they fought back against the demons. It was the only thing that pushed this tanned and toned man to become a soldier. Now that he had lost the commander as well, his eyes had lost the desire to fight. Rowan was the closest person Veridin had to a brother. As Veridin looked at the face behind that curly auburn hair, he knew that despite losing his reason to fight, the look Rowan had now was a look of determination.

"You received a response from the demons?" Rowan asked as he entered.

"You're well informed. I just received it. They say within the next seven days, the demon king will meet with me on this side of the Delos river."

Rowan clicked his tongue, "Are they making fun of us for our lack of manpower?"

"I doubt it. The response was quite dry. In any case, curb that tongue of yours. We won't be enemies for much longer." Veridin opened his book to a page marked with a bright red tassel.

"His majesty approved?!"

"That's right." Veridin slowly turned the page. "Now all that's left is to wait."

"But how did you get a response? The fastest someone on horseback can get from here to the capital and back is almost a four week trip. Did you use magic?"

"I did."

"Are you feeling fine then?"

Veridin looked up from reading, "If it means ending this war quicker, I can use as much mana as I can muster."

"I see… Don't overdo yourself, Veridin."

"I should be saying that to you. You should be resting, not putting strain on that leg."

Rowan's eyes looked to the side. "I know that, but how can I do nothing when you're also grieving? You don't have to carry everything on your back, Veridin."

Veridin closed his book with a soft smile. He placed it on the desk before walking up to Rowan. "You've been doing everything on the front lines all this time. You can let me handle the rest, can't you?"

Rowan lowered his head. His hand ran up and down his lame leg reflectively. Overwhelming grief flooded his expression. Veridin placed a hand on his shoulder firmly.

"Rowan. There may not be a reason to fight anymore, but you're not useless. You don't need to fight to be able to live," As Rowan lifted his head, Veridin continued, "Commander told me to live a life meaningful to me. You should too, Rowan. Whatever you wish to do now, I'm always here to help you."

"Veridin…" Rowan lowered his gaze. "What if I lose you too?"

"I promise. You'll never lose me."

Veridin watched as Rowan lowered his head. Tears began to stream down from behind his auburn hair. Veridin gently squeezed Rowan's shoulder. There was nothing he could say as Rowan cried silently. He had lost his family twice. Veridin was the only person Rowan had left. Guilt tightened Veridin's chest. One day, he would tell Rowan everything. Though he knew, simply healing his leg would never heal the hole in his heart.

Veridin looked down to the side. He felt, in a way, he was to blame for the grand marshal's death. He could have ended this war by force five years ago. He never cared if anyone resented him before, yet he couldn't bring himself to tell Rowan the truth. To tell him that all of this could have been prevented. Veridin simply stood there as Rowan wiped away the last of the tears, his expression painfully lifeless.

"I'm sorry that you had to see that," Rowan croaked; his voice wavering.

"You don't have to worry about that with me. I understand." What exactly he understood, Veridin was unsure of himself. Yet, he knew the words would give Rowan solace. "It's getting late. You should rest. Do you need help returning to your tent?"

"No, no." Rowan stepped back. "I can do it myself… I'll have to get around by myself later, if not now."

"Just rest for the week. We'll return to the capital as soon as we can."

Rowan nodded as he left. Veridin's sharp eyes wavered as he watched the cloth door flutter closed. He straightened his posture and sighed. One week or less; that was the amount of time he had to come up with a solution to this war. Ultimately, a peace treaty would become a stepping stone for his ascendance to the throne. He furrowed his brows in frustration. There was a lot of work to be done.

It was the night of the fifth day, when Veridin was studying by candlelight. For the past five days, he had taken and read various books from the imperial library: Books on history, demons, politics, and etiquette. He was in the midst of writing down notes when a shock ran through his body.

Any being that harnessed internal mana was able to sense the magic particles around them. For those with internal mana, it was a sort of sixth sense. It became an internal map of the world around them: The mana that flowed through the air, the mana that magical beasts held within them, and the absence of mana within animals. All of that became the world of those with internal mana. The more internal mana one had, the farther they could "see" the world around them.

In Veridin's case, he could accurately pinpoint the locations of every demon in the camp across the river without using his eyes. Using this "mana sense" did not use the eyes, or ears, but instead the nerves of the body. Using it, one could quickly gauge how much mana a being has.

The moment a magical signature as large as his own appeared, the hairs on Veridin's body stood up straight. The electrical shock that ran through his nerves made him flinch. He stood up and threw aside the cloth door of the tent. The soldiers on watch were startled to see Veridin emerge so abruptly.

"He's here." Veridin gave no other words, no other explanation, before he broke off into a run. The soldiers were left with their mouths wide open as he disappeared.

On the other side of the Delos river, two figures stepped off of a small stone platform. They were bathed in the light of the full moon, one void and the other shining silver. The silver figure flinched before turning to the other.

"Your majesty?"

"There's no time. Yulis, follow me."

The shining figure dashed through the camp, wind whisking past them. Strands of snow white became a river flowing behind them. The other followed quickly behind, a stern expression on their faces. There was no time to explain. A large mana signature was headed in their direction, at incredible speed. Wind swirled beneath their feet, propelling them out onto the barren battlefield.

Veridin leaped over the trenches, his boots slipping on the mud beneath him. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he ran. This demon king was frighteningly strong; As strong as himself. He had to see it. He had to see what this man who rivaled himself looked like. Veridin slid to a halt as he reached the Delos river, just as the two figures leapt over the churning waters.

Above, dressed in deep purple, was a man that encompassed moonlight itself. His pale skin looked translucent behind strands of pure silver. Behind his flowing white hair, were jewels of ruby set into his skull. Eyes of the purest red shimmered like pools of blood. Veridin couldn't take his eyes off of him as he gracefully landed on the slick ground. He vaguely noticed the second person land as well.

"His majesty, Anaroth Atries has arrived! State your identity," The man standing beside the silver haired figure shouted.

Veridin tore his eyes away from the demon king to glance at the man who spoke. He dipped his head. "Holy Knight Veridin greets your majesty as the representative of his majesty, Deston Lanel IV."

"Your king didn't show his face when his majesty traveled all the way here?" The black haired man glared at Veridin with a repulsed expression.

"Yulis," Veridin raised his head as Anaroth turned away from the black haired man. "Forgive my subordinate's offense. I appreciate your patience during the last five days."

"It is nothing. This meeting was rather abrupt, so his majesty had no way to get here in time."

"Indeed… Now that we're here, should we discuss the reason why you demanded to see me?"

He narrowed his eyes. Only slivers of red were visible behind his pure white lashes. Veridin couldn't help but grin. His heart was racing. Anaroth's look of dignity, his mana that rivaled Veridin's, his composure; the thought of seeing those ruby eyes filled with fear and disgrace made Veridin itch with anticipation. It had been a long time since he felt this excited. His sharp violet eyes stared straight into Anaroth's.

"We would like to end this war with you on amicable terms."

"After all this time?" Anaroth furrowed his brows. "For the last six years, I've been trying to contact your king about this matter, yet only now do you give me a reply?"

Rage burned in his words and expression. It was understandable that he felt that way. However, that would have only applied to someone other than Veridin. Veridin's grin turned into a strange blank stare. Only a moment later did he soften his expression. His eyes seemed to stare at Anaroth in a different manner. As if he was watching a snow-white rabbit thumping its feet in anger.

"This is still better than no reply, is it not?"

Anaroth sighed, "I'll leave it at that. However, I demand reparations for the last six years of useless fighting."

Veridin hummed quietly. Giving in to this would be akin to admitting that this war was the humans' fault. Although that didn't matter to him. Watching Anaroth stare at him so sternly only made him want to see a startled expression even more.

"Alright." Veridin smiled while Anaroth looked at him with suspicion.

"I also–"

"You can have that too." He watched in delight as Anaroth's eyes twitched.

"You didn't hear what I had to say," Anaroth spoke through gritted teeth.

"I didn't have to. As long as you agree to three requests, then I promise to comply with every single one of yours."

Anaroth scanned the man in front of him, bewildered. Not only could he not tell what this man was thinking, his condescending tone and unwavering gaze made Anaroth feel exasperated. There was something underlying in those piercing violet eyes that felt utterly disturbing. Glancing to the side, he saw that Yulis also felt unsettled. His instincts were screaming that he shouldn't even think about negotiating with this man. However, he steeled his nerves for the people of his kingdom. As long as there was a chance that this war would end, he would take it.

"Tell me your requests first."

"That won't be a problem. However, I have a question first. Before you ask, it does relate directly to my request."

"What is it?"

"Do you happen to have a specialty wine in your capital?"

Anaroth paused. It wasn't a hard question to answer. It was the fact that it was such an easy question that made him hesitate. He really didn't know what was going through this man's head.

"Yes… We do."

"Then my first request is to supply the imperial palace with that. Yearly or monthly doesn't matter. Just a lifetime supply."

"A lifetime supply?!" Yulis finally broke his silence.

"Well, it shouldn't be hard considering we would be paying six years of reparations."

"That's enough. What is your second request?" Anaroth cut Yulis off with a glare.

Veridin glanced at Yulis with condescending eyes before staring at Anaroth once more. "The second is that you pay for the funeral of our grand marshal."

"And the last?" Anaroth relaxed slightly, putting his hand to his chin.

"The final request," He paused, "is that you be mine."

Anaroth realized that he relaxed too soon. What kind of request was that? To be objectified, to be owned? Never in his life had he been so disrespected as a member of the royal family, yet in front of this man, all common sense seemed to dissolve. As the red began to clear from his vision, Veridin's casual and satisfied expression returned him to his senses. He clenched his fists. If this was all it took for a better future for the kingdom, then he would gladly sell himself.

"If that's all, then I accept. Should we sign a contract?"

"No. I trust you'll do everything I've asked." His narrowed eyes made Anaroth shiver, like touching cold jewels.

"I see, but how will I know you'll do what I ask of you?"

"That's simple. Come with me to the capital." He responded so quickly it felt suspicious.

"You're asking me to follow you into a pit of snakes." Anaroth held up his hand to silence Yulis again. "I can't do that. I have to return to my kingdom to do what you asked."

Veridin placed his hand against his lips, thinking briefly. "Why don't we connect the capitals with magic then?"

"What you're proposing is absurd. There's no reason to connect the capitals."

"Isn't there? Isn't that what you want for humans and demons to work together? To stand as equals? Connecting the capitals would speed up that process."

"We don't need to push humans and demons together so soon. There would be backlash from the people, not to mention your Church and nobles. I don't think you have the influence to make that happen as a mere representative."

"There's no need to worry about any of that. Just tell me what you want and I'll make it happen."

Anaroth wrinkled his eyebrows. None of his words were getting through to this man. It was as if he was walking up an icy hill, taking one step forward only to fall down three. His only option was to go as high as he could and plant his feet.

"If that's the case. I want you to abolish slavery in the Empire, can you make that happen?"

Veridin's wry smile froze momentarily before widening even more. "I can't do that abruptly either. Should we put it into our agreement? If I start down the road to abolish slavery in the Empire, you'll agree to connecting the capitals with a transfer circle?"

Anaroth let out a calm sigh; He had regained control of the conversation at least. "That would be acceptable."

"Then you can send your attendant back to the demon capital and come with me. We have to draw up the agreement, and this is no place to talk."

As if spurred on by his words, a chill wind whipped past the three. Anaroth lifted his hand to bar his eyes from it. The icy wind seemed to seep into his bones, sweeping through his clothes and hair. As the wind died down, he caught a glimpse of violet through his fingers. Midnight eyes caught in a daze as silver light reflected in them. It was an expression unbefitting of the man in front of him. As golden hair settled around his face illuminated by the moon, there was only one word that came to Anaroth's mind: beautiful.

While wind billowed from behind him, Veridin couldn't take his eyes off of the figure in front of him. It was as if this person encompassed everything he caught fancy to: hair that shone brighter than the full moon above; deep red eyes as striking as rubies, yet warm and soft like flowing blood; an fierce attitude that was the most enjoyable to toy with. There was nothing more he could ask for, nothing more he could want. He had felt that he wanted to toy with this person; That this strong person would be able to bleed and show him fear forever, but that feeling had melted away upon seeing the demon king's softened expression against the wind. The desire he felt gave way to a strange curiosity. What other expressions can you show me?

The moment passed as quickly as it had arrived. A strange serenity had settled into Veridin's violet eyes. Anaroth flinched. The gaze settled on him felt eerie. The cold from the wind faded into a deeper chill seated in his chest. He felt an indescribable sensation. He wanted to run in the other direction as fast as he could, yet he felt compelled to walk forward. He felt that if he took a single step, he would fall into an inescapable pit.

"Shall we go then?"

Veridin broke the silence with a calm voice. Anaroth looked into his eyes. They were confident and steady, but held an obscure darkness. Those eyes looked like that of a snake waiting to strike. Perhaps that den of snakes awaiting him wasn't what he should be worrying about.

"Snake-like bastard." Anaroth mumbled as he stepped forward, mud sticking to his shoes.

"Your majesty! You can't really be thinking of going with this man!"

"I can take care of myself, Yulis. Head back to the capital and start construction on the transfer circle. I'll start the construction on this end. If everything goes well, I'll see you soon." Anaroth turned to Veridin, leaving no room for Yulis to speak. "Let's go."

Anaroth hesitated before lifting his boots out of the clinging mud. This was the path that he chose. Even if he was walking into the pit of snakes, so be it. He wasn't going to run away, for his people, for the future.

Yulis clenched his fists as he stared at his lord's back. He had been his lord's servant since birth. His family had served generations of kings and had always followed and advised them. As he watched the two shrink on the horizon, this was the first time he felt that his lord had made a terrible, irreversible mistake.