Chapter 8.2

Chapter 8.2

Nadol rummaged through his belongings and then confidently held something out in front of Valen.

“Here, look. This is the proof!”

[Let’s be friends ♥

– The Demon Realm]

Valen’s expression turned icy. It was a sentence that looked like it belonged in the corner of a lower-grade textbook. He felt pathetic for even momentarily trying to recall his memories seriously over such a half-hearted lie.

“The goat even read through books on friendly human expressions to write this letter.”

“As expected, only Lord Argen appreciates my efforts.”

Nadol dabbed under his eyes with a handkerchief before throwing himself into Argen’s arms. Valen felt his patience wearing thin. How much longer would he have to endure this farce?

“Enough with the small talk. Isn’t there something else you need to explain?”

“Ah, yes. Right. Next, we have the abnormal behaviors of demons due to prolonged overtime and a list of vacation spots they would love to visit if given time off… Judging by your expression, it’s best to skip that.”

“It must have taken a long time to prepare. I’ll listen to it separately later.”

“As expected, Lord Argen is so considerate…”

“How much longer do I have to wait?”

Nadol cleared his throat awkwardly.

“We demons have been searching for a way to end this war. And we have finally found it.”

“What is it?”

“A marriage alliance.”

Valen couldn’t believe his ears. Among the fervent explanations and additional notes the demons were making, not a single thing made sense to him.

Demons proposing a marriage alliance with humans for the sake of peace?

Valen’s parents had died because of their invasions. Even now, the bodies of innocent humans were being carted out from all over the country. It wasn’t even laughable.

Fine, let’s say for argument’s sake that they were tired of the war. But a marriage alliance? Even a wandering strategist from the outskirts could come up with a better plan than this.

A marriage alliance only holds power if it involves the highest echelons of influence from each nation.

Yet, the demons didn’t even know Valen’s name, referring to him as “No. 38”. Moreover, even though Argen was a high-ranking demon, she was a succubus, not of royal blood.

In other words, even if Valen and Argen held a grand wedding, it would have no impact on the conflict whatsoever.

“So, do you understand our unfortunate situation now?”

At this, Valen couldn’t hold back his laughter. Expecting sympathy from a human? The audacity was beyond belief.

“Lord Argen! That bastard is laughing at us!”

“It might be a unique way humans express comfort.”

“No! Look at his eyes. He’s treating us like complete idiots!”

“To a crooked eye, everything looks crooked. Finn, it’s unfortunate that you lost a tooth, but set aside your ill feelings.”

“Ugh! I’m telling you, it’s not that. Did you see that? He just called me a tiny rat. Did you see his lips mouthing the insult?!”

Finn pounded his chest and raged furiously. Despite his vehement protests, Argen did not sympathize with his words.

As Argen completely ignored his grievances and sided with Valen, a fiery jealousy surged within Finn. He grabbed Valen by the collar as he sat still.

“Be honest. You have no intention of cooperating with us. Lord Argen’s patience is not limitless!”

“Who said that? I never said I wouldn’t cooperate.”

“…What?”

The murderous glint in Finn’s eyes subsided. His face was overtaken by a deep sense of bewilderment at the unexpected response.

“Move your face away. It stinks.”

“You little…!”

As Finn was about to lunge, Nadol grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. Finn was dragged away without even throwing a punch.

“Do you truly intend to cooperate?”

Argen set down her teacup. Despite having sipped from it quite a bit, it seemed to have only decreased by a single sip.

The surface of the tea rippled, reflecting Argen’s impassive face. Was she trained to hide her emotions? There was no sign of delight, nor any urgency to persuade him.

Even when she had forcibly taken Valen, she maintained that same expression. The only difference now was a slight furrowing of her brows.