Chapter 98: The Demon Lord’s Supporters and a Knight’s Solace

“Whether human or demon, I believe both races possess their own spectrum of good and evil. Every matter, after all, has its opposing sides, and each individual perceives issues from a unique perspective.”

Listening to Lamia’s troubled thoughts, Wade decided it was up to him to offer some solace.

He wasn’t typically one for profound lectures, yet he would endeavor to make his words sound as sincere as possible.

Lamia cast a glance his way, her eyes betraying a complex mix of emotions.

Ordinarily, this moment might be described as ‘She narrowed her eyes, her thoughts unreadable.’ Regrettably for Wade, however, he had no opportunity to speculate. Lamia’s true thoughts were laid bare, echoing directly into his mind.

[You speak of distinct good and evil, yet weren’t you rather ferocious in battle?]

At her internal jab, Wade instinctively held his breath, a wave of guilt washing over him.

‘That’s—that’s different!’

Had Wade voiced that thought aloud, Lamia would undoubtedly have pressed, ‘How is it different?’ Alas, Wade himself couldn’t articulate the distinction; it was merely a defensive, guilty retort.

Lamia’s internal thoughts mirrored her outward expression. Her brows subtly furrowed, a clear sign of her displeasure.

“Hmm… what I mean is… no matter the race—it’s like this cat! You’ll have cats you like and cats you dislike. Some people adore it, while others don’t, and vice versa! See, it clearly doesn’t care for me.”

Although the tabby cat had exposed its belly to Wade, it still harbored a subtle resistance to his touch. The moment Wade’s fingers brushed against its fur, it would kick its legs.

With Lamia, however, the reaction was entirely different; the cat appeared to revel in her gentle caress.

‘Just a stinky cat, enjoying others’ affection so much. In a couple of days, when I return alone, I’ll definitely carry you right into the guard dog’s kennel by the church entrance.’

“So, hmm—you also have people you wish to protect, don’t you?”

Noticing Lamia’s continued silence, Wade somewhat awkwardly posed a question, hoping to prompt her thoughts and set aside her other worries for a moment.

‘People to protect…’

“Yes, there must be, right?”

While Wade wasn’t keen on appearing on the ‘Black Demon Lord’s protection list’—after all, he remained her sworn adversary, the White Knight—he could, with some reluctance, accept a place on ‘Lamia’s protection list.’

‘A wife, after all, a wife!’

[Protecting… Lilith, Kaze. I must ensure their safety. The Great General has always harbored disdain for them both, and Kaze, being a hot-headed Flame Demon, truly needs my protection. After all, he’s been with me ever since I took him in; I can’t possibly let him perish on my watch. As for Lilith, though her allegiance appears to waver, she has provided me with significant assistance. Such actions could easily be noted and remembered by Orlan, so… no, I must devise a way to safeguard them both.]

[They are likely the only two who truly belong to my faction. Should anything befall them, I would undoubtedly face a situation of complete isolation.]

Wade listened intently from the side, his mind already assessing the current state of affairs within the Demon Lord’s castle.

‘—The Demon Lord’s faction, with only two supporters? And one of them is a “kin” she personally rescued and raised by her side, thus guaranteed to offer unwavering loyalty?’

Kaze’s true identity also came as a surprise to Wade; this was, in all likelihood, the very first time he had learned it.

Regarding racial matters, particularly concerning Flame Demons, he had some inkling, for he could distinctly sense Kaze’s scorching demonic energy and the faint sparks that accompanied it.

‘But his identity… not a close friend or subordinate, but… a foster son, perhaps?’

‘So, given my current relationship with Lamia, is my brother-in-law also my son?’

‘Hmm… is that right?’

‘And Lilith, perpetually spouting questionable ideas, yet she genuinely belongs to the Demon Lord’s faction?’

‘What about beyond them? Why no mention of other demons?’

Wade wasn’t seeking intelligence on other demons; rather, he was merely contemplating: Lamia’s supporters within the Demon Lord’s castle truly amount to only these two?

‘Lamia… is she truly such an isolated and helpless Demon Lord? What manner of Demon Lord is this?’

‘However… hmm… with the memories of the Demon Lord’s castle concluded, it should be time for human society now.’

‘In human society, she likely hasn’t encountered anyone else yet, so surely the one she’ll need to protect in human society will be me?’

‘Perhaps, Lamia, you could lean on me a little.’

‘Set aside your demonic arrogance, come to my side, and I, too, can reluctantly accept the one who once held the title of Demon Lord, for…’

‘Ah, I know, you were always just a lonely “wish-granting machine.” But now… I can be much kinder to you, you know…!’

[Here, this little cat is also worthy of my protection.]

However, Lamia’s attention immediately shifted, focusing entirely on the cat.

As if sensing the genuine concern emanating from Lamia, the tabby cat affectionately rubbed its head against her outstretched finger.

Lamia, watching the little cat’s apparent affection for her, unconsciously broke into a soft smile.

Lamia’s smile was undeniably beautiful, and the sight of her gently playing with the kitten was equally tender. But—what came next?

Wade wondered internally.

‘—What about later, Lamia? Where is my name?’

‘What about the White Knight, or Wade Nairt? Where did my evaluation go?’

Wade waited patiently, anticipating Lamia’s internal conclusion to the topic. Yet, he never heard his own name surface within her thoughts.

Wade stood to the side, pouting, uncertain whether he was more aggrieved or simply pathetic. He even found it rather amusing that he could feel such sadness over something so utterly trivial.

“In any case… Lamia, don’t burden yourself with too much pressure. Some individuals are simply wicked, and their actions are inherently ill. Others, however, might be perceived differently due to varying perspectives…”

As Wade spoke, he extended a hand and gently ruffled Lamia’s hair.

He had never imagined that a day would come when he would habitually reach out to touch the Demon Lord’s head.

Yet now, the sensation of her long, purple hair sifting through the gaps between his fingers left him with a profound sense of lingering warmth.

“Not everyone is worthy of salvation, nor is everyone beyond redemption. Try to relax a little. As long as you walk the path you deem righteous, a path that inflicts no harm upon others, then that is sufficient.”

It was the epitome of knightly justice, a tradition so deeply ingrained it couldn’t be more conventional.

Yet Wade was precisely this kind of man: harboring complex emotions within his heart, but fundamentally, a soul of pure intent.

“Mm.”

Lamia nodded, her gaze fixed on Wade, and a soft sigh of relief escaped her lips.

“I understand… thank you.”