Chapter 231: Beyond the Light and Darkness
As the strategy council concluded its discussion on countermeasures against Nosef Vermoryth, I took a breath and transitioned to the next and even more sensitive topic — the second-ranked Demon Overlord.
"We now move to the next Demon Overlord... Lucius Velzareth, the Sovereign of Light and Darkness," I said, and a heavy silence swept through the chamber.
The moment I uttered his name, I noticed a visible change in the atmosphere — especially from the Starlight delegation.
Raius-sama, Julius, and Luna all lowered their eyes. A shadow of sorrow loomed over them, their expressions weighed with grief. Of course — this was a matter deeply personal to them. Lucius Velzareth, once a proud Hero of the Starlight bloodline... had fallen into darkness. Betrayer. Traitor. Now a Demon Overlord.
I projected the compiled records of Lucius onto the [Akashic Record] for all present to see.
King Aslan was the first to speak, his voice firm and cold.
"Raius... I understand your concern for your son. But the reality remains — Lucius betrayed us. He nearly killed Aria, his own fiancée—my daughter. I cannot forgive that," he declared.
"I understand... but please, allow me to explain what happened before he fell," Raius-sama said, casting a meaningful glance toward Julius, who gave a silent nod. Clearly, they had prepared for this moment.
Raius stood and began to speak, his voice calm but heavy.
"Over the past year, Lucius began to change. I don’t know the exact moment it started, but the difference was clear. He who once was warm, gentle, and selfless... grew withdrawn, short-tempered, and distant."
He paused, eyes clouded with memory.