Chapter 2012 - 542: Who Says the Demon King Isn't Human? (5)

The Salvation Army's guerrillas might use that thing sooner than her subordinates.

A smile appeared on Antonie's face.

"Haha, that really suits his style. When he's happy, he acts like a child. By the way, speaking of which, how are you and Mr. Colin?"

As she spoke, she glanced mischievously at Mr. Colin, who was instructing the steward to prepare the dishes.

Erin's cheeks slightly flushed, suddenly becoming stammering.

Seeing her expression, Lady Antonie's gaze immediately carried a hint of ambiguity, revealing an "I understand" expression.

"I see, then I won't ask anymore."

Seeing that look, Erin and Yaya almost simultaneously panicked.

"Wait... it's not what you think."

"That's right! Co, Colin isn't that kind of person!"

The two spoke in unison, then looked at each other in bewilderment, and suddenly, the awkward atmosphere silently spread.

"Being young is wonderful."

Antonie chuckled, her gaze drifting between the two, and then retracted the subject without leaving a trace.

Although Edward always wanted to match Erin with Prince Colin, she felt it was better to respect the opinions of those involved.

Prince Colin had already helped the Campbell family too much, and in terms of both emotion and reason, they should feel grateful rather than always desiring more.

Even from the standpoint of a sister-in-law, she sincerely hoped Erin could be happy...

...

The long-awaited family dinner began, with Duke Edward's wife, the graceful and gentle Duchess Antonie, having waited with her three children for a long time.

Adding in Luo Yan's "family," the spacious dining room instantly became bustling and lively.

The atmosphere at the table was warm and intense, as if it was a continuation of the idle chatter on the carriage, only with Lady Antonie added to the mix.

As the two families were already quite familiar, they didn't strictly adhere to formal etiquette.

Vivian boasted openly to the two young Campbells, while Nanfu blushed, talking to Miss Lino about matters at Thunder City University.

Erin, meanwhile, narrated softly to Lady Antonie, Mia, and Luo Yan about her experiences in Twilight City this past year.

Including her observations outside Twilight City, where she saw people kneeling before those black-robed Judgers, pleading, and how she saw people sell their souls for a piece of bread.

"...The Judicial Court uses bread collected from the countryside to aid the citizens of Twilight City, yet despite this, the citizens live in such distress that I couldn't even imagine what the situation is like in the villages. Not a single refugee came to Twilight City, not even when the Green Forest Army rampaged... this is very unusual."

The Judicial Court greatly affected her.

Even more than the Green Forest Army did.

She had seen despairing people resort to reckless madness when cornered, and on the other hand, seen self-proclaimed righteous individuals elevate their suffering onto the chopping board.

And all of this ironically under the guise of her own beliefs, right before her eyes, causing her to doubt whether the sword in her hand was still righteous...

In any case, her body certainly wasn't anymore.

That man named "Luo Yan" used evil magic power to turn her into part of the Blood Race, injecting filthy strength into her body.

Of course, Erin didn't dare tell Antonie about this.

She also didn't dare tell her brother; only Colin, a few confidants beside her, and a specific Dwarf Lord from the High Mountain Kingdom knew about this secret.

It was not out of distrust towards her brother's family but simply to avoid letting them bear unnecessary burdens as accomplices.

Lady Antonie gently held Erin's hand, comforting her.

"Erin, our world is just like this; there isn't a coin with only one side, even in Thunder City. I think you must have been shocked by its transformation today, but I still must give you a reality check; even in Thunder City now, not everyone can feel the warmth of Holy Light... and that is why your brother continues to use the Royal Family's vault to subsidize bread for the poor."

"No matter what you witnessed in Twilight City, please carry the light and the Light of Praise bestowed upon you by our Ancestors forward with a clear conscience. Although Edward sometimes doesn't understand, I believe there is a reason it ended up in your hands."

It was a temporary decision by Duke Aaron, but perhaps not devoid of fate; the two things are not necessarily contradictory.

Erin murmured softly.

"I know... It's just... I didn't expect..."

Luo Yan gently sipped his champagne.

The Duchess is a smart person, as is her husband.

He believes that even if one day in the future his identity as Demon King is exposed, their first reaction would certainly be surprise, but after getting over it, they would choose to proceed with the current understanding.

This is a beneficial decision for both the Campbell people and the Maze. As the rulers of this Duchy, they can see not just the win or loss, but the numerous possibilities that follow.

However, this may not hold true for Erin.

She is a true idealist, willing to burn herself for the creed she holds dear.

Luo Yan did not fear Erin directing the Light of Praise towards him but worried about Erin, overwhelmed by the blow, directing it towards "herself."

Vivian might have noticed this, which is why she has been so restrained today, not causing any commotion and even dozing off on the way, despite being bored.