Chapter 39: The Devil King
1283 Words
Yelena’s POV
The West king abruptly rose from his seat. “What did you just say?! The second one?!” he asked, his eyes wide in shock stared at Phillix.
“There are two evil kings?!” Oril asked, also was shocked by what he heard.
I glanced at him. Ah. Right. His country was destroyed by the evil king, too. I thought.
Phillix sighed. “There’s only one evil king.” He said.
They immediately all calmed down.
“Evil is born of human’s greediness, selfishness, and other things that impure the world. And so the first evil king was born. He’s a human.” He explained and looked at each one of them.
“A human?!” Chris said, shocked.
Phillix nodded. “Yes. My mother saw him. He’s definitely a human.” He answered, his voice is firm. “He may be covered in a long black cloak and his eyes are glowing red, but – “ he took a deep breath. “He’s definitely a human. Since that human is her elder brother.” He finally revealed.
“What… elder brother?!” they were stunned.
Phillix nodded. “Yes. They were two siblings. She’s the only child and the youngest. So she must be loved.” He said. “But… she had powers. So she was scorned and shut out.” He then told them what happened to his creator before she died.
“That’s… really unfortunate.” Rio said and sighed, filled with pity.
“Yes. Anyway, he’s the first evil king.” Phillix said. “But, even though he’s the evil king, he’s still human. So at some point in time, he died. And twenty years ago… a new evil king appeared.” He said.
“That’s when my son was abducted.” The West king said.
“And that’s when I was sent to my country.” I muttered and blew an irritated sigh.
“So… you’re saying… this new evil king might be human?” Emil asked.
Phillix shook his head. “That’s just a possibility.” He said.
“A possibility?” Vice asked.
Phillix nodded.
“So… you’re saying – “ Michele said. “That this new evil king might be of other forms?” he asked.
“Yes.” Phillix nodded and answered.
“So he could be an elf?” Michele asked and glanced at Chris.
“Hey.” Chris protested, her face immediately darkened.
“ – a fairy?” Michele said and his gaze landed to Rio.
“Heh.” Rio said, pissed. A vein was popping on her forehead and her glow started to turn red in anger.
“Or a hero – “ Michele continued, ignoring the two women.
Oril glared at him.
“Or a knight?” he asked and looked at Emil.
We all looked at Emil, expecting a protest.
“What?” Emil asked, then shrugged. “I’m not the only knight here.” He said and looked back at Michele, grinning.
“Ah.” Michele muttered, realizing what he just said. He glared at Emil. “Or could the evil king be – “ he said, planning to continue provoking the other when he stopped, then looked at Phillix.
Phillix nodded. “Yeah. He could be a princess – “ he said.
They all looked at me. I just shrugged, since my conscience is clear.
“ – or a king – “ Phillix said.
We all looked at the West king. The West king just sighed.
“ – or just a simple traveler sitting silently and listening to our conversation – “ Phillix said and glanced at Vice. He gave her a smile.
“Enough.” I said.
Phillix let out an exasperated sigh. “Anyway, the evil king might be anybody here.” He said. “Since he could possess anyone of us.” He told us.
Silence filled the hall.
I sighed. “That’s enough. After our understanding of the evil king was cleared, we now have only one problem remaining.” I said.
They all looked at me, waiting for what I am going to say next.
“It’s where the evil king resides.” I said. “Sage.” I called.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Phillix made a slight bow.
I grimaced secretly when he called me that. What are we? A theatrical actor? I thought and sighed.
“Possible locations of his residence are as follows: The North mountains, the North Kingdom and the South Kingdom.” Phillix said. He then looked at Oril. “But the evil king can’t reside there since the whole kingdom was destroyed, and by him.” He said.
Oril nodded, acknowledging what Phillix said.
“The South Kingdom, that’s where our recently-hired kid came from.” Phillix continued. He is referring to Mele. “But he’s not here now since he accompanied the king and the queen on their trip. He told us that the South Kingdom was also destroyed by the evil king like the North Kingdom.” he said and sighed. “And as for the North mountains… it’s where the dragons reside. He can’t reside there and make havoc or all the dragon community will be his enemy.” He finished.
A long silence passed.
“Then… where the heck could the evil king be?” Michele asked. “He’s nowhere in the three places you said, and he couldn’t possibly be in the West kingdom. There’s nothing unusual happening there.” He said. The West king nodded. “Could it be he’s in your kingdom – “ he said, his eyes narrowed.
Emil abruptly stood up from his seat and glared at Michele. “I’ve been letting your insults pass earlier. But I just can’t let this one pass.” He said through his gnashed teeth and held the hilt of his sword. “This is directly an insult to the East Kingdom’s royal family – “ he said and was about to walk to Michele when Oril stopped him.
“Enough.” I said.
They stopped.
“Michele, you apologize. That shames my kingdom.” The West king said.
Michele bowed. “I deeply apologize for that.” He said.
I nodded. “Let’s just all calm down.” I said and stood up from my seat. “I assure you. He can’t reside here, too.” I said as I looked at each and every one of them. “The East Kingdom is bestowed by the gift of the fairy – “ I said and looked at Rio. “She’s liable if she’d let the evil king enter this kingdom. Nor the evil king can enter our forest either.” I said, and then looked at Michele. “Did that clear your suspicion?” I asked.
Michele nodded and bowed. “I deeply apologize for my behavior.” He said, then stood upright. “I believe in the fairy, too, since they’re pure creatures.” He said and bowed to Rio.
Rio just nodded.
“Anyway, there’s one place left.” I said.
“And that is?” the West king asked.
“The great lake.” I said.
Their eyes went wide.
- Writer
