CHAPTER 128: DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

He recalled how every book describing the demon race always used the most negative terms. Words like brutal, vile, savage—every unpleasant label was used on them, as if the demon race was the most undeserving of all the races in this world.

As a child, he’d also had these doubts. He couldn’t understand why an entire race would receive such hostility—it just didn’t make sense. So, he’d asked his knowledgeable teacher, hoping to get some answers.

He remembered how, back then, his teacher had been so pleased to see his curiosity. The answer the teacher gave was completely different from anything in the books.

"Demons... let me think. Are you talking about the race that always either wears pitch-black clothes or dresses in ridiculously flashy colors? The books probably describe them in the worst way possible, right? That’s normal. I’d actually be surprised if they weren’t described that way."

"If you’re asking for my own impression of them, I’d say loyal, brave, and passionate. In a way, they deserve the highest praise this world can offer. Honestly, the knightly spirit would suit them perfectly. If you ever have the chance to visit the demon race yourself, you’ll understand what I mean."

Perhaps, just as his teacher had said, the demons truly did deserve to be seen in this more beautiful light.

"Every time I see how others judge them, I just find it absurd," Anos said, his brow furrowed and his tone full of confusion. "How can people who’ve never truly met them feel free to judge them however they please? That’s something I just can’t accept."

Illiya still didn’t speak. He understood that His Majesty the Demon King didn’t need someone to give him answers right now—he just needed someone to vent to. And standing here, he was the perfect choice for this kind of listening (and venting).

Tsk, don’t ask—experience.

Sure enough, the emotionally charged Demon King began to rant passionately. "It’s just so ridiculous. Who knows what those people who write those books were thinking? Sometimes I don’t even understand what the demons themselves are thinking—honestly, even though I’m part of them now, I still can’t figure out their logic."

Illiya had once asked them why they agreed to accept such an unflattering reputation. Their answer was that they felt it was quite good—after all, it helped them establish a formidable image.

There were many authors writing books, so it was impossible to control everyone’s thoughts; that was just unrealistic.

Although he understood these principles perfectly well, being hated by everyone was never something that could bring joy to anyone, no matter what.

"So, I’m really very frustrated!" he finally admitted.

Illiya remained silent.

He understood.

Illiya quietly cast a glance at the small group of demon followers who were sneakily edging backward. In that moment, he realized exactly who the demon king was referring to and who had provided that answer.

Although the explanation wasn’t necessarily wrong, it was a truth that could still make someone who cared for them feel deeply pained.

With that thought, Illiya turned his gaze to Sebastian, the so-called "invisible demon" standing quietly off to the side, and used his eyes to ask if he had found the answer he wanted.

Sebastian noticed the golden-haired elf’s questioning stare and responded with a polite smile.

In that instant, Illiya lost any desire to ask further questions. Indeed, trying to communicate with someone like this was the most frustrating thing!

Coming back to the present, Illiya found that the demon king was still venting about everything he found ridiculous or annoying about the world, and he realized he had to intervene—this couldn’t go on forever. To save his own ears, he needed to steer the conversation elsewhere before the demon king had time to get lost in these memories.

"Has the Plant Appreciation Festival already started?" Illiya abruptly changed the topic, though his face remained calm and composed.

"Of course. From the looks of it, it must have been going on for quite some time," Anos answered.

Anos was immediately drawn in by Illiya’s redirection of the conversation and didn’t notice anything off—if he had, he either didn’t care or was happy to play along.

Whether it was the former or the latter, it was clear the demon king didn’t actually care that much about what he’d just been saying.

He probably only wanted to find someone to talk to and vent the loneliness that no one else could understand.

No wonder his subordinates hadn’t said a word along the way.

They must have known exactly what was going to happen once they reached this place.

That’s why Illiya didn’t like talking with these demons who always seemed to be playing seven or eight different games at once.

"I remember you two—Ke’Oth and N’zall—also planted some things, didn’t you? Why didn’t you sign up to participate in the exhibition?" Anos suddenly recalled and quickly turned to them with his question.

Ke’Oth and N’zall showed not the slightest

hint of nervousness, both of them calm and confident.

Ke’Oth said, "N’zall and I have, of course, entered this evaluation. Soon it will be our turn to present our work."

N’zall added, "We didn’t put ours up for display in the beginning because we wanted to give the others a chance to shine without being overshadowed by our superior efforts."

Ke’Oth nodded. "N’zall’s right. Don’t worry, Your Majesty. You’ll see our exhibition soon enough, and I guarantee you’ll be amazed."

Anos’ curiosity was fully piqued, and his anticipation was palpable. "Really? Then I’ll have to make sure to take a good look."

Meanwhile, Illiya, who knew the truth, felt his face go even more wooden, especially as he remembered that most unusual flower. He could feel a headache coming on.

No matter how messed up the flower itself was, on the level of rarity—what living thing could possibly be more precious than a sentient being?

Although he was very clear in his heart about the "surprise" that Ke’Oth and N’zall were talking about, Illiya had no intention of revealing it at this inappropriate moment.