The term magic particles seems to be uncommon in Gaea, where magic isn’t a part of their culture.
“It’s a magic element that comes from a person’s negative emotions. Magic particles can’t be seen with the naked eye by most people, but it’s in the air all around us,” Julius explains for the Gaeans’ benefit. “Without it, sorcerers can’t use magic, and magic circles won’t work, either. In other words, the Demon Lord is attempting to make a country with an endless supply of magic particles to keep its magic circle working… Ultimately, the war between Analia and Gaea was fought for nothing more than to keep the Demon Lord’s magic circle operational.”
Astonishment freezes every Gaeans’ face.
“That’s the truth,” I say, backing Julius up since our Gaean friends look skeptical. “The Demon Lord’s objective was to keep Gaea on the precipice of near losses and in a miserable state rather than drawing the war to a close. In order to lead humanity into a magically controlled world, it intentionally caused people in the Kingdom of Gaea to suffer for a long time… I’m not trying to make excuses, but Analians don’t know that. We believed the war was for us and were happy to die for our lord. Analians love and respect the Demon Lord more than anything, so we went to war without questioning it.”
It makes me think back on the time I only ever thought about the Demon Lord. Back on the girl who lived solely for his praise. The version of myself who forewent thinking for herself because everything the Demon Lord said was just and absolute.
Suddenly, there’s a loud bang on the table. I look toward the source of the sound and find Golem with his trembling fists denting the wood.
“A world controlled by magic? All for some damn magic particles! That’s why we Gaeans have been made to suffer these long years…?!” he thunders and bites his lip so hard blood trickles down his chin. Anger shakes his broad, muscular frame.
The Demon Lord’s actions are even worse for Gaea.
Prince Guido places a hand on Golem’s shoulder and seethes “We won’t let him get away with it” in a threatening voice.
I know he’s talking about the Demon Lord and not me, but his unforgiving tone still gives me the chills.
“Gaea’s citizens aren’t the only victims. Analia’s own citizens have been deceived. The Demon Lord has cheated and trifled with every person doing their best to make a life for themselves in this world. That should never be allowed to go on,” he says, looking around the table with bold determination.
“That’s right. We can’t let this pass. I absolutely won’t let this go on without a fight!” I finish in the same vein as Guido.
Sereniel’s worried eyes find me across the table. “I see… You left Analia after discovering the truth.”
I weakly bob my head.
“That decision is very like you. When you suddenly betrayed the Demon Lord you devoted your life to…I thought you were led astray by Julius…”
Julius snorts at Sereniel’s accusation.
She ignores him and directs her barbed gaze at Regulus. “But what excuse do you have, Regulus? You knew the truth about the Demon Lord. Why did you hide it from us?” she asks in a harsh tone full of blame.
Sereniel never drops her temptress smile, but her ashen face is drawn tight. Regulus meets her gaze and drops his.
“…I have no excuse on that front. The only thing that I can say, while it might come across as an excuse, is that I didn’t know what the magic circle was configured for. And naturally not about the point of the war. I couldn’t decipher the more complex sections of the circle. I entered the inner sanctum, realized there was just a magic circle, and guessed there might not be a Demon Lord. However, I fled the room without confirming the truth and never went there again… I was afraid…I wouldn’t be able to accept the truth.” Regulus speaks from the heart, deep wrinkles forming on his forehead with his grief, the corners of his eyes misting.
“Don’t beat yourself up too much, Regulus. If you are to blame for seeing and not knowing, then I am even more at fault for obeying the Demon Lord when I could decipher its meaning to a certain extent,” Julius confesses, his voice just as dark and gloomy, which makes me look up at him. Our eyes meet.
“Like you, I was in denial and ran from the truth until I met Elle. Things are different now. I have Elle in my life. I won’t run anymore,” he says with such a gentle look in his eyes, I’m forced to look away for fear he’ll see my flushed cheeks.
Seriously, Julius’s face is all he’s got going for him! It’s all about the face! W-Well, not that his personality isn’t appealing in a way. He’s surprisingly honest, serious, and he also called me cute a few times— Bad thoughts! Now’s not the time to be fawning over Julius!
I rein in my thoughts with a loud cough and rise from my chair.
“N-No more of that! It doesn’t matter who’s at fault. I’m just as guilty of fleeing the country after learning the truth. Running away was all we could do! But things are going to be different. I’m going to defeat the Demon Lord! Defeating the Demon Lord—destroying that nasty magic circle—will end the war and let me enjoy a peaceful life in Elle Village. Most of all, that demon circle is after my heart and has already inflicted damage on my stupendous village! I can’t let it roam free!” I emphasize my point with clenched fists.
“I completely concur with you,” Prince Guido responds. “We can’t let the Demon Lord stay unchecked.”
Aela and Golem nod in agreement.
Perfect! Looks like I can count on the Gaea half to lend a hand. Then again, they were always the side opposing the Demon Lord. All that’s left is— I look at Sereniel and Regulus.
“I have no objections, either,” Sereniel says. “A world where humans are dominated by magic…? Ridiculous. Besides, my loyalty went out the door the moment I learned the Demon Lord is just some scribbles on the wall. I obeyed orders because I always thought that the Demon Lord was a handsome, tall man with incredibly high specs as a sorcerer!” She’s voicing her support for an entirely disappointing reason.
Regulus levels her with an exasperated look, then sighs. “I also can’t stand the Demon Lord’s methods. These old bones are yours to use,” he offers.
Sereniel’s reason is questionable, but at least it’s looking like Analia’s Grand Magi are on board with joining forces.
“All four of the Grand Magi have left Analia. Now’s the time to attack before more are appointed,” Regulus recommends.
“Clark is definitely going to be our biggest enemy,” Sereniel stresses, brushing a curl off her shoulder.