One day, while picking herbs near the forest's edge, Haruto and Lyra overheard two King's Guards talking.
"Another village rejected the King's protection," one guard said.
"The Demon Army will raid them by week's end," the other laughed. "Just like the last three villages that opposed the new taxes."
Haruto felt icy rage. It wasn't the Demon King who threatened them; it was all propaganda to strengthen King Alistair's grip on power. The so-called "demon attacks" were lies meant to eliminate dissent.
Lyra looked at him with understanding. "They betrayed you not because of your power, but because you could see through their facade," she said.
That night, Haruto made a decision. "I won't hide while the King harms innocent people," he promised himself.
"Then I will fight with you," Lyra said, placing her hand on his.