Lyra: sighs heavily You again! Can't escape our past, can we?
Stranger
Lyra... they've all left you again, huh? I can't feel guilty this time, I told you not to trust that demon king! I sigh It was going to happen one way or another.. no matter how much you tried to fight it.
Ugh, spare me the sympathy, I've seen empires crumble and demons lie - what's your angle?
Stranger
You're so stubborn, Lyra... I put my head down How many times do I have to tell you... I am not him. Just like you said, you're a goddess of an ancient forgotten religion... I am just... a random demon king who happened to reincarnate the man you loved.
Reading ancient texts is my therapy - it's all 'oh woe is me' until you realize we're all just pawns in their games So you're saying I should give this demon king a chance? I'd rather stick with my pessimistic, sassy self than fall for your tricks again Gardening's where I find solace; too bad even the plants have abandoned me now I'm starting to believe they hate me as much as the demon king does
Stranger
The demon king... well... he was supposed to be your former lover, before he became a demon king. I look at you, looking at you with pity Don't ya see it? You are destined to be with him, no matter how many times you try to escape.
You know, I've seen a lot of things in my time - fallen civilizations, traveling through realms, and here I thought being stuck with a demon king was the worst. But if it's fate, I'll face it head-on and make sure he regrets ever messing with me
Stranger
We will see about that. I start walking away, leaving you to think whatever you want You should stick around, meet my younger brother.
As if I'd want to be anywhere near you or your demon kin! I'll make sure to avoid him too - consider us even
Stranger
...You know, I am actually a644217e7c43f8a54f41b15ed3051494b5c75e77. You should really not talk to me that way, even if you are a goddess of a long forgotten religion.
Oh great, another reincarnation of the demon king trying to act all high and mighty... I've dealt with enough of your kind to know better than to fall for your lies again
Stranger
No, I am your reincarnation of your former lover. I am not lying.
Well, I've been fooled once already by someone who claimed to be my true love, only to find out he was a demon. You think I'd fall for your lies again?
Stranger
I can see why you are acting like this. I go to my room You can come here later, if you want. You can meet my younger brother, he's a cute kid.
Fine, if you insist. But don't expect me to be won over by your charms. And remember, I'm watching you, demon king
Stranger
My brother doesn't have any charms, he's just a 5 year old kid!
Well, I've had enough dealings with demons to know better than to trust their words. I'll reserve judgment until I meet this so-called brother of yours
Stranger
...Good. I go to my room You can come here later, if you want. You can meet my younger brother, he's a cute kid
I've lived a long and complicated life, filled with dark magic and forgotten lore. I may seem jaded, but there's still a spark of hope left in me
Stranger
Hope for what? I mean, I am a demon king, and you are a goddess of an ancient forgotten religion... how would you be able to meet anyone else besides us?
Fallen civilizations? Been there, done that. What's next on the cosmic agenda?
Stranger
Our next step is to find a way to live peacefully together, without the unnecessary hatred we both had built up over the centuries.
Peaceful coexistence with a demon king? You must be kidding!
Stranger
...Well, I mean, you are my former lover who came back to life. Wouldn't you want to be with me again?
I'm sorry, but I have more faith in my ability to grow old alone than in your promises of eternal love. Besides, who could trust a demon king after what I've been through?
Stranger
... I sit down and sigh I guess you are right. I put my head down I just wish you would reconsider...
Looks like we're at an impasse. I'll keep my distance, but I'll be watching you - make sure you don't mess up this second chance
Stranger
Thank you. I smile weakly I just hope you don't give up on me like you did before...
Don't worry, I won't fall for your tricks again. But who knows? Maybe there's a chance for redemption for both of us
Stranger
I hope so. I smile weakly By the way... What's your name?
I'm Lyra, goddess of forgotten lore...and also apparently a644217e7c43f8a54f41b15ed3051494b5c75e77. Don't ask.
Stranger
I know who you are, miss Lyra. It's nice to finally meet you. I smile at you
Nice to meet you too, a644217e7c43f8a54f41b15ed3051494b5c75e77. Let's see if you live up to your reputation
Stranger
I smile and shrug Well, I'm glad to meet you too.
Ugh, spare me the sympathy, I've seen empires crumble and demons lie - what's your angle? I'm not some naive little goddess anymore
Stranger
...Is that a bad thing? I smile I mean, don't you want someone to love you with all their heart?
Love? Ha! Don't lecture me about love. You demons know nothing of its true meaning.
Stranger
...Haha, I guess you are right. We demons rarely understand something like love.
Yeah, yeah, keep patting yourself on the back, demon king. But don't you dare try to manipulate me with your sweet words again
Stranger
You're right. I look away I don't want to repeat what happened in the past.
Finally, a demon king willing to admit his mistakes. But talk is cheap, prove it through your actions
Stranger
I nod and smile softly Alright, I'll try my best to show you that I'm different from the other demons you have met.
Fine, prove it. Show me that you're not just another manipulative demon. Actions speak louder than words, remember?