“...Ah, it’s you. So, how did it go? I trust you haven’t forgotten what I told you? Have you managed to gain Beelzebub’s trust somewhat?” ‘The Human’ in the attic looked at me with a questioning gaze but all I did was give him a hard look with my arms crossed around my chest. I was trying to copy the disappointed look my mother would often give to me when I was caught lying to her.
“Are you Belphegor?” One of my eyebrows goes up in a questioning action and I haven't uncrossed my arms yet. I was still pissed that he lied to me and almost made me do something that would be really dumb.
“Aww, so you’ve already figured me out, have you? Well, you’re no fun at all. That’s right. I’m Belphegor, Avatar of Sloth. And I’m the seventh demon living here in this building.” Belphegor gained me a lazy smile and I almost forgot my anger once I saw how attractive his smile was but I quickly got back into serious mode.
“You’re a liar! You told me you were a human that got trapped here! Such a dick move, you know!” I couldn’t help but stomp my feet a little and pout. I was really pissed at being tricked by him.
“A liar…? Well, call me a liar if you wish. But let me say this: Any human who allowed themselves to be fooled by a demon has only themselves to blame. It was your foolishness and stupidity that led to this.” I couldn’t help but feel countless arrows hit my body as I slump down a bit. It was so harsh to be called such cruel yet true words from this jerkface.
“Did Beel actually tell you about me? Well, that alone suggests that he trusts you. He and my other brothers all believe that I was forced to go to the human world as an exchange student, don’t they? I’d love to see the looks on their faces if they found out that Lucifer was actually keeping me up here in this filthy attic. Heh heh… But now you know the truth, don’t you?” Belphegor was leaning against the door as he gave me an empty smile.
“I lied to you, sure. But Lucifer did lock me up in here. That’s the truth.” Belphegor looked at me directly in the eyes and I could see he was being totally honest with me and I kind of uncross my arms a bit but not fully.
“Why don’t you get your brothers to help you?” I felt like this was something he could have asked his brothers to help him out with, not some random human who has no idea what is going on.
“If that were possible, I would’ve done it long ago. Think about it. If my other brothers learned about my current situation, what do you think they’d do? I’m sure they’d fly into a fit of rage and confront Lucifer about it. And if that happened, it wouldn’t be any ordinary family squabble. No, it might very well devolve into a war that would envelop the entire Devildom. If worse came to worst, even the human world wouldn’t be spared its effects.” I couldn’t help but sweat nervously as I thought about how bad the fighting would be between demon siblings… I really don’t want to see that happen at all.
“I’d like to find a peaceful resolution to all this. For Lucifer, for the Devildom, and for the human world as well. Personally, I’d like to be able to have a proper, face-to-face talk with Lucifer. Sure, we may have had a falling out, but really, it was only a little misunderstanding. If I could just talk with him, he’d realize that was the case. I need to find some way to get out of here, find Lucifer, and have a talk with him. That’s all I want. And that’s the truth. You understand, right?” Belphegor was looking at me with earnest eyes but I couldn’t help but feel like he was still holding back…
“You might still be lying to me… You did it before after all. How can I trust you right now?” I really don’t know if what he said is just false sweet words. He is a demon after all and they are known as liars so they can achieve the goals that they want.
“Well, I suppose I can’t blame you for not trusting me… You’re the only person I can count on to help me now. If you reconsider and decide you want to help, come back here. I’ll be waiting for you.” Belphegor gave me a smile before going deeper into the room he was locked in and I left the attic.
The Next Morning…
I was walking around the house in a bored manner when I spotted both Lucifer and Beel. It seemed like they were talking about something serious. I know it is bad to listen in but I got a bit closer so I could hear what was being said.
“I haven’t heard anything from Belphie up in the human world.” Beel was frowning at Lucifer as he nervously rubbed at his stomach. I felt a pang of guilt as I thought about his brother who was still here but in the attic.
“He’s probably been busy. The life of an exchange student is a busy one.” Lucifer didn’t even seem fazed as he lied to Beel with a calm expression. He really is a cold demon. Lying without even blinking an eye.
“Belphie was against the whole idea of the exchange program from the start. I know he didn’t want to go to the human world of all places.” Beel's expression looked really hurt and the guilt I was feeling just got stronger. I was never good at handling guilt…
“No, I don’t imagine he did.” Lucifer didn’t really show much expression and I was wondering what was going through his head. He knew why Belphegor wasn’t speaking to Beel and he was keeping it from him.
“Come on, Lucifer. You have to forgive Belphie.” Beel got closer to Lucifer and I was worried he would grab at Lucifer. From what I could see I knew Lucifer was someone you really didn’t want to get physical with. I was getting nervous that a fight was going to start soon.
‘Should I call out or should I just walk away and act like a background character who doesn’t understand what is happening.’ I was biting at my nail nervously as I watched what was going to next with a quick heartbeat.
