The operation was a success.
Luciana and I safely rescued the prisoners and joined our allies.
“Thank you for saving us!”
The guerrilla members, centered around the squad leader at the front, all bowed their heads deeply.
“Rescuing you was the least we could do. Please continue to take good care of the Balant Fortress.”
The noble’s mindset of cherishing the territorial people.
It was no exception even for soldiers.
The relief and sense of achievement from having safely rescued them brought out a rare gentle smile from the Ice Maiden, making everyone lose themselves in admiration.
…Except for me.
Under normal circumstances, I would have been like them, but there was something more pressing on my mind.
[Luciana’s Destruction Progress: 35%]
…This is bad.
What was once a default value of 30% had now fixed itself at 35%.
And it would have been fine if it stopped there, but it fluctuates in real-time.
Unfortunately, always in a bad way.
-Poof.
“Lady Luciana?”
I was startled.
Why are you elbowing me in the side like that?
“What are you standing around for? Aren’t they waiting to give their thanks?”
Prompted by the gaze of those looking over tentatively, I quickly corrected my posture.
“Ahaha, sorry. I’ve been unable to sleep well recently, so I’m just doing what is expected of me as Lady Luciana’s attendant. You don’t have to feel too pressured.”
“Still, you’ve gone through a lot of trouble for us…”
Despite revealing that I was her attendant, they bowed their heads once more without regard.
Their pride as soldiers stationed at the northern frontlines was no different from the lords in the council.
It was the highest form of respect they could show.
“Then, since the thank yous are done, could you please leave?”
But I couldn’t be entirely welcoming towards them.
Specifically, one person.
‘Freedman’
The one who led the prisoners’ squad.
And the man who, standing at the front, represented them in expressing their gratitude.
The closer Luciana got to this unknown man, the more steadily her destruction progress increased.
“Lady, there’s something I need to report.”
And this suspicious character, despite my attempt to send him away, approached Luciana under the guise of making a report.
“Attendant? Why are you blocking my way?”
“There’s a procedure for reports. It’s better to seek General Bardik than to directly address the lady.”
His look seemed to say, “What’s with you?” as he scanned me from head to toe.
Luciana’s scrutinizing gaze was also on me, but she seemed to decide not to question my obstruction.
“Alright.”
In the end, it was Freedman who backed down first.
“What’s that?”
“Luciana’s exclusive attendant seems a bit difficult.”
Whispers from the rangers could be heard from behind.
However, there was no significant backlash to their leader being dismissed.
After all, it’s not easy to openly disrespect one’s savior.
Of course, enduring some uncomfortable stares was a part of the problem.
“Then, we’ll take our leave.”
“Yes, you haven’t been rescued for long, so make sure to take care of yourself.”
“Thank you for your concern. However, a ranger from the
North can’t just stand by.”
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then closed it immediately.
-It couldn’t possibly be because of the wary look I gave him.
“So, why did you block his attempt to voice his opinion?”
It was only after everyone had left the tent that she asked me this question.
“I trust that you didn’t do it without reason.”
-Was there ever a time when the gaze of trust felt this burdensome?
“There’s nothing wrong with being cautious. Especially if it’s someone who was just captured by demons.”
Persuasion, brainwashing…
No one could know if he had turned against us through various means.
I pointed that out.
They may be warriors of our North, but
“To me, he’s still a suspicious individual whose identity hasn’t been fully verified. I couldn’t just let someone like that approach Lady Luciana.”
With a firm stance, Luciana placed her hand on her forehead.
“You’re overthinking it. I thought the chief steward had come.”
Her slightly mocking tone made me smile bitterly.
Had I hurt the feelings of the guerrilla members by being suspicious?
“Still, I understand your intention. If it’s advice like that, I’m willing to listen.”
Fortunately, she nodded without any particular suspicion.
‘I’ve exploited Luciana’s trust.’
I wasn’t comfortable.
It was as if I had deceived her kind heart, which genuinely cared for her subordinates.
‘But, this is all for Luciana’s sake.’
I silenced my pricking conscience like that.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Actually, I’ve heard that there are demons who specialize in disguising themselves as other people. As you said, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
The information I had indirectly shared through Elizabeth was now coming from her mouth.
Just as I was about to dismiss it lightly.
…Wait? Isn’t that not entirely impossible?
Doppelganger.
A demon of shadows skilled in disguise.
If Freedman was a doppelganger,
It would also explain why Luciana’s destruction progress had noticeably increased.
Moreover,
‘Since the Speda ducal family is practically the archenemy of demons, they’re a prime target for exclusion.’
Their formidable power was the only thing keeping them at bay.
Those who have been driving demons to the harsh northern lands for a long time were deep-seated objects of hatred.
Furthermore, it could clearly answer why I, who somewhat knew the original story, did not recognize his name, which seemed somewhat clever to me.
Because, like me, he could just disguise himself as someone else.
“Hans? Are you listening?”
“…Ah! I apologize. I was lost in thought. I’ll correct it immediately.”
At the moment of apologizing to Luciana, considering it as one of the likely possibilities,
-Knock, knock.
A knocking sound echoed.
“Come in.”
The person who entered was a fellow maid I was only slightly acquainted with.
The woman who entered the room bowed her head with the utmost restrained etiquette.
“Lady Luciana, the Duke is looking for you.”
“Hm? What does he want this time?”
Given that she had already received her accolades as a knight,
It seemed unnecessary to call Luciana away from strategizing, at least from my perspective.
To her master’s question, she politely answered,
“He has called for you to address a new issue that has arisen from the testimonies of the recently rescued guerrilla members.”
“A problem?”
“Yes. It seems to be related to you, Lady Luciana.”
Luciana, who had been tilting her head, soon reached out for the sword hanging on the wall.
“He claims to have information about that vampire, Bathory, from before.”
In an instant,
The chamber echoed with the rage and thirst for vengeance that her words evoked.
“Tell me more about it.”
“I’m sorry. That’s all I know… You will be able to hear more details from the Duke.”
Luciana nodded at me,
A clear signal to follow her.
Her determination was not only firm but almost palpable with intensity.
“…This is a mess.”
Before we could even resolve the issue with Freedman, another problem had erupted.
“Have you arrived?”
The middle-aged man, showing a kindly face in front of his daughter,
-Let the demons regret ever stepping foot on this land.
The atmosphere was entirely different from the overwhelming aura of a conquering king he displayed on the battlefield.
“I heard you called for me.”
“Yes. Since it’s the demon that defeated you, it would be best if you were the one to deal with it. I will assign guides, knights, and soldiers to you, so go and avenge yourself.”
Avenge.
Considering the chaos Bathory had caused before, the forces he promised to allocate would undoubtedly be significant.
Luciana clenched her fist, ready to rush off at any moment,
And the Duke, having insured his bets, watched her with satisfaction.
The only one feeling anxious in this situation was me.
‘I’m not fond of internal strife.’
Pitting allies against each other would only serve to amuse our enemy, Tyron.
Even as I worried, the conversation between father and daughter continued.
“I have a question.”
“Speak.”
“Who brought us this welcome news?”
The person who provided the opportunity for revenge.
Her words were laced with a resolve to personally reward the informant.
“The captured guerrilla squad leader, Freedman, reported it.”
As if waiting for that cue, a familiar face appeared behind the Duke.
A man saluting perfectly, his face a picture of loyalty.
“I overheard the demons’ conversation while captured! They plan to start a war in coordination with a vampire they’ve infiltrated inside. Fortunately, I glimpsed a map marking the hideout, so I was able to determine his location!”
A fierce smile spread across Freedman’s face.
“If you entrust me, I will serve as the guide.”
To others, it might seem a display of courage.
However, to me, it was a despicable resolution that filled the council chamber.
“A true role model for the warriors of the North. I will remember your name and face.”
“Rewarding and punishing one’s subordinates is a virtue that nobility should possess. That’s the right attitude.”
The conversation between father and daughter no longer reached my ears.
Suspicion had now turned into certainty.
‘Even if Bathory is a demon who is wary of humans, she definitely isn’t friendly with Levain.’
And then, there’s the negative instigation, but more importantly, there was decisive evidence.
A map marking the hideout?
Such a thing couldn’t exist.
‘Only Elizabeth, Camilla, and I know of her residence.’
Yet, he confidently volunteered to lead the way with some kind of certainty.
He must have some tool that could track Bathory’s location.
It’s obvious.
The only one who could provide such an artifact would be Levain.
‘Freedman is a doppelganger.’
One that has sided with Levain, the Demon King.
A clear enemy of the North.
[Condition: <Identify the suspicious person’s true identity> Achieved]
[Quest Triggered!]
Supporting my conjecture, the status window reacted.
[Freedman was once a noble warrior of the Northern guerrilla forces.]
[However, the Freedman now walking the North has swallowed all his feelings and donned the shell of a shadow demon, a doppelganger.]
[His primary mission, under Levain’s orders, is the assassination of Bathory.]
[Thwart his plans and bring peace to the North.]
[Reward: ???]
[Penalty for Failure: The death of Bathory]
‘…Bathory’s death.’
After all, she’s almost regained her strength and will soon leave my grasp to return to the demon world.
I’ve nearly received all that I could from her.
Even if the bird soon to leave its cage dies, the loss is minimal.
But…
-If you regain your strength, come back with me.
I remembered her reaching out to me in that cave.
Even though our first meeting was the worst and our relationship was built on deception.
‘…How could I just stand by and watch?’
Master and disciple,
Demon and demon advocate.
I’ve become too entangled with her.
Whether it’s practical gain or the realm of personal emotions.
“Hans, prepare my words. And you too, follow me on my journey of vengeance.”
“Yes, Lady.”
‘Let’s save her.’
The decision was already made.
The top priority is somehow dealing with Luciana, who is sharpening her teeth for Bathory.
“Then, I will lead the way. Knights, follow me.”
And to show a lesson to that despicable doppelganger wearing human skin.
For that, I secretly took a communication crystal.
Cliche Novel 