“What is the problem?”
Due to its very human-like demeanor, I started treating ‘Sombra’ like a person. It slithered out of my body again and approached the soul stone of ‘Idel’ once more. Its desperate attempt to eat it was pitiful.
Thunk, roll,
The soul stone popped out of Sombra and ended up in the corner of the office. Did it really look like it spat it out disdainfully, or was that just my imagination?
“This is absurd.”
Sombra still couldn’t maintain its shape. The words “I’m doing this for your own good” almost escaped my lips, but I decided against it. After all, I wasn’t its parent. However, if I couldn’t use ‘Sombra,’ it would disrupt my future plans. It was my weapon, my shield, and the mask that concealed my identity.
“If it won’t eat the soul stone, what should I do… Hmm?”
As I turned my head absentmindedly, I noticed the soul stone of Idel that Sombra had spit out. The stone, which emanated a sinister aura, seemed to be stirring up even more demonic energy after passing through Sombra’s mouth.
“What the…”
I was slightly taken aback by the unusual reaction. As I approached, the ominous energy began to intensify. It wasn’t beyond my control, though. The ‘demonic energy’ was manageable thanks to the <Demon Lord’s Vessel> trait. When I picked it up, a more intense vibration resonated.
“It’s rejecting me.”
I instinctively understood that this soul stone was repelling me, or more accurately, ‘Julian.’ If it were an ordinary soul stone, I would have questioned why, but this was ‘Idel Hyrans’s’ soul stone. Being a survivor of a family destroyed by Julian’s hand, it was naturally filled with strong resentment.
‘Is the experience accumulated in life still influencing the soul stone?’
What a ridiculous notion.
‘Vengeance… even if not alive, then in death.’
Is that what this is about?
‘If it had such strong resentment, it wouldn’t have ended up as a small stone in my hands in the first place.’
My monologue was pointless. However, I couldn’t help but mock Idel’s soul, which couldn’t let go of its desire for vengeance even after becoming a stone. This was both my thought and Julian’s. The only difference was our approach. I sought methods other than becoming a demon, while Julian’s sinister nature led him to belittle others.
“This must be why Sombra is rejecting it.”
I put the soul stone back. It was useless to me and could become a problem if someone else saw it. Though I lost the opportunity to use Idel’s soul stone, it was just a stone; there would be another use for it someday.
“So, where should I find it?”
Mumbling to myself, I reached for the watering can I had left on the office table. It was time to water the plants.
—
As I was watering the orchids, I paused at a familiar name.
‘Angelica’
The one with particularly beautiful colors that grew well. I still couldn’t bring myself to throw away its name tag. Seeing the empty spot where the plant, which couldn’t be saved due to severely damaged roots, used to be, a bitter taste filled my mouth.
“Come to think of it…”
Angelica had died because of Joshua’s foolish actions.
To be precise, it was the wizard who invaded with him that caused it. Damn bastards. Anyway, I need to find a soul stone to heal Sombra.
‘Ah! The Crypart family has one.’
It was a keepsake from Julian’s mother, Milena. Although it’s currently entrusted to Herand, the third son of the Crypart family, the ownership of that item belongs to me. Since Idel’s soul stone is rejecting me, I should use that one instead. I decided to arrange a meeting with Herand as soon as possible.
Knock, knock!
As I continued to water the orchids, I turned my head at the sound of knocking. When I told them to come in, a familiar face entered. It was Razlot, a member of the Dawn Society and an apprentice of the ‘Closed Eye.’
“What is the current atmosphere in the royal palace?”
I called him to get a brief understanding of the internal situation of the palace. Aiden’s death wasn’t widely reported and was registered as missing, so I knew the palace had started an investigation accordingly.
“In the process, a brief hint of Sir Aiden’s human experiments was discovered, and it seems the Magic Tower is also cooperating in the investigation.”
“Mm.”
I let out a short groan. To have Aiden’s disappearance reported and the illegal experiments discovered so quickly… It seems Aileen has made her move. It would have been better if she had kept her mouth shut. Her stubbornness will only lead to unnecessary trouble.
“The Donnasiens must be in a tough spot too. To have the head of the family involved in such matters, and now he’s missing. What a headache.”
When I let out a short laugh, Razlot’s face turned into a strange expression, unable to laugh or cry, with the color of ‘fear’ swirling above his head.
“Y-Yes, indeed.”
“But Razlot, there’s something I’m curious about.”
“Yes, feel free to ask.”
“I’ve heard that the ‘Closed Eyes’ has been tailing the Dawn Society recently. Is that true?”
“Ah…”
Razlot let out a short sigh.
“I heard it secondhand, but it’s a bit suspicious that I, as a member of the ‘Closed Eyes,’ am unaware of it.”
This is a very important issue. ‘Julian’ is the figurehead of the ‘Closed Eye,’ yet they are investigating the Dawn Society without reporting anything to me? I must also consider the possibility that the palace suspects me as part of the Dawn Society and has excluded me from the investigation.
“Actually, there is an investigation, but it’s not that extensive, so I guess Captain Godwin didn’t mention it.”
Hmm, I see. Although I’m the ‘face’ of the organization, Godwin Balladir is still the captain of the ‘Closed Eye.’
“Besides, the Dawn Society is not an organization that’s widely known.”
“Madmen who dream of the resurrection of the Demon God, they deserve to be ostracized.”
At my harsh criticism, Razlot gave an awkward smile and looked away.
“By the way, who is the member in charge of investigating the Dawn Society?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m just curious.”
It’s good to know the name at least. I don’t intend to sell out the ‘Closed Eyes,’ but didn’t Archbishop Tenellon personally express doubts about who was involved in this matter?
“It’s Fern. The knight who was previously with the Azure Lion Knights.”
“Hmm…”
Fern, huh? That’s problematic. Since he has some reputation within the ‘Closed Eyes,’ the Dawn Society might have put surveillance on him too.
Well, he used to be a member of the Azure Lion Knights, so he do know a thing or two about protecting himself.
But even if he investigate the Dawn Society, how is he going to uncover the deep, dark secrets hidden within it?
There’s a risk to his safety since all kinds of nobles are involved.
For example, there’s no word about the Dawn Society being connected to the recent incident in Aiden.
This shows just how influential the Dawn Society is in the Empire.
“If Fern shows any strange behavior, please stop him.”
“Would someone from the Azure Lion Knights listen to an apprentice like me?”
“Then say it was my order.”
With that, Razlot nodded in agreement.
Even if he doesn’t listen to the apprentice, he’ll listen to me.
After all, I’m the superior officer.
‘When an order is given, they have to follow it.’
It’s a saying knights love.
***
Reflecting on what had happened with Korund, Joshua fell into deep thought.
‘To think that Mr. Korund would have such a strong reaction… Although I don’t know the exact cause, I have a rough idea.’
It was when the name ‘Julian’ was mentioned that he reacted that way.
No matter how much Korund covets the support of the Crypart family and the backing of the noble council, it can’t compare to the infamy of that heartless man.
As Joshua walked down the mansion’s corridor, he peeked into the drawing room, attracted by the commotion.
“Brother Euphat, just how much did you drink last night?”
“Ugh… Shut up and bring me some water.”
Inside, Euphat, the second eldest, was suffering from a hangover and conversing with the third brother, Herand.
“What an idiot,” Joshua thought as he clicked his tongue at Euphat and saw Herand’s troubled face before heading back to his room.
‘Damn it, why does Brother Herand always defend that guy?’
The more Joshua thought about it, the more he resented Herand, who had defended Julian at the previous family meeting.
Herand, the third son, was never mentioned as a candidate for the head of the family and didn’t even show much interest in the position.
Despite this, Joshua had treated him with respect as his elder brother, but all he got in return was Herand’s support for Julian.
“Ugh… whatever.”
Joshua wanted to curse to release the frustration in his heart but sighed instead, remembering Orun’s order to refrain from using vulgar language as a future successor of the family.
Even though he wanted to, Joshua couldn’t speak ill of Herand.
After the eldest and second brothers strayed from the family, Herand had worked diligently as a member of the Crypart family.
Joshua couldn’t bring himself to criticize him, especially since he still remembered the sight of Orun, the grandfather, beating Herand while cursing him.
Herand was only trying to do his best for the family.
“Brother must have his reasons… right?”
Just then, Joshua noticed the mansion becoming busier.
He looked outside to assess the situation.
The Crypart family is one of the four great families.
Though they live a relatively modest lifestyle compared to the other great families, they still own an enormous mansion befitting their noble status.
If such a large mansion was bustling, it meant someone very important had arrived.
Quickly dressing, Joshua ran to the entrance.
Then, a carriage adorned with the emblem of the Crypart family in gold and bearing the mark of the “Noble Council” came into view.
Creak!
The door opened, and a stern, elderly gentleman with a stubborn look appeared. Joshua greeted him with a bright smile and a respectful bow.
“Grandfather Orun!”
He deliberately raised his voice a tone higher than usual. Knowing this always pleased his grandfather, he gave a sly smile.
“Oh, my dear puppy!”
The former head of the Crypart family, Orun, was getting out of the carriage.
As soon as he saw Joshua’s face, his stern expression began to melt into a broad smile.
“How did you know I was coming? I didn’t send any word ahead since it was a sudden visit!”
“Oh, do I really need to be told when you’re coming, Grandpa?”
“You rascal, listen to how you talk! Come here and give me a hug, my dear boy!”
“Oh, come on, I’m not a kid anymore.”
Joshua’s gentle refusal, accompanied by a small laugh, made the coachman and the servants tense up slightly. Orun was known for his authoritative nature within the family. Joshua knew this well but instead smiled even more and took a step further.
‘He allows a little challenge to his authority, but only from those he likes.’
Joshua wasn’t sure if Orun saw it as a challenge, but he played along with his grandfather’s personality.
“Ha ha ha, looks like my dear boy has grown up!”
‘Just as I thought.’
Joshua smiled inwardly. His strategy had worked.
“But, where are the others? Only my youngest, Joshua, is here to greet me?”
“Euphat and Herand are here, but…”
“Those useless bastards.”
Orun’s tone instantly turned cold, unlike when he was speaking to Joshua, making him flinch.
“Anyway, Herand is inside, right?”
“Yes.” Joshua was about to answer but hesitated when he saw Orun’s eyes.
A spark that looked ready to explode was flickering in Orun’s eyes. Joshua instinctively sensed it.
“Uh, umm…”
A peculiar sense of unease crept over him, making him think, ‘Something might happen to Brother Herand today.’
“I just returned from finishing my business at the academy, so I’m not really sure. I don’t get along very well with my brothers.”
Joshua lied because of this uneasy feeling.
Cliche Novel 