After a brief conversation, Oparn stared blankly at the Golden Jade Seal.
“Hey? Oparn?”
No matter how many times I called, he didn’t respond. I had also planned to entrust him with handling the horns, but…
‘It seems difficult now.’
The future him is both a strong warrior and an excellent blacksmith and craftsman, perfect for weapon enhancement.
‘Now that I think about it, the game already hinted at Oparn’s talent.’
Suddenly, a memory came to mind.
-Was Oparn’s talent inherited from your parents?
The protagonist looked on with curious eyes. Oparn’s busy hands stopped, and a bitter smile formed on his lips.
-Yes. This craft, too, was taught by my dearest family, now passed away. Here, take this. A beautiful sapphire ring that suits the color of your eyes.
A seemingly trivial conversation, yet Oparn’s sorrowful smile became one of the three legendary images from the game.
Thinking about it, the protagonist was right. However, it wasn’t the talent of his parents, but of his race. Like the dwarves known throughout the empire for their craftsmanship, the gargoyles of the demon world had a similar culture. Living underground, mingling with gems and minerals, they had excellent skills in handling them. Even their king’s title was Diamond.
“Oparn.”
“If it’s for revenge… to reclaim the throne…!”
Even after a considerable amount of time had passed, his eyes, having lost focus, showed no response.
It was hopeless. His attention was completely consumed by the artifact.
‘Had I known, I would have brought up the horns first.’
“Well, I’ve said my piece, but the choice is ultimately yours. I hope you make a wise decision. Farewell for now.”
Regretfully, with future plans in mind, I left his room.
Still, I was curious.
[Reacting only to the gargoyle noble class eligible to succeed the throne.]
A power not permitted to me. Another ability of the artifact allowed only to the noble class of gargoyles. Of course, I had a rough guess of what it might be. The condition ‘eligible to succeed the throne’ was too explicit.
[Special Quest: Ascend to the Throne of Shadowor!]
[Some progress conditions have been met!]
[Secure the favorability of at least 3 nobles from other demon races]
[2/3]
I was undergoing a similar ordeal. Likely, Oparn would have to endure such absurd conditions to eventually ascend to Diamond.
Still, being originally a demon, it might be easier for him than for me, a human, to become Shadowor.
“Well, it’s none of my business.”
Becoming king would be a jackpot in facing the Demon King, but it’s fine either way.
“I haven’t even seen the ending with Oparn ascending to the throne.”
It would simply make things easier. Oparn, even as a commoner mercenary, holds significant value as a potential ally filled with vengeance.
“For now, it’s comforting enough that the gargoyle troops are missing from the Demon King’s forces.”
Even if they were puppets. The loss of that solid shield of blind loyalty, commanded by a king, already proved the value of the seal.
Creak-
Leaving Oparn behind, I stepped out into the hallway.
Having finished urgent matters, it was time to follow Luciana’s advice and rest thoroughly.
I was slowly thinking of taking a break, as Luciana advised.
“Hans? Are you still awake?”
‘Damn.’
The moment I was turning the corner to my room, I ran into someone I wasn’t exactly happy to see at this moment.
Yegor, who had been slightly disheveled earlier, had now tidied up his tuxedo again, and seemed pleased to see me.
“Good timing. We’re short on hands.”
“Short on hands… you say?”
“Yes, the Duke is returning shortly, so we need to prepare for his welcome. We must hurry, as there’s no time to waste!”
The moment we received the communication that our stronghold was under attack, it seems the sword master has decided to return without even sleeping at this ungodly hour.
It’s a brilliant decision as a commander.
‘So much for resting.’
I suppressed the sigh that threatened to escape.
“What preparations should be made?”
“Call back the servants we’ve evacuated, lay the carpets first, and then prepare a feast. It’s the return of the warriors who splendidly fended off the invasion of the demons.”
…I contributed to fending them off as well.
He chuckled behind his monocle at my sullen expression.
“Don’t worry. Once this is over, I’ll make sure you get a long vacation. Oh, and a generous bonus, of course.”
“I’ll dedicate my bones to the Speda dukedom!”
Undoubtedly, a vacation is the greatest reward for an office worker.
‘Ah, isn’t it? I won’t be able to spend it with Luciana.’
The dilemma between rest and indulging in my favorite pastime was troubling.
* **
Outside the castle walls.
Just moments ago, as I was giving orders to the servants and even helping with menial tasks.
There was someone to meet me.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Ah, it’s only natural. You, the princess, must still be tired, whereas I’m just a snack.”
It wasn’t just me who was dragged out.
The very person who needed to report the battle against the high demons.
A member of the Speda family who had to welcome the returning family from outside.
Luciana, her fatigue evident, was rubbing her eyes.
‘A reward!’
Today, more than ever, she showed many expressions I hadn’t seen before.
The moment our eyes met, she subtly cleared her throat.
“It’s not a sight to be seen in front of the soldiers. A knight must always maintain an impeccable appearance.”
The wry smile on her face, well.
I’m not sure who would think so, but to me, it was rather nice.
“While it’s necessary to show a flawless exterior, sometimes it’s also needed to reveal one’s true feelings.”
“For example, like you, the servant?”
“There’s also your close friend, Elizabeth.”
We smiled at each other.
“Yes, Hans. You’re right. Sharing the burden does indeed make things easier.”
“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this task.”
“Shh. Let’s cut down on the chatter now. It’s time to show an impeccable appearance.”
She straightened her back, her gaze fixed forward.
With a faint rumble of the earth.
Beyond the horizon of the snowfield.
A group of riders was galloping towards us.
“Father, welcome back.”
Though she wasn’t dressed in a gown.
Luciana, grasping imaginary frills with both hands, bowed her head gracefully.
The Duke of Speda also nodded in response, acknowledging the gesture.
“I’ve heard the full story from Yegor. You’ve worked hard.”
“I merely dispatched the enemy who dared to tread upon the Speda family’s stronghold with dirty feet. Anyone could have done it.”
Despite having grounds to boast about her achievements, Luciana maintained a composed demeanor, sticking strictly to formalities.
“As you can see, the walls have been damaged, so it is a regret that we could not fully protect them.”
It wasn’t just about manners.
The traces of Lexton’s footprints etched into the black walls.
Luciana’s eyes drooped sadly as she looked at them.
Indeed, the exterior of the walls, now caved in and dented, not only looked unsightly but also seemed to compromise their primary function of defense.
But still, ‘It’s still a win.’
In the absence of the sword master, to have killed a high demon with just that much sacrifice.
In the end, the walls had fulfilled their purpose.
Yet.
“As the only remaining member of the ducal family, failing to protect the stronghold is indeed a significant stain.”
‘Who in their right mind…?’
To nitpick instead of offering praise, especially criticizing Luciana for a “stain,” was unbelievable.
I made a mental note to remember the face of the person who had made such a remark.
‘Wait, why him?’
The steward.
The supply chief who had accompanied the expedition was glaring at Luciana with a deeply furrowed brow, an antagonistic figure within the top ranks of the household.
It wasn’t just me who was taken aback by his treatment.
“I don’t understand what the steward’s intention is with such a remark.”
Luciana, although she didn’t show it openly, I could tell.
The distortion in her beautiful eyebrows atop the wall. A mix of anger, displeasure, and confusion leaked from the crease between her brows.
“While it’s true that fulfilling the duty of the Speda bloodline by holding back the high-ranking demon is commendable, we cannot cover the losses incurred. The responsibility for the damage to the walls lies with Lady Luciana.”
It was nitpicking.
The logic was absurd, and I felt a rush of emotion.
‘What does he see high-ranking demons as?’
A formidable enemy that ordinary soldiers could never face. Simply defeating him justified the value of those gold-plastered walls.
‘Let’s stay calm.’
I suppressed my boiling emotions. The steward must know his accusation was a stretch. The most pressing issue was how to handle the steward’s overstep.
‘Honestly, it wouldn’t be bad to confront him openly here.’
But for someone who managed the ducal finances to make such remarks without any thought…
I quickly scanned the room. Disappointment, questioning, anger, and, faintly, anticipation.
And I clearly remembered who those expectant eyes belonged to.
‘That sly fox again…’
The slick individual who had tried to elevate Luciana as a successor to secure a position for himself.
He must have seen it. The steward, who values stability and tradition, provoking Luciana, possibly hoping to see her rise in defiance once more.
‘That can’t happen.’
Along with this, it became clear what scene the steward was hoping for.
‘Indeed. He claims to be a loyal servant.’
He undermines Luciana’s achievements, risking his own reputation and honor, perhaps to solidify his position as a potential successor.
‘Any unexpected wild cards would be rebuffed or suppressed under his influence.’
But his move was still a stretch. Most importantly, the one criticized, Luciana, would feel the greatest insult.
“Steward…! Are you prepared to stand by your words?”
Luciana’s response was colder than a drop to subzero, as chilly as the weather of the north, having been mocked in front of everyone.
Obsessed with the future and well-being of the household, the steward’s clash with Luciana seemed inevitable.
Just as Luciana was about to speak up from her side.
“Let that be enough.”
A voice as soft and comforting as gentle snowfall landed on the tense atmosphere.
“…Young Duke?”
Darius Speda.
The steward, Luciana, and even I were momentarily lost for words at the unexpected arrival.
“Steward. It seems you’ve been too long away from the battlefield, focusing only on supplies, and have lost the sense of the magnitude of Luciana’s achievements.”
Sharp. No, it was a rebuke.
The man, no, the bear who had dismounted from his horse, slowly approached Luciana.
“…Brother.”
The contrast between her silver hair and the snow-laden black hair was striking.
Despite the tension-filled standoff, Darius patted Luciana’s shoulder.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had such a conversation. We used to be close, sparring together in the past.” A hint of bitterness shadowed his face, as if to prove their familial bond, a familiar crease formed between his brows.
“Forgive the steward. Because of the succession struggle, I, too, couldn’t regard you kindly.”
“I never intended such.”
“I know. I was convinced of that after the last meeting.”
His gaze shifted sideways in a subtle angle, not towards Luciana but towards me.
“Thank you. Thanks to you, we were able to protect the stronghold from the high-ranking demon. At the last meeting, you declared your commitment to serve our house until you leave for the royal court, and you’ve kept your word.”
Though his words seemed directed at Luciana, the way he avoided her gaze and looked at me was telling.
‘Caught on, did he?’
With a thank you, he extended his hand.
Only then did his gaze fully turn towards Luciana.
“Let the steward’s words go. No matter what anyone says, I am proud and impressed by my sister.”
A benevolent lord’s smile, fully inherited by Darius.
“Brother! It’s an honor.”
Was it the fact that her achievements weren’t diminished but acknowledged by her family that moved Luciana?
However, I found this moment somewhat displeasing.
‘They really are alike.’
Not just the black hair resembling their father, but that raccoon-like cunning too.
The conversation was between the two of them, but most of the family’s leadership was present.
The statement about serving the house until leaving for the royal court, while seemingly noble, essentially announced to everyone that Luciana had given up on the succession race.
It solidified her position while elevating her noble sacrifice.
Considering Luciana’s prowess shown at the academy, it was curious why she wasn’t the chosen successor. It made sense now.
‘The ducal title requires more than just martial strength.’
With his legitimacy as the eldest son, coupled with the strategic marriage to strengthen ties with the royal family, Darius’s position had likely been solid from a young age, given that Luciana would eventually belong to another house.
Not to mention, Darius possessed a talent Luciana lacked.
The ability to see the bigger picture, a political acumen.
‘Well, Luciana dislikes familial conflict, so it’s probably for the best.’
As someone who opposed Luciana’s journey to the royal court and preferred her as a duchess,
Still,
“Let’s go inside. It’s cold out here. Let’s raise a toast to our expedition and your successful defense.”
Whether that familial warmth was sincere or not,
“…Yes, Brother!”
Seeing Luciana reveal genuine happiness with a soft smile, I thought, ‘If necessary, I can step in.’
Duke or whatever.
As long as it’s not the Crown Prince.
Watching Luciana walk away, her shoulder comforted by a hand, I reignited my resolve to protect my favorite.
***
“Should be around here somewhere.”
After the banquet and having secured a holiday from the capable Yegor, in my weary state, I was rummaging through the snowfield.
I wanted to dive into warm water and bed immediately, but I had no choice.
“Where could it… Ah, here it is.”
Buried under the severe snowstorm of the north, Lexton’s neck, turned into a natural mummy without horns. Lifting what, without the horns, could barely be recognized as belonging to a demon, I muttered,
“Tch.. What a pity. It was a good opportunity to easily obtain a high-ranking demon’s horns. Why couldn’t you have survived a bit longer?”
On my way, driven by the thought that some magical treatment on Lexton’s body could potentially enable horn farming, I planned to press Bathory into experimenting with it. Even if the chances were slim, it seemed better to try than not to.
Just as I was about to stash the head away, a familiar voice reached me from behind, casually muttering as if meant for me to hear.
“…Young Duke?”
“The talk of our household, a servant making waves, I’ve heard. But to think you’re out here collecting a demon’s head…”
His habit of speaking his thoughts aloud really needed addressing.
Biting my lip in slight irritation, I turned around.
“Ahaha, it wasn’t intentional…”
“Indeed. I’ve also heard about the attempt to obtain a high-ranking demon’s horn… fascinating.”
He seemed to ponder for a moment, eyes closing briefly. Then, with a curve to his eyes,
“Hans Byron, was it? I’ve been informed by the steward that you played a significant role in defeating a high-ranking demon.”
It seemed he had quickly come to a conclusion, and now, this sly fox extended his hand towards me.
“I’d like to hear more about it, if you’re willing to share.”
“Of course, it would be an honor.”
Caught red-handed at the scene.
But, ‘This might actually be good.’
I was curious about what he wanted to discuss. The look he gave me earlier, and now this opportunity to gauge his intentions towards Luciana, was too good to pass up.
Cliche Novel 