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Instead of introducing someone, Aileen asked for a favor.

After accepting her proposal and following her, we arrived at the Bayer Academy.

A beautiful sight.

While it was considered one of the empire’s seven wonders due to its use of color contrast like a royal palace, its understated naturalness provided a sense of stability.

‘Stability, huh.’

Surely, part of the reason I felt this way was because the Bayer Academy is one of the main stages in “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord.”

This place has a deep connection with the protagonist, ‘Hayden Reich.’

It was the first place he saw ‘Julian,’ and it’s somewhat related to his past.

It was a location ‘players’ frequently saw in the game.

“So, what do you need from me, Miss Aileen?”

“It’s a simple task.”

Aileen began walking along the well-maintained academy roads.

 Of course, I followed her.

“It’s something you’re very good at.”

So, what is it, exactly?

As I quietly followed her, I felt the gazes of those around us turning our way.

Some bore the color of ‘fear,’ while others glanced over, wary.

“Miss Aileen, are you going to the old building?”

At that moment, a man approached Aileen in the middle of the road.

He wore the emblem of ‘4th Order, Leo’ on his shoulder and had the Bayer Academy’s teacher’s ID around his neck.

He was a professor at the Bayer Academy, teaching magic, and a Wizard.

“Yes, Sir Hardy Godfrey.”

Aileen greeted him with a bright smile.

“It’s also nice to see you here, Mr. Julian. I never imagined we’d meet in such a place.”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

The man acknowledged me as well.

As I returned the greeting with a small smile, he flinched momentarily before quickly shifting his gaze back to Aileen.

“And as for you, Miss Aileen, it seems you’ve been saddled with a rather troublesome task.”

“Troublesome? It’s something that needs to be done for the students. I’ve never thought of it as troublesome.”

“Is that so? Well, considering your background, it’s not something Miss Aileen would complain about.”

The man sneered in a demeaning way.

I thought they were simply acquaintances, but it seems they’re the kind that’s uncomfortable around each other.

“To shed the label of a collateral branch, one must endure and strive, after all.”

“Then, Sir Hardy must have his own challenges to endure.”

Aileen didn’t hold back either.

“What are you implying?”

“You received a harsher evaluation than me during the last thesis review. Even more than me, a person from a collateral branch.”

“What, what….”

The man’s face turned red.

Thanks to that, the disdainful looks that were only hinted at before became even more pronounced.

“To think I was worried about you taking on such a burdensome task, and instead of gratitude, I get insulted.”

“Oh, I was worried too.”

“Who’s worrying about whom!?”

Their voices grew louder.

This could escalate from a verbal argument to an actual fight if we’re not careful.

“Anyway, this is why you shouldn’t employ those from a collateral branch. They don’t know their place…”

“That seems to be your opinion, Sir Hardy.”

He seemed flustered, not expecting me to intervene.

Yeah, honestly, it’s not even my business, and there’s nothing good about butting in. But I’m not planning to waste time on needless matters here, especially when every second is precious. Especially if it’s because of some trivial dispute.

“Whether related by blood or not, all nobles are citizens of the Empire. Could I interpret your recent words as a challenge to the Emperor, who has built the Empire’s discipline?”

“Wearing glasses, aren’t you jumping to conclusions? I merely pointed out the shortcomings of a collateral bloodline…”

“Is that so?”

I smiled broadly at him as he nodded.

“I also come from a collateral line. According to what Sir Hardy says, that would make me part of the lacking lot, wouldn’t it?”

“…”

I gave a short laugh, and the man’s face stiffened. Soon, a purple haze appeared above his head.

Touching the scabbard at my waist as if to show off, the fear visibly shook him.

“Judging people by unnecessary standards is unbecoming of an academy professor. When I cut myself, I saw that blood is red regardless of noble bloodlines. Do you need to verify this?”

“……Hic.”

The man began to hiccup.

Of course, I had no intention of drawing my sword. It was merely a gesture.

I hope this teaches him a painful lesson about picking unnecessary fights.

“Let’s go, Miss Aileen.”

“Eh? Ah… Yes.”

Aileen started walking, stuttering as if confused. I bowed silently to the man and followed her.

“You weren’t really going to draw your sword, were you?”

After a while, Aileen asked cautiously, probably because of the scare earlier.

“Of course not.”

“That’s a relief.”

She sighed softly in relief.

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Just. For dealing with the hassle for me.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Before long, the old building came into view. 

Despite being the old wing, it was no less sophisticated in architectural style than the new wing, boasting of the enormous budget of the Bayer Academy.

Its size was nothing to scoff at.

The fact that such a building was left as an ‘old wing’ strongly gave off the impression of wasteful expenditure.

“So, what do you want to ask me to do?”

“You said it yourself earlier. Something you’re very good at.”

After scanning the immense size of the old wing, I turned my gaze back to Aileen, and she continued.

“Hunting demons.”

Hunting demons? Here in the Bayer Academy?

“This place should be protected by the barrier of resonance stones.”

“I didn’t quite believe it either. But, a small creature was detected inside the old building.”

Aileen took out a compass-like case. 

Inside was a stone shining with a bluish light, ‘Resonance.’

“Judging by its size, it doesn’t seem very big…”

“Seeing that the Resonance Stone is reacting, it’s definitely a demon.”

She nodded.

“If it’s this size, it’s a small demon that we could ignore. But, given the recent increase in demon appearances and the number of incidents, right?”

There were incidents in the slums, Aileen added.

“With the atmosphere being tense, we decided it’s best to deal with it before opening the old building to the public. Moreover, there’s been a rise in cults worshipping demons lately… truly, there’s no end to troubles.”

In short, Aileen has been tasked with dealing with the demon in the old building.

Normally, knights or personnel specialized in dealing with demons, like ‘Closed Eyes,’ would be deployed. 

However, the demon in this old building is too small to affect the Resonance Stone’s barrier. It seems the academy does not want to make a big deal out of it.

“The problem is that the demon is too small to be within the barrier’s influence and can’t be properly detected with magic.”

“That must be troublesome.”

“Yes, very. How am I supposed to deal with a demon that can’t even be detected by the Resonance Stone in this vast old building?”

Aileen spoke with a tired look, then sneakily glanced at my face.

“So, I was hoping to ask for your help. What do you think?”

“Hmm…”

I let out a short hum.

As Aileen mentioned, the size of the old building in front of us was vast.

Finding a small, undetectable demon here would be as difficult as finding a needle in a desert. 

The conversation with the man named Hardy earlier wasn’t wrong.

‘…Maybe that method would work.’

Of course, it’s not like there’s no method at all.

“Even for you, it might not be possible.”

Ignoring her, I pushed open the door to the entrance of the old building.

I expected a musty smell from the long disuse, but the old building was surprisingly clean.

Crossing the hallway to the center, I closed my eyes and focused all my senses on the ‘Mana Blood’ within me.

Breathing in and out, stirring the ‘Mana Blood’ several times, mana began to flow subtly from within my body.

The technique ‘Mana Detection’ that had been used to find criminals hiding in the slums.

“If I could have found it with that, I would have done so long ago.”

Aileen murmured beside me.

Indeed, ‘Mana Detection’ is primarily a realm for Wizards. 

Knowing the settings and theories of magic doesn’t necessarily mean I could handle ‘Mana Detection’ better than Aileen, who hasn’t experienced it practically.

‘Then is there no way… Huh?’

That’s when, among the mana spreading throughout the old building, a special ‘color’ began to appear.

<The Color of Corruption>

It shows the negative emotions harbored by the other person. 

However, the ‘color’ appeared in places too narrow for humans to access, like the ceiling, for instance.

“Are you listening to me? Such a small entity cannot even be detected by mana detection…”

“Shh.”

I gestured for her to be quiet, and she looked at me with half-open eyes before closing her mouth.

I began to release a greater amount of mana. 

The fluctuating mana visualized like the ‘aura’ used by knights, filling the old building’s corridor like air. Looking at it, I asked Aileen,

“Will I have to compensate if the building gets damaged?”

“Eh? Ah… No, that won’t be necessary. We were planning to remodel it anyway.”

Good.

I drew my sword and slashed at the ceiling.

Crack!

With a sharp noise, a fissure instantly formed in the ceiling. Rubble fell down.

“Wha, what!?”

I saw small feet desperately trying to climb up to the ceiling.

“It seems to be a demon parasitizing a rat. Being so small, the barrier and detection were useless.”

The creature trying frantically to climb above the ceiling, I swung my sword again to knock it down, then decisively cut through its body to ensure it was dead. 

Then, I started to spread the mana more widely again.

If the <Color of Corruption> was visible, it might indicate other demons, but fortunately, it seems there are no other entities besides the one just killed.

“It looks like there are no others besides this one. Fortunately, the job was easy.”

“……How did you know?”

“Know what?”

“The location of the demon! It was so small that neither the resonance stone’s barrier nor detection could catch it. How did you know?”

She pressed for an answer, but I couldn’t easily respond. After all, how could I say?

That I had read the <Color of Corruption> emitted by the demon to find its location. 

That I had scattered mana visibly thick in all directions to make that <Color of Corruption> appear more clearly.

“It’s a secret.”

Dodging the question made Aileen look unsatisfied, her expression turning sulky.

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“How utterly useless one’s life can be.”

A soliloquy-like muttering.

This is my assessment of Julian’s actions so far.

This damned narrow-eyed villain has not only attempted to kill his master, ‘Hayden Reich’, but is also a fool for not saving money properly.

“There is no bigger fool than one who, considering his situation, collects art instead of saving money for emergencies.”

Of course, lamenting changes nothing.

I immediately took several crafts from the mansion and headed to the promised jewelry store.

Works by famous artists recognized throughout the empire, and even the continent.

I thought these could be used to exchange for moonstones.

“…”

“Sir Julian, I’m sorry, but we do not conduct trades through bartering.”

It was a naive thought.

The jewelry store owner showed a color of ‘fear’ over his head, but still clearly refused.

A merchant would not make a losing deal.

They won’t just buy art for the sake of it.

After all, art is only art to those who recognize its value.

However, there are places in any world that would buy such items.

Namely, an art gallery.

“Ah, welcome, Sir Julian. I’m Pirsos, an appraiser from the Art Gallery ‘Id Cosmos’.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Upon entering ‘Id Cosmos’, one of the art galleries in the imperial capital, I was introduced to an appraiser.

Normally, it would take weeks to arrange for such an appraisal, but our ‘Julian’ managed to schedule it in just one day.

“May I see the item you wish to have appraised?”

At the appraiser’s request, I took out a painting that had been hanging at the entrance of the mansion.

An oil portrait,

With the creamy texture unique to oil paint, it was a picture reflecting the unique inner world of the artist.

“Oh…”

A sigh escaped the appraiser’s lips.

It was obviously no ordinary item.

It seemed to be something that any related party would drool over.

The appraiser couldn’t hide his smile, started to look at the painting, tilting it at various angles, and even pulled out a magnifying glass to take a closer look.

After a few minutes, the appraiser gave an awkward smile.

“It’s a forgery.”

“…A forgery, you say?”

“Yes.”

The appraiser nodded to my question.

“The original artist of this work is ‘Corusius Vincent’. It was trendy in the art world at one point to imitate his unique technique…”

In the end, what he meant was that it was a fake imitating the technique of a famous artist.

Meaning it’s not worth much.

Should I have brought something else?

I thought it was a fine piece of art since it was prominently displayed at the entrance of the mansion, but it seems that was not the case.

“Still, this is the first time I’ve seen a work that imitates so closely. I’d like to buy it. How about 1,000 nar?”

Fortunately, the appraiser expressed a willingness to purchase. 

It seems like a fair price was offered.

I nodded.

Given the immediate need for moonstones to complete the imperfect ‘Moonlight Sword,’ every penny was precious. 

There was no reason to refuse an offer of about 1,000 nar.

“Then, Sir Julian, may I go get the contract?”

“Yes.”

After nodding, the appraiser excused himself for a moment and headed inside the art gallery.

Left alone in the gallery, I looked around.

‘It’s quite crowded.’

There were many other visitors in the art gallery, all engrossed in viewing the artworks.

It was particularly interesting that most of the artworks gathered here utilized Impressionist techniques. 

Considering the setting of ‘Let’s Kill the Demon Lord’ is somewhere between the medieval and modern periods, it felt quite progressive.

With that thought, I admired the most eye-catching painting.

Hmm.

Still, I don’t understand.

They say knowing and appreciating are different, but to my senses, it’s just a well-painted picture.

“Appreciating art, that’s quite an old-fashioned hobby for you.”

Someone spoke to me, unable to comprehend the profound world of art.

Given the familiar tone, it seemed the person knew me.

I turned my head to see who would speak so freely to the infamous Julian.

Dark navy hair.

And a face that turns heads.

Aileen de Donassien.

A person whose intentions have been unclear since our first meeting.

Her crimson eyes seemed to draw me in.

“Did Miss Aileen also come to visit the gallery?”

I responded nonchalantly.

I could have ignored her, but with a character as unpredictable as hers, it was necessary to gather information whenever possible.

Fortunately, there was no ‘color of denial’ floating above her head.

“Of course.”

Aileen shrugged her shoulders.

After all, what other reason is there to come to an art gallery than to view the artworks? I was the odd one out for selling art for money.

“My relative has hung a piece here in ‘Id Cosmos’.”

Aileen pointed with her finger at a painting hanging in front of us.

The painting, titled ‘Outing,’ had ‘Pheren de Donassien’ written as the artist’s name.

It seems she was talking about this ‘relative’s work right in front of us.

“Do you know?”

Suddenly, Aileen spoke while admiring the painting.

“Know what?”

“The Senate has been keeping an eye on you recently.”

This woman drops bombshells in such a casual manner.

Pretending to be unfazed and continuing to admire the painting, Aileen continued speaking.

“Indeed, when I was conducting the ‘Closed Eyes’ initiation test, I had a rough idea of what the Senate was thinking.”

“That’s why the test was conducted in such a way. Because I was well aware of the Senate’s intentions.”

Hmm, I nodded, pretending to be unaffected, but internally, it was a different story.

What Aileen had just mentioned was completely new to me.

Had I known, I would have somehow declined the role of test instructor.

“Partly because the stratagem didn’t work, but also because of the proposal you recently submitted to the secretariat, the Senate is grinding their teeth at you. They see it as a challenge to their authority.”

A proposal about the flaws in the ‘Closed Eyes’ initiation test being perceived as a challenge to authority?

“I see.”

“Pretending it doesn’t bother you, huh? Just be careful. It’s a foregone conclusion they’ll try something against you.”

“Thank you, Miss Aileen. But, are you okay with this?”

Aileen narrowed her eyes and looked at me.

“What do you mean?”

“Being a noble, you would need the Senate’s support. I’m wondering if it’s alright for you to be speaking about internal matters like this.”

“It’s fine. I may be a noble, but I’m also a mage of the Magic Tower. And…”

She trailed off, her gaze wavering for a moment before it solidified with strong resolve.

“You helped me in the Yulin Special District. I don’t like leaving debts unpaid.”

Whether for good.

Or for ill.

Aileen added that.

A saying about repaying both kindness and revenge.

“That’s a good habit.”

I smiled briefly in response.

“Sir Julian! I’ve brought the contract.”

The appraiser, who had gone to get the contract, rushed back to us.

He began to carefully lay out the documents on the table. 

I took out a pen from my pocket.

“What are you doing?”

Aileen, who had been watching from beside us, asked.

I briefly explained.

I came to view the artworks and to sell a painting.

“This painting?”

“Yes, Miss Aileen.”

As the appraiser responded, Aileen slowly approached the frame laid out on the table.

Her expression became very serious as she examined the painting.

“Is it alright to just put up this piece like it’s nothing?”

“Ah, so Miss Aileen also recognizes it as a work of Corusius Vincent. However, it’s a forgery…”

“It’s genuine. I’m aware that there’s no other painter in the empire who handles oil paint like this. And the signature in the corner matches Corusius’s.”

“Excuse me?”

“Excuse me?”

The appraiser began to re-examine the painting, focusing on 

the part Aileen had pointed out.

Before long, the appraiser’s face turned pale.

“This, this can’t be… it’s genuine… Such a hard-to-find item, it seems I’ve made a mistake.”

“This quality could never be a fake.”

Genuine?

Hearing the appraiser murmur, my gaze shifted to the painting laid on the table.

“So, does this change the appraisal value?”

Frankly, I didn’t care whether it was genuine or fake. 

I just wanted it to be appraised for a higher price. 

Naturally, genuine pieces are usually valued higher.

“I’m sorry, Sir Julian… If, if this piece is genuine, our art gallery cannot afford to purchase it.”

Can’t afford to purchase?

Then, how much is this painting actually worth?

“I asked you, how does the appraisal change?”

So, how much is this painting worth?

The appraiser, pale-faced, was unable to respond. 

His pupils shook continuously, and a ‘color of fear’ intensely hovered above his head.

“J-Julian! It’s possible to make mistakes in appraisals! It’s natural for people to err!”

“I’m sorry, Sir Julian…!”

They belatedly realized how they must appear to me.

A ‘Smiling Executioner’ about to judge a mistakenly appraising appraiser.

I must have inadvertently threatened them in my excitement.

Even the notorious ‘Julian’ wouldn’t normally do this.

…Probably.

“I have no intention of blaming anyone for a mistake. As Miss 

Aileen said, it’s natural for people to err.”

I spoke with a tone suggesting they shouldn’t worry, but Aileen seemed entirely unconvinced.

“However, this puts me in a difficult position. What to do with this painting…”

If the purchase of the moonstones is delayed, my situation becomes problematic.

I need to complete the ‘Moonlight Sword’ as soon as possible for a bit of safety.

“Then, shall I introduce you?”

As I was pondering, Aileen suddenly spoke up.

“I know someone who would definitely be interested in purchasing a painting by Corusius.”

“Really?”

I couldn’t help but respond to this unexpected good news.

To have such a stroke of luck and assistance appear.

Especially a proposition from the unpredictable Aileen, which made me suspicious.

“But, you have to do one thing for me.”

As expected.

She reminded me that nothing in this world comes for free.

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“All of the mission’s bonus is yours. After all, I didn’t manage to accomplish anything.”

After the mission in the slums had ended, just before entering the royal palace, Linne stopped in her tracks and spoke with difficulty.

Julian turned his head to look at Linne’s face.

Their eyes met, but it was impossible to read any emotion on his face. As always, a smile was perched atop his narrowed eyes.

“Don’t say such things, Miss Linne. We’re fellow disciples, aren’t we?”

“I don’t like you.”

Linne said it outright.

There were many who disliked Julian, but few would openly express it.

Regardless of the overt hostility, Julian remained unchanged.

“That’s regrettable. We’re under the same master, after all. Huhu.”

“Just because we served the same master for a while doesn’t mean we’re the same. The master said that with power comes responsibility. But the power you wield carries no responsibility. Wouldn’t it be better if you exercised some restraint now?”

Remembering the overwhelming force shown against the demon just moments ago, Linne recalled her longstanding grievances.

Why act against the master’s teachings? Why desire the master’s death?

“Restraint is a virtue for cowards only.”

“Does that mean, you’re calling our master a coward?”

Insulting the master was intolerable.

Linne clenched her fists.

Her lips were bitten in rising anger, whether Julian knew she was angry or not, he casually said,

“Miss Linne, you really don’t understand the world.”

“What did you say?”

“Some people cannot afford to live a life of restraint.”

“That’s nonsense…”

Before she could finish, Julian had already made the first move.

“Anyway, you worked hard today. So, I’ll take this mission’s share.”

With a short laugh, Julian began walking toward the royal palace.

Watching his receding back, Linne frowned.

“A life that cannot afford restraint…”

It was a statement she couldn’t understand at all, considering the teachings of their master.

Linne’s mind grew heavy.

Indeed, he was someone she could neither understand nor wished to.

“Are you heading back?”

At that moment, she turned towards the voice asking her.

A man in a carriage was looking at her.

She smiled faintly at the familiar face.

“Uncle Ergen.”

Ergen Londebell

A member of the same Londebell family as herself, her father’s brother.

Greeted warmly by him, the carriage door opened.

“If you’re heading back to the mansion, let me give you a ride. Come on.”

“No, I’ll go alone…”

“No need to refuse.”

Refusing here would also be a nuisance.

Linne boarded the carriage.

As she quietly instructed the coachman, the carriage slowly began to move.

“Are you returning from completing a task for Sir Hayden?”

“Yes.”

“Did it go well?”

At the moment she was about to answer ‘yes’ to Ergen’s question, she suddenly realized that she had done nothing on this mission. 

Even though it had ended well, it was embarrassing to simply agree positively.

“So-so.”

“That’s good to hear. Sir Hayden must have recognized your talent well. But, don’t overdo it.”

Ergen looked at Linne with a worried face.

“Sorry, it seems I’m needlessly nagging you.”

“Not at all, uncle.”

“But, the man you were with earlier… Don’t tell me it was Sir Julian?”

At the mention of that name, Linne’s face contorted momentarily before she regained her composure.

“Yes.”

“Recently, his actions have been causing the Senate a lot of anxiety. There are rumors that he submitted a review to the secretariat to pressure the Senate.”

It was hard to find anyone among the empire’s nobility who wasn’t interested in ‘Julian’.

It wasn’t strange for Ergen, a nobleman, to have such questions.

The dog of the royal family, infamous for all sorts of misdeeds.

His rise and fall were of interest to those in power, and many wanted to gossip about him.

Above all, being a noble yet a dog of the royal family, it was inevitable that he would attract attention.

“Putting pressure on the nobility’s Senate, despite being a noble himself. He’s an incomprehensible man.”

“Indeed.”

“Still, what you must be most cautious about is Julian himself.”

Ergen spoke softly, then took Linne’s hand and continued in a voice laden with concern.

“For whatever reason, do not get close to him. That man is far too dangerous. He’s the sword of the royal family who lacks any affection, not considering human relationships at all. A person the nobility should avoid.”

“Yes. I understand, uncle.”

“But, I do have some doubts.”

“Yes?”

“Why would Sir Hayden expel him, despite the rumors of his exceptional skills?”

Ergen mused with a hint of mockery in his voice.

“One might start to think he’s not as great a swordsman as the rumors suggest.”

“That’s…”

“Hm?”

“Not true.”

Linne flatly denied it.

A perfect sword path.

Calmness even in urgent situations.

The distribution of power was not used frivolously but was measured and restrained.

It was quite similar to the swordsmanship she idealized.

“Regardless of anything else, his swordsmanship is genuine. The master must have recognized it too and took him as a disciple.”

The insight to precisely strike the vital points of a demon without using aura, and the physical ability to achieve it.

Even though it was done ‘for fun,’ if one only looks at the ‘phenomenon,’ he had indeed slain a demon without using mana.

“He is strong.”

Much more than her.

She wanted to say more, but her pride stopped her.

***

“What exactly happened?”

After completing the mission in the slums,

I was reporting to Odwin, the leader. 

What happened, indeed?

A myriad of thoughts flashed through my mind. 

Did I make a mistake, perhaps? 

Come to think of it, Odwin once felt doubtful just from the way I spoke. 

“What are you talking about?”

“Weren’t you sent to the slum area to verify the suspicion of a demon appearance?”

“That’s correct, and it turned out to be true.”

“But why did a criminal come to confess his crimes? And he mentioned your name while doing so.”

Initially, I couldn’t grasp what Odwin was talking about. 

However, after a moment of thought, I belatedly remembered encountering ‘Bayden’ in the slums. I had indeed told him to confess.

But to think he would actually confess so readily?

“He must have realized his crimes belatedly. He must have repented and decided to confess. I don’t know why my name came up there.”

Odwin gave me a doubtful look, but I ignored it. I brushed it off like that. 

Anyway, Odwin or the royal family would handle the aftermath.

Odwin, who had been looking at me, sighed once and then slightly pushed a piece of paper towards me. 

Another mission? This thought came to my mind, but it seemed not to be the case from the letters written at the top.

“It’s your mission compensation. Including the bonus for the two missions you’ve recently completed.”

Mission compensation.

In other words, my salary.

Unable to close my mouth after scanning the document detailing my salary, I was astounded.

“…11,000 Nar?”

The currency used in the Adratan Empire is ‘Nar.’ According to a website that briefly summarized the setting of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord,” ‘Nar’ is said to have a value similar to 

‘dollars’ on Earth.

So, 15,000 Nar means

‘My salary is 15 million won?’

Upon closer inspection, the part labeled ‘Closed Eye Salary’ didn’t have much amount written.

The reason for such a high salary was due to the method of calculating the bonus. 

It was because of the two missions I had recently completed.

Moreover, Linne had given up her share of this mission to me.

“That’s impressive.”

I muttered to myself unconsciously at the astonishing salary.

Odwin nodded.

“Right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s less than usual. After all, you’ve had many days off this month due to injuries.”

I chuckled inwardly at her subsequent words.

Does this mean I usually receive more than this?

Julian was no ordinary person.

‘Royal family’s dog’ wasn’t a title anyone could hold.

After all, why would it be called a ‘royal exclusive agency’ for nothing?

The reason the Adratan Empire has remained intact until now is thanks to the overwhelming power of the royal family.

Considering that the Closed Eyes is a royal exclusive agency, it would be impossible to receive a low salary for the sake of the royal family’s reputation.

“Hm?”

While reading the salary statement, I suddenly noticed a section scribbled with a number along with a minus sign.

There, deductions attached to the salary were written.

[- Estate management fee]

[- Servants’ salaries]

Well, okay, I can understand that.

It wasn’t a huge amount.

[- Membership maintenance fee for the Imperial Art Association]

[- Subscription fee for the magazine, The Knights]

Hmm.

Yeah, I could understand up to this point.

I knew Julian liked art pieces and spent money on them.

But the subscription fee was too expensive.

[- Installment for ‘Fiancée’ porcelain from Donatien Atrium]

[- Installment for ‘Id Cosmos’ by the renowned artist Corusius]

What kind of madness is this?

Artists whose names would be recognized by any citizen of the empire.

The pieces purchased from their atriums were indeed exorbitantly priced.

As a result, the deduction section on the salary statement was filled with an absurdly high number.

[Net payment = 900 Nar]

Ultimately, what fell to me was 900 Nar.

Considering Julian’s noble status, an absurdly small amount remained.

‘Did this guy… save any money?’

Closing my eyes for a moment, the scene of the mansion filled with unnecessary antiques came to mind.

Living rooms and bedrooms plastered with artworks, and even the library.

‘Would he, this bastard.’

Suddenly, my head began to spin.

I was supposed to pick up the ‘moonstone’ I had ordered from the jeweler soon, but without money, that would be impossible.

‘I should borrow money from someone…’

No, ‘Julian’ wouldn’t do such a thing.

He would rather take on another mission or two to secure the funds.

“Sir Odwin.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have any more missions coming in?”

A look of surprise appeared in Odwin’s eyes.

“It’s the first time you’ve initiated such a conversation. 

Unfortunately, there are none.”

At his reply, I sighed internally.

Julian Crypart Frason, the former disciple of the Sword Saint. 

The empire’s smiling executioner, a ghost wearing a branding iron.

Julian, a man draped in various renowns, including infamy, never imagined that his path would be blocked by such materialistic reasons.

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A brilliant imperial capital reminiscent of a city that never sleeps.

Turning east from the center, not too far away, there existed a vast slum.

Without going into the reasons for its existence, the root cause lay in the Adratan Empire’s choice to annex other nations by force rather than through agreement.

Excessive wars of conquest.

Although most were victorious, the resulting losses and the inability of new citizens to adapt to the empire’s culture and systems meant they gathered here, away from the heart of the capital.

It’s likely that this social structure will not change during the reign of the current emperor.

Thinking this, I looked at the signpost next to me marked “034A Road.”

‘This must be it.’

The road where a demon sighting was reported.

Reading the sign, I took out the map I received from a man named “Beiden.”

As the saying goes, in the absence of tigers, foxes reign supreme.

The slum area was a sector largely ignored by the royal family.

This man, “Beiden,” was a member of a criminal organization that ruled over this slum.

They were well aware of most of the incidents that occurred in the slums. 

Of course, they seemed to have a vague idea of what happened on this road, 034A, as well.

The map also briefly mentioned incidents that occurred in the vicinity.

“How did you know?”

As I briefly scanned the map, intending to check a location I had noted before arriving here, Linne, who was following, asked me.

“What are you referring to?”

“That there are other people hiding in that house.”

Doubt clouded Linne’s emerald eyes, along with a hint of reluctance to ask the question itself.

“Are you curious?”

“Yes, please tell me.”

She nodded honestly, somewhat unexpectedly.

Linne Londebell

She believes there’s something to learn from everyone.

Even from Julian, notorious as he may be, his skills are genuine.

Prioritizing ‘phenomenon’ over ‘people,’ she detested Julian but still sought to learn from him.

I didn’t mind that attitude.

Of course, it would be better if there were no hostility.

“It’s mana sensing.”

“Mana… sensing?”

“Every living being, every object, every phenomenon, the entire universe, is imbued with mana. And, mana naturally reacts to other mana.”

“Mana reacts to other mana.”

“Before entering the house, I used 2 of the 38 ‘Mana Veins,’ the ‘Major Veins,’ to gently release mana into the surroundings. This allowed me to detect the positions of those hiding.”

“Like the ultrasonic waves of a bat?” Linne asked, and I nodded in agreement.

“That such a method is possible…”

I chuckled to myself, seeing her mutter to herself in wonder. 

In truth, this method was more commonly used by ‘wizards’ than by ‘Julian.’

Being somewhat familiar with the setting of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord,” I knew that it was possible to sense the surroundings in this way.

I didn’t know it would be this easy, but probably because of Julian’s overflowing abundance of mana.

Originally, knights would use their unique intuition or the sounds around them to locate hidden enemies, but I wasn’t a perfect ‘Julian.’ 

So, I had to make do in this manner.

“But you asked that man not about the incidents on Road 034A, but about the living conditions, right?” Linne seemed still curious, opening her mouth again.

Her gaze was directed at the ‘map’ I was holding.

“We’re here to investigate whether demons have appeared on Road 034A, aren’t we?”

“Of course, that’s why we’re here.”

“For that reason?”

When I smiled, she frowned.

“How much do you know about ‘Demonization’?”

“……Do you take me for a fool? It’s the phenomenon where if the malicious will left by the demon god Barbados parasitizes a non-human living being, that being becomes a ‘demon,’ right?”

“Who said that humans can’t undergo ‘Demonization’?”

“That’s the social consensus. There’s never been such a case 

before.”

“It would be hard to see. Because it’s a very rare case.”

Linne closed her mouth.

I continued, “Even though it’s a slum, it’s a place adjacent to the capital, covered with resonance stones. It’s difficult for demons to spontaneously appear in such a place. Small animals aren’t suitable hosts because of their size.”

As I spoke, Linne’s expression hardened.

“What are you trying to say? According to you, there’s neither natural occurrence nor parasitic occurrence? Because there are no suitable hosts for demons in the slums?”

“That’s not true. Isn’t this place full of potential hosts?”

Looking around, confusion filled Linne’s eyes.

“That means, Sir Julian, there is a human in this area undergoing <Demonization>. Is that what you want to say?”

“Yes.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

Seeing Linne loudly deny it, it seems that at this time, the fact that humans can also be the subject of <Demonization> has not yet been revealed.

“Humans do not undergo <Demonization>. You said that’s the social consensus, but that’s just an ‘unfounded hope’ that it would be so.”

“……Let’s say that’s true. Then what does that have to do with the housing situation?”

It was a bit annoying to have to explain everything one by one, but since the fact had not yet been revealed, there was clearly a need to explain.

“Human beings who begin to undergo <Demonization> experience high fevers. What’s written on this map are the houses that have obtained fever reducers from the organization overseeing this road, ‘The Six Fingers’.”

Flap.

I waved the map I was holding.

“There are three places that have been targeted in a week. Just looking around these places should suffice. It can be done in a day.”

Linne’s face, full of discontent, followed with a ‘What if it’s not?’.

“If it’s not, then as Miss Linne wishes, we’ll act separately starting from the next day.”

She really is a troublesome lady.

***

There was no gain at the first and second houses.

On the way to the third house, Linne opened her mouth with a somewhat pleasant nuance.

“This is the last one.”

There were multiple meanings implied in that.

A little earlier, she must have been feeling triumphant, believing her statement that humans could not be targets of <Demonization> was correct.

However, as I mentioned earlier, all beings can be subjects of <Demonization>.

Humans just have a slimmer chance compared to other beings.

“It’s over there.”

After scanning the map once, Linne pointed to a house far away.

It looked like an ordinary house from the outside.

But as we approached, the smell of incense became stronger, and I frowned.

The lanterns illuminating the gloomy mansion used fuel that was not refined oil but something unidentifiable, emitting a strange smell.

“The smell is awful……………”

Linne also frowned.

Leaving her behind, I knocked on the ‘last house’s door.

“Is anyone there?”

No answer came from inside.

Just as I was about to knock again,

Creak!

The door slowly opened, making a sound as if it hadn’t been maintained for a long time.

“Who, who is it?”

What came out was an old woman with white hair everywhere. 

There were no horns, no demon-like mucus, and she seemed to be maintaining her sanity, which clearly meant she was unrelated to <Demonization>.

However,

‘Fear’

The <Color of Negativity> revealed above the old woman’s head was familiar. 

Her somewhat anxious gaze and hesitant way of speaking were just the tip of the iceberg, and then there was the faint, unpleasant smell wafting from inside the house.

This wasn’t the smell of incense.

It was that smell I had encountered numerous times during the escort mission of the ‘Resonance Stone’.

The smell of blood mixed with the scent of demons.

-Zing.

It was as if my eyes were inflamed, and the tip of my nose stung.

The fighting instinct dormant within ‘Julian’ began to stir.

It was the same sensation I felt when I faced a Bicorn demon before.

‘There is one here.’

There was definitely a demon inside.

It was the moment the ‘suspected demon appearance’ written in the directive turned into certainty.

I did my best to suppress the rising emotions.

“I am from the ‘Closed Eyes’, an exclusive organization of the imperial family. I would like to search inside the house, could you cooperate with us?”

“The, The Closed Eyes…?”

The old woman’s eyes widened with bewilderment.

And not long after, it turned into hostility.

“Get out, get out right now! Leave my house this instant!”

With a whoosh, the old woman tried to close the door.

I put my foot in the door gap to prevent it from closing.

Then, with a strong pull on the handle, the door opened all too easily.

‘The family members are one elderly person and his young son.’

A common person undergoing <Demonization> wouldn’t be able to resist the impulses sent by the residual thoughts of the demon.

If it’s not the old woman in front of me, the son who is currently out of sight is suspicious.

“Ugh….”

As the door fully opened, a terrible smell of blood hit me like a storm.

Linne must have smelled it too, as she sighed and covered her nose with her hand.

At this point, it was certain there was a ‘demon’ inside the house.

Furthermore, I could deduce one more fact.

This old woman had either neglected the demon feeding on humans,

Or

‘…provided humans as food for the demon.’

There were two sets of eating utensils and two bowls on the dining table. 

This was too strange.

With 2 family members, and if the son was undergoing <Demonization>, he wouldn’t be able to partake in a human-like meal.

“What could the two knives and forks on the table mean?”

“How terrible.”

I moved towards the source of the smell.

At the innermost part of the house, there was a door locked with a padlock.

“Ah, my son is just mentally ill! He just acts out violently sometimes, but he’s normal!”

“Sir Julian! Instead of barging in, we should explain the situation first…………!”

“Is explaining the situation really necessary in this circumstance?”

“Still, this is too forceful!”

“No, on the contrary, it’s principled.”

“We’re not here to exterminate, but to investigate based on a report! At the very least, some explanation is needed…………!”

“Look at that table.”

Linne turned her head to look at the table.

“Two sets of dining utensils, one side untouched but the other neatly empty.”

“You said earlier that there are two family members

“・・・・・・”

“If someone is capable of a proper meal, they wouldn’t be locked up in a room with a padlock.”

Unable to rebut, Linne closed her mouth.

“Inviting neighbors over for a meal, drugging them, and then feeding them to the ‘demon’ locked in that room, I suppose.”

“Impossible.”

Linne’s face was stricken with disbelief, while the old woman hurriedly approached the locked door.

She hastily searched her pockets, pulled out a key, and unlocked the padlock.

“Run away, my son! Quickly, get outside……………!”

Crack─!

From the opened door, a monstrous mouth instantly lashed out and bit off the old woman’s head.

Linne was speechless at the brutal scene.

Meanwhile, my mind was rational.

Just like when I had fought a Bicorn demon before, the character ‘Julian’ possessed instincts that allowed calmness even in such situations.

The demon, possessed as if by a spirit, was devouring the old woman’s corpse. Slowly, a horn was forming on its head.

“A demon!”

Linne quickly drew her sword from its scabbard.

Noticing that the demon had only one horn, she leaped forward and swung her sword.

Her body was obviously stiff.

She must have been startled by the sudden appearance of the demon.

Screech─!

“Ugh…….”

The wildly swung arm of the demon struck Linne.

Seeing the blurring aura of the sword, a certain flaw that the character ‘Linne Londebell’ carries came to mind.

‘A greater number of mana veins than others’

She must handle mana in her own way, not by methods known to the public, but it seems Linne is currently unaware of this. 

There are problems in many aspects. 

If left as is, it’s only a matter of time before Linne falls victim to a demon.

‘There are various reasons, but this is a mission entrusted to Julian.’

If there are casualties in the mission, especially if ‘a disciple of the Sword Saint’ gets injured, it will attract public attention. 

This is troublesome for me. Suspicion mixed with interest is absolutely unacceptable for me, who must play the perfect ‘Julian’!

Kyaaaak!

When the demon lunged at Linne again, I kicked off the ground and kicked the creature’s head. 

Accompanied by a horrible scream, it slammed into the wall. 

It’s not dead yet. 

Because I could feel the presence through the rising dust.

“I don’t need help…..!”

“No need? It’s a matter of concern, isn’t it?”

I drew my sword and aimed it at the demon, leaving her muttering complaints behind. 

Meanwhile, a concern suddenly surfaced.

‘Has Linne ever seen the <Moonlight Sword> at this time?’

Currently, the <Moonlight Sword> is in an imperfect state, unlike Julian’s. 

If Linne knows about the power Julian possesses and sees my imperfect <Moonlight Sword> in such a situation…

‘…Does this add credibility to the rumors of amnesia?’

While I was pondering, the demon I had slammed into the wall charged at me. 

I had to slay it without using the <Moonlight Sword>. 

Of course, it didn’t cut through the demon’s body as cleanly as it did with the Bicorn demon because a demon’s body is as hard as metal, and it requires ‘mana’ to cut through.

Kraaaak!

However, Julian, or more accurately ‘I’, was able to cut through it without using aura. 

The newly acquired trait <Insight> allowed me to identify weak spots that could be cut without using mana. 

By placing my blade on these paths, I was able to inflict continuous minor wounds, if not fatal.

“It, it can’t be… Without any aura.”

Linne muttered to herself in a startled tone behind me. 

I was equally astonished. 

To cut through a demon’s body without any aura. 

After several exchanges without using aura, the demon’s body turned into tatters.

Kieeek, Kieeeeek─!

The demon’s scream filled with terror. 

After a short while, it stretched out on the ground, dead from excessive bleeding.

“You could have ended it quickly with the Moonlight Sword, why didn’t you use it?”

“Because it’s more fun this way.”

The crazed, narrow-eyed villain. 

Recalling the lines he had uttered made me realize once again what a mad character he was.

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