Chapter 053: At the End of the Subjugation (3)
“Huh? Is that for real?”
The noble youth, lounging at an angle, bolted upright.
He was a strikingly handsome man with dazzling blonde hair and porcelain-white skin.
“Yes. You can trust it. We paid a fortune to those sewer rats for this information.”
The man sitting across from him, Yeats, answered.
His lips curved into a sly smile, but his narrow eyes, half-hidden by shaggy bangs, darted nervously.
The handsome man he faced was none other than Killian, the second son of Conwell.
“Well, damn. So that’s how it is? Adel’s taking on the Demonic Corruption herself… Wait, where did you say?”
“Talrug Canyon, my lord.”
“Oh, right. Talrug Canyon. Why does that sound familiar?”
“Talrug Canyon, you say? Well, of course, it’s within our Conwell…”
“Who the hell doesn’t know that, you idiot?”
Killian furrowed his brow deeply, jabbing his index finger into the air.
After a moment of intense thought, he smacked his lips as if disappointed.
“Hmm, was it Kuhn? Something about Demonic Corruption starting soon in Talrug Canyon, so keep it in mind, or whatever. I think that’s what she said.”
“Did Kuhn really say that?”
Yeats asked cautiously, gauging Killian’s reaction.
Killian, rolling his eyes as he sifted through memories, caught Yeats’ look and grinned as if amused.
“You little punk. You’re thrilled just hearing Kuhn’s name, aren’t you? Huh?”
“…Haha! You misunderstand, my lord. I was just…”
“I know everything, you fool. I’ve seen the way your slimy eyes light up when you look at Kuhn. No matter how you hide behind that hair, I see it all.”
Pointing alternately at his own eyes and Yeats with his index and middle fingers, Killian leaned forward, adjusting his posture.
“Well, anyway, thanks. I didn’t know you cared about me this much. By the way, are you sure you’re okay? If Callence finds out you’re doing this, he’ll lose his mind. Can you handle that?”
“Oh, no, no! Surely not. The second son is the only kin our Archduke acknowledges. You’re not on the same level as that half-sister, the youngest lady. If I say I mentioned it in passing, not only will there be no misunderstanding, but he’ll praise me for it.”
Could there be a smoother response?
Yeats nodded to himself, pleased with his answer.
Then, a sudden chill ran through him.
Killian’s face was now uncomfortably close, her expression dead serious.
Yeats frantically replayed his words, wondering if he’d slipped up.
“Hahahahaha!”
Killian’s laughter erupted, her mouth wide open—a manic cackle, no less.
Yeats’ shoulders shrank bit by bit.
It made him wonder if the mental compulsion worked not just for the Archduke, but for the second son too.
Another thought crossed his mind: the public’s view of Killian as “Conwell’s wastrel” might be a rumor he’d deliberately cultivated.
Like a wolf hiding its fangs between the lion-like Archduke and the viper-like youngest lady.
“Pfft, you cute little bastard.”
“…”
“Alright, get lost.”
Yeats bit his lip.
He couldn’t help but resent how the mood had shifted.
He’d shared high-value intel, hoping to make an impression on Killian and maybe get a chance to meet Kuhn with a solid excuse.
He’d come with high hopes, so the disappointment hit hard.
Swallowing his unease, he bowed and turned to leave.
“…Hey.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve been thinking.”
Killian leaned back on the sofa, slouching lazily.
His languid smile sent a shiver down Yeats’ spine, and he swallowed hard.
“Even so, don’t you think you’re being a bit too harsh on the duke’s daughter? And in front of me? I can’t tell who you’re looking down on here.”
“N-No, that’s not it! I made a mistake…”
“Save it, punk. Words can’t be taken back. Just watch yourself. You never know how things’ll turn out. Who knows? Maybe Adel will end up ruling Conwell.”
“M-My lord…?”
“What’s with that face? Smile. I was joking, idiot. Isn’t Adel’s nickname the Bride of the Rose?”
“H… Haha… Yes, that’s right.”
Killian waved his hand dismissively, not even looking at him, signaling him to leave.
Click.
Silence fell, almost unnaturally.
The sound of Killian’s exhale through his nose echoed loudly.
“You were right, Kuhn.”
Killian, now sprawled on the sofa, spoke into the air.
“The Archduke will make his move soon.”
A woman’s voice came from somewhere.
Killian, as if used to it, toyed with his nails and muttered.
“What if, just saying, that old man Eugene actually makes it back alive from Talrug Canyon?”
“That won’t happen.”
“Yeah, I said if. And what’s this rumor about some Imperial swordsman tagging along? Who’s that guy?”
“We haven’t obtained precise information yet, but he’s not a significant enough threat to derail the plan.”
“Good.”
Killian licked his lips.
“About my half-sister becoming my woman someday… How’s that sound, Kuhn? You excited?”
“I’ll prepare the orders for Zephyros.”
Killian smirked with one corner of his mouth, muttering softly.
“These prickly girls, one way or another, are just so fun to tame.”
* * *
The expedition to take down the Mana Core was composed of four from the lady’s side, the entire Gunbel Trading Company, the Easton Guard, and Ramba.
Bonnie and Clyde were left behind with the mercenary coalition.
We’d ventured deep into the mandrake territory, close to the suspected location of the Mana Core.
With dusk settling in just before reaching our destination, we had no choice but to camp for the night.
One way or another, this was our last night in Talrug Canyon.
“You really took down a werewolf?”
“Not just any werewolf—a freakish one, twisted by corrupted mana. It was the toughest demonic beast I’ve faced so far. I heard you guys dealt with ghouls?”
“The ghouls were affected by mana too…”
“Ghouls are that kind of beast to begin with. Well, they were probably a fitting match for your skills.”
I sat in a suitable spot, tending to my sword, while Joel and Janson chatted nearby.
Maybe because of the shadows, they didn’t notice me.
“Joel, come here!”
“Yes, Master!”
At Eugene’s call from somewhere, Joel darted off.
Janson, staring blankly at his retreating figure, turned his head to one side, and my gaze followed instinctively.
There, Jayden and Maserin were sparring, exchanging swordsmanship pointers in their spare time.
Janson, watching them intently, hugged his knees.
…Why’s this guy acting all mopey?
“Bihen, got a moment?”
It was Adeline.
She’d shed her armor for casual clothes, and her face seemed to glow, as if she’d washed up somewhere.
An illusion, maybe? Did a mandrake sneak some dark magic on me or something?
Roland was with her, too.
“You must be exhausted. Are your wounds alright?”
“Yes. Just scratches, they’ll heal quickly.”
Roland flung off his robe, letting out an “Oof!” as he plopped down.
“I’m never doing this again, I swear. My lady, from now on, I’m sitting out, no exceptions. Got it?”
“If it weren’t for the Spatial Transfer Gate, this expedition would’ve taken much longer. And you know I still need your wisdom. You’re an irreplaceable asset.”
“Hah! Irreplaceable, my foot. I’ve already got replacements lined up, so the moment we’re back, I’m starting the handover. Don’t try to stop me.”
I asked, feigning indifference.
“You’ve got someone to replace you?”
“You know them. Ayan and Henry.”
My hand, sharpening my sword, paused without meaning to.
Roland grinned.
“Those two, I’ve got my mark on them. Henry’s sharp and clever—teach him a bit, and he’ll handle administrative work like a breeze. Ayan, well, you know him better than I do.”
“Know him? What do you…”
“Oh, come on, no need to play dumb among friends. Eugene told me you’ve got some special talent.”
Roland shook his head slowly as he spoke.
“Not only can you cut through magic, but you can see it with the naked eye… The moment I heard that, I thought, ‘Good thing I retired from active magic.’”
The first time I truly saw mana was when the Curse of the Spectral Body leveled up during this mission, but even before, I could faintly sense it.
When a mage’s killing intent flared, mana would flash before my eyes like a spark.
That’s why I hadn’t realized Roland lacked mana. He’d never shown hostility toward me.
“Anyway, I hope Ayan follows through. If he can manage half of what I did in my prime, Conwell might see peace for a century or so. My retirement included, of course. Right, my lady?”
Adeline gave a faint smile.
Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen her smile much.
It suited her, surprisingly.
“No retirement until you perfect the Spatial Transfer Gate. You’re the only one who can do it.”
“There are stages to the Spatial Transfer Gate, huh?”
My offhand question was answered by Adeline.
“The Spatial Transfer Gate isn’t just for shortcuts. It’s a magic Roland devised for various tactics—ambushes, pursuits, reconnaissance. The entire manipulation-type magic system in the Kingdom owes its existence to him. He’s practically the founder of manipulation magic.”
“Oh, come on, don’t spill fief secrets so easily! I keep telling you, you never know what’s around the corner. Have some dignity, my lady!”
“It’s fine. I trust Bihen Benkou.”
“Well, damn…”
My hunch was right.
The moment I saw the Spatial Transfer Gate, I thought its tactical potential was limitless.
While I was lost in thought, I felt two pairs of eyes on me, as if asking, What’s your take?
I nodded, caught off guard.
“Well, we’re on the same side, aren’t we?”
·
·
·
The night deepened.
As usual, I skipped the tent, leaning against a tree and wrapping my cloak around me like a blanket.
It was my way of staying vigilant until the end, since this was our last night.
The Gunbel Trading Company members took turns patrolling and keeping watch around the camp.
It was quiet.
The sounds of snoring and the crackling of torches formed a soft harmony.
No other noises intruded.
With my hearing surpassing ordinary limits, I could pick up even the faintest insect chirp if I focused, but not even a scuttle reached my ears.
It was downright eerie.
A reminder that this was a demonic realm.
I shouldn’t, but drowsiness was creeping in.
I forced my drooping eyelids up, tensing the muscles around my eyes.
To stay awake, I rechecked the sentries’ positions and routes.
Four large tents were set up around a central bonfire.
Eight people, two per direction, patrolled the camp’s perimeter, and I was seated where I could see the entire area at a glance.
Whoooosh.
A sudden breeze blew.
My eyelids started to slide shut again.
Why did it feel so comforting?
This is a demonic realm. Snap out of it.
I wiped the drool trickling down my chin and pressed my fingers into my eye sockets before opening my eyes wide.
…Damn it. Am I half-asleep? There’s a ghost standing beyond the bonfire.
Draped in a flowing white robe, long hair unbound, its face pale as if dusted with powder.
The way its clothes and hair fluttered with the flickering embers made it look like a celestial maiden from an Imperial folktale descending through flames.
Yeah, I guess it’s about time I started missing the Empire’s scenery.
What? I never got homesick in my past life.
I opened my eyes again.
The ghost was still there.
It wasn’t a ghost anymore.
It was smiling or was I just feeling it smile?
Click.
It slowly raised one hand.
As the sleeve fell, its wrist and fingers were revealed—pale and elongated, like bones without flesh.
In that moment, I was entranced.
An otherworldly aura, perhaps.
Even its lightest movements felt detached from reality.
Whether I noticed late or it deliberately revealed it late…
From its five fingers, red threads stretched out like a massive spiderweb, sprawling wide and taut, as if something was caught on the other end.
Threads? No, those are veins of blood.
Only then did I realize I’d been ambushed.
My body wouldn’t obey.
It felt like it wasn’t even mine.
I couldn’t make a sound, either—I only just noticed.
Damn it, please…
Do something, Bihen Benkou.
You pathetic fool, getting caught with your eyes wide open. Snap out of it.
Blood streamed down my chin.
I must’ve bitten my lips raw.
It helped clear my head.
Good, I’m coming back.
I’m at the bottom of the ocean.
Time to swim up to the surface of reality.
The more I thrashed, the thinner the gap between consciousness and unconsciousness became.
“Gasp…!”
No time to waste catching my breath.
I launched myself forward, already drawing my sword.
The sensation of reclaiming my body was a relief.
“Blood Devil—!”
In the thick darkness of the demonic realm’s night,
My shout echoed through the air.
The Blood Devil smiled.