Ch.221221. Pandemonium

# Note: This chapter contains adult content. Minors should be aware that this chapter is designed so that skipping it will not affect the story progression.

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I feel like an empty mayonnaise jar.

I know it’s a strange comparison, but it’s the only phrase that comes to mind right now.

I’m not sure how much time has passed in this frozen world, but I’m certain that both my mind and body are completely exhausted.

How many times in my life have I felt this wrung out?

With that thought, I look up at the Grey Demon floating above my head with a satisfied smile on my face.

“…Are you satisfied?”

[Yes.]

Time is still frozen, but this creature seems full of vitality despite that. Every movement radiates an aura of absolute happiness.

“…”

As always, it has such an innocent appearance. It’s a complete contrast to how it was devouring me like a beast just moments ago.

[Ah.]

Suddenly, it utters that small sound.

Its body is gradually becoming transparent. It seems the effect allowing it to exist in the material world after leaving Elnore’s body has reached its limit.

‘…But it lasted quite a while.’

When I first met this creature, we barely exchanged a few words before parting. Now, the time it can materialize in reality has become considerably longer.

[That’s because the seal has C¾ð evolved more C¾ð.]

The response comes as if it had read my thoughts.

[Now, we can properly ¡Á ‘we’ can ¡Á become more entangled with you,]

“…”

Come to think of it, I definitely…

< Skill Info >

[ Seal of Fallen Heaven – Modified ]

< !NEW! >

[ Through your influence, targets can now communicate more directly with the ‘Vessels’! ]

[ As a result, special abilities are unlocked for all Vessels! ]

I remember this window appearing right after clearing Chapter 3.

From the description alone, it seemed like the Vessels just became a bit stronger, but from what this creature is saying, there seems to be some hidden function.

[So.]

As I’m looking at that window, the Grey Demon suddenly flies through it and comes closer to me.

“…”

It’s acting as if it knows I’m ‘seeing’ it.

Almost like it’s deliberately trying to interfere.

[I also deliberately ¡Á received your affection ¡Á.]

“…What do you mean by that?”

It speaks as if there was some other purpose behind squeezing me dry just now.

I frown slightly at this implication and ask.

[Soon, it will C¾ properly begin C¾.]

Another vague answer follows.

“I’m asking what you mean.”

[…]

Instead of answering, it smiles gently.

It’s the same affectionate smile as always, but the sentence that follows carries a completely different feeling than usual.

[You need to C¾ get stronger. You.]

After saying that, it approaches me and rests its face against my chest.

It’s similar to how Elnore buried her face earlier while talking about replenishing her Darwood content, but this creature’s gesture…

[This time.]

It feels almost…

Mournful.

As if there’s a sadness that’s been contemplated countless times.

[You must not die?]

With those words, it disappears, and its final expression was…

Undoubtedly…

A face that looked like it was about to burst into tears.

●

Armin Campbell blinked in bewilderment.

Of course, he hadn’t stopped being surprised since entering the Tristan Dukedom with Hermann.

From the unusually warm welcome from the domain’s residents to the exceptional treatment he received from the ducal house despite being merely a baron, everything was surprising.

But even considering all those circumstances, nothing compared to facing someone he never thought he’d meet again.

“…Bogart?”

When he uttered that name in a shocked voice, the man sitting across the table responded with a smile.

“Armin.”

“…”

Armin stared at his counterpart with a stunned expression.

He had wondered what was happening when he was suddenly guided to the reception room as soon as he entered the Tristan ducal residence.

After all, who in such a magnificent domain would want to meet someone like him?

But if it was this person, it made perfect sense.

“It’s been a long time. I can’t even remember how many years.”

Marquis Bogart said with a grin.

It was a familiar expression.

Although Armin hadn’t seen him for many years since their school days, he had never forgotten that smile.

“…It’s been ages since we graduated from Elphante Academy. I haven’t seen you at all since you inherited the marquis title.”

Armin responded, still unable to hide his bewilderment.

“Why did you suddenly appear after no contact all this time? Do you know how hard I tried just to see your face once during all these years?”

“…”

“…Of course, I was just a nobody destined to inherit a barony, while you were set to inherit a marquis house central to the Council of Elders. I understood the class difference even when we were students. But still.”

Armin looked directly at Bogart’s face as he spoke.

Perhaps…

The hint of resentment in his voice wasn’t just imagination.

“I thought we were friends. You and I.”

“…That’s still valid, Armin.”

Bogart replied in a stiff voice.

Even the others attending him nearby showed signs of bewilderment.

They must be reacting to seeing this side of him for the first time.

This consistently serious Marquis Bogart, completely devoid of his usual exaggerated, almost clown-like behavior.

“So, I came to say hello.”

“…Hello?”

“Yes.”

With those words, Marquis Bogart handed something to Armin.

A small locket necklace. Inside the compartment was a photograph.

“…”

Armin silently looked at it.

It was undoubtedly something that remained in his memory as well.

“It’s the last of Astrid’s possessions I have.”

Bogart continued in a calm voice.

“I’d like you to keep it.”

“…”

Still without responding, Armin picked it up.

Inside was a photo of three people. They were smiling brightly with their arms around each other’s shoulders.

Armin, Bogart, and—

“…”

How could one describe the emotion that appeared on Armin’s face when he saw the last face in the photo?

Sadness, regret, remorse, longing, joy, grief, sorrow.

Perhaps something like a mixture of all those feelings.

“…Why.”

After a long silence, Armin finally spoke.

“Why are you giving this to me, Bogart?”

“I met your son.”

Instead of giving a straight answer, Marquis Bogart continued expressionlessly.

“He resembles her. Astrid. Especially the eyes.”

“…”

“The Empire will soon change, Armin. No, the entire continent will change.”

Marquis Bogart said as he rose from his seat.

“…What are you saying?”

“I mean many things will happen. Mostly around your son.”

Armin’s expression instantly hardened.

“Bogart.”

Through gritted teeth, Armin’s trembling voice emerged.

“If you’re planning something against Darwood—”

“Things will happen whether I plan them or not.”

Bogart replied with a smile to Armin’s trembling voice.

“The world is made that way. It’s about to begin.”

“What does that even—”

“So, let me ask you one favor.”

Instead of explaining further,

Bogart reached out to Armin, who was holding the locket, and firmly grasped his fist.

“…Cherish your family, Armin. My friend.”

“…”

As if telling him to never let go.

“That child will definitely need such help soon.”

With those words,

Marquis Bogart silently left the reception room.

As if that was all he needed to say.

●

[Hey, it’s morning! Wake up!]

I hear those words through my hazy consciousness.

Judging by the sunlight streaming through the window and the birds chirping outside, it really must be morning.

[What’s wrong with you? You suddenly collapsed and fell asleep while talking yesterday. The sun is high in the sky and you still can’t get your act together.]

“…Is that how it appeared to you?”

[What?]

I’ve been squeezed dry by a demon all night long. I wish it hadn’t been so rough with me.

I rub my eyes to shake off the fatigue lingering there.

On the bedside table sits a water bottle, clearly prepared and left by a servant.

As I drink it to somehow regain my senses, I notice a letter lying nearby.

[Come to my room when you’re ready. We have somewhere to go.]

“…”

It seems she’s determined not to let me out of her sight for a moment since bringing me to her domain.

Even though it’s not without risk.

Both Leonid and Bella seem to disapprove of me, after all.

‘…And right now, I…’

Honestly, after what happened last night, I feel uncomfortable being around Elnore with a straight face.

But well,

There’s not much choice in the matter.

‘…Just spending a little time together isn’t so bad.’

Among recent events in my life, this ranks among the most peaceful.

Surely nothing major will—

[You idiot.]

“…”

Why the sudden insult?

I frown at the Soul Linker, and an exasperated sigh flows from the other side.

[It’s frustrating that you still don’t realize it. You idiot.]

“…What is it now?”

[Don’t you understand yet that something bad happens every time you open your mouth?]

No sooner had those words ended than

Someone began pounding on my door: bang, bang, bang.

It’s definitely not a servant, as the furious aura is palpable.

Probably someone who already knows me.

“…”

[See?]

“…Yes.”

I reluctantly acknowledge it and get up.

As I shuffle toward the door, it bursts open from the outside before I can even touch it.

“…”

And there stands Elia, radiating a menacing aura from every inch of her body.

“…”

Once again, I silently agree with Calivan’s words.

This person clearly isn’t here for a peaceful, friendly chat.

“…What are you doing here? Aren’t you busy?”

Since she’s officially received the hero title, she must be incredibly busy right now. I try to change the subject in that direction.

I don’t know why she’s here, but I’m hoping to find some way to persuade her.

“Teacher.”

“Hmm?”

But.

“You did it, didn’t you?”

The direct question pierces straight to my core.

I’m momentarily speechless.

“…Huh?”

“You did it, right? It’s not your first time anymore?”

“…”

Elia.

What on earth are you talking about?

I look down at her with that thought.

“I have really good intuition, you know. Good enough to have gained an ability called the Eye of Truth.”

“…”

“I can tell just by looking at you. You did it, Teacher.”

Before I can answer, Elia fires these words at me and then continues with dangerously glinting eyes.

“…Where is the Student Council President right now?”

“…”

Calivan.

Just how far ahead did you see?

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