Ch.259259. Aftermath

●

[You really did it in style.]

As soon as I exited the hall, those words flew at me through the Soul Linker.

Fittingly enough, the intensity of stares pouring from all around was tremendous.

However, not a single person had the courage to directly approach me.

Probably because they haven’t fully “processed” what they just witnessed.

“…Hmm.”

I exhale through my nose and slowly begin walking.

Matching my pace, all the humans nearby cautiously back away.

They might not understand exactly what they just saw, but their actions clearly expressed their desire to avoid getting entangled with me.

And for now, that’s actually better.

The person I’m looking for would normally attract quite a lot of interference along the way.

[It seems the event itself is being delayed due to the aftereffects?]

“What they saw wasn’t exactly something ordinary people could easily handle.”

I respond with a bitter smile.

From the moment I received the Seal of Fallen Heaven from the Grey Demon, I had suspected this kind of “function.”

[…How did you guess that?]

“He’s exceptionally possessive compared to the others, isn’t he?”

He completely destroyed the White Demon, his own “kind,” just because it touched me a little.

Would he really leave the biggest obstacle to our eternal future together untouched?

[Obstacle?]

“Lifespan.”

The relationship between a semi-divine being like a demon and a mortal like me. It’s obvious that there’s an absurd wall between us one way or another.

Unless he stamps my chest with a seal to make me “immortal.”

[…Ah.]

Hearing Calivan’s voice of realization makes me chuckle.

Didn’t he always say those things whenever we met before? That we’d be together forever, until the end of the world.

[So, you.]

Calivan continued with an even more dejected laugh.

[You accepted that seal knowing this would happen from the beginning?]

“…I didn’t expect it would actually turn me into something demon-like.”

I had guessed it was related to lifespan, but I didn’t know it would be this terrifying.

Though I did notice the effect when I was split in half by Yuria before.

[If using just 3 produces this much effect…]

Calivan let his sentence trail off.

But it wasn’t difficult to guess the meaning between the lines.

If I fully charged with the mana from all the remaining demons.

Just how far could that take me?

“…I have to go all the way.”

I give a concise answer to that question.

This is just the beginning.

As I’ve mentioned to Authority before, my goal is to create a world where Demonic Vessels aren’t “hated.”

[…Isn’t what you just did exactly opposite to that goal?]

“For now, yes.”

It’s like showing the despair version of what can be done with demonic power.

[Can there even be a hope version for this kind of power…?]

“Of course there is.”

I respond with a grin.

“That’s exactly why I went so overboard.”

Any explosion without buildup is less effective.

Just by showing a glimpse of how terrifying demonic power can be, people have recalled the fear they’ve been forgetting all this time.

So, my job is…

To “flip” those concentrated and accumulated emotions all at once.

On a properly set “stage.”

[I never really understood what you were thinking before, but this time I really don’t get it. What exactly are you plotting?]

“Creating a future where I can stably maintain a polygamous relationship.”

[…Ah, right. You were always this kind of bastard.]

I snicker hearing Calivan’s sigh, but then he continued with a curious voice.

“…But you seem surprisingly calm about this?”

[Huh?]

“If anything would cause someone to have a fit, I thought it would be you seeing me turn into a demon.”

Honestly.

I was somewhat afraid too.

Wondering if there might be some change in feelings if he saw me actually transforming into a demon.

After all, no matter what, he’s the one who’s always been by my side.

If there really had been that kind of change, well.

“…”

I would have been.

A little heartbroken.

As these thoughts crossed my mind, Calivan spoke in a nonchalant tone.

[I did have a few fits before, but now it’s more fun to watch how far you’ll go.]

“…”

[I’m curious to see just how far a garbage bastard can rise as a garbage bastard…]

Wasn’t this person something like a knight of justice?

What’s with this drastic character change?

[Besides, well.]

Calivan continued with a chuckle.

[In a way, I’m your closest “companion.” If not me, who else would watch over you till the end?]

“…”

My steps come to a sudden halt.

I unconsciously fix my slightly widened eyes on the Soul Linker.

[Go as far as you can. Whether you succeed, fail, or fall into hell. It seems like I’m the only one who can look after an idiot who stirs up such enormous trouble?]

“…”

[I’ve been bound to your soul for quite a while now. It’s impossible not to grow attached. Do you think I’d dislike you just because your lifespan increased a bit?]

“…Calivan.”

[Why is your voice getting watery? Are you moved?]

“…”

[Then could you please go do something sticky with Elia? While you’re at it, get engaged too. Just make sure to do the sticky stuff where I can’t see-]

“…Shut your trap.”

I smile wryly and start walking again as Calivan snickers.

[But where are you rushing off to right now?]

“After doing a job, I need to evaluate the results.”

From that fantastical demon show that could be summarized as “don’t start a civil war unless you’re confident you can fight me to the death,” those most directly affected would be the Council of Elders who might be itching to press the declaration of war button even now.

So, the most suitable person to measure the “effect” should be here.

Look, there he is.

“Ah, Darwood Campbell! I’ve been waiting for you!”

In the distance.

Marquis Bogart, always wearing that clown-like smile, was waving his hand vigorously.

●

“Civil war will break out.”

“…”

“It was a very impressive demonstration, but even if I try to stop them, the nobles under me have their eyes rolled back with greed. They’ll charge in with a do-or-die attitude.”

One thought I occasionally have about Marquis Bogart is:

This person needs to learn how to build up when he speaks.

I sigh deeply as I accept the wine glass he hands me.

“…Why would they go that far? After what I just did.”

“Because they didn’t see it themselves.”

“…”

“Even if they hear testimonies, they’ll dismiss them as rumors.”

That’s quite a simple reason.

But it’s also a convincing one.

If rumors like “The Holy Empire trembles at Darwood Campbell’s leadership, Empire officials fainted, and brave warriors of the Tribal Union wet themselves” were circulating, even I would ask what kind of nonsense that is.

Even though it’s a sentence very close to the truth.

“But just because they treat it as a rumor doesn’t make what you showed there any less real.”

Marquis Bogart grinned as he raised his glass.

With a clink, the wine inside, dark as blood, sloshed violently.

Like a tempest in a teacup.

“It means the stage is being set. Through what you showed here, an ‘opportunity’ is created to deeply penetrate their hearts.”

His smiling face continued.

“Soon they’ll ‘resurrect’ Nicholas, and after hearing his testimony, they’ll pop out from everywhere trying to capture and kill you.”

“…I suppose so.”

“Isn’t this an important phase in your plan? Showing how overwhelming the ‘power of demons’ is.”

“…”

“They’re such nice friends. Voluntarily providing an opportunity to ‘prove’ what you said. Shouldn’t you crush them without hesitation?”

Listening quietly to those words, I look at Marquis Bogart.

“…You.”

“Yes?”

“Are you really my enemy?”

“Of course.”

“Then why are you telling me all this?”

“It would be boring if you lost too easily!”

As he responds with a bright smile, I continue to stare at Marquis Bogart silently.

“If you go to my club booth right now, you’ll find someone called Professor Astrid there.”

For just a moment.

A fleeting instant that’s hard to detect.

Marquis Bogart’s smile stiffened slightly.

I don’t miss that and take it in.

“You seem to know each other, why not go say hello?”

“We’re not exactly on friendly terms!”

“…I see.”

In an instant, he returns to his usual expression.

Looking at him, I respond calmly.

‘…I understand one thing.’

They’re certainly not on friendly terms.

One way or another, this man definitely had a very “deep” relationship with that Professor Astrid person in the past.

“…Ah, by the way.”

Marquis Bogart, who had been silent for a moment, suddenly brought up a different topic.

It was an obvious attempt to change the subject, but the content was something I couldn’t ignore.

“Grand Duke Tristan urgently wants to meet you. Shouldn’t you pay more attention to that?”

“…Duke Gideon is looking for me?”

“Yes. He says he’s ready to fulfill his long-cherished wish? Something about finally being able to cut what he wants to cut?”

…That.

It’s related to the “curse” passed down in the Tristan Dukedom.

It’s the content of Elnore’s “special quest” from a long time ago. It means he’s finally achieved the threshold I set for him to accomplish it.

‘That’s good.’

The timing is perfect. The method to completely erase one of Elnore’s “corruption” branches is also part of this main chapter, the Empire’s Great Turmoil.

If Gideon has reached that level, it will be a great help for progressing that event.

“…Thank you for the advice. Was that all the Duke wanted?”

“Ah, there was one more thing.”

“…I see.”

Well, what is it?

Don’t make me ask twice-

“He said if he fulfills his wish, he’ll finally consider formally proceeding with your engagement to the Tristan Grand Duchess.”

“…Pardon?”

“He was extremely roundabout, extremely embarrassed, and as a father who’s neglected his daughter like that, I found it incredibly funny to hear him say such things, but if I had to draw a conclusion, that seemed to be it.”

“…”

“He said it’s the greatest expression of gratitude he can offer.”

I should have never asked.

●