Chapter 89: Homecoming Part 4

The fight ended quickly.

The enemies were certainly strong, but they weren’t strong enough to take on Ariel, Lobelia, and Yuna all at once.

Most of the demonkin lost their heads to Yuna’s attacks before they could even open their mouths, and the librarian had all of their offensive means sealed off by Ariel’s magic only to then be beaten to death by Lobelia.

As a result, all that was left around us were headless corpses and a single lump of meat that had lost all resemblance to a human form.

And so, everyone except me began reflecting on the battle as if it were truly over.

Yes—everyone except me.

“…What is that?”

I could see a black energy seeping from the corpses of the demonkin and the librarian.

Thick, oozing streams of it.

Was I the only one bothered by it?

Or…

“Am I the only one who can see it?”

Or maybe this was normal?

But no, plenty of demonkin and librarians had attacked the Cradle before, and I’d never seen anything like this.

Of course, I hadn’t witnessed every attack up close myself…

But I had observed the situations from afar many times.

So I should know.

That energy was lingering in the sky, forming massive rings.

“Hmm…”

If that’s the case, then it really is only visible to me…

Was I special somehow?

That thought did cross my mind for a moment. But then, a far more convincing hypothesis came to me.

“Ah… was it that?”

I immediately returned to the carriage and started tearing through my belongings.

That strange feeling of unease I had last night—

Only after rummaging through everything and checking my inventory did I realize.

“Where did the Book of Lemegeton go?”

A hypothesis—

What if this is something that can only be seen by those connected to demons?

***

By the time I had repacked my things and stepped out of the carriage, the black energy had vanished.

This… wasn’t something I could easily explain to the others.

Revealing it would be the same as admitting that I’d been chosen by the Book of Demons.

At most, the only person I could tell right now was Yuna.

Not that I thought anything would change just because I said something…

Was this Tillis’s doing?

Librarians weren’t actual demon contractors to begin with. They were temporary beings who had received power from Tillis.

So it might be that, with the death of the librarian, that power simply returned to Tillis.

Since the original contract was bound to Tillis, that would be the natural outcome.

If that’s the case, then it has nothing to do with me.

Knowing or not knowing wouldn’t make a difference.

But what if that’s not the case?

“Hmm…”

I looked up at the now clear sky, deep in thought.

If I hadn’t noticed it at all, it’d be one thing. But now that I had, I couldn’t help but dwell on it.

There was only one way to find out.

“…Maybe another librarian will show up somewhere?”

I needed to see if the same phenomenon would occur when another librarian was killed.

***

Surprisingly enough, it was as if the heavens had granted my wish, because two more librarian attacks occurred soon after.

It was starting to seem like these guys were specifically targeting us…

“Well, we did kind of go around broadcasting that we’d be striking Lemegeton’s strongholds during this break.”

There was a reason for that.

Given that, it wasn’t all that strange for Lemegeton’s demonkin—boiling with rage—to fixate on us like this.

Anyway, during both of those ambushes, the same phenomenon occurred again.

And since there were no visible changes to our bodies afterward, it really did seem like the power was returning to Tillis.

Of course, it was too early to be certain.

No—maybe there was no way to ever be certain.

All I could do was continue the journey with a faint, lingering unease.

But even that worry faded for a while.

As the carriage pushed deeper toward the frontier, the number of terrorist attacks dropped off dramatically. And for the past three days, there hadn’t been a single ambush.

And then, three days later, just when we began to think we were finally free of them…

“Wow…”

We had arrived at the Damus mansion.

It was the season when the wheat planted in spring was starting to grow, and the view overlooking the entire mansion wasn’t half bad.

There were a few sparsely empty patches here and there, but still…

“It’s beautiful.”

It was just barely picturesque enough to belong in a painting.

Ariel, her eyes wide as she looked around, was proof of that.

Still, seeing Ariel enjoying our mansion just because it was ours made me feel oddly pleased.

“Hmm?”

As the carriage rolled along a quiet path, I made eye contact with a woman working in the fields.

A stranger was a rare sight in the Damus territory, let alone someone riding in such a luxurious carriage, so it was only natural that we drew attention.

To reassure the wary resident, I opened the carriage window and greeted her.

“It’s been a while, Aunt Nella.”

“Oh my! I was wondering which esteemed guest might be in that carriage, and it turns out to be the young master! Goodness me! A pearl necklace on a pig….that’s what this is. Ohohohoho!”

“……”

There’s no point in trying to hide it.

Our mansion was in the countryside, so everything ran in a cozy, family-like atmosphere.

It’s definitely not because I lack personal charm or popularity.

“Um… Hello there.”

“Hello!”

When I opened the window and greeted her, Ariel and Yuna also leaned forward from behind me and offered their greetings.

Lobelia… well, she didn’t stick her head out, but she gave a small wave from just within view.

Then again, trying to fit four faces through this narrow window would’ve been a bit much.

“My, what lovely young ladies…”

Aunt Nella’s eyes went wide as she looked at Ariel and Yuna.

“They can’t be the young master’s fiancée, right? Ohohohoho!”

“……”

At this point, I was starting to think it might be time for some serious self-reflection.

I thought I had a decent sense of objectivity about myself….but maybe not?

…Could it be that I’m actually unattractive?

“Yuna, I’m asking seriously. Would you say I’m good-looking?”

“You’re not good-looking. But you’re not ugly either. You’re just… there.”

What does that even mean….just there?

I’ve never heard that category before.

But… well, at least she said I wasn’t ugly. That’s a bit of comfort.

“…To me, Johan is the most handsome of all.”

As long as it starts with “to me”, that answer can’t really be trusted.

Somehow, it just felt bitter.

“So it’s only Ariel, huh?”

“Ehehe…”

Still, even empty words like that were better than nothing.

And Yuna…. you’re getting points deducted.

***

We arrived at the mansion.

“Welcome…”

Father, who had bowed his head to Lady Ariel, swallowed dryly when he noticed Yuna standing beside her.

“It’s an ho…”

Regaining his composure in true noble fashion, Father bowed his head once more, but when he saw the person stepping out of the carriage last, he naturally dropped to one knee.

“I greet the Child of Divine Blood.”

A seamless transition.

As expected of my father.

This is the textbook posture of a noble who knows how to act in the face of power.

“It feels like it’s been a while since I last heard that greeting. You may raise your head, Count Damus. I’m only here for some rest, so I’d prefer to stay as comfortable as possible.”

“But of course. We’ll prepare the finest room for you.”

“No, what I meant was… Thank you.”

Lobelia waved her hand at Father’s formal behavior, trying to decline, then clicked her tongue as if exhausted.

She must’ve realized that refusing here would just make things more awkward.

“Ahem! First of all, you must all be tired from the long journey, so let me show you to your rooms. What would you like to do about dinner?”

“I don’t mind if it’s a bit late. This was a sudden visit for you too, Count Damus.”

“Your grace is boundless, Your Highness!”

“…Yes, it does seem like you really are Johan’s father.”

Lobelia, looking somewhat fed up, followed the butler who had come out to greet us into the mansion.

“Can’t believe this many guests are coming to this house…”

A wave of emotion hit me.

It’s not a big place, but it’s still a noble’s mansion.

Not quite a castle, but with a garden attached, it was spacious enough for the four of us to live comfortably.

Of course, for Ariel or Lobelia, it might feel painfully cramped.

And once we start building up the family with backing from the Ether Duchy, we’ll probably rebuild the mansion entirely.

Still, this was my home.

This mansion which was spacious yet small was the place I’ve slept and grown up in.

“Son? Stop pretending to be sentimental and start explaining yourself.”

“There’s nothing to explain. It’s exactly what it looks like.”

“Do you have a death wish?”

“…I honestly didn’t expect Her Highness to come with us.”

“What about Yuna?”

“You knew about her. She asked if she could come along.”

“This little brat… You brought your mistress along with your fiancée?”

“I think it’s about time I told Father everything.”

Keeping a wistful expression, I revealed the truth to him.

“Yuna is not someone I can control.”

“What are you talking about?”

If I could’ve stopped her, I would have.

At this point, it’s not even about whether she likes me or not.

What matters is what comes after that.

In the worst-case scenario, I could end up getting kidnapped by Yuna without even having the chance to say, “Please don’t.”

Honestly, the way she had been acting lately, that wasn’t a joke.

What was really scary was that Yuna actually had the means to pull it off.

“She’s known as ‘Safe Clown’, a standout even in the assassination world.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I already explained that she’s a retainer of our house, so I’m sure you’ll adjust accordingly.”

“You… just what have you been doing while wandering around outside?”

“Yeah, seriously…”

How did things end up like this for me?

The world really has it out for me.

***

A modest banquet was held.

For our family, we really put in an effort.

It was that kind of banquet.

The atmosphere wasn’t bad overall, but with two unexpected guests, a slight awkwardness lingered in the air.

Yuna, for her part, blended in easily, not paying much attention to anything.

But for Father, who now knew her true identity, it must have been hard to simply smile and accept her presence.

Father. Your son is very popular.

Mostly with dangerous women, though.

You made this masterpiece, by the way.

Lobelia, being an imperial member, naturally made our servants and attendants nervous….it was clear they didn’t know how to deal with her.

I mean, who would ever expect to welcome an imperial in a countryside mansion like this?

Surprisingly, the one who blended in the best was Ariel.

Though she looked flustered and shy because of her reserved nature, the fact that she was introduced as my fiancée seemed to win everyone’s warm smiles.

And me…?

“This feels weird.”

I couldn’t quite adjust to being back home after so long.

It was familiar, yet different.

Part of it was the banquet, sure…but more than that, everything I’d been through had changed me in ways I couldn’t ignore.

Or maybe… everyone else changed, and I’m the only one who stayed the same.

“Hmm…”

Leaning on the balcony, I looked down at the flowerbed in the backyard.

Only that flowerbed remained exactly as I remembered it.

“Johan.”

“Ariel? Aren’t you going to enjoy the banquet a little longer?”

“I saw you were alone. Besides, it’s not like anyone will notice if I slip out, right?”

Not quite.

Everyone here was probably watching our every move.

This was my home, and Ariel was my fiancée.

What would they think, seeing the stars of the evening alone together on the balcony?

“Oh my… Still, it’s nice to see the two getting along so well.”

“How could a young master like him get engaged to someone like her?”

“Right? But… don’t you think they actually make a pretty good picture together?”

I could hear the whispers coming from all directions.

And if I can hear them, there’s no way Ariel doesn’t.

“Ahem! Johan, what were you doing out here?”

Just as I expected.

Ariel’s face was already flushed red.

The fact that she came out here anyway, pretending not to notice, was honestly admirable.

Or… maybe she wanted to show off our relationship to the others?

When I glanced behind me, I could see all eyes were on us.

I reached out my hand to Ariel.

A few quiet cheers rose from the crowd. At this point, no one was even pretending not to watch.

But Ariel, rather than shrinking back, took my hand and stepped even closer.

“I was looking down at the flowerbed. I tended it myself. I wanted to see if it was still doing well…it looks just like I remember.”

“I didn’t know you had that kind of hobby, Johan.”

“Is that strange?”

“Not strange. Just unexpected.”

Makes sense.

I think so too.

“What did you plant?”

“Rosemary.”

“Now that you mention it, the herb tea at the banquet had a rosemary scent too, didn’t it?”

“I like things that are practical.”

“Is that so?”

Ariel tilted her head slightly, then stared down below.

“That’s impressive.”

“Huh…?”

“I heard rosemary takes years to bloom. That means you’ve been tending it well all this time, right?”

“Well… Lately, the servants have been taking care of it for me.”

“Even so. Everyone must be putting in the effort because it matters to you, Johan.”

“I’ve never really thought about it that way.”

They were just doing their job because they were paid. I’m not sure it means anything more than that.

“I think coming to Damus County was a good decision.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. Thanks to that, I’ve gotten to know you a little better.”

I felt her grip tighten slightly around my hand, as if she were shy.

Her firmly held hand was warm.

“I regret it a little, though.”

“Why’s that?”

I looked down at the flowerbed as I spoke.

“I wish I’d had a bit more time to prepare.”

“I think it’s perfect as it is.”

“Then I’m glad.”

I turned away with a wry smile.

“Well then, shall we enjoy the banquet a bit more? There must be plenty prepared.”

“You’ll escort me, won’t you?”

“I already am.”

And just like that, hand in hand, we headed back to the banquet hall.