◈ Episode 140. Arcana (2)

Time was running out, but I was still prepared.

One of those preparations was to make an agreement with the dwarves.

-“We understand your intentions.”

Orchestrating the timing was the shameless…….

No, it was the trusty Hiel.

She’s the one who knows how to get things done.

There was no deviation from the procedure.

By the way, I hadn’t thought of this message until now.

[You have entered the doomed continent of Arcana].

Below the entry notification.

A series of messages popped up.

[You have fulfilled the conditions].

[Rewards will be distributed].

The first two lines gave it away.

…… This is a quest-related message.

Including class quests.

There were several quests I was currently doing, but I could only think of one that would be rewarded.

[Demon, Flouros vs Dwarves].

It must be the war quest that earned me a million achievements.

How about that, correct?

[Your Pact with that faction is valid].

[Your relationship with that faction is already maxed].

[Your influence in that faction is already maxed].

Indeed, correct.

I looked at the message without any reason to feel flattered.

The faction is, of course, the Dwarves.

The pact is between Akshan and the Dwarves.

So far, so good.

I wondered what the reward would be.

I even drank kimchi soup without anyone knowing.

By the way.

[You have obtained command of the Flying Machinery and the Iron Castle.]

…… This was a reward that exceeded my wildest expectations.

I’ve been in command a few times.

So I couldn’t help but get excited.

‘I can command the Dwarves’ decisive weapon?’

I, Lee Ho-yeol, have a conscience.

Even if I’m the last demon hunter.

I’m not so blind as to fear the oath of an unknown Akshan, am I?

At best, a dwarven-made weapon or armor.

That’s what I expected as a reward.

My conscience is shaken by the prospect of such a reward……!

Dwarves, whoever they are.

A different direction from the Magic Tower, but with the same level of power as the Magic Tower. The center of their power, the Iron Castle. A ship that flies, a ship that is my back.

‘I’ll take them all.’

Demons, monsters.

After the [Natural Enemy] is triggered.

Isn’t there anything that can stop the Iron Castle except bad weather? Why, even now it is more than 100 day.

From earth to sky. Even in the demon-infested continent of Arcana, the Iron Castle was flying freely.

But I know.

This tired personality.

This damn innocence.

‘I can’t use it against my pride.’

This upright, stiff personality.

There’s no way I’m going to use the Iron Castle for anything that doesn’t involve an oath.

But for today, for this moment, it’s fine.

‘After all, the purpose is to hunt demons.’

It was an extension of the holy war.

“Okay, here we go.”

My mind racing.

We finally reached the entrance of the mansion.

As expected, it’s huge.

A mansion like this, not far from the capital of an empire.

Marcelo, you must be a very wealthy man.

Unlike our penniless Grandfell.

“The gardens are well maintained.”

“Haha. We are honored that you recognize our efforts. For the Simuard family. Me, Theo, and the rest of us are doing our best.”

Me, Lee Ho-Yeol.

I cleaned the place every day, suffering from Grandfell’s pride.

I was worried that I might be getting housewife’s eczema.

I realized something.

I realized that it’s not normal to do housework properly.

I hadn’t realized how much trouble it was to organize my office in a single room.

I can’t believe the effort that people put into managing these mansions.

I can’t let it go again.

“I see your pride.”

“Oh, you’re too kind.”

I wonder if my words made him feel better.

Theo’s gaze shifted to the lake.

“The view of Lake Narnia is just as beautiful as the gardens. If you don’t mind, I’d like to show you to a room with a better view of the lake.”

A beautiful lake view.

You mean the lake with the demonic pupils glowing in the sky? If I didn’t know any better, I’d be freaking out. I wondered if I was seeing the same thing.

‘Demented, hallucinating.’

But I know why.

I know it’s caused by a demon.

I know it’s not Theo’s fault.

“I see.”

It was the right answer that came out of my mouth.

At the same time.

Theo laid his hand on the manor’s door.

“Then welcome to the Simuard family.”

Giggle-!

The door opened and a demonic aura was felt.

Even if you’re not a demon hunter, you can’t help but pause.

First of all, it’s so dark inside the mansion.

It’s hard to find a single light.

It’s almost too dark to be able to do anything.

“You’re doing a good job, Miss Emma.”

“Ah, Mr. Butler. Is the gentleman with you……?”

“He’s a guest. Please make room for another meal.”

But Theo and the others don’t seem to realize it.

No wonder they’re so out of sorts.

The belly of the demon.

I’m a little concerned when I walk in and see the scene for myself.

‘At least a high-level demon.’

It had devoured the entire Mage family.

Considering that not only Bellier, but also Marcelo is suffering from a status abnormality… … . What is the reward? It would be at the level of a demon king, right? I really did something I wouldn’t have dared to do if it weren’t for the [Last Adventurer] effect.

But even if I had realized it.

My regal demeanor hasn’t changed.

I opened my mouth nonchalantly.

“I thank you for your hospitality.”

“No, it is soon time for our Lord to descend…….”

Theo gestured with an inviting hand.

“If you don’t mind, would you like to be seated first?”

At his invitation.

I took a seat at the table.

Utensils laid out in orderly fashion.

People who move without breaking formality even in the dark. It would be a shame to say this in a situation where I have walked into the demon’s mouth on my own…..

Why?

I am deeply satisfied with this moment.

No, I’m more than satisfied, I’m at peace.

『He who was born as the heir to a great family and tasted the end of affluence…….』

Yeah, that’s because of the setting!

A medieval-style mansion that should be unfamiliar to modern people.

It’s a medieval manor that should be foreign to modern people.

Even when they put the dishes down, they don’t make a sound.

My snout can’t stay still long enough to let a tiny pod pass by……. Does this mean that nothing is really wrong with the Simuard family?

Of course.

[Skill, ‘Natural Enemy’ is activated].

Well, except for that one.

I sense a disturbance upstairs.

It has consumed House Simuard.

The source of the curse.

The demon was approaching.

I could hear his voice.

“Have you given your guests a tour of the manor, Theo?”

“I will give him the details after the meal is over.”

“Very well, do as you please.”

I guess my presence was known.

Or rather, he’d been aware of my approach since Theo greeted me.

But you’d never guess I’m a demon hunter.

Until I activate [Exorcism Ritual].

Soon, a shadowy figure approaches the table.

Countess Simuard.

The demon turned to me and greeted me.

“Oops, I’m late in introducing myself, I am Yulah Simuard. I’m the acting matriarch of House Simuard, unwillingly, but……. You’re wearing unfamiliar clothing, aren’t you?”

Speaking of unfamiliar clothing.

I’m referring to my favorite suit.

Yes, even in the real world, my attire draws strange looks.

Not to mention on the continent of Arcana.

But I didn’t argue back.

Why?

Simple.

I don’t engage in unnecessary conversation with my prey.

“……?”

Silence.

I wonder if the users noticed the sudden silence.

The hand filling the glass paused for a moment.

But noblesse oblige.

I have to thank them for their hard work.

“Thank you.”

I greeted the silence.

“……Uh, no.”

I didn’t answer her question, but thanked myself.

She looked puzzled, but once a mouth is open, it’s hard to keep it shut.

Chuck-

I lifted my glass and swirled it in the air.

Clink.

The wine bubbled an odd red color.

I’d only had wine a handful of times in my life.

I blurted out shamelessly.

“It smells heavy, but not sticky.”

I don’t know what makes it different from the smell of grape juice.

“A ripening period that is neither too short nor too much.”

Of course, I have no idea how old this wine is.

“This wine is perfect for a dinner party.”

…… Sommelier, what the hell.

I spit it out, but I can’t help but be suspicious. After all, this was me, drinking green tea bags that cost hundreds of pennies a pop and adding all sorts of rhetoric.

I set my glass down and continued.

“I know it’s great even if you don’t drink it.”

” …… will, thank you.”

Not only the employees, but this time even the head butler Theo looks embarrassed.

I was the one who was talking too much and ignoring what was really important.

And then, once again, Yulah Simuard.

No, it was the demon’s question.

“…… You’re quite knowledgeable about wine. Are you traveling from the South by any chance?”

But this time, I don’t answer.

Told you.

Noblesse oblige.

I am just for the servants who serve Marcelo’s Simuard family. Just follow the ‘procedures’. So, what I’m saying is, don’t cross the line on the topic of inferior races.

The icy silence once more.

I spoke only after the food was placed in front of me.

“A befitting preparation for such a fine raw material.”

By the way, even if you don’t drink, you still need to eat.

‘Why, the ghost that died after eating has stains……’

No, let’s say the same thing, but in moderation.

Before and after strenuous activity.

Protein is not an option, it’s a necessity.

.

.

.

The Simuard family.

The Godmother, Yulah Simuard.

Since when does she claim to be the Godmother of the Simuard family.

No one knows exactly.

Not even the members of the family.

But no one doubts Yulah, either.

It’s been carved into the blood of the Simuard for generations.

The Demon’s Curse was such a thing.

Looking out the window, Yulah gazed at the night sky reflected in the lake.

“It’s mesmerizing.”

I never thought I’d see such a view in the Demon Realm, let alone on the continent of Arcana.

Indeed, it was worth spending decades in a lowly human body.

“I will continue to be as leisurely as I am now.”

I had no intention of rushing Yulah.

She had no desire to be condemned to the same hell as the foolish demons, pitiful vices, and greed, for unlike them, she knew how to grow in power without having to do anything.

“You’re not far behind, Marcelo.”

Humans are foolish.

Even the most gifted among us, the mages, are no exception.

A trade of life for the blossoming of talent.

“You’re not a god. How is that possible?”

It was a trick.

It was a trick, thanks to an altered state of mind that made her believe the deal was real and would work. Trading life for a small amount of confidence. Yulah chuckled.

“Weak human. Well, it’s made me who I am.”

Yulah knew.

that the quality of an offering is as important as its quantity.

In that sense, the blood of the Simuard family was a sacrifice of the highest quality.

Of all the offerings, Marcelo Simuard was the most delicious.

‘If I can reap the rewards of his life, I will……!’

Finally.

I will have the power to reverse the hierarchy of demons.

I’ll be able to stop wearing human flesh.

All those years were but a blink of an eye.

“Lucky for you, the fun is rolling in.”

Why would she welcome guests while pretending to be a lady?

It was, as they say, simple amusement.

It’s always fun to watch humans in fear.

So, I used a lowly servant.

To greet the guests.

And now.

“……What is it?

Yulah asked, feeling out of place.

The silver hair, the man’s reaction could not have been more strange.

Before any normal human would have revealed themselves.

The fear, if not the terror.

She had to show some sign of agitation.

A mansion shrouded in darkness. Being overwhelmed by the aura that emanated from it was a normal human reaction.

But to act so casually in a mansion like this?

‘It’s a strange outfit.’

Yulah rolled her eyes.

Currently, the Arcana continent has been warped by a demonic tectonic shift.

Could this man have been swept up from a distant region in the aftermath of the tectonic shift?

That’s why I can’t even understand the situation.

To get a sense of the man’s feelings, Yulha spoke to him.

” ……You are wearing unfamiliar clothing, aren’t you?”

……But no answer came back.

I wondered if he didn’t hear me.

It wasn’t.

“!”

I shouted back.

“Aroma, heavy but not sticky.”

“Not too much, not too little.”

“A wine fit for a feast.”

He was rattling the glass in a cocky, upright manner.

And not just once.

He’d been chatting up his lowly servants.

He was blatantly ignoring her.

As if he wouldn’t even speak to her.

‘How dare you. I.’

For a moment, anger surged through her.

Yulah stifled it.

“It’s just as well.

It had been a long time since she’d broken a human like that.

In a way, it was rather exciting.

To imagine how that arrogant face would crumple and crumble.

“You can clear my table, Emma.”

Yulah put down her utensils and looked at the man.

This time, she blatantly exuded instrumentality.

It was more than a normal human could stand.

But she forced herself to clear her plate.

“Theo, will you tell the chef that we had an excellent meal?”

He didn’t even forget to say hello.

“……?

The discomfort was growing.

Yulah couldn’t hide her feelings forever.

Could he sense her discomfort?

“We’ll have to excuse you for a moment.”

All the insignificant men retreated.

No more acting.

Yulah opened her mouth to speak.

“The play is over.”

The voice was rather cold.

At the same time, the silver-haired man lifted his head to look at her.

Putting the instrument that was blowing out to shame.

“……!”

The man’s eyes never wavered.

“Let’s move you to a more fitting place, inferior.”

……Inferior?

Before she could process the words.

Yulah’s vision changed.

“!!!”

She was in the Mage clan, so she could recognize it.

This was magic, a portal.

She couldn’t help but be horrified.

‘I didn’t let my guard down for a second……?!’

Where did the portal come from?

Yulah snapped out of it and looked around.

Luckily, she was in a familiar place, on Lake Narnia, near the mansion.

But…….

The mesmerizing view was reversed.

The surface of the water should have been illuminated by the Evil Eye of the night sky.

But all that hovered above it was a silver-haired man.

“… … Has the Evil Eye disappeared?”

No, that can’t be right.

Even if Evil Eye had closed its eyes, it didn’t make sense that the only thing reflected in the lake was the man. Does that mean I’m hallucinating……?

“What?”

At the same time, Yulah realized something.

It was a hunch.

The instinct of a forgotten prey in the presence of a natural enemy.

“……Demon hunter!!!”

But what came back was neither a yes nor a no, but a question.

“Are you finished, ugly demon?” a cold voice said.

The cold voice continued.

“Because from this time forward, all you can spit out is an apology to the Simuard family.”

“……!!!”

Suddenly, magic surged from the man.

Yulah recognized it now.

It was ……!

That’s him.

The survivor of the Akshan that sent one great evil and four demons to hell.

.

.

.

[The First World Tree has become aware of your presence].

[The First World Tree blesses you].

[Your health and mana regeneration are greatly increased]. …….