Chapter 28
pF9“…What nonsense are you spouting now? A demon, seriously?”HZBj
X4WlBella wore a look of utter disbelief.kwWMLd
l11“Fernan!”eUNMj1n
faUuEven Luina was stunned by the sudden declaration. But Fernan remained calm.TWt
JsRhSz“Luina, leave it all to me.”HFs
YE7zJM“…You’re saying you can tell just by looking at her?”Bx2Qo
98qmg“I’ve found definitive proof.”oJOZXJK
M8QOsCD“Really?”tupPy
cWDQD“What the hell are you two talking about?!”b9D6H
jcFkC“Bella Hoenne.”GaY
HWuVFernan’s voice dropped in tone.9qs
7iCF“I know it’s shocking. A demon, demonic energy… It sounds completely absurd.”0cakl
EcoAs if thinking, ‘Do you even hear what you’re saying?’, Bella’s gaze grew sharper.3s9
zzT9yh“But you must trust me completely.”4Xb
5tz4D“That doesn’t make any sense…”cKu3LJ
0pr9fYH“If you can’t trust me, then trust your friend, Luina Bercheff. Has she ever hurt you or lied to you for no reason?”pf89D
1tQfOOi“…No, but…”Jaf1
0PtibQkA demon?XSbig
SVqcQ2mBella began to wonder if her good friend had fallen under the influence of Fernan’s poisonous tongue and was now spouting nonsense.mUWSD
e8IHonestly, that seemed the most likely explanation.bR2Un
TaqI“No.”N4H
jZNT“What?”YXMLJ7n
wQfnLgv“I haven’t brainwashed Luina.”ySGT4
b6H“…And how would you know that?”fhW
nLnYZ4“Come on, Bella. Do you really think I’m that easy to manipulate?”L8MB77
XxOM“Well, no… but saying I’ve got a demon in my head? How can you say that so casually? That’s insane. Only a lunatic would say something like that.”xhEu
A4b40Even though demons hadn’t appeared in a thousand years, they were still terrifying figures. Monsters who had nearly destroyed the continent. Cursed beings warned against by the First Emperor.4cB
vP8gAThough their names barely survived in records and the remaining judges were mostly symbolic, their continued existence was proof that the danger persisted.T0GAl
Iarru“I’m saying it because I truly believe there’s a demon in your head.”cX8D1H
ThQaTCe“You’re both clearly insane. There’s no other explanation.”zb9V
AOi“We’ll see who’s crazy once we get to the temple.”DBR
T3UOkRP“The temple? Why the temple now…?”6J5zaP
HF6“The mages at the temple are the most sensitive to demonic energy.”Y9c
PbXThere wasn’t some holy force opposing demonic energy like in novels or plays.d8E
ufJBut the Dragon Cult had long held irreconcilable conflicts with demons over magical supremacy and had once been among the most fervent in exterminating them.HAW0
FnbThat policy continued even now, and they’d developed artifacts and spells specifically designed to detect demons. If Fernan had to choose someone best at this, he’d pick the Dragon Cult without hesitation.SVQ2Hu
s2lwhrC“If they find demonic energy in your body, then we’ll be right. And if they don’t, then you’ll be right.”x4gYkFg
SO0PIn that case, I’ll formally apologize. Fernan made that clear.wneFZ
iy2“In the name of Fernan Pellenberg.”WV2hKa
qJJJYz5“…You don’t look like someone who plans to bow very low.”rZ3pE
DlV“I haven’t made a mistake yet.”F69b
nBo8c“…”ze8
pP8NiM“Bella, just once.”WjtW3d
SGNcJm3“Luina…”KSqigC
INxiFNdBella honestly couldn’t make sense of any of this. It was all so sudden, so ridiculous.17t
5w2She’d never seen a demon, and now she was being told she had a pact with one.Mm7
pVc‘What if this is a demon’s trick?’dO7Ws
JUEMaybe she was actually asleep in bed, and this was all a nightmare caused by a demon.gkI
xnBWithout thinking, Bella pinched her cheek.NbGAK
XiAP“No, not a dream.”mCgL
QZk“…Weirdly precise.”RlS2
yr0Z3qRubbing her sore cheek, she asked:XOA9
kbdrn0“And what if I do have demonic energy?”KaQo
0nRrQw“We’ll purify it. There’s no other method. I won’t hand you over to the inquisitors, but we do need to investigate your movements.”Rf6jsA
tjq“My movements?”cOrs
UoNN“We need to find out how the demonic energy got in so we can take action.”wIZ
99DB0K“Didn’t you already investigate?”VqdElXP
yLbTYkc“Shh, Luina. Right now, the best thing you can do is stay quiet.”lvDUCB
t43zUgK“…Understood.”16O
90i5LUa‘Since when are those two so close?’3atKe7
bp7GD6Bella let out a dry laugh as she watched them talk like some comedy duo. Even though the topic was serious, she couldn’t take it seriously.eixgU
kZmAfter all, how could one believe demons and demonic energy would just resurface out of nowhere after a thousand years?Sy3
XPs“…Fine. Let’s go. I have nothing to hide. But if they find nothing, you’ll owe Luina an apology too.”Xf0
cIgrr“To Luina?”Dnb8pkW
qXl“Of course. You dragged her into your madness with your bizarre ideas.”KRuYk
b9d“It may sound harsh, but if that’s what you want, fine.”GZ0
fGRSOlRrrrck. Bella roughly pushed her chair back and stood up.4zA7l
4Mg6q“Well, shall we go then? Since you want to so badly, let’s go already.”82zQ6q
17W“Wait a moment.”y8CEx
uFRmN“What now?”Nix
JoRkFernan pointed at the half-full cups.qOiQ
f7z5Y“If we’re going, we might as well finish these. This coffee’s made from the finest beans from Mount Argond.”RCn4ZE
vzduSlurp. He sipped it slowly, savoring the flavor.mpY
2TD***AX8oW
CoP“Was that really real?”ndM
lo7WxsUFernan and Luina walked a little behind, keeping some distance from Bella.E9DLI8T
WP7rkqT“It was. You saw it right, and your friend is tainted with demonic energy. Although it’s very faint, so she won’t lose her mind like Valoshi did.”b0NjjZZ
JpYFhStill, the traces of demonic energy remained. Unlike Valoshi, who had expelled it all at once, in Bella it had been building up slowly.G9iFM
7BxAHy“If that’s true… then Bella…”YuAMG
eJcI“That won’t happen. She didn’t sign a direct pact with a demon, she was just unknowingly infected. That’s why we’re going to the Cult and not the judges, as a precaution.”C9FF
iKgiaWith the Dragon Cult’s apostles, there was room for negotiation. With the inquisitors, there wasn’t.WEmH
vcHqz0They existed solely to exterminate demons. Having been dormant for centuries, their existence had become almost symbolic. And to regain power, they’d do anything.8waBE
DOpThey’d even fabricated false demon cases in the past. If Bella were taken to them and they detected demonic energy, they’d undoubtedly execute her on the spot.S06yjVo
r1XThat would inevitably damage Fernan’s relationship with Luina—and likely drag Aint down too.nVnGT
7tuv3From Fernan’s perspective, that was the last thing he wanted.JCaT
vNKoWf‘Bella must live. She must live, uncover the demonic energy, and become evidence.’3Cit6
rnTyFor Luina, for the affection Fernan needed from her, and for the entire continent.EW9
WGr0Qz“…Thanks.”GPw7Hu
o3qN“There’s nothing to thank me for.”qF5v
5JkS6“Stop whispering, you two. Are we really doing this?”DRg
JnlBella stopped abruptly, arms crossed and visibly annoyed.UoYSTi
pE9US“Weren’t we going to the temple? Why are we heading everywhere but there?”rjRoFZ
o3rtlIf she hadn’t had direct contact with a demon or signed any contract, it was most likely that she had been infected through a contaminated object or by being in a specific place.4U7G
IB2qZ‘If we can track down the contamination source in her activities, that would be ideal.’MHYE8R
pt8Of course, it wasn’t absolutely necessary.Sge
nT4yFjBut if they found something in her history that could’ve been the cause, the diagnosis at the temple would carry much more weight.oUHpKsp
uVYZZ“Just do as we say.”nKxzbB
AKTwMThere was no need to explain something so sensitive in the middle of the street, surrounded by people.QtrQ
x9nJ4L“That’s all you have to say?”2ajor
4yjqT“Please, Bella. Just this once.”gLJD
MxUmA“…Luina, seriously. When this is over, you and I are going to have a talk.”UITHIs
upZA“Anytime.”3tI3
lWyVjBella grumbled as she entered the bookstore. The characteristic scent of old paper filled the air.4AA2
otiA“Welcome.”oYvt
FjGMPk2A clerk greeted them with a smile, and Fernan and Luina wandered through the store with her.B9E
4DVrU‘Nothing unusual here.’ZllK4O
gSKlEven so, Fernan made a mental note of it. He wasn’t especially sensitive to mana, so he might’ve missed something subtle.YpUOB
5pURw“She comes often, doesn’t she? Did she finish the book I recommended last time?”x0Cb
LNB“Yes, I really enjoyed it. The ending between Adran and Hella was especially touching.”6JHZl5U
FCrHJWu“If you’d like, I can recommend another.”xCNEd
6uXFQSV“I’d love that.”UnDC
Fk5iAs Fernan finished browsing the store, he saw Bella chatting with the shopkeeper.kESI
sAh3“A book recommendation?”Dcc1c
qtnA“Bella likes romance novels.”2L6FjB
uT8xflf“A fairly common pastime.”T9QG77H
ZIYh6aAs Fernan absentmindedly watched the back of Bella’s head, his gaze drifted toward the bookstore owner. He looked completely ordinary, with no distinguishing features.2xVd3j
TRX0nVCWhen their eyes met, the man seemed to recognize him and showed a hint of surprise, then quickly bowed.M2MbZ
BpU“A pleasure to meet you, Lord Fernan.”v59vGy
QCuRdgI“You know me?”LEJ9Zq
y8AvI“In my line of work, it’s impossible not to. Besides, I often receive goods from the Golden Turtle Guild.”356ncp
6zjbZxP“So you’re a client.”89I
6D1W6“And today you came with friends. Would you like me to recommend a book as well?”oJv
GtSQkFernan shook his head. He already owned almost every worthwhile book, either through the guild or his family.9qTKn6
wCs6And if not, he could always visit the academy library.bgljVJW
7FF“A shame. There’s one I think you’d like.”JMBmU7W
OMg“I’ll take a look another time.”AA2T6eM
hSlxh“Please, visit us again.”t4Ooz
o5ypBXeWith that, Bella’s daily routine inspection was complete.kA8A
P0xd0“Follow me.”XRo
QVc9“But this isn’t the direction to the temple?”IBE
K6K“What if your demonic energy flares up suddenly at the temple?”5CVqzF
hoE“Why are you acting like I’m definitely infected? I haven’t met any demons and I’m not crazy!”2QU2
aZ7pWinding around, they returned to the same café as before.6QFah
JRC“Again?”YT0M
paI“Follow me.”tOPw
xAlQMore precisely, to the building’s fifth floor. There was the private room Fernan often used when meeting with Luina.dr3Nch
P4XC“He’s here, sir.”bhOWH
ZvxA guest was waiting.lu65Ic
tJ6“Always so prompt.”elsy
GML3s“When you call, I come immediately.”J7cJ
XRCwXn“You’re just excited about the money.”SLwS
9VFY“Without money, the cult can’t thrive.”Z2Ez4s
H7hXEverything is the will of the Dragon. Jace pressed his palms together devoutly.C3Lqs
ZZO“But… I see you’ve brought someone new.”rkNB
DbwOd“Jace Vynes, right?”eKDEA9
f6g0HglBella and Jace recognized each other a moment later. Fernan didn’t bother with formal introductions.htsw6
Ebc“Alright, instead of going to the temple, we’ll use Jace to verify it. Did you bring what I asked for?”5RkHiX
05yLj“Of course. I assure you, there’s nothing better than the Dragon Cult’s artifacts for detecting demonic energy. We’ve been refining them for a thousand years.”7noan
LV5IxEven though demons had vanished, the cult had never stopped preparing, motivated by the prophecy of the first high priest.NY9x
FaUEM“So they can detect all demonic energy? Even faint traces out on the street?”Ya8uc0
S6O“Sir… do you have a conscience?”rSar
N2DZsJace gave a dry laugh.qUD
9Sk“Unless it’s a very dense presence, detecting it without direct contact or prior setup is impossible. At least with current magic.”KRMgS
qNy“What a shame.”6kql
ZRWlotOIf they could detect all ambient energy, they might be able to find the exact contamination source.5Fd
CiUV“But did you really sense demonic energy? Why the sudden rush…?”AiT
619“There’s someone infected.”JM3t5q
Y84ua0“Who…? Don’t tell me it’s her?”lyjMd0
El6T“Yes.”KaoC7
Kb6mtJace tilted his head in disbelief.BJM
UQ3kP“I don’t sense anything at all.”K5c
t8w“That’s why I asked you to bring the artifact.”Uxb
Qgw3NX“And you’re sure she didn’t make a contract with a demon?”lfu
0KjkN“No, she didn’t.”p399
4jVZo“Then why are you so sure she has demonic energy?”gIPi
yJoP5“That’s exactly what I want to find out.”KeQW9
vTzcJace and Bella stared at Fernan with identical skeptical expressions. He just crossed his arms and nodded.RxkBpJ
1z3Fg“Let’s test it and see.”ds1SJW
E8jBgYE“If you’re paying for the artifact, I have no problem… but honestly, I think you’re overreacting.”HM6
bdXeVJace took out a small wooden box. Inside was a clear crystal sphere etched with tiny runes.ADdcA8q
IUulI“I’m only doing this because you asked. Miss, your name?”0hJ
POiiOzC“Call me Bella.”8HhpvXG
aLKd“Ah, Bella Hoenne. Feel free to speak casually. Please place both hands on the sphere.”SGFQx
NHPV5g0Bella placed her hands on the crystal. When Jace held the other side, the runes began to glow.Mrc
5rIn“Mana will flow inside and observe your body. Don’t resist.”qnn
9GUv“Easy. Let’s finish this so you can apologize.”POT1u
aR0XzPKMana wrapped around Bella’s entire body. At the strange sensation, she stifled a soft gasp.K0VQWGw
72T“…Can that artifact really reveal the truth?”BEpJ
8xd“In theory, yes. If it can’t, nothing else can.”QDj
ORFg0Maybe Aint Armian or Gardner Alfenparsen had other methods, but for now, this was the best tool available.4Uf0s70
Twu4WJu“Not that I want to say much, but I hope nothing happens.”wtqEsp
4zVzmX“Who knows.”BvD23
eSqqsTWith Fernan’s vague reply, the mana that had traveled through Bella’s body returned to the crystal.4KfWT
JfEAt that moment…xmNr
ae3A3Wooooooong—9tbuLSR
4hd5The sphere, previously clear, slowly began to tint gray.Qhnfl
6k8eIt wasn’t a strong color. So faint it could easily be missed if not paying attention.f2eg
OGihrBut what mattered was that it had changed.jjNYd7
9PeKiFG“…”JbaS
2K89WJace observed it silently for a moment, then drew a sacred symbol and began to pray.kU2
pOGB7“Oh, Great Divine Dragon, today I offer you a cursed creature who dared accept a demon into her being. Have mercy on your servant.”5dh38
Uu77OO“…What?”53K
1M7“…Huh?”uJn0N9g
MCg4UFWOOOSH, a flame burst from Jace’s hand.JRZt
YJYBRbF“One is coming, God Dragon!”tcxX
zJf9RGBOOM!!!B4bp1
nfrAn explosion erupted.8CTx9y
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