DSB 116

“How about this one?”

“Does this not suit you better?”

[This one! This is much better!]

Karon stayed by Lebel’s side while he dressed. He peered into the jewelry box and pointed to one piece with his foot.

Karon had been in charge of styling Lebel in the Demon Realm, so he possessed an excellent eye for gems. He chose a brooch set with a red ruby that matched the color of Lebel’s eyes.

“It is a perfect match for the young madam’s eyes. Now I see why the young master purchased it.”

Lebel flinched. Setting aside how well it suited him, Yutis was the one who bought these? The maids showed him more items, seemingly unaware of his skeptical gaze.

“This and this will be enough.”

He chose a pair of cufflinks set with a single, clear, shining gem, as he felt no need for further accents. Once he made his choice, he realized the color reminded him of Yutis.

“Are you not going to look at anything else…?”

“Look at what?”

Lebel stood before the mirror, leaving the disappointed maids behind.

With the accessories on, he was certain he would display more splendor than Yutis, the protagonist of the New Year’s Festival.

Mahan returned just then.

“Where is Yutis?”

“He will arrive if you wait.”

Lebel tilted his head.

He had sent word that he was looking for him, yet Yutis had not come? Had such a thing ever happened before? Especially when he was dressed up like this?

Lebel then noticed Mahan’s expression, he was hiding something. At that moment, Karon suddenly looked up.

[This scent is….]

“Karon?”

[Lord Lebel, I smell a demon nearby. It does not seem to be Norman, I shall go and investigate!]

Karon ran out of the room before Lebel could stop him. Lebel frowned and scanned his surroundings. Karon claimed to smell a demon, but Lebel could not feel any presence.

A scent can travel on the wind, but a demon’s energy is not easily felt unless they reveal themselves. Instances of demons wearing human skin like Norman were rare, so if a demon appeared, it was likely someone contracted to a human.

Lebel recalled what day it was.

The castle did not contain only servants today. Many nobles had arrived early to ensure they were not late for the New Year’s Festival or today’s party. The past few days had been loud with the visits of such nobles.

Today was the same. Since the castle would not permit every noble to visit, the guest was likely a vassal. Lebel expected many would come before tomorrow’s Round Table meeting, but he had not expected a demon to visit.

Lebel searched the area, but since he felt no energy, the demon might have already fled.

A contract does not require a demon to be glued to a human’s side. A contract primarily serves as a passage that allows a demon to travel between the Demon Realm and the Middle Realm. However, most choose to stay in the Middle Realm.

After all, the reason they answer a summons is to observe humans.

It was a relief that the demon was not Norman, but the presence of any demon here was a problem. The North was a place rich in demonic energy, making it an ideal location for a demon to stay.

He considered going out to find the demon himself to prevent any trouble. Even if he could not find the demon, he needed to identify the human who held the contract.

“Did you say all those who came to the castle today are vassals?”

“Yes, that is correct. They have matters to discuss with the Lord, so please wait in the room and Young Master Yutis will come to you.”

“No, I am going out.”

Mahan looked flustered when Lebel, who usually avoided crowded places, declared he would find Yutis himself.

“The vassals might try to greet you if they see you.”

“Why is that a problem?”

Mahan seemed to be hiding something, but finding the demon was more urgent.

The curiosity of a demon is not something to take lightly. They would likely be curious about a human destined to receive a holy sword from an angel.

Lebel hated the idea of another demon loitering near Yutis.

There was a reason he made Luceris and Edmund sign their contracts. Michael alone was enough of a nuisance to leave a mark on Yutis.

Finding Yutis was easier for Lebel than finding a demon. He walked toward the direction where he felt Yutis’s energy.

The castle servants looked busy as they prepared for the party following the New Year’s Festival. There were also many guests.

Judging by their burly builds and intimidating auras, they were all formidable individuals. In Lebel’s view, the more strong people there were, the better.

Just as Mahan said, the gazes directed at him were intense, but he did not stop walking.

Suddenly, a man with a particularly fierce aura walked toward Lebel, forcing him to stop.

Lebel looked up at the man blocking his path. He was as large as Damian. Perhaps because of his stern impression, the man seemed to look down on him. Lebel’s eyebrows twitched.

He measured Yutis’s energy, he was not far away.

I have to get to Yutis.

A demon could not possibly be ignorant of the demonic contract circles engraved on this land. Unless they were stupid, they would feel the difference in power and try to hide. That was why he could not feel a presence.

However, there were demons like Norman who acted without restraint, and that made him uneasy.

The person obstructing Lebel’s way didn’t seem to want to move aside, whether or not he realized Lebel was in a hurry.

Was he one of the vassals who supposedly disliked him? Just as that thought crossed Lebel’s mind, the man’s expression softened slightly, and he bowed politely.

“It is an honor to meet you. My name is Harvan Teruo.”

That was the name of the vassal who was supposed to meet Yutis and a longtime friend of his father-in-law.

Mahan, who stood nearby, added a brief explanation in case Lebel did not remember.

“He is an old vassal with close ties to the Lord. He likely bears no hostility toward the young madam.”

Indeed, he did not seem hostile. However, Harvan’s gaze was measuring, he wanted to discern exactly what kind of person Lebel was.

Normally, Lebel would have tolerated the scrutiny, but the problem was that he was busy.

“Right. It is a pleasure to meet you. My apologies, but I have business to attend to.”

“Are you looking for Young Master Yutis?”

The way he spoke suggested he knew exactly where Yutis was and what he was doing. Harvan spoke again as Lebel stared at him in silence.

“He is likely in the middle of a conversation with my son in the garden.”

Lebel turned his gaze toward the direction Harvan indicated. He did feel Yutis’s aura coming from that way.

‘There are no demons nearby. But…’

Harvan’s attitude was strange.

“I am glad to see Young Master Yutis has found a good companion.”

Lebel found this display of relief perplexing.

Why was this man so concerned? Since he was a childhood friend of his father-in-law, perhaps he knew the son of his friend could turn into a monster and thus worried more?

Suddenly, Harvan posed a question.

“Does the young madam know that the situation between the Empire and the North is serious? It is possible the Empire and the North may turn against each other. Are you alright with that?”

His polite tone made it sound as if he were being considerate toward Lebel.

Lebel had thought an acquaintance might be more hostile, but it seemed he was wrong. Karon was exactly like that. Or perhaps his father-in-law had shared kind words about him. Since Harvan had also spoken with Yutis, who cherished him, it was not strange for the man to think positively of him.

“I have already left my original home. It does not matter to me what happens to the Empire. My home is the North now, so I shall act for the sake of the North.”

“I see… is that so.”

Harvan’s eyes widened, he was surprised by Lebel’s calm words, but he nodded and accepted the answer.

Regardless, the judgment belonged to the man himself. Whatever he decided did not concern Lebel. He had a place to be.

“If you are finished speaking, move aside. I must go to Yutis.”

“I have blocked your way, then. Please, look after my son as well.”

Why did he bother mentioning his son to me?

Lebel found it strange but quickened his pace. He was in such a rush that he failed to notice Mahan’s shoulders trembling in the background, the man was nervous.

Upon reaching the garden, he looked around and spotted Yutis standing partially hidden behind a pillar. A man he had never seen before stood beside him.

He was likely the son of the man Lebel just met. Judging by how they were still deep in conversation, they must have had much to discuss.

Just as Lebel was about to approach Yutis, he heard them speak.

“Is your arm alright?”

“Let go of me…!”

When Yutis grabbed his arm, the man recoiled in shock and pulled his arm away. He bit his lip, seemingly aware that he had overreacted, but continued as if nothing had happened.

“You always bring that up whenever you see me. I am fine. Can you not tell? Do not tell me you forgot that I fought in the war alongside you a year ago.”

“I know. But you suffered from the aftereffects.”

“I had no trouble holding a sword. Other things were the problem….”

The man rubbed the arm Yutis had grabbed and looked at him. He then cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“More importantly, rumors say you are on great terms with your bride from the Empire. Is that true?”

“It is.”

The man smiled, trying to hide his awkwardness.

“I never imagined there would be someone who could accept you.”

“There will be no more reason for you to feel burdened.”

“What are you talking about? Burdened? Anyway, congratulations.”

The man patted Yutis on the shoulder, but the gesture felt unnatural. Lebel tilted his head.

They were supposed to be friends, yet the atmosphere was strange. Moreover, why did Yutis look as if he were frozen in place? The man’s attitude was peculiar as well.

He heard they were childhood friends, but both appeared uncomfortable with each other. The man especially seemed so. After patting his shoulder, the way he awkwardly withdrew his hand made it look as though he were reluctant to touch Yutis.

Lebel stood at a distance with his arms crossed and watched the two.

Something had definitely happened between them.

Lebel recalled the subtle attitude Harvan had shown.

That man knows. And so does Mahan.