DSB 136

Demons’ principle is survival of the fittest. It was only natural that the strong survived and the weak were eliminated. But that wasn’t a reason for Lebel to not help. Especially if that being is a child carrying Yutis’ blood.

“It was the emperor who sent me as a bride. Isn’t that the bride’s role?”

“Is that even possible….”

“This body is human. Didn’t you know that? Omega can bear an alpha’s child, so it should be possible. Even if it isn’t, I’ll simply make it possible.”

Biakin’s mouth fell open before closing. Every plan he had prepared crumbled into nothingness. If this was the future he envisioned for the North, he was certain Lebel would never contract with him, no matter what he said.

With a rigid expression, Biakin played his final card.

“If you insist on this course, I have no choice but to confront the North in earnest. Are you aware that the young master is commanding the army on the front lines? It must be to rescue you, Lord Lebel. Norman is there too.”

“So? Even if you leave it alone, Yutis will win.”

“That’s not certain. The holy sword is threatening, but it means nothing if it doesn’t strike.”

Biakin must have been prepared for Lebel’s wrath, but the latter didn’t even flinch. However, the words that followed inevitably made Lebel’s expression turn icy.

“Norman is desperately trying to kill Yutis. I tried to stop him, but the longer we delay, the less I can guarantee the young master’s safety.”

While Biakin’s target was the North, Norman’s was only Yutis. Even if Yutis ultimately won, the path will be treacherous.

Even inside the imperial palace, Lebel sensed Yutis’s presence. And he felt that presence growing increasingly fierce.

“I warned Norman that killing him would enrage you, Lord Lebel, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“Is that a threat?”

“I merely stated the facts. I hold no ill will toward the young master. I simply wished to make a contract with Lord Lebel. But… if negotiations with me fail and Lord Lebel lends his power to another, would I not be in a difficult position?”

Lebel was so exasperated he let out a hollow laugh. Biakin didn’t flinch at Lebel’s murderous glare.

“Do you think you can kill Yutis?”

“Even if he transcends the category of human, he’s still human. When he tires, openings inevitably appear.

Lebel knew this well. Humans die far too easily. That’s why he had prepared ample means to protect him.

“It seems you place your faith in Norman, but in the end, he too was killed by Yutis once. Now that he has the holy sword, it’s easier, if anything. There’s nothing difficult about it.”

“Norman has grown stronger.”

“By sacrificing humans as offerings? Then I suppose I’ll have to watch. We’ll see whether Norman wins, or Yutis wins.”

As Lebel, who held no doubt in Yutis’s victory, spoke with a smile, Biakin’s expression grew increasingly stiff.

“Yutis will win. It makes no sense that the human I chose would fall to a trial of this magnitude. You’d better brace yourself. He won’t kill you gently, you stole time from me.”

“…I’ll prepare thoroughly as well. If I defeat that man, perhaps your perspective might change, Lord Lebel. But I’d rather not incur your wrath, so I’ll bring him here alive.”

Biakin maintained his courtesy to the end, yet his words were sharp. He, too, was confident in his victory.

The North hadn’t properly prepared for war during the winter, but the empire had. Biakin could rely on Norman’s strength, while the North couldn’t rely on Lebel’s.

That alone gave him a advantage.

“Go ahead.”

Biakin frowned at Lebel’s calm tone, but he believed things would change if Lebel watched him closely.

“I wish you wouldn’t get hurt, but that’s unlikely. “

Lebel turned his head somewhere. It was the direction where he sensed Yutis’s presence.

His demonic energy was fluctuating, he was straining himself to reach the imperial palace. He was getting closer, but he was shaking unnervingly as a result.

As long as he values his life, Karon or Luceris would protect Yutis, but they won’t be able to keep him completely safe.

It’s my fault we got separated. I was trapped in this place, caught by the schemes of a mere human.

Lebel was furious with himself. Therefore, there was no need to express anger toward Biakin.

There was no point in getting angry at a human who would soon die. The time this human before him had left to breathe and live was short.

“Is it because he is your husband that you think so highly of him?”

Lebel turned his head indifferently. Biakin’s eyes were blazing. He was jealous.

He believed Yutis had stolen Lebel’s attention and affection. Biakin had searched for Lebel far longer than Yutis had.

Yet Yutis, by luck, had earned the honor of being by Lebel’s side.

“Well, that might be part of it, but it’s because I love him.”

“Love…? You speak of love…?”

Biakin’s eyes wavered. He had thought Yutis was simply the most tolerable human among countless others; he never imagined a demon like Lebel would speak of love.

“So no matter how much gold and treasure you bring before me, a contract is impossible. Yutis is the most precious and valuable thing I possess.”

Biakin opened his mouth several times, but said nothing. Instead, he spoke with unyielding determination.

“…I will strive to be worthy of that place.”

A futile endeavor.

Biakin didn’t want to give up. Rather, his expression suggested he had realized something.

“We shall meet again. Should you desire anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Lebel headed for the room prepared for him in his quarters. Unlike the North, warm air enveloped Lebel’s body.

“It is cold.”

For a demon, this should have been a blink of an eye, yet it felt far too long.

***

Yutis hacked at the enemy before him with abandon.

It was fiercer than any war he’d known. Soldiers who feared no death charged relentlessly, seemingly oblivious to pain as they slashed and refused to yield.

If one soldier grabbed the hem of another’s trousers with his remaining arm to throw them off balance, another would swing his sword. It was an army whose movements were entirely divorced from human thought.

When the surrounding chaos subsided, Yutis surveyed the battlefield. They had won, but it didn’t feel like a victory.

Everyone was gasping for breath. Yutis himself was so out of breath his mouth tasted sweet. The sky darkened as the sun set, and the capital, the heart of the empire, was too far away.

They were steadily capturing the empire’s cities, but they were still only on the outskirts. That’s how vast the empire’s territory was.

“Yutis, don’t push yourself too hard. You’ll collapse first.”

“I’m fine.”

Edmund tried to say something more, but sighed and shook his head. He’d already said it several times.

With many others besides Yutis to look after, he patted Yutis’s shoulder and left.

Yutis looked around. It was a place captured from the empire, yet not a single living soul remained.

Even if war had broken out, there should have been people left in the city, but not even an ant was visible.

They had all become prey for the demons. If not, they’d have been conscripted as soldiers.

[You, go rest. Do something about the demonic energy.]

Karon, who suddenly appeared from the shadows, spoke in a voice that was either concerned or reproachful. Yutis glanced at him and asked.

“Did Merick send any message?”

[He only said Lord Lebel is safe. That guy’s thoughts are impossible to read. The old man just spouted meaningful-sounding nonsense. Anyway, he said that man has a holy artifact. That’s probably why Lord Lebel is stuck there.]

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

[Ha! Do you really think Lord Lebel would just stand by and take it from some unknown bastard?]

“But the fact there’s been no word so far means he’s been captured?”

Yutis, who had just returned, gripped the holy sword as if he were ready to run out again at any moment. It was Illa who approached him.

“Young master, rest is important. Especially since your wounds won’t heal quickly with holy power, you must be more careful.”

Illa appeared from behind Karon and spoke with a worried expression. Demons had appeared, and even the temple had sent reinforcements, among whom was Illa.

He looked at the holy sword in Yutis’s hand. Even just processing Yutis’s demonic energy seemed taxing; the glow of the holy sword had subtly dimmed.

“Lord Michael says you needn’t worry, as Lord Lebel is safe. Before worrying about him, you should be more concerned for your health. The flow of demonic energy is not normal.”

“When has my body ever followed my will?”

Yutis was well aware his physical state was abnormal. Few dared approach him.

Simply being near him caused the demonic energy to surge, weighing down the surrounding air. Yet, he had no time to spare for such concerns.

[You’ll transform if you keep this up.]

“…I won’t transform.”

Yutis knew that when Lebel was summoned, he had almost transformed and then barely suppressed it.

“The blessing bestowed by Lord Michael is the holy sword. While it blocks the demonic energy, it isn’t omnipotent.”

“Then we must finish this before that happens. They seem eager to end it quickly too.”

Yutis’s eyes still held the afterimage of battle. Karon also sensed it and turned his head around.