DSB 40

“I suspected it since he was a human with demonic energy.”

It seems like they are connected to the bloodline of a real demon.

“So? I already know that the demon lives here and that this place is overflowing with demonic energy. But what does that have to do with me?”

“It seems you care about the human named Yutis. If that man dies, the people of this family might be freed from turning into demons during their heat cycles.”

“…You want me to deal with that demon? And what are you doing?”

“We can give minor advice to humans, but changing fate is forbidden.”

“You’re as rigid as ever.”

Lebel looked at Michael, not understanding his reasoning. He had always been like that. He was never one to fight against fate.

Even if a beloved human died, he would call that destiny. He was a fatalist who never involved himself in anything or anyone.

Yet he had brought up demons and fate in the same breath.

He seemed to want that demon dead. But why? To purify the land tainted by demonic energy?

It wasn’t rare for a demon to descend to the human world and scatter demonic energy. Though it was unusual for an entire region to be saturated by it.

Even so, would he really ask Lebel to kill that demon? He must already know Lebel couldn’t use his power. What did he expect him to do?

If he wanted a demon killed, he could have used humans. He couldn’t intervene directly, but offering them small guidance would have been allowed.

“Is there any particular reason why that demon must die?”

“……”

“Michael, what are you thinking?”

“Does what I think even matter to you?”

“Hmm. Not really.”

“I only deliver the message.”

Lebel looked at Michael with a scrutiny, but Michael closed his eyes as though the conversation was over, and then Illa opened his.

Lebel clicked his tongue. He disappeared right after saying what he wanted.

“Did you have a pleasant conversation?”

Illa asked Lebel.

“No. I still had things to ask, but he ran away.”

“He is probably worried about me.”

Sweat ran down on Illa’s forehead. Michael was among the few who could be called powerful. Manifesting briefly in the Middle Realm wouldn’t tire him, but it was different for humans.

Just as Lebel’s human body couldn’t fully contain his own soul.

There might have been a reason, but his sudden arrival was followed by an equally sudden departure.

Lebel went over Michael’s words again.

So what was it he wanted? He understood the part about Lebel caring for Yutis and being asked to kill the demon for his sake while helping him through his rut.

But what kind of demon could be so significant? Or what exactly was that demon doing? Was it something far beyond anything that had happened before?

Michael said he was only delivering a message. And there was only one being who would use an angel of Michael’s rank to deliver a message.

Lebel looked out the window. He could sense beasts that were near, but he couldn’t feel every beast across the whole mountain range.

The demon who could be called Yutis’s ancestor was somewhere here. He had stayed here for a long time and was the one who had covered the North in demonic energy.

“Do you understand what Michael said?”

“There’s no way someone like me could understand the words of the great Lord Michael. But if I may say one thing, Lord Michael seemed relieved to know that you were here.”

He is relieved? Then something really serious must be happening. And centered on the Middle Realm, no less. The Demon God must already know as well.

No, that wasn’t right.

The Demon God would wouldn’t probably be bothered even if the Middle Realm vanished. He was not like the Celestial God.

“But you don’t seem to have any aversion toward me, even though you know I’m a demon. Aren’t demons supposed to be symbols of evil to humans?”

“Haha, Lord Lebel, there’s no being more wicked than humans. If we speak of original sin, demons exist because there are humans who wish to make contracts with them.”

Illa spoke with a smile, but it wasn’t a genuine one. Lebel could feel his anger directed at someone.

It seems he hated humans more than demons. Even among themselves, demons sometimes said that humans were the more wicked species.

Humans were creations born of both the Celestial God and the Demon God, so they could be good, yet they can also become infinitely evil.

“That’s enough. If you’re done here, leave.”

“I’ll come again tomorrow.”

“…Tomorrow again?”

“Yes. The Young Master ordered me to remove all of the Young Madam’s scars as well.”

“If it’s too much trouble, you can rest tomorrow.”

“You’re very kind, Young Madam.”

He’s kind? Hearing that from a human loved by Michael made Lebel laugh in disbelief.

“So we’re back to calling me Young Madam.”

“It seems more proper that way.”

“No, use my name. You’re linked with Michael.”

It felt strange being called Young Madam by a human connected to Michael.

Especially since he was a vessel strong enough for Michael to manifest through, and anything Lebel said would surely be heard by Michael.

Tch. There was a chance the news had already spread through the heavens. Then again, Michael was the type to keep his mouth shut, so perhaps he hadn’t told anyone.

“It’s an honor. To be honest, I feared I might be scolded for calling your name without permission. A name carries great weight.”

“That’s true, but I don’t want to hear ‘Young Madam’ from you. You know I’m a demon. It feels strange.”

“Is that so. Then I’m honored.”

Illa smiled.

“I’ll ask just in case, but not all priests can recognize demons like you, right?”

“No. If Lord Michael hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t have been able to recognize you either, Lord Lebel.”

“You mean they can’t see demonic energy?”

“I’ve never heard of anyone who can. That’s why finding demons is difficult.”

Well, if they could see demonic energy, the Hestro family would have already been branded as demons instead of humans. They already faced similar accusations, but it wasn’t the same.

At least there was no risk of his true identity as a demon being exposed.

Maybe because he had talked with Illa for so long, Lebel started to feel Yutis’s presence getting closer. Even so, he didn’t open the door.

Illa could tell from the atmosphere that Lebel was waiting for Yutis.

“Young Master is worried about your condition, Lord Lebel. So please focus only on recovery.”

“Then why isn’t he coming?”

“Because of guilt.”

“That’s useless.”

“Young Master rode for an entire night without rest to bring me here.”

Illa began recounting his actions in Yutis’s place.

“After I arrived, for three days, Young Master continued pacing near your room. For reference, it’s extremely rare for a human to remain unconscious for more than four days.”

Lebel recalled Illa’s words. Since it was rare, that must mean his guilt grew stronger and he worried even more.

“Then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Michael’s words still lingered in his mind, but right now Yutis was more important.

As soon as Illa left the room, Lebel saw a glimpse of silver hair through the door. But he didn’t enter and seemed to be speaking with Illa outside.

Lebel thought he might come in after finishing the conversation, but the presence moved farther away.

“Running away won’t do.”

Lebel got up from the bed.

He could tell his body had been treated with holy power. It was easier to move now.

Bang!

When he opened the door roughly, Mahan, who had been about to enter, jumped back in surprise and asked.

“Ah! Yo-Young Madam? What are you doing?”

“I want to see my husband.”

“Ah, Young Master Yutis is speaking with the priest about your condition.”

So they’re talking outside the door and they still have more to discuss?

“He’ll come once they’re done talking. Please, go back to your room. Your wounds will reopen.”

Lebel could have waited for their conversation to end, but he was certain Yutis wouldn’t come even then.

“I can move just fine.”

“You can’t! You’re not healed yet! You’ll collapse like this!”

“Why do you people worry for nothing?”

“I’m worrying because you won’t!”

Mahan shouted in disbelief. Lebel completely ignored him.

Now that his body had recovered with holy power, Mahan couldn’t stop him. Lebel walked straight toward the place where Yutis’s presence was strongest. He swung open a door that looked like a reception room, but only Illa, whom he had just parted with, was there.

“Young Master just left.”

“Young Madam, please, don’t do this and return to your room….”

Lebel frowned.

So he really is avoiding me?

Lebel closed the door and headed again toward where he sensed Yutis’s presence. But Yutis continued moving farther away.

Lebel swallowed his irritation and took another step, then he suddenly stopped moving.

“…Young Madam?”

Lebel looked down. His legs were shaking like those of a newborn fawn. Mahan, seeing that, turned pale.

“That’s why I told you to rest in your room…! Young Madam?”

Lebel felt his vision blur.

The human body was too weak. As he collapsed, he thought he saw Yutis running toward him from afar.

***

Lebel admitted.

Yes, his condition wasn’t good.

Lebel sighed as he looked at Mahan, who was endlessly scolding him.

He didn’t remember Mahan being like this at first. What happened to the man who used to be cautious around him? When did someone like Karon take his place?