Chapter 29
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Yacht Club Invitation
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As long as demons proclaimed themselves the masters of magic, the Dragon God Cult was an organization that could never coexist with them.
A religion whose very existence was denied could not survive, after all.
Because of this, the Dragon God Cult's hatred for demons was, in a way, on par with that of the Inquisitors.
But I never imagined they would just start flinging magic without warning.
“…I-I’m innocent!”
The scene after the explosion subsided and the smoke cleared.
There stood Jace, his hand outstretched with flames; Ruina, who had blocked it with her sword; and Bella, who had collapsed to the ground, her legs giving way as she screamed.
“Well done, Ruina.”
Pernyan sighed and snatched Jace's wrist. This was a situation even he hadn't anticipated.
“Stop, Jace.”
“Brother, she's a Vile Breed. To think a Vile Breed who contracted with a demon was brazenly attending the Imperial Academy… I never dreamed I'd see such a thing in my life. The only good Vile Breed is a dead Vile Breed. I will make Bella Hohen a good Vile Breed.”
“I said stop.”
Pernyan growled under his breath.
“Even if you are my brother, when it comes to demons…”
“I was the one who knew about this first and asked you for the artifact.”
“…That may be so, but.”
“I assure you, Bella Hohen has neither met a demon nor contracted with one.”
According to the Prophecy Book, Bella was merely a victim.
And so far, the Prophecy Book had not lied to Pernyan.
“But there was demonic energy.”
“Demonic energy isn't only present when someone makes a contract with a demon. There's also infection. You should know that.”
“Are you saying there's someone inside the academy infecting students?”
Jace's eyebrow twitched. Though he said "someone," he knew that "someone" had to be a demon follower.
“Then isn't this an even bigger problem? We should inform the Cult and the Empire immediately… or do you think they'll go into hiding and we won't be able to find them?”
“Exactly. I've already tried everything to find the one spreading the demonic energy.”
I scrutinized Bella and Verian's daily lives and had Hyde search places where demonic energy might be present, but I found no answers.
“That's why I came to you.”
“To borrow the power of the Dragon God Cult?”
“Because the Dragon God Cult seems the least likely to be involved with demon followers.”
Even if demon followers were hiding throughout the continent, the Empire, and even the entire academy, the Dragon God Cult would undoubtedly be the last place to hold out.
Their deep-seated hatred for demons was the reason why.
Of course, they could exploit that opening and hide among them, but by that logic, there wasn't a single trustworthy person in the world.
“I already believe Vile Breeds are hiding all over the academy.”
It was clear. Otherwise, the chaos that erupted when Andromalius descended couldn't be explained.
‘There were at least several hundred who were infected and went berserk.’
I don't know exactly when Andromalius's descent occurs.
However, I felt it would be impossible for a small group to infect so many people without being detected.
“Their goal is probably to use those infected with demonic energy to bring down the academy from within.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Because the academy is where the future of the Empire, and by extension, the continent, resides. If this place is trampled, the future is lost.”
Jace was convinced.
“But if that's the case, shouldn't we stop them beforehand? Even if we risk them going deeper into hiding, it seems better to prevent a disaster at the academy.”
It was a valid point. It was better than letting the continent's future suffer a fatal blow, even if the Vile Breeds went deeper into hiding.
But Pernyan knew the future. A future where demons would eventually descend in large numbers, engulfing the entire continent in the flames of war.
“But it would be even better if we could uproot them with minimal damage.”
If we let the Vile Breeds escape, they would return as a greater disaster.
To prevent a great tree from falling, one had to pull out the roots, even if it meant damaging a few sprouts.
“Do you have a way?”
“I have a plan in mind.”
After hearing the full explanation, Jace was convinced.
“But in that case, wouldn't it be better to confess to the Cult and ask for help?”
“I'm not saying you shouldn't tell them. Just that we shouldn't make it public. Tell only a few people you can absolutely trust, and maintain the utmost secrecy.”
“Very well.”
Kheheh, Jace let out a sinister smile.
“A plan to strike the Vile Breeds from behind. As expected of you, Brother. I will gladly follow.”
“Before that, do you happen to have any magic or artifacts that can eliminate demonic energy?”
“Of course. All mages of the Cult learn a spell called ‘Sacred Light’ that burns away demonic energy.”
It was the Cult's duty, one that was incompatible with demons.
“Excellent. Erase the demonic energy from her body.”
“Ah, right. Follower Bella, would you extend your hand?”
“…You're not going to kill me, are you?”
“Of course not. The Cult only punishes demons and Vile Breeds; we do not blame harmless victims.”
The Saint gave a benevolent smile. Bella, who had unwittingly gone through so much, obediently held out her hand.
“Ah, but this is my first time using this magic, so I'm not sure how it will go. I wonder if it'll work… Is it really okay to burn the insides of a living person?”
“…What?”
Bella's startled question was brief.
*Fwoosh!*
Searing heat and pain surged from within Bella.
“Kyaaaaaaah!”
“Hmm, it seems to be incredibly painful.”
“This secret room is perfectly soundproof, so there's no need to worry.”
It was a special secret room that absorbed not only sound but all vibrations and shocks as well.
“Punishing evil is always accompanied by pain, so this too is the natural order. Please, feel free to scream your heart out with a curse for the demon that did this to you, senior.”
“……”
Ruina could only stare blankly as her friend collapsed, foaming at the mouth.
* * *
“Phew, perhaps because it was my first time using that magic on a person, it was quite draining. Well then, I'll be on my way. I have my own investigations to conduct.”
“Alright.”
After the treatment was finished, Jace left first, leaving Bella unconscious and slumped over a table.
“…Is she alright?”
“Probably.”
He held a finger to her nose; she was breathing. Her complexion was a bit pale, but she didn't seem to be in critical condition.
“You take her to Bless Dormitory.”
“I will.”
“Put some red powder on her face to make it look like she's drunk.”
“Do we have to go that far? If she returns completely drunk in the middle of the day, Bella's reputation…”
“No one ever imagined Vile Breeds would be hiding in the academy. Can't be too careful.”
Ah, she needs to smell of alcohol too, so splash some on her face. Pernyan reached for a rather expensive bottle of wine from a rack in the corner of the room, then paused.
“Since we're just splashing it on her, there's no need for it to be a high-quality vintage.”
“How much could it cost…”
“It's a 20-gold bottle.”
“They'll sell cheap wine at the tavern.”
Pernyan summoned someone and ordered them to buy a bottle of wine. Ruina prepared to carry Bella on her back.
“Do you have a spare robe? No matter what, we should cover her face as much as possible.”
“I do.”
An attendant brought a robe, and Ruina used it to cover Bella.
“By the way, when did you come up with this plan?”
“Ever since I found traces of the Vile Breeds through Verian. I knew they wouldn't stop after just one attempt.”
“Don't forget your promise.”
“Promise?”
“You said you'd lend a hand anytime we're dealing with demons.”
Ruina's eyes grew cold.
“I won't let those Vile Breeds who dared to endanger Bella get away with it.”
“Right.”
A moment later, Ruina sprinkled the wine the attendant had bought all over Bella's body, then hoisted her onto her back and disappeared.
“…I'll borrow the power of Jace and the Cult to erase all the demonic energy from the infected humans. As secretly as possible.”
That way, I could minimize the chaos the Vile Breeds were hoping for.
“The best-case scenario is to prevent the demon's descent itself…”
Unless more of the Prophecy Book was unlocked, I had no idea how to do that yet.
“For now, I need to focus on what's next.”
The Yacht Club. That's where the Vile Breeds will begin their activities in earnest.
On a yacht owned by the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild, which Pernyan lends to the club for free and operates, they will disguise themselves as guild employees and try to kill Aint.
“Ultimately, cooperation with Aint is essential to stop the demons.”
But suddenly bringing up the topic of demons would be nothing short of madness. I'd be lucky if it didn't just make Aint suspicious of me.
“Every task requires groundwork.”
The demons will try to kill Aint with this incident, or at least isolate him from the other students, but the opposite will happen.
Aint will live, and Pernyan will openly become his sponsor.
“While investigating suspicious individuals who had infiltrated the merchant guild, I discovered they had gone undercover as yacht staff. However, I didn't know they were Vile Breeds.”
That's how Aint and I will witness the Vile Breeds together.
The detailed setup was far more complex, but that was the gist of it. Knowing the future made setting the stage fairly easy.
Pernyan's eyes grew cold.
* * *
- Why are you suddenly shivering?
‘No reason, I just got a sudden chill.’
Aint shook off the sudden chill and refocused on the lecture.
“So, this creature called a cyclops has only one eye, but…”
The course was ‘Demonic Beasts and Monster Studies.’ It was a required course and an important one, worth five credits.
- How is your body?
‘Not bad.’
Perhaps because he'd grappled with the formidable Sea Serpent to survive, he had digested nearly half of the residual magic from the Saint Bird's heart—magic he hadn't been able to fully absorb even with Sir Gardner's help.
- A blessing in disguise. You got the Adamant and replenished your magic.
‘Plus, I gained a pretty reliable sponsor.’
- Though it was more of a transaction than sponsorship.
- But don't let your guard down. Adamant is valuable, but those nouveau riche bastards will try to lowball you as much as possible.
Aint was aware of that. Although he had been the one to bow his head first, it was foolish to expect much consideration.
- The best way is to make those nouveau riche bastards realize the gravity of the situation… They're not complete idiots. When they feel they're in danger, they'll open their purses.
‘Then the best course of action is to make Pernyan witness the existence of demons firsthand. But… do demons really exist?’
Aint had never seen a demon or a Vile Breed who followed them, not since acquiring Gardner, or even in his entire life.
- I wish they didn't, but they are most certainly active in the shadows. The fact that I have awakened is proof of that.
Gardner stated firmly.
- Returning to the main point, that's not a bad idea. If demons are involved, even the Fallenbergs will grasp the severity of the situation.
- …Though, of course, that's not always the case.
‘What do you mean by that?’
- People often say of a ruthless merchant, ‘He'd sell his wares to a demon.’ The Fallenbergs are the origin of that saying. The Fallenberg clan actually sold things to demons.
‘…My god.’
Aint was horrified. He knew the Fallenberg merchants were ruthless, but he never dreamed they would go so far as to sell to demons.
- Do you see now why I hate the Fallenbergs?
‘I understand.’
Lost in conversation, the lecture ended quickly. As Aint was packing up his textbook, someone approached him.
“Aint.”
“Valoci.”
“What are you doing after class?”
“No special plans. Just training, probably.”
“Always so diligent.”
Valoci gave a friendly smile.
- This one is quite peculiar. I can tell he's a good person, but I can't figure out why he's being so nice to you.
‘Honestly, I've been wondering about that myself.’
Valoci Vienderk was clearly a good person. But Aint couldn't just dismiss all suspicion simply because he seemed nice.
Especially since Aint bore the name Armian, while the current emperor bore the name Schwaben.
Shouldn't the heir of the Vienderk family be wary of the Schwaben Imperial Family?
‘Of course, the Vienderks are practically on the same level as the imperial family, but…’
Still, it would create friction. Why would he risk that just to approach him?
He wondered why Valoci would try to befriend Aint, who had nothing to his name but the faded glory of his family.
But he couldn't ask outright, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
“Well then, want to go somewhere with me after this?”
“Where?”
Valoci took out a small piece of stationery. It was an invitation.
“You haven't joined a club yet, have you?”
“No, not yet.”
Clubs were student gatherings encouraged by the academy. It was common for students with similar interests in hobbies or studies to form them.
“The Yacht Club?”
“Yeah. You can only join if an existing member recommends you. And with an invitation, you can bring one guest.”
He explained that the club's main members were the children of renowned nobles and major merchant guilds.
“I received an invitation to this month's banquet a while ago, and I was hoping you'd go with me.”
“With me?”
“Yeah.”
- From your perspective, it's a den of vipers. He wants you to go there with him? Is this kid insane?
Gardner was right. Most high-ranking nobles avoided the Armians, wary of the Schwabens.
There was even a Schwaben prince in the Yacht Club.
- Still, it might not be a bad idea to check it out.
- The former emperor left one of his arrangements near the sea. If we're lucky and our paths cross, you might be able to obtain something there.
- That Schwaben brat will glare daggers at you, but it's not like you have anything left to lose.
‘Just how many arrangements did the former emperor leave?’
- We're dealing with demons. No amount is ever enough.
Aint nodded at Gardner's words.
“Does that mean you'll go?”
Valoci mistook the nod as a reply to him, but there was no need to correct the misunderstanding.
“Yeah.”