#090 Ah.
"Is that really okay?"
In that world, Mars's status was on par with the Iterana Empire's grand duke. As a defining great archmage of the era, wouldn't he have to join the fray? And if he did, his contractor—Catherine—could hardly sit on the sidelines.
"If my future self goes back on his word, bring up today and threaten him not to speak out of both sides of his mouth. Not that it'll come to that, anyway."
At those words, Catherine felt her mind blur, as if plunged into a foggy haze. Mars was certain his 600-years-future self would remember this day.
But the Chezare she knew wasn't like that. Not when they'd first met in that damp basement. Not during the countless times he'd visited the mansion afterward. Not when her magic nullification was exposed. Not even when they'd forged their eternal contract.
Chezare had never treated her as if he remembered this very moment. Their first meeting had been in that distant future—at least, as far as the Chezare she knew was concerned.
...Or was it really?
"Mars. Great demons don't forget anything they've seen or heard, right? So, will your future self remember today?"
His reply came a beat late.
"What do you think?"
"No idea."
She figured not—but the deeper she dug, the harder it was to be sure.
Mars spoke up.
"Rest assured, I've known you from the very first instant I laid eyes on you."
"How can you be so sure? Your future self acted like it was our first meeting."
"I don't contract with humans."
He grumbled, adding, "Well, once—back when I was young and brimming with vigor, fresh from birth. I wanted to know what it felt like. But it was wartime; the contractor died in under a year."
"You mean she died young with Mars at her side?"
"Some trivial reason, I think... Too much hassle to dig up. Over 500 years ago."
Demons' ancient memories must be stored away like luggage. His voice rang with genuine annoyance, so Catherine dropped the prior contractor.
"Then how'd you manage to subjugate the demon king? You said your power weakens in Eden without a contractor."
"I wasn't the only great demon on the subjugation force."
Just days ago, he'd shoo her away for every question. Now he answered casually, one after another, leaving Catherine with a flood of curiosities.
But before she could voice them, the weight pressing on her torso grew heavier.
Mars's lazy drawl echoed faintly from above her head. "Got it? There's only one reason a guy like me would contract with a human again."
They rose higher into the sky, white clouds drifting into view.
"Because I remember you, Catherine."
That night, the subjugation force halted just outside Iterana Fortress.
Locals welcomed their triumphant return with booze and food, sparking a modest feast. Word spread to nearby villages, swelling the crowd and fueling the revelry.
Beneath the countless stars, across the vast plain, a massive wall loomed imposingly—not far off. Iterana Fortress was grand and majestic. Subjugation members often turned toward it, faces lighting with nostalgia.
Tomorrow, they'd meet Lilith. Meeting Lilith meant rescue from unknown perils—and a way back to their own time.
But what if that peril's beyond what I can handle?
What then? Die, obviously.
Contemplating death the day after next dredged up loose ends and regrets.
Feels like I've been here before.
Regret one: Never seeing Chezare again.
Regret two: Not blowing through her cash.
Damn, those two sting the most.
Regret three: No more petting Yaong's fluffy fur.
Regret four: No payback for Orzen's backstab.
There it is.
Die she might, but revenge first. Ghosts who avenge themselves glow brighter!
Resolved, she acted. She slipped into the village elder's kitchen—still churning out dishes—and snatched a stray turkey feather. Then headed to Mars's tent, the sole quiet spot amid the subjugation force's din.
"Mars!"
Unlike before, his tent glowed with lantern light. He sat beside it, scribbling.
His eyes flicked to her. "What."
Up close, she glimpsed the paper. Imperial script.
"It's more complicated than I thought, Captain. Declaring a nation requires the Pope's seal. Of course, it's not essential—if we gain Papal Court recognition, we'll have the Holy Nation's protection..."
Sensing her gaze, perhaps? Mars shoved the paper aside. "What do you want?"
Declaring a nation. He'd scoffed when she mentioned him becoming Iterana's founding emperor...
"Heading out to see the demon king one last time before we leave. Here for permission."
Mars's face twisted harshly. "Why bother with that trash?"
"Haven't gotten revenge for trying to kill me yet."
His eyes spun to the feather twirling in her hand. "What're you gonna do with that pathetic thing?"
"Tickle him till he bawls."
Keep at it, and he'd beg for death. That'd feel satisfying.
Catherine wasn't a knight. No war experience, let alone killing. Lethal strikes like Orzen's were beyond her.
So, her own method it was.
"Not too dangerous, right?"
Mars eyed her like a worm dancing to a tune. "Your head's terrifyingly cute, Catherine. Makes me wanna crack it open."
"Can I go?"
No answer—instead, he crooked a finger, beckoning her ear close.
She leaned in; rough fingers yanked her nape.
"You're mine now. No permission, no scratches. Got it?"
His frozen-sea eyes bored into her. She couldn't shake her head.
"Back in ten. Or I come hunting."
"Right away."
But round trip eats five minutes—barely time to tickle.
Permission granted, key in hand, she descended underground.
The glass sword in Orzen's back gleamed black with blood. His face was deathly pale—unmatched before. Lips, once rose-petal red, now frostbitten blue.
Sensing her, Orzen lifted his head shakily. "Catherine... is that you?"
Best handle business quietly. No reply—she thrust inside the bars, feather out, jabbing his dark-clad body.
"Ugh, what..."
Doubt vanished. A basement-shaking laugh erupted.
"Wait, Catherine! Grievances? Talk it out!"
His withered frame writhed, splattering blood. Groans and guffaws mingled in eerie harmony.
No can do. You're too silver-tongued.
But soon, his squirms slowed. Laughter faded to half-sobs, then silence.
What? She paused; Orzen licked his lips eagerly.
"Sorry, that cute trick's useless now. Just mastered enduring tickles perfectly."
Mastered? You can learn that?
"Aw, disappointed? Try something else. I'll take it all."
Test jab—nothing.
"So, which demon are you after, Catherine?"
No answer.
"Asmodeus? Belial? Lucifer? Mammon?"
No more backstabs. She wasn't dumb. Best not tangle with his ilk—stay unswayed.
"Or Lilith."
His voice echoed alone in the dank cellar.
"Lilith it is. Void Dominator? Easy find—she's with the subjugation force. Look for the ferret-masked woman. That's Lilith."
But the follow-up truth blindsided her.
Ferret mask is Lilith?
Image flashed: the woman deftly supporting Mars in the rain. Now her familiarity made sense. Fellow great demons.
Wait—trustworthy intel?
Ask Mars details later.
He said other great demons joined the subjugation—not just him.
It fit. Her sunken heart raced.
Lilith was here. The one to send her 600 years forward.
"Catherine. What're you thinking? Breath hitched. You look expectant... Lilith, huh? Right?"
Does this guy have eyes on his crown? She craned to check—dense black hair only.
As if witnessing it, Orzen snickered. "You're so cute and fun, Catherine. Your sounds paint the picture. Aaah, wanna see your face. Show me? I told you everything."
No need to reply.
"Meeting you in this boredom's a blessing. My greatest joy, Catherine. You wouldn't get it... Mars is brutal to foes. Was hell. Death approaching felt like bliss."
His tone was natural, like face-to-face chat.
"My Catherine's kind, tough enough not to die, and a demon king to boot... Even if I go, we'll meet in the next life. Right?"
Watching him, Catherine thought:
"Just had a great idea. Leave marks for reunion. What do you say? Damn, genius."
Why listen to this lunatic's drivel?
"What'd suit? Something so our Catherine spots me instantly?"
Yet she couldn't pull away.
"Let's go with Seventh Demon King."
A visceral hunch gripped her: she'd meet Orzen again. Head-spinning certainty.
Orzen chuckled darkly, shoulders shaking. Catherine's spine chilled.
First time sensing such malice from a person. Seemed the chains would snap, him lunging any second.
She backed out slowly. Cold sweat down her back as his voice echoed hollowly away.
"Mmm, love it. Yeah. Gotta be unforgettable. Huh? Catherine? Cath-er-ine? Already gone? This life's end? Haha, pity. I'll wait. See you soon. Real soon...."