Chapter 51 - Heavenly Demon Scramble (2)
“You’re dissatisfied with the Herthe family’s position as second only to the imperial household, aren’t you?”
Yet Crown Prince Edgar wore an inexplicably sour expression in response to Duke Badelon’s request.
“Your Highness seems equally reluctant to share information about him.”
“Efforts to recruit the Heavenly Demon at the national level have already begun. There’s no need to cause unnecessary confusion.”
“Don’t take offense. The Herthe family remains the imperial household’s loyal vassals. If the Heavenly Demon forms ties with us, wouldn’t that ultimately benefit the Empire?”
Truly words befitting a duke’s station.
Edgar kept his thoughts to himself.
“You seem displeased.”
“After being unilaterally rejected by Parmela, why would I harbor goodwill toward your family?”
“Hoho. Is that so? Yet just days ago, my daughter and this Heavenly Demon fellow were frequently seen together at the Academy…”
‘He’s saying there’s no point denying it since he’s already investigated everything.’
Indeed, apart from Parmela and her servants, the only person in the Empire connected to Theodor was the Crown Prince himself. Considering Edgar’s imperial authority, Badelon’s approach was perfectly logical.
‘Though… the Theodor I met doesn’t strike me as someone who’d be easily swayed.’
Brushing aside the thought, Edgar posed another question:
“Are there others besides Duke Herthe who seek the Heavenly Demon?”
“More than you’d imagine. A being capable of facing fallen deities single-handedly—his value surpasses any imperial army.”
The Academy incident had been quietly buried thanks to swift imperial intervention. Two fallen deities appearing in the Empire’s heart, possessing two ducal heirs who half-destroyed the campus and even threatened the Crown Prince—an unprecedented crisis.
Yet the Empire’s leadership focused not on Parmela, Beltane, or even the Crown Prince’s safety, but squarely on the Heavenly Demon.
Reports stated he could absorb and wield Corrupted Mana as his own power.
An emergency imperial council convened immediately under the Emperor’s direction.
The agenda: how to recruit the Heavenly Demon.
Demons—humanity’s ancient enemies who slaughtered, cursed, and manipulated humans for centuries. Among them, the fallen deities, each harboring calamitous malice.
Their appearances were catastrophic not just because each rivaled a nation’s military strength, but more due to their unique abilities.
Like Vertus staining the skies or Silvanos manipulating plants, these pinnacles of dark magic could transform entire regions into their domains through refined control of Corrupted Mana.
This naturally disadvantaged humanity in battles against demonkind. Even after repelling fallen deities, their lingering domains remained problematic.
For instance, during Vertus’s first descent, he corrupted tens of thousands and claimed one-third of the continent’s skies as his domain.
‘And then, as if ordained by the gods, a being fell from heaven who could not only defeat such fallen deities but purify their mana.’
Who wouldn’t covet such power?
The council unanimously proposed recruiting him.
-I heard the Radain fanatics doubted him as a demon and drove him out.
-And now they’ve issued a massive bounty for him! Hah! This is why religious zealots are hopeless.
These words Edgar overheard between two nobles after the council adjourned.
As they said, the Radain Holy Nation had discarded a weapon against their ancient enemy through momentary misjudgment.
But the Empire thought differently—even if the Heavenly Demon were truly a demon, so long as he benefited the Empire, that sufficed.
…Edgar studied Badelon again.
Just as the Duke sought him to establish ties with the Heavenly Demon, Edgar needed Parmela’s father too.
Especially since Elaine led the investigation.
“-I’ll consider Duke Herthe’s proposal favorably.”
“An excellent decision, Your Highness.”
As Elaine promised, the investigation proceeded civilly and reasonably.
After being escorted to security forces, I was housed in a VIP guest room under guard—not a prison cell.
Interrogations occurred only during designated daytime hours, conducted like interviews without restraints. Various officials inquired about my background, abilities, and preferences.
-What kind of investigation is this? You’re clearly a criminal who caused violent havoc!
One clueless investigator earned Elaine’s personal removal from the interrogation room.
Only two aspects proved bothersome:
First, while accommodations were comfortable and everyone from soldiers to investigators behaved politely, leaving designated areas was forbidden.
Second, every investigator subtly promoted the Empire’s virtues while attempting to recruit me.
-How about joining the imperial army, Lord Heavenly Demon?
-The second daughter of House Harbor happens to be of marriageable age…
After a week in custody, the interrogators’ ranks steadily rose. Yesterday, even a knight commander and some foreign ministry undersecretary visited.
Their lavish proposals continued growing more generous.
For now, they maintained a cordial approach…
But I doubted their patience would last if I kept refusing.
“…Exhausting.”
After today’s session, I muttered while staring at the candlelit ceiling from bed.
Physically fine—restless even.
Mentally drained.
Despite my evasive answers, the Empire showed no signs of relinquishing pursuit.
Elaine never mentioned an investigation deadline.
“Maybe I should end this.”
I’d humored them to gauge their response, which aligned with expectations.
Persecution like Radain’s was intolerable, but neither could I tolerate imperial shackles.
“Another life on the run, then.”
Losing the artifact stung—I’d forfeited my means of altering appearance.
“Maybe craft another skin mask. It’s been so long, I might’ve forgotten how…”
Magic could easily solve this, but inexplicably, I couldn’t wield it.
The System explained that unlike Corrupted Mana, normal mana shares circuits with demonic energy.
“Shape-shifting technique? No—that also consumes too much demonic energy…”
As I pondered escape plans—
“…Wonder how Parmela’s doing?”
Her face surfaced unbidden.
I shook my head sharply, dispelling the thought.
Utterly pointless musing.
“…”
Silence reclaimed the room as even my soliloquy ceased.
Then the anomaly arrived without warning.
“!”
I sprang from bed into combat stance.
The distant energy creeping along the ground permeated the chamber,
“-Stand down.”
Materializing from dense shadows in a maid’s uniform and short black hair, she stepped forth.
“…Head Maid. And…”
Behind her emerged a blond boy resembling Parmela.
“Long time no see.”
Beltane’s tone dripped with surliness.
“You recovered faster than expected.”
“The Herthe family mobilized all connections to summon the Empire’s finest healers.”
“Quiet, Elina.”
Unfazed by Beltane’s scolding, Elina remained composed.
“So what brings you here at this hour? What about the guards?”
“Soundproof and anti-intrusion spells surround this room. The guards won’t notice.”
“…”
My eyes demanded explanation.
“Indeed. Time is short—let’s proceed. Theodor… no, Heavenly Demon. Are you aware of your current situation?”
“Somewhat. The entire Empire seems desperate to claim me.”
“Correct. Additionally, the Radain Holy Nation has likely discerned your presence here.”
“Tch…”
Annoying fanatics.
“Here to warn me, then?”
“Hardly.”
Beltane interjected.
“-We’re relaying Elder Sister Parmela’s message.”
“…Message?”
“…Elina, you do it.”
“The young mistress specifically instructed Lord Beltane.”
“Damn it…”
“…Well?”
“…‘Heavenly Demon, won’t you elope with me?’… Those were her exact words.”