Chapter 279: Unjustly Criticized(2)
Chapter 279: Unjustly Criticized(2)
Cecile had entered a period of seclusion for reasons unknown. She had done so with a heavy emphasis that no one was to be allowed in.
That restriction included me, of course, and even her own parents. It was what you might call "closed-door training," a concept often seen in martial arts novels.
The problem was that I had absolutely no idea why. Usually, one enters closed-door training because they’ve either attained an enlightenment or are seeking one, but the timeline didn't add up.
Up until now, Cecile had been busy being lovey-dovey with me or showing my mother around Helium. There hadn't been any particular event that would lead to enlightenment.
Just what kind of realization had she come to that made her dive into seclusion? Even Descal and Aisilia were tilting their heads in confusion, so I couldn't even begin to grasp a clue.
"So, how many days did she say it would take?"
"Cecile said it would be over within a week... but with this kind of training, people often lose track of time, so it’s hard to say for sure."
"It’ll be over before the academy starts, right?"
"I told you, I don't know."
I replied to Marie’s question without stopping the clacking of my typewriter. Marie was currently giving me a tight back-hug, but it wasn't a distraction at all.
If anything, the soft sensation of her breasts pressing against me seemed to help me concentrate, and the scent wafting from her felt like it was stimulating my brain.
Since this clinginess was Marie’s way of expressing affection, I couldn't exactly push her away heartlessly.
Furthermore, since I was the one sitting on Marie’s lap, there was no risk of the content I was writing being leaked.
"By the way, am I not heavy?"
"You’re a bit heavy, but it’s fine."
"Don't men usually put women on their laps?"
"If you sat on me, I’m afraid my 'stick' would keep poking you, so I have no choice."
By 'stick,' she was clearly referring to that. Certainly, if a woman as beautiful as Marie sat on my lap, it would be difficult to restrain myself.
Even if Adelia was right there, watching us with wide eyes. Adelia was currently observing the two of us with a strangely envious gaze.
For the record, although Marie said she was fine, I was worried I might actually be heavy, so I was tensing my glutes and legs with all my might—essentially sitting in a wall-sit position.
Thanks to that, Marie felt less of a burden and freely expressed her affection, rubbing her cheeks against my broad back and taking in my scent.
"Mmm~ You smell so good, like peaches. I liked the scent of lilacs, but peaches aren't bad either."
"I suppose anything would be good to Lady Marie as long as it's the Young Master."
"As expected of Adelia. You know my heart so well. Do you want to try sitting here too?"
"I shall decline."
Even as the two women chatted, my work did not stop. Volume 21 was currently nearing its end.
After Jin accepts his Inner Evil and absolutely crushes Gluttony, he regains his reason just before turning into a full demon, thanks to Lily’s help.
Sacran’s final words—telling him not to fear becoming a demon to protect those precious to him—had served as a sort of foreshadowing.
‘Because for the Demon Tribe, the Inner Evil is like another version of oneself...’
While Gluttony is being decimated by the demonized Jin, Jin engages in a fierce battle with himself on the inside.
Gluttony was merely a sacrifice for Jin’s awakening; the real enemy was his Inner Evil.
For the Demon Tribe, the Inner Evil is something inseparable, like a shadow. Until now, the Demon Tribe had only focused on restraining their Inner Evil, never thinking to subjugate it.
In that sense, I expected there might be some backlash in Helium once Volume 21 was released.
Why is this real? Don't worry. I heard it directly from Mora. While there were demons who went mad with rage and hatred, there had never been a case where one maintained their reason perfectly.
Of course, it wasn't that I had no anxieties at all. As everyone knows, Xenon’s Saga is currently being treated as a holy scripture or a book of prophecy.
This meant there would likely be demons who, after reading Volume 21, would try to imitate Jin by attempting to subjugate their Inner Evil.
I would have to give Descal or Cecile a subtle heads-up before the release by showing them the manuscript first.
I’d have to tell them that if any demons try to copy the book after reading Volume 21, they must stop them desperately.
Jin in Xenon’s Saga is a special case; not every demon can subjugate their Inner Evil.
If I wasn't careful, this story could cause social chaos in Helium, much like the Half-blood Incident in Albenheim, so I absolutely had to speak up.
‘The Inner Evil feels like a color-inverted version of a demon...’
As everyone knows, the most prominent characteristics of the Demon Tribe are hair as dark as the night sky, blood-red eyes, and finally, horns.
On the other hand, the Inner Evil completely flips that image.
Snow-white hair, black sclera with blue pupils, skin so white it was pale with a bluish tint, and even black fingernails.
Finally, even the horns weren't black like a demon's, but blood-red, as if to prove they were completely stained by evil.
Furthermore, being the Inner Evil, the horns were much larger, and it even possessed the wings that symbolized a devil. It was, quite literally, a devil itself.
Despite being the Inner Evil, the overall color scheme was 'white'—a perfect contrast to the demons who had a dark image but craved the light of goodness.
Slide—
I finished the description and glanced back. A woman who suited the description of 'white' just as well, Marie, was rubbing her cheek against my back.
If I added a few features to the current Marie, she would probably look exactly like the Inner Evil I imagined.
However, Marie looked so kind-hearted that she wouldn't look like a devil, but rather just a mischievous brat.
"Marie."
"Mmm? What is it?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to call your name."
A brat? No way. Even the word 'brat' was an insult to such a lovely woman.
I chuckled and began typing again. As soon as I placed my hands on the typewriter, Marie leaned her cheek against my broad back.
Still, I must have been heavy, because this time she didn't keep me on her thighs but tucked me between her legs. It was a position made possible by the wide chair.
Seeing Marie’s growing affection made my heart feel warm. It also seemed to help me focus strangely well.
‘First, Gluttony exits the stage here, and next is the appearance of Envy...’
As soon as the newly established setting for Envy came to mind, I glanced at Adelia. She was standing still, waiting for my orders, as if her legs didn't hurt at all.
Seeing her in a maid uniform was always appetiz—no, it was always a fresh sight.
She was the one who had willingly given her permission, saying I could use her own story as a motif. Unlike her, Envy was a character with extreme tendencies.
In truth, anyone would become extreme after suffering such a series of tragedies. Like the already-departed Wrath and Satan, Envy’s goal was revenge, but she possessed a notably cynical personality.
She was the complete opposite of Adelia, who always showed a bright side while keeping her emotional wounds tightly suppressed.
"Do you have something to say?"
Had I been staring too intently? Adelia tilted her head and asked me with a puzzled expression.
Every single one of her gestures was so charming that my heart couldn't help but throb. I hoped Marie couldn't feel this heartbeat.
"...Hmph."
She must have heard it. Judging by how Marie’s hug tightened, it was certain.
Could there be a jealousy as cute and lovely as this? I gently took Marie’s hand as if to tell her not to worry and spoke.
"It’s nothing. I just had something to think about."
"I’m sure you were looking at Adelia and thinking she’s pretty or something. It’s obvious."
It seemed our jealous Marie was properly sulking. But since this was a common occurrence, Adelia only gave a bitter smile and didn't seem flustered at all.
As the number of women around me grew, Marie’s jealousy increased day by day, but this, too, could be called one of her charms.
You could tell just by how she hugged me tight, like a prickly cat refusing to let go. Even if she spoke like that, she was the woman who loved me most in the world.
"Marie."
"What."
"You know even if I don't say it, right?"
"Hmph."
She gave a haughty snort. However, seeing her silently lean her face against my back, it seemed my feelings had been conveyed.
"Do you like maid uniforms that much?"
"Where did that come from all of a sudden?"
"If you like them, I’m willing to wear one for you. You don't think I wouldn't be able to pull it off, do you?"
"..."
That was actually quite tempting.
"Judging by your racing heart, I must have been right. Fine. I’ll be generous. I, Marie Hausen Rekilis, the daughter of Duke Rekilis, will brave the embarrassment and wear it for my beloved husband."
"You don't have to go that far, though?"
"So, you hate the idea?"
"...I don't hate it."
Because of this way of speaking, I sometimes forgot that Marie was the daughter of a Duke. As I’d felt since our first meeting, her personality was far removed from authority.
I suppose that’s why she was able to become my first woman. I gave a weak smile and indulged her whim.
"I should suggest it once Cecile comes out. Adelia, you’ll join in too, right?"
"If that is what the Lady wishes."
"...Do you really have to do that?"
When I asked as if I found it absurd, Marie giggled and acted playfully.
"I want to see Isaac struggling, too. Besides, I can't handle you on my own anymore."
"How about building up your stamina?"
"I think your stamina would grow much faster than mine. I’m not a wild horse like Adelia, so how could I win?"
"Ahem..."
At the comparison to a wild horse, Adelia cleared her throat and turned her head away. She must have been reminded of how she acted like a beast at night, unlike her daytime self.
Anyway, whether Marie had resigned herself or just adapted, she didn't seem to mind me sleeping with other women anymore.
I suppose she realized that given my position, she couldn't monopolize me. She was the woman who had confessed to me even before knowing I was Xenon, and I suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
When I silently took her hand, did she notice my feelings? Marie buried her face in my back and spoke quietly.
"Now I can tell what you’re thinking just by listening to your heartbeat. As I always say, as long as you love me, my heart will never change, and I’ll never be hurt. Even if the number of women grows more than now. Got it?"
"I’ll love you unsparingly."
"Then... Isaac. Can I ask for just one favor?"
"What favor?"
I was willing to grant any favor of hers. With that intent, I answered immediately.
Then, Marie spoke of what she wanted in a voice tinged with anticipation.
"We’re going to get married after we graduate from the Academy, right?"
"That’s right."
"I’ll be wearing a wedding dress then, won't I?"
A wedding dress, the flower of a wedding. As soon as I heard those words, I realized exactly what she wanted.
Marie was serious about marriage, if nothing else. I, too, had vowed to do my absolute best for our wedding.
I smiled broadly and spoke as if to reassure her.
"Was the craftsman’s name Zelt? The one who made the dress you wore at the gathering a year ago."
"Wh-what? You remembered that?"
Marie’s flustered question followed. During the freshman orientation a year ago, she had mentioned it in passing while boasting.
"You were so beautiful then that I remembered everything."
It wasn't just empty talk; it was the truth. I even vividly remembered how she had changed her hairstyle to a ponytail back then.
Marie seemed moved by my words and was silent for a while before hugging me tightly.
And in a slightly tearful voice, she whispered.
"...I’m so glad I met Isaac."
I gave no answer but a bright smile. At the same time, I looked up at Adelia.
Standing before me, she also wore a happy smile, as if she felt the same way as Marie.
‘I’m sure Cecile feels the same way, too.’
Our happy daily life was continuing steadily.
*
The Demon Tribe, like the Elves, possesses basic physical specs far superior to humans. This includes not only physical conditions but also the ability to use magic freely.
Being able to use magic freely meant they were skilled in mana control.
In addition, thanks to the existence of 'Black Mana,' which has a stronger output than ordinary mana, their destructive power was second to none.
Because of this martial prowess, demons could only train in places equipped with thorough defenses.
If they were to accidentally release their power under the guise of experimentation, the surroundings wouldn't just be damaged; they would be blown to smithereens.
For this reason, the buildings erected by the Demon Tribe all boasted terrifying durability.
Even ordinary buildings were basically treated with anti-physical reinforcement and enchanted with magic, so one could only imagine the Royal Palace.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that even if a large meteorite crashed onto the palace, it would remain intact as long as it was intercepted properly.
The durability of the palace itself was one thing, but the interior was no different.
To prepare for any eventuality, training halls and private training rooms were installed deep underground, and they were layered with magic so that one could express their power to their heart's content.
In other words, even if someone went on a rampage—even if they turned into a devil—it would hold firm.
As long as it was a demon at the level of an ordinary, trained knight.
"Haa..."
In the center of a training room that wasn't just in pieces, but half-destroyed and tattered.
In that center, a woman let out a feverish moan. It was unclear how much of a rampage she had gone on, but her surroundings were ruined as if dozens of bombs had gone off.
The ground was littered with deep craters, and the walls were deeply cracked as if sliced by something.
And the ceiling? Like the floor, it was riddled with holes, and debris was raining down.
Despite being a training room with anti-physical reinforcement and defensive magic, it was so severely damaged that restoration was almost impossible.
Flap—
At that moment, something black that had been enveloping the woman spread wide. It looked like a bat’s wing, but it was even darker.
Something that could only be seen in literature, and something that could only be seen when a demon completely transformed into a devil.
A woman with devil wings appeared in the training room located deep beneath the Helium Royal Palace.
"It worked..."
The woman wore a fierce smile as she looked at the wings that were practically the symbol of a devil. The wings were one thing, but the woman’s appearance was distinctly different from any other demon.
Where the whites of her eyes should have been was filled with black, and her horns far exceeded the level of an ordinary demon's.
Even a symptom that should only appear during the Malice Period—that is, the entire horn being filled with red—was present.
To anyone, she looked like a demon who had become a devil, but the woman began to show a completely different pattern from such demons.
"Ah...! He was right! How... how can this be...!"
The woman clasped her hands together, showing her joy without reservation. She looked like a devil through and through, but miraculously, she was maintaining her 'reason.'
A demon who undergoes demonization becomes a mindless monster. This was an undeniable fact that not only the Demon Tribe but all races kept in mind.
Yet, despite becoming a devil, she clearly possessed reason. Something that shouldn't happen—more accurately, something that couldn't happen—had occurred.
What was even more surprising didn't end there. After a brief moment of being moved by her suddenly transformed appearance, the woman quietly closed her eyes and entered a state of concentration.
Shhhhh—
The wings, large enough to cover her entire body, gradually turned into black particles. Along with this, the horns covered in red also grew smaller bit by bit.
Eventually, when the wings had completely vanished and the horns had returned to a normal size, the woman slowly opened her closed eyes.
As she opened them, the whites of her eyes, which had been filled with black, returned to their original state. Her blood-red pupils still expressed their presence.
The identity of the woman who had been a devil until just a moment ago was none other than the Princess of Helium, Cecile Drat Aisilia bin.
Having just experienced an unbelievable reality, she spread her hands.
Her hands, which had been calloused from swordsmanship training, were now beautifully groomed for some reason. That wasn't all.
‘I feel like my breasts have gotten bigger, too...’
Had the Succubus blood become even more potent after she completely subjugated her Inner Evil? For some reason, her figure seemed to have improved even further.
It was to the point where she could feel it directly even without checking in a full-length mirror.
At this, she closed her eyes tightly to test if she was truly rational. First, she focused on the Inner Evil she had restrained so much.
‘...I can't feel it.’
She couldn't feel it at all. The source of evil that had tormented her during every Malice Period.
Her virtuous heart, which vowed never to break for the sake of the person she loved, had completely subjugated the Inner Evil, just like Jin in the book.
At first, she had doubted if this was possible, but she had finally pulled it off.
"Haa..."
Cecile let out a hot breath at the energy that felt more abundant than before. Just in case, she even tried thinking negative thoughts, but she felt no evil at all.
Now, all that remained was to wait for the right time. She was about to walk away with an excited heart when she realized the state of her clothes.
It had been a battle with her inner self, but the aftermath had manifested outwardly, and her clothes were beyond torn—they were rags. If she returned to Isaac like this, he would surely be suspicious.
That must not happen. When Volume 21 is released and Helium falls into chaos, that is when she must step forward and show them.
That they shouldn't fear their Inner Evil, but strive to overcome it. Just as Arwen had personally confessed to being a half-elf during the Half-blood Incident, she, too, had to show them.
‘How can I ever repay this debt?’
Cecile thought of Isaac, who had made all of this possible, as she walked.
Her feelings for Isaac seemed to have deepened to the point where she could live as his sex slave for the rest of her life if he wished.
‘I want to give birth to Isaac’s child soon.’
With a strangely strengthened desire, Cecile gently rubbed her lower abdomen and returned with light steps.
It had been only three days since she had entered her training.