Chapter 71: Bold Changes
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 71: Bold Changes
Ferda was momentarily dumbfounded by what he had just heard.
After laying out such a plausible deduction, her conclusion was utterly absurd.
A child of a demon?
Was this woman really cracking jokes after all that serious talk?
He looked at her closely, but Erdes’s expression was dead serious. No—she wore a playful smirk, but it was the face of someone who was absolutely certain her words weren't a joke.
Ferda considered his options.
How should he react? Should he fly into a rage, or maintain his look of utter exhaustion?
It was Erdes who broke the awkward silence.
“I paid a visit to Erembalt Rosnova.”
It didn't sound like a simple social call. She had undoubtedly turned the place upside down.
The Rosnova family. He had assumed she would have done a background check the moment she got involved with him.
Erdes blinked at Ferda’s lack of reaction.
“Oh? That’s unexpected. Usually, people get quite worked up when you mess with their family.”
“That man is someone who wished I didn't even exist.”
After his mother died, Erembalt Rosnova had ceased to treat Ferda as a son. He had turned a blind eye to the bullying from Ferda’s siblings and the servants—in fact, he had practically encouraged it. His father had been at the very center of the torment.
“What a heartwarming father-son relationship. Still, he didn't deny your existence. Maybe it’s because you’re living well under Valdrova’s wing.”
Erdes continued, as if playing her next card.
“But it was different with your mother.”
His mother.
“Oh? So you loved your mommy dearly? Your expression finally changed.”
Having found a weakness, Erdes grinned like a mischievous brat.
“He said he spent years in a dreamlike state, bewitched by that woman, and only snapped out of it after she died.”
Her childish, petty gestures were starting to grate on his nerves.
“It was truly fascinating. Do you know what he said? He lived for ten years believing he loved a woman he didn't actually love. He claimed he’d spent a full decade hypnotizing himself. I suppose the mage bloodline runs deep. Or is it the demon blood?”
Her intention was obvious even without deep thought. This wretched woman was desecrating his mother’s memory.
“Anna Rosnova was a wonderful mother.”
“Even a hedgehog thinks its own young are soft. Especially if it’s a child carrying the blood of a demon she loved so much.”
“I don't care if it’s a hedgehog or a goblin. If you keep running your mouth, I won't just stand by.”
“And if you don't, then what?”
A sharp light flared in Erdes’s eyes.
“Do you think your pathetic mother-love is going to change my theory?”
Erdes was deliberately rattling Ferda’s emotions.
She hated black magic. She hated demons. She hated those who possessed the Red Circle.
Ferda read her intent clearly. She was trying to provoke him into losing control. She wanted to say, 'Look, this is the true face of those who follow black magic.'
Yes, it was a transparent ploy.
But even knowing that, he couldn't let it slide. Even the teachings of Alte, which preached mercy, were ruthless toward those who trespassed into the sacred.
His mother was his sacred ground. He had always killed anyone who dared touch that memory.
‘Erdes Roton.’
It seemed she was destined to die by his hand in this life as well.
“Don't you think you’ve strayed too far from the subject, Erdes Roton?”
A refined, noble voice rang out.
Ferda remembered this voice. As someone who remembered the people he hated better than the people he liked, she was an unforgettable presence.
He turned his head to see her standing there. A woman with blue hair wearing a formal uniform.
Erica Iorga.
She was the leader of the Blue Dragon Spawn.
Why was she here?
Ferda glanced toward Ruri. Ruri gave him a subtle thumbs-up as if to answer his unspoken question.
For now, it seemed she was an ally.
“Strayed from the subject? Whatever do you mean?”
“Isn't the topic at hand the death of Abel Silverwind? It’s quite obvious you’re trying to manipulate his emotions by pivoting to calling his mother a demon.”
“He’s a child of a demon, so of course he received favors from Sitri, right?”
“Demons don't help other demons. And it’s nonsensical to suggest that Sitri, a Great Demon, would help him simply because they’re the same race.”
Erica defended Ferda by citing the nature of demons. Erdes smiled and twirled a strand of her golden hair with her index finger. It was a sign of irritation.
“Long time no see, Erica dear. How have you been?”
“Yes, it has been a while, Erdes Roton.”
Erdes spoke with casual familiarity, while Erica maintained a formal, smiling facade. However, the psychological warfare between them was no less intense than the tension between Goz and Ferda.
“Is Lady Iorga doing well? Hmm? I heard there’s been a lot of gossip surrounding the Magic Tower lately.”
“There’s no need for concern. Compared to the criticism you’ve received, Erdes, it’s a mere drop in the bucket—no, more like dust on a fly’s leg. It’s well within manageable levels.”
“Oh, really? Still, a sparkling gem shouldn't have even a tiny scratch, should it? At the very least, a leader shouldn't tolerate such things.”
“It’s quite alright. We are in a different class from those who claim to be gems when they don't even realize they’re just shards of broken glass.”
The two women maintained their smiles while trading lethal barbs. Unlike Ferda’s situation, there was a deep, historical rift between them.
Watching their exchange, Ferda felt his rage over the insults slowly subside.
“To continue the defense,” Erica added, “what Lord Ferda uses is Shadow Arts. It doesn't align with Sitri, who governs hallucinations and lust. To say he made a deal with that demon is incorrect.”
“Amon could have given him Marbas’s grimoire. That wouldn't be impossible.”
Amon was a demon of fire, and Marbas was a demon of ice; they were bitter rivals.
“If it benefited him, perhaps. But that would be meaningless, and demons don't do meaningless things. How can an authority on black magic not know even that?”
Erica was right. It would be like putting in all the effort just to let someone else reap the rewards. Demons would never tolerate that.
And Erdes knew it too. She knew she was being stubborn. She was just pushing a forced narrative to shake him. She was incredibly annoyed by Erica’s sudden interference.
“So, you think it’s fine for the man who will become the Dragon’s consort to use black magic? Or is this some scheme to drive Valdrova to suicide by relentlessly painting her as an Evil Dragon? Erica dear, your insides are pitch black despite those snowy white clothes, aren't they?”
“Just because the Regent of Valdrova uses black magic does not mean his nature is evil,” Erica asserted firmly.
Erdes let out a hollow, incredulous laugh.
“Erica dear. I’ve told you time and again, haven't I? That damn black magic is a filthy thing that pollutes Serdes. I want to wipe every last one of them out.”
That was Erdes’s obsession.
“Human Red Circles are rooted in emotion. The easiest among them are negative emotions. Those negative emotions draw out the darkness. Those who use black magic are a threat.”
“Among the virtues of knighthood, there is a saying to utilize one’s rage. If one can control negative emotions, it is by no means a bad thing.”
“It’s the magic of demon bastards trying to swallow the continent!”
“The intentions of the demons themselves are foul, but one cannot claim something is inherently evil just because it originated from them.”
“Ha, you’re still obsessed with that damn Dragon-Demon War. So? You participated in it and contributed to the war effort using black magic, so you think you have a right to speak?”
This was another surprising fact.
Erica Iorga. Unlike other Spawns, she was an Elemental Master and a Meister who could handle all elements. Ferda had only learned today that she could use black magic.
“Erica dear, that’s not magic. It’s a tool that gives humans a sense of omnipotence and draws out their evil nature to make themselves and others miserable.”
“No, you are wrong.”
Erica’s rebuttal was equally firm.
“Magic is a tool; it depends on the person wielding it. Even if it is magic from Hell, if it has value to be researched and developed, then it must be used.”
“So you believe this brat will use it well?”
Erdes gestured toward Ferda with her chin. Erica turned her gaze to Ferda as well. Her eyes looked as though she had made a significant decision.
“When it is time to change, one must do so boldly,” Erica said, enunciating every syllable clearly. “I, Erica Iorga, as the representative of all Blue Dragon Spawns, hereby propose an alliance to the Archduchess of Valdrova’s domain.”
She used the shock of the sudden declaration of alliance to pressure the opposing side.
“If the Silverwind faction declares all-out war, the Iorga faction will fight to defend the Archduchess of Valdrova’s domain.”
Her voice, full of conviction, countered the opponent’s momentum. Erdes, who had been twirling her hair, looked utterly fed up.
“You’re making a huge mistake, Erica dear. You’re jumping straight into a fire.”
“You were always too extreme, then and now. If I leave Regent Ferda like this, I know exactly how you’ll torment him. How could I just stand by?”
“You could just stay out of it! Who asked you to step in? What does this have to do with you, Erica?”
“He is the man who declared the reclamation of the Far East, something no one has mentioned for a hundred years. As someone who stands to protect the continent, I have no choice but to support that statement.”
“Hmph. So you’re going to side with that little brat?”
Erdes’s eyes grew even more venomous. She looked like she wanted to scrap the talk and start a battle right then and there.
Goz, who had been sitting silently observing the situation, finally spoke.
“Erdes.”
“Yeah, you say something too! There are two of them and two of us, so we can make this work!”
“We’re leaving.”
“I’ll take on that woman, so—wait, what?”
Erdes stared at Goz, her eyes wide with shock.
“What are you talking about? I’m not done talking yet!”
“All I wanted was the truth of the matter. I only needed to know what that piece of trash, Abel, had done.”
“I told you! This is a trap Regent Ferda could have set—”
“Didn't he already make the deal before he died?”
“Well, yes, but—!”
“Then it’s over. The trash made a deal, and the Regent carried out the execution. That doesn't change.”
“You can just ask why he executed him so arbitrarily! Why do you people with ice for brains suddenly start thinking for yourselves!?”
“Anyone who can’t even beat a single human despite making a deal with a demon deserves such a cheap fate.”
As if he had nothing more to say, Goz stood up and walked toward the door.
“We shall take our leave then.”
His eyes briefly lingered on Ruri one last time before he exited into the hallway.
Erdes watched his retreating back with a dissatisfied expression before glaring at Ferda.
“Looks like the conversation is over. Regent Ferda, shall we end it here?”
Her eyelashes fluttered rapidly—a provocation asking if he had nothing to explain or if he wanted to fight more.
Ferda, now cooled down, replied.
“I’ll see you out.”
“No. That won't be necessary. Being near black mages makes me want to die. Or maybe I want to kill them? I’m not sure. Anyway, that’s how it is.”
She no longer hid her disgust. Then, she spun around and ran down the hallway, shouting.
“Agh! Wait for me! Seriously! Is it a trait of your kind to abandon a lady instead of escorting her!?”
* * *
The death of Abel Silverwind. Ferda’s deal with a demon.
Contrary to the thought that those two storms would sweep everything away, the situation had been settled safely for now.
He wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but he couldn't just yet. Ferda looked across from him. The seats previously occupied by Goz and Erdes were now taken by Erica.
Ferda asked her.
“Why did you help me?”
Erica raised an eyebrow at the question. Her voice was thick with the pride of a Dragon Spawn.
“Shouldn't you be saying thank you first? I did help you, after all.”
“It was something I could have handled on my own.”
“You say that even though you were getting swept up in Erdes’s pace. That woman is exceptionally skilled at getting under people’s skin. I’ve fought her so many times that I can handle it flexibly, but it’s not easy for others.”
It was true. Ferda had inadvertently let himself be provoked.
“And you went ahead and proposed an alliance without my input.”
“If you were unhappy about it, you could have thrown water on me. Or perhaps you could have provoked those fools with ice for brains yourself?”
Though he hadn't asked for her help, saying it hadn't been helpful would be a lie born of mere pride.
“I will, of course, express my gratitude for smoothing things over.”
“I accept your gratitude.”
“However, the alliance is a matter that requires more thought.”
“It seems my sincerity didn't reach you during my defense.”
“I don't believe in such things.”
“Yes, I know. People like you need evidence.”
As if she had been waiting for this, she flicked her finger. In that moment, a clipboard materialized in the air and landed on the tea table.
“What is this?”
“Do you see the date here? 150 years ago.”
“Yes.”
“It was the day the Grand Council was held under Lord Blancaros’s leadership after the first Dragon-Demon War—the day before Valdrova was designated an Evil Dragon due to her 'evil nature.' This is the proposal Lady Iorga made on that very day.”
The header of the document read:
Project: Hestia
Hestia was a name from an obscure ancient myth, known as the goddess who guarded the hearth fire. The secrecy level was marked as 'Top Secret,' and the execution priority was 'Highest.'
Ferda checked the contents. The summary was that Iorga was researching a way to remove the madness of Godwin dwelling within Valdrova’s body, and the project was still ongoing.
He skimmed the dates and closed it.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Simply that Lady Iorga’s intention was never to use Lady Valdrova as a shield.”
“Why should we interpret it that way? One could easily argue that Lady Iorga started this because she felt threatened by Godwin even back then.”
“I figured you’d think that, so I brought something else.”
She set aside the documents and pulled out a heavy object. It was a crystal ball.
“This is a recording of the meeting where this was proposed. I will prove that Lady Iorga’s intention was to protect Lady Valdrova.”
A voice recording was a different matter. Above all, since this internal data wasn't meant to be shown to outsiders, their true feelings would be more apparent.
Ferda nodded. He infused mana into the crystal ball, and it began to play back the situation from that time.
— Lady Iorga, is this proposal what I think it is?
It was Erica’s voice. Someone replied to her.
— Yes.
It was very brief, but Ferda knew this was the voice of the Blue Dragon, Iorga. Even though it was just a recording, the resonance was deep enough to feel the immense mana she possessed.
— I am against this.
The voice of opposition was Erica again. She was protesting more vehemently than anyone else present.
— We have absolutely no reason to help that damn lizard!
“Ahem!”
Erica cleared her throat and momentarily paused the playback. She tried to explain the situation calmly, but her voice sounded flustered.
“At that time, many of our Spawns had died, so we were very emotional. Please take that into account.”
“I will.”
While he didn't like the content of what was being said, one thing was certain: the contents of this crystal ball were raw and unedited.
— No. We must help. That child has no reason to be called an Evil Dragon. Her rampage was only because of Godwin’s influence.
— Then shouldn't we kill her? If she’s become unstable, isn't that what must be done?
— We cannot kill her. Godwin is already dead, and Silverwind is dead too. There must be no more sacrifice.
— I don't understand, Lady Iorga. Don't you hate Valdrova more than anyone? Why would you help an enemy?
— I do hate her. But I only hate her because she’s an idiot. It’s not a matter of her nature being evil. I cannot kill that child.
He could feel it. Iorga understood Valdrova. And Iorga was worried about her.
— What if a second Godwin is born? What if that is what our future holds?
— That won't happen. That child will constantly resist and endure her unstable self.
It was clear that this research was purely to help Valdrova.
— She’s just stupid enough to be able to do that much.
But then, the insults began.
— She’s only good at fighting; she’s dull-witted and not very bright. Since she knows nothing, her head is basically a flower garden.
“Ahem!”
— Despite that, she’s a coward, gets hurt easily, and can’t even speak up for herself.
“Ahem! Cough!”
— The so-called Aspect of Power doesn't even lead a single Spawn and tries to shoulder everything alone. It’s no different from a red lizard with wings glued on, floundering about because she doesn't use her brain—
“Cough! Hack! Hack!”
Erica coughed as if something had gone down the wrong pipe and finally stopped the recording.
“……”
Erica’s forehead was damp with cold sweat. Only then did she remember what kind of conversation followed that part.
She made a polite request to Ferda.
“Could we… perhaps skip about ten minutes?”