Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: The Lord's Toy
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Isabelle pulled the shadow claw from Harman's back.
Harman clutched his abdomen with his right hand and knelt on the floor.
Blood gurgled and flowed from between his fingers.
Just as Isabelle was about to strike Harman's neck with her claw to finish him off, an intangible force, accompanied by a thunderous roar, struck her.
“Isabelle! Stop!”
*Thwack!*
Helplessly pushed back by the formless power, Isabelle staggered backward.
A look of dismay colored Isabelle’s face as she recognized the blond, handsome, middle-aged elf who had appeared before her like the wind.
“F-Father?”
It was Isabelle's father and the master of the Senior Magic Tower, Kenyon, who had rushed over after being contacted by the department store employees.
Kenyon examined Harman, who looked no better than a corpse.
With urgent hands, he infused mana into Harman’s body, blocking some of the blood vessels in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
Thanks to his efforts, the seemingly endless flow of blood did diminish noticeably, but Kenyon could only sigh.
He realized that despite performing the best first aid he could, it was merely a temporary extension of life; saving Harman was impossible.
“You… you… insane girl!”
Furious that his daughter had killed a Summoner's direct subordinate mage, Kenyon slapped Isabelle across the face.
*Slap!*
Perhaps because it was the first time in her life her father had ever struck her?
Isabelle completely lost it and screamed back defiantly.
“Why did you hit me! What did I do wrong! Ask the department store staff! See how that old geezer looked down on me! Was I supposed to just take that humiliation in my own territory?!”
Kenyon’s face turned red and he ground his teeth, his blood pressure soaring at his daughter’s defiant attitude when she should have been on her knees begging for forgiveness.
“I… I really have failed in raising my own daughter. To think such a crazy seed is my child… I’ve wasted my life, truly wasted it! Haha, what am I to do? To lay a hand on a Summoner's direct subordinate mage? Haven’t you just handed those corporate bastards the perfect excuse?”
At Kenyon’s mention of the corporations, Isabelle’s excitement cooled as if doused with cold water, and she glanced at him nervously.
“…Why are you bringing up those damn corporate jerks now?”
“Why, you idiot! It’s because the big corporations of Granada are the ones sponsoring the Summoner! As if the squabbles over interests aren't already a daily occurrence, do you think they’d pass up such a golden opportunity? Haha, to think I gave birth to such a foolish thing for a daughter. No wonder our Magic Tower is in this state!”
“Damn it! Why is that my fault! Shit, I didn't mean to kill him! So what if he croaked after I gave him a little tap? It just means it was that old man’s time to go.”
In truth, she had fully intended to kill him, but Isabelle put on a shameless front to save her own skin.
At the vulgar language of his daughter, who couldn’t even stop swearing in front of her own father, Kenyon let out a groan and covered his forehead with his palm.
His head was burning up, and he couldn't tell if it was from sheer rage or if he was falling ill.
“I’m going to lose my mind, I really am.”
“Be careful you don’t. It’d be a big problem if you went crazy before handing over the Tower Master position to me.”
Kenyon clutched the back of his neck as if the back of his head was ringing from his blood pressure, which rose and fell like a rollercoaster.
She was his own daughter, but he truly wondered where such a lunatic had come from.
Isabelle, who had her arms crossed as if she didn't care whether Kenyon died of a stroke or not, spotted Lee Si-woo approaching Harman and her eyes narrowed.
“Hey! You! Freeze!”
Isabelle shot out with a sudden shout, blocking Lee Si-woo's path.
“Where do you think you’re slinking around like a wildcat, you bastard? Don’t you know this is loot that hasn’t been fully farmed yet? Have you lost your nerve? Want me to snap your neck?”
As she spoke, Isabelle snatched Harman’s inventory ring as if to prevent anyone from stealing it.
In truth, the recent battle could hardly be considered a life-or-death struggle where both sides went all out.
Neither of them had drawn their trump card, their Magic Treasures.
Of course, Isabelle had been pushed to the brink of drawing hers, but thanks to Lee Si-woo’s clever intervention, she had managed to snatch victory before having to risk her life.
Regardless of how it happened, Isabelle grinned, pleased to have pocketed the entire inventory of a mage of the same class.
“My, my, to think of grabbing Harman’s inventory in the middle of all that! I’m so proud of you, daughter. So very! Proud!”
At Kenyon’s pointed barb, Isabelle’s smile vanished as if it had never been there, and she took it out on the innocent Lee Si-woo.
“Hey, you stay right there. Got it? I said wait here and don’t you dare try to run off. This lady has more than a few questions for you.”
“…Understood.”
Kenyon gave Lee Si-woo a quick once-over before asking Isabelle.
“Who is that human, that you’d tell him not to leave?”
“He’s nothing, so don’t worry about it. He’s just a pain-in-the-ass punk who caught my interest.”
“Haha, the only thing that grows day by day is your foul mouth. What am I to do with this?”
“What do you mean? It’s because I had such a good upbringing, so you’ll just have to live with it.”
“……”
Having been paid back in spades for his small jab, Kenyon stared at the ceiling with a sour look on his face.
His expression was one of utter emptiness, as if contemplating the futility of life.
Meanwhile, indifferent to their exchange, Lee Si-woo looked down at Harman from nearby.
The imposing figure he had seen on his first day in this world was gone, replaced by a pathetic sight.
Lee Si-woo knelt on one knee beside Harman, who lay with a vacant expression, as if he had let go of life, wealth, and desire.
‘Hmm?’
Kenyon, Isabelle, and a few of the surrounding staff watched Lee Si-woo with suspicion as he approached Harman, but when he took Harman’s hand as if to offer a final prayer, they clicked their tongues and lost interest.
‘What’s this? What the hell is that bastard up to?’
All except Isabelle, that is.
Though he felt Isabelle’s gaze, Lee Si-woo paid it no mind and whispered secretly into Harman's ear.
“Do you want to live?”
Harman looked up at Lee Si-woo with eyes as dull as a dead fish's.
Lee Si-woo stared directly at Harman, a strange heat shimmering in his gaze.
“Harman, you of all people should know. I possess a very useful Soul Treasure. So, I could use it to save you. How about it? Quite tempting, isn’t it?”
Harman let out a soft snort, then gave a dry cough.
Lee Si-woo frowned as he saw a trickle of blood run down from the corner of his mouth.
It seemed that no matter what sweet words he whispered, they wouldn't have any effect.
‘Well, I guess it makes sense. Unlike Lime, who was just a 1st Circle beginner, a man of Harman’s caliber wouldn’t be so easily swayed by a few words of mine… Tsk, this is going to be difficult.’
Time was short, and it didn't seem easy to change Harman’s mind with just a few words.
But Lee Si-woo coveted Harman immensely.
A 4th Circle Master.
What would happen to Barathrum if he devoured such an individual?
And how boundless would his own gains be?
‘Wait, now that I think about it… he met Jin, didn't he? But he couldn’t do anything to Jin and came to me instead. That means he either knew Jin was a demon, or even if he didn't, he found Jin burdensome… What if I use Jin?’
Demons.
The masters of the Demon Country, an absolute power in the central continent, their status was on a level all its own.
This was because they were one of the Four Great Royal Species, said to be the ruling species of the Main Dimension.
Demons, Angels, Dragons, and Ancients.
All races of the Main Dimension revered these four as the Royal Species.
Only they possessed the great history and legacy of having once unified and ruled the Main Dimension.
Therefore, Lee Si-woo judged that name-dropping Jin would be more effective than a hundred of his own sweet words.
Lee Si-woo cast his bait to Harman.
“There is a demon behind me named Jin.”
*Flinch.*
As Harman finally reacted properly, Lee Si-woo licked his lips as if savoring the moment.
“It seems you know a little about Jin… Yes. He is behind me. Why? Of course, it’s because he, like you, covets my Soul Treasure. And… as you know, a demon has more than enough power to save you.”
A faint spark of life began to glow in Harman’s dull eyes.
Lee Si-woo carefully arranged his words in his head.
What was important now was that Harman perceived this conversation as a deal, not a trap.
To hook such a suspicious individual, a rational proposal was more effective than a flashy one.
“Naturally, this isn’t a free offer. If, by some chance, you survive, you will have to serve Jin for ten years. Ah, the reason I'm getting involved? Well, if I’m going to be a demon's slave, it’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Especially if that partner is a talented mage like you, it couldn't be better…”
As Lee Si-woo was speaking, a hand roughly pressed down on his shoulder.
“You. What are you doing now?”
Kenyon was staring at Lee Si-woo, his golden eyes gleaming sharply.
Lee Si-woo felt a chill run down his spine.
Knowing where he was, he should have been more careful, but his desire to devour Harman had clouded his judgment and lowered his guard.
In that moment, Lee Si-woo realized.
He was doing something no different from Harman, who was about to lose his life due to misguided greed.
Lee Si-woo quickly let go of Harman’s hand and stepped back.
“I was merely offering my condolences. After all, Lord Harman is an idol to all human mages.”
He had backed away from Harman, who had been on the verge of accepting.
However, Lee Si-woo showed no sign of regret.
It was a change of stance akin to a lizard cutting off its tail to escape, castrating his own desire to flee.
“I see. I didn't hear everything, but I thought I heard something about a talented mage at the end?”
“Because he is a talented mage. Is he not the only human in Granada to reach the heights of the 4th Circle?”
“Well, that is true… Ahem, perhaps I was being too sensitive. There’s nothing to gain from playing tricks on a dying man anyway. Tsk, still, don’t get too close. It’s irritating.”
“I apologize. I did not realize my careless actions would displease you, Lord Kenyon. I will be especially mindful.”
Kenyon nodded.
“Fortunately, you know your manners.”
As Kenyon turned back to resume his conversation with Isabelle, Lee Si-woo sighed in relief internally.
He had almost crossed the River Styx, blinded by greed.
He no longer had the nerve to act recklessly.
Lee Si-woo put a good distance between himself and Harman without any lingering attachment.
However, that may have been the very move that changed Harman’s mind.
To Harman, the sight of Lee Si-woo backing away without a second thought at a single word from Kenyon looked like his last chance was slipping away.
Harman gathered his last ounce of life and opened his mouth.
“Live… want… *cough*…”
The coughing fit prevented Harman from finishing a single sentence, but his desperate plea was more than enough to reach Lee Si-woo.
[A consumable life form is nearby. Would you like to consume it?]
Lee Si-woo smiled brightly, revealing his pearly white teeth.
[Commencing consumption.]
Not even ten days after arriving in this world.
The prey had swallowed the predator whole.
Neatly, leaving not a trace of flesh, bone, or soul behind.
* * *
At the same time, as the white portal that appeared in the Senior Department Store caused an uproar.
Jin, who had been yawning languidly in a cafe in Granada, suddenly burst into laughter.
“That’s my brother for you. I knew you’d do it.”
The white, misty specter Umbra appeared beside Jin and spoke.
“He has succeeded in devouring Harman.”
“I know. I felt the presence of the white portal.”
“To think everything would go exactly as planned… As expected of the young master. I am nothing but impressed.”
Jin glared at Umbra with fierce eyes.
The innocent, childlike demeanor had vanished as if washed away, replaced by the frosty bearing of the Graves Family heir.
“Umbra, do you dare praise my plan and belittle my brother’s ability?”
Umbra, who had perhaps unintentionally held such an intention, silently bowed his head and pleaded for forgiveness.
“My apologies. To be honest, I did not expect him to succeed…”
Jin’s cold, white eyes stared mercilessly at Umbra.
“Is it more impressive to build an impossible path up an unclimbable mountain? Or is the one who traverses the mountain and path thought to be impossible more impressive? Umbra. If you are my servant, you will truly revere my brother. If you cannot, I will cast you aside without a second thought.”
“…I beg the young master’s forgiveness for my foolish and presumptuous words.”
“I am not unaware of your foolishness, so I will let it slide this once. However, if you ever belittle my brother again… I will have no choice. I will have to replace you.”
“I will carve those words into my bones.”
Jin waved his hand dismissively, and Umbra’s presence vanished.
The cafe, which should have been bustling with people.
Jin, who strangely occupied it all by himself, couldn't control his trembling heart and laughed.
He was proud of his brother.
Truly.
* * *
The VIP room of the Senior Department Store.
Isabelle sat with her legs crossed on a luxurious sofa and spoke.
“So? You’re saying that white portal wasn't your doing?”
Lee Si-woo, who stood before Isabelle with his hands clasped over his stomach, listening attentively, replied.
“You’ve not only searched my entire body but also gone through my inventory ring. You’ve even scanned my level of magic. I swear, I have neither the ability nor the items to handle such a portal.”
The staff of the Senior Magic Tower had repeatedly searched everything Lee Si-woo had, but all they found were miscellaneous alchemy ingredients, including the Homage Magic Book; they couldn't find the invisible Barathrum.
“I don’t know about that. The timing is just too coincidental to believe you, don’t you think? Shit, how could such a strange thing happen right after you started talking about paying your respects! Hey, do you have any idea how much trouble this has caused us? Ha… On top of killing that old geezer, a ridiculous rumor has spread that we desecrated his corpse!”
Even as she spoke, Isabelle looked like she was about to go crazy with frustration.
Fine. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that Harman’s body just disappeared.
But what did that mean for her quest?
“I am just as frustrated, but what can I do? I truly had nothing to do with it.”
Isabelle chewed on her lower lip, then started banging the back of her head against the sofa repeatedly.
She knew it too. Lee Si-woo’s level of magic and the quality of his artifacts were far too low for him to handle such a portal.
But it was just too suspicious.
From the fact that the white portal appeared right after he approached Harman, to him mentioning the Faceless Lord’s invitation.
No matter how she thought about it, this guy couldn't be an ordinary 1st Circle beginner, and if there was a culprit, it had to be him.
Isabelle straightened her posture, her face now vivid as if she had just woken from a deep sleep, and asked.
“Alright, let’s put that aside… You bastard, what’s your real identity that someone like you would know of and mention the Faceless Lord? I’m warning you, cut the crap and tell me the truth. If you piss me off, I might just end your life.”
Lee Si-woo spoke in a calm voice, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“Well, there’s not much of an identity to speak of. I am simply one of the Faceless Lord’s toys.”
At the word ‘toy,’ Isabelle’s eyebrows twitched faintly, and Lee Si-woo added.
“Just like you.”