Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: Family Trip (2)
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“Indeed, my small and cute little kitten Sukle. No one understands my intentions as quickly as you do…”
“Cut the bullshit already, will you? What about the rest of you? You all agree?”
Sukle turned to the other companions and asked. They exchanged glances with one another before nodding.
Seeing their reactions, the man wore a pleased expression as he spoke.
“Like adorable little ducklings. Just looking at you all fills me with happiness…”
“We’re all in agreement, then. Let’s head out right now.”
Sukle abruptly stood up from his seat and exited the inn. The others followed suit, going outside after him.
Left alone, the man shrugged his shoulders, rose to his feet, and approached the inn’s counter.
“Chef? The food was decent.”
“Th-thank goodness. R-really, I’m glad.”
The innkeeper, standing at the counter, spoke while trembling. His face was as pale as a corpse on the verge of death.
“The variety of dishes is commendable, but unfortunately, they lacked flavor. Especially the bean dish—it was the worst.”
“I-I’m s-sorry! P-please forgive me. I-I’ll hone my c-culinary skills from now on.”
“Such an enthusiastic attitude is very good. In that spirit, I suppose I should pay the bill properly.”
The man pulled a gold coin from his pocket and placed it on the counter.
The dull gold coin gleamed brightly. But the innkeeper showed no joy whatsoever.
“Then I’ll be off.”
“W-wait, please wait a moment!”
At the innkeeper’s cry, the man turned with a look that asked what was wrong.
“P-please… c-could you… release this…”
The innkeeper rolled up his sleeve as he spoke. A glowing magic circle shimmered on his wrist.
“P-please, I b-beg you! Sp-spare my life… at least my life, please!”
The innkeeper dropped to his knees on the floor and clasped his hands together pleadingly.
At the innkeeper’s attitude, the man put on a regretful expression as he replied.
“Oh dear… hearing you beg like that weakens my resolve.”
A flush of color returned to the innkeeper’s face at those words.
“But only our cute little Sukle can dispel that spell. There’s nothing I can do.”
With that, the man turned around and grasped the inn door.
“W-wait! Please! I beg you!”
Before the innkeeper could grab him, the man stepped outside.
The moment the open door shut coldly behind him, the magic circle suddenly began to emit light.
“N-no! Please! Stop! Aaaah!”
The innkeeper’s body flushed bright red, then became engulfed in flames. He screamed and rolled on the floor.
“Aaah! Aaaah! Kaaaah!”
But the flames clinging to his body did not fade. Instead, they spread to the inn. Soon, red flames completely devoured the building.
“Oh dear… the spell activated after all.”
The man, now outside the inn, muttered as he watched the scene.
“Sukle’s handiwork is always impeccable, no matter when I see it.”
With that, the man turned and walked down the road.
The path he tread was littered with corpses.
Bodies that had burst open entirely, charred remains barely retaining their shape, and more.
They were all villagers.
“Why’d you take so damn long?”
As he exited the village, Sukle spoke in a curt tone. The man raised both hands apologetically.
“Shh, don’t get mad. It’ll ruin that cute face of yours.”
“Quit the nonsense and just explain. What held you up?”
“One must pay for their meals, right?”
“What kind of bullshit… I told you not to waste money.”
The man shrugged at Sukle’s scolding.
“My little kitten. What’s our first creed?”
“Acting on our whims.”
“That’s right. That’s the meaning of we Hedoniacs.”
The man straightened his clothes and added.
“I may not know much else, but I do believe one must pay their due.”
“Ugh, if you can’t say anything nice… Fine. Get on already.”
The man, Sukle, and the companions each mounted their horses.
After they departed the village, a group of Holy Knights arrived.
“Search for survivors!”
The Holy Knights scattered and combed the village.
But all they found were piles of ash-covered corpses and the burning inn.
“…Horrible.”
One of the Holy Knights muttered softly.
It’s said that fire inflicts the greatest pain upon a person.
The villagers’ faces, even charred black, clearly showed that this was true—twisted in agony, unmistakable at a glance.
“Hedoniacs… those damned lunatics.”
Hedoniac
Unlike other criminal organizations, they lusted not for wealth. Nor did they crave power.
They had only one interest.
Murder, massacre, suffering.
They raided villages and cities, killing people. Each time, the methods differed, as if they pondered how best to kill.
Despite such atrocities, the Hedoniacs had yet to be captured.
The reason was simple.
“A Master-class and a Grand Black Mage moving together… Why does the Lord allow such calamities to roam free?”
The core leaders of the Hedoniacs were transcendents.
“…We’ve found traces of the Hedoniacs. Contact headquarters.”
The Holy Knight spoke in a grim voice.
* * *
The Haksen Count family had nothing special to prepare for this trip.
“I am Sandler, assigned by His Grace the Duke to escort you.”
The Goldpixie Ducal family had sent a carriage and guards for the journey.
“To think His Grace would go to such lengths… I don’t know how to repay this kindness.”
Father spoke with an awkward expression.
Not only had they secured prime seats for the popular festival, but they’d also provided a carriage and escorts—beyond expectation.
“His Grace also asked me to relay a message.”
“What is it?”
“He said you deserve to enjoy it fully, having raised such an outstanding son.”
Pride swelled visibly on Father’s face at those words.
The reason the Goldpixie Duke provided so many gifts was to maintain ties with Demian.
Unlike in the past, Demian had become a figure too great to bind with the ducal family’s influence alone.
Thus, they sought to preserve their relationship this way.
It wasn’t a bad deal for Demian either. With his family in Apple Kingdom, staying on good terms with the Goldpixie Ducal family was advantageous.
“Let’s depart.”
At Sandler’s words, the carriage carrying the Haksen Count family set off.
The carriage raced along until it reached the city hosting the festival.
“Oh my.”
“Wow.”
The family, stepping down from the carriage, couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
The city brimmed with people. Streets overflowed with merchants hawking souvenirs.
“With so many people, finding lodging will be tough.”
Count Haksen spoke with concern. Sandler replied as if he’d been waiting.
“No need to worry. His Grace has already prepared accommodations.”
“Really? That’s truly gracious.”
Sandler guided the family to a hotel in the city center.
The five-story hotel towered as the tallest and largest building around.
“This hotel is owned by our ducal family.”
“Oh, it’s enormous. Which room do we use?”
“All of them.”
“…What do you mean?”
“I said, use all of them.”
The family, including Count Haksen, didn’t grasp Sandler’s words at first.
“It has the best views in the city. His Grace ordered no other guests to ensure your comfort.”
The family was stunned once more by Sandler’s explanation.
During the festival’s peak season, guests would flock in, driving rates sky-high.
The revenue the Goldpixie Ducal family was forgoing was incalculable.
“Why not head to the rooftop? I’m sure you’ll love it.”
The family ascended to the hotel rooftop.
A spacious area held tables for dining while enjoying the outdoor scenery.
All surrounding buildings were shorter than the hotel, allowing an unobstructed view of the sky.
“To think we can watch the jellyfish swarms from here…”
Count Haksen muttered in disbelief. He turned to Demian and said.
“Demian, thank you.”
The sudden words left Demian speechless.
“Thanks to you, we’re enjoying this luxury. You’re my pride.”
In that instant, memories of the past surfaced.
-You idiot! Causing a scene at the tavern and getting kicked out?
-How do you plan to fix that temper of yours?!
-You’re a disgrace to our family!
During his delinquent days, Demian had never once received praise from his father.
After being exiled and living as a mercenary, Demian reflected on his actions. Once he rose to prominence as a mercenary, he planned to return home and seek forgiveness.
-Fresh meat walks in on its own!
But Demian’s wish never came true.
He was transformed into a Death Knight, slaughtered his family, and brought the world to ruin.
He spent his life in regret and torment.
He wanted to apologize, but couldn’t. His father and family were already dead.
Yet today, he heard thanks from his father.
The guilt weighing on his chest lightened, if only a little.
“…Now that you know, just treat me better from now on.”
To hide his awkwardness, Demian joked.
“Got it. I’ll do better.”
Father laughed heartily. Demian found himself smiling unwittingly too.
‘Sometimes, this isn’t so bad.’
Demian thought, gazing at his family.
It had been so long since he’d spent time like this with them.
He intended to savor this rare leisure fully.
That was when it happened.
Demian’s senses detected a familiar aura.
The joy and happiness filling his chest vanished without a trace.
A chill ran through his body, unease surging up.
Demian looked down coldly. Far below, two figures walked by.
Hoods pulled low over their heads hid their faces.
But Demian could sense it clearly.
The black mana emanating from them.