The Essence of Lust
"It certainly seems suspicious."
After finishing dinner and bidding Gula farewell with a smile, I immediately summoned Anima to my office.
Not that it was far; her quarters were right next door.
The reason stemmed from my conversation with Gula earlier that day.
When I had spoken with Anima beforehand, I never expected recruiting him to go so smoothly.
Yet I had never imagined he would go so far as to swear the Oath of Tenebris's Black Blessing and pledge his loyalty on the spot.
This wasn't something I could simply shrug off with a casual Well, it worked out in the end.
"Yes. From what I observed, Gula's attitude suggested his mind was already made up. He was simply seeking final confirmation from me. Instead of demanding more money or power, he settled for three favors I could grant him. When he asked what I valued most and I answered, he swore the oath without hesitation."
"Speaking honestly… the man I have known would never behave this way. He was someone who devoured money and power like a starving beast. For him to act like this, there must be some hidden intention…"
"You think those three favors conceal his true aim? Something like that?"
"That is possible, yet the likelihood that the three favors will prove genuinely difficult to grant is low. He is a man who knows his place all too well. Though I admit that sounds rather contradictory."
It was a complicated matter.
I couldn't understand how someone so greed-driven and obsessed with material wealth could simply abandon that obsession. It implied something else had captured his interest just as strongly.
"Conversely, it could mean that because he understands his place and recognizes true power, he has placed a high value on the position of Cezar. At the very least, the oath he swore cannot be false."
"Because he swore the Oath of Tenebris's Black Blessing?"
"Yes. That is no ordinary vow."
"I see."
In the end, even after discussing it at length, we could not easily reach a clear conclusion.
I had gained a new arm, that much was certain. Why it had been offered, however, remained a mystery.
"Still, this is for the best. Our budget is limited, and we have managed to conserve it."
"I was prepared for the cost, but it was hardly insignificant."
"Indeed. If I may venture a guess, Gula Quebello was aware of that as well. Perhaps he chose to value future gains over immediate profit."
"For that, I can only be grateful. In any case, let us set this matter aside and move on."
"As you wish. There is another urgent matter at hand."
Though I had successfully recruited Gula, one task still remained.
Recruiting the 6th Legion Commander, Gini Luxury.
If the 2nd Legion under Gula handled intelligence gathering and financial management, the 6th Legion operated in the darkest shadows—assassination of key figures, espionage, and other covert operations.
"She probably already knows about the current situation, doesn't she?"
"Yes, she will be fully aware. While she cannot approach the Cezar's office directly, she would have monitored the dining hall long ago. Unlike with Gula Quebello, we should not expect her recruitment to resolve easily."
"Hmm…"
"There is no need for excessive concern. If it were truly impossible, I would not have recommended it to you, Cezar."
"I'm not worried about that."
"Then may I ask what troubles you?"
"Anima, are you all right?"
"Pardon?"
"Every time Gini Luxury's name comes up, your expression grows noticeably darker."
"…"
It was the same even now.
Anima's face was flushed with what could only be described as pure jealousy, her features clouded and tense.
"Cezar, there is no need to concern yourself with me."
"Even if you say that, it's difficult for me not to worry about you, Anima."
"…Thank you for the sentiment, but I beg you to refrain."
"Well… if you insist that strongly, I suppose I have no choice."
Still, I couldn't help but worry.
Though she had once been among my greatest enemies, in this new life, Anima had become my strongest support.
The last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable.
"Cezar, shall I prepare dinner with the 6th Legion Commander Gini Luxury for tomorrow evening?"
"Please do. However, instead of the dining hall, have her meet me at the top of the spire. I have something in mind."
"It will be done."
**
In my original life, maintaining personal hygiene had been a given, but becoming a demon had changed my daily routines considerably.
What had once been a simple matter of washing up was now an elaborate ritual—from preparing the bathwater to selecting and donning formal attire.
Not that I had to handle any of it myself. Others took care of those details for me.
I had once insisted that washing and dressing myself was more comfortable, but from the moment I assumed the position of Cezar, a dedicated team of maids had been assigned to me.
Of course, they changed so frequently that I barely remembered their faces, and they in turn made no effort to imprint themselves upon my memory.
Even so, one maid had managed to leave an impression.
"Trivia. That will be all for today."
"…It has not been very long since I entered. If something displeases you…"
"No. I simply wish to be alone."
"…Understood."
Trivia.
The woman I had once known so intimately as Ria or Miriam.
Even while enduring Anima's training, she had maintained an iron will. But after witnessing the human side's press conference, that will had shattered completely.
After spending a day writhing in agony, she began behaving as if she had lost her previous memories. Now she had even lost her original powers, reduced to nothing more than my personal maid.
"Trivia."
"Yes, Cezar."
"Are you experiencing any discomfort in your daily life?"
"I am overwhelmed by Cezar's boundless grace."
"Well, if there is nothing, then that's good."
A faint bitterness lingered somewhere in my heart, but I forced myself to bury it.
I had no time to dwell on such things.
"Tell them to prepare my clothes. It is almost time."
"Yes. I will instruct them to prepare the oils as well."
"…No, never mind. Do as you wish."
This was precisely what had become tiresome.
Why did everything require so much preparation…?
When I lived as Eternal, a quick shower and some basic skincare had been enough. As Cezar, the list of tasks seemed endless.
The bath itself was different, but afterward came the oils on my body, the perfume, and the countless creams and treatments slathered across my face.
I didn't have to manage it myself, yet simply receiving the full treatment took at least thirty minutes—sometimes a full hour. It made me wonder if it wasn't equally tiresome for those performing it.
"Ah, yes. Trivia. Tell them to prepare dark-colored clothing if possible."
"It will be done."
After Trivia left, I dried myself just enough to leave a trace of moisture, then stepped out. The waiting maids immediately began attending to me, applying oils, giving a light massage, drying me thoroughly, and finally helping me dress.
This entire sequence repeated every single day, and the time it consumed was more significant than one might expect.
"Cezar, everything is complete."
"You've worked hard. You may return to your meal now. I will be going."
"Your mercy is immeasurable."
"Immeasurable, she says. We're all just trying to survive."
Once again, I was reminded how tiresome it was to be a ruler.
The human realms still had royalty. I wondered if their lives were equally burdensome.
So many tasks, so much stress, yet so many people tending to your every need. The more one lived as an individual, the more it felt like something essential was being lost.
In my current state—slowly eroding my own humanity—the feeling was especially lethal.
I ascended to the spire where dinner had been prepared early, the cold wind whipping around me. The 6th Legion Commander, Gini Luxury, who appeared to have arrived quite some time ago, rose from her seat and bowed.
"6th Legion Commander Gini Luxury greets the Cezar."
"Thank you for coming. I apologize for being so late."
"Not at all."
The 6th Legion Commander, Gini Luxury, turned her elegant face toward me with a faint, gentle smile.
Though there was a considerable difference in height, her exceptional grace and poise prevented her from seeming small.
"Sit."
"Yes, if I may."
The usual dining hall was already quite luxurious, befitting the Cezar, but this space at the top of the spire was even more so.
It had not originally been intended for meals. It served solely as my personal resting area, which explained its opulence. The walls were composed almost entirely of windows, offering a hazy yet breathtaking view of all Tenebris.
"I am fond of this place. It allows me to see everything in Tenebris at a glance. What do you think of it?"
"It displays the Cezar's majesty most splendidly. This girl also finds it truly beautiful."
"Is that so? I'm glad it pleases you."
Her hair was neatly combed, and a large camellia flower was tucked into it with a hint of shyness.
Looking only at her face, it was hard to believe she was the Legion Commander of Lust. Yet the bold, generous curves of her massive breasts—prominently displayed and irresistibly stimulating—made it perfectly clear why she embodied that particular sin.
Her expression revealed only purity, an emotion far removed from lust. But there was a saying for that.
Those truly consumed by desire never show it on the surface.
Therefore, in this meeting tonight, I could not afford to underestimate her.
"Let us eat first. You must be hungry, and I've kept you waiting too long."
I decided to begin the meal.
It was partly out of consideration for her, but I was genuinely quite famished myself.