Chapter 29: Dollens, the Demon of the Black Gem (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 29: Dollens, the Demon of the Black Gem (2)
[Why must we black gems always be discriminated against?]
“Uh… discrimination?”
[That is right!]
Dollens’ voice boomed inside my head. Still unable to grasp the situation, I stared at him blankly, caught off guard.
[I, too, wish to serve my Master directly! Why do you only keep those treacherous red gem demons by your side, Master!]
[Listen to this guy.]
Just then, Desmond, currently in the form of a teddy bear, waddled over. He crossed his short arms and shot a sneer toward Dollens.
[It is obviously because my true form is exquisitely beautiful! Who would want to keep a gloomy, pitch-black gem like you nearby?]
[What did you say?]
Dollens shouted in agitation at Desmond’s blunt words. His black energy surged in all directions. It was a rather threatening display.
[Desmond! I am far more useful to Master than the likes of you!]
[Hmph, coming from a dark, dreary gem like you!]
[Why, you…!]
Because of his deep, resonant voice, Dollens had initially given the impression of a grave gentleman, but that was no longer the case.
To think he’d get so worked up over Desmond’s petty provocations. I shook my head as I watched the two face off.
[You red bastards have always been like this! Treacherous things! Doing nothing but acting cute and fawning over Master…!]
[What? Are you done talking?]
It seemed Desmond was finally getting heated as well, as a red, haze-like energy began to drift from the teddy bear. Being a fire-attribute demon, his energy radiated a distinct heat.
Honestly, demons are so petty, even after living for thousands of years. I clicked my tongue and approached the two. It was time to put an end to this ridiculous fight.
“Stop it. If you keep making a fuss, people will come.”
[But…!]
[But Master…!]
“If you keep this up, I’ll cancel the contract—or just not do it at all.”
[….]
[….]
At my words, both demons fell silent instantly. ‘Canceling the contract’ was the magic phrase that could shut any demon’s mouth.
“Hmm. Dollens, first of all, I’m sorry.”
[….]
“I’m still young, so it would be dangerous for me to contract with you directly.”
[That is….]
Only then did Dollens seem to realize I was a small child, looking somewhat flustered. It seemed he had momentarily lost his cool upon seeing a direct lineage member capable of contracting after such a long time.
[It is I who should apologize, Master. I was so overcome with emotion that I failed to properly observe your condition.]
“I’ll make you a promise instead. When I grow up, I’ll contract with you directly!”
[Is that true?]
“Of course!”
I shouted firmly and nodded.
I wasn’t lying. I needed Dollens’ help right now to ensure Dantalion could win the duel against Cedric.
If that goes well, and if Dantalion safely ascends the throne while Veronica and Cedric get a divorce, that will be enough for me.
Once I grow up, have more mana, and this body becomes stronger, I’ll be able to contract with Dollens directly. It seemed he had a lot of pent-up resentment from being sidelined all this time.
[Ahem, hmmm. If Master says so, then I suppose I can understand.]
“Thanks, Dollens.”
[No. I am ashamed to have shown Master such a disgraceful sight.]
I smiled warmly at the now-subdued Dollens. Then, I turned my head toward Desmond.
“Demon, you behave too. Stop picking fights with the others.”
[Why do you always only scold me, Master!]
“Watch it.”
[Ugh, so mean, Master.]
I scolded Desmond for his harsh words to Dollens, but I didn’t think he would actually change just because I said so.
Nothing to be done about it. I’d just have to mediate every single time, even if it was a bit tiring. It was the only way to handle demons who were more childish than actual children.
“Ah.”
Suddenly, curiosity about Dollens piqued. I looked at him and asked, “By the way, what is your ability?”
[Mine?]
“Yeah.”
Perhaps because they weren’t the same color, Desmond and Bibi didn’t seem to know what Dollens’ ability was either. As I stared intently at him, Dollens answered immediately.
[My ability is a bit unique.]
“Really?”
[I can steal the abilities of others.]
“…Huh?”
First Bibi, and now Dollens—his ability was also something I hadn’t expected. To be able to steal others’ abilities.
“Tell me more.”
Dollens continued his explanation.
[Magic is usually the easiest to copy, but it applies to other things as well. If the opponent is a sorcerer, I can use all the sorcery they employ. However, I must experience it directly once to take that ability in. My gem must absorb the power.]
“If you absorb it, does that mean you can avoid being hit by that attack at least once?”
[Well, it may not be perfect. But I can ensure the owner does not die.]
“…!”
This is an incredible ability too!
Not only can he block attacks, but he can also copy and return them. What a cheat-like skill.
‘With this, Dantalion can definitely beat Cedric.’
No matter how much higher Cedric’s level might be compared to Dantalion’s, if Dantalion can absorb every attack and fire it back with the same power, Cedric will surely be flustered.
Even if he has the protagonist’s buffs from the original story, he’ll be helpless if Dantalion, a fellow Sword Master, utilizes Dollens’ ability.
“Dollens, you’re amazing!”
[Ahem, is that so?]
“Yeah! You’re going to be a huge help!”
[Hahaha, I am glad Master is pleased.]
Dollens replied with a proud tone. Now, Dollens looked absolutely adorable to me. What a little godsend.
“Oh, but don’t you need a body to manifest in?”
Since the other demons had made such a fuss about it, I asked out of curiosity. Dollens hadn’t mentioned it at all until now.
[I do not need one. Being inside the gem is enough for me.]
“What? Really?”
[Yes. In fact, I think it would be uncomfortable to enter another body at this point.]
“If you say so….”
His reaction was so different from the other demons I’d met that I was a bit taken aback. But for me, this was actually better. If Dollens had a separate body, explaining it to Dantalion would have been complicated.
‘Anyway, how should I give Dollens to Dantalion?’
If I were honest about Dollens, I’d have to admit that I’ve contracted with demons.
Then Veronica and the others would find out too. If they knew a young child was contracting with demons and plotting schemes, everyone would find me creepy.
‘That can’t happen.’
I shook my head vigorously. I didn’t care about others, but it would break my heart if Veronica’s beautiful red eyes looked at me with estrangement.
Furthermore, if it were the sharp-witted Veronica, she might even realize I wasn’t her real daughter.
“Mmm….”
[Master, what troubles you?]
“Well….”
Dollens asked as I agonized over the problem.
Perhaps the experienced Dollens could offer a solution. I quickly laid out my concerns to him.
[Hehe, do not worry about that.]
“Huh?”
[Master, simply present me to your proxy as a gift naturally. I shall handle the rest myself.]
“Ooh.”
As expected of Dollens. He was so reliable. I nodded and looked at him with trusting eyes.
[Hmph, look at him acting all smooth,] Desmond grumbled from the side. He clearly didn’t like that I was trusting Dollens.
“Don’t be pouty, Demon. You’ve been a big help too.”
[Is that true?]
[Master! What about me? What about me?]
“Hey, hey, don’t pull on me.”
The demons suddenly clung to me, being a nuisance. But I broke into a satisfied smile, my mood lifting.
Everything was going smoothly.
*
The next day, I pestered Veronica to take me to the Imperial Palace to see Dantalion.
To meet the Crown Prince on the very same day—it was something only a Winston could pull off.
I clutched the neatly wrapped black brooch containing Dollens with both hands.
“Hehe, is that the gift for His Highness?”
“Mhm.”
“I’m jealous. Mommy wants a gift from Dia too.”
“….”
I planned to gift Veronica a gem soon as well. A very red and beautiful one.
I gave a secret smirk and walked along, holding Veronica’s hand. Soon, we stopped before a massive, ornate door.
“Please enter, My Lady. And the Little Lady as well.”
“Thank you.”
Perhaps because we were esteemed guests, the Chief Chamberlain of the Crown Prince’s palace came out personally to greet us. He opened the door with a polite gesture.
“I greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“I gweet His Highness the Cwown Pwince!”
Just like when I first met Dantalion, I mimicked Veronica and gave an awkward bow. A clear sound of laughter scattered softly above my head.