Chapter 58: What’s with This Ugly Thing?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 58: What’s with This Ugly Thing?
“Now, come closer, Nathaniel.”
“……Yes.”
At my question, Duke Winston beckoned to Nathaniel. With a nod, Nathaniel stepped closer toward us.
“We found him alone at the site of the fire and brought him back. He says his name is Nathaniel.”
“I see~!”
How did this happen? Naturally, it was my doing.
Last night, after feeding Nathaniel his fill of pound cake, I used the demons' help to send him to the site of the terror attack.
It was quite a challenge to ensure Nathaniel was discovered by the Winston direct lineage without catching the eyes of the Temple officials.
Still, with three demons working together, they managed to pull it off. Seeing as Nathaniel caught the Duke’s eye and ended up here at the mansion, the plan was a success.
“…….”
Because I had strictly cautioned him, Nathaniel was desperately averting his gaze, trying his best not to look at me.
I’d told him to do that because he’s a poor actor and I was afraid he’d give us away if he looked at me, but seeing him try this hard made my conscience prickle just a little.
Nevertheless, I put on a bright smile and looked straight at Nathaniel.
“Nice to meet you! I’m Dia!”
“…….”
When Nathaniel ignored me and remained silent, a chilly aura suddenly filled the room.
‘How dare he ignore Dia!’
Glances that seemed to scream those words shot out from Vincent and Brandon. Veronica was smiling, but her eyes were equally terrifying.
“Ho ho, this lad is a bit of a quiet one. Our Dia will have to be understanding.”
“Okay~!”
For some reason, only Duke Winston seemed pleased by Nathaniel’s attitude. I wonder why?
In any case, my plan was a success. Duke Winston was the type of person who would take anyone talented under his wing, regardless of their origin.
I knew that if he saw Nathaniel, he would quickly realize the boy was no ordinary child. Fortunately, my prediction was correct; instead of sending Nathaniel to an orphanage, the Duke brought him directly to the mansion.
“Is he gonna stay with us from today too?”
“Hmm, it seems so. He’s lost his memories from the shock, and it appears he has no family left.”
“Wow, I’m so happy!”
“Are you?”
“Yes! Niel is pretty!”
I’d thought this for a while, but "Nathaniel" was just too long a name.
I wanted to call him by a nickname, just like "Dia," but I hadn't had the chance until now. I quickly seized the opportunity.
“Niel?”
“Yes! He’s Nathaniel, so he’s Niel!”
“Hmm. To think our Dia would give him a nickname… What an undeserved honor.”
“Hehe…….”
Duke Winston muttered, looking a bit displeased for a moment. I just laughed, pretending not to notice.
“At any rate, I suppose the Knight Order can look after the child.”
“Understood.”
Sir Raven, the Knight Commander, took Nathaniel away. As he followed Raven, Nathaniel stole a glance back at me. I gave him a small wave, making sure the others didn't see.
‘I’ll visit you tonight.’
When I mouthed the words, Nathaniel seemed to understand perfectly and gave a tiny nod. Then, he followed Raven without a word of complaint.
Now that House Winston had officially taken him in, he wouldn't have to stay in that filthy room anymore. More than anything, that part made me satisfied.
[Master, who are you going to have Luers contract with?]
‘I wonder…….’
I still hadn't decided who would be the proxy contractor for the final demon, Luers.
Though it had only been a day, I sat through a meal with the direct lineage—who seemed to have gathered together for the first time in a while—and lost myself in thought.
[Considering Luers’s personality, I think he’d get along well with your mother.]
‘What’s Luers like?’
[Well, he’s…… how should I put it? He has a very demanding aesthetic sense. He’s a fellow who loves anything flashy and beautiful.]
‘Then shouldn't I avoid contracting him with Mom?’
I asked seriously. If he was a pervert like Bibi, he would surely hit on Veronica.
Desmond shook his head and continued.
[Demons have compatibility too. Even with a proxy contract, if you contract with a human whose personality doesn't mesh well, the demon can't draw out their full power.]
‘Dollens seems to fit Dantalion well, and Ilnes…… well, he seems okay with Nathaniel.’
[Yes. By chance, those two contracted with humans who were a perfect match. You’ll have to decide carefully if you want Luers to show his true strength.]
‘Hmm.’
From what I heard, Luers sounded like someone who loved beautiful things and pursued extravagance.
If that was the case, he certainly wouldn't suit the serious Duke Winston or Vincent.
‘Is Veronica the only choice after all……?’
In reality, the person Claudia could trust and rely on most was none other than Veronica. I, too, considered her a reliable ally.
Since she was currently training with the knights to recover her peak skills, I thought it might be a good idea for her to contract with Luers.
‘This works out well. I should have her contract with Luers before she divorces Cedric.’
Cedric wasn't the type to go through a trial quietly; he would surely conspire with the Empress Dowager to either target me or threaten Veronica.
He might even try to harm other members of the Winston family. So, Veronica needed to gain power before that happened.
‘I’ll summon him tonight.’
[Good thinking.]
Desmond chimed in, agreeing with my decision.
Night fell after I finished my meal and rested. Since I was still staying in Veronica’s room, I had to go elsewhere to summon Luers.
Since I’d already told Nathaniel I’d visit, I needed to find out where he was staying.
‘Let’s go to where Nathaniel is.’
[Understood.]
[I’ll find him!]
Bibi took the lead in searching for Nathaniel. We headed there stealthily.
‘Is Nathaniel alone right now?’
[Yes, and he has a private room.]
‘That’s a relief.’
I was worried they might make him share a room with other children since he was still a young apprentice knight, but fortunately, it seemed they had given him his own space. Had Sir Raven also realized that Nathaniel was no ordinary boy?
Regardless, we made our way smoothly to Nathaniel’s location. It wasn't even that far from the servants' quarters.
“Nathaniel.”
“…….”
“Niel?”
After knocking, I cautiously opened the door. I called his name, but Nathaniel just sat there without moving.
What’s wrong with him? I approached him, feeling puzzled, and Nathaniel slowly turned his head, checking my expression before asking.
“Can I talk to Dia now?”
“Ah.”
I’d told him not to act like he knew me for fear he’d mess up the acting, and it seemed he thought he had to keep that up even when we were alone.
Feeling a pang of guilt, I quickly shook my head.
“No, you can talk now. It’s the same when we’re outside.”
“Okay.”
Of course, we’d have to be careful when other people were around, but we weren't strangers anymore.
When I spoke with a wide smile, the tension in Nathaniel’s face melted away. A look of relief washed over his stiff, nervous features.
“Oh, right. I brought a present today too.”
“A present?”
“Yeah. This time, it’s chocolate chiffon cake.”
Having learned that Nathaniel liked chocolate last time, I brought a cake made with it.
Nathaniel, who had been wary when he first saw chocolate, widened his eyes the moment he saw the cake.
“Chocolate, I like it.”
“Really?”
“I like Dia too.”
“Oh, I—I see.”
I was flustered by the sudden comment, but he seemed that happy to be eating chocolate.
I didn't pay it much mind and watched with satisfaction as Nathaniel ate the cake.
“Dia, eat too.”
“Huh? No, I’m okay.”
I don't even like sweets that much, and it’s been hard enough pretending to like them in front of the direct lineage.
Perhaps he felt self-conscious eating alone today, as Nathaniel kept insisting I join him. I had to break a sweat for a while just to turn him down.
“Phew, then next time I’ll bring something I like. Let’s eat together then.”
“Okay.”
Having received a firm promise, Nathaniel gave a satisfied smile. To think he’s already learned how to negotiate like this.
Shaking my head, I pulled out the pendant. Then, I looked at Nathaniel as he ate his cake and asked.
“Is it okay if I do some other work?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks.”
After getting permission from the room’s owner, I stared at the pendant for a moment. Then, I pressed a light kiss to the red gem.
“Luers?”
[…….]
The response was slow this time as well. But I waited without getting anxious. Just because there was no answer didn't mean he hadn't woken up.
A moment later, smoke began to drift from the pendant. It was a red haze, far more distinct than the others.
“Are you Luers?”
[……What’s with this ugly thing?]
“What?”
I furrowed my brows at the irritable voice. At the same time, I felt a gaze observing me.