Chapter 61: Dantalion’s Marriage Proposal
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 61: Dantalion’s Marriage Proposal
“W-what in the…”
[Hehehe.]
Veronica looked ahead, her face pale with bewilderment. The assassin who had been about to strike her had been sent flying backward, slamming into the wall.
The other assassins targeting her flinched, retreating a few steps. For a moment, no one dared to move.
Was it this necklace?
Stunned, Veronica realized that the power pushing the assassins back had come from her necklace—or rather, the red gem. She recalled the rumors that a demon slept within it.
I thought it was just a mere legend…
The Demon of Winston was a famous tale throughout the Empire.
However, so much time had passed since the Winstons first contracted with the demon that most people now regarded it as nothing more than an old bedtime story.
Veronica had felt the same. She had secretly taken the gem from Vincent simply because it was beautiful, not because she believed a demon actually resided inside.
“The Demon of the Gem…?”
To think the demon truly existed. Veronica’s red lips parted in a daze.
[Stay sharp!]
“Ugh!”
After a brief moment of caution, the assassins lunged again. Veronica quickly raised her sword to parry.
“…!”
The sword felt significantly lighter than before. More than that, her entire body felt as light as if she were about to take flight. Veronica’s eyes widened.
[How is it? If you contract with me, you can become even stronger.]
“Stronger?”
[Yes! So fast that no one will ever be able to catch you! Isn’t that the ultimate ability for a swordsman?]
“…”
She had only exchanged a few words with the demon, yet the weapon in her hand felt weightless. Her body was so brimming with uncontrollable lightness that she felt she might float away.
Veronica was talented with the sword, but she faced a clear wall: the physical limitations of being a woman. Biologically, there was an inevitable gap between her and her male counterparts.
After they married, Cedric had told her to stop picking up the sword because he was jealous of her talent. But in truth, love wasn't the only reason Veronica had laid down her blade.
She had also suffered from the growing disparity in skill between herself and the other knights as time went on.
But if she contracted with this demon, she would gain power that transcended those physical handicaps. It was the perfect power for the current Veronica.
“Fine. I’ll contract with you.”
[Haha! Just as I thought—I like how decisive you are.]
Luers laughed loudly, clearly delighted. His gem glowed a deeper, more vibrant crimson.
[My name is Luers. As your contractor, I shall grant you everything you desire!]
“Ngh!”
As soon as Luers finished speaking, Veronica’s body flushed with heat. An unknown power surged from deep within her.
Sword in hand, Veronica kicked off the ground and lunged toward the assassins.
*
I was shocked when I heard the news that Veronica’s trial had turned into a disaster.
Naturally, the Winston Ducal House was thrown into an uproar. Duke Winston, who received the report while I was present, looked like he was about to lose his mind with rage.
“How dare those bastards!”
“…”
It was obvious who was behind it. Amidst the agitated members of the direct line, I was the only one who remained calm.
“Is Berry alright?”
“Yes, she is safe,” the knight who brought the report said with a composed face. He immediately continued, “The judge is also safe. After dealing with the assassins, she even finished the trial.”
“Ha, thank goodness.”
The Duke, who had been fuming with rage, finally looked relieved to hear that Veronica was safe and that the trial had ended successfully.
I kept my eyes wide and innocent, acting as if I didn't know what was going on—even though I was just as happy as the Duke.
[It seems that fellow Luers successfully formed a contract.]
[He must have jumped at the chance to offer a contract during the chaos.]
Hmm.
They must have sent those assassins with the intent to kill, so for Veronica to not only be safe but also finish the trial, she must have exerted incredible power through her contract with Luers.
It seemed my foresight had paid off. Feeling triumphant, I gave a little shrug.
“Are you talking about Mommy? When is Mommy coming?”
“Ah, she should be here soon.”
When I clung to him, pretending to be clueless, the Duke smiled and picked me up. Soon after, Veronica entered the mansion accompanied by her knights.
“Mommy!”
“Dia.”
I hopped down from the Duke’s arms and tried to run to her, but Veronica looked troubled and stepped back.
She was wearing a cloak over her dress, but I could catch glimpses of bloodstains she couldn't hide. A metallic, fishy scent wafted from her.
“Mommy just needs to change her clothes first, okay?”
“Mhm.”
“And Father, Sir Raven is injured. Please call a physician immediately.”
“I understand.”
Veronica spoke quickly and turned away. I understood why she was acting that way, of course, but I had to keep playing the role of a child who knew nothing.
As I stood there with my head bowed piteously, two people approached me. It was Abel and Nathaniel.
“Dia, are you okay?”
“Dia, are you crying?”
“…”
With them pressing in on both sides asking questions, it was hard to focus on my acting.
Just as I was slightly furrowing my brows, Vincent fortunately stepped closer.
“Dia, don’t be sad. It’s just because Berry’s clothes got dirty.”
“Mhm.”
“Shall we go eat some dessert with your uncle?”
“Mhm.”
I’d been eating sweets and cocoa all day until my tongue felt numb, and he wanted to feed me more?
I felt a sigh bubbling up, but I simply nodded. I’d just have to pretend to eat a little.
I was nibbling on a nut cookie when Veronica, now freshly changed, came downstairs.
“Mommy!”
“My Dia.”
Veronica smiled brightly and pulled me into a hug as I ran to her. The metallic scent from before was gone, replaced by her usual fragrant aroma.
“Dia, I’m sorry. Mommy’s dress got dirty, so I was late because I had to change.”
“Mhm, it’s okay.”
“My good girl.”
Veronica laughed and rubbed her nose against mine. I quickly let out a giggle, acting delighted.
Something feels a bit different.
I narrowed my eyes slightly, secretly observing her. I couldn't put my finger on it exactly, but Veronica’s aura seemed to have shifted.
[Hehe, now this beauty is mine!]
Shut up, you pervert.
[Pervert?! You little brat!]
Luers seemed to be in a great mood after successfully contracting with Veronica. I ignored him and turned my head away.
“I’m glad you’re safe, Berry.”
“Yes, Father. I’ll tell you more in your office later.”
“Very well.”
Conscious of my presence, Veronica spoke to the Duke in a low voice.
Well, it didn't matter. Desmond would eavesdrop on their conversation anyway.
I was feeling relaxed, nestled in Veronica’s arms as we prepared for dinner, when it happened.
“A messenger has arrived from the Imperial Family.”
“What?”
The Duke flinched at the butler’s report.
Dantalion must have been very interested in this trial, so he was likely shocked to hear that assassins had stormed the place.
Is the Imperial Family going to track down the assassins now? I stood quietly among the flustered adults.
“Dia, a guest has arrived, so I’ll go talk to them for a moment. Go ahead and eat first.”
“Mhm.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Since they couldn't keep an Imperial messenger waiting, the pale-faced adults scrambled to comfort me.
I didn't mind at all, but it was exhausting having to act sullen again.
“Whew.”
“Let’s go eat, Dia.”
“Abel, don’t you have to go back?”
“No, I’ll stay by your side, Dia,” Abel replied with a grin. Then, Nathaniel subtly chimed in as well.
“I want to stay too.”
“Okay, thank you.”
The friendship of these kids really is reliable.
I gave them a bright smile and headed to the dining room with them.
Demon.
[I’m on it!]
Ever since he’d been unable to use his power at the temple, Desmond had been proactively volunteering to eavesdrop. I wondered how long his cooperation would last, but the results were better than expected.
With a boy on either side of me, I listened closely to the conversation Desmond relayed.
*
“I greet Your Grace the Duke, the Young Duke, and the Lady.”
“Welcome.”
The people gathered in the Duke’s office exchanged greetings. The noble who had come as the Imperial messenger was someone the Duke knew well.
Since Dantalion had filled his inner circle with his own people upon his accession, the Duke felt comfortable facing him. He looked at the messenger with a relaxed expression.
“So, why has His Majesty sent you?”
“His Majesty wishes to investigate those who attacked the Lady.”
“Hmm. Is it not possible to simply share the investigation process?”
“No, he wishes to investigate personally.”
“That is…”
The Duke looked troubled. No matter if he was the Emperor, interfering in the Winston Ducal House’s private investigation was unheard of.
However, the messenger’s next words shocked the Duke even more.
“And His Majesty has sent a formal letter of proposal to the Ducal House.”