Dantellion flinched and looked at the brooch again.
Did that voice just come from the gem?
It felt far too vivid to be a dream. Tension filled Dantellion’s voice as he spoke.
“What are you?”
Before he knew it, a pale black mist was rising from the jewel. Dantellion’s eyes narrowed as he stared at it.
“……A demon?”
[My name is Dolens.]
The infamous jewel demon gazed down at Dantellion. Though it was just a misty figure, its piercing eyes seemed to see straight through him.
[I am one of the honorable black demons of the Great Demon Lucifel.]
“Why would a jewel demon come to me…?”
[You desire power, do you not?]
“……!”
The demon’s voice was sweet, seductively whispering into Dantellion’s ears.
[I can grant you the power you seek.]
“…….”
[With this power, you can achieve anything.]
Vmm.
The jewel vibrated and let out a strange hum. At the same time, a mysterious force surged toward Dantellion.
“Power, huh…”
Confronted by that overwhelming sensation, Dantellion clenched his teeth. He glared at the jewel with his icy blue eyes and asked,
“Why me? Hasn’t it only been a short while since the jewel demons stopped answering even Winston’s summons?”
[…]
“Then why choose me—someone with not a drop of Winston blood in him, demon?”
At his calm voice, Dolens fell silent for a moment.
Suspicious little human.
Usually, humans succumb easily to temptation—but not this one.
Was it because he was a Swordmaster? Or did he just have exceptional self-control?
Clicking his tongue internally, Dolens resumed speaking.
[There is no one left in Winston who can summon me.]
The lie came out effortlessly.
But it was also his master’s will. Dolens easily spun his tempting words.
[It was your will that awakened me. And so, I shall lend you my power.]
“…….”
Dantellion silently looked up at Dolens. His silence made the demon uneasy.
Did I get caught? Was he suspicious?
The sharp aura unique to Swordmasters pierced Dolens. Keen-sensed humans were always difficult to deal with.
“……Fine, I’ll make the contract.”
[Hmm, wise decision.]
Dolens tried not to show his surprise.
Still, he had fulfilled his master’s order. Dolens smiled in satisfaction.
The contract ceremony between them soon began.
The day after visiting the Crown Prince’s palace, I realized that Dolens had successfully made a pact with Dantellion.
I didn’t know how I knew, but somehow, I just did. It was strange.
“Mom!”
I toddled over to Veronica, who had just finished training.
She turned her head, her face glistening with sweat.
“Dia.”
“Moooom!”
When Veronica opened her arms, I dove into her embrace. She smelled different than usual—not her usual fragrant perfume—but even her sweat smelled pleasant. I giggled in her arms.
“What brings you here?”
“I wanted to see you!”
“Oh dear, you did?”
Not long ago, Veronica had started training seriously at the training grounds with the other knights.
She handled the long swords swung by knights as if it were nothing. Even now, despite following the knights’ rigorous training routine, she showed no signs of fatigue.
Apparently, Veronica had learned swordsmanship from a young age like other direct heirs.
If she had kept up with her training, people said she’d be on par with Vincent by now. But after marrying Cedric, she had put down the sword.
‘Cedric, that petty bastard.’
Anyone could see that Veronica shone when wielding a sword.
And yet he wouldn’t let her pick it up again, afraid she might surpass him. What a pathetic man.
“Gasp, it’s the young lady.”
“She really is.”
“She looks just like Lady Veronica…”
The knights murmured as I appeared in the training grounds.
But no one dared approach, as Sir Raven was glaring sharply at them.
Was that really necessary? Still, I had no desire to be swarmed by sweaty men, so I just played dumb with a bright smile.
“Lady Veronica, Lady Dia! There you are!”
“Aunt Ettie…!”
Henrietta approached with a beaming face. I smiled brightly back at her.
Henrietta had returned from the East. Judging by her cheerful expression, she must have brought good news.
My heart thumped in anticipation.
“Oh my, Lady Dia, you’re still so small and adorable!”
“Auntie, didn’t you miss me?”
“Oh goodness, of course I did!”
Henrietta practically trembled with joy at my cutesy antics. I watched her, pleased.
“Ah, Lady Veronica. Father is looking for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes.”
Henrietta nodded at Veronica’s puzzled expression.
Then she lowered her voice and whispered confidentially.
“I believe he has something to discuss regarding the Crown Prince.”
“……!”
Veronica’s eyes widened, but she soon composed herself with a resolute expression.
“I’ll go after I wash up.”
“Yes, my lady.”
While Veronica left with Henrietta, I stayed in my room. Henrietta left behind a mountain of toys and souvenirs from the East.
Most of them were things Bibi would go crazy over, but I pretended to be thrilled to make her happy.
“Dia, Mommy’s going to step out for a bit.”
“Mm-hm.”
Smack. Veronica kissed my cheek and left the room with Henrietta.
‘Daemon.’
[Understood, Master!]
Desmond no longer needed explicit orders—he had already gone off to eavesdrop on the direct heirs.
Left in the room with Sofia, I waited for Desmond to report back.
“We’ve arrived, Father.”
“Mm, you’re here.”
“……?”
Veronica entered the Duke of Winston’s office with Henrietta.
Vincent and Brandon were already there, arms crossed. Veronica glanced briefly at them.
“I heard you’ve resumed sword training. Is it going well?”
“Yes, it’s fine. My body feels lighter than it has in a long time.”
“That’s good to hear.”
The Duke of Winston sighed in relief. Veronica looked at him intently before asking,
“Why did you call for me, Father?”
“…….”
Surprisingly, the duke remained silent. Vincent spoke up instead.
“There will be a duel between His Highness the Crown Prince and Cedric Lionel in the Capital Colosseum.”
“What?”
“They plan to gather a huge crowd of spectators—nobles and commoners alike.”
“……!”
Veronica gasped and turned to the duke.
“The council agreed to that?!”
“There was no other choice.”
“Father!”
As Veronica cried out in disbelief, the Duke rubbed his aching forehead.
“Most of the influential voices in the council still side with the Empress Dowager. The Colosseum event is already finalized.”
“How could they…”
Veronica staggered. Brandon supported her with a pained expression.
The Colosseum.
A savage arena built for the entertainment of the ancient Empire’s citizens.
It had been a playground for the ruling class—where they forced pitiful slaves to battle monstrous beasts.
Eventually, the slaves rebelled, leading to the Colosseum’s closure and a revolution that toppled the ancient regime.
Since then, the Colosseum had only been preserved in form, occasionally used for knightly tournaments.
And now, a duel between the Crown Prince and a Marquis would be held there?
The Empress Dowager’s faction clearly intended to show the entire Empire the Crown Prince’s defeat—assuming Cedric Lionel would win.
Veronica grit her teeth and raised her head.
“To turn His Highness into a mere spectacle—how could they!”
Furious, she trembled, fists clenched. Even Vincent, the Crown Prince’s friend, looked deeply displeased.
“That’s exactly what the Empress Dowager and her faction want. I find it repugnant too… but this situation can’t be helped.”
“Father…”
“All we can do is hope His Highness defeats Cedric Lionel.”
“…….”
If the Crown Prince won, all would be well.
But the Duke could not ignore the other possibility.
Staring at Veronica’s pale face, he continued.
“And we must also be prepared… in case he loses.”
“…….”
Veronica bit her lip at those words.
