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[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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Chapter 10
Melin wore an expression of utter disbelief.
He was telling her to swear loyalty.
It was an absurd demand in exchange for a single duel—especially one fought under restricted conditions.
More than anything, hadn’t she already pledged her loyalty to the Dark Demonic House?
The one who received her allegiance, her Lord, was none other than Duke Nordian—the head of the Dark Demonic House and a demon master of the Eight-Star Absolute Realm.
“You do realize that’s an impossible condition, don’t you?”
“Well, I don’t quite see it that way.”
Chris shrugged.
“If I were to become a Young Lord of the Dark Demonic House, then following me wouldn’t be impossible for you, would it?”
Young Lord.
A title granted to those of the Dark Demonic House’s bloodline who were officially recognized as successors.
Currently, there were five such individuals, each forming their own factions within the family as they vied for succession.
Naturally, all five were direct descendants—there wasn’t a single branch family member among them.
“A branch family member like you? A Young Lord? That’s impossible.”
“Do you really think so?”
“!!”
Chris smirked.
His tone dropped.
“I think it’ll happen.”
Melin unconsciously swallowed hard.
Something had changed.
A tension that sent chills down her spine.
A weight in the air.
Melin murmured under her breath as she identified the aura emanating from Chris.
“Pressure…”
Her expression was one of sheer disbelief.
She knew he had changed.
The man before her was no longer the same reckless fool.
But pressure?
That wasn’t just a matter of talent.
Pressure required a certain level of authority to manifest.
But the boy standing before her had no such qualifications.
Then…
“Was he simply born with it?”
Melin’s pupils trembled.
There were rare individuals like that.
People born to rule over others.
Innate sovereigns.
They naturally developed the ability to look down on others as they grew.
“Just… what is he?”
Melin couldn’t hide her confusion and shock.
Meanwhile, Chris merely shrugged inwardly at her reaction.
“Come now. The experience I’ve built up is different.”
Vice-Captain Melin.
Though she appeared young, her outward appearance preserved by demonic energy, she was likely close to forty.
In his past life, she had been older than Chris.
But Chris had endured ten full years of the Great Chaos.
He had experienced countless hardships and accumulated numerous achievements until the Light Faction was ultimately destroyed by the Magus Empire.
Before he even joined the Hero’s party, he had briefly risen to the position of leader over a massive force, relying on his exceptional abilities.
So demonstrating enough pressure to overwhelm Vice-Captain Melin was well within his capabilities.
Believing that Melin was already halfway convinced, Chris decided to drive the final nail in.
“Of course, I understand this isn’t an easy decision. I know it’s not something to be decided by a mere restricted duel. So, let’s do this instead.”
“…What do you mean?”
“One month from now, let’s have a duel. But this time, with no restrictions—an all-out battle.”
“!!”
Melin looked puzzled.
It was a completely incomprehensible proposal.
“If you don’t restrict your power, there’s no chance you’ll defeat me.”
“That’s true.”
Chris didn’t deny it.
No matter how much of a genius he was, it was impossible to defeat a Four-Star Demon in just one month.
‘Even in my past life, it took me three years to reach the Four-Star Realm.’
The Star ranks became exponentially more difficult to ascend as one progressed, with power gaps growing increasingly vast.
However—
“Sometimes, an egg can crack a boulder.”
“!!”
“Watch me for the next month.”
Chris met Melin’s gaze directly.
“Observe what I accomplish, how I change, and what I become by the end of that time. Then, judge for yourself whether I am someone worthy of your loyalty.”
Melin remained silent.
She couldn’t find the words to respond.
‘What could he possibly achieve in just a month?’
A month was an incredibly short span of time.
No matter how much of a genius he was, time itself had its limits.
That was common sense.
And yet—
“…Very well.”
Melin found herself agreeing.
Even she didn’t understand why.
“…I will observe you for a month.”
For some reason, she had a feeling that the man standing before her might just accomplish the impossible.
Chris grinned.
“I won’t disappoint you.”
* * *
‘Yes!’
Back in his room, Chris silently celebrated his victory.
I achieved everything I intended in today’s duel.
I demonstrated overwhelming strength, forcing the demons to change their perception of me, and I also confirmed how Mud Swordsmanship manifests.
And most importantly—
‘I succeeded in shaking Melin’s resolve.’
Melin was a crucial figure.
Unlike the others, she was a demon from the Dark Demonic House’s main bloodline.
Chris intended to surpass not just the Khazar County, but to take control of the entire Dark Demonic House. If he could bring her to his side, she would be an invaluable asset.
‘Beyond that, Melin will become a famous demon in the future.’
During the Great Chaos, she had reached the level of a Six-Star High-Ranking Demon.
Six-Star.
The level known as Master.
That was why he had to make her his ally—no matter what.
‘Of course, she’s not completely on my side yet, but one month will be enough.’
The one month they had agreed upon.
During that time, he intended to accomplish many things.
‘First, the Black Swamp Archive.’
The Black Swamp Archive.
A repository where the Khazar County stored its forbidden black magic tomes.
Chris went to see his father, the Count of Khazar.
“Here is Vice-Captain Melin’s letter of recommendation. I received it after winning my duel against her.”
“……”
His father, the Count of Khazar, looked visibly startled.
It was only natural.
He had been considering disowning his son, yet that same son had suddenly undergone a complete transformation.
“…You defeated the demons of the Black Swamp Knights in a duel?”
“Yes. Their fundamentals were lacking, so I was able to win. The Black Swamp Knights weren’t much of a challenge. You should pay more attention to their training.”
The Count of Khazar shook his head.
Not much of a challenge?
Chris’ opponents were men he himself knew well.
Their demonic energy may not have been exceptional, but they were certainly not ones to be dismissed so easily. They had devoted themselves to training and had more solid fundamentals than most.
And among those Chris had defeated—there was one opponent whose loss was unthinkable.
Chris had defeated Vice-Captain Melin.
‘Impossible.’
Even if she had held back, such a thing should have never happened.
Yet, despite his disbelief, Melin had acknowledged it herself.
She admitted her defeat.
And she had added something else.
‘That brat is a genius?’
She had even attached a certain phrase—
A talent so extraordinary, it’s unbelievable even when seen with one’s own eyes.
The Count of Khazar looked at Chris with doubtful eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
"I recalled the recent rumors about you."
"The rumors about me being a genius? They're true. I didn’t realize it before, but it seems I really am a genius."
"……."
Not a hint of humility in his words.
The Count of Khazar let out a dry chuckle.
Seeing that arrogant attitude, maybe he hasn’t changed after all.
No—no, that wasn’t it.
His insolence remained the same, but something was definitely different.
The old Christian had been nothing more than a wretched mutt. A pathetic fool who couldn’t even meet his father’s gaze properly.
But the son standing before him now—he was exuding confidence, bordering on sheer arrogance.
If he had to compare, it was the arrogance of a beast.
Have I lost my mind? Calling that brat a beast?
The Count of Khazar forced himself to dismiss the thought.
He had gotten his hopes up too many times before, only to be disappointed. It was only natural that he was trying to think negatively now.
And yet—
…This time, he really does seem different.
The Count of Khazar narrowed his eyes.
How long had that brat ever managed to keep up a façade of change?
A week? Ten days? Half a month?
Regardless of the duration, there was one undeniable difference this time.
His eyes.
Never before had his son looked at him with eyes like that.
"…Here. The key to the archive. You understand that none of the tomes inside are to be taken outside, correct?"
Chris gave a slight nod.
"Then, I'll be going."
"…Alright."
Just as he was about to step out, a hesitant voice called from behind him.
"…Can I believe in you this time?"
Chris turned to look at his 'father.'
The Count of Khazar’s eyes wavered slightly.
It was paternal affection.
Demons have familial bonds too, after all.
Their values might be different, but in the end, demons were still human.
Perhaps… he’s a far better father than my real one ever was.
Chris recalled his past life—the ‘real father’ who had abused him within their household.
That man had a sterling reputation outside, but in truth, he was nothing but garbage.
Until the day he escaped from that family, Chris had suffered through a hellish childhood because of him.
Compared to that filth, the Count of Khazar—demon or not—was far more of a father figure.
Perhaps that was why.
Why this thought crossed his mind.
"Look forward to it."
Chris smirked.
"I’ll give you a reason to be surprised."
He wanted to see those eyes filled with shock.
* * *
He made his way to the Black Swamp Archive.
Waiting for him there was the archive’s librarian—a Banshee.
[Ohoho… Young… Master… Welcome…]
Chris grimaced.
Why the hell is a librarian a ghostly banshee?
To make matters worse, this banshee was the same kind as his personal maid!
"You—weren’t you my maid? Since when did you become a librarian too?"
[Oh… my… Could it be… that’s your possessiveness… toward me? How thrilling… My heart… is fluttering…]
"…Shut up."
[Even… your harsh words… are utterly… intoxicating.]
"……."
The banshee let out a soft chuckle.
After listening to the explanation, Chris learned that she had always been the guardian and librarian of this place.
At some point, however, the Count of Khazar, as a punishment for Chris’ habit of mistreating his attendants, had assigned her to serve him personally.
[If… Young Master… truly wishes… to have me… all to himself… then I shall… serve only… you… Ohoho…]
"No, forget it. Just go back."
[Just the thought… of being yours alone… makes my heart… race…]
Chris’ face twisted in disgust.
‘The moment I get rid of my reputation as a delinquent, I’m hiring new attendants—pure humans only! No vampires, either! This is NOT the privileged noble life I dreamed of!’
Before returning, he had imagined it—
A life as a noble heir, where he wouldn’t have to lift a single finger, surrounded by devoted servants catering to his every need.
And technically, he did have that now.
The problem was—his servants were ghosts.
Every morning, a ghostly whisper—whether a curse or something else entirely—served as his wake-up call. During meals, poltergeist activity ensured his food was properly served. Whenever he needed to change clothes, spectral hands, radiating an eerie chill, would assist him.
That banshee even tried to help with his baths. He barely managed to refuse.
This was not the luxurious noble lifestyle he had envisioned.
A ghost shouldn’t be this pretty—that just makes it even creepier!
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[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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