Chapter 279: I Guess (2)


    Cecily entered into a training that seemed inexplicable, with a strong emphasis on not letting anyone else know about it. The scope included not only me but also her parents.


    It could be seen as a kind of secretive training asionally seen in martial arts novels. However, the problem lies in not knowing the reason at all. Typically, one enters into secretive training to gain enlightenment or to pursue it, but it didn’t add up.


    Up until now, Cecily had been either spending time with me or guiding my mother around Helium, with no significant process to gain enlightenment. What enlightenment could she possibly have gained to dive into secretive training? Even Descal and Aisilia seemed puzzled.


    “So, how long do you think it’ll take?”


    “Cecily says she’ll be done within a week… But with these kinds of training, it’s often hard to tell as time passes unnoticed.”


    “It should be done before school starts, right?”


    “I don’t know.”


    As I answered Marie’s question, I didn’t stop typing on the typewriter. Marie was currently hugging me tightly from behind in a back hug, but it wasn’t at all distracting. Instead, the soft sensation of her chest pressing against me seemed to enhance my focus, and her fragrance stimted my brain.


    Because this close attachment was an expression of Marie’s affection, I couldn’t bring myself to be harsh about it. Moreover, since I was sitting on Marie’s thighs, there was no risk of information leaking out.“But isn’t it heavy?”


    “It’s a bit heavy, but I’m okay.”


    “Don’t guys usually not sit on girls’ thighs like this?”


    “Well, if I sat on top, you’d probably poke me, so this works.”


    By “poking,” I clearly meant jabbing her with my manhood. Indeed, it would be difficult to resist when a beautiful woman like Marie sits on my thighs.


    Even as Adelia was watching us with her eyes wide open, she was only watching us with an envious gaze.


    By the way, although Marie said she was okay, I might actually be heavy, so I was exerting extra effort on my buttocks and legs. It was like sitting on a slightly transparent chair.


    Thanks to this, I was able to relieve some of Marie’s burden and she could freely express acts of affection, such as pressing her cheek against my broad back or sniffing around.


    “Hmm~ Peach scent is really nice. Lc fragrance was good too, but peach isn’t bad either.”


    “If it’s from Lord Isaac, then anything would be good, wouldn’t it?”


    “As expected of Adelia-Unni. You understand me well. Would you like to sit here too?”


    “I’ll pass.”


    Even as the two women chatted, my work didn’t stop. The current 21st volume was nearing itspletion.


    After epting the evil within himself and defeating Gluttony by bing a proper devil, Jin’s reason was fully restored with Lily’s help just before he would have be a demon.


    Sakrans earlier famous quote, “Do not fear bing a devil to protect your loved ones,” became a kind of foreshadowing.


    <i>‘To demons, the evil within oneself is no different from another self…’</i>


    When Gluttony is about to overwhelm Jin, he engages in a struggle within himself. Gluttony is merely a sacrifice of the awakened Jin, and the real enemy is the evil within.


    For demons, the evil within oneself is inseparable, like a shadow. Demons have only restrained the evil within themselves so far, never considering control In that sense, I’m anticipating some bacsh even in Helium once the 21st volume is released.


    Will ite true again? Don’t worry. I heard it directly from Mora. While there are demons driven by rage and hatred, there hasn’t been a case where someone remained sane.


    Of course, there’s still some unease. As everyone knows, Xenon’s Biography is currently treated like scripture or prophecy. There might be demons who may try to control their inner evil after reading the 21st volume.


    Before its release, I’ll subtly mention this to Descal or Cecily. I’ll show them the manuscript first. If there are demons who try to emte after reading the 21st volume, please stop them at all costs.


    Jin’s case in Xenon’s Biography is unique; not every demon can control their inner evil. It could potentially cause social turmoil in Helium, simr to the Alvenheim’s half-blood incident. It must be addressed without fail.


    <i>‘Devil transformationpletely reverses a demon’s appearance…’</i>


    While everyone knows that the biggest characteristic of demons is their dark hair like the night sky, blood-red eyes, and horns, inner evilpletely overturns this image.


    With white hair, ck sclera, blue irises, skin so pale it looks bluish and even ck nails. Moreover, instead of ck like demons, the horns arepletely dyed with evil, making it with a blood-red color.


    As a devil, the horns are muchrger, and even bat-like wings are attached, making it truly a demonic appearance.


    As a devil, while the overall color imagery is ‘white,’ which is a dark image butpletely opposite to demons who represent darkness (?).


    With a sweep of my hand--, I finished all the descriptions and nced back. As I described, there’s Marie, who fits the description of ‘white,’ pressing her cheek against my back. Perhaps adding some elements from Marie as she is now wouldplete the image of a devil as I imagine it.


    However, Marie looked so innocent that she might just seem like a mischievous imp rather than a devi;.


    “Marie.”


    “Hmm? What’s up?”


    “Nothing. Just calling you.”


    Calling her an imp is a bit of an understatement for such a lovely woman.


    I chuckled and started typing on the typewriter again. When Marie saw me typing, she leaned her cheek against my broad back.


    She must have started to feel my weight because this time she ced my legs between hers instead of putting me on her thighs. The chair itself was spacious enough to allow for this position.


    As Marie’s cuteness increased, I felt warmer inside. It seemed to oddly improve my concentration as well.


    <i>‘First, Gluttony exits the stage here, leaving Envy to make an entrance…’</i>


    As soon as the newly established Envy’s setting came to mind, I smirked at Adelia. She was standing still, waiting for mymand, seemingly without any pain in her legs.


    Every time I see her in a maid uniform, I don’t just get my mouth watering… it felt different.


    She dly allowed her own story to be used as inspiration, and Envy is a character trait that differs from her, with a more extreme nature. In fact, anyone who has experienced such tragedies sessively would likely be extreme.


    Envy was simr to Wrath in some ces. While revenge was the goal, there’s also a noticeable worldly-wise aspect to her personality.


    Adelia, who always shows a bright side while suppressing her emotional wounds, disys apletely opposite temperament.


    “Is there something you’d like to say?”


    Did I stare too obviously? Adelia asked me with a puzzled expression, tilting her head.


    Each of her actions is so charming that my heart naturally flutters. Surely, Marie doesn’t feel this fluttering too, does she?


    “Hmph.”


    Looks like she did. Marie’s hug became even stronger, confirming it.


    Can jealousy be this cute and lovely? I gently took Marie’s hand, as if to reassure her, and spoke.


    “It’s nothing. Just had something on my mind.”


    “You probably thought something like ‘Adelia looks pretty’. It’s so obvious.”


    It seems our little jealousy-prone Marie is really acting up. However, as this is amon urrence, Adelia just smiled wryly, showing no signs of being flustered.


    As more women join me, Marie’s jealousy seems to grow day by day. But this, too, can be considered part of Marie’s charm.


    Just by her tightly embracing me like an anguished cat, I can tell she won’t let me go like this. Even if she says nothing, she’s the woman who loves me the most in the world.


    “Marie.”


    “What?”


    “Don’t you know even if I don’t say it?”


    “Hmph.”


    She discreetly lets out a snort. But when she leans her face against my back without a word, it seems like my feelings have been conveyed.


    “Do you like the maid’s outfit that much?”


    “Why are you suddenly bringing that up?”


    “If you like it, I’d willingly wear it too. You don’t think I couldn’t pull it off, do you?”


    “··· ···”


    It’s kind of appealing.


    “Seeing your heart race, I guess I got the right answer. Alright then. I appreciate your efforts. For the beloved husband of youngdy Requilis, Marie Hausen Requilis will reluctantly wear it.”


    “There’s really no need for that, though.”


    “So, you don’t want to?”


    “···I don’t dislike it.”


    Because of such behavior, I sometimes forget that she’s a youngdy of a Requilis duchy. I felt this from our first meeting, but she has a personality that is far from authority and elitism.


    Thanks to that, she became my first woman. I weakly smiled and indulged her antics.


    “If Cecilyes out, I should convince her too. Will Adelia also join in?”


    “If mdy wishes.”


    “Do we really have to do that?”


    As if surprised by my question, Marie chuckled yfully.


    “I want to see Isaac struggling too. Besides, it’s getting too difficult for me to handle alone.”


    “How about building up your stamina?”


    “It would be much quicker for your strength to increase than mine, wouldn’t it? I’m not a wild horse like Adelia, how could Ipete?”


    “Hmm…”


    As soon as she heard the metaphor of a wild horse, Adelia coughed and turned her head. It seemed like she remembered herself, who used to run wild like a beast during the night.


    Whether Marie had resigned herself or adapted, it seemed like she didn’t mind me mingling with other women.


    After all, considering my position, she must have felt that she couldn’t monopolize me. Even though she confessed before she even knew I was a Xenon. Suddenly I felt a pang of guilt.


    I held her hand without saying a word, and perhaps she sensed my feelings too. As Marie buried her face in my back, she quietly began to speak.


    “Now I can understand what you’re thinking just by listening to your heartbeat. I always say this, but as long as you love me, my feelings won’t change, nor will I ever be hurt. Even if the number of women increases. You understand, right?”


    “I’ll love you without reservation.”


    “Then… Isaac. Can I ask you for one thing?”


    “What is it?”


    If it’s her request, I’m willing to fulfill it. With that meaning in mind, I responded immediately.


    Then, with a slightly expectant tone, Marie said what she wanted.


    “After graduating from the academy, we’ll get married, right?”


    “That’s right.”


    “At that time, I’ll wear a wedding dress too, won’t I?”


    A wedding dress, which can be called the flower of marriage. As soon as I heard those words, I understood what she wanted.


    Marie was truly sincere about our marriage. I also vowed to do my best for the ceremony.


    With a gentle smile, as if to reassure her.


    “Wasn’t there a craftsman named Zelt? The one who made the dress you wore at the gathering a year ago.”


    “Huh, really? You remembered that?”


    Marie’s bewildered question followed. There was a time a year ago during the freshman wee party when she had boasted casually.


    “I remembered because you looked so beautiful back then.”


    It wasn’t just empty words, it’s real. I vividly remembered that time, down to the ponytail hairstyle she had.


    Marie seemed moved by my words, as she remained silent for a while before tightly embracing me. Then, in a voice slightly moistened with emotion, she spoke softly.


    “…I’m lucky to have met Isaac.”


    I smiled warmly without saying anything in response. At the same time, I nced at Adelia.


    She, standing in front of us, seemed to share a simr sentiment as Marie, as she wore a happy smile.


    <i>‘I wonder if Cecily feels the same way?’</i>


    Our happy everyday life continued steadily.


    *****


    Demons, like elves, have vastly superior basic specspared to humans. This includes not only physical conditions but also the ability to freely wield magic.


    Being able to use magic freely implies adept mana control. Furthermore, with the existence of ‘ck mana,’ which is more potent than regr mana, if we focus solely on destructive power, it reaches unmatched levels.


    Thanks to this formidable force, demons can only train in heavily fortified locations to avoid unintended destruction. Releasing power incorrectly under the guise of experimentation could lead to catastrophic results beyond mere surroundings crumbling.


    Because of this, buildings erected by demons boast terrifying durability without exception. Even ordinary structures are inherently reinforced, with magic embedded within, but royal pces are another level altogether.


    It’s no exaggeration to say that even if a massive meteor were to crash onto the pce, it would remain intact if intercepted properly.


    Not only does the pce itself have incredible durability, but its interior is no different. In preparation for any eventuality, underground training grounds and personal training areas have been installed deep below, withyers of magic added to allow the wielder to unleash their power freely.


    In other words, they remain unfazed even if someone causes chaos, or even if they were to transform into a devil, provided they are trained to the level of an ordinary knight.


    “Haaa…”


    Resembling a scene of devastation caused by natural disaster, the training grounds werepletely demolished.


    At the center, a woman let out a trembling breath. The area around her was ravaged as if dozens of bombs had exploded.


    The ground was pockmarked with deep craters, and the walls were deeply gouged as if sliced by something.


    What about the ceiling? Like the ground, it was riddled with holes, with fragments falling steadily.


    Despite being reinforced and protected by defensive magic, the training ground was so severely damaged that recovery seemed almost impossible.


    <i>Flutter—</i>


    At that moment, something ck that had been enveloping the woman unfurled widely. It resembled bat wings but was darker in color.


    What could only be seen in literature, and what can only be seen when a demon is fully transformed into a devil.


    A woman with devil wings revealed herself in the depths of the training ground beneath the Helium Pce.


    “That’s enough…”


    As she looked at the unmistakable symbol of devils, her wings, she wore a heated smile. And like her wings, her appearance was markedly different from the typical demon.


    Where there should have been white sclera, it was filled with ck, and her horns far exceeded the typical demon’s.


    Even symptoms that should only be visible during devil transformation, like her horns being entirely filled with red, were present.


    Though unmistakably a demon, the woman began to show apletely different aspect from those typical of demons.


    “Ohh…! He was right! How… How is this possible…!”


    The woman openly expressed her joy, tightly sping her hands together. While she outwardly appeared as a true devil, strangely, she maintained her ‘reason.’


    A devilized demon bes a creature without reason. This is an undeniable fact, one that all races, not just demons, are aware of.


    Yet despite bing a devil, she clearly retained her sanity. Something that shouldn’t have happened, or more urately, something impossible, had urred.


    But the surprises didn’t end there. As she briefly marveled at her transformed form, her wings,rge enough to cover her entire body, gradually turned into ck particles. Along with this, her horns, now covered in red, began to shrink bit by bit.


    Gradually, as the wingspletely disappeared and the horns returned to their normal size, the woman slowly opened her eyes.


    As she opened her eyes, the white sclera, previously filled with ck, returned to its original state. The blood-red irises still expressed a presence.


    The identity of the woman who had just transformed into a devil moments ago was none other than Princess Cecily Drat Aisillia Vin of Helium.


    Having just experienced an unbelievable reality, she spread her hands out.


    For some reason, despite the calluses from sword training, her hands were beautifully smooth. But that wasn’t all.


    <i>‘Somehow, my chest seemsrger…’</i>


    Had she awakened her devil ancestry, making the subus blood even thicker? For some reason, her figure seemed to have improved.


    Even though she hadn’t checked with a full-body mirror, the change was so noticeable that there was no need.


    To test if she was truly rational, she closed her eyes firmly. First, she focused on the inner evil she had been restraining.


    <i>‘…I don’t feel anything.’</i>


    There was no feeling at all. No trace of the source of evil that had tormented her during the demonic cycles.


    Cecily, with her unwavering devotion for the one she loves, hadpletely subdued the inner evil like a hero in a book.


    Initially, she doubted if it was possible, but she had indeed achieved it.


    “Haaa…”


    Cecily exhaled a warm breath, feeling a newfound sense of energy within her. She even entertained negative thoughts just in case, but she felt no trace of evil within her.


    Now, all that remained was to wait. With an excited heart, she began to move but then became aware of her attire.


    Though it had been an inner struggle, the aftermath had manifested outwardly—her clothes weren’t just torn; they were shredded beyond repair. If she returned to Isaac like this, she would surely be met with suspicion.


    That wouldn’t do. When Volume 21 is released and Helium falls into chaos, that’s when she must step forward.


    Demons shouldn’t fear their inner evil, but must strive to ovee it. She should step forward just like Arwen confessed to being a hybrid during the hybrid crisis. She must show herself as well.


    <i>‘How can I ever repay this kindness?’</i>


    Cecily thought of Isaac, who had made all this possible, as she moved forward. Her feelings for Isaac seemed to deepen to the point where she could live as his concubine for the rest of her life if he wished.


    <i>‘I want to bear Isaac’s child soon.’</i>


    With a strangely intensified desire, Cecily gently stroked her abdomen and returned with light steps.


    It had been only three days since she had started her training.<hr>


    Trantors note: