092. Warning (4)

While Bella gazed out the window, lost in her own thoughts, Owen was preoccupied with entirely different concerns.

Though he had appeared calm when speaking to Bella, inwardly, he was deeply uneasy.

He knew better than anyone that Lucia was strong and resourceful. But Marquess Celid’s younger son, Edward, was unhinged—a man capable of committing any crime, from murder to countless other atrocities. Owen couldn’t shake the fear that Edward might have resorted to some underhanded scheme.

No one in their right mind would dare harm a noble family’s child outright, but there were countless ways to manipulate and harm someone without leaving visible scars.

Such as dark magic.

Given the inclusion of dark magic in the ‘Flower of the Empire’worldbuilding, Owen couldn’t dismiss the possibility.

“Kyle.”

Owen decided to ask Kyle, hoping to confirm his suspicions. Knights often gauged each other’s skills through their aura and presence. Perhaps mages had a similar ability to sense one another’s power.

“Can you tell how strong another mage is just by looking at them?” Owen asked abruptly during their break.

“Huh? You mean, just by sight?” Kyle replied, tilting his head in confusion.

“Yeah.”

Though puzzled by the sudden question, Kyle answered, “I can. We can sense the number of circles near the heart using mana.”

“Really?”

Owen felt a glimmer of relief. So mages could detect each other’s power levels, at least to some degree.

“But,” Kyle added, “I can only sense the circles of mages with fewer than I have. If they have more than me, it gets murky.”

Circles were containers for mana, typically correlating with a mage’s class—one circle per class. However, exceptions existed, with some low-class mages having high mana reserves and others with high classes but lower mana.

“Come on… who could possibly have more circles than you?”

Kyle was a rare case, a 9th-class mage with an astounding 13 circles. His immense power had even earned him playful speculation about being the reincarnation of a dragon, as ancient tales described dragons with 13 circles.

“Nobody,” Kyle replied smugly. “So usually, I can tell if someone’s a mage—except for dark mages.”

Owen frowned. “Why not? Aren’t they mages too?”

Kyle shook his head. “Their mana structure is entirely different from ours.”

He elaborated, “Normally, only those born with innate mana can become mages, just like only certain people are born with the ability to wield aura.”

“That’s true,” Owen agreed, nodding. Aura, like mana, wasn’t something that could be gained through effort—it was a gift of natural talent.

“But dark magic doesn’t work that way. Those who practice it gain mana through a price.”

“A price?”

Owen’s stomach churned as a suspicion took root. He hesitated, then asked, “You’re not saying they sell their souls to demons or something, are you?”

Kyle grinned. “That’s pretty close. How’d you guess?”

“…I’ve read about it in some novels,” Owen muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. Kyle chuckled before continuing.

“Not demons, though. In this world, it’s demons’ kin—the demonic races. They offer mana in exchange for a contract, and the price for the contract is usually steep. The mage essentially borrows the demon’s power.”

“Do they keep supplying mana indefinitely?”

The idea unsettled Owen. If these demonic entities lived in another realm, it seemed improbable they would continue to provide mana just for the initial price.

“Of course not,” Kyle explained. “The contract has a time limit. To extend it, the mage has to pay another price.”

“Ah,” Owen said grimly, his unease growing.

“Demons live long lives because they devour souls. So the price is often a soul. That’s why dark mages who’ve killed a lot of people can use their powers more easily.”

Kyle’s explanation only deepened Owen’s apprehension.

“Dark mages who’ve killed a lot…”

Edward Celid immediately came to mind. Owen’s investigations had revealed that Edward was no stranger to bloodshed. He wasn’t merely a noble with a questionable reputation; he had killed repeatedly and ruthlessly.

“Magical beasts think humans are the tastiest prey for the same reason,” Kyle continued, steering the conversation slightly.

“Magical beasts came from the demonic realm, too. They devour souls to extend their lifespan and target long-lived souls whenever possible.”

“…So that’s why they attack humans?”

Owen’s voice was quiet, tinged with shock.

Kyle nodded. “Yep. That’s why magical beasts are such a problem for humans. But honestly, I’m more worried about dark mages. If someone like Edward is involved…”

Kyle trailed off, his expression darkening.

Owen clenched his fists. His earlier anxiety about Lucia intensified. Edward wasn’t just dangerous—he was a direct threat, someone capable of anything if it meant achieving his twisted goals.

Owen’s expression darkened as Kyle shared information that was completely unfamiliar—details that neither existed in ‘The Flower of the Empire’ nor in his memory.

“Yeah, this is top-secret research at the Magic Tower. Keep it to yourself, okay?” Kyle said with a casual grin.

“…And you’re just telling me this so easily?”

“Well, it’s you. I know you won’t spread it around,” Kyle replied nonchalantly. His gaze flicked briefly toward Bella, who was by the window.

“You’re asking this because of something the saintess said, aren’t you?” Kyle’s sharp question hit the mark, and Owen nodded reluctantly. Kyle, sensing his worry, added in a reassuring tone, “That Celid brat, no matter how much of a dark mage he is, probably isn’t a big deal. The demons most dark mages can contract with are weak.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. There are exceptions, of course—like if he’s sacrificed a ridiculous number of souls to make a pact with a powerful demon.” Kyle’s voice lowered, his gaze still lingering on Bella.

“But if that were the case, there’d be evidence. There always is.”

Kyle’s tone grew cold, filled with a chilling conviction. Death, especially the deaths of the innocent, was something he could never overlook.

“And with evidence, he’ll be punished. Enough to ensure he can never hurt anyone again.”

“…Right.”

Owen answered slowly, but Kyle’s reassurance didn’t ease the unease gnawing at him. If Edward had sacrificed so many souls, there would undoubtedly be signs. But what if something happened to Lucia before they could uncover those signs?

Edward wanted Lucia. He likely wouldn’t kill her, but that didn’t rule out other methods—ways that could irreparably harm her mind and soul. Hypnosis. Suggestions. If dark magic were used to manipulate her—

Owen’s chest constricted painfully. The sensation was familiar, one he’d felt countless times when memories and old traumas surfaced.

‘That cannot happen.’

Exhaling sharply, Owen pushed the chaotic thoughts aside. Rising from his seat, he strode toward the table where the group had been holding their meeting.

“The snow isn’t stopping. We’ll need to find an alternative way back,” he said firmly.

Whatever it took, he had to return to the capital—and to Lucia—as quickly as possible.

* * *

“Lucia.”

Edward spoke her name with a satisfied smile, his eyes gleaming as the magic circle completed its work.

Lucia’s crimson gaze turned toward him, her expression blank.

“Say my name, Lucia.”

“…Edward.”

His name slipped from her lips in a slow, hesitant murmur. Hearing it, Edward’s smile widened in triumph. Lucia would never have spoken his name under normal circumstances, and the sound of it was a victory in itself.

“From now on, I’d like you to call me that.”

Lucia nodded once, her movements calm and obedient.

Edward’s grin deepened as he watched her subdued response.

“As much as I’d like to keep you with me longer, today isn’t the right time.”

Though he wore a pleased expression, his voice softened, tinged with regret.

“Hannah seems intent on causing trouble for you. For now, it’s better we meet again tomorrow.”

Edward sighed, sounding genuinely disappointed, though his satisfaction was evident. His rocky relationship with his sister was no act—it had only worsened after his broken engagement with Lucia.

“I’ll send a carriage for you tomorrow. It won’t be from the Celid family, so it won’t take you directly to Edelte. I’ll send someone to guide you.”

Lucia didn’t respond. Her silence didn’t bother Edward; he was used to the disorientation that followed mental manipulation.

“Come alone, Lucia. No knights. No maids. Just you.”

Though the hypnosis and suggestions had taken hold, Edward wasn’t completely at ease. The spell was weak and temporary—it wouldn’t last beyond a day. He needed something stronger, but for now, his mana reserves were depleted.

Contrary to common belief that dark mages could summon infinite mana in exchange for souls, the reality was more limited. They received mana equivalent to the time left in the sacrificed souls’ lifespans.

‘I’ll need to visit the arena.’

The energy Edward had gained from his last offering was nearly gone, but it didn’t matter. More souls would be ready for him tomorrow. Running an illegal arena ensured he always had a supply of sacrifices.

“I have a gift for you,” Edward added. “It should be ready tomorrow.”

Once his mana was replenished, Edward planned to craft an enchanted item—a bracelet or ring imbued with mental magic. If he could get Lucia to wear it, she would never think of Owen again.

“Unfortunately, we must part for now. Allow me to escort you back.”

Extending his gloved hand, Edward watched as Lucia placed her pale fingers atop his. Her hand was just as warm as he remembered from years ago when they’d held hands at formal gatherings. The familiarity brought a faint smile to his lips.

This hand was meant for him—not for Owen Verdun, who had neglected her for years. Not for a man who pretended to be noble and pure while hiding his demonic heritage.

No, Edward Celid—heir to the Celid Marquessate—was the only one truly worthy of Lucia. A man who understood ambition, greed, and the sacrifices necessary for power.

Because Lucia was the same. Ambitious, greedy, and selfish.

Only Edward could fully understand her.

“Until tomorrow, Lucia.”

At the mansion’s entrance, Edward helped Lucia into the waiting carriage. As he guided her inside, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before releasing it.

Lucia offered no reaction, but Edward didn’t mind. Tomorrow, everything would change.

He watched the crimson carriage disappear into the distance, lingering long after it had vanished. His thoughts turned to the coming day and the moment when Owen Verdun would return to find everything he cherished shattered.

Edward’s lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile.