“Princess, you’ve finally come!”
As I entered the store, the manager rushed over urgently.
“Thank you for not forgetting us and coming back.”
“You know what to do, right?” I told the manager not to make a fuss.
“Of course. I’ve left only the employees who can keep their mouths shut. I’ve placed guards at the door, so not even an ant can get through.”
It was necessary to ensure tight lips about today’s deviation to prevent the situation from escalating.
“How long will it take to prepare the necklace I reserved? I’d like to quietly browse inside in the meantime.”
“Ah…” The quick-witted manager seemed to have caught on to my real purpose, which was to come to the magic shop.
“Rozy, prepare the necklace that came in from the Eastern Continent this time.”
“Yes, Manager.”
“I’ll guide you personally, so let’s go to the VIP parlor, Princess.” He naturally diverted the employees’ gazes and led me down the corridor.
“It’s good to have someone as observant as you. I’ll purchase the necklace on my way out, so don’t worry.”
“It’s an honor, Princess. However, I’m not sure if Summoner is still here.”
I was familiar with the layout from a previous visit. This corridor led not to the parlor but to the magic shop.
“As you know, Summoner is a being that wanders here and there.”
Indeed, the summoner lived by periodically moving locations. Had it not been for the original story, I wouldn’t have known about the existence of Summoner. His existence and dwelling were a top-secret discussed only among those in the know.
“Why can’t he stay in one place?”
The thought of having come all this way only to make a wasted trip gave me a headache.
“Perhaps it’s because he’s left with only a soul and no physical form to wander around.”
Moreover, it was unknown what Summoner’s true form was and why he lost his body and was left wandering as a soul.
“By the way, where did the tall knight who came with you last time go? The one you called Rere…” The manager asked as if he just remembered something when we reached a dead end.
“Ah, now my knight has become busier than I am.”
“…Pardon?”
“Haven’t you heard? He’s the crown prince who is about to ascend to the throne.”
“Oh my, Princess, su-such words. But that feels very different…” The manager blinked, recalling the Redian he saw during the first visit. It was as if he was wondering how the obedient knight following me back then and the now cold crown prince could be the same person.
“Let me say it again. Make sure no one comes in.”
“Yes, yes. Of course. Please take care, Princess.”
How far did I walk with the wall slowly closing behind me? I hadn’t felt it when I was with Redian at that time…
It’s a bit creepy. Walking alone down this dark corridor felt slightly scary. Why hide in such deep darkness?
“Everything here is an illusion!”
At that moment, Summoner dressed neatly in formal attire, appeared.
“You’re still here, Summoner.”
Last time, he was an old man; this time, he was a handsome young man with a monocle.
“Phew, it’s best to stay quiet these days,” Summoner murmured in a disheartened voice.
“These days?”
“It’s as if the king of hell has awakened, with such a strong aura spreading in the outer world…” His luminous eyes scanned around as if afraid of something. “We minor spirits have to keep quiet. If we’re caught, it would be a big trouble.”
The king of hell has awakened…?
“What are you looking for today? Except for what we don’t have, I can get you anything, so just order.”
Before I could ponder his words, Summoner asked.
“Ah, today I came to buy ‘your answer.’”
“Ooh?”
“No matter what question I ask, you have to tell the truth, you know.”
Interest flickered across his pale face.
“Oh my, you’ve chosen the most expensive item in our shop. I’m not even sure how much it would cost; are you sure?” His playful expression suggested this deal wouldn’t be easy. Given it was a shop where the asking price was the price, he could demand something outrageous. But,
“How about a strand of my hair?”
If it was my hair, which even the high priest coveted, things could change.
“…Wow.” He exclaimed as if he hadn’t expected it, one eye sparkling intriguingly behind the monocle.
“What are you curious about?” Summoner showed his anticipation as the shop’s lights and floor began to tremble slightly. “If I can get that strand of hair, I must answer any question.”
“You’re going to take my hair and…” I faced his gaze, which seemed to bind me, and spoke. “What will you use it for?”
Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent with a creak.
“A smart one like you wouldn’t want a strand of my hair instead of a blank check unless there’s a profit to be had.”
It wasn’t just about a strand of hair. In modern times, it could be used for genetic analysis, containing a lot of information. He must have a reason for coveting ‘my’ hair specifically. Perhaps I could find a hint about my identity that I’m unaware of.
“Yes. That’s right.”
Suddenly, the lighting that illuminated the interior began to flicker.
“Our magic shop always pays the exact price.”
Between the flickers, the handsome young Summoner was seen smirking.
“Therefore, I will give you an answer worth that price.”
Was it because of the alternating brightness and darkness? The fleeting smile felt eerie at the moment.
“If I could take even a strand of your hair… my king might forgive me.” A chill voice reached my ears.
“My real name is Mephisto, meaning ‘the one who hates the light.’”
“…!”
Suddenly, a sinister glow spread over the grotesquely drawn magic circle on the floor.
“Once, I served as an officer in hell under the great ruler Peidion’s command.”
Something reflected in the glow appeared and vanished, flickering. Pale as death with red lips and long eyelashes.
If it was under Peidion’s command… Summoner’s true form was a devil. Despite the faint form, it was evident it had a very enchanting presence.
“Now, for not being able to find that woman, I’ve lost my body and live hidden in darkness.”
Though a devil appeared before me, I didn’t feel particularly afraid. The purpose of the devil legions leading hell was to seduce humans and steal their souls. Knowing they were enchanting and having lived through several lifetimes, it wasn’t surprising.
“If I can find even a trace of that woman the Devil King has been searching for, wouldn’t he forgive me?”
“…”
But his burning eyes brought me back to reality.
“Then I can escape this miserable state as a minor spirit. No longer do I have to cling to this damp darkness!”
I was reminded that I was alone in this narrow, damp space.
“So… the trace of that woman is in my hair?”
My question made his distorted face turn sharply towards me.
“Even while punished and stripped of all power, I felt it from the moment you first came here.”
“…”
“You might not know, but your body bears the scent left by the Devil King. I was so surprised.” Summoner suddenly started laughing hysterically. “I want to tear you to pieces right now, but I can’t lay a finger on you, can I? Because you belong to the Devil King…”
His pupils shook violently, and I felt a chill for the first time.
“But the Devil King isn’t here, is he? No, the Devil King really hates it when someone messes with his belongings.” His gaze was filled with murderous intent and fear of someone.
What was he talking about?
“I’m so scared, too scared! But no, I can’t miss this chance after so long!”
As the summoner mumbled like a spell, the walls around us turned into mirrors reflecting my image.
“Then look at this. Do you want to see yourself, unable to kill even a devil’s offspring, with your soul shattered?”
My reflection looked different in each mirror. Angelina, Liaka, Lee Juyong – these were the faces I had lived with.
At last. It seemed I understood now. Are all these souls combined into the current me? They were parts of me, yet not entirely me.
“Because of you, my comrades and I ended up like this… Huh?”
“…”
Summoner’s voice, so enchanting it could crush my mind, whispered.
“Devils lure pure and good souls with their beautiful appearance and sweet voice. Remember that.”
“Yes, that’s right! If you just die, the Devil King will be relieved!”
I tried to hold onto my consciousness, but it wasn’t easy. I need to get out of here. As my vision blurred, I instinctively backed away.
“Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Uugh!”
Suddenly, Summoner sprang up and grabbed my throat tightly. “If you die, the Devil King’s trouble disappears! Then my comrades and I could be forgiven!”
I shook the doorknob, but it didn’t budge. Trapped by the closed door, my feet flailed, searching for an escape.
“Can you, let go?” I desperately tried to pry his strong arm off, scratching with my nails.
“Give up, fragmented soul. Only the great Peidion can judge me.”
“Heuk!”
His murderous grip only tightened, cutting off my breath until the air turned white and distant.
“Keugh!”
Bang! With a sound like a door breaking, my body fell.
“Ha, ha…” I gasped for air, touching my throat. The hand that had been as tight as shackles was gone, leaving only the burning sensation on my skin.
“Uaargh!”
A sharp scream came from somewhere, and when I hurriedly looked around. My goodness.
Summoner was writhing on the floor in agony. Clearly visible was a blue blade piercing through his heart.
“Keugh, argh! Please save me, Devil King!”
That was the Sword of Revels. Then why was the sword I gifted Redian…
“Master.”
At that moment, a low voice came from above my head.
“I told you…”
As I looked up, the one bending down to meet my gaze was…
“It’s dangerous to go alone.”
Redian.
“…Rere, how did you get here?”
“Your neck is red, Master.”
There was no time to ask anything. His dark blue eyes, after a long look at my neck, turned fierce.
“That dog, really.” He moved towards Summoner, who was still gasping for air.
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