I Became the Master of the Devil

I hesitated momentarily as I headed to the front gate to catch a carriage.

 

“My goodness, I don’t even need to win for a lifetime.”

 

“I’d rather be buried here in the Felicite Duchy.”

 

Those countless gazes poured towards Redian. All the women in the Felicite Duchy seemed to have their heads out the windows.

 

This is overwhelming.  Truth be told, I quite enjoyed the attention. Even the escort of the emperor was something I flaunted. But this time, even I felt overwhelmed by the spotlight I was sure to receive.

 

“He does look striking. Especially in uniform.” The duke, having approached me, commented as he looked at Redian.

 

“No, Father…” As I turned to look at the duke, I was taken aback once again. “You look really handsome today.”

 

To my eyes, the duke’s current appearance in uniform outshone even party attire. It suited him perfectly as if he were a renowned commander from his younger days.

 

“Your mother fell for me in uniform, too.”

 

I took a moment to look around me carefully. Behind me would be Norma, by my side the duke, a veteran from the imperial army, and I myself was dressed in a uniform-styled dress, making for a very imposing scene. Did I bring the dagger in vain?

 

“Your Grace, Princess!” Checking the carriages at the front gate, Aeron called out to us.

 

“…”

 

I felt Redian turn his head to look at me. Even beneath his black mask, I could tell his lips were slightly curved.

 

“The imperial palace has announced the start of the entrance. You may depart now.”

 

Even Irik, who had come with him as an aide to the duke, joined.

 

“How will you travel then?” Aeron asked, looking at the two carriages.

 

I should take the smaller carriage with Redian. I had things to discuss with Redian regarding today’s competition. So, I planned to share a carriage with him.

 

“Father and Irik can take the larger carriage.”

 

“And you?”

 

“I’ll take the smaller carriage with Redian.”

 

“No way!”

 

“What do you mean, no!”

 

Oh, that surprised me. Both Irik and the duke exclaimed in unison at my suggestion.

 

“I have tactical matters to discuss with Redian.”

 

“Fine. Then let all four travel in the larger carriage.”

 

“A wise decision, Your Grace.”

 

The duke banged on the larger carriage, and Irik agreed.

 

“Yes?”

 

I’m fine with that, but… do you think Redian would be comfortable with those two men?

 

“Are you okay with that?”

 

“I am fine.”

 

When I asked Redian, he nodded, indicating he didn’t mind.

 

“Come on, Siani, you heard of him, right? He’s fine. Let’s go.” The duke climbed into the carriage as if to prevent any further objections.

 

And so… What is this situation?  A rather unique and odd combination was formed: Irik, the duke, Redian, and me.

 

* * *

The carriage swiftly made its way towards the imperial palace.

 

“From here, it’s 3 circles. This side will probably…”

 

“Then Francis can wait here. That should work.”

 

Sitting side by side, Redian and I discussed over a spread map.

 

“I will be here at the start of the 8th circle.”

 

“Isn’t that too dangerous? The terrain has a high drop. I’m worried you might get hurt.”

 

“Master…” Redian then lifted his gaze to meet mine. “This is the 8th circle. There’s no chance I’ll get hurt.”

 

His expression seemed to say, what’s so hard about the 8th circle? But the anxiety of not knowing when and where something might happen followed me.

 

“Of course, I can’t help but worry. I’m the one sending you all to this monster-hunting competition.”

 

If anyone got hurt, I couldn’t shake off the thought that it was due to my greed. That was also why I brought the dagger, just in case someone tried to play dirty with my children…

 

“Or I could just handle the monster in the 13th circle from the start.”

 

“What? You mean to take on the highest point monster by yourself?”

 

“Yes. While the other Norma covers my back, we can quickly aim for the high points.”

 

But… As much as it was a strategy to score the highest points in the shortest time, I wasn’t keen on it.

 

“By the way, how’s your palm?”

 

“It has healed quite a bit.”

 

I suddenly remembered the wound on Redian’s palm.

 

“Let me see.”

 

I naturally pulled his hand towards me. Thankfully, the wound on his palm seemed to be healing.

 

“It must have been painful. I’ll treat it for you tonight.”

 

But this time, his skin was red and swollen due to holding the Astra continuously.

 

“How long have you been training these days?”

 

“Not too long.”

 

As I looked down at Redian’s hand, something occurred to me to ask. “By the way, were there any problems on your way back after finishing training?”

 

“…Problem?”

 

“Some crazy person was ranting about a devil in the west building.

 

Redian murmured, “Ah,” under his breath. “I went straight to my quarters.”

 

His blue eyes were clear and tranquil.

 

“I’m not familiar with the mansion’s layout, so it’s hard to find my way when it gets dark.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

It seemed unlikely it was Redian after all. If he had trouble finding his way in the dark, how could he have possibly followed Jeff?

 

“We don’t have to be the winner, so don’t overexert yourself. If you feel it’s too dangerous, immediately—”

 

“No. If Master said to win, I will win it.” Redian’s response was swift and determined.

 

Really, not much time left now.  I felt a peculiar sensation. Soon, Redian’s existence would be revealed, and these moments together were fleeting.

 

“Just enjoy it. I wanted to create good memories for you.”

 

“…”

 

I thought this might be the freest moment for Redian. Even if he became a crown prince, it would only be a choice between a luxurious prison in a splendid palace and a dark basement.

 

“I told you, didn’t I? I’ll do anything you wish.”

 

“Oh my, how lovely.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.

 

“Your Grace, look at this. Didn’t I tell you? They’re in their own world.”

 

“Indeed. Even in front of me, they act this way. If I left them alone, they might actually elope.”

 

Only then did a chilly voice reach my ears.

 

…Hmm? Ah, right. Those two were also here. The duke and Irik had been watching Redian and me the entire time.

 

“You just gave me an ointment, and that was it, but you even applied the ointment directly for Redian?”

 

“I haven’t even seen this so-called ointment.”

 

I felt a bit bad, having treated them like they were less important. I had momentarily forgotten they were together with us.

 

“I was going to share with you too. It’s just I didn’t have the chance.”

 

“What chance? You were too busy chasing me away every time.”

 

Irik, squinting at Redian and me, then said, “Sister, do you know that my carriage was wrecked?”

 

“Why was your carriage wrecked?”

 

At that time, the carriage we were riding stopped momentarily.

 

“Your grace, the minister of magic wishes to greet you.”

 

As the duke momentarily stepped out of the carriage, Irik cut his words short. “How would I know? I ran all the way to the west building and back, only to find the carriage completely destroyed.”

 

Irik muttered with a slight annoyance in his voice. “I would have been in big trouble if I had been inside.”

 

It wouldn’t have been that big of a deal, right? I wanted to respond, but… What concept is he even going for? Given the skin disease incident that Luna caused, it was impossible for Irik not to know.

 

He must have tried to persuade Luna.  So, Luna didn’t proceed with further actions.

 

I felt a pang of sympathy thinking about the anxiety he must have felt.

 

“I get it. When we return, I’ll take care of you too. Come to my room. I’ll give you ointment and other stuff—”

 

But then.

 

“…Ah.” Redian suddenly seemed to have a headache, pressing his forehead.

 

“Do you have a headache?”

 

“No.” But he denied it, appearing as if it was nothing. “I might have been a bit tired from training late.”

 

He must be really tired, especially with his severe insomnia.

 

“Did you bring the candy I gave you?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Where?”

 

“In the jacket, inside.”

 

“Good. Hold on a moment.”

 

I planned to give him a few more candies in case he felt drained during the game. As I bent down to open my bag,

 

“Wow…” Irik suddenly murmured. “Siani, did you see that just now?”

 

“What?”

 

“He wasn’t having a headache. He was smirking at me when you weren’t looking. That guy!”

 

Irik pointed at Redian, and his eyes widened.

 

“What do you mean ‘that guy’?”

 

But I frowned slightly.

 

“Redian has been suffering from headaches due to the aftereffects of the sedative.”

 

Complaining about someone who was in so much pain.

 

“Those incompetent trainers you followed are to blame.”

 

“Ugh.” Irik seemed genuinely aggrieved as he stomped his foot. “He was definitely smirking at me with an eyebrow flick just now!”

 

“…”

 

Could that really be?

 

Looking again, Redian seemed to be pressing his forehead due to a severe headache.

 

“Do you want to lean on me?”

 

“…I’m fine.”

 

“You can come closer. You don’t seem to have a fever.” I gently let Redian lean on my shoulder. “Just close your eyes and rest for a bit.”

 

“Wow, Sister!”

 

“Why are you being so noisy?”

 

As Irik started to make a fuss,

 

“Look, look at that! He was laughing!”

 

A laugh that seemed very low… That was just my imagination, right?

 

---