The Devil of the Black Gem, Dolens (2)
[Why do all of us black gems always have to be discriminated against?]
“Uh… discrimination?”
[That’s right!]
Dolens’ voice thundered in my mind. I was still clueless and looked at Dolens in shock, unsure of what was going on.
[I want to serve my master directly too! Why do you only keep those wicked red gem demons by your side, Master!]
[What are you talking about?]
At that moment, Desmond, in the shape of a teddy bear, walked over. He crossed his short arms and mockingly looked at Dolens.
“Obviously, it’s because my true form is incredibly beautiful! Who would want to keep a dark gem like you around?”
[What did you say?]
Dolens shouted, excited by Desmond’s blunt words. His dark aura spread out in all directions. It was quite a threatening move.
[Desmond! I’m much more useful to the master than you!]
“Hmph, you gloomy black gem!”
[What?!]
At first, Dolens had seemed like a dignified gentleman due to his deep voice, but now, that was no longer the case.
He was letting himself get swept up in Desmond’s petty provocation and was angrily shouting. I shook my head, watching the two of them argue.
[You two have always been like this! You wicked red ones! All you do is fawn over the master…!]
[What? Is that everything you have to say?]
Now Desmond was also getting worked up, and from his teddy bear form, a hazy red aura began to pour out. Desmond, with his fire attribute, gave off a hot feeling from his energy. Even if demons lived for thousands of years, they never change in their narrow-mindedness. I clicked my tongue and walked up to them. I needed to stop this ridiculous fight.
“Enough, if you keep this up, someone will come.”
[But…!]
[But master…!]
“If you keep this up, I’ll cancel the contract or not make it at all.”
[….]
[….]
At my words, both demons instantly quieted down. The threat of breaking the contract was like a magic word that sealed their mouths.
“Hmm, Dolens. First, I’m sorry.”
[….]
“I’m still young, and if I make a contract with you directly, it could become dangerous.”
[That’s…]
Only then did Dolens seem to realize that I was a child and looked flustered. He seemed like he had lost his senses when he saw a potential contract.
[I too, am sorry, Master. I got too excited and didn’t notice your condition.]
“Instead, I promise. When I grow up, I’ll make a contract with you directly!”
[Is that really true?]
“Of course!”
I nodded enthusiastically, not lying. I wasn’t making this promise out of nothing. The only reason I needed Dolens’ help was to help Dantellion win his duel against Cedric.
If that goes well, and Dantellion successfully ascends to the throne, and if Veronica and Cedric can divorce, that would be enough for me.
When I grow up, have more mana, and become stronger, I’ll be able to make a contract with Dolens directly. It seemed like he had been neglected for so long, so he probably had a lot of pent-up feelings.
[Hmm, hmm. If the master says so, I can’t be angry.]
“Thank you, Dolens.”
[No. I feel ashamed showing such an unsightly side to my master.]
I smiled contentedly as Dolens became quiet again. Then, I turned to Desmond.
“Desmond, you should stop too. Don’t go picking fights with the others.”
[Why do you always say something to me!]
“Ugh.”
[Waaah, it’s too much! Master…]
I scolded Desmond for speaking ill of Dolens, but I knew that saying these things wouldn’t change him.
It couldn’t be helped. If I had to, I would intervene in these petty arguments. It was unavoidable when dealing with demons who were more childish than actual children.
“Ah.”
Then suddenly, my curiosity about Dolens’ abilities flared up. I asked while looking at him.
“By the way, what’s your ability?”
[My ability?]
“Yeah.”
Since he wasn’t the same kind of gem as Desmond, Vivi and I didn’t really know what Dolens’ abilities were. Looking at him, Dolens immediately answered.
[My ability is a little unique.]
“Really?”
[I can steal other people’s abilities.]
“…Huh?”
Vivi and I were both shocked. He could steal others’ abilities?
“Explain more.”
Dolens continued.
[Normally, it’s easiest to copy magic, but other abilities work as well. If my opponent is a sorcerer, I can use all of their spells. However, I need to experience it firsthand and absorb their ability. My gem absorbs the power.]
“If you absorb it, can you avoid an attack at least once?”
[Well, it wouldn’t be perfect. But I can prevent the owner from dying.]
“…!”
This was a powerful ability!
Not only could he block an attack, but he could also copy it and return it. It was like a cheat ability.
‘With this, Dantellion should be able to defeat Cedric.’
No matter how much Cedric was superior to Dantellion, if he kept absorbing every attack and countering it with the same power, Cedric would be caught off guard.
Even though Dantellion would be buffed as the main character, using Dolens’ ability would leave Cedric with no way out.
“Dolens, that’s amazing!”
[Hmm, is that so?]
“Yeah! This will be a huge help!”
[Haha, I’m glad the master is happy.]
Dolens responded with a proud voice. Now, Dolens looked so cute. What a little bundle of joy.
“Ah, but don’t you need a body to manifest?”
Other demons had been so noisy about that, so I asked, confused. Dolens hadn’t said anything about it until now.
[No need. I’m fine as long as I’m in the gem.]
“What? Really?”
[Yes. In fact, if I were to enter another body now, I would probably feel uncomfortable.]
“Well then…”
It was surprising to hear such a different response from the other demons. But honestly, I liked it this way. If Dolens had his own body, it would be complicated to explain to Dantellion.
‘Now, how should I give Dolens to Dantellion?’
If I were to be honest about Dolens, I’d have to admit I made contracts with demons.
That would let Veronica and others know. If they found out I had made contracts with demons and was scheming, they would definitely think poorly of me.
‘That can’t happen.’
I shook my head. Even if no one else knew, it would break my heart if Veronica, with her beautiful red eyes, looked at me coldly.
And if she’s as sharp as I think, she might figure out I’m not her real daughter.
“Hmm…”
[Master, what’s troubling you?]
“Well…”
Dolens asked as he noticed my hesitation.
Maybe with his experience, Dolens could offer a solution. I quickly shared my worries with him.
[Hehe, don’t worry about that.]
“Huh?”
[Master, just naturally gift me to your agent. After that, I’ll handle the rest.]
“Oooh.”
As expected of Dolens. He was so reliable. I nodded, looking at him with trusting eyes.
[Hmph, you sure are a flashy one.]
Desmond muttered beside us. He didn’t seem happy that I trusted Dolens more.
“Don’t sulk, Desmond. You’ve been helpful enough.”
[Really?]
[Master! What about me? What about me?]
“Hey, hey, stop pulling on me.”
The demons immediately clung to me, pestering me, but I just smiled, feeling content.
Everything was going smoothly.
The next day, I begged Veronica to take me to the palace to meet Dantellion.
Meeting the crown prince on the same day—it was something only Winston could have arranged.
I tightly held the black brooch with Dolens inside, carefully wrapped up.
“Hehe, is that a gift for His Highness?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’m jealous. I want a gift from Diana too.”
“…”
Soon, I planned to give Veronica a gem as well. A very red and beautiful one.
I secretly smiled and held Veronica’s hand as we walked. Soon, we stopped before the heavy, extravagant doors.
“Please enter, Princess and Young Lady.”
“Thank you.”
Since we were esteemed guests, the chamberlain of the Crown Prince’s palace came out personally to greet us. He opened the door with a polite gesture.
“We will meet with His Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“We will meet with His Highness, the Crown Prince!”
Just like when I first met Dantellion, I awkwardly followed Veronica’s lead and made my formal greeting. At that moment, a clear laugh echoed above us..
