NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20
Even so…
The Duke of Jabilon was the same. He seemed completely unaware of the divine beast perched on his shoulder, occasionally brushing that shoulder with his hand.
Are they like ghosts until they’re summoned?
It was said that divine beasts resided in their own domain and only appeared when called by their master. But now, it seemed the truth was a little different.
Do they just hover around their master like ghosts, unseen by others?
And only when summoned, do they reveal themselves?
The red eagle, which had been dozing off on the Duke of Jabilon’s shoulder, suddenly lifted its head.
“……”
[…]”
Their gazes met.
The divine beast, which had been staring at her silently, spread its wings and lightly flew to the table, perching there. Camilla unconsciously followed its movements.
“You can see me.”
Camilla flinched at the sound and realized the voice came from the red eagle. Her expression stiffened awkwardly.
Isn’t the voice of a divine beast supposed to be heard only by its master?
Why was everything so different from what she’d heard?
Even as she thought this, the divine beast circled her as if fascinated.
“You’re clean.”
Clean? What? Me? Well, I do like to keep myself tidy.
“Your spirit is very pure.”
What kind of monk-like talk is this? Are you some kind of cult leader?
“Zetty.”
At that moment, the Duke of Jabilon quietly called out a name.
“Zetty?”
Chocolate…
Just as Camilla began thinking of sweet chocolate drinks, a radiant light filled the room.
When her vision cleared, the red eagle perched on the Duke of Jabilon’s shoulder came into focus, and Duke Sorpel’s sharp gaze locked onto the divine beast.
“It seems I was right.”
It appeared that divine beasts only became visible when summoned. The same applied even to their masters.
But why can I see them?
And hear them, too.
They’re like ghosts, definitely ghosts.
That was the only conclusion she could come to.
“Why are you summoning your divine beast for no reason?”
“I just wanted to see it.”
“Planning to turn this place into a sea of fire?”
“I told you, I just wanted to see it. Divine beasts are the kind of thing you can’t get enough of, even when they’re right in front of you. Of course, you wouldn’t understand that.”
“Then go home and admire it all you want there.”
“You’re so prickly.”
Anyone could see the Duke of Jabilon had summoned his divine beast just to annoy Duke Sorpel. His smug grin only made the act more irritating.
And then—
Flap.
“……!”
Zetty lightly flapped its wings and flew off, landing somewhere unexpected.
Not on the Duke of Jabilon’s shoulder but on Camilla’s.
“……”
“……”
“……”
What is this now?
Why are you acting friendly all of a sudden?!
An awkward silence fell over the room. Both Duke Sorpel and the Duke of Jabilon stared at Camilla with wide eyes, too stunned to speak.
“…Zetty.”
[…]
“Come here.”
Flap.
“……!”
Even when the Duke of Jabilon called, Zetty pretended not to hear, turning its head away. Instead, it flew up and landed on Camilla’s head.
“Zetty, I said come here.”
“No.”
“What?”
“I like it here. This girl’s spirit is pure, like a newborn’s.”
“What nonsense!”
“I like her.”
“……”
The Duke of Jabilon glared daggers at Camilla, who could only smile awkwardly.
‘I tend to attract these kinds of beings.’
To her, divine beasts were no different from ghosts.
In other words—
“Shoo!”
They were just annoying.
Camilla shook her head, trying to dislodge Zetty, but the divine beast simply fluttered up and settled back onto her shoulder.
“Go away!”
She tried shaking her shoulder again, but it clung stubbornly.
These creatures really were like ghosts—once they latched on, they wouldn’t leave!
“Hmmm.”
Duke Sorpel, who had been watching the entire scene silently, smirked faintly.
“It seems your divine beast likes my daughter more than it likes you.”
“What nonsense! Zetty is the most loyal to me! Zetty, come here this instant!”
Flap!
“……”
“Right. It’s clear how well it listens to you.”
“……”
The Duke of Jabilon’s face turned beet red, while Duke Sorpel’s grin widened in amusement.