I Am the Madman of This Family

Episode 12. All transactions are prepaid (2)

It’s not the first time Keter has seen a cursed weapon like amaranth.

‘Demon sword Apophis.’

I once borrowed a liqueur owned by my godfather for a while. Like a cursed weapon, each time it was used, lifespan had to be given in exchange.

Did you write Apophis 12 times? Keter recognized the source of the magic sword’s power.

“You have both Aura and Mana properties, don’t you?”

Auras are almost impossible to transform, but they are powerful. Also, if contact with the body is cut off, it rapidly disappears.

Mana can be freely transformed, but its strength is weak. However, contrary to Aura, it retains its form and spell even if physical contact is cut off.

Apophis said that Keter, who found out the secret of Ain, deserved it, and offered to tell him in detail how to obtain the power of the void, ‘Ain’, in exchange for 10 years of lifespan.

but-

‘Nope?’

After rejecting Apophis’ proposal, Keter succeeded in fusing Mana and Aura after trial and error, and obtained ‘Ain’ with her own power.

Although he was an imperfect child, he naturally came to know Keter in the process anyway. That I can control Apophis with Ain’s power.

Thanks to her experience at this time, Keter thought she could handle amaranth well enough, and it fit perfectly.

The total amount of power possessed by the Demon Palace is far superior to that of Keter.

However, in the end, the principle of operation that expresses humans as a medium.

Humans who did not know the existence of Ain could not respond and were helplessly eroded, but Keter, who knew Ain better than anyone else, suppressed Amaranth by using the power of Amaranth against it.

Yes.

If you only know how to handle Ajin’s power-

Using a cursed weapon is no longer a threat.

‘If I had the power of Ain, there would be no reason to use a cursed weapon in the first place, but my case is a bit different.’

If you know how to handle the power of a person, but do not have the power of a person. It was only applicable to Kether in this world.

Amaranth, who did not know the truth, was just unfair.

It was good to get away from Keter and eat Tarragon’s body. Now, after a while, I could make Tarragon into a magic bullet shooter and control it at will… … .

This non-standard human, Keter, subdued herself in an absurd way.

‘The power you have is not great. But how do you know how to handle the power of the void so skillfully?’

The ‘power of the void’ is a power not allowed to humans. All records were expunged in the distant past.

But this seemingly insignificant Kether human doesn’t even understand the power of the Void, it knows how to use it.

When Keter, who had come through the storm of power, tried to bring Tarragon down, Amaranth eventually decided to step out herself.

Although it manifested itself in a terrible form that humans feared the most, Keter sneered and instead punched in the face.

Bahah!

Amaranth experienced great pain.

Indeed, it has been hundreds of years.

‘… okay. this pain… . Proof that you’re alive!’

Amaranth’s joy was only fleeting.

Kwadeuk.

Keter forced Tarragon’s fingers open and took the bow back. In response, Amaranth cursed, feeling that the connection with Tarragon was severed.

[I’m leaving now, but I’ll definitely be back. I will take everything from you.]

Then, Keter opened her mouth.

“Let’s make a deal, Amaranth.”

[…] … !?]

“You said you like to trade? I like it too.”

[On the subject of mortals… Do you dare discuss a deal with me?]

“You hate business relationships? So, should I go with the upper hand? I am fine.”

[You are bold. good night! I will give you seven arrows. Six of them are yours, and the last one is mine.]

Amaranth held out the usual contractual terms mentioned by Vulcan.

Keter shook her head.

“It is an unfair contract. Transaction is the exchange of equal value.”

[Quack. Should I accept a human transaction?]

“How about the price of destroying your seal?”

[…] what?]

There was a gap in Amaranth, which was as strong as an iron wall. Keter skillfully dug this gap.

“Yes, you. Do you want to be free? You want to escape the bow that has imprisoned you.”

[How did you do that?]

“Well, I’ve met a guy like you once.”

Apophis, the demonic sword, longed for freedom, and once asked Keter to break his shell. Of course Keter didn’t listen.

Amaranth thought for a moment and then said.

[I don’t know how you know the secret, but it’s impossible for humans to break my shell.]

“Is it possible without Ein Sof’s power?”

[…] … !?]

Amaranth thought there was nothing more surprising than this, but it wasn’t.

[How on earth do you, a mortal, know Soph, the Ain?]

“You don’t need to know, and this is the new deal I’m proposing. One free shot of magic bullet per day. If you refuse, I will not use you.”

[Not once a day, but every day? Do you mean to accumulate unused magic bullets?]

“of course.”

[…] … .]

“Looking at your troubles, it seems that being stuck in a warehouse suited your taste? okay. I’ll bury you deep underground this time. Not enough to be discovered for thousands of years.”

[Contract, no… I will accept the deal. However, the cumulative number of magic bullets cannot exceed 30. I cannot concede this.]

“That’s about it, I’ll give it to you.”

Amaranth believed Keter’s words, but did not believe them.

To believe is to bury deep underground.

What you don’t believe in is breaking the shell.

Even so, accepting the deal was, of course, cheating.

‘No matter how great you are, you are human. Humans are bound to make mistakes and be careless. It doesn’t matter how many years it takes. Your body that handles demi-humans skillfully. If I take over that body, true resurrection won’t be an empty dream.’

It is normal for Amaranth to know only the Amaranth himself. But Keter already knew all about Amaranth.

‘Pretending to cooperate with meekly. It must be that he is waiting for me to be vigilant. Guys like you are widely spread in liqueur.’

Keter said, rolling up the sleeve of her left arm.

“Come in with your left arm.”

[I know a lot… … .]

Amaranth changed from the shape of a bow to a pitch-black liquid that covered Keter’s left arm. This was clearly different from trying to cannibalize Kether.

A fairy tale, not an encroachment.

The pitch-black liquid curled into a pattern, and eventually settled on Keter’s arm like a tattoo.

The black storm that swept through the house was also quickly absorbed by Keter’s left arm, and eventually completely stopped.

Vulcanus, who was watching all this while lying on his stomach, said with a puzzled face.

“Cho, country boy. What the hell is your true identity?”

Keter answered, tidying up her windblown hair.

“I’m buying a solution.”

* * *

Tarragon’s face was splashed with water.

“Khehehe.”

Tarragon, who seemed to have water in his nose, stood up with a chill.

Everything in the house was destroyed, and just looking at Vulcanus’ stern expression was enough to know the circumstances.

“ha… … .”

Tarragon sighed deeply and lowered his head.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Tarragon was not foolish enough to force himself after failing once. Instead, he realized his own capabilities and quickly became emaciated.

Keter approached Tarragon.

A guy who tried to deal with Amaranth in his previous life and failed, and ended up running out of control.

Now that future is gone.

For now, there is no problem since he has escaped the temptation of Amaranth, but it is certain that he will have another accident.

But if you change that future too, that’s it.

“Tarragon. You are not worthless.”

Keter held out a hand, and Tarragon’s eyes reddened.

“Keter… … !”

was unique The one who listens to their story and gives them a fair chance.

Even though he was beaten, he didn’t let him test whether he was qualified to be the owner of Amaranth anyway.

Standing up holding Keter’s hand, Tarragon said, fighting back tears.

“okay. Don’t give up Amaranth. I’ll have to find another way.”

“No, don’t.”

“huh?”

“You’re not the kind of person who takes care of yourself.”

“… … !?”

Are you sick and giving medicine? Tarragon had no idea what Keter was trying to say.

Vulcanus grumbled as he tidied up the mess in the house.

“What kind of sophistry are you talking about again, Won?”

Keter, ignoring Vulcan’s remarks, put a hand on Taragon’s shoulder and said.

“Tarragon. From what I can see, you are the type who is good at doing things.”

“Uh, um.”

“However, my family is reticent and overly trusting. To put it nicely, it gives you the freedom to grow yourself, but that freedom is too much for you.”

“… … !”

“You need someone to give you orders. someone smarter than you Your brothers or your father might be able to do it for you, but as I just said, our blood isn’t like that.”

Tarragon nodded in affirmation. It was all right. Even Tarragon himself was reluctant to ask others, let alone give orders.

Tarragon waited patiently for Keter’s next words.

“But it’s ridiculous to listen to orders from someone outside of your family. is not it?”

“right.”

“Tarragon. you are so lucky It’s because I met someone who is much smarter than you, is good at telling others, and has time to spare. It’s right in front of you right now.”

“That means… … ?”

Tarragon swallowed. With the expectation that you would give me an optimized order.

Then, Keter held out her palm and said.

“This was a free consultation. The next story is paid.”

“What!?”

Tarragon was startled, and Vulcanus clicked his tongue knowingly.

“He’s not just someone to help.”

Tarragon quickly remembered how much he had. Keter’s words were worth the money.

“Keter. 200 gold is my entire fortune. How can this not work?”

Kether’s deity has already been proven. There were good reasons for his arrogance and leisure. In fact, until now, he had only said the right things, and even though he hadn’t said a single word, he was able to match his concerns and circumstances.

Besides, Keter is no stranger. A family with the same blood as you. It’s only half of it, if I had to say it, but anyway, he even acknowledged himself when he saw it for the first time.

Naive and thirsty for recognition, Tarragon had no reason to doubt Keter.

“Write. Originally, I was supposed to get 500 gold. Tarragon, since you didn’t insist on ownership of Amaranth, especially! I will allow you only today.”

“hahahaha, thank you. Tell me the next story quickly.”

“All transactions are prepaid.”

“Yes? I don’t have 200 gold right now… I have to bring it.”

“Then bring it.”

“ah… . okay.”

Tarragon hesitated for a moment. Due to the storm of amaranth, the clothes were messed up, and the blood was splattered, so it was not normal to anyone.

Then Vulcan threw the cloak to Tarragon.

“Put it on and go. Don’t get me wrong.”

“Thank you, Vulcanus.”

Tarragon, wrapped in a cloak, left the house.

Keter sat down on a chair with a missing back and said.

“Dwarf old man. Do you have anything to drink? It’s been a long time since I’ve been working hard, so my throat is sore. The black tea was all smashed earlier.”

At Keter’s words, Vulcanus replied with a meaningful expression.

“There is no water, drink this.”

Vulcanus takes out a pottery bottle from a chest buried in the floor and throws it at Keter.

Keter, who snatched it lightly, opened the lid and admired it.

“Isn’t this fruit wine only elves drink? Judging from the strong scent, it seems like it has been around for quite a while. I will drink well.”

Vulcan gave it without hesitation, so Keter gulped down the entire bottle without hesitation.

“Hmm?”

Keter, who doesn’t flinch when someone she thought was a colleague suddenly thrusts a knife at her, opened her eyes wide after drinking the fruit wine.

“Isn’t it more delicious than the 100,000 gold silk wine you ate in the crazy, lawless city? What the hell is it made of to give it such a deep yet refreshing taste? Please tell me.”

Vulcanus said as he found a chair that was at least in good condition.

“Did you finish?”

“Yes, what. It was a mouthful. Was it expensive? How are you? I’ll calculate right away.”

“I don’t know how much. It is soaked with the fruit of the World Tree and ice corn.”

“what? The fruit of the World Tree!?”

world tree.

It is a sacred tree that elves worship like gods.

It wasn’t just superstition, the world tree really contained the power of the gods, so it was a treasure sought by countless hunters.

The fruit that grows on such a world tree is, of course, expensive.

‘There was only one auction in liqueur. How much did it sell for then? As far as I remember, it was several hundred thousand gold.’

If a human eats the fruit of the World Tree, even the dying old man becomes active and his lifespan is extended.

This was a proven effect in practice, and it was a treasure sought after by grand ducal-level nobles and royal families with their eyes open.

‘No, but is this really liquor made from the fruit of the World Tree?’

Even ice corn, which can only be obtained from the top of the ice cap, costs 10,000 gold per cup.

At this point, this is no longer alcohol. I drank the elixir that everyone dreams of. When savoring it drop by drop wasn’t enough, I drank it like water.

Keter studied the inside of the bottle. I looked to see if there were any leftovers, but unfortunately there were none.

But then-

“… … !”

A change has occurred in the body.

The mana in his body, which had been calm, suddenly began to fluctuate.