NOVEL NEXT Chapter 70
Chapter 70
Nahun, who had shown the treaty to the vampire lord Alberon following him, left him the instruction to send some of his forces to the 69th floor of the Demon King Castle within a week. Then, upon returning to the Demon World with Veronica, he did not head straight to the 69th floor but instead made his way to the 70th floor first.
“Nahun! Welcome!”
He had contacted Bernet in advance and confirmed that he was on the 70th floor. Bernet welcomed Nahun with a bright smile. After exchanging simple greetings, Bernet asked Nahun.
“Uh, Nahun, is the child behind you… a member of the Moon Clan?”
“That’s right.”
“It’s fascinating to see a member of the Moon Clan set foot in the Demon World.”
“This one was chased out by the clan.”
“Oh…”
“Of course, the clan will soon be entering the Demon World on a large scale.”
“Really?”
Nahun was purposefully leaking information to Bernet, who traveled throughout the Demon World, hoping that this story would spread to the hidden minority tribes scattered across the realm.
“We formed an alliance with the Primordial Moon. Some members of the Moon Clan will join the Debata forces.”
“An alliance with the Primordial Moon… impressive. I can’t keep up with your cunning, Nahun.”
“Enough with the flattery.”
Nahun moved further inside the shop, and Bernet followed behind. Veronica was turning her head from side to side, unable to take her eyes off the fascinating items.
Nahun chuckled at the sight, reminded of Seere from his childhood. He then asked Bernet.
“Business is going well these days?”
“Yes, my shop has already reached the top ten in the Demon World. This is all thanks to you, Nahun.”
“I can expect a decent profit this time.”
“You will surely be satisfied. But is there a reason you sought me out separately?”
“I’m going to buy a gift.”
“A gift?”
“For Seere. I feel like she’ll sulk if I don’t bring something back.”
Bernet tilted his head but understood Nahun’s intentions for the moment.
“Isn’t the princess turning thirteen soon?”
“That’s right.”
“In that case, it would be better to get something beautiful rather than childish. Something mature that a woman would wear…”
Bernet moved ahead for a moment. Nahun figured he would choose items on his own, so he watched Veronica exploring the goods.
“Don’t steal anything.”
“Oh, I won’t!”
“If you see something you want, I’ll buy it, so put down what’s in your pockets.”
“…”
Veronica cautiously took out an expensive-looking necklace from her pocket after hearing Nahun’s words. How long had she lived outside to be so bold as to steal like that?
‘It seems I need to give her some lessons in character.’
Nahun warned Veronica sternly.
“If you want something, don’t steal it; ask me first. Got it?”
“…Yes.”
“So, you wanted that necklace?”
“Huh? No…? I just thought it looked expensive.”
Nahun narrowed his eyes, feeling quite incredulous. Veronica quickly realized what his gaze meant and hurriedly put the necklace back, apologizing.
“I-I’m sorry!”
“Then, you want nothing?”
“Of course not!”
“No need to force it out… I can buy it for you later if it’s not urgent.”
Veronica’s eyes went wide at his words. Nahun smirked and said with a grin.
“Why? Does that sound like a lie?”
“No… no!”
“Feel free to look around some more. If you find something you want, just say it. I’ll buy it.”
“Yes…”
From that point, Veronica began to examine the items more seriously. Shortly after, Bernet returned with several items in hand.
“Didn’t you mention before that you liked shiny things, Your Highness?”
“Indeed.”
“How about this?”
Bernet showed a brooch. The design and stone of the brooch seemed nice, but Nahun felt something was missing, prompting him to ponder.
“It’s simple, which is good, but… do you have anything else?”
“Anything else…?”
Among the items he had brought, Bernet showed one more. This one seemed to be better suited than the brooch.
What Bernet presented was a small, intricately designed hairpin, adorned with a blue stone and framed in silver. Imagining Seere wearing it in her hair made Nahun believe it would be quite fitting.
The blue stone reminded him of Seere’s eyes, and the beautifully crafted silver butterfly and pin exuded elegance.
“I’ll take this.”
“Are you sure?”
“Show me something else. I might buy a few more.”
“Understood. Should I process the payment as usual?”
“Yes.”
Though Nahun looked at the items Bernet showcased, nothing captured his heart quite like the hairpin he had initially chosen. He decided to keep the gift for Seere as a single item and turned to the side.
“Veronica, let’s go if you don’t want anything.”
“I-I want this.”
“Hmm?”
Veronica was holding the brooch—the very one Nahun had dismissed moments earlier—which seemed to appeal to her.
“Bernet, add this to the purchase.”
“Got it. Would you like it wrapped?”
“Just the hairpin, please.”
“Of course.”
When Veronica realized that Nahun was genuinely buying her the brooch, her eyes widened in surprise. Nahun couldn’t help but chuckle at her expression.
“You didn’t think I’d really buy it, did you?”
“Well… I haven’t known you long.”
“What does that matter? We’re all part of the same forces now.”
“Part of the family?”
“Not by blood, but as loyal subordinates to Seere, we are indeed a family. Besides, you’re still young, so I can indulge you a little.”
Veronica was taken aback by his unreciprocated kindness. After being banished by her clan, she had not encountered anyone who showed such unconditional goodwill before. Those who approached her with kindness often had ulterior motives.
Some were attracted by the rarity of her clan, while others were drawn to her beauty. Behind well-packaged kindness often lay various agendas.
However, Nahun… of course, did have a reason. Yet, since it was too embarrassing to call it an exchange, Veronica found it all the more bewildering.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t you like it?”
“Ah… no? I do like it.”
“Then come here; I’ll put it on you.”
“Ah, okay…”
Unfamiliar with how to wear a brooch, Veronica watched Nahun’s actions with slight confusion. Nahun opened the pin of the brooch and fixed it to her clothing. Seeing the brooch attached to her chest area, Veronica gazed at it with wonder.
“That’s also a kind of accessory. Not just necklaces and rings are accessories, you know?”
“Ah, I know that…”
“Is that so?”
Nahun suddenly remembered something he hadn’t thought of before. It was something he should have known, yet he forgot and had not asked.
“By the way, how old are you?”
“Me? Eleven years old.”
“Huh?”
Surprisingly, there wasn’t much age difference between her and Seere—only a year. But in appearance, there seemed to be a gap of about four or five years.
“Is the growth of the clan typically slow?”
“I’m not sure. But why do you ask? Are you going to… grow me and eat me…?”
“Don’t talk nonsense like that, especially not in front of Seere.”
“Okay?”
“It’d be better for your future if you didn’t.”
Feeling Nahun’s sincerity in his advice, Veronica could only nod.
—
“Alright, Your Highness. Now, try to turn over there.”
“Oh, okay.”
Today, Seere was practicing dance as part of her education, following Leah’s instructions flawlessly. She had great focus and learned quickly, making it enjoyable for Leah to teach her.
However, at that moment, someone interrupted Seere’s concentration abruptly.
“Your Highness!”
“Wah!?”
Just as she was about to lose her balance while turning, Seere recovered thanks to her unique physical instincts and looked up nervously. Leah also narrowed her eyes as she regarded the intruder.
“Oh… were you practicing?”
It was Cecili. She awkwardly scratched her cheek as she entered, and Seere asked her.
“What brings you in so suddenly?”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. Still, I thought I should let you know that Nahun has returned.”
“…Huh?”
Seere’s eyes widened, and she stood up straight. She quickly ordered Leah.
“Class is over for today.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Leah immediately understood the reason for Seere’s abrupt decision to end the class after hearing the news.
“Oh, you can continue your lessons if you want.”
“Hmm?”
“Nahun said he would come here anyway.”
“…He’s coming, the Teacher!?”
Seere adjusted her dress that had gotten crumpled from her earlier misstep. Then she regained her posture and looked at Leah.
“Let’s begin again quickly, Leah!”
“……Yes, Your Highness.”
Leah found the situation somewhat amusing, but she resumed clapping in rhythm. Seere attempted to turn once more…
Thud!
She couldn’t complete the turn. If it were just an accident, that was understandable. But this fall felt somewhat manufactured.
The moment both Leah and Cecili looked on in surprise, Seere suddenly raised her head and stared at the door.
Following Seere’s gaze, Leah and Cecili spotted a man. He looked extremely flustered at witnessing Seere trip.
“Se-Seere!? Are you alright?”
“Ah, Teacher…!”
It was Nahun. Upon entering, he saw Seere falling and rushed to grab her hand to lift her up.
“Hehe… thank you.”
“No, are you really okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Did you have a good trip?”
“Yeah, it went well.”
Nahun might never fully comprehend it, but Leah and Cecili, who had witnessed the earlier events, couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Cecili then whispered to Leah.
“Did the maid instructor teach him this?”
“I did say that invoking a man’s sympathy is one way to seduce him…”
Little did they know it would be used this way. To fall on purpose just because Nahun was coming. Seere, still being quite cute, sometimes surprised them with her cleverness.
At that moment, Seere, who had been smiling, suddenly discovered something and gnashed her teeth. Nahun, caught off guard by her sudden change, felt bewildered.
“By the way, Teacher.”
“Uh… yes?”
“What’s that girl?”
At the term “girl,” Leah and Cecili finally noticed the little girl who had entered with Nahun. Upon seeing the ash-gray hair and reddish-pink eyes, they recognized at once what clan she belonged to.
They could easily imagine what might transpire if this continued. Before Seere’s jealousy passed a breaking point, Cecili quickly chimed in.
“It seems Nahun has succeeded.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You went to the vampire clan, right? That girl is also from the vampire clan.”
“Ah?”
Cecili’s clever response earned Leah’s silent admiration. However, someone was about to ruin her heroic save.
“Ah, I did wake the progenitor and managed to form an alliance. I brought back the treaty too. But I picked her up separately.”
“…Huh?”
It was Nahun.
—
Seere clenched her fist tightly. As she barely controlled her exploding jealousy, her voice trembled slightly, but she had to speak.
“Y-You picked her up? You’re saying the Teacher picked up that girl?”
“Yeah, but… why?”
“Why on earth did you bring a girl home!?”
“Hmm?… I plan on using her as one of your subordinates. More specifically, I thought she might be useful when creating the future legion.”
“…Huh?”
Nahun spoke plainly.
“This child was expelled from her clan. Veronica, come here.”
At Nahun’s call, Veronica stepped forward and faced Seere. Although the two were only one year apart, there was a significant height difference, as Veronica was from a clan that grew slowly compared to the swiftly maturing Demon King.
“Ah, hello, Your Highness. My name is Veronica.”
When Veronica introduced herself and looked up shyly, Seere immediately frowned at the sight. With Veronica’s actions showing her unease, she instinctively moved closer to Nahun, which only served to fuel Seere’s anger further.
“How is someone like her meant to serve as my subordinate, Teacher?”
“She may seem nothing special now, but she will definitely become an exceptional talent.”
“How would you know that…?”
The question Seere was about to ask was an absurd one, and she realized it, closing her mouth.
The two humans, Dain and Eri, whom Nahun had brought in a similar fashion, had become quite useful in just five years.
“…Is this child of the Lord’s lineage?”
“Not in that sense.”
“Then how can you be so sure?”
She had seen it in a game. It was impossible to say that. So, Nahun awkwardly replied.
“I’ll call it Teacher’s instinct.”
“…Instinct, huh.”
While she might not trust anyone else’s instinct, she could trust Nahun’s. He had mostly brought about favorable outcomes. Seere also knew that among what Nahun referred to as “instincts,” there were some excuses being made.
Though she couldn’t fathom the reasons for hiding that, it didn’t concern her negatively. But this was a different matter altogether.
It was hard for Seere to accept that Teacher had brought in such a pretty, cute little girl and deemed her a talent. Pouting slightly, Seere spoke to Nahun.
“Three years.”
“Hmm?”
“If I don’t see results in three years, can I decide what to do with her? After all, you brought her in as my subordinate.”
“Th-Three years?”
Nahun was also taken aback. Three years was far too short. Veronica currently lacked any foundational skills, meaning she would have to start from scratch—and since she was of the Moon Clan, her physical growth would be slow.
Expecting achievements within three years was simply unreasonable.
“What kind of results do you mean?”
“She should at least be on par with those humans you’re training.”
“That’s…”
“No way.” If asked whether Veronica would match Dain and Eri in three years, the answer was absolutely not. In terms of talent, they were superior to her. They were the closest companions of the Hero, after all.
“Three years is too short.”
“…Are you siding with her?”
“Siding? I’m being objective. You know it’s unreasonable too, so why are you being stubborn?”
Nahun, feeling confused, laid out the facts, but Seere glared at him sharply.
Then she muttered to herself.
“Despite saying I’m your only pupil…”
“I’m not saying I’m going to teach her…”
“In the end, you’re saying you’ll support her, right?”
“……”
Nahun let out a slight sigh. As the atmosphere turned odd, Cecili stepped in to speak.
“Now, now, Nahun? You should first relax and recover from your journey. And Your Highness…”
“Veronica.”
Nahun didn’t heed Cecili’s words but instead focused on Veronica, who was looking back into his golden eyes.
“Can you get strong within three years?”
“Me? I… doubt it.”
It was a given that Veronica couldn’t be confident about that. After she hesitated and couldn’t respond immediately, Nahun continued.
“Then I’ll just have to teach you.”
“…Teacher!?”
Seeing Seere’s surprise, Nahun spoke calmly.
“I’m not hoping you get stronger in these three years without any effort. To meet the objectives, I see no way other than me teaching you, so what should I do?”
“Surely you don’t need to go so far as to make her one of my subordinates.”
“I have to.”
Nahun was resolute. It wasn’t easy to find potential at the lord-level where the powerhouses gathered. Nahun had taken down the Lord set, but he was a Great Demon and, by the progenitor’s words, the strongest in hell.
It had only been possible because he possessed such power, and the Lords leading the Moon Clan couldn’t be disregarded. However, Seere, who was unaware of this fact, couldn’t accept it.
“…Why?”
“Do you know why I went to meet the vampire clan? It’s for force enhancement. If you want the army of Seere von Debata not to fall behind the Gremony descending from above, that’s what we’ve discussed thoroughly before.”
Nahun continued.
“This is about recruiting talents for that purpose. I see potential in this child. That’s why I intend to assign her to your army. Otherwise, why would I bother bringing Veronica along? I truly have no idea why you’d feel displeased, Seere.”
Nahun recalled Seere’s earlier comments and continued speaking.
“I understand your claim that results must be shown. But three years is out of the question. Even those whom you use for comparison, Dain and Eri, took five years to reach that level. Yet asking a vampire clan member, who grows slowly, to show results in three years is absurd.”
Seere lowered her gaze slightly. Then she looked at Veronica. The girl before her seemed quite weak, leaving her wondering where the potential lay.
Unable to grasp why Nahun wanted to bring her in, Seere’s mood turned sour.
Eventually, Seere sulked.
“…Do what you want, Teacher. Teach if that’s what you want, and assign her as mine if that’s your decision.”
“Seere?”
“Leah, I’m finished with class for today. And as for matters of duty… I need a little break.”
Seere brushed past Nahun and left the room. Veronica looked up at Nahun in confusion, but he looked just as bewildered.
“Nahun, go to your room and rest. We’ll talk to the Princess. And Veronica?”
“Yes?”
“Nahun, can I have a room prepared for Veronica?”
Nahun nodded. Cecili exited the room with Veronica, while Leah stared silently at Nahun for a while.
“Nahun.”
“…What?”
“Veronica… does that child really have potential?”
“Yes. Leah, do you also doubt it?”
“No. I’m asking since I can’t see it myself. You’ve shown us too many examples for me to doubt you, Nahun.”
As she said this, there was also another point she wanted to make.
“However, Nahun, the Princess is also in a delicate period. While you might not have been too harsh a moment ago, you didn’t consider how she was feeling.”
“I don’t understand why Seere was upset. It can’t just be teenage sensitivity… there was something more to it.”
“…Do you not know how fond Seere is of you?”
“I know. What does that have to do with it?”
“Well, that’s how these things happen: jealousy.”
“Jealousy?”
Nahun tilted his head. He didn’t see how he could evoke jealousy by simply bringing in another subordinate whom he planned to assign to Seere.
“…Anyway, Nahun. Try talking it over later. I see you’ve brought something for her.”
“…”
Nahun glanced at the small box in his hands. It was a stylish jewelry box suitable for gifting to someone.
“I’ll bring a cake later; bring it with you to talk. It’s important for a budding teenager to have serious conversations.”
“…You certainly know that.”
“Of course. Especially if unaddressed feelings fester, it could lead to lifelong issues.”
Nahun shivered slightly. That must not happen. He had to ensure Seere’s fondness remained at MAX—the highest level possible. Otherwise, it would create issues for achieving the proper ending.
And… as Leah had said, he’d likely not considered Seere’s feelings enough. Nahun sighed lightly and remarked.
“…I guess I’ll have to check in later.”