CH 108

Do you want to change the 〈- Status: Transforming into a Demon〉 on Count Molzigat?

I realized what I was seeing for the first time.

‘Change the status?’

I wondered.

‘And why is Count Molzigat transforming into a demon again?’

I remembered the phrase that came to mind when I tamed Count Molzigat.

‘The effects of taming cause the creatures that have been transformed into demons to return to their original form.’

‘He would have returned to human form then?’

I questioned, but soon realized why.

‘When I tampered with the system a moment ago, Count Molzigat’s state changed as well.’

No, maybe someone had tampered with the system to turn Count Molzigat back into a demon.

That would mean that the one who tampered with the system and the one who turned Count Molzigat into a demon were the same people.

‘The work of an unbeliever.’

Then there was no reason to hesitate.

I immediately accepted the status change.

【Count Molzigat’s ‘- Status: Transforming into a Monster’】 is removed.

【As a result of achieving Limitless Dominance, Count Molzigat’s status is now untouchable by anyone but you.

【This effect also applies to Count Molzigat’s entourage】.

‘Now the unbelievers will be unable to touch Count Molzigat.’

I then changed the status of the others.

‘They’re all fully human again, so they won’t have to go all the way to Aphoris.’

Earlier, Count Molzigat had been willing to go to Aphoris, so maybe it doesn’t matter.

“All the dangerous aura is dispelled now.”

I called out to the interrogator standing outside the cage.

“Well, is that so? I wouldn’t mind a little more examination if that’s what the Duchess of Palesdon wants.”

“I’ve seen all I need to, and I’m sure they won’t turn into demons again, so I’ll leave you to it.”

“No, ma’am. Are you leaving me here all alone?”

The inquisitor sulked, hating being in the presence of Count Molzigat’s men so much.

I was about to explain myself again when I felt a murderous energy behind me.

“That sounds a little strange talking to my wife.”

“I, I’m sorry, come on up outside!”

When Argention spoke, the interrogator broke out in a cold sweat.

At that moment, a notification appeared.

〈Resolve the Demon Crisis Created by Unbelievers〉 has been confirmed.

【You have completed the quest 〈Hero of the Empire! (5)〉】.

The reward Hero of the Empire! buff has been activated as a reward.

You can choose when to activate the buff. The options are “Now” and “At the best time selected by the system.”】

‘I can choose when the buff triggers?’

I thought for a moment.

‘I don’t really need a buff right now.’

I’d rather have the system pick the best time.

For now, I have faith in the system, so I chose the latter without further ado.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll come back to you if there’s a problem.”

“Y, yes!”

Having appeased the inquisitor, I returned to the Grand Hall.

There was a bustle of activity, tending to the wounded and clearing away the rubble to make way.

The Emperor, commanding the scene, spotted me.

“What is the Duchess of Palesdon doing here? I surely remember that I entrusted you with the surveillance of the criminals.”

“I have confirmed that the danger to them has been resolved, and I have come to report that.”

“Then there is no chance of them causing a disturbance again? If there is, the Duchess of Palesdon will be held responsible.”

The Emperor was ungrateful, trying to put the blame on me, even though he would have had a hard time staying alive if I hadn’t defeated the creature.

‘This feels filthy and despicable.’

The emperor’s face was imposing as if he had no shame.

“Your Majesty, if it weren’t for our daughter-in-law, we’d all be reunited in the afterlife right now, so it’s not fair to treat her this way. You should honor her for it!”

“Is the Godfather of Palesdon now defying the imperial decree?”

The Emperor snapped at Catalina, who listened to her retort.

Immediately, the atmosphere in the hall turned sour.

“Of course, it is only right that I should be held accountable. If there are any problems with this, I will take care of them.”

I put my arm around Catalina.

‘Does he intend for me to take the fall for insubordination?’

If I make a mistake, it would be tantamount to Catalina and Palesdon taking the fall.

‘What’s wrong with the Emperor?’

I felt like he became a changed man.

“Good. Then, just in case, the Duchess of Palesdon will have to stay in the palace until the day the sinners leave.”

I hadn’t even answered yet when the Emperor looked around the Grand Hall.

“This goes for everyone else as well. I hereby declare a state of emergency, and order that all those present will remain in the palace for the time being.”

There was a small murmur at the Emperor’s words.

As if anticipating the reaction, the Emperor continued.

“We have yet to find the culprits who dared to break into the palace, vandalize it, and threaten the people. I will maintain a state of emergency until the culprit is found.”

“Are you saying that Count Molzigat is not the culprit?”

Someone in the crowd asked, and the Emperor nodded.

“That is what I have determined. This decision was made to protect you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

In truth, anyone would have thought so.

Turning a man into a demon was an extraordinary thing.

Count Molzigat was not a bright man, nor was he of exceptional wealth.

His family is not wealthy enough to pull off something like this.

But that doesn’t mean all nobles should be kept in the palace.

‘Does that mean he’s going to keep us here to protect us or keep an eye on us?’

What was the emperor thinking?

“If I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn’t have come to the palace today.”

“I’ll stay at the palace because I’m the Emperor’s servant, but I want to go back to my mansion right now, take a hot bath, and get a good night’s sleep to shake this off.”

The nobles grumbled softly and dispersed.

As expected, the night passed without incident.

The next day.

Everyone gathered in the banquet hall for breakfast.

“It’s refreshing to have breakfast together like this.”

“I don’t know if I should be thankful or hateful for having to go through such an experience…….”

“Let’s just eat breakfast.”

“I don’t eat breakfast, and at a time like this, I could use a little extra sleep.”

“I don’t eat breakfast either, but His Majesty has asked us to join him for breakfast, so what can we do?”

I took my seat, looking at the puffy-faced nobles.

A moment later, the crowd quieted down as the Emperor, Empress, and Calix appeared.

“The sinners have just departed for Aphoris, and all should be at peace. Let’s go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

They all picked up their forks and knives, following the Emperor as he casually ate.

Then.

Count Molzigat’s condition has changed!

【Unidentified people are approaching Count Molzigat’s party.】

【Your pet wants to communicate with you. Would you like to use the skill 〈Communicate with a Tamed Pet〉】?

At the same time, a notification pops up.

‘The one I’ve been waiting for.’

I immediately used the skill.

The skill ‘Communicate with a Tamed Pet’ is activated!

Duchess of Palesdon, the item is working!

Okay, do as I said.

Yes. I’ll be waiting!

After briefly communicating with Count Molzigat, I began to wait.

Time had passed, and dessert was about to be served.

“Is the dessert not to your liking?”

“No, I’m eating well.”

“But…….”

“Shhh. Please be quiet.”

I’d lost my appetite talking to Count Molzigat, and Argention must have seen it.

I rushed to cover his mouth in case Catalina overheard the conversation.

But she didn’t.

“What? My daughter-in-law is not eating well?”

“Lady Catalina, it’s not like that.”

“Bring me our daughter-in-law’s favorite dessert at once, or I will fast! Do you want to see Godfather Falesdon starve to death!”

The bright-eared Catalina began to rage.

The nobles roared and glared at me.

“Is the Duchess of Palesdon throwing a dessert tantrum?”

“The Duke of Palesdon must be very fond of the Duchess of Palesdon.”

“Still, this isn’t quite right.”

I felt humiliated by the chatter of the aristocracy.

‘I don’t think so either…….’

I could feel the emperor, who was far away, looking my way.

‘Please don’t let anyone see me…….’

Just then, there was a loud bang and the doors to the banquet hall opened.

“Your Majesty, we’re in trouble!”

“Breaking into the middle of a meal, what’s going on?”

The knight rushed forward and leaned over to whisper to the emperor.

The emperor’s face hardened as he heard the knight’s words.

Then his icy gaze met mine.

“Duchess of Palesdon, did you not say you would take responsibility?”