CH 3.2

It began from the rumor that the Berhemoth had turned into devils. They were regarded as the blades of the battlefield, possessing absolute authority no one could oppose. People frightened those who got through life-and-death situations and came back alive with blood covering them. Many believed they were possessed by devils.

Thus, the Archduke of Berhemoth was a symbol to fear and a name to compliance.

To top it off, Berhemoth and the Imperial family had a symbiotic relationship. While Berhemoth defended the Empire wearing the Devil’s mask, the Imperial family protected them. Additionally, there was no room for betrayal since the blood of the Imperial family was mixed in Berhemoth. From time to time, the Imperial family and Berhemoth was married to each other to solidify their bond.

As a matter of fact, Berhemoth was much closer to the Imperial family than Meyer.

And the only noble family that could compete against Meyer.

Her heart slowly beat in dread. It only quelled the moment Grace’s eyes trained to the unnamed baby.

One thing she had to do now.

Seeking a way to get Berhemoth on Grace’s side.

‘Apparently, I really am going to sell my soul to the Devil.’

* * *

Laurentia’s body was buried in her favorite hill. She called the priest, the most expensive mortician and made a grand ceremony. Although it was lonely as no one came, Grace couldn’t let go of Laurentia in misery.

“Sister.”

Grace stroked Laurentia’s tombstone.

[ Here lies the kindhearted Laurentia ]

She was only 25 years old.

25-years-old, like Grace.

Grace leaned her forehead against the tombstone. She felt like Laurentia touched her warmly.

“Laurentia… I’ll keep the promise. So rest in peace,” whispered Grace, throat choking. Hoping her whisper reached the dead Laurentia. At last, she raised her head.

It was time to stand up from tragedy.

* * *

Archduke Berhemoth.

Rumors began circulating that they were bloodthirsty Devil two generations ago when Johan Gabriel Berhemoth, the patriarch, was in charge. At the time, the rumors surrounding them weren’t as severe as they were now.

A fearful but respectful pillar of the Empire that guarded the Empire from enemies at the forefront of war.

That was people’s opinion of the Archduke Berhemoth.

However, the situation flipped upside down when he was found committed suicide in the oratory of the Archduke.

They said,

The smell of roses was dense…

Flutter–

And butterflies flying with its black wings wide open…

Filling the oratory.

Like a flower blooming in hell, the butterflies emerged endlessly from the empty heart of Johan Gabriel, flapping its wings beautifully and flew out the window, disappearing into thin air.

As for the eyewitness, they kept their mouths shut.

Still, rumors passed around in secret and people started to say he gave his heart to the Devil; “Johan Gabriel Berhemoth wanted greater power so he signed a contract with the Devil,” it said.

Just like that, people’s poised views of Berhemoth from leading the war to the victory changed into a family that was under Devil’s cruelty while their beauty was disparaged as devil’s ploy.

Rumors usually spread faster the more provocative they were, meaning the malicious story about Berhemoth spread like a fire.

Someone had declared, “Let’s kill all the descendants of Berhemoth and confirm their identity! We’ve to kill the Devils!”

For some reason, the initiator never showed up after being taken away by the Imperial family.