Chapter 174: Yuma (1)

Chapter 174: Yuma (1)

“Hero, are you sure we came to the right place? What’s with this disgusting stench wafting around...”

Latera, eyeing the distant castle gates with disdain, scrunched up her face in disgust. The place they had arrived at was far from paradise; it was a hell, worse than a sewer in terms of smell.

The journey here was treacherous. They had escaped through canyons and crossed several mountains. They fended off beasts and climbed cliffs. Of course, Shiron took care of it, but the betrayal felt as great as the anticipation, leading Latera to utter words she would normally never dare to speak.

“...Was this supposed to be a safe place?”

Demodras also had a troubled look on his face. Though it was uncertain what scent the half-angel had caught from such a distance, a demonic energy, unlike anything he had ever experienced in his long life, was emanating from before them.

“Please say it isn’t so.”

“Do you dislike it that much?”

Demodras asked Shiron, rubbing his arms, but his worst fears were confirmed. Shiron, with a groan, took the hands of his complaining companions and started making his way through the snow.

“There’s no choice if we don’t want to die, right? We’d even take the devil’s hand if we had to.”

“That beastly woman was already dealt with...”

Demodras couldn’t finish his sentence. Upon reflection, he hadn’t been dealt with. It was more accurate to say he was less than dealt with. The man currently leading them to hell was someone who must not die now. Demodras couldn’t help but stop at the thought that perhaps they should have killed him.

“Why do you dislike demons? You were on the same side 500 years ago.”

“...Just because we fought on the same side doesn’t mean we were close. Especially the demons, many were wary because they were completely inscrutable even within the same faction.”

“Really?”

“If we’re talking about ancient history... They didn’t understand the concept of hostages and razed every enemy territory to the ground, turning it to ash. Of course, I’ve burned down a few cities myself, but only when there was strategic gain to be had.”

“Weren’t you the Fervent Dragon?”

“...That’s just a name humans have given me.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes, it is!”

Demodras nodded vigorously in response to Shiron’s questions.

“Back then, I was among the younger, more belligerent dragons, yet still a true dragon with honor. Like the stories passed down about dragons who polymorphed to help lost travelers. I’ve done good deeds, like lifting humans who fell off cliffs back up to safety.”

“Then why did you side with the demon army?”

“...”

A pointed question. Demodras frowned at Latera’s question.

“I was paid.”

“...Excuse me?”

“It was a mountain of gold large enough to lay the foundations of a home.”

“Aha...”

“The gold was too much to refuse.”

Demodras smiled with satisfaction, thinking his justification was flawless, while Latera responded with a disgusted look.

Shiron suddenly found himself staring at a maid standing in front of the castle gates.

“Master!”

It was Encia. She waved her hand brightly in greeting. Seeing the two people Shiron was dragging along... she tilted her head in confusion. The kid on the left was the angel she had seen in the annex, but the woman on the right was someone she had never seen before.

“...We’ve increased in number?”

“Stop talking nonsense and open the door. It’s cold outside.”

Shiron interjected abruptly, feeling no need to drag out the conversation. However, his straightforward manner seemed to shock Yuma, who opened her eyes wide. Her lips trembled, and she moistened her parched lips with her tongue, as if struggling to believe what she had heard, alternating her gaze between the dragon and Shiron.

“Master, I don’t quite understand...”

“Exactly as I said. I want to entrust this person’s well-being to Dawn Castle.”

Shiron stood up, patting Yuma’s shoulder. Demodras had somewhat guessed upon seeing Dawn Castle, but she hadn’t thought their relationship had reached the point of blushing faces. Regardless, Shiron proceeded with his plan, no matter what Yuma said.

“I’ve already agreed to accept something, so I can’t refuse.”

Shiron spoke firmly and offered Demodras a black dagger.

Despite his reluctance, Demodras, having already decided, sighed and, with a grim expression, extracted his heart. Yuma, observing the pulsating gem in Demodras’s white hand, swallowed hard before turning to Shiron.

“Don’t tell me what the Master is accepting is...”

“This person’s heart.”

“Are you really okay with this?”

The question wasn’t directed at Shiron. Magic was an irreplaceable means for a dragon. Despite this, Demodras readily offered his heart, and even if the recipient was Shiron, Yuma couldn’t help but worry for Demodras.

“Is it okay for you to bow your head to a mere human, calling him ‘Master’?”

Demodras lifted Shiron’s shirt as he spoke.

“I’ve changed, just as you have.”

“...”

“Even a personality that seemed unchangeable feels different after 500 years. What was once unthinkable is now comfortably acceptable. I just want to rest now. That’s all.”

“...I see.”

Yuma watched as Demodras’s heart embedded itself into Shiron’s chest. While she was about any reckless actions, the pulsating gem seemed to merge without issue.

Biting her nails, Yuma’s internal scales tipped more towards what would benefit Shiron than her pride, which amounted to nothing. Realizing she had acted undignified, she continued.

“Understood. If that’s really what the Master wishes. Welcoming one more lodger isn’t beyond us.”

Though it was technically unfeasible... Yuma endured, thinking it was all for Shiron. Demodras, noticing the escaping emotions, eventually felt nauseated.

She was endlessly calling him “Master.”

It might have been an act, but perhaps the lengthy span of 500 years truly had an effect? Observing the outward emotions, Yuma’s feelings towards Shiron seemed to be genuine goodwill without deceit.

“Had I refused after it was already given, I wonder. But fortunately, permission was granted.”

“That would never happen. It may take time for me to be convinced, but I will follow the Master’s decision.”

“...I see.”

Demodras answered succinctly and left the room. Having concluded her business, she needed to find a place in anticipation of the soon-to-be-lifted spell. Her steps suddenly halted.

-By the way, Master, a new scar has appeared on your chest. Come here. I will apply some ointment.

‘Too much change sends shivers down my spine.’

His keen hearing caught the voice beyond the door, sending shivers down his spine.

Demodras once again found Yuma’s actions entirely incomprehensible.

Was she acting the part of a loyal servant or a mother? But the unease Demodras felt was because Yuma was doing something she would never have done in the past.

The realization dawned.

The demon’s feelings for the young man were sticky and substantial.