My Slain Dragon Bride

Chapter 60: Chapter 60

Chapter 60 - A Deal with a Demon

"It seems the humans and the dragons are beginning to catch on."

In a dimly lit conference room.

A secret meeting was underway among individuals whose identities could not even be discerned from one another.

"They’re catching on?"

"Is it because someone proposed that the proliferation of monsters across the continent is connected to the return of the Demon Race?"

"Who would even harbor such suspicions?"

"It was Escolleia."

"Escolleia? Isn’t that the gathering place of the continent’s greatest intellects, the beacon of knowledge?"

Some voices expressed concern, while others dismissed the matter as insignificant.

"When all kinds of intellectuals gather together, you’re bound to get some eccentrics. The continent’s high-ranking figures won’t believe it so easily."

"In fact, there wasn’t much support for the idea. Even if those two things are connected, they still couldn’t persuade the noble lords."

"Even so, the fact that someone connected the two is troubling."

"So what was the outcome?"

"As a result, the White Dragon Blancaros personally put the matter on hold."

"That buys us some time."

"The dragons are likely already investigating, even if the humans aren’t. If we’re exposed, we’ll be wiped out before a war can even begin."

Everyone lowered their heads in silence.

The greater the effort invested, the greater the despair when it failed.

"What do you intend to do? I think we should at least create a diversion while we still can..."

"That won’t do."

A man who had remained silent for a long time finally spoke.

His words instantly took control of the heated atmosphere.

He was the leader of this gathering.

"And why not?"

"Because that’s exactly what the White Dragon wants."

"What do you mean?"

"If we react after hearing that, the Grand Ducal Council will realize that an enemy still exists within their ranks."

"Then what do you intend to do?"

"We proceed according to the original plan. That’s the better option. If we make it look like something that naturally erupted after years of brewing, that will be enough."

"Y-You think it’ll really look that way?"

"The only unpredictable variable I have is what comes out of your mouths."

It was an insulting remark.

Yet everyone merely exchanged glances.

Not a single person voiced any complaint.

"If that’s your judgment..."

"Aside from that, are there any other unusual developments?"

"If there is one thing..."

There was no need to think very hard.

Only one human had left such a powerful impression on him.

"A man named Ferda Valdrova."

Everyone was startled by the name he mentioned.

"You mean Valdrova’s young fiancé?"

"What is there to discuss about that fool who willingly walked into a dragon’s jaws?"

"That’s what I thought when I first heard the rumors. But after meeting him personally... he’s quite different."

The middle-aged man was not only a follower of the Demon Race, but also a noble and a lord.

"I believe we may need to regard him as a threat."

"Threat level?"

"I think he should be classified at roughly the same level as Alberdo, the walking fortress."

"That seems like a rather hasty judgment."

"It took that damned butcher Alberdo five years to become such a threat. And this youngster hasn’t even served that long—"

"Which only means he’s that dangerous."

"You’ve really become terrified of a mere brat. I suppose age has dulled your senses."

They looked at him with eyes full of contempt.

He, in turn, looked back at them as though they were the pathetic ones.

Since neither side understood the other’s thoughts, conflict was inevitable.

Just then, a masked man entered the conference room and whispered something into the ear of a seated noble.

After hearing it, the noble’s expression became complicated.

"A messenger has just brought unfortunate news."

It was the bewilderment that followed failure.

"It seems the Escolleia Replacement operation has failed."

Replacement was the codename of the operation.

It involved using Dopplers among the Demon Race to replace high-ranking nobles.

Some of those present had already infiltrated their targets through this operation.

"And the one who stopped it was none other than Ferda Valdrova."

Those who had mocked him only moments ago stood speechless.

As though by prior agreement, everyone’s gaze turned toward the leader.

The complicated look on the man’s face briefly became a smile before twisting into bitterness.

Even their leader was irritated by this completely unexpected development.

"Do you think the existence of the Dopplers has been exposed?"

The question carried not a trace of composure.

The existence of a race from the Demon Race capable of disguising themselves as humans was on an entirely different level from simply having a conspiracy uncovered.

It meant realizing that the decisive trigger of a massive bomb had been planted everywhere.

After considering the situation with cold, rational judgment and not the slightest trace of hope, he reached his conclusion.

"I believe our secret will be exposed."

"Hmm..."

The leader tapped his face lightly with his finger.

"Who was the person in charge of the Escolleia Replacement operation?"

"..."

"I asked who it was."

A man cautiously raised his hand.

"I... I was in charge of this—"

Before he could even finish speaking, his head flew off.

His body collapsed lifelessly onto the floor.

"Gah..."

"Hhk..."

The thick scent of blood filled the room.

Silence and terror settled over everyone present.

"Messenger."

"Yes."

The man who had delivered the bad news stepped forward.

The leader tossed something toward him.

It was a syringe filled with black liquid.

"From today onward, you are Baron Battlehorn."

"Thank you for your gracious blessing."

The masked messenger plunged the syringe into his own neck.

In an instant, his body transformed into a black mannequin-like form, greedily absorbing the blood gushing from the severed neck.

Baron Battlehorn was dead.

A new Baron Battlehorn had taken his place.

Those who had just witnessed the empty seat being filled so effortlessly swallowed hard.

It was a warning that no matter who died, their position could always be replaced.

"Conclude all research related to the Dopplers. The days of leisurely conducting research are over."

"Understood."

"As for the remaining stock, eliminate everyone connected to the disposal records."

"Yes."

The method of cleaning everything up was simple.

Their research facility lay beneath a mountain.

All they had to do...was bring the mountain down.

***

"The Grand Ducal Council has ended. Aren’t you returning?"

Luri asked.

"Something has come up."

"Lady Valdrova will be waiting for you."

"I know. I don’t like making her wait either."

"And even so, you’re still not going back?"

"It’s important."

Important enough to make the appearance of monsters seem trivial.

It was a place that held the clues needed to eliminate the very things that had caused Valdrova so much suffering.

Luri knew that as well.

She knew exactly where he was going.

"That place is within Silverwind’s territory."

Ferda nodded.

"I know."

"Goz currently hates you."

"I know that as well."

"The Demon Race is our common enemy. But the enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend. If you enter their territory... your hands will inevitably be stained with blood."

Silverwind despised the Demon Race.

Ferda also loathed the Demon Race that had tormented Valdrova.

But Silverwind had no intention of welcoming Ferda.

"That’s why this operation must remain secret."

"..."

"It’s dangerous, but once it’s over, there won’t be any lingering consequences."

Luri’s lips trembled repeatedly.

You mustn’t go.

The words simply refused to leave her mouth.

"...Are you really going?"

"I have to."

"I understand. Then I’ll wait for your return."

"No. You should go back."

"..."

"While I’m away, your duty is to protect my wife."

Luri bit her lip tightly.

She didn’t like it.

Naturally, she wanted to refuse.

But the words would not come.

She had no right to go against his wishes.

"Please return safely."

With those words, Luri quietly departed.

As Ferda prepared for the secret expedition, he began calculating everything in his mind.

If we focus on mobility and carry only the bare minimum of supplies, even forcing a medium-scale Teleport Door should still take about a day.

One day.

Fast enough to invade an entire nation.

Too slow for a single research facility.

Moreover, the enemy would not remain idle.

By now, news of the failed kidnapping of the Chancellor of Escolleia had undoubtedly reached them.

They would be preparing for every possible scenario.

It would be nice if everyone could simply fly there at Luri’s speed while she carried them.

But that place belonged to Silverwind.

Luri had already experienced firsthand what happened when she encountered Silverwind.

Ferda had no intention of dragging her into this.

Nor should he.

This matter must be resolved by us alone.

The next important issue was combat strength.

The director of the laboratory was supposed to be a Five-Circle Opener Mage, wasn’t he?

The researchers under him were merely assistants around one or two stars in ability.

Only the laboratory director was a powerful Mage.

It would have been ideal to know what kind of magic he used and how he fought.

Unfortunately, even torture could not extract information that the prisoners themselves did not possess.

I’ll have to deal with that mage myself.

Of course, confronting him head-on was not an option.

Ferda reviewed the cards he held.

The shadow that I can manipulate without even using an Incantation.

Although it usually manifested in the form of Shadow Hand, it could also become octopus-like tentacles or even flatten itself like a sheet of parchment.

The darker the surroundings, the stronger it became.

The brighter the light, the weaker it grew, to the point where its form could even shatter.

That wasn’t what the technique was meant for in the first place.

It was Barbatos’s magic—a style centered on stealth and deception.

Rather than direct confrontation, it excelled at mind games and exploiting an opponent’s blind spots.

According to Shape of Shadow, this is considered a part of my own body.

The shadow functioned as an extension of his body.

That was how it was recognized.

Which means... I should also be able to cast magic through the Shadow Hand.

It was theoretically possible.

However, it required an exceptionally deep understanding of magic.

It wasn’t enough for the shadow to merely resemble a real arm.

It also had to reproduce the mana pathways and magical circuits through which mana flowed.

Ferda concentrated his mana into one of the Shadow Hands he had already formed.

Mana flowed beneath his feet, traveling through the black shadow connected to the ground before gathering within the black hand.

He went through the sequence of steps required to draw a Magic Circle.

Blue particles burst forth from the black hand, successfully tracing a white Magic Circle.

With this, he would be able to launch surprise attacks against his enemies anytime and anywhere.

However, Ferda frowned.

The time it takes to complete the Magic Circle is about four times slower than average.

A skilled Mage would be able to react the moment they noticed it.

Unless he had perfect knowledge of what type of opponent he would face and the exact battlefield, it was nothing short of a reckless gamble.

There’s no point dwelling on that.

Improvisation over prediction.

Rather than relying on countless hypotheses, immediate reactions were what truly mattered.

That was Ferda’s greatest strength.

Satisfied with simply knowing he possessed such a method, he lay down.

He intended to get some sleep.

Instead of burdening himself with worries over things beyond his control, it was better to leave them for tomorrow.

Then it happened.

The very moment he was about to close his eyes, Ferda’s mind snapped wide awake.

His instincts sensed something unusual nearby.

Hmm...

It was a sensation he had never once experienced inside the castle.

Naturally.

House Rosnova’s castle was protected by layers upon layers of barrier magic, superior even to those surrounding the Imperial Palace.

An intruder could never enter so easily.

But the Count’s mansion was a different story.

Compared to House Rosnova’s castle, its defenses were as flimsy as a rotting fishing net left in seawater.

Who’s coming?

Listening to the disturbance in the flow of mana, Ferda sensed the approaching presence.

A pungent scent of sulfur soon brushed against his nose.

"Hello, darling."

A seductive voice he had heard once before.

It belonged to Sitri, the Demon of Lust and Illusion.

"Get lost."

"My, how cold. Were we ever on such bad terms?"

Her snake-like tongue slowly slid across her lips as she approached.

"I have no intention of making a Contract with you, Sitri."

"I don’t have the slightest intention of making a Contract with you either. I absolutely hate your type. Hard to manipulate, and even when you do, you never stay under control."

"Then why are you wasting my time? Leave."

"Don’t be so impatient. I’m here to do business."

Ferda’s expression darkened even further.

"Who would be foolish enough to do business with a demon?"

"There is one."

She gently pointed her index finger at Ferda.

He instinctively raised both hands to cover his ears.

"The research facility you’re planning to attack will be destroyed within six hours."

His hands stopped in midair.

The information was impossible to ignore.

"Don’t bother asking how I know. I’m a Great Demon, after all. Did you really think I’d be unaware?"

Sitri thoroughly enjoyed his reaction.

"So how do you know?"

"Oh, darling. Most of the people I keep on a leash are high-ranking nobles. Big babies who can no longer be satisfied with ordinary pleasures. Some of them have even joined hands with the Demon Race."

It was more or less what he had already suspected.

The attempted kidnapping of the Chancellor of Escolleia had been proof enough.

"The kidnapping failed, and the person who was supposed to replace the Chancellor was captured alive. If torture reveals the location of the facility, wouldn’t that expose everything?"

"So they’ll destroy it."

"Even if you leave right now, you’ll still be too late. Even using every means at your disposal, it’ll still take at least one or two days."

"If we move quickly, we can still make it."

"Using that little Dragon Spawn? Sure, that’s possible. But do you really think Silverwind will just sit back and watch?"

There was no chance of that.

Ever since Ferda had stepped into Silverwind’s territory on his own while at the White House, they had already considered him an enemy.

If they were given an excuse, they would not hesitate.

This was troublesome.

Sitri had seen through the situation perfectly.

Which was precisely why she had come here to propose a business deal.

"Judging by your face, I have a feeling this conversation is finally going somewhere. Am I right?"

Sitri urged him for an answer.

Ferda’s blue eyes remained calm, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

"What can you offer me?"

As if she had been waiting for that question, Sitri slipped a hand into her cleavage.

She pulled out a thick scroll.

"It’s a scroll inscribed with Bending Bridge Magic. Do you know what that spell is?"

"A teleportation spell that connects two locations within the same dimension."

"Oh? An intelligent man. That’s right. Then you also know just how extraordinary its reputation is."

It allowed movement so stealthy that even advanced detection magic became virtually useless.

Since it connected one space directly to another, it also had lasting stability.

It was perfectly suited to Ferda’s need for a covert approach.

"Is that all?"

"If you need more, my underlings can keep Silverwind’s rabble occupied. I’ll buy you enough time to reduce the place to ruins and steal all the research data."

Instant transportation.

Extra time.

Those were Sitri’s terms.

The offer was incredibly generous.

Too generous.

Which was precisely why Ferda did not accept it immediately.

Instead, he carefully considered it.

His opponent was a demon.

Demons only made contracts that benefited themselves.

Never the opposite.

An offer this generous inevitably came with an equally significant price.

"What do you want?"

"There’s one foolish demon inside that facility."

"A foolish demon?"

"That’s right. I sent her to seduce a man... and instead she ended up completely falling for him."

"Is that even possible?"

"That’s why I called her foolish."

Sitri let out a sigh.

"If she dies there, she won’t even return to Hell. She’ll be completely erased and vanish into the void. So could you bring her outside... and then kill her there? That way she’ll be summoned back to Hell."

"What a heartwarming proposal."

"What can I do? We demons have to look after our own. Even demons have compassion."

"A passing dog would laugh at that."

Sitri was the Demon of Lust and Illusion.

Compassion was the very last thing one would associate with her.

"Oh, fine. I’ll tell you the truth."

"She’s one of my daughters."

"I see."

"She’s finally old enough to become independent... sigh... but what can I do? Her mother has no choice but to rescue her. I’d love to shelter her beneath my skirt, but unfortunately... my skirt is far too thin... and far too short."

Sitri teasingly fluttered the hem of her skirt.

"So your proposal amounts to rescuing her while helping us at the same time."

"Exactly. Everybody wins. Isn’t it a wonderful offer?"

Ferda thought it over once again.

Only one sentence echoed through his mind.

Never make a deal with a demon.

"Can you swear upon your name that this isn’t a trap?"

"I swear upon the name of Sitri, one of the Seven Great Demons of Hell. I have no intention of leading you into a trap. Once you rescue that girl, your mission is over."

Sitri answered without hesitation.

Ferda nodded.

"Very well. We have a deal."

"You accepted more easily than I expected. Excellent."

Sitri gently placed the floating scroll beside the bed.

"The time I can buy you is two hours starting now. Eight people can enter at once, and only eight people can leave. Make sure you remember that."

Leaving those words behind, Sitri quietly melted into the darkness.

The instant her figure disappeared completely, Ferda’s bedroom door burst open.

Count Consilus and several fully armed Knights rushed inside.

"Your Excellency the Regent! Are you unharmed?"

"I’m fine."

"We detected a demon intruding into your room. Please allow us to search—"

"No need. The demon has already left."

"Did the demon happen to say anything—"

"And the expedition is canceled."

"...Pardon?"

There wasn’t enough time for Ferda to explain everything.

So he simply issued an order.

"We begin the operation within one hour."

"Gather the elite soldiers."