Volume 1: Chapter 9: Questioning the Baroness_Eclipse Moon Grimoire: Lilith's Whispers

(Tia’s POV)

The rescue team has returned from the woods with the kidnapped children. A prior messenger eased the worries of parents in the village, and now everyone waits eagerly at the village gate.

Tia, Vina, and the rescued children swiftly descended from the guards' shoulders and rushed to their awaiting families.

“Mom!” Vina and Tia shouted as they ran to Sera, enveloping her in a deep hug. Sera tightly embraced both her children, almost making them suffocate.

“Mother, we can’t breathe,” Tia gasped. However, Sera did not let go; instead, tears streamed down her face. "I am so glad you are both fine. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she expressed emotionally.

Tia and Vina, although struggling, allowed their mother to hold them as she pleased. Tia noted, ‘This is the first time I am seeing her cry.’

After some time, Sera released them.

“Mother, don’t cry, we are both fine,” Vina reassured, using her fingers to wipe away her mother's tears from one eye. Tia mirrored the gesture on the other side.

“Yes,” Sera replied, standing up, but she still held onto her children with each of her hands.

Then, turning her gaze towards Kevin and Benedict, Sera expressed her gratitude, “Sir Kevin, Sir Benedict, I heard what you two did to rescue the kids. Thank you very much for saving our children.” With those words, she bowed deeply.

In a show of unity and gratitude, all the parents whose children were rescued followed suit, bowing to Kevin and Benedict.

“Everyone, please raise your heads,” Benedict urged. “It is our duty as the church to help those in need and to fight the evil cults. We only did our duty.”

Hearing him say that, everyone rose.

“Regardless, it is a fact that you helped us. For that, I thank you. I am indebted to you. I am weak and might be incapable of repaying you in this lifetime. You might also not require our help. But in the future, if ever comes a time when you need our help, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will remember this favor as long as we live.”

Then she looked at the team of villagers who went to rescue.

“Everyone, thank you for risking your lives to rescue the children. I will make sure to pay you handsomely for this,” she declared, bringing smiles to all the villagers.

“This is not over yet,” Kevin interjected. “Madam Sera, please lend me the guards for some more time. Both the cult leader and Ethan are yet on the loose. We have to try and catch them.”

“Okay, no problem.”

Thus, Kevin took the lead, forming a few groups and initiating a thorough search of the entire village, its surroundings, and the woods.

*****

After 3 days, Sera invited Kevin to the castle.

In her office, Sera, Vina, and Tia were sitting on the sofa, and Kevin sat opposite to them.

“Sir Kevin, once again let me thank you for your help,” Sera expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you very much, teacher.” Vina and Tia stood up and bowed.

“Madam, please don’t mention it. It is my duty,” Kevin replied with a smile.

Sera smiled, “I've issued a gag order, as requested by Sir Benedict, to prevent any leaks about the true culprits of the incident. The cult members are now imprisoned in the castle dungeon. Sera continued, "I've shared information about Ethan and Malachi, as demonic cult members in merchant’s disguise, with the lords, nobles, and villages in the neighboring territories, without divulging any further details.”

“But as of yet, we did not receive any leads.”

“Yes, it's unfortunate that we lost them that night. But they can only hide from here on out. They can never come into the open in their entire lives. I have informed the cathedral regarding Ethan and his group of cultists. I believe we will uncover leads in the future. It's crucial to ensure that this information remains confidential. The Marquess is currently unaware that his grandson has been exposed as a descendant of demons. We must take action without alerting them."

“Yes, other than that, I have also announced that I will be exempting the villagers from paying taxes for 1 year. But not right now. We are tight on money due to various development projects. It can only be done after a few years.”

“The reason I called you here is to ask you what kind of reward you want. I know what I can give you might not be a great deal to you, but still, if there is anything I can repay you with.”

“Then, can you answer me some of my questions?”

Sera remained silent for some time before replying, “Alright, I will answer your questions. And I will not lie to you here. This I swear on my kids.”

Vina and Tia, who are beside her, glanced at their mother then looked at Kevin.

“Maybe we should let the children go out to play?”

“No need. By always trying to protect them, I will only harm them. I will not hide anything from my children. Even if they are harsh truths and cruel realities, I will not. I believe it will make them stronger.”

“I am always impressed with you, Madam Sera. I wonder who taught you.”

“It is my mother who taught me. She is a strong woman.”

“But you always avoid answering us when we ask you something,” pouted Vina.

Sera chuckled, “That’s because it is not yet time to let you know some things.”

“Then, Madam Sera, did you kill the Ravencrest house members six years ago?”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

“Yes,” Sera broke the silence with a serious and calm expression.

‘It was Mother who killed them?’ Tia was stunned.

‘Did they really abuse her?’ Tia clenched his fist, recalling all the stories he listened to as a child from the castle servants and villagers.

But soon, he calmed down. ‘But why does it feel like something is not right? She is definitely not the type to let others abuse her.’

“Why?”

“Do I even need to answer that? Do you think they don’t deserve to die?”

After a moment, Kevin said, “No.”

‘Did she just avoid answering his question?’ Tia thought.

“Are you a magic user?”

“Yes.”

‘Huh? Mother is a magic user? But why did she not tell us or show us any magic all these years?’

Vina and Tia are both stunned, their mouths hanging open.

“How did you come to this conclusion?” asked Sera.

“If both the parents are magic users, then they have a good probability to give birth to children who are capable of magic. I had checked the records to confirm that the some of the ravencrest family members were magic users, including your ex-husband. But their capabilities are not so great.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“You must have heard about the night of the ritual. At that time, when every other kid was crying, Tia and Vina bravely foiled the ritual. Even we were unable to move under the demon's pressure. It's not possible unless they have a powerful ancestor whose bloodline they inherited, surpassing that of a demon knight. Their bloodline purity must also be recognizable by magic, making it impossible for them to lack magical capabilities, making it likely for you to possess magical abilities.”

“I see.”

“Then why did you remain unknown and suffer?”

Sera smiled sadly while conjuring an item in her hands. It was a strange triangular white rock in the shape of a broken sculpture.

Kevin said while widening his eyes, “Is it…”

“Yes, this is the item I inherited from the tower.”

“I see. I understand.” Kevin shook his head in disappointed.

“Teacher, what is it?” asked Tia, unable to hold his curiosity.

“The children who are around the age of 8-12 years, are sent to the magic towers created by gods during ancient times. There it is determined if a child is capable of using magic or not. If that child’s potential is great, or if any god or angel has taken a liking to them, then they might receive a blessing or some special skills or knowledge or may be an artifact or a weapon like a holy sword. But such people are very rare.

“Other than them, if the person has inherited the blood of some powerful beings such as a hero or a dragon, then they might awaken a skill or receive an item that belongs to that being. Simply put, that person receives an inheritance from their ancestor.

“Another case is, if that person clears some conditions required to awaken an ancient artifact or a weapon, then they might also receive that weapon.

In above cases, if the person only receives a gift, then it is good, but if he receives an item which is linked to their magic, then it will be troublesome.

“Because if the person who inherits the item doesn’t have the capabilities, they won't be able to use their abilities to their fullest.

“This becomes, even more troublesome if this item is bound to their bloodline. As that item is destroyed, it cannot be used and the user cannot break free from that item.

“In your mother’s case, it should be that the item she received was long destroyed, or maybe she did not fulfill all the conditions. Thus, she cannot use magic properly.

“It is possible to train in magic alone to some extent, but she can never fully utilize her latent potential.

“Even then, she might need a teacher who is willing to teach her.

“Currently, it is possible to learn in the schools that teach magic. But these schools started only 15 years ago, and large amounts of money are also required. As a result, she was unable to learn or use magic.”

“…..” Tia and vina were confused.

Kevin chuckled, “Don’t worry you will understand these things in the future.”

Tia and vina nodded.

“Madam, you seem to be someone who don’t care about power or status. You might not like it too. Then why are you holding to your position as a baroness?”

“This is what I had to do as a repayment to the countess.”

“Hmm”

“Anything else you wish to know Sir Kevin?”

“No, that’s all.”

“Then can I ask you something?”

“Yes”

“I heard from the villagers that you fought the cults using magic. Are you one of those demon hunting priests? I heard that they are very prestigious and don’t usually involve themselves in small matters. Why did someone like you come to this village? Why are you enquiring about all these things?”

Kevin thought for a moment and said, “To be precise, I just completed my training as a demon hunter. But I still lack a lot of experience.

“This county went through a large change a few years ago.

“The church regularly sends people to investigate nobles and their surroundings to check if people similar to Ethan who are the descendants of demons are trying to infiltrate the political or noble households. Just like how he tried to marry you to get the status of a noble.

“Under normal circumstances, even a newly graduated demon hunter will not be dispatched for such investigations.

“You should know that a village was destroyed a few years ago in Baron Rolland's territory. It should be your village where you used to live.”

Sera remained silent.

“After the adventurers cleared the monsters, the church investigated the village due to an anonymous report of sightings of black magic. So, after investigations, there were signs of black magic involved. But it was a dead end.

“Because of involvement of black magic, I was sent here to investigate this baronet as a graduation mission.”

“I see. So, were you able to complete your mission?” Sera asked.

“Yes, thanks to Ethan and his cult, I think I will graduate with flying colors.”

Sera smiled, “I am glad. Then, why is someone like Priest Benedict here?”

“Well, he is only enjoying his holidays in the countryside.”

Sera chuckled.

Kevin left the castle after some discussion.

In the office, Sera is alone with Vina and Tia.

“Vina, Tia, are you afraid of Mother?” Sera asked.

“I don’t understand what you mean, Mother,” Vina asked, puzzled.

“I am asking, are you afraid that I killed someone?”

Vina and Tia shook their heads.

“We are not.” They hugged her.

*****

(Ethan’s POV)

Ethan paced around the room in an inn in the village, dressed in laborer's clothes to conceal his identity. Instead of his usual luxurious attire, he chose a humble disguise and sought refuge in the inn.

“Damn, what was that last night? Is she a normal human?” Ethan muttered to himself, trembling as he recalled the unsettling events from the night of the ritual.

After fleeing, Ethan concealed himself behind trees and bushes along a narrow forest path, seeking refuge from any potential pursuers. Exhausted, he decided to catch his breath.

Meanwhile, Malachi, in a sorry state with scars on his body and injuries to his hand, was walking wearily along the same narrow path. The bleeding had stopped, but the running and fighting had taken its toll on him. Ethan, spotting Malachi, contemplated approaching him.

However, Malachi abruptly stopped upon hearing approaching footsteps. To Ethan's surprise, he observed Sera walking towards Malachi, humming a tune as she advanced with a seemingly calm demeanor.

Ethan pondered, 'The baroness? What is she doing here?' As Sera walked while swaying her hips, humming a tune, both Malachi and Ethan found themselves captivated by her presence.

Sera halted in front of Malachi, executed a curtsy, and introduced herself, “Hello, I am Sera.”

“Are you the one who tried to use my children for some worthless ritual?”

Malachi frowned, feeling that something was amiss with this woman.

“What about it?”

Sera smiled and approached Malachi. He did not move, sensing no power from her.

Then she raised her leg and kicked him in the crotch, causing him to whimper in pain while holding his groin.

Blood started to spread on his pants due to the rupture of his genitals. After regaining his breath, Malachi screamed, causing his cries to reverberate throughout the forest. Before he fell to the ground, Sera grabbed his face with her right hand and, with her strength, prevented him from collapsing completely.

“You shouldn’t have touched my kids,” she whispered.

Ethan, who held his breath while imagining the pain Malachi felt when Sera kicked him, was even more shocked as he watched Malachi, who was burly and muscular, slowly shrink and become akin to a mummy, gradually losing his life.

Sera lifted the weightless and mummified corpse of Malachi, she threw him with all her force, causing her sleeve to tear and sending his remains deep into the woods. Then she turned around, leaving the scene while swaying her hips and humming a tune.

Terrified, Ethan quickly went to the campsite where they left their carriages, grabbed some money, changed into laborer's clothes, and mingled among the search groups to enter the village. He then rented a room in the inn and hid from pursuit, not emerging the next day.

As he paced, he tried to plan his future.

"Should I go to grandfather? No, he will kill me. For now, I should hide as a worker and leave the village. Fortunately, no one recognizes me in my peasant clothes."

‘Knock, knock’

He heard knocking sounds. Startled, he shouted, "Who is it?"

‘Who could it be?’

He did not hear any reply. Slowly, he went and unlocked the door, attempting to see through the cracks when the door was kicked open, causing him to be sent flying with his face bleeding.

Sera entered the room, "Wow, the great noble is hiding as a peasant." She chuckled.

Terrified, Ethan stammered, "You, you, how did you find me?"

"Laborers do not have delicate hands and features like yours. And no laborer will pay an earthcent to rent a room in villages. The innkeeper felt you are suspicious, so she complained to the guards who came to me. You should have just slept with the laborers who slept on the streets. You are too used to comforts, and you lack common sense."

“Hey, please leave me. Please forgive me. I will not come to you anymore. Please let me live,” Ethan begged while covering his crotch.

“Why are you afraid of me suddenly? Hmm, did you see me kill Malachi? Hahahaha.”

“Ah! It seems you saw. Were you hiding nearby?”

Sera raised her hand, adorned with an ornament. It was in the shape of a naked lamia, its tail spun around her hand like a bracelet, while its upper body rested on her palm. When Ethan saw the bracelet, the lamia's eyes glowed slightly.

“What happened to your arrogance?” she said while closing the door behind her.

Sera continued, “Didn’t you want to marry me?” she said as she dropped her gown.

Seeing her body only in her underwear, Ethan gulped.

She dropped her underwear and stood naked.

“Didn’t you want to give me company down here?” she pointed at her nether region.

Then she slowly walked towards him while swaying her hips in a cat walk. Ethan is mesmerized watching her gait. She pushed him on the bed and came close to him while placing her palm on his chest, “Don’t you want to know the pleasure of the body which many did not get enough of?”

Then she slowly undressed him and continued as she climbed on his top, while rubbing her feminine core against his member, “Don’t you want to know how much of a whore I am?”

Then she slowly let his member enter her private area.

Ethan started to enjoy himself in her company.

At the closed door, sera who is fully dressed is coldly watching Ethan who is hallucinating that he is having sex with her. His body started to slowly turn into a corpse while his facial expression is that of a person in ecstasy. A faint energy from his body is being absorbed by the lamia ornament.

Sera whispered with hollow eyes, "I might have spared your life if you hadn't touched my kids. No one will take my kids away from me. No one can hurt them other than me."

----------------------------------------

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Volume 1: Chapter 9: Questioning the Baroness

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