image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]

The following morning, I woke up inside the wagon, sitting up straight, my sleep troubled by the weight of the offer I had presented to Yarine. Doubts crept into my mind. Was I too hasty? Did my pride cloud my judgment as I attempted to undermine her beliefs at every turn? Perhaps a gentler approach would have swayed her to my side. Yet, all she said was, "Give me time to consider it."

This posed a significant problem, much like Mila's response before. Such a statement held little meaning to me, as I was someone driven by action. It could go in any direction.

Nevertheless, I let Yarine go, risking exposure. I was certain she sensed something in our brief encounter, but it happened so swiftly that she couldn't possibly identify me.

She harbored hatred, though, I could sense it within her. It disguised itself as her notion of justice, a deceit she clung to while wielding a sword.

Still, her speech about her carrying a sword taunted me. A sword is not a tool for protection. It serves the sole purpose of inflicting harm, of causing death. It is this very purpose that necessitates the concept of protection. To claim otherwise is foolish, and to wield a tool for a purpose other than what it was meant for is like using a hammer to dig a hole.

Yet, she didn't outright reject my suggestions, nor did she decline my offer. Perhaps she genuinely contemplates them...

A priestess who turns away from the light—now, that is a tale Vorner would love to hear.

image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]

I rose from my seat, departing from the wagon that had sheltered me throughout the night. Anxious, I stepped outside and was met by the guard, the same one who had instructed me to pursue Yarine on the previous night. My thoughts raced, wondering what he had to say, until he approached me with a genuine smile.

"Apologies for the other night," the guard spoke, his tone sincere. "Yarine may be a tough nut to crack, but don't underestimate her."

"A tough nut indeed," I muttered in agreement.

"But still, you were the one who managed to bring her back. We sure as hell couldn't. Every time she stumbles upon one of those stones, she ends up praying for hours on end. You can imagine our frustration trying to keep watch over her."

"She prays at these stones? Do they hold some kind of significance?" I inquired.

"Hell if I know. They say the stones were carved by God himself, and only ten of them were scattered throughout our sacred kingdom. But I couldn't care less about all that religious stuff."

"You're not a believer?" I asked, surprised.

"I am, just not a devout one, I suppose."

The guard scratched his head, an awkward silence filling the air. Then he continued, "Thanks for what you did yesterday, though. We would've perished if it weren't for you."

"Let's not forget that it was Yarine who took down the monster," I interjected.

The guard nodded, acknowledging the fact. "Indeed, she was the one who dealt the final blow, but it was your... magic that weakened it enough for her to do so."

"You don't have any concerns about the nature of the magic I wielded?" I asked cautiously.

"I don't mind as long as it means not dying," he responded nonchalantly.

A faint chuckle escaped my lips upon hearing his words. The guard's sense of humor reminded me of Alpos in some ways.

"You do have quite the sense of humor," I remarked, amused.

The guard smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "I am Yosef Pendrogo, a viscount of the Holy Empire."

A viscount? Here?

"Don't be alarmed," Yosef reassured me, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm not that important, you see. I'm the sixth son of our noble house, and my position here holds little significance. I took this job to accomplish something, but now I feel stuck."

"The sixth son of a prominent house... I see. So, what brings you to approach me here? I assume you don't simply wish to reminisce about the past," I remarked, curious about his intentions.

Yosef grinned in response. "Well, I took up this position with the aim of seeking power. I have aspirations of becoming a magician or achieving something noteworthy. You appear to be strong, despite the potentially... illicit nature of your spells. If you could impart some knowledge to me, perhaps I can make progress toward my goal."

He wants power... is that it...

"So, your desire for power surpasses any concerns about the methods used to attain it," I remarked, acknowledging Yosef's ambition.

"You could say that," he replied with a determined tone. "The ends justify the means, as long as I achieve what I want."

"Quite the ambitious man you are," I commented, genuinely intrigued. "It makes me wonder how you ended up serving under Yarine."

Yosef chuckled, his eyes fixated on a ring adorning his right index finger. "Well, she actually found me, to be precise."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"She found you?" I inquired, curious about their connection.

"As you're aware, she is a priestess and holds significant influence within the Church of Michael. Women are barely tolerated within the church, yet she stands out. Yarine is the most devout follower of Michael, and her unwavering sense of justice sets her apart. It is because of her and her devotion to justice that I admire her in some way. Any faith I have in our Lord is largely influenced by her example."

"I still struggle to comprehend. You claim to seek justice, yet you are willing to embrace the use of dark magic?"

Yosef paused for a moment, considering his response. "The nature of the practice itself doesn't necessarily define its morality, at least not in my perspective. And considering you wielded the magic for a noble cause, I see no reason to condemn you for your actions."

"You truly are an intriguing individual," I mused, contemplating his words. "However, it is crucial to acknowledge that dark magic takes a toll on the soul. It is not something that one can easily control without losing a part of themselves. Therefore, I must respectfully decline your request for assistance."

Yosef's desperation became evident in his voice as he pleaded, "Please, reconsider. I am willing to take that risk."

"It is for your own well-being," I insisted firmly. "Do you truly desire to be consumed by the darkness in your relentless pursuit of power?"

A resolute tone emerged from Yosef's voice as he answered without hesitation, "Yes, I do."

What the hell is wrong with this guy.

But I'm not one to let down an opportunity.

"However, even if I were to teach you, you show little promise," I explained frankly.

"Little promise? What do you mean?" Yosef inquired, seeking further clarification.

"Your mana reserves are almost nonexistent. If you were to attempt casting even a few spells, you would likely faint. Even with instruction, you would struggle to wield magic effectively."

Yosef contemplated this for a moment before offering a suggestion. "What if we used souls as a source of mana? How about that?"

His proposal took me aback. "Are you out of your mind? You want to utilize souls to fuel your magic?"

"Why not? We already take lives in various ways. What's wrong with harnessing the souls of the wicked to bring about justice?" Yosef argued.

I shook my head, a mix of disbelief and concern evident in my expression. "Killing a person and destroying their soul are two entirely different acts. If you happened to doze off during your studies, let me remind you that the consumption of souls, as you describe it, is the very nature of demons. Is that truly what you aspire to become?"

Yosef remained silent, but I could sense his inner desire to say yes. It amused me in a way, as he had already delved deep into the darkness, driven by his own twisted version of justice and the hunger for power. Yet, what controlled him were not justice and power themselves, but rather greed, envy, jealousy, and pride—four of the sins that had taken hold within him.

He did show potential to become a demon.

Sensing Yarine approaching from behind, Yosef quickly shifted the conversation to an unrelated topic.

"And that's why I joined with this group. To serve our lord with every fiber of my being."

"What were the two of you discussing? Yosef, don't you have guard duties to attend to?" she questioned.

"I was just talking to Arbious while we awaited your orders, but we're not on duty at the moment, remember?" Yosef responded dismissively.

"Even so, you shouldn't neglect your responsibilities. As the head of the guards, if you wish to bring honor to your family name, you should fulfill your duties properly," Yarine insisted.

"Yes, ma'am," Yosef conceded, his spirits seemingly broken as he left us alone. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, signaling that we would continue our conversation later.

Turning my attention to Yarine, I met her gaze with an unyielding stare.

"You're a demon, aren't you?" she asserted.

"And if I am?" I replied, intrigued by her perceptiveness.

"And the creature that attacked us, it was your doing, wasn't it?" she pressed on.

"And if it was?" I answered, intentionally evasive.

"You're not providing any straight answers! Please, say something other than riddles," Yarine pleaded, her frustration evident.

"What is there to say?" I retorted, maintaining my enigmatic demeanor.

Yarine let out a sigh, her expression reflecting a sense of weariness. "Well, even if it was your doing, you still intervened and stopped the creature. And even if you are a demon, I haven't witnessed you personally harming anyone. Therefore, I cannot pass judgment on you unless you prove yourself to be a threat."

I burst into laughter at her comment, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

"You suspect that I'm a demon, and I've demonstrated proficiency in dark arts, yet you refuse to bring me to justice? This has to be some sort of a joke right?"

"What is there to bring you to justice for?" Yarine questioned. "I have mere suspicions, but I cannot punish you, even if you were a demon, as long as you abide by our laws and refrain from causing harm. Until that changes, I see no reason to condemn you."

As if you even could. pathetic fool.

"And what about the life that was lost during the confrontation?" I asked, probing the matter further.

"That loss falls upon my shoulders. It was my failure to protect my own subordinate that led to his death. That is the truth, and I will carry the weight of that guilt for the rest of my days," Yarine responded with a somber tone.

"You truly are stubborn," I remarked. "Stubborn just like the heavens you serve."

"Is there something wrong with that?" she challenged. "I am a priestess after all, should I be anything else? Should I be a fragile-minded girl to give into my dark desires, no matter how tempting they may be? This is merely a test from my lord, just as I told you yesterday. I will not give into the darkness you speak of. Never."

"Very well, have it your way. Hold steadfast to your faith, be as stubborn as you wish. I have all the time in the world to wait," I replied calmly.

"You have no need to wait, my answer is final. I seek no to tread the path you have taken. I share no interest in the dark arts, be it they may be useful. I will tolerate you, for you have saved our lives, but hear me clearly, if you were to unleash another one of those dark and twisted monsters, I will not hesitate to bring you to justice. Do you understand me?" Yarine asserted, her voice carrying a stern warning.

Her determination and unwavering sense of justice were commendable, yet I couldn't help but find amusement in her resolve.

"Never said I made the creature to begin with."

Yarine, realizing that her attempts to deceive me had failed, shared a faint chuckle before making her way to the guards stationed by the towers. Left alone, I couldn't help but question the strength of Yarine's faith. Was it truly unbreakable? Last night, I had come so close to shattering it, but any progress I might have made seemed to have dissipated.

Damn it, her unwavering resolve and steadfast belief in her God and Michael were proving to be formidable obstacles, preventing her from accepting the darkness within.

As my thoughts wandered, a sinister idea crept into my mind, eliciting a devilish grin to spread across my face.