Chapter 036
Meanwhile, Evelina and Aria.
They quickly grasped the situation. Ah, another kidnapping. This was already the second time since coming here. Is it okay to get used to such things?
Why is Aria here?
Aria clung closely to my side, her arms wrapped tightly around me. With a tear-streaked face, she said,
“Don’t worry, Evelina! Father will rescue us.”
That’s something I should be saying.
“Uh-huh, you don’t worry either.”
Aria nodded resolutely, trying to appear brave. The kidnapper watched us with amusement.
“Yeah, if you just hand over the money, you’ll be able to go back safely, little girl.”
“What about me?”
“There’s someone who wants you. You’re going to that person.”
I could roughly guess the situation. Aria had somehow gotten caught in the net.
“Ah, what happened to Sera?”
Sera had definitely been with us, but she was not here now. Could it be that something happened to her…?
“I’ve disposed of the useless girl in a suitable place. You don’t have the luxury of worrying about others. Aren’t you scared?”
Well…
In fact, being kidnapped, no matter how many times it happens, is inevitably frightening. But the reason I could remain so calm was because…
[You insignificant human, how dare you covet my food! You think you can just take it from me?! I’ll burn you to a crisp in hellfire right now! Speak up, my food! I’ll do whatever you want!]
It’s because of the demon who’s been making a ruckus. Not only was I being treated as a sacrifice, but now I was being treated as prey.
A sigh escaped me.
Aria clung to me and glared at the kidnapper.
“I’m going to tell my dad to punish all of you!”
Aria, before that, it seems like those people are going to get eaten. But shouldn’t I avoid that? I need them to stay alive so I can figure out who’s behind this.
And in the novel, they tried not to reveal the demonic powers. Considering that I’m already being ostracized as cursed, using demonic abilities would be too much of a burden.
Is there a way to use it without it being obvious?
Even now, the carriage was racing at a crazy speed. We need to stop the carriage first so it’s easier to find us.
[Just eat them up! I’ll take care of it!]
Lucifer, who had been treating me like his honey pot just because I had given him a few drops of blood every five days, spoke up. Apparently, my blood has a fragrant taste.
[Just trust me, Evelina! Do you think I, the Great Demon Lucifer, would let those guys take my food!]
Please, just be quiet.
In fact, if it were just the kidnappers, I would unleash Lucifer, but the problem is Aria. I didn’t know how she would react upon seeing a demon.
Since she is Delint’s daughter, she would soon enter high society—would she say something bad about Alejandro?
“…How about letting the child go?”
“You’re talking nonsense. You don’t care about your own life, do you?”
Then there’s nothing I can do. Lucifer, can you make Aria faint?
[The Great Demon Lucifer can do anything. Is that child off-limits for eating?]
Other people are off-limits too. Lucifer grumbled, seemingly dissatisfied.
[If I do what you want, what will you give me?]
Next turn, I’ll give you five drops instead of three.
[…That’s a promise. You can’t pretend you don’t know later.]
Lucifer swallowed hard. At that moment, a blazing blue flame erupted from the carriage.
“What, what is that!”
What else? Justice is being served right now. I caught Aria as she collapsed. Lucifer, who had emerged from my shadow, crossed his arms confidently.
“How dare you covet the food of the great Lucifer! You’ve got some nerve!”
I told you, I’m not food.
* * *
Before Alejandro and Rebecca could find Evelina, contact came from their side. Lucifer, who had been silent for a while, suddenly appeared.
“You look radiant.”
“Ahem! I kept my promise. I saved the woman’s life. So don’t punish me!”
Alejandro clicked his tongue. Should he be impressed that Evelina had completely charmed the demon assigned to monitor and protect her?
Anyway, the important thing now was that they had found Evelina and Aria. Alejandro immediately sent knights to bring back the suspects along with Evelina and Aria.
Lucifer glanced around and then slipped into Evelina’s shadow. He’s not even a puppy that didn’t want to go home.
“Lady Regnis, you must have been through a lot.”
“Not at all. Thanks to Lucifer, nothing happened.”
Evelina whispered softly. Alejandro, narrowing his eyes, scrutinized Evelina.
“…Were you not surprised?”
“I was surprised.”
“Were you not scared?”
Evelina smiled vaguely. Then she changed the subject.
“But we caught the suspects, so it should help His Highness the Crown Prince, right?”
“…….”
“I hope this matter gets resolved quickly.”
The expression on Evelina’s face as she said that looked overly bitter. She avoided making eye contact with Alejandro, which he found displeasing. To draw her attention, Alejandro called her name.
“Evelina.”
Evelina turned her head and gazed at Alejandro. Fortunately, her eyes still held the same light when looking at him.
“How about taking a break?”
Alejandro asked in a softened tone.
“Take a break? I need to reap the rewards of my hard work for the past month.”
“Three hours have already passed. The banquet hall must be wrapping up.”
“I want to be the one to wrap things up.”
Evelina shrugged her shoulders. In the end, she left Alejandro behind at Delint Castle and took off in the carriage. Alejandro clenched his teeth.
He didn’t know why, but it didn’t sit well with him.
Why is he making that face?
Alejandro had used Evelina as bait, and she had successfully played her part. He also knew that she would be safe.
But why?
Before Alejandro could find an answer, news arrived that Aria had returned safely, causing Count Delint, who had collapsed, to spring back up.
“Wh-why is the child unconscious? Could it be that those guys…!”
“She’s just fainted.”
Alejandro replied coldly.
“More importantly, we have something to discuss.”
His gaze, colder than usual, pierced through Count Delint. The Count flinched.
“What kind of responsibility do you plan to take for this incident?”
Count Delint swallowed hard.
* * *
Alejandro is worrying about me. It’s truly remarkable progress. Though his words were cold, there was definitely concern in his eyes.
This is what true fan service is.
However, being kidnapped wasn’t exactly a pleasant feeling. That said, I couldn’t back out now. I was in the process of getting everything I could from Alejandro.
No matter how hard I worked, could any of this have been possible without the background of someone like Alejandro?
I noticed people leisurely enjoying the evening party.
Would Count Delint really lend his territory so readily? Especially during this season?
There were also those enjoying boating and returning to the outdoor party. This event would leave a strong impression in people’s minds. They could truly enjoy the summer, and the luxurious dresses and jewels designed for the season blended beautifully with the sunlight.
“…It feels like a childish complaint.”
Give and take is essential, Evelina.
As soon as I got out of the carriage, Rebecca rushed towards me. Lady Millane also approached.
“Are you okay, miss?”
“Of course I am.”
“Evelina,” Lady Millane said with a sigh in her voice. “You came here after going through such an ordeal?”
Her gaze was filled with concern, not blame. These were people I had come to know since arriving here.
Whether they were mine or not, I had become someone meaningful to them. Just that made my previously cold heart feel warm.
“You need to rest! You shouldn’t overexert yourself just because you’re young.”
“I’m really fine. Nothing happened.”
Lucifer’s power was incredible. It took less than three minutes to subdue them.
“…Your face is pale.”
“I guess it’s because I’m hungry. I need to eat something.”
Rebecca sighed.
“You won’t go back even if I tell you to, will you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then go and have a hearty meal. And make sure to see a doctor when you return today. Promise me.”
“Alright.”
Only then did Rebecca step back.
