Chapter 15

# Episode 15: Newcomer Adventurer Bern (13) – Even Demons Quail

The Aizern Empire. The capital, Karlastia. The Golden Cloud Palace.

In the innermost part of the palace renowned throughout the empire for its beauty and grandeur, Crown Prince Alondre let out a sigh.

“This is troublesome.”

[Why? You’ve got food on the table and the spoon handed to you—why not just take a bite?]

Lucidra didn’t understand Alondre’s hesitation.

To her, Blankah’s appearance was fairly commendable.

Despite not adhering to the conventional grooming typical of adventurers, Blankah still stood out, which suggested their natural predisposition was superior.

So why hesitate when such a figure approaches and offers themselves outright?

[Unless… are you inexperienced in this area? If so, I, this elder sister, could certainly enlighten you, right? Hmm?]

Lucidra’s seductive whispers, delivered in a sweet and enticing tone, were the kind that would make countless men’s hearts flutter—but Alondre’s face remained indifferent.

Rather, beyond indifference, there was a hint of disdain in his gaze.

[Hey, what’s that look supposed to mean, huh?]

“I deeply pity your narrow-minded view.”

[I swear, I’m going to kill this kid…]

“A full-on conflict with the Crown Prince, right at the heart of the royal palace. I applaud your audacity to attempt such a legendary event.”

Lucidra, entirely dismissing any menacing aura, was met with a calm explanation from the Crown Prince.

“I don’t know how things were during your sealed era, but nowadays, any family with decent etiquette prepares their offspring for such situations. They call it… sexual education—more bluntly, training against seduction tactics. And of course, as Crown Prince, I’ve undergone that training as well.”

Certainly, it couldn’t be otherwise. The royal family, tasked with leading the empire, couldn’t afford to have someone fall to carnal attractions and squander their duties. It was only natural to train and prevent such occurrences early.

Just listing the social gatherings he’d attended—galas and balls—could fill scrolls upon scrolls.

As Crown Prince, his relationships weren’t merely personal matters but fell into political realms. Surprisingly, those who approached him were far fewer than expected, but those who did engage were highly intentional.

Compared to those women who pursued him with ruthless ambition under the pretense of reversing their fortunes or reviving their family’s status, Blankah’s shy advances felt almost endearing.

[Then isn’t that ideal? You don’t risk being swayed by them—just enjoy the pleasure without attachment or responsibility.]

“You… truly test the limits of morality. You’re clearly different as a Great Demon.”

Alondre clapped, seemingly genuinely impressed. The part that irritated Lucidra the most was that Alondre’s critique wasn’t sarcastic but a purely objective assessment.

“Unless someone approaches for purely political reasons, how could I, as the Crown Prince, take advantage of someone desperate to save their mother by exploiting vulnerabilities? Such an action would be beneath even the lowest of scum. That’s not the conduct of a true adventurer.”

[Well, from what I’ve seen, most adventurers would just accept without hesitation and clean their hands afterward…]

Alondre ignored that comment.

“Hmm, I somewhat understand the situation now. ‘Adventurer Bern’ seems unwilling to abandon Blankah for others, but due to ignorance, she’s likely feeling uneasy about her standing. Hence, she resorts to ensuring their bond through a physical relationship.”

[You know, you act all rational, but your wording is more cruel than you realize, right?]

Alondre continued unfazed: “First, we must boost her self-esteem. The lower someone’s self-evaluation, the more easily they depend on others. It’s fortunate I prepared this ring. If it enhances her abilities, it might help her regain her independence from her current emotional bind. It’s perfect.”

[Hmph.]

While Lucidra thought it might be easier said than done, she chose not to voice her skepticism and remained silent.

Not because she wanted Alondre to taste his own medicine for ignoring her.

That was definitely not it.

Beyond the inherent limitations of her succubus nature, Lucidra, as a Great Demon with her own unique identity, would never be so petty.

Perhaps.

***

“I’ll do anything.”

After Blankah’s bold declaration, Bern stood in silence, staring at her for what felt like an eternity.

As the silence stretched, Blankah began trembling with anxiety and restlessness.

The more she tried to suppress it, the more pronounced her trembling became. Her heartbeat accelerated, to the point that dizziness began to overwhelm her.

Had she been too explicit?

Was Bern now scornfully viewing her as a promiscuous woman?

Would it have been better to keep quiet and remain passive?

Amid the chaos in her mind, Bern’s hand finally reached out, his fingers gently brushing Blankah’s shoulder.

Expecting the worst, Blankah mentally braced herself, but instead of removing her clothing, Bern carefully adjusted the fabric of her clothes.

Relief washed over her, followed quickly by deeper disappointment.

Misinterpreting Bern’s actions as rejection, Blankah spoke with a bitter smile:

“I’m sorry. I must have burdened you unnecessarily.”

“Not quite. At least I now understand Blankah’s resolve better. This has been a good opportunity to gauge her determination.”

Reaching into his coat, Bern produced a ring, extending it toward Blankah.

Confused, Blankah blinked, unable to comprehend the meaning behind his gesture.

Bern explained:

“I’ve been thoughtful about this. Whether I should give you this… It’s something I can’t use myself, but it’s far too valuable to hand over carelessly. If its existence became widely known, it would cause great unrest.”

“What is it exactly?”

Blankah doubted her ears.

Had anyone else but Bern mentioned it, she might’ve dismissed it as a scam with a derisive laugh.

It was that absurd.

Magic was precious, requiring resources far beyond the average civilian’s means, even for the most rudimentary spells.

But tools or techniques that directly influenced one’s magical power—such as its amount, quality, or recovery speed—went beyond even that.

While the former could be acquired by those with enough wealth, the latter was something no amount of money could buy.

Why? Because the latter was hoarded jealously by the world’s ruling elite, who sought to keep it out of public hands.

Take, for instance, magical cultivation techniques. Owning one of these was akin to holding the key to power itself, determining the might and standing of one’s entire lineage.

With cultivation methods, an ordinary soldier could harness their latent magical abilities to enhance their physical capabilities. Those already adept in magic could perform extraordinary feats, such as manifesting sword qi.

While not everyone benefited maximally from cultivation methods due to inherent limitations, the opportunity for even modest growth represented an invaluable advantage.

This explained why even superhuman entities like aristocrats, who could command vast armies, refrained from challenging the ruling class. The aristocracy wielded the means to organize groups of such enhanced individuals—or were themselves such beings.

And now, Bern was offering one such incredibly rare treasures to Blankah.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture, Blankah could barely articulate her thoughts.

Not knowing how to respond, she posed the most basic question.

“Why… are you going so far out of your way for me?”

“Because you are my companion.”

“Bern, with your abilities, you could undoubtedly find someone far more capable and talented than me as a companion.”

“Perhaps, but who else recognized and supported me when I needed it most? I prefer to stand with those who trust and see my worth. Given the choice, I’d rather walk beside someone who acknowledges me.”

Bern straightened his posture and looked directly into Blankah’s eyes.

Closing the distance until their breaths almost touched, he spoke.

“Blankah, I am far from perfect. I have secrets I cannot share and am quite materialistic and self-serving. To be honest, my reasons for becoming an adventurer are more about personal freedom than any noble cause. Some might judge me for it, but I see no reason to apologize.”

Until now, Bern’s eyes had seemed calm, unreadable.

Now, the fiery passion within them burned so fiercely that they were both alarming and irresistibly alluring.

“To venture into hidden ruins, thwart the guardians and traps within, defeat wicked mages, and liberate the souls they’ve captured… It sounds thrilling, doesn’t it? Blankah, you’ve given me a goal, and it’s one I truly appreciate.”

Staring into his eyes, Blankah felt her own reflection blurred as if she were intoxicated.

“However, achieving that goal alone is beyond my reach. I need companions—competent, trustworthy ones who share my vision. Through your actions, you’ve proven your trustworthiness. If there’s any shortfall in skill, this ring should help bridge it. That’s why I offer it to you.”

Stepping back, Bern gave her space.

Only now did Blankah realize she’d been holding her breath this entire time.

Taking deep, uneven breaths, she replied:

“I see… I understand, Bern… I’ll… do my utmost.”

“Excellent.”

Bern smiled faintly, bid her goodnight, and left.

Even after he was gone, Blankah sat there motionless, absently stroking the ring Bern had given her.

Thump. Thump.

Her heart thudded in a new rhythm, one she hadn’t felt before.

***

‘Behold this perfect solution. No unnecessary romantic entanglements, pure camaraderie, and a shared purpose—how splendid, isn’t it?’

[Uh, forgive me for asking, but Great Demon-senpai, are you even human? You don’t seem to be…]

‘Excuse me?’