Chapter 24

The identity of the bold thing that dared to tamper with the window of the Demon Realm Northern Duke’s residence turned out to be none other than a single, innocent-looking pigeon, with a small letter attached to its ankle.

Leonard knew exactly who this pigeon represented.

“…A messenger pigeon? Was there someone who would send one of these?”

At the appearance of the pigeon famously known as a messenger, Leonard felt an ominous sense of curiosity. However, this unease quickly transformed into a pleasant feeling.

Because his eyes had caught sight of the sender of the letter tied to the pigeon’s ankle.

“Lilith Clanaein! The Grand Lady of the Western Dukedom, isn’t she?”

Leonard’s red pupils dilated like dawn breaking. Even without checking the contents of the letter, Leonard could already guess its purpose from just seeing the sender. Likely, it was about fostering harmony between families through social interactions.

The association between Lucifer Family’s second son and Lilith Clanaein wasn’t trivial. It meant leveraging the power of the Western Dukedom, which in turn would greatly aid in the succession competition. Surely, the Clanaein family must have noticed the ongoing struggle within the Northern Dukedom and chosen him.

What a fortunate turn of events. Truly, nothing could compare to such good fortune.

The rage and frustration that had dominated Leonard just moments ago melted away like snow before sunlight at this unexpected boon. Though remnants of old grudges occasionally surfaced, they were swiftly overshadowed by the monumental news.

Though borrowing the strength of the Western Dukedom might feel humiliating, what did it matter? Even if he had to share some power with them after becoming the official Duke in the future, it was far better than losing the succession battle.

In the Demon Realm, the succession struggle wasn’t merely a ‘competition.’ Why else would current dukes lack siblings? After reaching adulthood, all adult demons faced purges disguised as punishments. Greedy by nature, demons refused to share absolute power.

It was a choice between becoming the victor who gains everything or the loser who loses it all. There was only one path worth pursuing, and Leonard desired to grasp that title.

Moreover… What excited Leonard’s imagination wasn’t just this opportunity.

“Haa… That Lilith Clanaein, they say her beauty can make wyverns fall from the sky. I feel invigorated already.”

With flushed cheeks, Leonard sniffed the letter and ran his fingers over its surface—an act that might earn accusations of harassment from anyone unaware of the circumstances. But those who knew the sender was Lilith Clanaein would surely nod in understanding.

Famed across the Demon Realm for her stunning looks, Lilith Clanaein was roughly Leonard’s age but renowned for her haughty charm. Already considered one of the next generation’s key players in the Demon Realm.

Her combination of influence and beauty made her an unparalleled match. Finding someone like her might be impossible even over thousands of years.

Of course, it was too early to get carried away with expectations. He hadn’t properly checked the contents yet.

“Hmm… What is this? My hands and feet are trembling.”

Tut-tut.

Leonard’s long nails tore open the seal of the letter, revealing its true intentions. Taking a deep breath, he opened the letter with a tense expression. Soon, his face lit up with joy, as if walking on clouds.

The imagined scenario had become reality in Leonard’s mind. Overflowing with excitement, the young demon covered his face with both hands, savoring the euphoria.

Today, the Demon Realm’s skies seemed unusually bright. His heart soared so high he felt like flying freely through the vast sky. Bright prospects filled his mind.

Just as Leonard was oscillating between heaven and earth over this single piece of paper…

“Master, it’s time for your meal.”

A voice called from outside the door, dry and devoid of emotion compared to Leonard’s current mood.

“Hmm? Ah, yeahyeah. Gotta go. I should happily savor the precious meal prepared by our mother!”

However, Leonard neither scolded nor embarrassed the servant. On such a wonderful day, he didn’t want to see bloodshed—not even when recalling his youngest brother’s assassination plans. He barely felt any irritation thinking about it.

“Master, has something good happened?”

“Hahaha, does it show?”

“Yes, you usually don’t smile much…”

“You wouldn’t understand. It’s not certain yet.”

‘But soon enough, it will be confirmed, hahahahaha!’

Recalling the last line of the letter mentioning Endros Cliff, Leonard couldn’t help but salivate at the thought of meeting Lilith Clanaein there. Despite its reputation for being spooky, the location added a thrilling anticipation.

“Come on, let’s go. The food will get cold if we wait any longer.”

“Yes, and by the way, the Young Master won’t be joining us today.”

“The youngest? Hmm, well, that’s possible. I heard his head got messed up after getting hit by me. If that’s a side effect, then it’s actually great.”

‘If he became an idiot like sister, I’d have to release all the poison I’ve been stockpiling and use him as a grunt. He’s strong despite being dumb, and with Father’s bloodline, his talents shouldn’t be bad.’

Feeling generous due to his good mood, Leonard extended mercy to his pitiful younger brother, knowing it could flip at any moment.

Chatting casually with the servant, Leonard entered the dining room with steady steps. The long table was occupied by ambitious demons, except for two empty seats.

Unusual for demons who consumed massive amounts of energy, Leonard secretly mocked his absent sibling.

“Leonard, come sit.”

The eldest son, Retavis, addressed Leonard with a smug grin.

“Big Brother, is there some good news? You seem happy.”

Repeating what he’d said to the servant earlier, Leonard asked innocently. In response, Retavis tried to hide his smile while maintaining composure.

“Nothing. Let’s eat.”

“Yes, the food looks especially delicious today.”

“That’s because Step-Mother’s cooking skills keep improving, don’t they?”

“Huh? Retavis, hearing praise from you is a first.”

The second wife and Leonard’s mother giggled behind her hand, showing a gentle smile unusual for their warlike race but perfectly fitting the peaceful dinner setting.

“By the way, why isn’t the youngest here today?”

When Leonard questioned, his mother answered while fiddling with her fork.

“He says he’s unwell.”

“The youngest is sick?”

“Yes, seems he got exposed to some toxic herbs and has a severe fever. He couldn’t possibly come.”

“Hmm… Well, it’s entirely plausible. No one stays healthy forever. Perhaps going through this will be a good experience.”

‘Mom must have added a new poison to yesterday’s meal. Kukuku, revenge truly comes from the mother!’

Clatter-clatter.

As Retavis celebrated silently, the eldest daughter Adela suddenly stood up mid-meal, looking uneasy and sweating profusely.

“I’ll excuse myself first.”

“Adela? You’re leaving without finishing the meal carefully prepared by your step-mother?”

“I apologize, but I’m worried about Oscar. The food won’t go down.”

“There’s nothing serious about a little fever. Sit back down.”

“…I apologize. I must go see him. It’s mostly my fault he ended up like this…”

Despite the second wife’s protests, Adela tidied her chair and left the dining hall. Everyone acknowledged her boundless love for her younger brother and let her go without argument.

No one dared to block the path of Adela, the de facto strongest person present.

Clatter-clatter.

Clatter-clatter.

Clatter-clatter.

The lavish dinner stretched on longer than usual, much to Leonard’s dissatisfaction.

He needed to visit Endros Cliff before nightfall. He couldn’t afford to miss this golden opportunity sent by the heavens.

“Mother, I’ve eaten enough. I’ll take my leave now.”

Clatter-clatter.

Hastening his eating, Leonard cleared his plate as quickly as possible. Before even wiping his mouth, he rose from his seat.

“Ah, then I’ll also excuse myself. I’m too full, haha.”

Clatter-clatter.

Retavis followed suit, standing up despite not eating much.

“Everyone seems rushed today. Guess it’s understandable since we prepared so much food.”

Surprisingly, the second wife readily agreed, and both Leonard and Retavis left the dining hall immediately upon receiving permission, each seeming to have urgent matters elsewhere.

Watching their retreating backs, the second wife waited patiently until they disappeared completely before rising herself.

When others questioned why she suddenly stood up mid-meal,

“I’ll be right back from the restroom.”

She curtly replied and confidently walked out of the kitchen.

Thump-thump.

A female demon strides through the corridors of the Northern Duke’s residence.

Thump-thump.

Middle-aged, with a slightly bent waist and two wrinkles on her face.

Thump-thump.

Her hair retains its luster despite the passing years, flowing smoothly and shimmering as she adjusts her hairpin.

Thump-thump.

Two crimson eyes shine brilliantly, like two rubies embedded in her face. Excitement, desire, and anticipation burn brightly within.

Thump-thump.

She walks unhindered through the corridor, her steps fox-like in cunning and crisp like salt. Having passed the restroom long ago, she shows no concern.

Thump-thump.

At the end of the long corridor lies an elegant window, where moonlight flows freely. Standing under the luminous moonlight, the woman casts a long shadow across the corridor and smirks.

Swoosh.

The shadow begins to change, shrinking in size and height. Though its mouth remains wide like a crescent moon, the face transforms dramatically—a regression rather than evolution.

Swoosh-swoosh.

White smoke billows like a cigar cloud. Her long hair shortens, and the wrinkles on her skin tighten. With each transformation, the smoke rises evaporating toward the towering ceiling of the duke’s mansion.

Pop!

In the end, a boy stands there, wearing white gloves. His hair is so short it doesn’t cover his ears, and his back is straight.

Basking in the blue moonlight, the boy relishes the thrill.

“Whew! Almost got caught there! Lucky the meal finished just before my disguise wore off—otherwise, I would’ve been discovered! Isn’t it too long for dinner? Long dinners aren’t good either, though short ones aren’t either!”

Unlike someone who just escaped danger, the boy beams like a sunflower in full bloom.

“Haaa… So fun, incredibly fun. If I’d been found out, what would’ve happened? Straight to the Demon Trial, probably. Then prison… Good thing I wasn’t caught! Prison again would’ve been unbearable! Unless it was Tartarus, maybe then it’d be fine? I should’ve staged an escape show while I had the chance!”

Rather than fearing, he seemed to enjoy the thrill and danger, muttering thoughts no ordinary demon could relate to. Hastily changing his clothes, the boy prepared himself.

“Prepared a grand final banquet, I wonder if it suits my taste? Hahaha-.”

After changing outfits, he placed a white mask on his face, reflecting more blue under the moonlight. His movements betrayed his excitement. Tapping his feet like a light-hearted tap dancer, he pulled on fresh pants and slipped into a white tuxedo fit for his frame. Somewhere, he produced a stylish white magician’s hat, placing it atop his head.

With preparations complete, Oscar began moving. Under the moonlight, his glowing eyes filled the corridor with madness.

His cheerful whistling and humming created a chaotic harmony. Chaos itself danced joyfully forward.

Destination: Endros Cliff. Where a villain summoned a youth and a boy. Also, where the villain’s favorite magic show would take place tonight.

Though slightly disappointed the scale might be smaller due to circumstances…

Eliminating two demons was sufficient. No need to use an orc-slaying sword to kill goblins.

“Showtime is back.”

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