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"We're screwed."

As expected, no matter how much the incompetent minister begged, she should never have taken the position of acting vice minister. Elisa sighed, reflecting on her tragic fate like a passing flash of light, eventually giving in to resignation. Ever since being dragged into the Ministry of Magic as a child, she had lived this way, and those 20 years as a slave, in hindsight, felt completely devoid of any sense of fulfillment.

"Only I go down."

"What? Wait... Vice Minister!"

She moved closer to the knights surrounding Walter. When Elisa appeared, Walter stared at her. After a moment of stillness, he did not, as everyone expected, become enraged and swing his sword at her... Not at all.

Instead, he handed one of the two swords to Claudia. Claudia struggled with the weight of the sword for a moment but soon became quite skilled at handling it. She pointed it at the window, where the light had faded and complete darkness had fallen and spoke. Her voice was clear and firm, like a well-crafted piece of craftsmanship that had endured a long process of refinement.

"Now is not the time to be fighting among ourselves. We need to work together."

“Participate in treason? It seems the young lady is truly out of her mind."

At that moment, the commander of the knights, who had been concerned only with the emperor's safety, objected.

"Beg His Majesty for mercy and repent for your sins. If you do so, His Majesty will show compassion and allow your remains to be laid to rest in the land of the empire."

Claudia chuckled at those words and continued.

"The devil outside the castle is on the verge of devouring the land of the empire. Even if I have made a contract with the Spirit King, I am still just a human. What I am blocking is not the devil itself, but the corruption caused by the devil’s malevolent energy.”

She said that her earlier statement, ‘As long as I am here, this place is safe,’ was made to reassure the people and calm the chaos.

"Unless the devil is slain, the nightmare from four thousand years ago will repeat itself. The empire will soon collapse."

Hearing those words, which seemed to admonish them, the patience of the loyalists finally ran out. With red faces and veins bulging on their foreheads and necks, they shouted in anger.

"You don’t know your place! Is that something the rebels, who are taking advantage of this chaos, would say?!"

"Yes."

“...”

"As long as I hold His Majesty's life in my hands, you have no choice but to listen. Now, would you kindly set aside your objections and listen quietly?"

What... a shameless person. Her words were polite, but the content was nothing short of thug-like. While the commander of the knights was clutching the back of his neck, Elisa couldn't help but feel a strong sense of nostalgia from Claudia's way of speaking. No wonder they were siblings...

"Listen. If this empire disappears without a trace, what use is the surviving emperor of a fallen nation? Instead, he will wander from country to country, seeking refuge and enduring countless humiliations."

Due to the war of aggression, hatred toward Emperor Roxitant was so intense that it pierced the sky in every foreign land. Realistically speaking, if the empire were to fall, the emperor would be better off taking his own life to preserve his honour and dignity.

"Even if the empire falls, to risk your life to protect His Majesty the Emperor is truly a remarkable and foolish loyalty."

Claudia spoke as if she genuinely respected those who dedicated their loyalty to Lucas.

"But even if you somehow manage to protect His Majesty, we don't know who summoned the devil or for what purpose, so ultimately, can His Majesty truly be safe?"

If someone had summoned the devil, it was clear they were targeting the emperor. The timing of the devil's appearance alone made that obvious. The commander of the knights narrowed his eyes suspiciously and asked.

"Could it be that the young lady summoned it? How will you prove that?"

"How can a spirit contractor summon a devil?"

“Then, could it be Sir Walter..."

"According to the records I've seen, the devil is bound to follow the summoner like a shadow. If you still have doubts, just keep observing him, and the answer will become clear."

“...”

"What is certain is that if you punish us now, the devil will never be stopped. Those of you gathered here know that better than anyone else."

It was definitely not something a traitor should say, but every point she made was correct. If they judged the situation calmly, now was the time to focus all attention on the devil.

"...What do you want?"

"It’s simple. Just swear that you will remain quiet until the situation is resolved."

Claudia turned to Elisa and said, "Since there's a sorcerer here, we can make the oath of allegiance."

Thus, Elisa became an unexpected witness to the vow. One by one, the knights and sorcerers began to make their vows, like beans roasting in a pan over a flame.

The oath of allegiance was a type of magic, but it had no real binding power. There was a superstition that breaking the vow would bring misfortune for the rest of one's life, but in reality, that was just a myth. If someone broke it, that was the end of it. Claudia wasn’t particularly concerned with whether they kept their vows. 

Her only worry was for Walter, or rather, Felix. If the knights and sorcerers continued to resist and block their path, he would have no choice but to cut them down as a last resort.

"You were planning to kill them all, weren't you?"

As soon as Felix threw her a sword, Claudia immediately understood his plan. Sacrificing the few for the many. If they continued to be a hindrance, he intended to clear them out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In fact, everyone involved in this plan had already made their resolution. Unnecessary killing was also inevitable. This time, they used the devil as an excuse to delay things, but it was only a temporary setback. It wouldn’t last forever. Claudia’s eyes deepened with bitterness as she looked at Felix. He seemed a little surprised by her rapid speech and unrelenting drive. Then he simply replied, “...Yeah.”

"Leave the emperor to the Depallacion family and go find Duke Lamberg. I can't use the power of the spirits right now, so I'll move the people to a safe place in the meantime." Claudia said.

Where could Benjamin be now? The answer was simple without much thought. The empire was currently in a state of emergency. Since the devil had appeared, all the priests in the temple would be mobilised. In the meantime, Benjamin would catch both the devil and Constantine, two birds with one stone, and gradually tighten his grip on the empire.

Felix knew firsthand that Claudia had changed a lot from before. He wondered how this child had grown so desperately and quickly over the passing years. Rapid growth inevitably came with growing pains. And the pain Claudia and Irene felt originated from Felix. He should have known this, but he didn't. His heart was cold and still, like the surface of a shattered glass cup that couldn’t hold anything. That was why... he took out the potion he had been keeping in his pocket.

"...I know that potion."

Irene's laboratory was always open to Claudia. And she remembered the shapes and effects of most potions. It was because Irene's small hands, struggling with her experiments, were fascinating, and Claudia wanted to know what she was making, no matter how trivial. That was how she found out about the potion that separated souls.

"Hmm... Since I was researching with Fel, the efficiency improved, and we ended up making it. But I absolutely don’t want to use it."

When Claudia asked, pointing to the bright purple potion, Irene answered as if she were troubled.

"By awakening his emotions and remembering his beliefs, he can fill in the missing pieces of his soul, even if it takes a long time. If he does that, the devil’s soul can naturally separate and fall away."

She added that whether it took years or decades, it didn’t matter. 

"But this just forcibly rips the souls apart. The probability of dying from shock is higher than the probability of the souls separating. And even if it separates, it won’t be in its intact form."

Claudia completely agreed with Irene's opinion.

"Rin said that's really dangerous..."

Of course, she had urged Felix a few times to return to his former self quickly. But that was just a complaint; she never intended to put him in a situation where he might risk his life.

"What’s the point of surviving alone in a fallen empire? I think that’s what you said earlier."

"That’s the case for an emperor who has nothing but his bloodline. We, on the other hand, are talents who would be eagerly sought after no matter where we go into exile, so it doesn't matter."

Claudia replied, raising her nose proudly with a haughty air.

"As long as we survive, we'll live well wherever we go. All of us..."

In fact, if this had been before the devil was summoned, she would have continued to maintain this attitude while scolding Felix. But the situation was different now. Claudia bit her lip tightly. Her expression suddenly darkened, and she showed signs of melancholy. 

Felix, seeing this, raised his hand and patted her head. At least, that was what he thought he was doing. However, the one receiving it started to feel confused, unsure if this was a caress or a provocation. Her head was roughly shaken back and forth.

“...What are you doing?"

"I thought this is how I would have acted in the past."

“Looking at you like this, it seems like you can survive even if you drink it.”

She just hoped that the potion would be a catalyst, not something that would recklessly tear apart his soul.

“If you were already prepared to drink it, why didn't you just drink it earlier?”

Her expression seemed to ask if he was afraid or something like that. Felix thought that if he had to name this emotion, it would indeed be fear. He silently glanced at the knights and former sorcerer colleagues who were watching him with tense eyes. If they were a nuisance now, he could cut them down.

“I feel like if I drink it, I’ll become powerless.”

Despite saying that, Felix opened the potion without hesitation. He then poured the mysterious purple liquid, which looked like the Milky Way, directly into his mouth.

Claudia, unknowingly nervous, rubbed her cold, sweaty palms on the hem of her skirt. However, there was no change in Felix after he drank the potion. His face didn’t instantly return to its previous appearance, nor did he regain his emotions. He didn’t even writhe in pain. Was there no immediate effect? She stared intently into his eyes, which showed no signs of change, and asked.

“Uh, how are you? Are you okay?”

It was then. Inevitably, one of the knights who had refused to take the oath lunged at Felix.

"Die! You fxcking rebels!"

Whether out of sheer terror or something else, a torrent of harsh curses spilled from his mouth, words so harsh they were difficult to even utter. The knight's eyes were filled with betrayal and rage. And at the same time, the knight collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut, without so much as a groan.

A small stream of blood flowed like a river onto the pure white marble. It all happened with just a flick of his finger. It was the same magic that Elisa tried to use on Walter a little while ago but failed. Elisa’s eyes widened in shock as she gasped for breath.

"I have no thought of being forgiven."

He would carry this burden for the rest of his life. In an instant, all his emotions surged forth — not like a crashing wave that sweeps everything away, but more like the steady flow of a river. That calm and sorrowful resonance reached his heart, creating ripples within it.

"Sir Alex, I will convey your loyalty to His Majesty.” 

Felix did not become powerless as his own weak statement had foretold. He watched the man's final moments with clear eyes and engraved the name upon his heart. To never be forgotten.

・・・・・

The bell rang twelve times, marking midnight. Benjamin, who once said that if he couldn't have my heart, he would at least take my body, didn't lay a finger on me. It wasn't that he didn't, but more likely that he couldn't. After all, I still appeared as Shayne Speare. But Benjamin seemed unconcerned.

"Excuse me, aren't you going to take care of your business?"

My irritation grew as the man sat down in front of me. I wanted him to leave so I could explore the surroundings, but he seemed more interested in observing me.

"Can you see the future by any chance?"

His answer was off-topic, yet sharp, hitting the mark. However, I didn't show much reaction, as I was no longer surprised by Benjamin. I was confident that even if he asked, ‘Are you from another world?’ I wouldn't be shocked.

"Unless you can see the future, you've been doing something impossible — repeatedly. You must understand that I have every reason to doubt."

From Benjamin's perspective, it certainly made sense. Above all, it seemed that Martina and Erica’s work in the cultural projects was what most strongly instilled confidence in him. 

When I didn't respond, Benjamin, feeling assured, raised the corners of his mouth and spoke.

“Please stay by my side for the rest of my life.”

It was definitely not a misunderstanding that those words sounded like a request to be used for a lifetime. A future with Benjamin for the rest of his life. Forever... 

I unintentionally imagined the scene and, without realising it, my face twisted in disgust. It would be more merciful to kill me painlessly right now. 

‘I'd rather live with a devil than with you. A devil would be better than you.’

I barely held back the curse rising to my throat.

‘I still haven’t heard how you managed to summon the devil.’

He must have exploited the sorcerers and priests without hesitation... This was a critical moment when the whereabouts of the captured and missing Cedric were desperately needed. The cunning Benjamin only amplified the anxiety and then fell silent. Moreover, he was intently watching my expressions change, as if enjoying the moment when his prey would give up resistance and submit obediently.

Benjamin knew. If he captured me, Chamberlain, all the aristocrat forces excluding Benjamin's faction, and Silentium would all fall into his hands. This meant that if I did not submit and cooperate, everyone would be in danger.

‘Is that why you're staying here and holding out, instead of leaving?’

My expression turned to one of clear irritation, with veins bulging on my forehead. He was looking at me as if expecting me to do something amusing. I felt like jumping on him and beating him to a pulp.

‘...’

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to control my anger, and let out a shaky breath. Hadn't he once said he would willingly let himself be used if that's what I wanted? To act nicely towards Benjamin, feigning kindness? They said that even rolling in a dung heap was better than death, but at this point, death might be preferable.

‘No, calm down. Think of the others.’ 

The opponent was an unpredictable being who could do anything if provoked. Even the author who created him wouldn't know what he might do. I regained my composure. 

‘Be gentle. Be gentle.’

"Would you please die gently?"

"My lady, do you even have the intention to persuade me?"

"...That’s right. I was planning to behave obediently.” 

I reflexively spoke, sighed, and buried my face in my hands. Then I muttered self-deprecatingly.

"It seems that offering you the chance to atone through death is the greatest kindness I can extend to you."

At the sincere remark, Benjamin let out a small laugh, seemingly in disbelief. He had always been aware that he was deeply hated, so it didn't affect him much.

‘Even if I'm hated, it doesn't matter.’ Benjamin genuinely believed this. So, without hesitation, he pointed out how contradictory and despicable my logic was.

"My lady, we live by constantly committing sins. As beings born on this earth, we must trample and consume others to survive. Those without sin are probably all buried in the ground by now."

"They are too noble to survive in such polluted water," he said, beginning his statement before adding:

"They must have gone to a place with water as pure as heaven. For instance, like your deceased ex-lover."

A fierce glint of murderous intent flashed in my eyes like a spark. But I quickly regained my composure, closing my eyes tightly and taking deep breaths to steady myself. If I let my emotions get the better of me here, everyone would be in danger. Benjamin, seeing me significantly calmer, smiled as if pleased.

"You want me to atone through death? Whether I atone or not, the fact that harm was caused does not change. The dead do not come back. Therefore, atonement is nothing more than crocodile tears and self-satisfaction."

Benjamin asked, "Why do you try to live against the natural order?"

To which I replied, "Humans are beings that defy the natural order."

My resolute answer was met with ridicule.

"Humans are merely beasts that have luckily gained intelligence. Free yourself from hypocrisy and be at ease."

"A drop of blood on a white garment leaves a stain forever."

"Then you should soak the garment in blood. No one will notice the bloodstain."

"You know what? I think you're going to live a very long life."

"And you seem destined for a short one."

But it would be such a waste if a likeable counterpart died young. Benjamin put on an expression of genuine regret and moved closer to the iron bars.

"Come to me. I will soak your soul in blood."

Vivid golden eyes and dreamy purple eyes met in the air.

I stared at him for a while, then silently lowered my head, my shoulders trembling. Then, I extended my middle finger and raised it towards Benjamin. My entire body was weakly slumped, but that single finger stood tall, proudly asserting its presence. 

Though the meaning was unclear, an instinctive feeling of discomfort slowly rose in Benjamin.

"...What does this mean?"

"What a shame." [1]

"You've been subtly speaking more casually since earlier."

"It seems like you want things to go well between us, so I used semi-formal language, which is said to be the most exciting for the opposite gender. Is there a problem?"

"That's not what semi-formal language is for."

"Sorry. I didn’t know, dude."

[End of Volume 4]

Translator's Corner:

Hello! There is one more volume left of this story (the end is near!!) Hope you've been enjoying the translations so far~

[1] The word use was "유감" which means "regret" so I translated it to: "What a shame" since it makes a bit more sense in the context. The phrase "What a shame" is used to express regret or disappointment about an unfortunate event or piece of information.

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