Chapter 243: Direct Confrontation

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༺ Direct Confrontation ༻

Hours had passed since the building hosting the inauguration ceremony collapsed, and the sun began to set.

"Lulu? You're Lulu, right?"

"Yes."

"I get it. Since you're alone here, naturally…"

"Just guide me already."

"Ah, got it."

As I gazed at the sun, I started to walk silently alongside a demon who had suddenly materialized next to me, sweating profusely.

"Phew…"

The yellow sun shifted to a reddish glow as it set, oddly giving off a lonely vibe. I stared at it momentarily, then gently blew on my hand.

Next, a tingling sensation shot through my hand, frozen by the cold winter wind.

"Ugh."

The wounds I sustained from going through the ruins started to sting.

I should've rescued him sooner. Taking so long to find my master, I wasn't a good enough pet.

"Um, is there anything bothering you?"

"Hmm?"

"Eek…"

While I was lost in these thoughts, the demon by my side began to speak. When I shifted my gaze toward her, she flinched with a startled expression.

Were all the creatures in the Demon King's army like this? Why assign these low-ranking demons to someone as important as Master?

If I were the Demon King, I'd have had at least a few high-ranking individuals by my side.

Even if I were really the Demon King, I would have stayed beside my master. Wouldn't he appreciate it even more if the Demon King acted as his pet?

"I, I am… not a low-ranking demon."

The demon responded timidly as I conveyed my opinion with a displeased expression.

"I, I'm… an advisor to the Demon King's army… Lemerno."

"Then who were those weak-looking demons earlier?"

"They're the top combat executives in the Demon King's army… and the second-in-command, Dmir Khan."

"Lies. Why would they tremble at the sight of me? Even you're shaking."

I stared coldly at her, dismissing her ridiculous claim. She looked back at me, confused.

"Do you really not know?"

"Stop talking nonsense and guide me."

"Yes, y-yes…"

I had no plans to fall for the tricks of a low-ranking demon. I couldn't trust the cursed Demon King's army, which had given such an unreasonable command to my master.

My only concern was my master.

"…Ah."

Ignoring the demon's sneaky glances, I noticed something in the distance.

– Thump, thump.

My heart quickened.

Despite being low-ranking demons, the Demon King's army proved formidable. Their ability to escape through numerous guards and surveillance was impressive.

"Hello."

"…Hmm."

As I approached the cage with a trembling heart, a middle-aged man with glasses and their rugged-looking companion blocked my way.

"Move."

Wasting no time, I activated my Magic Eyes and issued orders in a hushed tone.

"Ugh…"

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain, as if needles were pricking my Magic Eyes. Perhaps I had overexerted myself today? Blood trickled from my eyes.

"Wh-what is this…"

It appeared my Magic Eyes' power hadn't diminished. The leaders of the low-ranking demons nervously stepped aside.

Could they be classified as mid-ranked demons? My master deserved better treatment. Shouldn't the Demon King personally welcome someone like Frey?

"D, Dmir Khan? Combat executive?"

"".....""

I gazed at the two silent men and the girl, her face filled with fear, then stepped into the carriage, contemplating.

'The Demon King will meet my master again, right?'

I felt a little proud and prayed that the Demon King would treat my master better, and I directed my gaze toward him inside the carriage.

"…..!"

Soon after, I couldn't help but be shocked.

"Ma, Master!!!"

"Hmm…"

Master, in a dire state, was lying in the carriage.

"Master, Master…"

Seeing Master like that, I turned away from the demon soldiers staring blankly into the carriage and closed the door.

"Oh, you're here, Lulu…?"

Master gave me a soft smile and reached out to me.

After searching for a while, I had found my master beneath the Saintess, blushing for some reason.

– Swoosh…

Even a child could see that Master, currently patting my head, was in a serious situation.

Frey's body was covered in wounds, blood flowed from his eyes and mouth, and his breathing was weak.

And the black markings all over his body indicated something had gone wrong.

"Lick… Lick…"

Fearful of Master's death, I nestled in his embrace and began licking his cheek.

I had read that a pet dog once saved its dying master by licking his cheek, keeping him conscious.

So, why couldn't I do the same? If Master lost consciousness, he might never wake up again.

Therefore, I…

"Lulu, I'm okay."

"Lick… What?"

Tears welled in my eyes as I licked Master, and then Frey grabbed my shoulder, blushing.

"I'm getting better. In a few days to weeks, I'll be fully recovered."

"But, but…"

"Verify it with your Magic Eyes."

Obeying Master's command and using my overused Magic Eyes, I confirmed that he was indeed recovering. Perhaps it was thanks to the demon army? Anyway, it's a relief…

– Swoosh…

Suddenly, Master widened his eyes and covered my Magic Eyes.

"Don't strain your eyes like that?"

"...…"

"It must hurt."

I felt warmth.

The warmth from Master's hand covering my eyes flowed into my body, warming my heart.

It was a feeling I had longed for but never experienced. But now, I could feel it countless times by being by Master's side.

"Lulu?"

Lost in thought, I clung to Master's hand, covering my eyes and cheeks, relishing the warmth. Frey tilted his head and whispered.

"Are you crying?"

"Uhh… Uh…"

Hot tears mixed with blood flowed from my Magic Eyes, wetting Master's hand. I had soiled Master's hand, but I couldn't help it this time.

Master was a complete mess himself, but he was concerned about my injury—just a single streak of blood from my eyes. His genuine worry overwhelmed me with emotion. I couldn't help but cry uncontrollably.

– Grip…

And so, with my eyes closed, I held my master's hand and shed tears.

"You're hurt…"

"Huh?"

"Master, you're more… hurt…"

I spoke with a trembling voice.

"…I'm not hurt at all."

Master suddenly wore a dark expression and said.

"Why… Why can't I feel the pain…"

"....."

"No matter how much I think about it, it seems like this black pattern is the cause… Black… Could it be…"

I couldn't say anything more.

Due to the time constraint, I felt remorseful for my master, who was forced into a near-suicidal mission by the demon army.

Furthermore, I had triggered such an event.

"Master… I have… something to say…"

Gazing at my master, who was pretending to be okay to reassure me, I started to express what I had been unable to say until now.

"Master… you need to know… about…"

Having said that, there was a possibility that Master might drive me away, stop to pet me, and not even call my name.

But what I feared most was that Master might no longer love me and, worse, might come to despise me.

The thought was terrifying and suffocating, and everything seemed to go dark.

But I couldn't continue deceiving my master.

I no longer wished to be a shameless, bad pet.

"Actually, I have…"

Hence, I tightly closed my eyes to hide my trembling gaze.

"A curse… named the Stigma of Misfortune…"

I was on the verge of blaming myself for worsening his time-constrained situation for my survival.

"Ah, that?"

"Huh?"

Master's response was entirely unexpected.

"I knew about it."

"What? What do you mean? Huh?"

I couldn't understand. No matter how much I contemplated, I couldn't comprehend. Why? How?

"I've known since I took you in as a pet."

"....!"

I panicked as Master's distinct voice echoed in my ears.

"So, what? I mean, huh…"

Master looked at me as I stammered.

"I'll explain in detail later…"

"...."

"You have been dancing on the palms of my hand since the start."

"Oh…"

"You can't even escape now. You're in too deep."

With a devilish smile, he stroked my hair.

"You've fallen just like me."

I was too stunned to grasp Master's words, but his last sentence stuck in my mind.

"Okay, sit beside me. We're leaving this hiding spot."

I glanced at Master, who gently ordered me.

"…..Woof."

I laid on his lap, exposing my belly, submitting.

"Good."

Then, Master softly stroked my belly.

"Woof, woof."

At this moment, my love, loyalty, and everything surpassed their limits.

No words or text could express my affection for my master, who was looking at me now.

"My goodness… the Demon King candidate is so…"

"As expected… Frey is… the one our Demon King's army has been waiting for…"

Thus, I could only demonstrate through actions.

"Grrr…"

Under the moonlight, inside a carriage, and away from onlookers, I made a vow in my master's warm embrace.

I'd infiltrate the Hero Party and join the Demon King's army, just like my master.

I would relentlessly strive to secure a high position in both groups.

All for my master's benefit.

Even if it went against my nature, I would unleash my suppressed desires for control and power.

I would ascend to the top in that manner.

I would give my master everything, even the entire world.

"…Grr?"

But as I resolved to do so, a sudden itch started on the top of my head.

What's this?

.

.

.

.

.

As the twilight vanished and the gentle moonlight covered the empire.

"Who's behind this incident!"

"The Imperial Family is corrupted?"

"What happened to Frey?"

"Did Frey assault the Hero?"

Reporters with magical devices and officials from all walks of life fervently questioned the two girls on the ruins.

"The Imperial Family is corrupted."

The noisy atmosphere hushed as Clana, visibly distressed, began to speak.

"Frey Raon Starlight is missing. However, based on eyewitness accounts, there's a high chance the bomb killed him."

The atmosphere turned cold after that statement.

"The mastermind behind this incident is…"

"…Frey Raon Starlight."

Ruby, unexpectedly showing up with severe injuries, cut off Clana's statement.

"...….."

The previous coldness dissipated, and everyone wore a bewildered expression.

"It's not true!!"

And then.

"Huh, what? This kid…"

"Frey is innocent!"

As Glare, introduced to the world as the Tower Master's disciple, shouted, the atmosphere descended into uncontrollable chaos.

"Hmm…"

"....."

Amidst such chaos, Ruby's crimson eyes met Glare's piercing light blue ones with intensity.

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