Chapter 39: The Demon’s Disciple (1)

“So, you two.”

Liana stepped in between Kayron and Ronos.

Glancing back and forth between us with a calm, pleasant smile, Liana asked,

“Why are you fighting like this? Let’s start with you, Master. Why are you so angry?”

“Isn’t it obvious? This brat is looking down on us!”

“Master,” huh.

If what Liana just said was true, then this Ronos, the demon, was actually the one who taught her magic?

In my previous life, when I met Liana again—much later than now—she had already become a far more powerful mage than Ronos.

So what exactly happened here...?

“We’re the ones who helped the Order live in comfort and warmth even in the harsh frozen lands, and yet, they have the nerve to call us low-grade? They show no gratitude at all!”

“Is that so?”

Even with her furious teacher yelling in front of her, Liana didn’t lose her composure. She merely blinked slowly and responded with perfect calm,

“You did help, yes. But the Order also helped our Rostia Magic Tower, didn’t they? Don’t you think so?”

“That’s not a fair comparison. We gave them magic—actual magic! The Order merely paid money. As a mage yourself, you should know which holds more value.”

“Magic is definitely useful. No doubt it holds immense value and potential. But we can’t live without money, can we? Even mages need to eat in order to cast spells. Don’t you agree?”

Liana’s voice was soft, her smile sweet—but her words were pointed.

“All we did was make a deal. A fair trade. We both offered something. Isn’t that fine? If both sides gained from it, does one really have to win and the other lose?”

“……”

Ronos’ expression looked a bit calmer after hearing that.

But I could tell—he wasn’t truly calm. No, he was just barely holding it in, suppressing an even greater anger burning beneath the surface.

‘Liana’s right. A mage does need to eat to use magic. But that doesn’t apply to Ronos. Because he’s…’

Not human.

Ronos could live without food. But since he’s pretending to be human right now, he couldn’t exactly deny Liana’s point.

So he was probably just swallowing his rage—rage born from his deep contempt for humans.

And even if I understood that… it still didn’t make sense.

Just like the other demons hiding in the world, Ronos must have a specific goal for staying in this Magic Tower.

But when Balthazar made a deal with Rostia Tower, he had already formed a contract with a demon.

There’s no way he didn’t know Ronos was a demon, so how did he end up as Liana’s master?

‘Ah… Is this all just another piece of that bastard’s twisted game?’

The reason Rostia Tower didn’t support us until the very end…

If it’s not some elaborate design for added entertainment, then there’s no logical explanation that makes sense for both Balthazar and Ronos.

But if we leave things as they are, it’ll just repeat again.

No, it’ll probably get worse.

Cerberus has already shown up far earlier than expected.

And worse—he’s frighteningly intelligent.

If someone like him has already appeared, and the timeline reaches the point it did in my past life…

“Kayron oppa.”

Liana called out to me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Master is definitely a bit grumpy, but you could still be more respectful. He’s one of the two highest elders in our Magic Tower.”

“I apologize.”

I bowed my head immediately.

Of course, not a shred of sincerity was behind the gesture.

Our mission was to bring Liana back as the Order’s support mage—despite the obstruction from the uncooperative Rostia Tower.

If it was something Liana asked of me, I could listen.

But I had zero intention of truly apologizing to a demon. And there was no need to prove that my apology was fake.

“Hmph.”

Ronos stroked his beard as I bowed.

“Since it’s my most cherished disciple who’s speaking on your behalf, I’ll let it go—just this once. Do try not to expose your lack of education again. You’re not only shaming yourself but the entire group you represent.”

My hand almost reached for my sword’s hilt.

He really knows how to get under a human’s skin—no wonder he’s a demon.

Still, since he claimed he’d forgive me once, I decided I’d also forgive him… just once.

Because in the end…

He’ll burn and vanish from this world—just like the rest of the demons.

“Master, then… would it be alright if I step away for a bit? Kayron oppa is someone I know.”

“No. Aren’t you my most cherished disciple? How could I continue the lesson without you?”

“But he’s a special guest who passed the Gatekeeper’s trial, right? All guests should be treated with the utmost hospitality. That’s a rule common to every Magic Tower.”

“Hmm…”

Ronos mulled it over for a moment, then finally nodded.

“Very well. If you’re not here, there’s no point in continuing the lesson. Besides, that brat’s given me a headache. Let’s end class here for today.”

“What? But I’m the only one missing the lesson. Isn’t that a bit much—”

“Everyone, dismissed! Go rest!”

“Wow, thank you, Lord Ronos!”

“Thanks, Liana!”

The students who had been attending Ronos’s lecture scattered in all directions, cheering with joy.

Most of them seemed to be promising talents—headed downstairs for a well-earned break.

“You really didn’t have to stop the class just because of me.”

“There’s no point continuing. In this entire tower, you’re the only one capable of grasping the depth of my superior teachings, my most cherished disciple. Well then, I’ll take a break too. But—!”

Ronos, who had been speaking warmly to Liana, suddenly shot me a glare.

“I don’t know what sort of relationship you have with that brat, but don’t get too friendly.”

“Don’t worry. Kayron oppa isn’t a bad person.”

“Hmph. You still have a long way to go if you want to become a great mage. All humans, at their core, are—hmm?”

Ronos, who had started muttering to himself, suddenly widened his eyes and looked between Liana and me.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you so cheerful, Liana.”

“Hehe, do I look that happy?”

“It’s rare. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you laugh like that. Wait a minute… don’t tell me, the one you mentioned before was…”

“Waaaah!”

Suddenly, Liana lunged at Ronos, slapping her hands over his mouth and forcing a smile.

“Shush, Master!”

“Mmff… mmhh…!”

“If you keep talking, I’m not going to attend your classes for a while.”

“……”

Only when Ronos stopped resisting did Liana finally release him.

“Fine. But my warning still stands. Don’t get too close to him. Always remember this: all humans, at their core—”

“Master?”

“…Very well.”

Even though Liana had clearly stopped him, Ronos still gave me a very deliberate glare before finally turning away with a huff.

“Hmph!”

And off he went.

“Please try to understand my Master,” Liana said gently, watching her retreating teacher with a look that was more fond than annoyed.

“He’s difficult with everyone—not just you. Even with himself. That’s how he was able to reach such heights in magic.”

“Hmm, I’m not entirely convinced. But one thing’s certain—he really does care about you.”

Only then did I and Liana finally meet each other’s gaze in peace.

“How have you been, Liana?”

“Not well.”

“…What?”

Her answer was so immediate and blunt that I was taken aback.

“W-Why not? The great archmage of the tower clearly adores you.”

“Well…”

Liana suddenly grinned—and then—

Wham—!

Without warning, she threw herself at me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

“W-Whoa?!”

“Because I missed you so much, Kayron oppa!”

Such a shockingly direct show of affection.

This wasn’t the Liana I remembered at all.

When she was little, she was too shy to even look me in the eye. And when we met again in our previous life, she had become cold and distant.

But in this life, at this moment… what had changed?

As if hugging me wasn’t enough, Liana began rubbing her cheek against mine.

“Hehe, I really missed you, Kayron oppa!”

“Back off a little, will you? What the hell is going on with you…?”

“Pardon me.”

A stiff, composed voice made us both freeze.

When we turned our heads, we saw Avelin bowing politely to Liana.

Still clinging to me, Liana looked toward her and asked with a kind voice,

“Yes, hello. And you are?”

“…Avelin.”

The way Avelin replied—calm, flat, expressionless—felt oddly…

“I’m Avelin. Kayron’s comrade.”

…unnervingly cold and chilling.

Far colder than any demon.

Why, though…?

-- The End OF The Chapter --

 

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