The moonlight shone brightly upon the world like the afternoon sun, and a gigantic dragon emitted a blinding dazzle as it unfurled its azure wings of flames and glared at me. The dragon’s mana was magnificent, powerful enough to easily burn an entire city to the ground. This beast was none other than Bahamut, king of the dragons, and often mentioned in ancient scripts and texts. This mighty beast was never one to heed the command of a human, yet it bowed its head to a certain boy as though to offer its submission.
The boy turned toward me and offered his hand.
“Come with me,” he urged. “We have more than enough power to rule this world.”
Raymond Roi Nodens Galleon, who would come to be called the second Demon Lord, flashed a fearless smile.
✶✶✶
A crowd of nobles had gathered at House Galleon’s main manor. I’d arrived at the duchy just the other day; after leaving the Lightless land, we passed through several towns and cities before finally arriving here. It had taken a total of six days. Usually, it’d take seven whole days and nights, but going by train from the royal capital had shortened our journey by a day. Trains were excellent; they were much faster than carriages and didn’t clatter as much either.
I would’ve loved to have one of these on our fief as well, but I hadn’t spoken much with my father since our first day of the trip, so there was no opportunity to bring it up. But I was in no rush, and this request could wait until another day.
The party hosted by House Galleon was a major event that lasted three whole days and nights. Some guests would attend for the full duration, while others would leave after one day. We were free to come and go as we pleased, and House Lightless planned to only attend on the first day.
I figured my father wished to attend for all three days, but with Clinton’s misdeeds still not completely resolved, and with the aftermath of other incidents, he likely wasn’t too keen on leaving his fief for long. It seemed he was just as busy as I had been for the past three months.
I’d heard that recent negotiations with House Serpente involved Clinton’s wife and daughter; though Viscount Serpente had swiftly apologized for his son’s horrific actions and even coughed up the money we demanded, he was reluctant to take the two into his care. So for the time being, the responsibility fell to us.
They were the family of a man who had caused much trouble and headache; their presence would only stir further strife and conflict. Viscount Serpente was likely not eager to take on that extra baggage, but House Lightless wouldn’t look after those two for long.
House Serpente was not in attendance, claiming that they had to take care of Clinton’s mess and were exercising some self-restraint by refraining from enjoying themselves. Really, they were probably just terrified about bumping into my father. In any case, I was happy that I could head back home soon. Negotiations with the merchants had screeched to a halt in my absence, and the magistrate I controlled was at a loss without contact from me, so I was eager to return as soon as possible.
I entered the party venue, wearing a black coat that represented House Lightless. My father wore a matching dark suit for this occasion. First, I had to tag along with him and greet the host, Duke Galleon, along with other nobles. I conducted myself with grace and elegance, my bows and etiquette fitting for a member of the marquess’s house. I liked parties, but I hated doing this bit more than anything else.
“You should be more friendly,” my father scolded quietly.
“That’s rich, coming from you,” I replied. My father hadn’t so much as smiled when greeting the others.
Once that was over, I was finally free to do as I pleased. Partygoers dined as they stood around and talked. I grabbed a drink from a waiter who glided across the venue and quenched my parched throat. With a glass in hand, I strolled across the room and enjoyed the atmosphere; the elegant live music playing onstage was pleasant to the ears, and I watched some nobles dance and enjoy themselves. Indeed, this was a lively party fit for high society. I was right where I belonged, mingling with the upper echelons of this kingdom. And yet...
“It’s so...quiet,” I muttered.
Were parties always this calm? I wondered. The quiet chatters of the nobles amid the music used to sound livelier and louder to my ears—this was a space where only the most sophisticated and elegant of nobles were allowed entry. Yet, I inexplicably felt as though something were lacking.
Perhaps the unnecessary rowdiness of those lower folks from the fishing village had skewed my senses. For a moment, Fol’s face flashed across my mind, but I shook my head.
Why am I thinking about her right now? I sighed. I’d only spent a few days with her. I didn’t understand what had come over me. Had I grown attached to her or suddenly gotten emotional? Over a mere commoner? That can’t be...
As I quietly questioned myself, a voice snapped me back to my senses.
“You must be tired.”
I jolted and whirled around to see Carlos standing there. I hadn’t sensed him at all. At least let your presence be known, fool. Our servants and attendants had been away while we greeted the nobles, but it seemed he’d returned to my side.
“You seemed to be spending quite some time with Lord Lightless as you said your greetings,” he remarked.
“For a party of this size, there are many nobles in attendance, but I just cannot find enjoyment in these silly little greetings.”
“It’s an important opportunity to form bonds with other houses.”
“I know that.”
“Is something the matter? You seem rather bored,” Carlos said, tilting his head.
“Do I seem that way to you?” I asked as I turned away.
“You do,” he replied. “In fact...it seems as though you were thinking about your beloved.”
“What was that?!” I glared at my butler for cracking such a silly joke. “Do you wish to die? I’m not fond of jokes.”
Carlos immediately shrugged at my anger. “Apologies. Please pardon my silly remarks.”
His eyes then turned to my empty glass and my missing left arm that was hidden within my coat.
“Shall I get you something?” he asked.