WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Hydrogen B
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◈ Whispers of a Scheming Demon ◈
Chapter 174: Holy Flame
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Johan started walking, saying he would show her proof.
Shaperia called after him.
“My lord! What proof do you suddenly mean?”
Johan turned to face her.
“Proof about the Sun. Records remain that the Sun gave birth to the Moon.”
Shaperia swallowed dryly.
“D-Do I truly have to see it?”
Johan answered at once, his expression firm.
“You must confirm it. Only by knowing the truth will you be able to use Holy Flame more actively.”
Holy Power and Holy Flame were abilities whose effectiveness increased greatly when one understood the source of that power.
Just as priests studied the Moon to strengthen their Holy Power, Shaperia needed to learn about the Sun to make proper use of Holy Flame.
She had no choice.
For Shaperia, accepting reality was difficult.
“B-But...”
“It is an order. I will accept no objections. Prepare to return to the territory. We will meet here again at dawn tomorrow.”
As though he had no intention of continuing the conversation, Johan immediately walked away.
Shaperia watched his back with trembling eyes.
Her thoughts had become muddled again.
* * *
At Johan’s request, Ilea approached influential figures from the Empire.
No, she did not even need to make the effort.
Knights and priests of every kind came to her first.
Any man would inevitably be captivated by her appearance.
“Lady Staviana, I am Mordian, eldest son of House Barcel’s Marquis. I have dearly wished to speak with you. Please grant me some of your time.”
There was never a lack of people around Ilea.
Her Staviana background and beautiful appearance drew everyone’s attention.
“Count’s daughter, it is a pleasure to meet you. You are as beautiful as the rumors say.”
“My lady! I am Vera! Please remember my name! I will become the greatest knight on the continent and come find you!”
“I would like to meet the Count. Could you arrange an audience for me?”
Ilea smiled gently and attended to each of them with care.
Most of the people gathered here were among the continent’s finest.
If she formed good relationships with them, they would someday be of great help to Johan.
That was worth enduring the fatigue.
As she treated them kindly, the fervor around her grew hotter.
More and more people gathered around Ilea.
Johan found it somewhat troublesome. He needed to meet Ilea, but he was not confident he could force his way through that crowd.
He suppressed a groan.
‘This is troublesome. The sun will set soon.’
Before long, Johan would transform into a demon.
He wanted to finish his business before then.
Just as Johan sighed, his eyes met Ilea’s.
A deeper smile bloomed over her faint one.
Ilea waved one hand and called out.
“Johan!”
Everyone’s gaze turned toward him.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
“She doesn’t use an honorific.”
Normally, she should have added “Sir” after his name.
“Do they know each other?”
“Did you not know? They say the Count’s daughter was raised in House Myatro.”
“Is that true?”
“It is probably accurate.”
“Damn it. They might even be engaged.”
“You are mistaken. The Watcher of Narak already has a fiancée. A young lady from House Marcano in the Kingdom.”
“Oh, that merchant house’s daughter? I hear she is beautiful too.”
“The Watcher of Narak is a lucky man. He is surrounded by beautiful women. That female knight as well. I am jealous enough to die.”
All manner of gossip passed between them.
Ilea could not hear what they were saying.
All her attention was fixed on Johan.
She was so glad to see him.
She wanted to escape this exhausting gathering and run to Johan, her haven.
She pushed through the crowd and ran over.
“Would you please move aside? I am sorry, let me through. We can speak again later. You said you were Sir Vera, correct? You are already a fine knight. That is how you look to me.”
Without forgetting her kind manner, Ilea bade everyone farewell.
At last, she stood before Johan.
A quiet sigh escaped her.
Johan snickered.
“You are quite busy. Very much in demand.”
Ilea cast him a sidelong glance.
“It is because of you, Johan.”
Johan shrugged.
“You seemed to be enjoying yourself.”
A strange curve formed at the corner of Ilea’s lips.
“Could you be jealous?”
“No, I am pleased. It seems people like you quite a bit.”
Ilea puffed out her cheeks slightly as though sulking.
“I have always been popular. Everywhere I go.”
Johan stepped closer.
He leaned near her ear and whispered.
“Of course you are. You are a witch who captivates not just humans, but demons too.”
Her ear tingled. Ilea took a step back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“W-What was that, all of a sudden?”
Johan snickered.
“I was merely trying one of the tricks you usually play.”
“...I choose the time and place for such things. Stop teasing me and tell me why you called me over.”
Johan casually looked around.
Everyone who had been watching them avoided his gaze.
They gradually dispersed and resumed their own conversations.
Johan spoke quietly.
“I intend to return to the territory now.”
“What? Already? Then what about me?”
“You remain here and settle things down.”
With transformation magic, Ilea could impersonate Johan.
She would play the role of the Watcher of Narak well.
Ilea’s expression darkened slightly.
“I want to return with you. Ride in the carriage together, as we did when we came here.”
Johan shook his head.
“There is no time to idle around. I must prepare to meet the Emperor.”
Wolfgang would soon arrange Johan’s meeting with the Emperor.
The Emperor of the Empire was an exceptionally unusual figure.
If there was anyone to compare the Emperor to, it would be Johan.
Young, yet with a crafty serpent dwelling within. To deal with the Emperor, Johan needed to steel himself and make preparations as well.
At the mention of the Emperor, Ilea’s gaze sank.
“I have heard some rumors about His Majesty as well. The Emperor is no ordinary person. They will likely assess you, then try to swallow you whole.”
Johan spoke calmly.
“When it comes to the Emperor, I know more than anyone. You need not worry.”
Ilea nodded.
“I believe you. Johan, you will handle it well. Go on ahead. Leave this place to me.”
She was someone who helped him greatly in many ways.
Johan found her immensely reassuring.
“Thank you. I will see you later.”
He walked away.
Ilea returned to the crowd.
She had work to do as well.
* * *
“Hakain, carry me on your back.”
White breath flowed from Johan’s lips.
Though spring was slowly approaching, dawn remained chilly.
Cold air passed through his lungs.
“Will you be all right, my lord? The weather does not seem to have warmed enough to run with you on my back.”
Hakain was much faster than he appeared.
Exaggerating somewhat, the moment Johan climbed onto his back, he would already be at the territory.
There was only one problem.
Johan could not use Aura.
He would have to endure the recoil from that speed with his body alone.
He would be struck by strong winds and cold air the entire way.
He would certainly catch a cold.
Johan said, “It does not matter. Shaperia is here.”
His gaze shifted to Shaperia.
She wore a puzzled expression.
After thinking for a moment, she let out a small gasp as though she understood.
She immediately began taking off her outer garment.
“My lord, please wear my clothes.”
Johan shook his head.
“No. I want your warmth.”
Shaperia was a little flustered.
“W-What do you mean...?”
Was he asking her to hold him? She did not dislike the thought, but it was somewhat embarrassing.
She was also conscious of the people around them.
If someone saw Johan in a female knight’s arms, his reputation would suffer greatly.
Johan spoke calmly.
“Holy Flame. You have that flame, do you not?”
Hakain added, “Oh, that is a good idea. We can all travel warmly.”
Johan snickered as he looked at Shaperia.
“What do you think?”
Shaperia hesitated.
“Ah, I am not yet skilled in using it. I am afraid I might harm you, my lord.”
“Surely my sword will not stab me. I trust you. Now, use Holy Flame.”
“My lord, but...”
Firmness flashed across Johan’s face.
“Are you going to make me repeat myself?”
Shaperia was deeply troubled.
At a loss for what to do, she clenched both fists tight.
“I accept your command.”
She poured strength into her Dantian. Heat began circulating through her entire body.
A spark bloomed above her palm.
It was very small, yet its influence was immense.
Dawn became as bright as midday.
Their view opened wide.
The reed field stretched before their eyes.
Johan clicked his tongue.
“It is hot. Are you trying to burn me to death?”
The temperature around them was rising rapidly.
Shaperia immediately extinguished the spark.
“I apologize. I am not used to this yet.”
Johan said coldly, “I am cold.”
“Pardon?”
“My sweat has already cooled. If I catch a cold, it will be because of you.”
“...My lord.”
“Are you neglecting your duty? A knight should naturally consider their master’s health.”
Shaperia had no choice but to condense Holy Flame again.
Heat spread in every direction.
The temperature was lower than before.
Johan admired her inwardly.
‘She is already starting to control it? Her talent really is extraordinary.’
Regardless of his true thoughts, he spoke bluntly.
“It is hot. Are you trying to strip me naked?”
Shaperia struggled as she focused all her attention on Holy Flame.
The temperature changed wildly.
It was hot, then cold, then burning, then chilly.
Hakain scratched his head and spoke.
“The temperature from before was just right for me...”
Johan cut him off.
“You be quiet.”
“Yes, sir!”
Shaperia desperately manipulated Holy Flame.
There was something pitiful about the sight.
Johan clicked his tongue.
“Shaperia, I trust you will get the hang of it soon. Let us depart.”
He climbed onto Hakain’s back.
Hakain shouted.
“I will depart, my lord!”
At the same time, he kicked off the ground.
The earth caved in. Every reed fell flat.
Johan flew through the air.
Shaperia’s voice came from behind him.
“J-Just a little slower!”
She could move as fast as Hakain, but Holy Flame was the problem.
Controlling both at once was nearly impossible.
Johan shouted.
“If you do not understand the Sun, there can be no progress! One day, power you cannot control will devour what you hold dear!”
At the same time, Johan’s cloak caught fire.
Holy Flame scattered sparks in every direction.
Shaperia panicked.
“M-My lord!”
Johan tore off his cloak.
“It was a sacred relic made by the Seven Saintesses! Thanks to you, I can throw it away now!”
With her fists clenched, she concentrated on Holy Flame.
The temperature stabilized to some degree.
It was still hot.
Unable to endure any longer, Hakain shouted.
“I-I feel like I am about to collapse from exhaustion!”
Shaperia bit down on her lip.
Holy Flame differed from Holy Power and Aura.
Even she, a genius, could not easily control it.
“Damn it. Just a little more...”
She was completely focused on her training.
Johan watched her and snickered.
“I am cold, Shaperia.”
Shaperia looked at Johan’s expression.
Today, Johan seemed particularly mischievous.
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