Count's Youngest Son is a Warlock

You dont have to think much about it. You deserve to receive these gifts, Mr. Hamel, as you have contributed the most to the organizations birth and growth.

Kran tilted his head to the left, revealing a proud smile.

Oh, and just in case you cant carry it all, Ive prepared a brand new magic pouch for you. You can register for it.

Lucion slowly scanned the organization members with his eyes.

It was strange.

It was what he wanted to achieve.

Lucion was tickled by the smiles of those who smiled at him.

It felt unfamiliar.

Too unfamiliar.

I did it for myself.

But I received help. No one else helped me. No one did anything for me.

Miella gave him a warm smile.

That was for me.

Lucion said it again.

I still grind my teeth in my sleep when I think about how Mr. Hamel almost killed me, but Im so, so glad I followed Mr. Hamel. If I could go back in time, Id make the same choice, because Im having a lot of fun right now.

Heroan laughed loudly, as if he wanted to say more, but he quickly fell silent as Quate approached.

In the end, it may have started for your sake, Mr. Hamel, but we, no, all of us, are alive today because of you. Considering that you even lifted the curse from me, what is there left to argue about? Quate stated, his tone filled with gratitude.

I told the Chonest family that I would repay them. I must keep my word.

Reint put down the gift and proudly patted his chest.

Peter spoke next, his words filled with sincerity. Above all else, I genuinely wish for your good health.

Ill prepare it later, J.L. suddenly spoke up, his voice strengthened even as he stood alongside Heroan.

A faint smile appeared on Russells face as he thought about how they were all considering Lucions well-being.

[They are good people.]

[I think so too.]

Bethel also smiled.

Regardless of what they bought or prepared as gifts, wasnt it a sign that they were thinking of Lucion?

That was good.

It would give Lucion more to lean on.

Ill put the gifts in here, Kran announced, taking out the magic pouch and giving it a gentle shake.

Are you serious?

Lucions unexpected words caused Kran to pause in his actions, and he could sense a tinge of embarrassment in the air.

It wasnt a feeling of dislike. It was just unfamiliar, like encountering something for the first time, not understanding why things were happening, just feeling strange.

Kran unintentionally saw through Hamels mask.

Hamel was young.

Young, but old enough to have experienced things like this.

Ah.

Kran remembered that Hamel was a warlock.

How had he not known that?

In his life as a warlock, he had never had the opportunity to be close to people.

Perhaps it was no wonder this situation was so foreign to Hamel.

Its true, Mr. Hamel. I genuinely mean it, Kran reassured him with a big smile.

He wanted Hamel to feel at ease, to consider the organization as a home.

* * *

Lucion stared blankly at the ceiling.

[Cant sleep? Is Ratta asleep?]

Russell poked his head over the wall.

I feel strange.

[Why?]

Russell asked, pretending not to know.

I am I really someone who can receive such gifts?

[Why does that matter?]

I acted for my own sake. I still do. Is it really necessary to go to such lengths?

Lucions eyes turned to Russell.

[Its not common for someone to go to such lengths for another person, but in your case, its different. Youre special.]

Lucion understood that being labeled as special didnt always carry a positive connotation.

But was he truly special?

Everyone used to dislike me. Until I changed. Well, maybe there are still many who dislike me even now. I was different and odd, Lucion expressed, his fingers finding comfort in Rattas soft fur.

The tightness in his chest seemed to loosen.

[Lucion.]

Im no fool, Im sure what theyve shown me is a favor. But Im afraid.

Lucion held his stomach and sat up.

He knew that he was less repulsed by the fact that he was Lee Ha-ram, but the feelings still remained.

What if this favor fades away?

What if he is met with cold stares and cutting words like blades?

Im just scared.

Lucion forced a smile.

Even the thought alone made his hands tremble.

Russell patted Lucion on the shoulder.

[I cant guarantee that such things wont happen again. But its different now. They are all recruited by you.]

I dont know about others, but Teacher, please dont turn your back on me.

[Of course. Even if the whole world turns against you, Ill always be on your side.]

Yes.

Lucion smiled softly.

I will go visit Hume for a moment.

[Ill call him.]

No, I just want to take a walk.

After patting Ratta, Lucion got up from his seat.

To be honest I was genuinely happy, Lucion murmured softly, avoiding Russells gaze.

[Yeah. Go ahead, and make sure to come back.]

Russell chuckled lightly.

Although tempted to follow and tease Lucion, he decided to let him be today.

Good memories should be cherished for a long time.

* * *

[Lord Lucion?]

As Lucion made his way towards Humes room, he halted when he heard Bethel calling his name.

[Its already quite late. Why are you wandering around?]

Lucion shook his head as Bethel looked at him with concern.

I wanted to have some warm milk.

[Then Ill call Hume so you can go back to your room.]

No, I want to enjoy it while looking at the surroundings from the rooftop. I heard theres a swing chair up there.

[Lord Lucion]

Bethel calmly called him.

Yes.

[Can I talk to you for a minute?]

Yes, Im glad I wont be alone, Lucion responded, happily agreeing to the conversation.

He made a quick stop at Humes room to request a glass of warm milk before making his way up to the roof.

Despite the slight throbbing in his stomach as he climbed the stairs, Lucion found it tolerable.

Lucion sat down in the swinging chair and took a deep breath.

Slowly, the chair swayed.

The night air wasnt cold at all.

Rather, the smell of summer wafted in and the sounds of insects could be heard.

Lucion pushed the swing and looked at the sky with half-closed eyes.

He was grateful that his legs werent injured.

Although his wounds were already causing discomfort, he knew it could have been much worse.

From now on, he needs to be cautious and take care of himself.

[Sorry for taking so long.]

Bethel spoke first.

No, you dont have to apologize. I said I would wait.

[If I had told you sooner, wouldnt you have had a wider range of situations to anticipate?]

Yeah, I guess.

Lucion spoke dryly.

But there are things that should not be touched. That remains the same even after death.

[I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with you, Lord Lucion.]

Bethel briefly closed her eyes before reopening them, her hesitation dissipating.

[My former master, who betrayed me and turned me into an experiment of curse conducted by the Hand of Void.]

Lucion slightly turned his head, but his mouth went dry.

[Twilo]

Bethels voice quivered as if it pained her to say it.

[Sprikado.]

!

Lucions eyes widened.

Twilo Sprikado.

Wasnt he the Marquis who had assisted him at the birthday banquet of the divine beast? The same Marquis who had aroused suspicion during the celebration of his becoming a saint?

Twilos territory was located at the eastern end, and Carson had mentioned capturing one of his men on the frontier.

Didnt the thread react back then?

If the thread had reacted, Lucion would have known that there was something about Twilo.

[Thats his name.]

However, as soon as Bethel finished speaking, a red thread appeared immediately.

Back then, the red thread didnt appear, but now it seemed to make a difference whether Bethel was present or not.

In the novel, Bethel was portrayed as one of the death knights held by the Hand of Void boss, who led them.

However, she had escaped from corruption, unlike in the novel, and she did not become one of the Death Knights under his control.

Could it be that Twilo brought the Death Knights for the Hand of Void boss to use? Or is it only Bethel who can command the Death Knights that he possessed?

Regardless, the opportunity to resist fate had presented itself once again.

[Did you happen to know?]

We have met. At the divine beasts birth banquet and the banquet held at the imperial court after I became a saint. Twice, like that.

[I may not know about the first time, but the second time was clearly an attempt to probe your powers. He was obsessed with finding strong individuals, not just physically but mentally as well.]

Was he looking for them because of the curse?

[No.]

Despite Lucions cautious questions, Bethel replied, her words spilling out as if they caused her pain.

[At the time, I was drunk with power, Im ashamed to admit. But I wasnt a genius, I was significantly strong.]

Bethel tightly gripped one arm with her hand.

[I also have a teacher.]

I would like to meet him.

[You have already met him. In a village with a portal while Lord Lucion was returning from the central to western region.]

Ah. Is that why you were away for a moment?

[Yes. My teacher is not a warlock, so he couldnt see me. But just seeing him was enough. I felt relieved to see him in good health.]

Tell me. I

Bethel shook her head.

[No. I couldnt go see my teacher back then, and I still cant now.]

Why?

[Because my teacher was against me going to him, but I was grateful to him for recognizing my abilities at the time, and I hated him for stopping me, so I ran away].

Bethel gave a brief bitter smile.

[I was stupid, so stupid, not realizing that it was the worst choice I had ever made in my life.]

Bethel clenched her fists.

[By the way, Lord Lucion.]

Lucion turned his head towards Bethel.

Her clenched hands and the corners of her mouth were trembling slightly.

[Looking back now, I was truly foolish. But at that time, I was I was genuinely happy. As a knight, as someone who wields a sword, I was happy to be able to protect and serve someone.]

Seeing Bethel desperately trying to hold back tears, Lucion silently patted the back of her hand.

[I risked my life to protect Twilo, to protect that person. So when he betrayed me, I couldnt believe it. He was the first person who truly acknowledged me, besides my teacher. He helped me pursue my dream as a knight and showed me the path forward!]

Bethel shouted at all costs.

It was more of a cry.

[I believed. I genuinely believed, but it was all an illusion It was all just an illusion. From the very beginning, I was]

Bethel pressed a hand against her chest, biting her lip for a moment.

[I was merely meant to be material to create a Death Knight.]

What?

Lucion stood up abruptly, disbelief evident on his face.

[My life, no, I was just material for someones Death Knight!]

Bethels voice grew louder, overwhelmed by the anger that surged within her.

It was a jumble of emotions.

This wasnt how she had intended to tell Lucion.

However, the anger that had erupted once didnt easily subside.

[I didnt choose to become a Death Knight.]

It was foolish.

Upon reflection, Bethel saw the extent of her own foolishness.

[But I couldnt forgive the person who threw me into the abyss, who took advantage of everything. Never. Even if I were to become a Death Knight as he desired, I swore to myself that I would resist until the end and plunge my sword into his throat.]

Bethel pointed to herself.

She didnt cry.

Instead, she stood tall, akin to a maple tree growing on a cliff.

[Thats why I hate that guy and the warlock.]

Her gaze locked with Lucions, unwavering.

[And thats why I despise myself.]

Bethels gaze towards Lucion was infinitely warm.

[And thats why Im grateful to Lord Lucion, who helped me forgive myself and gave me a chance. I wanted to follow Lord Lucion who granted me forgiveness and opportunity.]

Lucions eyes wavered.

[Lord Lucion, do you know that?]

Bethels eyes slowly twinkled.

She let the tears fall as she looked at Lucion.

[That even in death, one can dream of hope?]

?

[My wish is Lord Lucion wish.]

Bethel held Lucions hand tightly.

Me?

Lucions eyes widened in surprise.

[Before I die, you, Lord Lucion, granted my wish. I wanted to save those who were trapped underground, those who had become cursed experiments.]

[So, I want Lord Lucion to find happiness. I want your wishes to come true. Thats my sole wish.]

It wasnt a lie.

Bethels eyes looking at him sparkled more brightly than any star.

[Even though my physical form may fade away at any moment, as long as my consciousness remains, may I ask you, Lord, for my one and only wish?]

Of course, anything.

[Will you allow me to become your knight?]

Unconsciously, a smile graced Lucions face at Bethels request.

Bethel seemed truly strong.

She, betrayed as a knight, wanted to become a knight again.

Why couldnt he grant her this wish?

Thank you, Lucion expressed his deep gratitude.

Bethels tears flowed more freely.

For choosing me.

Even Lucions eyes softened.

It was a first for him.

That he, too, has become someone who can comfort someones wounds.

Lucion, delighted by this, even his blue eyes shimmered as he opened them again.

Lucions heart swelled with joy.

His heart beat happily.

Thump. Thump.

Bethel unsheathed her sword, knelt before Lucion, and placed it at his feet.

Her tears fell to the ground, disappearing into the void.

But that bitterness was no longer a big problem for her.

She could finally become a knight once more.

That was enough.

[I, Bethel Levisti, swear that I will become the sword of Lucion Cronia until I disappear completely from this world.]

It was the knights oath dedicated to the last master.

Lucion placed his hand on Bethels shoulder, his voice serious and resolute, just as it was when he accepted the knights oath.

I grant you permission to be my sword.

Author's Thoughts

I'm tearing up...