Duke Dragnote have two daughters: Astrid, the eldest, and Claudia, the second. I have heard that Astrid manages the household while Claudia is expected to marry the prince and become the future queen. However, if the responsibilities are limited to taking care of the house, it shouldn’t matter which daughter fulfills them. It is customary for the older sister, as the future queen, to eventually become a minister and care for her younger sister. I wonder if a significant issue has arisen in this regard.
“Has the older sister cursed the younger sister?”
“It is easier to curse someone when you are intimately close to them. Could it be possible that she has inflicted an illness upon her? Even during yesterday’s collapse, it is likely that the older sister was in close proximity. That is my theory. What are your thoughts?”
“Indeed, Astrid-sama was by Claudia-sama’s side…”
“Exactly. I have traversed this continent for decades, yet I have never encountered any noteworthy treatments or techniques. Therefore, I firmly believe that the hidden shadow within the older sister is the source of the curse afflicting Claudia.”
The old man asserted while the sound of his biwa resonated.
Upon hearing this, I understood and nodded, unable to forget the astonishment in his eyes.
I don’t know if the old man perceived my expression, but he proceeded to share his encounter with Claudia.
“Despite her position, she approached this tattered old man and listened to my story without a hint of doubt. She even said, ‘Thank you for purifying my mother’s resting place.’ That moment, her voice and appearance, remain etched in my memory.”
The old man pleaded as if invoking the heavens.
“I have journeyed across this continent, reaching this old age, yet I have never encountered a girl like her. The reason the authorities didn’t drive me away was because of her. Even animals express gratitude, not just humans.”
The melody of the biwa, playing incessantly from the beginning, escalated intensely.
Then, the old man bowed deeply to me.
“This is all I can do. The rest is in your hands. Please save that girl suffering from the curse.”
“You can count on me. I promise.”
I replied resolutely.
Though I had not anticipated anything from the national cemetery, it appears I have obtained unexpected leads.
“I have a question for you, young one. Have we met before?”
“You mean before yesterday, right? In that case, I don’t believe so. Unless you have visited the city of Ishka, where we might have coincidentally crossed paths.”
“No, I’m unsure if I’ve been to Ishka. I apologize; it seemed like I recognized your face from somewhere, but it must have been my imagination.”
Upon returning to Duke Dragnote’s mansion from the national cemetery, I joined Luna María for a meeting with Astrid.
It was not to interrogate her about the allegations made by the old man; that was not the purpose.
Instead, I was capable of pouring souls, and that is why I sought this meeting. Initially, my intention was to eliminate the root cause, but since success was uncertain, Claudia’s recovery became the priority.
Even if I were to approach Duke Dragnote abruptly, he would not believe me. Thus, I decided to speak with Astrid first before approaching her father.
However, fate had different plans, as Astrid was engaged in conversation with her father.
Claudia’s condition may be extremely severe.
As Luna María and I entered the duke’s office, I deemed further formalities unnecessary and skipped the pleasantries, proceeding directly to the main subject.
Upon hearing the content, Duke Dragnote spoke with a hint of suspicion.
“A priest capable of detecting lies? If such a person exists, then what is your purpose for asking?”
“I request Your Excellency’s belief in what I am about to disclose.”
“Hm… Are you implying that I won’t trust your words without the judgment of a ‘Lie Sensor’?”
“Yes.”
I bowed, demonstrating respect towards Duke Dragnote.
Doubt still lingered in the gaze he directed at me. Astrid, standing beside her father, and Luna María, positioned behind me, wore similar expressions.
I had not disclosed to Luna María the reason behind my peculiar request to the duke.
Ignoring the skepticism of the three, I continued speaking.
“I am well aware that every minute you allocate in this manner is exceptionally valuable. Furthermore, it is burdensome to summon a priest from the temple. Nonetheless, I hope you will grant me this favor.”
“No, no, there is no need for such formality. You are a benefactor to our country and our family. Additionally, on a personal level, I am grateful for the information you provided regarding the Indigo Wyvern. There is no issue in hearing what you have to say…”
I glanced at Astrid.
She nodded, signifying her agreement with her father’s words, and fixed her gaze on me with seriousness.
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“I share the same sentiment as my father. Even without a ‘Lie Sensor,’ we will not doubt the words of our benefactor. If you have something to say, please speak candidly.”
“Hm, understood. In that case, I will be straightforward. I possess a method to aid Claudia. Hence, I am seeking permission to proceed.”
I endeavored to express myself openly. Duke Dragnote and his daughter widened their eyes, yet they instinctively furrowed their brows, as if harboring doubts.
They must have encountered similar claims numerous times before. Undoubtedly, their expectations have been betrayed on multiple occasions.
A solemn voice escaped Duke Dragnote’s lips.
“…Are you serious?”
“At the very least, it is a better alternative to relying solely on painkillers for alleviating her suffering. The question that follows is how to cure her. To be proactive, the solution lies in raising Claudia’s level. There is no need to take her outside; it can be accomplished within this mansion.”
“…I see.”
“I comprehend that it may be difficult to believe. In fact, until recently, I was unaware of this ability’s existence, let alone considering it feasible. However…”
At this point, I shifted my gaze to Luna María standing behind me.
“Luna María can testify to this. I raised her level by one yesterday. Though her affirmation as a slave may not hold as concrete evidence, it prompted my request for the ‘Lie Sensor’s’ presence.”
After concluding my statement, an eerie silence engulfed the room.
The prolonged silence that ensued signified the magnitude of shock experienced by Duke Dragnote and his daughter—or perhaps it indicated the depth of their doubt.
Eventually, Astrid broke the silence with a slightly uncomfortable question.
“I have never heard of anyone possessing the ability to raise another person’s level, irrespective of magic or tools. How does one raise a level?”
“I could say it’s by pouring out my soul. Actually, I don’t even know the details myself. But the simple fact is that I was able to raise Luna Maria’s level. If that’s the case, it should be possible to raise Claudia’s level. I believe that raising her level will increase her resistance to the curse.”
“Is this the way to help my little sister? And what if I say I can’t let my younger sister come into contact with such a strange method?”
“I understand that you cannot leave your precious family in the hands of someone you met a few days ago. In that case we will return to Ishka. I had no intention of staying so long in the royal capital.”
I spoke honestly as I bowed my head. This time it was the father speaking for his daughter.
“You may raise your head.”
“Yes.”
“It’s amazing—truly astonishing words. Honestly, I find it difficult to fully believe. However, as a duke, I have encountered many people. From your words, I can sense that you’re not merely speaking empty words. I understand that. Otherwise, an Indigo Wyvern wouldn’t be by your side.”
Duke Dragnote smiled after uttering those last words.
It was similar to when he asked me about Clau-Solas, but it seemed that the duke’s tone and attitude changed when it concerned an Indigo Wyvern.
Perhaps we had taken one step closer, both him and I. The duke’s next words confirmed my suspicion.
“Therefore, first and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for revealing your secret to help my daughter. If it were to become known that you possess the ability to raise someone else’s level, your life would never be peaceful again. Understanding that danger, you acted for Claudia’s sake. I sincerely thank you.”
“…I am honored by your words.”
“But I don’t understand why you have gone to such lengths. As you mentioned earlier, ‘Someone you met a few days ago.’ Why are you doing all this for us?”
If I were just an adventurer, he would be convinced since it would allow him to establish connections with the duke.
However, for someone who tamed an Indigo Wyvern, defeated two beast kings, saved Ishka, and received honors in the palace, I don’t think I need to delve deep into revealing my secret with the duke. Moreover, the Dragnote family has already expressed gratitude for the Jiraiya Oaks fruit. So, what is the reason for going to such great lengths to help the Dragnote family, even to the point of revealing my secret?
In response to Duke Dragnote’s question, I answered directly without needing to think.
“Your Excellency has done so much in Suzume’s case. Moreover, if I may say so, I am deeply impressed by Your Excellency’s character, Astrid-sama, and Claudia-sama. Above all, witnessing a young girl suffer and scream due to a curse, I believe it is only human to help her if one possesses the means to break that curse.”
Just like with Suzume, but Claudia is twelve or thirteen years old. The same age I was when I was exiled from the island.
To witness a girl of that age suffer and scream without any apparent reason.
I don’t think I need to list all the reasons why I want to help her.
However, if I were to provide a reason.
—I will devour everything, that’s all.
One day, I said it aloud in a place where I couldn’t relate it to a dream or a vision.
Unable to fight, unable to protect, all I can do is devour.
In that case, can’t I devour one or two curses?
Can’t I devour the irrationality that causes a girl to scream like that?
—That’s what bothers me.
That’s why I will help her. If necessary, I will offer her my soul.
I hadn’t mentioned it earlier because the story would become confusing, but if the duke and Astrid rejected my proposal, I had planned to sneak into Claudia’s room at night and ask her if she would agree.
As Duke Dragnote and Astrid listened to my words and observed my demeanor, they were deep in thought. Then, Duke Dragnote slowly opened his mouth.
TLNote : After finishing Volume 2, I might pause translating this novel. BUT! If “Revenge of Soul Eater” wins the poll, I’ll continue with Volume 3. Your votes will decide. Thanks for your support!
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