Chapter 246
Chapter 246. Straight to the Point?
“—Does that have something to do with the fort Father gave you?”
I had a feeling it was about time someone caught on to the Aurole Fort.
The Korvto Tribe is involved in the renovations, and of course, the Demon Lord’s 2nd Prince Rubyphia is likely aware of it too. As for Topazia, the Sleeping Beauty of the Korvto Tribe, and Diagias, who’s only interested in romance and bonté styles, I can’t be sure.
So, the 1st Prince Aiogias’ faction has finally noticed. Perhaps that’s why Spinethia has been probing into things like this.
“… It’s not directly related.”
That research facility has no direct ties—at least for now.
I should keep my death magic trump card under wraps. The Demon Lord knows, and eventually, the others will too, but the longer it takes, the better. I plan to make them work for it, making them waste time guessing and speculating. It’s all a decoy.
“By the way, what’s up with that fort? I’ve never received such a big gift from Father!”
Spinethia pouts, not bothering to hide her jealousy.
“I’m just borrowing it. It’s not mine.”
“What are you using it for?”
“… Hmm.”
I hesitate, making a show of thinking.
The soundproof barriers are already in place—but, due to my strong magical power, they cover a broad area, affecting Spinethia’s attendants and my maids.
So, I gently press my fingers against the table and channel my magic into it.
Magic crawls across the table, sketching out Demon letters.
“We are conducting research related to a highly confidential national project.”
“I won’t discuss it in detail without Father’s permission.”
Only those strong in magic can read that text—
So, I might as well toss it to the Demon Lord. If he grants permission, great. But I predict he’ll likely be vague about it. Revealing my death magic trump card is tricky, especially since the counter against Enma is highly sensitive.
“…………”
Spinethia stares intently at the magic letters, as if she could burn a hole through them. If she had a decent head on her shoulders, she’d have memorized them by now.
Rubbing her forehead as if to ease a headache, Spinethia munches on a fruit tart.
“But I’m also of royal blood, you know?”
She asks me, still wearing the same expression. What does confidentiality matter, huh?
“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be natural for Father to call on you?”
When I smile and respond, she frowns slightly.
By the way, Spinethia is said to have all attributes except light. When paired with the Hunting Domain, she’s reputed to have terrifyingly high defense against ordinary attribute magic.
However, in the field of death magic, which requires pure darkness, I can’t say she has suitable talent.
“… You’re six years old, right?”
She seems to want to say something like, “What on Earth made Father trust a six-year-old?”
“That’s correct in this world.”
I hint at my disappearance period in the Demon World—it’s now this life, after all.
“… Maybe I should wander around the Demon World too.”
“I wouldn’t stop you.”
“…………”
We share a moment of staring. While I gaze steadily without flinching, Spinethia seems anxious, like a general hesitating before a mountain fortress.
“Maybe if you told me a bit more, I’d consider the enchantment matter.”
“Do you really trust someone who starts blabbing the moment you say that?”
“Not really…”
Told ya!
“Trust me; the enchantment isn’t directly related. I don’t even know if it is, so I want to try various things out first.”
Hypothetically—if the Hunting Domain enchantment could block advanced magical interference.
And if that’s confirmed, I might be able to discreetly engage a food fighter in death magic research.
It might even be possible to lure Enma into a large-scale barrier and prevent him from escaping to the spirit realm before defeating him…
But if I think calmly, even if the barrier blocks external interference, wouldn’t he just flee if I opened a gate to the spirit realm inside the barrier? Can this world’s connections be severed at their core? That’ll need verification…
In any case.
“If it turns out it matters… then I can discuss it with you again personally.”
Wouldn’t you want to contribute to a national project, regardless of the faction? It might be an invitation for that.
“Mm…”
While resting her hand on her mouth, Spinethia can’t hide her intrigue.
“Then, for now, we’ll consider it a favor.”
“A token of friendship, right?”
She had just said that herself. “Gunyuu,” Spinethia makes a choking noise, like food is stuck in her throat. Sweet!
“Pulling the fishing rod right before the fish bites is a bad move, Sister…”
“You’ve gone fishing before?”
“… No, I haven’t.”
Not in this life.
“You sure talk like you know what you’re doing… But fine. I’ll prepare a container enchanted with the family’s bloodline magic for you. Small enough, right? Like this?”
With a dramatic sigh, Spinethia makes a circle with her fingers. It would be about the size of a pendant, depending on Claire’s size. Worst case, she could even transfer it to a bone fragment.
“That would be greatly appreciated, Sister.”
I don’t express my gratitude too clearly since it’s just a verbal agreement for now.
“Now—let me ask you one last thing.”
Just when I thought the discussion was over, Spinethia leans forward earnestly.
“Are the Korvto Tribe and the Gigamont Tribe involved in this?”
Are Topazia and Diagias’ clans? … Ah, that’s the crux of the matter.
“Don’t worry; I’ve never even had tea with Rubyphia, your sister. I’m still undecided.”
Rest assured, I’m not in league with her faction.
“… I see.”
She relaxes her shoulders and leans back against her chair, looking somewhat relieved—
But suddenly, she zips down her stomach zipper.
“—I’m hungry!!”
Ehh…
Even with that “I’ve done my work” vibe you’re giving off…
Her attendants leave the room to get additional food, acting completely unfazed.
Meanwhile, my maids are freaking out over the possibility of more food.
Thus, I finally managed to arrange for my long-desired container to block magic…
… at the cost of some supplies from the Evaroti Royal Castle.
