“What do you intend to use Serena’s Mind-Piercing Eye for?”

Yohan answered Horentz’s question with a calm expression.

“Nothing serious. There’s just something I want to confirm.”

He intended to use Serena’s power on his butler, Haman. He wanted to see what Haman was really like, driven by an uneasiness he couldn’t quite explain.

For the Academy of Court Service’s top graduate, Haman was far more bumbling than he had expected. Perhaps he was nervous about his first actual assignment. Besides, grades and practical ability were separate matters; someone could excel at studying but be terrible at the job.

Yohan hadn’t thought much of Haman’s behavior at first, either. Last night had changed his mind somewhat.

Thieves had broken into the mansion. They had known its entire layout, and even that it was empty at night. Yohan could only suspect that one of the servants had leaked the information.

Who could the culprit be? Only one person came to mind: his butler, Haman. Now that something had actually happened, the man’s behavior aroused Yohan’s suspicions.

Everything Haman did might have been an act. He could be deceiving Yohan by playing the fool. But to what end? Yohan couldn’t tell. It was difficult to guess what Haman was after.

If Haman wanted Yohan’s wealth, he wouldn’t have posted a public notice at the thieves’ guild. He would have hired veteran thieves in secret instead.

In short, Haman didn’t want Yohan’s wealth. There had to be another reason for leaking information about the mansion, but Yohan had no way of discerning his intentions at present.

In fact, he didn’t even have proof that Haman was the culprit. That entire train of thought was nothing more than conjecture based on a hunch. Haman might be exactly what he seemed: a fool whose only talent was studying. There was nowhere near enough evidence to declare him guilty.

He mustn’t jump to conclusions. A conclusion drawn from a hunch was likely to be wrong. Yohan needed definite confirmation.

The Mind-Piercing Eye would do the trick. If Horentz agreed, Yohan could resolve this needless headache in an instant.

After some deliberation, Horentz spoke.

“... I’m sorry, Sir Yohan, but I cannot entrust Serena to you unless you tell me exactly what you intend to use the Mind-Piercing Eye for.”

Horentz and Yohan had yet to establish real trust. However great the reward, Horentz couldn’t readily lend his daughter’s services. Her safety had to be guaranteed.

Yohan nodded.

“I understand. Allow me to explain my current situation.”

He intended to tell Horentz everything that had happened last night. All he had to do was leave out anything related to ‘Maphel’tan.’ There was nothing else worth hiding.

With a public notice posted at the thieves’ guild, everyone in the royal capital would know the situation inside Yohan’s mansion anyway. Horentz was no exception.

Horentz said, “Very well. Nothing you tell me here will pass my lips. I swear it in the Great Saint’s name. Saint Marziel.”

In an even tone, Yohan explained the events of the previous night.

* * *

Horentz listened attentively without a change in expression. As soon as Yohan finished, he gave a low murmur.

“... So the rumor was true. I heard your mansion had become a target of the Keyless.”

The Keyless were the largest thieves’ guild in the royal capital. They had their sights on Yohan. More precisely, information about his mansion had been pinned to the guild’s underground noticeboard. Horentz had heard about it that morning.

Yohan voiced polite admiration.

“As expected of House Marcano. You hear things remarkably quickly.”

Horentz shook his head, his expression grave.

“Not at all. Most of the royal capital probably knows about your mansion by now. By tomorrow, everyone will be talking about the Miyatro residence. This is a serious matter.”

The royal capital was a frightening place. A single rumor spread like wildfire, and no one could contain the flames. Yohan would be the subject of everyone’s gossip for a while.

――――House Miyatro’s mansion is completely empty at night.

And it wouldn’t end there. Like a wildfire swelling in size, the rumors would grow more and more exaggerated.

――――Strange screams come from the Miyatro mansion after sunset.

――――The Watcher of the Abyss studies forbidden spells at night.

――――Yohan Miyatro makes offerings to Demons away from prying eyes.

And so on. People who loved to talk would make up all manner of stories to fuel the gossip. Eventually, interest would wane and the rumors would die down, but as a half-demon, Yohan found the mere fact of being the subject of such talk troubling.

Yet he remained composed. With a serene expression, he said, “Well, I don’t intend to pay it much mind.”

He had already expected something like this. It had simply happened a little sooner. Unable to show himself at night, Yohan was bound to keep attracting such rumors. As long as he lived in this world, he would have to bear them.

Horentz gave a warm smile.

“A wise response. There’s no need to dwell on what people say.”

That was rich coming from Horentz. House Marcano worried about others’ opinions more than anyone.

Yohan nodded.

“Indeed. All that matters is having nothing to be ashamed of.”

Horentz’s expression darkened a little.

“... Still, I am somewhat concerned.”

Yohan thought he knew what was coming.

“If you mean my safety, there’s no need to worry. Those thieves paid in blood last night.”

Horentz’s narrow eyes widened slightly. He sounded impressed.

“It seems the Watcher of the Abyss is well versed in combat, too.”

Quite apart from Maphel’tan’s strength, ‘Yohan’ now possessed respectable fighting skills of his own. He had spent two hellish months with the Sword Fiend Hakain. His physical abilities had improved tremendously, and he had gained considerable proficiency with a spear. An ordinary human who couldn’t wield aura was no longer a match for him.

Yohan said jokingly, “I’m strong enough to protect a woman of my own.”

Horentz smiled.

“Then you pass the test for a son-in-law.”

He was only teasing.

“Let me prove myself this once. Your daughter will return home safely.”

Horentz answered at once.

“I should warn you that the Mind-Piercing Eye isn’t all-powerful. Serena probably isn’t strong enough yet to read every servant in your mansion.”

That didn’t matter. For now, Yohan intended to settle his suspicions about Haman first.

“I only need her to check one person. Will you help me?”

Horentz silently weighed the deal. In exchange for Serena’s services, Yohan had promised to secure a place for the Marcano Trading Company in the city of Velna. It was a highly profitable bargain for Horentz.

He didn’t deliberate long. Putting on his business smile, he said, “Very well. All that remains is to ask Serena what she wishes. Please wait here a moment.”

He couldn’t let Yohan meet Serena right away. Horentz remembered Yohan’s warning.

[“Do not use the Mind-Piercing Eye on me.”]

He had to pass that on to his daughter.

Yohan looked satisfied.

“Of course. I look forward to good news.”

Horentz inclined his head and left the dining room.

Yohan quietly looked at the table. The food was still untouched. So engrossed had he been in their conversation that he hadn’t taken even a spoonful of soup.

‘That’s rude of me.’

Only then did he begin to eat.

* * *

Serena Marcano was one of the most influential figures in the royal capital’s high society. Ever since childhood, she had never lacked for company.

Men, women, children, adults, slaves, commoners, nobles, royalty—the list went on. Everyone loved Serena, regardless of age, gender, or station. She was so captivating that people called her the Gold of the Royal Capital.

Young noblewomen forsook extravagance in an attempt to capture something of Serena’s air. Understated elegance became more fashionable than splendor. Thanks to Serena, House Marcano’s unavoidable frugality had become a virtue.

It was all the work of the Mind-Piercing Eye. Here was a beautiful woman who understood others and treated them with consideration, and who knew exactly how to win their affection. Who could possibly hate her? Anyone human was bound to love Serena.

Had Yohan not known about the Mind-Piercing Eye, he too would have fallen hopelessly for Serena. He probably would never have escaped her charms.

‘... Would I really?’

Yohan had never loved a woman deeply. He couldn’t understand the very idea of falling for someone’s charms and floundering helplessly.

Of the many episodes in Chronicle of Humans and Demons, those involving love had always puzzled him. He had frowned whenever he read about men risking their lives for Serena. He couldn’t relate to them in the slightest.

Would meeting Serena change his views a little? Yohan was skeptical. She wouldn’t be able to use the Mind-Piercing Eye on him. Her charm would be halved.

He felt a strange twinge of regret.

‘A love that makes you lose all reason. I probably won’t get to experience it this time.’

He wanted to feel for himself the emotions described in novels. Serena wouldn’t satisfy that curiosity. Or so he thought.

As he sat briefly lost in thought, he heard the click of shoes. Yohan looked up. Horentz was smiling.

“Thank you for waiting, Sir Yohan. Allow me to introduce my daughter at last.”

A woman in an elegant, understated dress emerged from behind him. It was Serena Marcano.

Just as the original novel had described her, she was gold. There were no adornments or accessories in sight, nor did she need any. Serena shone like gold all on her own. She was like an exquisitely cut jewel.

Someone’s face suddenly surfaced in Yohan’s mind.

‘... Ilea.’

His first impressions of Ilea and Serena had much in common. Both had stunned him with their dazzling beauty. But that was all. None of the emotions described in novels came to him. Yohan did not fall in love at first sight.

Serena began to speak, unhurriedly.

“I am Serena von Marcano. I greet the Watcher of the Abyss.”

She lifted her skirts slightly and curtsied.

Yohan rose and inclined his head.

“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Marcano. I am Yohan Miyatro.”

Horentz glanced over Yohan’s expression, then put on his business smile.

“I’ll leave you alone for a little while. Please, enjoy your conversation.”

He immediately left the dining room. Yohan was a little surprised. He had expected Horentz to stay with Serena.

While he was still wondering about it, a lovely voice reached his ears.

“Sir Yohan, my father gave me a brief explanation. You know about the Mind-Piercing Eye?”

Her golden eyes gazed steadily at him. Yohan didn’t look away.

“That’s correct. So please do not use your power on me.”