Chapter 52

■ Chapter 51. Secret (1) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

“Huh~ Huh~”

The white-haired girl, Mari, was walking down the road, cheerfully humming a tune. Her confident stride was far from the dignified demeanor expected of a noble. She was also carefully holding a book in her arms, the newly released 9th volume of the Zayon Chronicles.

‘Really lucky this time.’

The Zayon Chronicles are so popular that they sell out within an hour of release. Rumor has it that when the publishing company announces a new volume, it's like a war.

People hire others to wait in front of bookstores all day, and there are even cases of hoarding and fraud. Various troublesome situations have emerged.

Fortunately, after each country recognized the seriousness of the issue and imposed strict penalties, such incidents disappeared, but people still waited in front of bookstores. Since this wasn't illegal, it couldn't be stopped.

Of course, they also strictly prevented anyone from buying more than two copies. To prevent this, they even invented a magical technology for identity verification. If Isaac were to hear about this, he might find it absurd, but currently, he doesn't care at all.

Despite this, the Zayon Chronicles often sold out. Even for Mari, the daughter of the Rekilles family, it was almost impossible to buy the Zayon Chronicles without asking someone or her family.

‘This time, I don’t need to ask Dad.’

But this time was different. The Zayon Chronicles sold in unimaginable quantities, so the publishing company decided to take action.

They had already converted all printing presses to produce the Zayon Chronicles like a factory, but there were limits. So, they set up a new large printing press and introduced new technology.

Thanks to this, even commoners could easily obtain the Zayon Chronicles, which were difficult for nobles to buy. Even if they sold out on the day of release, the stock would be replenished in four days.

‘To buy the last remaining copy, what a stroke of luck.’

Mari held the Zayon Chronicles tightly in her arms and smiled happily. On the first day of release, she failed to buy it due to a mistake, but when she visited the bookstore four days later, there was just one copy left.

At that moment, she was so nervous that she almost let someone else take it, but she managed to get it first. The person she was competing with gave her an angry look, but Mari didn’t care.

Now, she was walking back to her dorm with a light step. Although her mountain of homework and exams was important, she planned to read the Zayon Chronicles to relax her mind.

‘Did Isaac buy it?’

Mari, walking happily, suddenly thought of Isaac. Lately, Isaac’s face has been popping up in her mind more often.

Moreover, when they attend classes together, she often finds herself staring at his profile. If Isaac notices her gaze and turns his head, she usually avoids eye contact.

Originally, she thought it was just a simple liking, but as time passed, she became more and more aware of what this feeling meant. Mari held the Zayon Chronicles in her arms even tighter and smiled warmly.

As mentioned at the last meeting, Isaac is honest with others even if he hides his secrets. This alone was enough to win Mari’s affection, and she found herself increasingly drawn to him.

At first, they were just friends, but the moment she realized how comfortable it was to talk to Isaac, everything changed.

Whenever she felt stressed, talking to Isaac made it melt away like snow. Before that, Isaac would notice her expression and ask what was wrong.

‘But lately, Lina’s behavior has been strange…’

However, such happy thoughts didn’t last long. Recently, Lina’s behavior towards Isaac has been unusual.

To Lina, Isaac was just an interesting subject. She rarely played pranks on him or acted friendly, like Mari or Cecil.

However, in the past month, her frequency of approaching Isaac has increased. Mari can’t help but be concerned.

The biggest problem was Lina’s attitude. Lina often wears a ‘mask’ when dealing with people. Given her position as a princess, it’s understandable, but for Mari, who has been hurt before, it’s extremely unpleasant.

‘…But that mask is gradually disappearing.’

The fact that Lina is starting to take off her mask when dealing with Isaac is a big issue. Originally, Lina only took off her mask when talking to Cecil, but recently, she does so more often when talking to Isaac.

Mari can’t understand why Lina, who has always worn a mask, is suddenly acting this way, but it’s definitely not a pleasant situation for her. Fortunately, Isaac still avoids Lina, but one can never predict human behavior.

‘I can’t understand why that guy is suddenly acting this way. Does he know something I don’t?’

Mari, feeling uneasy, was heading back to her dorm when she suddenly noticed a very familiar color of hair.

It was the end of all classes, so there were many people around, but the crimson hair stood out. Mari blinked a few times and then smiled.

In the entire Hailo Academy, there is only one person with red hair.

“Isaac…!”

Just as she was about to call out his name, she noticed someone else next to the red-haired student and quickly closed her mouth.

While black hair is not rare, jet-black hair is. Moreover, black hair wasn’t the only distinctive feature.

Like horns on the sides of her head, proving she was a demon.

The woman next to Isaac was the princess of Helium, Cecil.

“… …”

Mari’s eyes twitched as she watched Isaac and Cecil walk side by side. She had felt the same discomfort at the last meeting, and seeing Isaac and Cecil so close made her feel even more uneasy.

Most of all, Cecil often played mischievous pranks on Isaac, making it hard for Mari to look at them kindly.

‘Where are they going?’

Feeling a sense of unease, Mari quickly tried to figure out where they were heading. She wanted to barge in, but decided to follow them first.

Like Isaac’s crimson hair, her white hair was also quite noticeable, so she had to be careful.

It felt like she was stalking them, but in a way, she was. Mari was cautious not to be noticed by them.

Eventually, they entered a…

‘…Café?’

A café. A café suitable for secret conversations.

Mari stared blankly at the café Isaac and Cecil entered. She only visits this café when she has to discuss family matters with her brother; otherwise, she never comes here.

It’s a bit expensive, but each room is soundproof, and it’s famous for being a place where ‘couples’ often visit.

‘…No, it can’t be, right?’

Mari’s blue eyes started to tremble with anxiety.

* * *

Cecil and I were first assigned a room in the café. There was a minor incident when the café staff was slightly startled upon seeing Cecil, but it passed smoothly.

A moment later, we were assigned to a soundproof room and entered. It was neither too small nor too large, making it perfect for secret conversations.

“This café is usually visited by couples, right?”

Cecil, sitting across from me, said in a subtle voice. I put on a face of surprise, as if hearing it for the first time.

“Really? I’ve never heard that before.”

I really didn’t know. The only reason I knew about this café was that Nicole had brought me here once.

Cecil smiled faintly at my expression and then gave a calm smile.

“Didn’t know? Well, since you didn’t know, that’s why we came here. But don’t worry, no strange rumors will spread. It’s a place where couples often visit, but it’s not really that kind of place.”

“What kind of place is it, then?”

“Hmm… There are such places. You don’t need to know as a child.”

In response to my question, Cecil gave a mischievous smile and wiggled her index finger. Thanks to this, I got a vague idea of what couples do in this café and closed my mouth tightly.

Even though we came here for a secret conversation, it felt like I had come for the wrong reason. I rubbed the back of my neck in embarrassment.

“…Or should we switch seats?”

“No, it’s fine. Isaac isn’t doing anything strange to me. It’s just a private conversation, right?”

“It’s not me, but I feel like you might do something strange to me.”

“You’re joking.”

Cecil waved her hand and laughed it off. I had said it as a joke and tried to laugh it off.

“Caught you?”

“…What?”

Until she muttered in a low voice, it was hard to tell if she was serious or joking.

Cecil, seeing my visibly flustered expression, shook her head with her usual playful smile.

“Pretend you didn’t hear. I wouldn’t do anything strange to you, would I?”

“Eh… Yes, that’s… right.”

I felt a sense of unease but dismissed it as a misunderstanding. Cecil is much stronger than me, but given her personality, she wouldn’t do such a thing.

The situation had almost turned awkward, but fortunately, a staff member came to take our order, which helped ease the tension. Cecil ordered an Americano, and I ordered a cappuccino.

After the staff left, we were alone again. As soon as the staff left, Cecil propped her chin on her hands and stared at me intently.

I didn’t back down from her gaze. Since I came here to reveal my secret, I had no reason to be intimidated.

“Isaac.”

“Yes, Onee-san.”

“Do you like writing?”

Cecil asked indirectly rather than directly. I nodded without hesitation in response to her question.

“Yes, I do.”

“Good. That’s what you said…”

Cecil lowered her gaze slightly after hearing my answer, as if organizing her thoughts.

Since I intended to reveal all my secrets, I wasn’t particularly nervous.

“…Isaac.”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember the story you told me two months ago? You explained what demons are like.”

I remember it clearly. I also remember hastily revising the manuscript afterward.

I nodded in affirmation, and Cecil smiled softly. Then she began to recount the events of that day.

“At that time, you described us demons like this: beings who, despite knowing they can never become human, desperately wish to be human, more human than anyone else.”

“… …”

“I’ll never forget that story. But a similar story appeared in the Zayon Chronicles. When Jin was in distress after Sarkan’s death, Zayon told him that. Do you know about it?”

I nodded again. I had originally intended to write what I told Cecil in the Zayon Chronicles but revised it.

However, I had to convey the meaning somehow, so it couldn’t be helped. Perhaps Cecil noticed this part.

“I immediately thought of what you told me when I read that part. It could be a coincidence, but there are many suspicious circumstances.”

“Such as?”

“First, the callus on your middle finger.”

Cecil pointed to my callus with her finger.

“That callus forms from holding a pen for a long time, right? But that alone isn’t enough evidence. Isaac has a habit of taking notes in his notebook.”

“… …”

“Second, your indifferent attitude towards the Zayon Chronicles. I overheard your conversation with Jackson at the last meeting. Despite your indifferent attitude, you seemed to know almost the entire story. Normally, someone who knows that much would be passionate, but you were strangely indifferent whenever the Zayon Chronicles were mentioned.”

You overheard my conversation with Jackson at the meeting. I thought Cecil was far away at the time, so I couldn’t understand how she heard it.

Perhaps she enhanced her hearing with magic. While magic is forbidden in the academy, enhancing one’s senses is not a problem.

While I was thinking this, Cecil presented the final piece of evidence.

“Lastly, the identity of demons you told me. How many people in this world would think of demons, who are treated as devils, the way you do? Even though there are many people in this world, it’s extremely rare. Even if you read the Zayon Chronicles, it’s almost impossible to have such thoughts, especially considering the discrimination our demons have faced in the past.”

“… …”

“Just these three points are enough to raise suspicion. Moreover, you just said you like writing. Combining all these clues, one conclusion stands out.”

Cecil, who had been speaking without pause, looked me straight in the eye. I met her gaze calmly without flinching.

It seemed best for me to speak first. I took a deep breath, leaned forward slightly, and spoke in a quiet voice.

“Onee-san, I have a question. Can I ask it?”

“Sure.”

“If you found the author of the Zayon Chronicles, what would you do?”

This is a turning point. If Cecil answers honestly, I will reveal myself willingly; otherwise, I will delay it.

Of course, delaying won’t keep the secret hidden, but I need to confirm. Lina’s example is close at hand.

Cecil, hearing my question, smiled deeply, lowered her hand from her chin, and clasped mine. Her cheeks also turned red, perhaps from embarrassment.

As I realized her reaction was not ordinary, Cecil answered in a ladylike voice.

“As you know, the Zayon Chronicles is the benefactor who fulfilled the long-held wish of our demons. I can enjoy a happy life here thanks to that person.”

“… …”

“If I found that person… I would willingly give everything I have. Whether they are male or female, handsome or not, young or old, it doesn’t matter. Compared to the gratitude I owe them, this is nothing.”

It’s not nothing. I was greatly surprised by Cecil’s answer.

I thought it would just be inviting me to Helium or protecting me, but offering everything is far beyond what I expected.

Who is Cecil? The princess of Helium and the next demon king. If such a person offers everything, the impact would be unimaginable.

“Eh…”

My mind was a jumbled mess, and I couldn’t think of anything. Cecil, seeing my reaction, smiled and gently led me somewhere with my hand.

And the place she led me to was…

Squish-

Her chest, which exuded an overwhelming presence. The soft sensation in my hand made me feel suddenly alert.

I was confused about why she was acting this way even before I revealed my secret, but Cecil spoke in a voice full of allure.

“How does it feel?”

“… …”

“Do you want to touch more?”

Thump— Thump— Thump—

The sound of Cecil’s heart, felt through her chest, and my own heart beat in unison. I stared at Cecil, forgetting what to say.

Her face was also flushed, perhaps from embarrassment, but compared to mine, it was nothing. I felt like I might faint at any moment.

Cecil leaned forward, bringing her face close to mine. Then, in a voice that tickled my ear, she spoke.

“If you reveal your secret and show me the evidence, I can do more here. I’m always ready.”

“Th… That…”

“Surely our Isaac isn’t a prude, right?”

Of course not. Stimulated by her voice, my body was gradually charging.

If I gave in even a little, a disaster would occur. I was suppressing it with all my might, and if my self-control broke, I wouldn’t know what I might do.

Just as I was trying to regain my composure and pull my hand away, Cecil, grabbing my arm, pulled it even tighter towards her face.

And…

“Mmm…”

She bit my middle finger. Then, she put the exact part where my callus was into her mouth. It was a bold move.

Snap—

If that was all, it would be one thing, but the sensation of Cecil’s tongue gently touching my callus was vividly felt. The soft sensation of her tongue traveled up my hand, making my brain tingle.

This completely severed the last bit of my self-control. I took a deep breath.

‘Damn. What the hell.’

If I backed down now, I wouldn’t be a man. I should follow my instincts and reveal my secret.

Just as I closed my eyes and was about to stand up, there was a knock on the door, dispersing the tense atmosphere.

Knock— Knock— Knock—

I stopped standing up and looked at the door in a half-standing position.

Cecil was the same. She looked at the door with a blank expression and then frowned.

“Why now…!”

Cecil muttered through gritted teeth. Thanks to this, my lost self-control was restored, and I quickly pulled my arm away. Cecil, seeing me pull away, looked disappointed.

‘Should I be relieved or not…’

In the awkward atmosphere, I glanced at Cecil and walked towards the door. I assumed it was a staff member bringing the coffee.

If it had continued, I might have caused an accident. My instincts were shouting in disappointment, but my rational mind was relieved.

After opening the door to greet the staff member with the coffee, I saw a very familiar face.

Snow-white hair and blue eyes, along with a beautiful face.

“…Mari?”

Mari stood in front of me with a mix of anxiety and anger.