Chapter 3

### How to Live Like a Demon - Chapter 3 (3/385)

How to Live Like a Demon Chapter 3

003 Lucius Kendrick (3)

The moon had set.

Even as the night deepened, the lights in Lucius's office refused to go out.

This was because he had to attend to the backlog of work caused by his battle with the Demon King.

Swoosh.

He picked up a cup of tea to chase away the accumulated fatigue.

A subtle citrus aroma spread from the tea Hamel had poured.

“Hmmm……”

He sighed as he took a sip of the tea.

Not long ago, he had contacted the deans of each academy and instructed them to submit all information, from student and teacher lists to curricula, events, and financial situations.

Within a week, he received detailed information about each academy.

There were a few students he needed to keep an eye on, but there were no elements that would hinder the execution of his orders.

However……

Lucius looked at Hamel and muttered to himself.

“Still, there’s a big task left……”

“I refuse.”

Hamel quickly preempted, having caught Lucius's gaze. His eyes formed a gentle curve, but his mouth was set in a firm line.

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Didn’t you plan to make me a teacher at the academy?”

Hamel's dry gaze was filled with dissatisfaction.

“Tsk, that’s why quick-witted guys are a pain.”

But Lucius had not even entertained a sliver of hope. He clicked his tongue at the expected reaction.

As he said, Lucius had intended to recommend Hamel as a teacher of demonology at the academy.

From the habitats and diets of demons to their weaknesses and ecology, no one in the entire demon realm could match Hamel's knowledge of demons.

This confidence was based on a clear reason.

“Have you forgotten? I am a demon.”

Because he was Lucius's contracted demon.

In the past, Hamel had a history of devouring numerous demons, threatening the ecosystem, and being classified as a dangerous species.

At the time, many demons sought to make a contract with him, but they were defeated in power struggles and had to give up their flesh and bones.

The demons feared him as the thousand-year-old demon Epiartis, and the previous Demon King, unable to tolerate this, sealed him away.

And a few years ago.

When the seal was broken, Lucius subjugated him and formed a master-servant contract, leading to the current situation.

“Did you eat something without me knowing? You look well-fed.”

“I must have caught a few demons in my sleep.”

“Hamel.”

His growl, tinged with irritation, carried a strong force. Hamel's mouth clamped shut like a honeyed mute.

Instead of continuing, Lucius tapped the empty teacup with his fingertips, and Hamel refilled it with the citrus-scented tea.

“I know you don’t like mingling with other demons.”

A faint resentment clouded Hamel's eyes, a look that said, "You know this, yet you still ask."

“But if you go on a rampage while I’m away, it will be troublesome. You wouldn’t want that, either.”

“……”

Hamel had not eaten anything since he awoke from his long seal.

Yet, he managed to maintain his composure and rationality because Lucius sated his hunger with his blood and magic.

If he failed to satisfy his hunger, the consequences could be more severe than expected. To prevent Hamel's rampage, he needed to keep him close in some form.

But he couldn’t just bring a demon into the academy openly.

There was only one solution.

“Your answer?”

Hamel, feeling the shackles on his tongue loosen, let out a small sigh and replied in a low voice.

“I will prepare accordingly.”

In the end, Hamel was dragged to the academy by Lucius.

* * *

Cyrus Academy.

It was a beautiful temple-like place, as if the white light of the eternal snow had been transplanted there.

The giant windows at the front of the academy were as transparent as ice, and the light pouring through the round ceiling was as brilliant as the sun after a snowstorm.

The columns, reaching high to the ceiling and firmly supporting the corridor, exuded a sense of grandeur and elegance.

It was a fitting sight for Cyrus, known for its most beautiful scenery among the four academies of the demon realm.

Thud, thud.

Two men were crossing the corridor, moving their feet.

“Looks good, Lucius. What do you think?”

Demit's voice was excited. Anyone could tell how happy he was just by his tone.

“Indeed, this isn’t bad.”

Lucius echoed, taking another look around.

Cyrus had a solemnity that was closer to a temple than an academy. However, it wasn’t overdone, and it showcased a splendid beauty.

Moreover, every corner was spotless, highlighting its purity even more.

As Lucius and Demit walked down the corridor with satisfied smiles, a sound came from the opposite direction.

Moo!

Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump!

The sound of hurried footsteps and a cry came from the opposite direction.

Lucius and Demit turned their heads at the sudden noise.

They saw a figure running down the corridor from the opposite end.

The man had a bull's face and two proud horns on his head.

It was Glen, the dean of Cyrus.

Glen, with a pale and bloodless face, hastily straightened his collar and bowed deeply.

His large, innocent eyes, characteristic of a Minotaur, shimmered.

“Please forgive my rudeness! I am Dean Glen. I should have greeted you first, but I have been remiss!”

Lucius looked down at the bowed Glen.

His bow was directed not at Lucius but at Demit.

Glancing at Demit, he saw a sly smile, indicating that he had intentionally not mentioned Lucius.

After a moment of thought, Lucius spoke.

“Lift your head. It’s a sudden visit, but I appreciate your welcome. I want to discuss matters immediately, even though it’s earlier than planned.”

Instantly, confusion clouded Glen's face.

He had assumed that Demit, standing before him, was the higher authority, but unexpectedly, the response came from the young, fresh-faced youth.

‘What’s going on?’

But he couldn’t just stand there confused.

Glen composed himself and spoke.

“Ah, I understand.”

Lucius nodded at him, acting like a naive child with a powerful backer.

“Please guide us.”

Glen led them to the reception room.

It was neatly arranged, as if he had been informed of their visit in advance.

Glen gestured to the sofa and bowed slightly.

“Please sit. I will bring refreshments shortly. Is there a particular tea you prefer?”

“Just bring something appropriate.”

Lucius naturally took the seat of honor and replied. Glen’s eyes darted left and right, still struggling to understand the situation.

Despite the sudden lack of respect from the young demon, the dean’s silence and observant attitude pleased Lucius.

Glen composed himself and prepared the tea.

Once everything was set, Lucius began the discussion with a serious expression.

“I apologize for the sudden visit. But we have our reasons.”

“Yes? No, it’s fine. I was free during the vacation. But the person speaking just now is the son of the Legion Commander, correct?”

“Ah, you mean this one?”

The unexpected honorific from Demit turned Glen's confusion into anxiety.

Glen began to count in his head the demons who could be addressed with honorifics by Demit, the 8th-ranked demon.

His hand trembled as he poured the tea.

Lucius, unfazed by his tension, took the teacup, which was shaking with the ripples.

“I should have introduced him earlier. This is my son, who is 71 years old this year and will be entering Cyrus. He is currently serving as the 5th Elder, Lucius Kendrick.”

“An Elder……?”

Glen, unable to believe what he was hearing, scrutinized Lucius’s expression.

The boy in question was drinking tea peacefully from the seat of honor, which seemed out of place.

Noticing the gaze, Lucius lightly asked.

“Do you need more explanation?”

“No! I understand.”

“Good. As I mentioned, he will be entering the academy soon. I thought it best to inform you in advance. An official notice will be sent shortly.”

“Yes……? Ah, yes. I will be aware of that.”

Glen’s face was filled with questions, but he did not add any more.

Instead, he became even more polite in his demeanor and attitude towards Lucius.

Lucius, secretly impressed by Glen’s composure, put down his teacup.

“Dean Glen.”

“Yes.”

“You know, but you must keep my identity a secret.”

“Understood. What about the entrance exam? It can be handled as a special case, or he can take the exam.”

“Given the busy schedule, I prefer the special case. Send the results of the other students to me. And this is Hamel.”

Hamel’s face was still stiff, clearly not pleased with the situation.

He reluctantly nodded at Glen.

“He is well-versed in demons and would make a good teacher.”

“We have an opening. We will assign him to teach the new students.”

Glen was a quick-witted and easy-to-communicate-with demon, more so than expected.

Lucius, satisfied, stood up.

“Then, I’ll take my leave. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Yes! Please take care!”

They left, bowing to the still-bowed Glen, and returned to the mansion.

* * *

“Now you can enter with peace of mind! Lucius, if you make friends, you must bring them home.”

Lucius subtly avoided the expectant gaze of Demit, who was looking at him with bright eyes. He fiddled with the neatly tied ribbon of his tie and remained silent.

He was unsure of himself.

Could he really look at the academy students as friends? The gap between them and him was too vast.

Although Demit was so hopeful, he couldn’t bring himself to say it confidently.

Demit, seemingly unaware of his inner thoughts, asked with unhidden excitement.

“What do you plan to do once you enter the academy?”

Lucius had thought about this.

The most important thing was to avoid revealing his true identity, but the key to this mission was.

“I plan to graduate as soon as possible.”

Early graduation.

Demit was quite surprised by this unexpected answer.

“I thought you would be more cautious and take your time at the academy.”

“I have things to do, and a longer stay would make the Elders and His Majesty very happy.”

Initially, no matter how much he tried, his identity in the academy would be that of a student.

Unless there was definitive evidence, no one would suspect him of being an Elder.

It was fortunate that his identity had not been fully revealed due to the strict secrecy maintained when he became an Elder.

Demit nodded in agreement.

“That makes sense. Don’t worry about the work. I’ll handle as much as I can. The important things can be relayed through Hamel.”

“Thank you. I’ll ask him to do that. By the way, the biggest problem is teaching the students.”

Lucius frowned, recalling the Demon King’s order relayed by Demit.

How strong and talented must the students be to satisfy the Demon King, the most powerful demon?

‘The recruitment of new soldiers for the Demon King’s army is imminent, but perhaps he plans to use them under the guise of Elder recommendations?’

Lucius nodded to himself, understanding the implication.

The ability to join the Demon King’s army and immediately perform missions as a combatant.

That level of skill would satisfy both the Demon King and the Legion Commander Demit.

Demit, observing Lucius’s deep contemplation, spoke cautiously.

It seemed he was genuinely concerned about how Lucius would make friends.

“It shouldn’t be too difficult for you. Do you remember how I took care of you?”

Lucius recalled the past.

The importance of roots in the demon realm led to survival training in the forbidden Kamel Forest, and the need to grow strong led to participation in the Demon King’s army training.

Though challenging for a young demon, it ultimately helped improve his skills.

“I remember. I’ll use that as a reference.”

Demit smiled proudly at his response.

He hadn’t anticipated the results of his advice, but it was a natural suggestion.