Chapter 39: The Return of the Doom-Class Death Knight

Chapter 39 Follow-up (2)

Damian returned to the duke's residence with the knights. As soon as they arrived, Damian met with Duke Vincent Sebastian. The two of them detailed the events they had experienced to the duke.

"…So, a mere black mage dared to do such a thing?"

The duke's face turned red with anger.

"Sir Sebastian, I am truly grateful for your bravery in protecting the knights without regard for your own life."

The duke firmly held Sebastian's hand, and Sebastian was overwhelmed with emotion.

"No, it was just my duty."

"There are many who cannot even do what is their duty."

The duke continuously praised Sebastian, as if this one act had made up for all the mistakes made during the duel with the marquis.

"I must also thank Sir Damian. Thanks to you, my dignity has been restored."

If the black mage had attacked and the knights had died, the duke's reputation would have plummeted.

But thanks to Damian, not only were the knights protected, but the culprits were also punished.

It was a stroke of luck for the duke.

"Sir Damian, could you stay at the duke's residence for a while? The church might decide to conduct a thorough investigation of this incident."

The duke said this with a look of apology.

Dealing with the church was something the duke had to be cautious about.

The duke's family was already deeply involved with black magic due to Chelsea Goldfich. Even though they were victims, if things went badly, the entire family might be interrogated on charges of heresy.

"You are the only one who directly confronted the black mage. Even if it's a hassle, I need you to cooperate with the church."

"Sure, I'll do that."

In fact, Damian wanted to return to his family immediately. However, he could owe the duke another favor through this matter, making it worth the time spent.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it!"

Thus, Damian became a guest of the duke's residence once again.

The church did not immediately seek out Damian Hassen.

They dispatched investigators to thoroughly examine the battle site before meeting with Damian Hassen.

Damian Hassen met the inquisitor two days later.

"…What?"

He was greatly surprised when he saw the inquisitor's face.

It was a face he knew well.

"Sir Damian Hassen, it's been a while."

Agnes.

The chief disciple of the Blue Flame and the paladin he had met during the Black Snake incident was standing before him.

"Sir Agnes, what brings you here? I thought you were going to the church headquarters."

"I volunteered after hearing about Sir Damian and the duke's story."

As always, Agnes's expression was very stern, but her eyes were filled with warmth.

"Let's sit and talk."

Agnes offered Damian a chair and even poured him a cup of tea.

The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly for someone meeting an inquisitor known for their cruelty.

"Sir Damian Hassen, it seems you have a deep connection with black mages."

Agnes's joke made Damian smile strangely.

Indeed, it was a persistent and tiresome connection.

"Did you find out which organization the black mages belonged to before you killed them?"

"I didn't hear that much. Given their mediocre skills, I suspect they were unaffiliated."

Damian hid the fact that the black mages he killed were from Ulan.

He didn't want to reveal too much information, as it might lead to the discovery that the two were the leader and deputy of Ulan, which he couldn't defeat with his publicly known skills.

"I see…"

A hint of disappointment flashed across Agnes's face.

"You seem disappointed."

"Ah, did it show?"

Agnes sighed.

"In fact, I am chasing Ulan. Specifically, a black mage affiliated with Ulan."

"Can I ask who it is?"

Damian's question made Agnes nod.

"Corpse Play."

Damian's eyes widened slightly. Agnes smiled bitterly, noticing the change in his expression.

"Of course, you know. After all, he's a terrible murderer who has massacred thousands."

Corpse Play.

No one knows his real name. The strange nickname "Corpse Play" became known through a specific incident.

One day, a noble's territory turned into an undead lair overnight.

The knights, while clearing the undead from the village, came across a shocking scene in the center of the village.

The word "Corpse Play" was written in large letters using the bodies and entrails of the villagers.

He had killed everyone in the territory just to make his name known.

However, Damian was not surprised by Corpse Play's past.

Corpse Play Delant.

In the distant future, he would become a legion commander under Dorgo's patronage.

With Dorgo's support, Delant grew to become a grand black mage, commanding an undead army of over a hundred thousand.

And he brutally massacred ten times as many humans.

"If you ever find out anything about Corpse Play… please let me know."

Agnes's eyes burned with hatred as she said this.

* * *

The investigation was brief.

After completing the investigation, Agnes sent Damian back.

After Damian left, a paladin entered the interrogation room.

"Sir Agnes, do you really believe that man's words?"

"That's a strange question."

Agnes's response made the paladin look frustrated.

"There are too many suspicious points to simply believe him."

The paladin still vividly remembered the shock of the first time he arrived at the scene.

The forest was completely devastated.

It was evidence of a high-level black magic that a low-level black mage could never use.

A low-level black mage using such black magic and being killed without a scratch?

It was unbelievable.

"Black mages, like the spawn of demons, can use black magic beyond their abilities through bizarre methods. Have you forgotten that?"

"Still, there has never been a case where a low-level black mage used such powerful black magic."

"They evolve just as we do, which is why the church is wary of black mages."

Agnes's words made the paladin look frustrated.

"I also heard that he killed a Ulan officer. But, Sir Agnes, have you forgotten the inquisitor's motto?"

"Unceasing doubt and continuous verification. Deception is like weeds, sprouting unexpectedly."

"I haven't forgotten."

"Then why do you so easily believe that man's words?"

"Let me ask you a question. Did you feel any dark magic in the forest?"

When a powerful black mage dies, dark magic lingers in the area, causing various problems and requiring purification.

But in the forest where the black mages died, there was no trace of dark magic.

"According to Damian Hassen, the black mages he faced were mediocre, which is evidence of their poor skills."

"But…"

"Most importantly, I believe Damian because he is strong."

The paladin, who was just a low-class knight, couldn't perceive Damian Hassen's strength.

But Agnes was different. She immediately realized how much stronger Damian had become the moment she saw him.

The pure magic power that could be felt even from a distance, the refined aura flowing through his body.

In just a little over a month, Damian Hassen had become so strong that he was almost unrecognizable.

"I will vouch for Damian Hassen's innocence."

Agnes's words left the paladin with no choice but to accept.

* * *

After meeting with Agnes, Damian prepared to return home.

This time, the duke personally helped Damian.

"Is this really enough?"

The duke looked at Damian with disbelief.

In front of the outer gate, five carriages lined up, each loaded with various items.

All of them were gifts Damian had prepared for his family.

"It's enough."

The duke not only bought the gifts but also generously paid the duel compensation.

Now, Damian had everything he needed. He just wanted to return home as soon as possible to see his family.

"If you say so, I can't do anything about it."

The duke reluctantly nodded.

"This is really goodbye. I've enjoyed it."

"I feel the same way."

"Thank you for saying that."

The duke took something from his fist and extended it.

A ring with the Goldfich family crest.

"Show this ring at any business operated by the Goldfich family, and you can use it for free."

Damian's mouth opened slightly in surprise.

In the Apple Kingdom, there was almost nowhere the Goldfich family's influence didn't reach.

The number of businesses they operated was enormous.

"Compared to what you've done for me, this is a modest gift. If you ever need my help, come and ask."

The duke repeated this several times.

* * *

"Big sister, you're out here again?"

Abel Hassen, the youngest of the Hassen family, said with a voice full of complaints.

Louise, standing at the entrance of the mansion, turned her head at Abel's voice.

"Oh, Abel. What's the matter?"

"What's the matter? You suddenly disappeared, so I came to look for you."

Abel said with a displeased look.

"Will big brother come just because you're out here? Just go inside and wait."

"I'll go in a little later."

Louise's answer made Abel sigh deeply.

He knew how stubborn Louise could be.

"Are you that worried about big brother?"

"Yes, I'm worried if such a delicate person can adapt to the duke's residence."

For a moment, Abel almost choked.

What? Delicate? The person who single-handedly destroyed an organization in the city?

"The duke's residence has many knights. They are very territorial. It must be terrifying…"

Abel recalled how Damian Hassen easily defeated the knights of the Ryanbloom marquis.

He didn't think someone like that would be intimidated by territorial behavior.

"I hope he returns safely…"

At that moment, Louise's eyes widened. She looked into the distance and shouted.

"Damian!"

Abel also looked in the direction of the road. At the horizon, Damian was riding a horse and approaching.

Damian recognized the two and waved.

"I'm glad he's safe."

Louise sighed in relief. But then, strange things started to appear behind Damian.

Armed knights and soldiers appeared.

Louise and Abel's faces stiffened when they saw this.

"Abel, what's that?"

"I don't know either."

Then, carriages piled high with something appeared one after another.

Louise and Abel involuntarily opened their mouths wide.

"Big sister, I'm back. Abel, how have you been?"

Damian said with a wide smile. The two asked in a dazed manner.

"Damian, who are these people?"

"Oh, they are the ones ordered by the duke to escort me."

"Escort?"

Louise looked confused.

"Big brother… what are all these carriages for?"

"You can't come back from a trip empty-handed. I bought some gifts."

Abel's mouth dropped open. The amount of gifts was excessive.

"Go and bring Father and Mother. I need to show them the gifts."

Damian said, and Abel hurriedly went into the mansion.

* * *

"…"

"…"

The viscount and his wife, who came outside, were speechless when they saw the gifts Damian had bought.

"Really, did the duke buy all of this…?"

"Yes, that's what happened."

"Are you sure it's not stolen?"

"No, it's really true."

The viscount pinched his cheek hard with his fingers and rubbed his eyes repeatedly.

"Stop that and come and