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𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲
The demonic beast activity persisted for about a week around the summer solstice, with beasts continually emerging from the demon realm during this period.
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Merchants also avoided approaching Mercapolis during this time.
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However, the area around the village of Crete was as calm as a lull.
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This was not because the villagers were negligent in their vigilance; rather, despite the demonic beast activity, not a single beast appeared.
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“I never expected it to be this effective. . .”
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Namil looked up in surprise at the wooden fence surrounding the village of Crete.
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The fence was painted bright red with Elde, as instructed by Luke.
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It wasn’t just the fence; the walls of the houses and the surrounding trees were also coated with Elde, making the village’s perimeter appear as if it were engulfed in flames.
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Thanks to this, no demonic beasts appeared at all.
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Occasionally, creatures approached but quickly retreated back into the forest upon recognizing the Elde and the armed beastkin.
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“It seems to have worked well.”
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“It’s more than just working well. I regret not realizing this sooner.”
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Luke sighed deeply at Namil’s words.
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“If we had known this earlier, how many lives could have been saved. . . But it’s no use talking about that now. Let’s be thankful for the peace that Elde has brought us. And to Luke-san, who made it happen.”
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“No, this is all thanks to the master. . . By the way, may I ask you something?”
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“Certainly. I’ll answer anything I can for Luke-san’s sake.”
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“Could you tell me about the Red Horned Princess? Anything you know will do.”
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Namil raised an eyebrow at Luke’s unexpected question.
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“The Red Horned Princess? Of course, but. . . It’s more of a local belief that we beastkin worship. I wouldn’t think it’s something that would concern you.”
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“No, it’s actually very relevant.”
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Luke continued, shaking his head.
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“I’ve been training under a certain demon for a while. And it seems that this demon might be the goddess you beastkin worship, the Red Horned Princess.”
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“Training under a demon?! As a human?”
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Namil was surprised, but soon nodded in understanding.
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“Well, seeing your abilities, I have no choice but to believe. If that’s the case, I’ll help as much as I can. Would you come to my residence for further discussion?”
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“However, it’s already a thousand years ago, and there’s hardly any literature left that can be called documentation.”
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When Alma and he went to the mansion, Namil came with tea and a tattered scroll.
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Namil began to speak while offering tea to the two of them.
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“The Red-Horned Princess appeared out of nowhere, and our ancestors treated her so well that she took a liking to this village and lived here for a while. She, being of demonic lineage yet with low magical power, imparted various knowledge to us. This includes Everde and Crested Daisy, as well as this Relib tea.”
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The Relib tea that Namil offered had a faint purple color and a unique aroma and flavor.
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Drinking it left a refreshing tartness followed by a comforting aroma lingering in the nostrils, a truly mysterious tea.
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“As I mentioned before, when the Black Spotted Fever spread throughout this region, it was the Red-Horned Princess who saved us. Seeing us, persecuted due to the deadly disease, she wandered into the mountains, and since then, the disease abruptly ceased.”
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“So, was the cause of the Black Spotted Fever in the mountains?”
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Could the Black Spotted Fever have been a curse from magic or a demon beast?
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Or was it a type of mineral poison only found in the mountains?
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“I don’t know. Following the Red-Horned Princess’s warning, the mountains became off-limits, and no one has set foot there. Especially for us beastkin, it’s a major taboo.”
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Luke asked, and Namil shook his head and sipped the Relib tea.
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“This Relib tea is made from the leaves of the Relib tree planted by the Red-Horned Princess. It’s said that we beastkin didn’t suffer from the Black Spotted Fever thanks to this tea, and we continue to drink it as a tradition from that time.”
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“Such a thing. . .”
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Alma looked at the tea in surprise.
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“It is said that the Red-Horned Princess left suddenly one day, just as she had arrived. However, we beastkin still believe that she will return someday.”
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Namil said this and smiled at Luke.
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“If you have trained under the Red-Horned Princess, it’s almost like a dream come true.”
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“No, I’m still far from my master. But thanks to that, the possibility that the Red-Horned Princess is my master has emerged. I plan to confirm this when I meet her next.”
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“What! You still have contact with that demon-sama!”
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“This is a secret, though.”
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Luke smiled and gestured with his index finger at his mouth.
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Namil nodded deeply.
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“Indeed, just the existence of a demon being confirmed shakes the entire continent. It’s not something you can talk about casually. Understood, I will keep this matter confidential.”
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“Thank you.”
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At that moment, a knock was heard at the mansion’s door.
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Upon opening the door, there stood Kick.
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Cloaked in a bright red outfit dyed with Elde, his face also smeared with Elde.
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He had been surveying the surroundings of the village until now.
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“I’ve just returned from patrolling the surroundings. Nothing unusual.”
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“That’s good to hear. Please remind everyone to stay vigilant.”
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“So. . . um. . . that. . .”
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Kick, having reported to Namil, lingered, twisting his body as if he wanted to say something.
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“Kick, if you have something to say, don’t hesitate to speak up, okay?”
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Luke understood from the fleeting glances that they were meant for him.
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“Luke-san. . .”
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Eventually, Kick raised his head and gazed directly at Luke, as if he had made up his mind.
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“Please, I beg you, help Poorman Village.”