I Became the Main Character’s Demon Sword

32

If it wasn’t the ring he wanted, what could it be? As Arpel looked at Rohan, who still appeared upset, he quickly racked his brain in silence.

“…Should I buy you a ring?”

“Will we… wear them together?”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

Only then did the child’s expression soften. His golden eyes sparkled with the tears that had welled up slightly, but they quickly subsided. Instead, a blush began to spread across his round cheeks, and Arpel simply caressed the child’s cheek as his heart dictated.

“Rohan. Perhaps…”

This feeling, as if time was flowing slowly, felt good. The sunlight peeking through the window onto the bed, and the child’s hair that seemed to sparkle especially brightly in the light, were both satisfying to behold. Stroking the child’s hair with a touch that had naturally softened from the mood, he whispered.

“Would it be alright if I pierced your ear?”

“My ear…?”

“Yes. The Demon God gave you an earring that would help you… but your ears aren’t pierced.”

His other hand caressed the soft earlobe. The thought of having to ultimately wound this white, soft earlobe without a single scar suddenly made him resent the Demon God.

“If Arpel does it, it’s okay.”

“…Really?”

The child, on the contrary, showed a lovely smile as if pleased. For Arpel, who had been worried about what to do if the child was scared of the pain, this was a favorable turn of events.

He wouldn’t have entrusted it to anyone else’s hands anyway. He disliked not only inflicting wounds but even the idea of anyone else touching Rohan’s body carelessly.

His now more blatant selfishness and satisfaction intertwined, creating a strange emotional spectacle. Yet, at the same time, an inexplicable guilt welled up in a corner of his heart.

Am I normal like this?

Things that had been somewhat suppressed when he wasn’t sure if he could stay by Rohan’s side were now finding cracks to emerge through.

He knew he lacked humanity. He had never particularly felt uncomfortable with that fact. But occasionally, questions would suddenly arise about whether this was really okay.

To be more honest, he feared that Rohan might come to hate him if he ever learned of these feelings.

Memories of his past life, which he hadn’t been particularly interested in until now, suddenly came to mind. The glimpse he had of that man’s life suggested he had been quite a kind person.

But Arpel, who had inherited that life, was different. When he thought that the child might have liked him more if he still had that personality, an uncontrollable sense of inferiority welled up. Perhaps it was due to the power of the spirit within him. He began to feel a little resentful towards things he had never given much thought to before.

“Arpel?”

Rohan grasped Arpel’s hand. The warmth of the small hand, significantly different in size, tapped the back of his hand. Arpel, who had been letting himself be carried away by the waves of thoughts that constantly gnawed at him, finally came to his senses and looked straight at Rohan.

“Are you hurting somewhere…?”

“…No. It’s nothing.”

Large eyes set in the small face were filled with concern.

There was no need to think about it. Arpel quickly dispelled the thoughts he had been having as he slowly took the earring out of his pocket and held it up to Rohan’s ear.

“Purple…”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes!”

Rohan seemed to quite like the design of the earring. Although Arpel wasn’t sure exactly what aspect he liked, the fact that the child was satisfied allowed him to let go of even the little worry that remained in a corner of his heart.

He drew out a shadow from the floor, making it as thin as a thread, and used it to pierce the ear. Although he worried about the pain during the process, Rohan only slightly furrowed his brow and bravely endured it. Arpel stroked his head, impressed. He didn’t bother to hide his rising smile.

Dionel, who came around lunchtime, was surprised to see the sudden appearance of an earring on Rohan’s ear, but after hearing the circumstances, he bestowed a blessing on the child. As a bonus, he gave a general explanation about future events.

Whether blessed by the Celestial God or the Demon God, those who received their blessings had to participate in the battle against spirits after they grew up. In some ways, it might be a rather one-sided decision. Come to think of it, wasn’t it forcing a destiny upon them by arbitrarily bestowing a blessing without permission?

Although it was said that there was rarely any disharmony as it was determined based on compatibility, inclination, and innate nature, Arpel couldn’t help but worry about Rohan.

“Can I become strong?”

“Yes. We will do our best to guide you.”

But Rohan, who was listening to the explanation, seemed rather pleased. His cheeks flushed red, and he couldn’t hide the interest gleaming in his eyes.

Reflecting on past memories, it seemed that Rohan had often said he wanted to grow up quickly and become strong. The reason was quickly surmised. He clearly wanted to take revenge on the Salvation Church that had killed his family, friends, and villagers as soon as possible.

It didn’t sit well with Arpel that such a young child was entangled in such complicated circumstances. A life solely pursuing revenge couldn’t be good.

“Arpel, you’ll make a contract with me, right…?”

“Yes. When you become an adult.”

Nevertheless, Arpel didn’t try to dissuade Rohan. Whatever choice the child made, Arpel would continue to remain by his side.

***

Rohan wanted to wield a sword right away, but Dionel flatly refused. He insisted that being able to properly utilize the magical power inherent in his body was the priority. Although he looked displeased, Rohan eventually agreed with Dionel’s assertion.

Despite likely not having much time due to his position as High Priest, Dionel consistently taught Rohan. Whatever he taught, Rohan absorbed the knowledge like a sponge. Dionel didn’t hold back on praising Rohan, saying he was truly a pleasure to teach.

On the second day, a teacher was assigned to Arpel as well.

“…I’m Owen.”

“I’m Arpel.”

The man, not hiding his tired expression, must have been scolded by Dionel, as he introduced himself first upon meeting Arpel. After Arpel added his name as well, silence followed.

It was a situation where most people would struggle with awkwardness, but one was a Demon Sword, and the other was too insensitive, so neither seemed to care.

“I’ll teach you consecration first.”

Arpel decided to learn a few ways to utilize magical power, just like Rohan.

Although Owen didn’t teach as encouragingly and kindly as Dionel, he was a decent teacher who properly pointed out the main points. For Arpel, who had already been freely using the power of authority, it wasn’t a particularly difficult process.

Dark-colored magical power bloomed above his palm. Unlike before, when it felt like it was simply forming a rounded sphere, now it felt like it was melting into his fingertips. Once he felt the sensation, it seemed there would be no problem drawing it out again.

“Arpel!”

He had come outside to practice, both to refresh his mood and to concentrate more, when Rohan ran from afar and jumped into his arms, bringing a gentle breeze that brushed across his cheeks. As he habitually lifted the child, Dionel approached together, wearing a bitter smile.

“Rohan seems unable to concentrate today.”

“Is that so?”

“Umm, a little…”

Arpel could sense that Rohan was feeling a bit sheepish, but he had no intention of pressing the issue. He simply patted the back of the child in his arms. The child, burying his face in Arpel’s chest and nuzzling, emitted a soft, fluffy scent.

“He kept looking at you, Arpel.”

“…I see.”

He was simply grateful that the child depended on him. Seeing that Arpel didn’t seem inclined to add anything, Dionel eventually let out a small sigh.

The reason for Rohan’s lack of concentration was clear. It was because Owen had approached Arpel to teach him how to use magical power.

The more he observed, the more worrying it became. Although he knew the situation was unavoidable, even considering that, Rohan was excessively blind when it came to Arpel.

The brilliant eyes that always called out to be looked at were directed solely at one person. Although it had only been two days since he started teaching, Dionel could vaguely deduce why Rohan wanted to become so strong.

Of course, it couldn’t be attributed to a single reason, but Arpel probably accounted for a large proportion of those reasons.

“Um, won’t you praise me?”

“You did well, Rohan.”

All Dionel could do was watch the two of them smiling at each other. Whether all of this would turn out to be poison or benefit, only their fate would know.

***

Gilbert was brought out exactly three days later, as Arpel had predicted in advance. Thrown onto the cold floor of the underground prison surrounded by armed knights, Gilbert screamed as soon as he hit the ground.

“Urgh! I’ll, I’ll do it! I’ll tell you everything, please!”

His face was streaked with tears and mucus. There was even a foul smell, suggesting something had happened inside. Although only three days had passed, Gilbert’s appearance was unrecognizably damaged.

Among those facing him were some who had followed him for a long time, but unable to recognize anyone’s face, he clung close to the iron bars, unable to control his body’s trembling like an aspen leaf. Naturally, the faces of those who witnessed all this destruction firsthand were not pleasant.

“Are you now inclined to speak about your backers?”

“Yes, yes! I’ll tell you everything! Anything!”

Dionel stood at the forefront of the iron bars. His face, which was always gently relaxed when dealing with others, was now stiffly set, exuding an unapproachable atmosphere.

Arpel simply stood silently to the side, taking in the entire scene. He held Rohan with one arm while covering the child’s eyes with his other hand. It was not a sight he particularly wanted to show him.