Chapter 40
An Unexpected Harsh Critique
Noga-ju walked slowly toward the window.
Chirp, a black strange bird fluttered onto Noga-ju’s shoulder.
Noga-ju gently stroked the bird’s head and spoke.
“Of course, I know you’re more talented than the others. But… well. I’m not sure you live up to this old man’s expectations.”
“……”
“Talent is just potential. Even if you’re a remarkable seed, no one knows how you’ll grow. You might end up a towering tree—or just a worthless twig.”
His gaze was icy cold, his words cutting.
If it had been anyone else, they would have turned pale.
But Christian remained silent for a moment, then calmly replied.
“Lord Noga-ju is right. I am still not enough to meet your expectations.”
Noga-ju read between the lines of Christian’s words.
“So, if you say ‘still,’ does that mean you’re confident about the future?”
“Yes, absolutely.”
Christian answered evenly.
A flicker of interest sparked in Noga-ju’s eyes.
“Indeed, what you said is true. We’ll have to wait and see what kind of being you become. Whether you’ll be a worthless twig or a towering tree… or perhaps—”
Christian met Noga-ju’s gaze squarely.
“—whether I become a great being who stands above even the tallest trees.”
“!!”
Christian showed no false humility.
After all, to claim the Dark Marga, winning Noga-ju’s favor was essential.
Better to leave a strong impression, even if it seemed arrogant.
Worry that Noga-ju might take offense?
Unnecessary.
Actions would prove everything.
“Of course, I know my words might sound like childish arrogance. So please, watch me closely from now on.”
Their eyes locked in the empty air.
Christian’s fierce determination reflected fully in Noga-ju’s vacant pupils.
“I will show you directly whether I am worthy of your expectations or not. I dare say, you won’t be disappointed.”
Silence fell over the room.
Merian glanced nervously at Noga-ju, worried he might be angered by Christian’s boldness.
But Noga-ju gave an unexpected answer.
“Better than expected. Far more impressive than I thought.”
A completely different response from what he had said to Christian.
“Then why earlier?”
“Because it’s the truth. Talent is just talent. Don’t you know how many geniuses throughout history never blossomed, but withered before their time?”
It was true.
There were countless talented people in the world.
But few bore fruit.
“More than that, this child’s talent is so extraordinary that he’ll be caught in even fiercer storms—and likely fall before he can fully bloom.”
Merian nodded.
Christian’s talent was exceptional—perhaps too exceptional.
Would that be a blessing?
Sometimes, moderate talent might be better.
His inhuman talent would make him a target for all, and he might be broken before he even had a chance to grow.
“…Shouldn’t we just protect him?”
“What good would that do?”
Noga-ju’s voice was cold and sharp.
Merian fell silent.
Noga-ju chuckled softly.
“A flower in a greenhouse is bound to wither. Besides, you know what kind of bloodstorm is brewing in the Marga Empire.”
“……”
“Still, I have hope.”
Noga-ju smiled.
It was a rare, genuine smile—not a mask.
“If this child doesn’t break, who knows how brilliantly he might bloom.”
He said quietly.
“Perhaps he will fulfill my deepest wish.”
Merian’s eyes widened in surprise.
It was the highest praise.
As far as she knew, Noga-ju had never spoken like that about anyone before.
If Christian showed signs of failure, Noga-ju would surely withdraw his favor immediately.
But today, he regarded Christian with genuine pleasure.
Several days passed after returning to the main estate.
Nothing unusual happened.
Time passed quietly, and Christian rested in his quarters.
But that was about to change.
The day before the Dark Rite approached.
A banquet was held.
The eve of the ceremony.
‘An important occasion.’
The Dark Marga’s grand event, the Dark Rite, brought all the noble heirs together.
It was the first time Christian would meet his rivals.
‘First, Loin.’
He would face this one during the Dark Rite.
Better to get a sense of the guy beforehand.
‘And Eshid.’
Christian’s eyes darkened.
The strongest rival in the race for heirship, already half-chosen as the next successor.
Christian and Eshid had a bitter history.
Eshid envied Christian’s talent and tried to ruin him.
‘Also, watch out for First Lady Yulian.’
By age, she was the third after Second Lord Eshid.
Merian’s advice echoed in his mind.
Not just them.
First Lord, Third Lord, Second Lady—anyone could be hiding claws.
All of them were opponents to be crushed without exception.
[“Is your preparation complete? Oh my… you look splendid today.”]
Mari’s eyes widened in surprise at Christian’s tuxedo-clad appearance.
Indeed, Christian looked incredible.
He was handsome to begin with, but dressed up, he was breathtaking.
Twice as handsome—and twice as insufferable.
Christian stared at his reflection in the mirror, silent for a moment.
‘…Being handsome is great, but why do I look more obnoxious every time? I feel like I’m living a good life.’
Well, it didn’t matter.
Christian smirked arrogantly.
“Let’s go.”
It was time to meet the esteemed heirs of the main estate.
“Here comes Count Kazaar’s eldest son, Young Master Christian!”
The banquet hall fell silent.
All eyes turned to Christian as he entered.
An uncomfortable stillness.
‘They’re more interested in me than I thought.’
Christian shrugged.
It wasn’t interest—it was hostility.
As a reckless wastrel, he was already despised by all.
And recently being summoned by Noga-ju only poured fuel on the fire.
[“Why would Lord Noga-ju pay attention to that trash?”]
[“Is it because of rumors that he fought demons at the Tiramyn estate?”]
[“That trash fighting demons? More like lucky to be recalled. Worthless scum.”]
Noga-ju was the absolute ruler at the pinnacle of the Dark Marga, commanding the respect and loyalty of all demons.
Many dreamed of catching his eye even once.
So his interest in such a worthless wastrel enraged them.
Christian ignored it and took a sip of ginger ale.
‘Where are the other heirs?’
At that moment, a sharp, piercing gaze landed on him.
A well-groomed noble-looking youth.
Slightly older than Christian.
Sixteen? Seventeen?
Sharp eyes.
Black hair and bloodshot eyes typical of the Dark Marga.
Though they met for the first time, Christian immediately recognized him.
‘Loin.’
His rival for the Dark Rite.
His icy gaze bore into Christian.
Clear hostility in his eyes.
But Christian just shrugged.
‘No need to talk here.’
They’d have plenty of “deep conversations” during the Dark Rite.
Still, Christian was curious.
Why did Loin hate him so much?
Was it just because he was a wastrel?
That seemed too much.
His eyes held the clear hatred of an enemy.
Fortunately, Christian’s question was soon answered.
He overheard whispers nearby.
“Christian’s in trouble. Young Master Loin is grinding his teeth.”
“Of course. He was humiliated by that trash before. He’s probably planning revenge.”
So.
From what he gathered, when Christian was a child, once hailed as a prodigy, he had crushed Loin in a duel.
Loin had held a grudge ever since.
‘What a petty thing. He lost because he was weak, yet he’s so petty, like those alliance guys.’
Christian clicked his tongue.
Usually, demons don’t hold grudges after duels.
They respect and admire strength.
But Loin’s grudge came from a deep sense of superiority.
He was the legitimate heir, and losing to a branch family was a humiliation.
‘I don’t like that.’
Christian crossed his arms.
Just then, a voice silenced the banquet’s murmurs.
“Here come the four heirs and heiresses!”
Four heirs entered the hall at once.
Leading them was a tall, handsome young man.
In his early to mid-twenties.
A bright, trustworthy, and friendly face.
He looked like a benevolent figure, but appearances could be deceiving.
That young man was Eshid.
‘Finally, I see him in person. I wonder how he’ll react to me.’
Christian crossed his arms.
It had been only recently that Eshid’s plot to ruin Christian was exposed, causing a stir.
Surely, there would be some reaction.
Just then, Chris was standing in the direction where Eshed and the other princes and princesses were headed.
Chris quietly watched as Eshed approached.
The moment Eshed noticed Chris and his blood-red eyes locked onto him—
“…”
There was no reaction.
He just glanced at Chris indifferently and that was it.
It wasn’t that he didn’t see him.
Nor was he deliberately ignoring him.
He simply didn’t care.
It was like looking at a pebble on the street.
A gaze devoid of any emotion.
‘Look at that.’
Chris smirked.
He hadn’t been hoping pitifully for Eshed to recognize him or show any interest.
He was just curious how the perpetrator would react.
After all, Eshed was the one who had wronged him.
Only then did Chris understand what kind of mindset Eshed had when he did that to Christian.
It wasn’t out of some deep admiration or jealousy.
It was just entertainment.
Like stepping on an ant.
He had crushed a trivial, insignificant opponent for fun.
So it made sense that Eshed showed no flicker of emotion or response upon seeing Christian.
No one takes seriously the wrongs done to a lowly ant.