Episode 184: Family Trip (2)
“My sweet little kitten, Sukle. No one understands me as quickly as you do…”
“Cut the nonsense, will you? What about the rest of you? Are we all in agreement?”
Sukle turned to the others, who exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
The man beamed at their response. “Like adorable little ducklings. Watching you fills me with such joy…”
“Looks like we’re all set. Let’s head out right away.”
Sukle sprang to his feet and headed out of the inn, with the others following suit.
Left alone, the man shrugged and approached the inn’s counter.
“Chef? The meal was… interesting.”
“I’m g-glad to hear that,” the innkeeper stammered, visibly trembling, his face as pale as a ghost.
“While the variety was commendable, the taste left much to be desired. Especially the bean dish—it was dreadful.”
“I-I’m terribly sorry. I’ll work on improving my cooking skills.”
“That’s the spirit. In that case, I suppose I should pay for the meal.”
The man placed a gleaming gold coin on the counter. Despite its shine, the innkeeper didn’t look pleased.
“Well, I’ll be on my way then.”
“W-wait, please!”
The man’s expression turned curious at the innkeeper’s desperate plea.
“Please… could you lift this curse?”
The innkeeper rolled up his sleeve, revealing a glowing magic circle on his wrist.
“I beg you! Spare my life, please!”
The innkeeper fell to his knees, pleading with clasped hands.
The man sighed, feigning sympathy. “Oh dear… your begging is almost enough to sway me.”
Hope flickered across the innkeeper’s face.
“But only our dear Sukle can lift that spell. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do.”
With that, the man turned and grasped the door handle.
“Wait! Please, I beg you!”
Ignoring the innkeeper’s cries, the man stepped outside. As the door closed, the magic circle began to glow ominously.
“No, please! Stop! Aaaah!”
The innkeeper’s body ignited in flames, and he rolled on the floor, screaming in agony.
“Aaah! Aaaah! Nooo!”
The fire clung to him, spreading to the inn itself. Soon, the entire building was engulfed in flames.
“Ah, the spell has triggered,” the man murmured, watching the inferno from outside.
“Sukle’s work is always impressive,” he added, turning to walk away.
The path he walked was littered with bodies—some exploded beyond recognition, others charred but still identifiable. All were villagers.
“Why are you so late?” Sukle’s voice was sharp as the man approached the village outskirts. He raised his hands apologetically.
“Shh, don’t get angry. It ruins that cute face of yours.”
“Cut the crap and tell me why you’re late.”
“Had to settle the bill, didn’t I?”
“Didn’t I tell you to stop wasting money like that?”
The man shrugged at Sukle’s scolding.
“Our first rule, my little kitten, what is it?”
“Do as we please.”
“Exactly, that’s the Hedoniac way.”
The man adjusted his clothes and added, “I believe in paying my dues, no matter what.”
“Ugh, whatever. Just get on your horse.”
The man, Sukle, and their group mounted their horses and rode off.
Shortly after they left, a group of paladins arrived at the village.
“Search for survivors!”
The paladins spread out, scouring the village. But all they found were ashes and the burning inn.
”…Horrific,” one paladin muttered under his breath.
It’s said that burning is the most painful way to die, and the villagers’ faces, even in death, bore witness to that agony.
“Hedoniac… those lunatics.”
Hedoniac.
Unlike other criminal organizations, they didn’t crave wealth or power. Their sole interest was in murder, massacre, and suffering.
They attacked villages and cities, killing people in ever-changing, gruesome ways.
Despite their atrocities, Hedoniac remained elusive.
The reason was simple.
“Master-class warriors and dark sorcerers moving together… Why does the divine allow such calamity?”
Hedoniac was led by transcendent beings.
“Report to headquarters that we’ve found traces of Hedoniac,” a paladin ordered grimly.
For this trip, the Haxen family didn’t need to make any special preparations.
“I’m Sandler, here to escort you on behalf of the Duke.”
The Goldpixie Duchy had sent carriages and guards for their journey.
“How can we ever repay the Duke for such generosity?” Father said, looking both grateful and embarrassed.
Not only had the Duke secured prime seats for the popular festival, but he also provided transportation and protection.
“The Duke has a message for you,” Sandler added.
“And what might that be?”
“He said that with such an outstanding son, you deserve every bit of it.”
Father’s face lit up with pride.
The Duke’s lavish gifts were all to maintain a good relationship with Damian. Unlike before, Damian had become a figure too significant for the Duke’s influence alone to contain.
For Damian, it was a beneficial arrangement. With his family in the Apple Kingdom, staying on good terms with the Goldpixie Duchy was advantageous.
“Let’s get going,” Sandler announced as the carriage carrying the Haxen family set off.
The carriage traveled swiftly, arriving at the city where the festival was held.
“Oh my.”
“Wow.”
The family couldn’t help but marvel as they stepped out of the carriage.
The city was bustling with people, and the streets were lined with vendors selling souvenirs.
“With so many people, finding accommodations will be tough,” the Haxen Count remarked, concerned. Sandler was quick to reassure him.
“There’s no need to worry. The Duke has already arranged accommodations for you.”
“Really? That’s wonderful news.”
Sandler led the family to a hotel in the city center.
The five-story hotel was the tallest and largest building in the area.
“This hotel is owned by our Duchy.”
“Impressive. Which rooms will we be using?”
“You’ll have the entire hotel at your disposal.”
”…What do you mean?”
“I mean exactly that. The entire hotel is yours.”
At first, the Haxen family couldn’t quite grasp Sandler’s words.
“This is the best spot in the city. The Duke instructed us not to take any other guests to ensure your comfort.”
The family was once again taken aback.
During the festival season, the demand for rooms would skyrocket, and the cost would be astronomical. The Goldpixie Duchy must have sacrificed a significant amount of income.
“Let’s head up to the rooftop. I’m sure you’ll love it.”
The family ascended to the hotel’s rooftop.
Tables were set up for dining while enjoying the view. The hotel’s height allowed for an unobstructed view of the sky.
“To think we can watch the starlight jellyfish from here…” the Haxen Count murmured in disbelief, then turned to Damian.
“Thank you, Damian.”
The unexpected gratitude left Damian momentarily speechless.
“Thanks to you, we’re experiencing such luxury. You truly are my pride.”
In that moment, memories of the past flooded back.
-You fool! Causing a ruckus at the tavern and getting thrown out?
-When will you learn to control that temper of yours?
-You’re a disgrace to our family!
During his reckless youth, Damian had never received praise from his father.
After being cast out and living as a mercenary, Damian reflected on his actions. He aimed to return to his family as a successful mercenary and seek forgiveness.
-A fresh corpse walking in on its own!
But Damian’s wish was never fulfilled.
He was transformed into a death knight, forced to kill his family and bring ruin to the world.
He spent his life in regret and torment.
He longed to atone, but it was impossible. His father and family were already gone.
Yet today, he heard his father’s gratitude.
The guilt that had weighed on his heart seemed to lighten, if only a little.
”…If you know that, then treat me well from now on,” Damian quipped playfully, trying to mask his awkwardness.
“Got it. I’ll do better from now on,” his father said with a hearty laugh. Demian found himself smiling too, almost involuntarily.
“Sometimes, this isn’t so bad,” he thought, glancing around at his family.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent such a moment with them. He intended to savor every bit of this rare, leisurely time.
But then, something shifted.
A familiar presence pricked at Demian’s senses. The joy and happiness that had filled his heart just moments ago vanished without a trace. A chill swept over him, and a wave of unease surged up.
Demian’s gaze turned icy as he looked down. In the distance, he saw two figures walking. Their faces were hidden beneath hoods pulled low over their heads.
Yet, Demian could feel it clearly—the dark magic emanating from them.