Chapter 9: My Magic is Invincible, and My Beauty is Also the Strongest
Northern Continent—Follich Town.
Follich is a small town established in recent decades, with a population of only a few thousand. Though not particularly prosperous, it enjoys relative peace under the protection of several renowned knight families.
Morning mist mingled with chimney smoke, flowing over the cobblestone streets as the slanted beam shadows of half-timbered houses crisscrossed in the fog. The clanging from the blacksmith's shop startled crows roosting on the tavern sign.
The scent of rye bread wafted from the bakery as several barefoot children brandishing wooden swords chased each other from the butcher's shop to the church steps. Scattered vendors along the street hawked small goods like apples and linen cloth.
Fingal had entered the city first to acquire some disguises, obtaining an outfit for Aura—a gray cloak over her clothes, and most importantly, an enormous sun hat.
To be precise, it was that classic, anime-style wizard hat that better concealed her signature Demon horns resembling those of an argali sheep.
Actually, among the Demons, aside from her age—being rather young—Aura's horns were quite large.
"Why do I have to wear this? Hey, Fingal."
"Do I really need to disguise myself when facing such weak humans? If you don't give me a reasonable explanation... you can forget about receiving any rewards from me in the future."
Aura tugged irritably at the hat, which was snugly stuck on her head and felt uncomfortable.
Demon horns were rather peculiar—though they appeared hard on the outside, their interior was rich with blood vessels and nerves, capable of sensing stimuli on the horns. That's why she had felt somewhat annoyed when Fingal grabbed them earlier.
It was ticklish.
[Aura's favorability slightly decreased]
[Favorability shifted from Neutral to Cold]
[Current Favorability: 49]
?
Damn!
You fucking, damned horned bitch! Who wants to lick your stinky feet... uh, not stinky, but who cares anyway!
After all the effort to raise it to 50, it dropped again. Do you have to be this realistic?
A vein throbbed on Fingal's forehead. He hadn't felt this way in a long time—women were truly fucking difficult to please. Why were their moods as unpredictable as the weather on Jupiter's third moon?
Just you wait, I'll grab your horns and whip your damned butt, you wretched horned woman!
That's it—all horned beings are despicable fools! Asanagi-sensei was absolutely right.
He felt a bit resentful but had to suppress it for now, waiting to retaliate fiercely later... You'll regret this!
Then, Fingal plastered a brilliant smile on his face, just like when he worked part-time as a server, full of grievances but still straightening his back and greeting customers with a professional smile.
"Please calm down, Aura-sama."
He tried to explain the rationale behind his actions in terms that would interest the Demons more; otherwise, if this little demon brat threw a tantrum, it would be troublesome.
I really want to step on her head with my foot, damn it.
Fingal raged inwardly, then decided to forgive her for the sake of her panties.
"I'm just giving an example—even you would find it quite difficult to break free from advanced Illusion Magic. What you need to do is resist the temptation factors of this hypnotic... no, Illusion Magic as much as possible."
He struggled to fabricate this nonsense, his brain nearly smoking from the effort.
"...?"
Aura scanned her surroundings—a peaceful town where people lived contentedly. She felt nothing but found it somewhat irritating.
By her old habits, she would have burned it all to the ground.
"Didn't you previously say there's no such thing as Illusion Magic?" She gazed at the red fruits on a nearby vendor's stall, then called out to Fingal, "Hey, what are those fruits? I command you to snatch one for me."
[Aura feels puzzled by your words.]
[Failed to obtain Entry.]
Tch.
This wretched woman.
Those are apples! You uncultured rural Demon, read more books!
"Those are apples, Aura-sama—this subordinate will fetch one for you right away."
Well, I've decided not to forgive her.
Fingal no longer felt the slightest gratitude toward Aura for showing him her panties—this was something he rightfully deserved. He had initially felt a little guilty, but now thinking back... what was there to think? Damn bastard.
He didn't follow Aura's order to snatch one. Instead, he used some of his previous salary to buy a basket of apples, then continued his topic.
"I was just giving an example, Aura-sama. If I could use Magic, that's how I would do it."
Aura responded with a contemptuous smile. Lifting her chin, her slender fingertips brushed past the tip of her nose as a short, derisive chuckle escaped her upturned lips. How amusing.
Magic—that was the exclusive domain of the Demons.
"Hah? You humans study Magic too? You really do enjoy saying things that make me laugh—considering how entertained I am, I'll forgive your arrogant delusions."
"...?"
"Haha, you're absolutely right."
Fingal clenched his fist, truly wanting to punch her.
"Oh no, your hat seems a bit crooked."
"Here, let me adjust it for you."
He grabbed Aura's horn firmly and shook it violently, jamming the hat down hard enough to make her uncomfortable—her horn felt tight, as if it were being molded into the shape of the hat.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"I'm helping you maintain better composure. Someone as beautiful as you should always appear noble."
As he spoke, he slapped the horn, making the female Demon feel ticklish and somewhat strange.
...
Hearing his explanation, Aura relaxed her tightly furrowed brow. If that was the case, then there was no helping it—Fingal made sense. Her appearance ought to match such treatment.
As the invincible user of Scales of Obedience, I surpass all Demons in beauty as well.
Unconsciously, she seemed to genuinely start caring about her appearance—something Demons normally wouldn't bother with.