After drinking some delicious and nutritious milk (the type of milk was unknown), I prepared to investigate together with Shizuku.
We could have split up and moved separately, but this time we decided to stick together. The reason was simple: I still couldn't control my aura.
We were worried that moving separately might cause a terrifying disaster due to my inability to properly restrain my aura.
Duke Welter's palace was enormous—its total area was equivalent to twenty-five soccer fields.
For us, a structure this vast was not a problem. We successfully slipped past the guards, searched for clues about Agnes despite finding nothing, and eventually ended up in the underground dungeon.
We weren't trapped, okay? We deliberately went down to the dungeon to check what Duke Welter was hiding there.
"This place is awful!"
Not even a minute after we arrived underground, Shizuku cursed in disgust while pinching her small nose shut.
"Who would have thought that such a horrifying place was hidden beneath a luxurious palace like this?"
"Master, let's leave."
Shizuku whimpered, pleading with an uncomfortable expression.
Seeing her like this, I smiled faintly and gently stroked her red hair, which shimmered beautifully like a gemstone.
"All right, let's go."
We left the dungeon without paying any further attention to the horrifying sights within.
In truth, piles of demon and human corpses were mixed together and concealed in the darkness of the dungeon.
I had seen them clearly enough to make me nauseous, so I chose to leave immediately with Shizuku.
"Master Krai—"
"It's fine. I'm okay."
Shizuku narrowed her beautiful eyes, pulled my head toward her, and pressed it against her chest.
The warm, soft sensation instantly relaxed my mind, and the refreshing sweet scent made the nausea fade away.
"That's enough. Thank you for helping me."
Shizuku smiled sweetly and nodded, looking genuinely happy.
"Shizuku, Duke Welter is a pig demon, right?"
"Yes. He's infamous for being cunning and filled with lust."
"Hm… With his extensive information network, I'm sure he's already aware of our arrival."
"I think so too."
I looked at Shizuku, captivated by her striking natural beauty.
"I'm absolutely certain he'll come to capture you."
"…Master Krai wants me to infiltrate and search for Agnes's location?"
"I don't actually want to put you at risk, but we have no other choice. Who would've thought Duke Welter could hide Agnes so well?"
Shizuku nodded gently, stepped closer, and held my hand.
"Don't worry. I understand Master's feelings. My body belongs only to Master—no one else will ever touch it."
"…I'm truly sorry."
Shizuku shook her head, smiling beautifully as she caressed my face.
Her warm hand made me fully realize just how beautiful the maid standing before me truly was.
"Hm?"
"What is it?"
"It seems there's a new guest in the inn room. Most likely someone sent by Duke Welter."
"…"
"Master, I'll go ahead. Please wait here."
"Alright. Be careful."
Shizuku gave a small smile, nodded, and vanished using teleportation magic.
"Now then…"
I turned around and stared intently at the entrance to the dungeon.
"I can't keep relying on Shizuku forever. This time, I have to handle it myself."
After firming my resolve, I descended into the dungeon once more to free the trapped souls.
Demon or human—I released them all without exception. Several times I felt like I was about to vomit, but I endured it until the very end.
The dungeon, now cleansed, no longer carried a suffocating aura.
Now it was just an ordinary underground space, no different from what you might imagine.
"Alright. Now all that's left is to wait for Shizuku's signal."
….
Bang!
A dog-headed demon violently kicked open the inn room door, startling Shizuku, who was standing in the corner.
"Who are you?" Shizuku asked, her voice and body trembling as she perfectly played the role of a weak, beautiful maid.
"I am Dogen, a count who serves Duke Welter."
"A count? Duke Welter? Why are you here?"
Dogen snorted, scanned Shizuku from head to toe, and froze at her beauty.
"Ahem! Duke Welter has taken a liking to your beauty, so don't blame me for abducting you."
"What? No—someone, please help!"
Dogen transformed into a black shadow and struck the back of Shizuku's neck with brutal force.
Thud!
Shizuku collapsed unconscious. Dogen looked down at her coldly, snorted, and carried her out of the inn room.
… .. .
To be continued…