Today is the day of our departure. An old friend of my father's, Ghislaine, has come to our house. It was fascinating to see the animal with my own eyes-her ears, tail, and warrior aura gave her a fierce but dignified appearance.
Mother and father were thrilled to see her again. After all, it had been many years since they had last met. After a brief but intense scuffle between Paul and Rudeus, which ended as expected, I said goodbye to my mother, Lilli and the girls. I wasn't planning to end up unconscious like Rudy, so I preferred to get into the carriage early.
When Ghislaine returned with a stunned Rudeus, she simply sat down and silently observed her surroundings. After Rudy woke up, we introduced ourselves to each other and the rest of the journey was uneventful. I concentrated on my notes, which I wrote in my native tongue just in case-I had better be careful in case Rudy had an unexpected attack of curiosity.
Rudeus received a letter from his father explaining the situation. He was devastated that he wouldn't see Sylphie for five years, but surprisingly he got over it quickly. I too was forbidden to send letters home, so I was glad to have Kurai there to keep track.
I received direct orders to learn swordsmanship from Ghislaine. I didn't know if it would be of any use to me, but what could I do. I slept or read most of the way. Even in my previous life, I was used to falling asleep on long journeys.
When we arrived at the estate, Rudy and I were ushered into the reception room where we were to wait for Philipha. When he finally appeared, I had to suppress a laugh. I was genuinely amused by his exaggerated manner. If this is how all nobles behave, perhaps I should consider a revolution... Well, that's a far-fetched thought.
After the initial introductions, Rudy went to meet Eris while I accompanied him. I wanted to see how their first meeting would turn out.
When the door opened, I saw a young red-haired girl with an expression that screamed "spoiled little princess." I had to admit that she was handsome-if she hadn't been so irrepressible and sassy, I might even have considered her a potential mate. But I had Roxy, and that was enough for me.
My musings were interrupted by her scream. Her voice immediately cut through my head like a knife. "Great... I've only been here a minute and she's already giving me a headache," I thought.
As I expected, Rudeus went through his battle and subsequent chase around the estate. I didn't interfere because I wanted everyone to see his air magic. Even though I let this part run according to canon, I still wasn't sure if everything would go as it should.
After our meeting with Philliphe, I retreated to my room. I was briefed on the plan to kidnap Eris. I gave my opinion that I didn't like it. I also announced that I would stay out of it. With that, I left the room. Maybe my reaction upset Rudy, but he'll understand later.
The evening came quickly. Rudy and Eris were kidnapped and I was preparing to intervene. I put on a smart black long coat with red details. Underneath, I wore a suit inspired by the modern world, simple but matching everything else. The outfit was made up entirely of my mana, allowing me to change instantly in case of an emergency.
As soon as I felt Rudy wake up, I moved into his shadow and watched the situation unfold. I waited for the right moment.
When Rudy produced fireworks, I knew it was time. For the first time in this world, I was going to kill someone. And what was the scariest part? I was looking forward to it.
[Rudeus' gaze]
Something was wrong. My shadow... was moving! Just like Mephisto did when he represented Kuzuha. And then it happened.
A figure stepped out of my shadow all in black. I recognized him immediately.
"Mephisto...?!"
The aura that gushed out of him brought us all to our knees. The kidnappers were trembling in fear-some even peed themselves.
One of them managed to stutter out: "Please, we'll do anything... let us go!"
Suddenly, the aura withdrew and Mephisto spoke in a cold, emotionless voice. "Alright. Do one of my orders and I'll let you go."
I wasn't expecting it, but Eris shouted, "You can't be serious! You can't let them go! I'll tell Grandpa!"
Mephisto turned to her and said with icy calm, "Shut up."
His voice was razor sharp. Eris instantly fell silent, shocked by his tone. The kidnappers shuddered. "Yes! We'll do anything! Just let us go!"
And then I felt it. The pure coldness of death. Mephisto gave a single command: "Die."
At that moment, the world around us stopped. Darkness swallowed everything, but what frightened everyone present was the countless red eyes coming out of it.
Suddenly, the men's heads exploded into a bloody pulp. My eyes widened in horror. "How... How did he do that? What was that? Was it even magic?"
[Mephisto's View]
I heard Rudy's questions, but there was no time to answer. That's when Ghislaine arrived.
"What happened? Who killed them?"
I raised my hand. "Me."
I could feel the men's souls. They were still there. That meant one thing-my theory was right. If I kill someone with my ability but don't wish their soul to disappear, it will remain here.
I smiled.
Yes, my abilities transcend divine boundaries.
After returning to the manor, I explained everything to Philip. Rudy had seen too much today. I didn't want him to be more affected than necessary.
Eris finally agreed to let Rudy teach her, and turned to me with the words: "I want you to help me too."
And thus began our new era...