Chapter 178
“Duke Panchest believes that Priest Payne realized his lineage and fled from the temple. The Pope is spreading rumors, claiming it’s the work of demons to turn the Duke against him.”
“So, they issued a wanted notice to catch Payne as soon as possible…”
“Exactly.”
Above all, labeling him a ‘fallen priest’ would prevent anyone from suspecting he’s Duke Panchest’s illegitimate child.
Also, Pope Serena’s judgment wasn’t far off.
Payne was actually kidnapped and imprisoned by the succubus Ashtel.
“So, what happens if they catch Payne?”
“A fallen priest should be executed, but they probably won’t handle him recklessly. After all, he’s descended from the Panchest family.”
That was somewhat reassuring.
Ashtel knew Payne had escaped from the forest’s temporary shelter.
‘So even if the knights catch him, his life will be spared.’
Should she be thankful for that?
Ashtel sighed deeply, then lifted her head when Roman gave a subtle signal.
“Thanks. I understand the situation now.”
“Then may I cast the spell?”
“One last thing. Even if I’m Carmen’s sister, I’m a demon—don’t you find it uncomfortable helping me?”
Though Roman wielded magic like a demon, he was still human.
Even if possessing similar powers, they would likely still be repulsed by demons.
Roman hesitated briefly at Ashtel’s question, then conjured a magic circle in the air and answered,
“First, you should know the nature of my relationship with Carmen.”
“You’re partners, right? Always tinkering with weird gadgets and competing like rivals?”
Of course, to add, Carmen seemed to really like Roman’s body. Though Ashtel didn’t understand what was so good about such a thin physique.
“Haha, that’s true, but it’s much deeper than that.”
Roman snapped his fingers lightly.
A breeze rose from the ground, brushing up Ashtel’s legs and soaring upward.
“Carmen can’t live without me. And neither can I without her.”
“…You love each other?”
“That’s an emotion beyond love.”
Ashtel was at a loss for words. Was there really an emotion superior to love between man and woman?
“You’re human too, but don’t you care for Priest Payne?”
“Yes. I like Payne.”
“Let’s just say it’s similar. It’s the same kind of love, after all.”
Roman snapped his fingers again.
This time, an opaque veil rose from the ground.
Though Van shouted something obscured by the veil, Roman ignored it, smiling as he continued,
“That’s why I cannot ignore Carmen’s most cherished sister—you. Setting aside the fact that you’re a demon.”
“Hm… I see.”
“Now, let’s switch places. Use your transformation magic and I’ll communicate with that knight called Duvalkan or something.”
“Got it.”
“You can fake it to some extent, right?”
Ashtel wasn’t confident in impersonating Roman, but having heard so much about him from Carmen, she nodded.
Then Roman broke the brooch in his hand, quickly transforming into Ashtel’s form, while Ashtel swiftly took on Roman’s appearance through transformation magic.
Soon the shimmering veil settled, and Van, who had approached closely, gritted his teeth and glared at Ashtel—now appearing as Roman.
“No suspicious behavior, I hope?”
“None. You’re very suspicious yourself.”
“How’s the communication?”
This time he turned to Ashtel—posing as Roman—and asked.
Clearing her throat, Ashtel raised the communicator as much as possible like Roman.
“Here. It’s connected.”
Just as he said, the communicator chimed with a connection tone.
‘If we contact Duvalkan, what happens to Roman?’
Ashtel glanced sideways at Roman’s form.
Though he wasn’t doing much, when their eyes met, he gave a reassuring half-smile.
Ashtel thought it was more irritating than comforting.
‘Why does Carmen like this guy?’
Though grateful for the help, he wasn’t exactly someone she liked. She figured the weasel face just wasn’t her type, and waited for Carmen to pick up the call.
Soon the line clicked, connecting.
—Sue! Are you safe?
Since this was Carmen’s communicator, naturally, the receiver was Carmen.
Roman’s expression softened for a moment, then he quickly covered his mouth and responded in Ashtel’s voice.
“Yes, sis. It’s me.”
Though it was just two words, Carmen seemed about to shout but stopped herself, then sighed with a voice that sensed something unusual.
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