HKWM | Chapter 16

Noah had managed to perfectly read and write Imperial language in just two weeks. According to Phoras, Roman Imperial language was difficult compared to other languages, and even if one had been taught from a young age by their mother, mastering it in just two weeks would be unheard of.

It must mean that Noah is incredibly intelligent. Somehow, I felt prouder of this than when I realized I could solve most things with magic. Is this what parental pride feels like?

“Sir, I am simply proud of your achievements! Now that you can perfectly handle the language, you can study any advanced subjects you wish. Do you have any particular field you would like to learn about?”

Maybe he would say he wants to study plants? Noah had immediately placed the forget-me-not bouquet I bought him into a vase when we got home and started his day by looking at it each morning. He also spent quite some time taking care of the seedlings in the garden.

However, unexpectedly, Noah chose swordsmanship and magic. When asked why, his answer was straightforward.

“I want to become strong quickly.”

I didn’t add anything more. Ultimately, he is the one living his life. I believe in giving advice but not in imposing it, especially when he has already made up his mind.

Living a happy life is hard, but living a life that isn’t miserable is slightly easier. Not knowing how to live happily myself, perhaps prioritizing strength isn’t a bad choice—it’s one way to avoid losing what’s dear. After all, I can’t always be there to protect him.

“Alright. Do whatever you wish.”

“Could I possibly learn something else with Ras if there’s time?”

“Are you sure you’re not overdoing it?”

“I think I’ll be fine. It seems interesting…”

How commendable… While I was patting the child’s head, Phoras muttered, impressed, “Indeed, worthy of being my pupil…” Who’s your pupil, anyway?

While assessing Noah’s physique for the right approach, Kimaris spoke up.

“I can teach him swordsmanship adequately, but magic is the issue.”

“That’s true.”

Even though both involve magic, demons use magical energy and humans use mana, and the methods and flow of energy are fundamentally different, making it practically impossible for a demon to teach a human. It’s like a winged angel teaching a human how to use wings.

“Master, how about getting some magic books then?”

“What are those?”

“Essentially, they are manuals that explain how to self-study magic. Since the young master is exceptionally bright, getting him a magic book to learn on his own might be good. If he struggles, then we could consider finding a human mage to teach him.”

Inviting someone, especially a mana-using mage, into a home full of demons carries significant risks, as they might sense the demonic energy. We’d have to rely on Noah’s brilliance.

“Or we could capture a human mage, have them teach the young master, and once they are no longer useful, dispose of…”

I quickly clamped a hand over Phoras’s mouth before he could finish. There’s nothing he won’t say in front of the child!

“Getting the magic books sounds like a better idea.”

Kimaris tactfully supported my decision, and Phoras, catching on late, nodded vigorously.

“That’s what I meant… Ha ha.”

I gave Phoras a long look and sighed.

“Where can we get these magic books?”

“I don’t have any human magic books, so we’ll likely have to acquire them ourselves. The Imperial Capital should have everything we need, so we can look there.”

The Imperial Capital, huh…

Besides the magic book, it seemed like a good idea to get Noah a proper sword too. Practice swords could be bought from any smithy in our domain, but I wanted to get him something special for regular use.

If we were going to the Capital, though it was more prone to attracting trouble given the higher concentration of skilled individuals there, we would likely find superior items. Plus, having recently learned how to completely dampen my magic, I could manage it if necessary.

“Noah, have you ever been to the Imperial Capital?”

“No.”

“How about we go there for a tour? It might be more interesting than here.”

Noah’s eyes widened. Seeing his face clearly made it easier to read his expressions.

“The Imperial Capital?”

“Yes.”

I decided to keep the part about buying him a sword a secret. It would make for a nice surprise.

“When? Should I pack my things?”

It was the first time I saw Noah so excited; I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Tomorrow would be too soon.”

“Really?”

Traveling there normally required preparation, especially if we intended to do substantial shopping. I needed to bring more funds from the castle.

“I’ll prepare as quickly as possible.”

“Okay.”

I signaled to Phoras and Kimaris with a nod to make the arrangements swiftly. They understood and their expressions turned serious.

The impromptu trip took three days to prepare. It took time to secure a carriage and coachman and to pack all the necessary supplies. We had to be ready to camp out if there were no villages on the way to the Imperial Capital. The carriage had to be filled with everything Noah might need to eat, wear, and use.

Given that it would look odd for two carriages—one for Noah and one for luggage—to travel without guards, we also hired mercenaries, naturally increasing the expenses. Pretending to be a wealthy merchant family had its perks.

While Phoras and Kimaris were finalizing the travel preparations, I checked Noah’s luggage. Unlike a demon who can endure minor discomforts, even a small lack or excess could be dangerous for the fragile Noah, making me nag more than usual. Noah looked up at me, puzzled.

“Check one last time to make sure nothing is forgotten.”

“Why worry when you’re coming too?”

Stung by his comment, I finally broached a topic I had been contemplating for a few days.

“That’s… I’ll be following later.”

“What?”

Noah was so surprised that he nearly dropped his bag. Was it really such a shocking piece of news?

“Why can’t we go together?”

“I need to set things up at home and have some matters to attend to at the castle. I’ll use magic to follow you, so don’t worry.”

“Why not just delay and go together later?”

His disbelief was obvious, but I had no other explanation. Or rather, I didn’t want to give one.

“You will come, right?”

Finally, I realized what Noah was worried about. He feared I might not return.

Considering how focused on me he was, whether during lessons with Phoras or sword training with Kimaris…
Never abandoned, yet so insecure. It was touching yet saddening that he would attach himself to a capricious demon like me.

“Of course. Even as a demon, I wouldn’t lie about that.”

Noah didn’t respond. He seemed to trust everything else I said, but not this. I knew no amount of my words would dispel his doubts completely. But still…

“Demons are greedy, you know. We don’t forget even the smallest possessions.”

If reassurance was what he needed, I was willing to provide it again and again. I would never abandon him, nor leave without a word.
Even if our parting was inevitable, it wouldn’t be done irresponsibly.

“…Really?”

“That necklace I gave you—it’s mine too. How could I leave when my things are still with you?”

At my words, Noah, who had been fiddling with the necklace, asked again.

“Can you promise that?”

“What kind of promise?”

“That you’ll never leave without saying anything.”

Extracting promises or oaths from a demon is usually futile; demons are full of lies and deceit. But in that moment, I offered my pinky like a human making a sincere vow.

“Yes.”

“You have to keep it.”

“If I don’t, I’ll become your vassal.”

Only then did Noah slightly lift the corners of his mouth. He must have taken it as a joke, but I meant every word.

“Okay, I’ll wait. But don’t be late.”

“Alright.”

Only after receiving multiple assurances did Noah board the carriage. I waved from the window until I could no longer see him.

The next day, once I sensed that Noah had completely left the domain, I began to trace the energy that had been nagging at me for days.

It was time for a thorough cleansing.