’System, what is this thing?’
[Host, a Cursed Energy Crystal is a highly concentrated mass of negative energy. It is normally created by harvesting malice produced by human sins such as pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.]
’Is it safe?’
[Affirmative, Host. You can use it to strengthen your sealed demons]
I picked up the crystal and slowly turned it between my fingers, examining it with my right eye like a jeweler inspecting a precious stone.
[Contains three months’ worth of cursed energy.]
I wasn’t sure whether that amount was considered impressive, but I couldn’t let them know that. If anything, I needed to make him think his gift was nothing special.
"So you gave me three months’ worth of cursed energy and expect that to earn my favor? Isn’t that a little cheap?"
His smile faltered for a second, but he quickly recovered.
"This is the only thing we can offer you right now. Our organization isn’t big enough to harvest that—"
The crystal disappeared into my palm, leaving him with his mouth half-open.
’Why is he so shocked? Isn’t this how you’re supposed to absorb it?’
The System asked if I wanted to use it to strengthen Furcas, so naturally, I said yes. I didn’t expect the thing to melt into my hand.
THUD!
Sebastian dropped to one knee and dragged Elaine down with him, pushing her head into a bow.
’Seriously, what is it with these two? Is kneeling their favorite hobby or something?’
"My lord, forgive me."
’Lord? When the hell did I get promoted from Senior to Lord?’
I kept my mouth shut and waited for them to explain themselves.
"We truly didn’t know." His voice trembled. "If we knew you were a noble, we never would’ve treated you so casually."
Noble?
That was new.
I kept my face stoic while my thoughts went in the opposite direction.
"What are you sorry for?" I asked, keeping my voice firm.
He raised his head slightly.
"I heard stories that those of noble blood could absorb cursed energy much faster than ordinary demon contractors like us. Forgive me. I shouldn’t have offered you such an insignificant tribute."
’Oh. ’
The pieces finally clicked together. The System absorbed the crystal for me, but these two thought I did it myself.
Of course, things weren’t quite as impressive as they looked. The crystal was gone, but the cursed energy still needed time to be fully consumed.
[Assimilation in Progress]
[Time Remaining: 2:59:00]
Either way, this only helped sell my act.
I only wanted to buy enough time to get out of here, but now that these two saw me as someone important, I would be an idiot not to use it to my advantage.
"There’s no need to make such a big deal out of it." I waved my hand dismissively. "I’m an extraordinarily humble person, after all."
Sebastian looked up at me with an expression that said he didn’t believe that for a second.
Elaine, on the other hand, somehow looked even more impressed.
I cleared my throat before her staring convinced me to start wearing a crown.
"Alright. Now that both of you know about my background, there are a few things I need to tell you."
He straightened immediately.
"First, no one can know who I am."
If these two started spreading rumors about me, this whole thing could quickly get out of hand.
"My presence in this city is supposed to remain a secret, and I’d prefer to keep it that way."
Better to keep it vague than invent some noble family I knew nothing about.
"Of course. Your identity will remain between us."
Elaine quickly followed. "I won’t tell anyone."
"Second, if you continue helping me, I’ll return the favor." I glanced between them before continuing. "I’ll help both of you become stronger."
Sebastian leaned forward slightly. "You can do that?"
"I wouldn’t have offered if I couldn’t."
Sebastian lowered his head again, seemingly satisfied with my offer.
Elaine, on the other hand, was having a completely different reaction. Her cheeks were flushed, and she stared at me like a maiden who just met her dream prince.
’So this is why chicks dig rich and influential men.’
As much as I liked the attention, that could wait.
"Third." I rested my hand on the armchair. "You don’t need to worry about the Black Order anymore."
Both of them looked shaken, which told me just how terrified they were of the Black Order. Honestly, I regretted making such a big promise, but I needed to inflate my resume somehow.
Plus, I was already neck-deep in bullshit. A little more wasn’t going to kill me.
"You two don’t have to look so afraid. The Black Order might scare ordinary contractors, but they’re nothing to a noble like me."
Sebastian was the first to recover.
He placed one hand over his chest and bowed his head.
"As long as you keep us safe, we will help you to the best of our ability."
"Good." I kept my voice neutral, pretending none of this was getting to my head. "Then there’s one more thing I want in return."
"What is it?" Sebastian asked.
I adjusted my necktie, letting the silence linger for a moment before I smiled.
"Join me and be absolutely loyal to me."