CMWD 18

Chapter 18

Ankedo swallowed his dry saliva and quietly moved to a place suitable for burning letters. He always destroyed his clients’ letters immediately by burning them.

Whoosh!

The letter burst into flames.

Feeling somewhat excited, Ankedo summoned a priest who already knew his true identity. The priest, with fluffy hair, looked at him with a very tense expression.

“Is something the matter?”

“You have a task for me. About the heir of Armeniaca who visited yesterday—do some background checks. Find out whether she’s dangerous or not.”

The priest’s face showed complete confusion at the mention of Olentia.

“Why… her, sir?”

“That’s none of your concern. I just developed a little interest.”

In fact, it was more like Olentia had provoked him first. Ankedo was extremely suspicious by nature, which is why he had been able to conceal his true self and maintain a perfect act until now. He didn’t shy away from sacrifices for the sake of the act.

A month ago, he had “saved” a child from a burning house—but that was all part of his planned performance. He had set the fire as far away from the child’s room as possible, then rescued them safely.

Continuing such acts of benevolence was extremely tedious, but each time he did, Ankedo’s reputation grew. More people sought him out, he gained subtle power, and it made hiding his smuggling business easier. No one suspected him of embezzlement.

Leaning deeply into the back of his chair, Ankedo pictured Olentia, with her clear, pristine skin, shining platinum hair, and golden eyes. She carried herself with much more grace and beauty than her ex-boyfriend, Moring. Unconsciously, Ankedo licked his lips.

“She’s… unexpectedly tempting.”

The more he thought of Olentia, the more his filthy desires surged. He licked his lips, imagining how sweet her taste and scent must be.

At the Odor estate’s dining hall, Dimidius sat comfortably, observing Jack Odor. The man’s expression was tense, just like last night.

When Dimidius had investigated the Odor family, they were described as sociable and cheerful. So why did he look so rigid? It was overdone for mere negotiations. Still, his body trembled less now, suggesting he was somewhat accustomed to Dimidius’s presence. Of course, Dimidius intentionally kept his aura subdued.

“…Is the food to your liking?”

The count asked, and Dimidius nodded.

“The quality of the lamb seems good.”

For a moment, a smile appeared on Count Odor’s face. He had negotiated with many people before, but never with a heavyweight like Dimidius. That explained his stiffness and tension.

Unaware of this, Dimidius returned to the main point.

“Let’s forget yesterday’s disagreement. It’s best to start anew with a fresh mindset.”

His words carried subtle pressure. Count Odor swallowed nervously.

“You still wish to exclusively sell the Fantasy Flower, correct?”

“Yes. I can adjust the price as needed.”

Dimidius was willing to meet the price within reason, but Count Odor still seemed hesitant.

“However, we are a bit reluctant to enter into an exclusive contract right away.”

Dimidius casually brushed his hair back and pictured the Fantasy Flower in his mind—a mystical, sunflower-like bloom that emitted a bright light from its divine power. Seeing it made him feel, conversely, how evil demons truly were. It was a strange feeling of existential denial.

“I understand. The value of the Fantasy Flower could rise in the future, and there may be other undiscovered effects.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“But you should also know that over time, the value of those effects could diminish.”

Dimidius’s voice grew colder toward the end, and his presence carried a chilling weight. A cold breeze seemed to blow around him. Count Odor shivered, gripping his shoulder firmly. Dimidius’s presence was overwhelming—his strong physique, mask-covered face, and half-demon nature radiated immense intimidation.

A brief silence fell between them. Dimidius studied the trembling expression of Count Odor carefully. He had wondered why he was scrutinizing Jack Odor so closely. It was because he bore a subtle resemblance to Olentia Armeniaca: soft, voluminous hair and gentle eyes.

‘Lady Armeniaca must resemble her mother,’ Dimidius mused, distracted from the negotiations.

“…How about we promise exclusive rights only for the current stock, Your Grace?” Count Odor asked.

Dimidius cleared his throat.

“Ah! You mean a short-term contract for now.”

“Yes. Since we don’t know if the value will rise or fall, it seems reasonable.”

In Dimidius’s opinion, the Fantasy Flower’s value wouldn’t easily drop. Its effects rivaled ancient sacred tools. Although he couldn’t know how long its divine power would last—the flower had only been discovered a month ago—he suspected it wouldn’t simply become consumable.

‘I will ensure exclusive rights for the Fantasy Flower.’

He recalled information he had gathered before arriving at the Odor estate and spoke to the count.

“By the way, I understand you’re seeking a northern market for your perfume business. That area is dominated by other brands, so it won’t be easy. But if I help you, the situation could change.”

“What? You know that?” Count Odor was surprised.

Seeing the count’s shaken expression, Dimidius continued.

“The Crystal line you recently released suits the northern cold climate perfectly. I should try it myself.”

Odor perfumes were well-known in the south but had little influence in the north. Count Odor, frustrated by this, was naturally intrigued by Dimidius’s words.

At the end of negotiations, Dimidius made an offer difficult to refuse. He even seemed well-informed about Odor’s latest perfume trends, which impressed the count.

“I… very well, Your Grace. I promise exclusive sales of the Fantasy Flower until next year. With your help finding northern distribution, I may achieve my long-held goal.”

Though still internally calculating the flower’s value, Count Odor was eager. He might gain more from Dimidius than expected in securing northern markets, and becoming closer to the all-powerful Dimidius would yield enough profit to justify exclusive sales for a year.

Dimidius, regarded warily by some as the demon grand duke, was sought out by others, like Count Odor, for business advantage. Both men were satisfied with the negotiations and continued their meal.

While enjoying the lavish dinner, Dimidius remarked casually,

“Move your niece to the main residence. That villa in front of the daisy field doesn’t seem safe.”

Not only was it unsafe, but in his eyes, it was extremely dangerous. He couldn’t leave Olentia there.

Count Odor’s eyes widened.

“How did you know she was in the daisy field villa?”

“That evening, I saw her and investigated separately. She’s not staying at your estate, and it seemed strange. My apologies for intruding.”

The count waved his hand nervously.

“This is… embarrassing.”

“No need to feel embarrassed.”

“Then… can I really move my niece to the main residence? I was concerned anyway. Although the area is restricted and guarded, still…”

“Do it immediately.”

Before the count could finish, Dimidius pressed him to act.

‘Restricted? I went in. There’s no guarantee someone like me won’t come again!’

Dimidius had been worried about her safety ever since seeing her walk into the forest from the daisy field.

‘Why am I concerned?’ A fleeting thought, but given her importance as someone with divine power, it made sense.

Count Odor immediately resolved to summon his niece, Olentia. Only then did a breath of relief escape Dimidius.

A maid approached Olentia, who was resting in the villa’s living room.

“Miss Armeniaca, the master has arrived.”

“Huh? At this hour?”

It was late, and Olentia’s eyes widened as she looked toward the entrance.

Count Odor entered the villa, smiling brightly, his eyes sparkling as if filled with starlight.

“Uncle? What’s the matter?”

The count, with a face resembling her mother, beamed.

“Niece! Let’s go to the main residence immediately. I came here personally to tell you.”

‘What’s going on?’ Olentia tilted her head in confusion, and Count Odor quickly nudged her forward.

“Embarrassingly, the grand duke already knows you’re here.”

“Th-then?”

“He seems to have a surprisingly broad mind. Worried about your safety, he instructed that you be brought to the main residence immediately.”

“Huh? That can’t be….”

‘The grand duke is concerned about my safety? Why?’

Olentia felt odd. He, who usually spoke only ill, was showing concern for her well-being. Even more surprising was that he apparently told Count Odor this directly.

Feeling strange, Olentia wrapped her arms around her shoulders.