But Dimidius, who had used many sacred tools before, felt that the fantasy herb wouldn’t end up as a mere consumable.

‘I will definitely secure exclusive rights to the fantasy herb.’

Recalling the information he had before coming to Odor, he spoke to the Count.

“By the way, I heard that you’re looking for a northern route for your perfume business. As you know, the north is tightly held by other brands, so it won’t be easy. But if I help you, that would change.”

“Yes, yes?”

Count Odor was surprised, not expecting Dimidius to be aware of that.

Seeing the Count’s eyes shake, Dimidius spoke again.

“Especially the crystal line you launched recently seems to suit the cold weather of the north. I should try it myself.”

Odor perfumes were quite famous in the south but had no influence in the north, including Belial’s territory.

Regretting this, Count Odor couldn’t help but be interested in Dimidius’s words.

With his help, finding a way into the north wouldn’t be difficult.

Towards the end of the negotiation, Dimidius made an offer that was hard to refuse. He also seemed well-informed about recent trends in Odor perfumes, which was somewhat touching.

Count Odor extended his hand, thinking his strategy was quite good.

“Fine, Your Grace. I promise exclusive sales of the fantasy herb until next year. If we find a northern route, I might fulfill my long-cherished wish.”

Still internally evaluating the fantasy herb’s value, Count Odor was in a hurry. He thought he might receive more help than expected in finding a way for his perfume business in the north through Dimidius.

Moreover, getting closer to Dimidius, a man of immense power, could yield benefits worth the exclusive sale of the fantasy herb until next year.

Although many were wary of Dimidius, the Demon Duke, there were quite a few like Count Odor who wanted to get closer for business purposes.
Dimidius Belial and Jack Odor negotiated satisfactorily and continued their meal.

While enjoying the Count’s lavish banquet, Dimidius casually mentioned,

“……Bring your niece to the main house. That villa in front of the daisy field seems unsafe.”

Not only did it seem unsafe to him, but it also looked very dangerous. He couldn’t keep Orentia there any longer.

Count Odor was startled and widened his eyes.

“How did you know my niece is at the daisy field villa?”

“That evening, after meeting your niece, I inquired about her. It seemed odd that she was staying somewhere other than the Count’s residence. My apologies for the intrusion.”

Count Odor fanned his flushed face.

“This is quite embarrassing.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed.”

“Then…… may I really bring my niece to the main house? I’ve been concerned about her. Although that place is a restricted area and not just anyone can enter, and even though I’ve stationed knights there…… still.”

“Bring her in immediately.”

Dimidius urged even before the Count finished speaking.

‘Not just anyone can enter? But I did. And there’s no guarantee there won’t be others like me!’

Dimidius was worried about her safety. That concern had persisted since he saw her walking into the woods from the daisy field.

‘Why do I care?’

Although he briefly questioned this, it wasn’t strange considering she was an important person with divine power.

Count Odor stood up, saying he would call his niece Orentia right away.

Only then did a sigh of relief escape Dimidius’s lips.

A maid working at the villa approached Orentia, who was resting in the living room.

“Miss Armanika, the head of the family has come.”

“Now? At this hour?”

It was quite late, so Orentia widened her eyes in surprise and looked towards the entrance.

The Count entered the villa with a very happy face, his eyes sparkling as if holding stars.

“Uncle? What’s the matter?”

At her question, Count Odor, with a face resembling her mother, smiled broadly.

“My niece! Let’s go to the main house quickly. I came here myself to tell you.”

‘What does this mean?’

Orentia, puzzled, just tilted her head, and Count Odor quickly pushed her back.

“Embarrassingly, Duke Belial knew all about it. That you were here.”

“So?”

“He seems to have a broader mind than I thought. He insisted that we bring you to the main house immediately, concerned about your safety.”

“Eh? That can’t be right…….”

‘Why would Duke Belial worry about my safety? What for?’

It was baffling that the usually harsh-speaking Duke would be concerned about her safety.

And he had even mentioned it openly to Count Odor?

Orentia felt strange and wrapped her arms around her shoulders.