When she hadn’t even thought about creating a white sphere, what Demidius and Jun did was truly a stroke of great luck. If Ancedo had been hit by the sword swung by Angkado, he would have suffered painful injuries and died. Thinking about that, now was not the time for Ollentia to be angry with Demidius.

Ollentia spoke again in a softened voice.

“I’m really thankful for saving me. So, I don’t want to be angry either.”

At that moment, Demidius leaned forward and moved closer to Ollentia.

The scent of rough tree bark could be sensed.

“Even though you said you didn’t want to be disliked at the perfume museum, there is a reason for this.”

“You said you’d be uneasy if I wasn’t in your arms right away.”

Those words still lingered deep in her heart.

“Yes. Because you’re someone I want to do business with, and it would be a big problem if you were injured.”

In response to Demidius’ words, Ollentia sighed and lowered her head. Indeed, that was the case. She hadn’t said those words out of pure worry. He had caused a fuss because he was the only one who could convey sanctity.

Suddenly, Ollentia felt as if her energy had drained away. Her whole body felt heavy and weak.

Seeing Ollentia slump, Demidius reached out his hand. His hand touched Ollentia’s shoulder.

“Where does it hurt? Did something happen before I arrived?”

Ollentia brushed his hand away and said coldly.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of my own health.”

A chilly silence filled the room for a moment. Ollentia wiped her shoulder for no reason, and Demidius just stared at her.

‘Why are you acting disappointed by what His Highness said? That’s strange.’

Ollentia, who had barely regained her composure, chuckled awkwardly and said,

“I’m telling you not to worry because I’m fine. By the way, did you tail me this time too?”

Demidius avoided eye contact and shrugged.

“Well, yeah. That’s how it turned out.”

“You don’t even deny it now. Do you think I’ll become His Highness’s person just because of that?”

It wasn’t a quarrel, but she was genuinely curious, so she asked. It was the first time she had talked about related matters while looking at Demidius’s pain.

At that moment, Demidius propped up his chin with one hand and, after a pause, turned his gaze back to Ollentia. The red eyes visible through the eye holes of the mask were very intense. It seemed like they could pierce through her.

“I just hope you become a contractor. I have no intention of forcing you.”

It was unexpected. Most people with sanctity were priests, so she thought they would try to make the situation as favorable as possible.

Ollentia bit her lips gently and then glanced at him.

“If I need something from His Highness in the future, what do you think?”

Even if they got married immediately, it was difficult. Because marriage had too much significance in the Bonus Empire.

But when Demidius propped up his chin with one hand and looked at her, he spoke in a more relaxed tone than before.

“I will definitely convey it to Lady.”

He was overflowing with confidence. It made sense, considering he was the only Duke in the Bonus Empire. Even if he wanted a jewel buried deep in the ocean, he seemed to think he could get it.

For some reason, in the tense atmosphere, Ollentia cleared her throat.

“If, for example, I need something from His Highness in the future, what do you think?”

She couldn’t say, “Let’s get married right away.” Even if it was a contractual marriage, marriage had too much significance in the Bonus Empire.

However, when Demidius propped up his chin and then shrugged, he spoke with more confidence than before.

“I will definitely convey it to Lady.”

His presence as Demidius Bellial, the Duke, felt too overwhelming, making it seem like she would have to take his hand unless the Archbishop canceled the wedding.

After confirming that Ollentia was lying on the bed, Demidius left her room.

Then, Kilun approached him.

“Your Highness! Ancedo. He was the one smuggling forbidden magic items. I investigated it properly, and the smell of decay is vibrating.”
Demidius tapped Kilun’s shoulder.

“Yeah. There were a lot of magic items. I’ve seen them all. Count Odor has gone to track down Ancedo, so by tonight, we should have a lead.”

Demidius knew that Count Odor was clearly in Odor Castle, so he thought it was better to leave it to him and stay still.

Kilun sighed deeply, thinking that he was a step behind.

“Ha… I was too late. I’m sorry.”

Then Demidius put his hand in his pants pocket and raised his head.

“No, it was probably difficult to move alone without any other aides. Odor Castle is a strange place, so it wouldn’t have been easy to get cooperation.”

Usually, there were more than five aides who followed Kilun. However, it must have been difficult for him to investigate Odor Castle alone.

In the end, all he could say was that Ollentia was safe.

Kilun also knew this fact, so he just bit his lower lip in response.

In Ancedo’s secret hideout, dangerous magic items that should not be used and embezzled money were hidden. Many scattered magical items felt eerie.