The Adored Daughter of the Disliked Duke's House: My Magic Power Increases Every Time I'm Praised, So I've Been Perfecting Cuteness Since Infancy! - Episode 29

“Now, explain everything!”

In the middle of the night, I placed the pendant at the center of my wide bed, sat in seiza, and spoke to it.

To an outsider, I might look like a lunatic talking to an inanimate object, but fortunately, I was alone.

I had tried to report to my father and mother that Barzemir had possessed the pendant, but—
“If you dare tell anyone, I shall remain here for all eternity.”

He threatened me.

Since I had no idea how to expel him, I had no choice but to comply.

Because of that, my frustration was at its peak. As if mocking me, Barzemir appeared on the bed.

However, he did not take human form.

“A cat?”

A cute black cat had materialized.

It had sharp, golden eyes that were strikingly arrogant.

“I have left most of my magic within the pendant and manifested only a part of myself. You are still a daughter of your house—surely, this form pleases you?”

“Not at all.”

I slumped my shoulders in exasperation.

No matter how adorable he looked, he was still a monster—and an enemy at that.

(If he’s only partially manifested, defeating this cat won’t make a difference anyway.)

Just my luck.

“Fine, whatever. Just get on with your explanation.”

“Hmph. Very well.”

Barzemir, in his cat form, leisurely stretched out on the bed, his tail swaying as he finally began speaking.

“First, let us discuss this pendant.”

With a light touch of his tail, he caressed the pendant.

“This pendant can carry not only spirits but all beings of magic.”

“Beings of magic?”

Unlike humans, spirits and magical creatures had a different existence. Humans were physical beings infused with souls and magic, whereas spirits and monsters were primarily composed of magic, with their physical forms being secondary.

In essence, spirits and monsters were quite similar in nature.

“So, that’s why you were able to enter it?”

“Exactly. Furthermore, it has unlimited capacity. Right now, you use it as a vessel for the magic of contracted spirits, but in ancient times, it was also used to seal away monsters.”

I see.

One could store a monster’s magic inside and seal it with additional spells. As Barzemir said, it had various uses.

“The conditions for entry and exit vary as well. A being of magic that enters of its own will can only leave by its own volition.”

“Like you?”

“Precisely.”

“Then those who entrust their magic through a contract are bound by that contract?”

“Indeed. You are sharp, as expected.”

Barzemir smirked in satisfaction, but his praise did nothing for me.

“Don’t assume things about me…”

I clutched my head in frustration.

From what he said, it seemed clear that expelling him from the pendant was impossible.

But that wasn’t the real issue.

Even though he could enter and exit freely, he was essentially in enemy territory. If I wanted to, I could seal him inside permanently.

So why had he willingly entered the pendant despite such a risk?

That was the most important question.

“…”

I remained silent, urging him to continue.

Barzemir, still in cat form, straightened his posture.

“Humans possess an emotion that we monster cannot comprehend—’affection.'”

“Yes.”

There were various theories, but it was commonly said that monsters lacked emotions such as love or kindness. Since they lived alone from birth and had no need for family or friends, they had no reason to develop such emotions.

“I waited for you in that place. Because I believed in your ‘affection.'”

Barzemir’s golden eyes gleamed.

“I wish to save a friend. Lend me your strength.”

It wasn’t until the following day that I confirmed the existence of Barzemir’s ‘friend.’

After the morning classes, I headed to the cafeteria, only to find an unusual commotion.

“What’s going on?”

“There are a lot of people today.”

I met up with Al and Leo, who arrived at the same time, and we navigated through the crowd to grab our lunch trays. Today’s menu was apple tart, egg soup, and steamed chicken.

As we ate at our secured table, even more students filled the cafeteria.

“There are a lot of upperclassmen today.”

“Oh, right. The sixth years just returned from their retreat.”

“Retreat?”

Al and I tilted our heads in unison, prompting Leo to nod proudly.

“It’s a special retreat for the highest-ranking students. Every year, it takes place during the first five days of the new semester.”

A retreat to learn the duties of the top students—such was the prestige of this academy.

“So, your brother was part of it?”

“Yes, but we don’t spend much time together, so I didn’t really notice.”

Leo’s second-oldest brother, Cyril, was ten years old and a sixth-year student.

“Look, there’s Cyril.”

Following Leo’s gaze, I saw a group of students entering through the grand doors.

A dazzling entourage. The entire cafeteria turned to stare.

At the forefront was Leo’s brother, Prince Cyril.

“The ‘Seven Oracles.'”

Someone whispered.

A wave of murmurs spread through the cafeteria, and some underclassmen even gazed at the seven with admiration.

The seven, accustomed to the attention, walked gracefully to the back, where a space had been left open for them.

Immediately, attendants brought their meals.

Al and I could only stare in astonishment at this bizarre scene.

“The ‘Seven Oracles’?”

Al furrowed his brows. I mimicked his confusion.

“Every year, seven sixth-years are chosen as the school’s representatives.”

“Based on grades?”

“Not exactly. The selection process is kept secret.”

“And that’s why it’s called an ‘oracle’?”

“Yes. A ritual takes place during the retreat, where they are chosen.”

I studied the seven closely.

Their magic gems shone brighter than the others’—proof of their superior magical capacity and training.

(So, academic performance isn’t the sole criterion, but magical ability is definitely a factor.)

As I pondered, the pendant around my neck trembled.

Barzemir.

(What? I told you not to talk at school.)

“She’s here.”

(What?)

The pendant trembled again, this time radiating anger.

“The black-haired girl.”

Among the Seven Oracles, only one had black hair.

“She has the same item.”

I looked again. Indeed, there was something similar to my opal pendant hanging from her neck, surrounded by layers of complex magic.

And deep within it—a dark, sinister presence.

There was no doubt.

A monster was sealed inside.

(So, your friend is inside that pendant?)

“Yes. Do you know her name?”

I didn’t.

But Leo would.

“That’s Cecilia Ferrandis, daughter of the Marquis.”

A noble of the highest rank.

And the fiancée of the Second Prince.

Barzemir’s words sent a shiver down my spine.

“She is a traitor who serves the Demon King.”