Chapter 8: The Civil War Era - The Devil and The Witch
Paimon, with hair as red as blood, casually brushed its long locks with its fingers before smiling mischievously and opening its mouth to speak.
[Firstly, I must inform you that this footage has been pre-recorded using magical engineering technology, and I cannot see or hear you. Personally, I find this most regrettable, but please understand that due to technical limitations, real-time long-distance communication is not supported.]
To be honest, I only half understood what was being said, but it was clear that I couldn't converse with this person.
[Well then, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and respect to the Acting Duke for showing interest in our technology. Our company always welcomes new clients, though it's a pity that not all our 'clients' are as forthcoming as we'd like.]
Paimon shook its head in feigned disappointment before breaking into a gleeful smile as if nothing had happened.
[In that regard, you, Acting Duke, are indeed the client we have been eagerly anticipating! Absolutely perfect in every way! I would love to introduce our company in detail, but due to technical limitations, time is of the essence, so let's move on to the technology you're curious about.]
I had assumed that they might show interest in us once Christine made contact, but I didn't expect them to approach us this quickly.
[The core information of the 'Drone' technology developed by our company is confidential, but to put it simply, it utilizes the inherent magical power of all humans to its maximum efficiency, converting it into a sustainable and high-yielding production force.]
Paimon's tone was filled with pride. However—
[While human power is necessary as the power source, there's no need for undue concern. The humans 'used' in the technology are slaves legally acquired by Abyss Corporation. Furthermore, in collaboration with 'Lust' Corporation, they experience no pain and live in blissful dreams, provided with the most humane conditions. Coexistence with humans is a policy of Abyss Corporation.]
Despite the breathtakingly beautiful tone and extreme politeness, there was an unmistakable eeriness in the words.
[We believe that humans sold into slavery would find a happier and more valuable existence in the conditions provided by our company, free from all labor and suffering. It's the true realization of idleness. Truly, it is perfectly perfect.]
The industrial revolution triggered by Abyss Corporation had significantly reduced the tax revenues of the Francia Kingdom, to a point of no return.
[Therefore, for you, a noble of the old-fashioned Kingdom of Knights, I have a proposal. In the midst of the civil war in Francia, it's likely that you will capture many prisoners...]
Nevertheless, the civil war continued, and as the money dwindled and the lords became increasingly indebted, they began selling their people as slaves to the Abyss Corporation.
[Should you have any prisoners to 'dispose' of, we would like to suggest 'selling' them to Abyss Corporation. We will ensure you are satisfied with the compensation. If you wish to learn more about our company before deciding, we invite you to visit us for a detailed explanation. So please consider it positively. ]
Even the royals, who should have been the first to prevent the selling of their subjects into slavery, turned a blind eye and even encouraged it.
Both the first and the second princes, without exception.
As I realized that my fist was clenched tightly without my knowing, Paimon, after a brief pause, began to speak.
[What I've just proposed is on behalf of 'Sloth' Corporation, and I must say, I am extremely, extremely curious, Acting Duke.]
Unlike her previous formal demeanor, Paimon's voice, flowing through the crystal ball, was now noticeably—
[Curious about how much and what exactly you know about our company's technology. Whether you, having received our proposal, are calculating the benefits that could be reaped or, as a noble of the honorable knightly kingdom, are cursing me, the CEO, in rage.]
Her voice was filled with delight.
[Oh, it's such a pity that this curiosity cannot be immediately satisfied due to technical limitations. By the way, thanks to you and Lady Aquitaine's foreknowledge of our technology and your investment to reap some profits, there was quite a stir at our company. We wondered which lovely employee had leaked such information.]
Unknowingly, I swallowed dryly.
[Of course, do not worry. We bear no grudges against those who have rationally capitalized on innovative and advanced opportunities. It's just astounding to find someone perceptive of progress and innovation in a kingdom still stagnant in feudalism. So, Acting Duke.]
Paimon's eyes shone through the crystal ball as if she were peering right at me.
[I hope you'll consider collaboration positively. Our company has many products that could be of great help to you, who are involved in the civil war. The invitation to visit our company is usually a formality, but in your case, it is sincere.]
Yes, it would be a great help.
After buying the people of Francia as slaves and producing tremendous weapons, selling them to the kingdom engulfed in civil war for a hefty profit.
And when the kingdom had nothing left to strip away, they sold the remaining weapons to the revolutionaries who couldn't endure the civil war and tyranny.
[Then, I hope we can meet in person at your earliest convenience.]
With those words, Paimon's figure disappeared.
I stared at the dimmed crystal ball and let out a hollow laugh.
It seems that my knowledge of their technology and Christine's approach for verification of the truth were perceived by them as an opportunity for their expansion into Francia.
I have no intention whatsoever of joining hands with those who are merely looking to profit from the chaos in the Kingdom.
Still, it's better to let them believe that I am favorably interested in them, to prevent them from rashly reaching out to another contact in the Kingdom.
This has confirmed my suspicions. Their technology doesn't just exploit slaves; it seems to consume humans as raw material.
And before my regression, the most convenient source for that 'material' was the Kingdom of Francia, embroiled in civil war.
Only about a year and a half remained until the outbreak of the revolution.
With both the first and second princes willing to sell their people to win the civil war, there is no hope for this old regime. It must be dismantled and a new system established.
However, it would be naive to think that just because I, a noble, treat the commoners well and show a slightly different demeanor from other nobles, I would survive the flames of the revolution.
Therefore, an alternative is necessary.
A royal figure who can be a focal point for the less hostile nobles towards the revolution and also be respected by the commoners.
***
After some time passed and the autumn harvest ended, news of the armies on the northern front, determined to settle matters before winter, was incessant.
Countless blood was spilled, yet no decisive outcome was reached.
It was then that Abyss Corporation began to buy up massive amounts of raw materials.
Christine and I had intended to wait until the price was right, but Abyss Corporation contacted us first and offered a satisfactory price, allowing us to sell our stocks and buy some time.
With the funds thus acquired, bustling about, and two months later, as autumn ended and early winter began.
I reunited with Christine in the drawing room of my mansion.
“It's been a while, Lady Aquitaine. Have you been waiting long?”
“Indeed, it's been a while, Acting Duke of Lafayette. No, I've just arrived as well. Have you been well?”
After exchanging pleasantries, she gestured to her maid.
I glanced at the maid as she retreated from the drawing room, then opened my mouth.
“The maid has changed.”
“Yes.”
Christine momentarily looked caught off guard, but soon responded with a resigned smile.
I remember the last time she was here, she treated her maid quite comfortably.
It’s regrettable.
Both Christine and I spent some time savoring our tea without much conversation.
After all, we both knew the purpose of this meeting.
“It seems your business is going smoothly.”
“Yes, thanks to you, Young Duke. The investment is complete, now all that’s left is to recoup.”
Christine replied coolly.
The timing is appropriate.
Securing Count Aquitaine's house at this point is crucial for preparing and responding to the upcoming events and revolution.
But I waited patiently.
This was important for both of us, yet it would ultimately be a tragedy for her family.
As the once fragrant tea cooled, leaving a somewhat bitter taste, Christine spoke.
“...Honestly, right now, I think of myself as a witch-like woman.”
I couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.
“Then, am I akin to a devil who has seduced that witch?”
A smile spread across Christine's face.
It bloomed brightly like a flower in summer, then withered into a bitter, autumnal sadness.
“I'm sorry, Young Duke. It’s not right for me to be sentimental after having taken your hand.”
Slowly, very slowly.
But certainly.
In the place where the warmth of family affection had withered, a resolve and anger as cold as winter's chill steadily rose.
As I engraved her magical appearance in my eyes, she playfully asked.
“So, will you help me to the end? You, the wicked devil.”
“If I have tempted, then it is only right to keep the contract.”
I do not know what thoughts she harbored or what emotions she nurtured before her death in my previous life.
By saving her, who would have otherwise died a tragic death, I've led her to stain her hands with the blood of her own family.
Whether this path is better for her, I cannot know.
Probably, no one can.
“Ah.”
A soft exclamation from Christine broke my train of thoughts.
Following her gaze, I saw snowflakes swirling outside the window.
Christine naturally rose from her seat, and I stood up to follow her.
As Christine opened the balcony door, her long, dark hair was wildly tousled by the cold winter wind.
For a moment, she watched the first snow, then lifted her hands to catch it.
The Lady, just shy of her 19th birthday, gazed at the snow in her hands with a flushed face. As it began to melt, she turned to me with a smile.
“Is the sky trying to stop me?”
To her playful question, I shrugged and replied.
“Who knows, maybe it's crying in your stead.”
Hearing my words, Christine widened her eyes in surprise, then extended her hand to me with a wistful smile.
As the snow melted, chilling her hands, I took them in mine and led her onward—
To the Lady who died believing in her family, I, as the devil who urged her to live and seek revenge, pronounced my wish.
“May prosperity be with Aquitaine, Lady.”
The Winter Witch responded.
“May glory be with Lafayette, Young Duke.”
This winter in Aquitaine will be colder than ever before.
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