The main hall was quiet, lit only by the warm glow of lanterns along the walls. Veronica, who had been searching for Evandria, froze when she saw her walking beside Elion.

Did Lady Evandria follow Master to the vineyard? What should I do now? Master is going to be furious.

The thought flashed through her mind, and a sudden wave of worry rose in her chest. She quickly composed herself, hurried toward them, and stopped a short distance away before bowing respectfully.

“Master, are you alright? What happened?”

Elion did not answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at Evandria. The look he gave her was enough. She understood that he was telling her to leave.

“I will take my leave now.”

“Good night, my lady. Rest well,” Veronica said, giving her a polite bow.

“Good night.”

Evandria nodded slightly before turning away. But after a few steps, she stopped and looked back. Elion and Veronica were both watching her. For a moment, it seemed she wanted to say something. But the words never came. She swallowed them and continued down the corridor.

Now Veronica stood alone with Elion. She was certain something had happened at the vineyard, but she had no idea what. And knowing Elion, she couldn’t even guess how serious the situation might be.

“Umm... Master, did something happen?”

Elion gave no reply. He simply stood there, lost in thought.

“Master?”

“Looks like they finally made their move.”

“What?”

Veronica’s eyes widened at the word. They. She had guessed something serious had happened, but she hadn’t imagined it would be them. Elion knew who they were... he had been expecting this.

“Then, Master–”

“But… you should go to the vineyard and confirm it,” he interrupted.

“Yes, Master. I will confirm it.”

Elion said nothing further. And without another word, Veronica turned and hurried out toward the back of the mansion.

***

Later that night, Evandria lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. No matter how many times she closed her eyes, her mind kept returning to what had happened in the vineyard.

She had followed Elion because she suspected he was doing something suspicious there. But then the assassins attacked. That alone would have been enough to shake anyone. Yet that wasn’t what unsettled her most.

What truly unsettled her was the grave of his first wife.

She closed her eyes, remembering the moment. The way he had knelt in front of the headstone... the tears in his eyes that he had not even tried to hide. It looked real. That hadn’t been an act.

So… he truly loved his first wife.

But if he loved her so deeply... then why did he kill her? Or was he grieving out of guilt now?

Her fingers tightened around the fabric of the blanket. Her thoughts shifted again.

The assassins. Why would someone want him dead? Was it because of business? Or was it something else?

And then there was the other thought. The one that kept replaying in her mind, no matter how hard she tried to push it away.

What were those dark veins? And more importantly… what he had used tonight was magic. But how could he possibly use magic? Only demons can use magic.

Demons live in the demon realm. A world separated from human lands by ancient boundaries that had stood since the end of the war between the two races. Because of this, encounters between humans and demons were rare. Most people would live their entire lives without ever seeing one.

And magic belonged to the so-called demons alone. Even among them, only the Demon King and the high-ranking demons could use it. Unlike demons, humans could not use magic.

Instead, they used spells, structured techniques that imitate magic through symbols, incantations, and controlled mana. But spells themselves were not all the same. Some were simple techniques used for basic tasks, while others were far more complex and powerful. The highest-level spells could even approach the power of true magic.

The greater the spell, the heavier the price. Casting high-level spells placed immense strain on the human body, and very few people could endure that burden without suffering serious consequences.

The ability to cast basic spells was rare because the knowledge was tightly controlled by noble houses and religious orders.

Evandria stared at the ceiling, her thoughts growing more tangled. Then her eyes widened as a realization struck her.

Don’t tell me... he made a contract with a demon?

Or... what if he himself is a de–

No. She shook her head, sitting up slightly in bed. That’s impossible. What am I even thinking?

But even as she told herself that, the image of those dark veins flickering across his hand refused to leave her mind.