Chapter: 834
The Crown Princess came to the mansion. This is something that happens all the time, so it’s not surprising at all.
However, upon seeing those beings cradled in the Crown Princess’s arms, I couldn’t help but sigh.
‘What are you two doing there?’
There was Jangsaeng, drooped and limp, along with Rysianne, who wore a gloomy expression and hung her head. I never expected I would have to meet those two again so soon.
About an hour after hearing the news of Jangsaeng’s escape, I had a conversation with the head of the Capital’s security. Ten minutes had passed since then, so he had barely been out for two hours.
But what’s this? Why are these two escapees back already at lightning speed?
“Well, Your Highness. Where did Jangsaeng and Rysianne meet?”
I tried to suppress my mixed emotions and focus on understanding the situation. What on earth were you two doing to get caught by the Crown Princess?
“Jangsaeng! I met him on the way! I think he knew I was coming and waited for me!”
“Is that so?”
I couldn’t help but smile awkwardly at this delightfully clueless response.
So they just happened to cross paths with the Crown Princess on her way to the mansion.
‘Guess that’s what happens when you get on Enen’s bad side.’
My eyes were misting over from the realization. Perhaps because I was a former evil god cursed to be sealed away by Enen, I was experiencing this spectacular calamity: landing flat on my face after tripping backward.
In this vast capital city, who would have thought I would run into the Crown Princess? It’s not like she was wandering around; it was just coincidence. The sun must have truly desired Jangsaeng’s early return.
‘Guess there’s nothing to be done.’
Feeling a pang of sympathy for Jangsaeng, I made a decision.
“Your Highness, Jangsaeng and Rysianne came out to welcome you because today they can’t play with you.”
“Huh?”
Both the Crown Princess and the ones snuggled in her arms, Jangsaeng and Rysianne, were surprised by my words.
“Jangsaeng and Rysianne can’t play with me?”
“Yes. Today they were supposed to go outside for a walk. But they felt sad about not seeing you, so they just wanted to say hello.”
As I reached out, the Crown Princess carefully handed over Jangsaeng and Rysianne to me.
“Well, then I shouldn’t be outside playing…?”
Despite her disappointment, it was clear that Jangsaeng was a superstar among the kids.
Titi, you might just lose your top spot! While I’m out for love, the second place is catching up!
“How about you play next time? Today, Jangsaeng will explore the capital and check out where you could go together next time. In the meantime, why don’t you play with the other kids?”
“Waaah… understood!”
Even though Jangsaeng was a threat to the top spot, he was still just one among many animals. With gentle persuasion, the Crown Princess happily nodded her head.
“Jangsaeng! You have to play in good places!”
“Of course! I’ll prepare loads of spots to play at for next time!”
“Yay! Then go have fun!”
“Alright, Your Highness. I’ll see Jangsaeng and Rysianne off now.”
“Okay! Make it a good trip!”
Leaving behind the Crown Princess’s cheerful farewell, I took my leave.
I had to let them loose outside the mansion to continue our successful stroll. If I let them go inside, the chances of getting caught by our kids would skyrocket.
“Master.”
“If you get captured again, I won’t be able to help you.”
I firmly warned Jangsaeng, who was stuttering in the meantime.
I can help once, but I can’t help a second time. The same excuse won’t work on the Crown Princess twice in a row. If you get caught again, then it’s just your destiny.
“So this time, have fun and come back. Just don’t get caught.”
With those words, I set Jangsaeng and Rysianne on the ground.
Go now; this mercy is your last chance. If we meet again, I might as well join the pursuers.
“…Thank you, Master.”
“I’ll never forget this kindness!”
Did they read my thoughts? Jangsaeng and Rysianne, who were staring at me blankly, quickly turned away and vanished.
And to hear ‘thank you’ from Jangsaeng of all beings is surprisingly touching.
‘A former evil god who doesn’t forget his kindness.’
And if Rysianne doesn’t forget it either, how will she repay me? What if I die and she organizes my funeral as a former evil god?
‘What an honor.’
It would be like having the continent’s best funeral director hosting the things.
Since the escape incident, I’ve noticed Jangsaeng’s loyalty creeping up.
He complained less, cooperated more, and played with the kids more often. While he used to work at a level of ten, now he’s doing forty or fifty.
After all, people (or animals) don’t forget kindness when they’re in a desperate situation. Even if Jangsaeng isn’t human, he possesses intelligence comparable to one.
“Master, it’s about time Yulia wakes up, so I’ll head over to see her now.”
“Ah, okay. Thanks for your hard work.”
“Mm.”
Now that Jangsaeng is taking pride in caring for our kids, watching him dash around on his short little legs made me smile.
Those with talent will always come out on top over those who try hard, but those who enjoy it will stand above them all. Jangsaeng has risen from being a naturally talented entertainer to a superstar who enjoys his role as a caregiver. Truly a blessing for the House of Krasius.
“Master.”
“Huh?”
“What happened to make that irritating guy so tamed?”
This unexpected blessing wasn’t just incredible for me; Humility, wandering nearby, asked with a bemused tone.
“We built some friendship and trust.”
“And what’s that about?”
When I spoke frankly, Humility clicked his tongue as if to say, “What nonsense.”
Unfortunately, that’s the truth. Thanks to the escape incident, Jangsaeng and I formed a deep bond and built trust. In the worst-case scenario, we assured each other we would be there for help.
“I’m not the one to say this, but there aren’t many beings as far from friendship and trust as he is. Unless they were in the same harsh circumstances, he wouldn’t even look at them. You had to be on par with the seven deadly sins just to pass by him. He’s incredibly violent and egotistical.”
“If we’re digging into the past, none of you were exactly normal either.”
“Well, that’s true…”
Humility nodded as if he realized the truth, then slumped down on the ground.
“Master.”
“Yeah?”
“I also want to build some friendship and trust with you.”
He declared his intentions with a brave and determined voice.
I burst into laughter at that. I had suspected he’d been lingering around here for that very reason.
“You want to go out too?”
Humility nodded vigorously.
“I do! I want to go outside! Not a lot! Just a few hours, like Jangsaeng! I’ll return on my own, please!”
“Alright, but calm down.”
I thought he was going to pass out soon.
Yet despite my worried admonition, Humility’s head bobbed even more violently, as if he might lose a head or a wing at any moment.
It filled me with a mix of concern and sympathy. Just how much did he want to go out? Apparently, those periodic trips to Tailglehen weren’t enough for him.
“Well, if it’s just a quick trip, I can get you out.”
“Just a few hours! I’ll be back before dinner!”
Now the desperation of his pleas was making me feel grave.
I thought I had been looking after the well-being of these little beings well, but it was just an illusion of a master. It appeared that my efforts weren’t enough in their eyes.
“By the way, you know it’s dangerous to go out alone because you’re so small, right? Jangsaeng moved with Rysianne.”
“Don’t worry about the size! With this small body, I’ve won the affection of the little masters!”
That’s odd. He said affection, but it sounded more like suffering to me.
“Fine, I’ll attach one of the blessings or kindness along with you. It’ll be easier to move around with them.”
Even so, I wouldn’t think of depriving him of the support he deserves.
Humility had worked hard during this time. He’s not only the smallest among the animals that reside in our mansion but also a major source of entertainment for the kids.
If I didn’t reward Humility, who would enjoy the rewards at all? No matter how these creatures might have been former evil gods, they now make up the pillars of our mansion. They are deserving of proper treatment.
“Thank you, Master! Truly, thank you!”
Anyway, with my assurance, Humility flapped his wings excitedly.
Who would look at these beings and think they’re former evil gods or current divine beasts? At least I don’t.
‘It’s more likely that Titi resembles a divine being.’
No, should I say Titi is beyond even divine beings?
*
Recently, a peculiar task was added to the security detail.
“Your Grace. It is reported that Count Tailglehen’s pet… has left the mansion.”
Today they were checking which beast might be wandering around the capital.
“What’s today’s beast?”
“A deer and a snake.”
Again, another bizarre combination, and I closed my eyes for a moment.
Yesterday it was a tiger and a turtle. The day before that was a sheep and a fox. And the day before that, a horse and a chick. Truly strange and unique pairings.
‘Where on earth did they collect those?’
Beasts that are far from ordinary pets, and to top it off, ones that can speak human language. It’s astonishing where they come from.
But no less than the Count of Tailglehen, a minister of the Information Department, owns these pets. It would be wise not to indulge in useless curiosity.
“Also, the Count has sent over someone again.”
“Truly a blessing.”
In exchange for the care of the Count’s pets, they were providing decent compensation, making it only appropriate to stay silent for the sake of the security detail.
Of course, since it’s daily, it’s not a lavish remuneration. Just enough alcohol to wet the troops’ lips, food to please the palate, and snacks to enjoy on the go. Also, a bit of cash for miscellaneous expenses.
Yet, for the security team that is always battling fatigue, these small but certain treats mean everything. The security team’s strength is their greatest asset, and money is always better in abundance.
“Speaking of, Your Grace. Have you heard the news?”
“What news?”
“Your pets, in fact, there are rumors circulating that they are gathering intelligence around the capital as the Count’s eyes and ears.”
I nodded steadily at my aide’s words. I was aware of such rumors.
‘I spread them myself.’
It was a rumor I had instigated with the Count’s permission.
The creatures, under no one else’s command but the leader of the Information Department, would mean that thieves hiding around the capital would not dare to step out in the open.
If my aide is reporting it, then it seems the rumor has circulated sufficiently throughout the capital.
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