Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 244 - The Name is (3)

 

 

—Is it really just a joke, Lucion?

 

Ratta still wore a puzzled expression. Usually, Russell would have been the first to dismiss such a comment, but this time he remained silent, and even Bethel appeared hesitant.

 

Ratta wanted to believe Lucion’s reassurance, but a strange unease lingered in her chest.

 

“Young Master,” Hume called out softly.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I don’t think it was a joke. That was the most serious Mr. Quate I’ve ever seen.”

 

Hume, seemingly unsettled as well, looked at Lucion with questioning eyes.

 

“Nothing has changed. It’s always been close calls.”

 

Lucion patted his stomach lightly. He’d already been stabbed twice, hadn’t he? And then there was the light.

 

He avoided looking at Russell, Bethel, or Hume and instead gazed out at the sea. He knew they were worried—Russell might even be sad.

 

[That’s right. Nothing has changed.]

 

Lucion nodded at Russell’s firm response.

 

“Exactly. Right now, I’m just trying to look ahead.”

 

Lucion removed his gloves and began shaping the soft sand with his fingers, quietly piling it up. He wanted a moment to let his mind rest as they waited for the ship to reach the Sea of Death.

 

—Ratta wants to play too!

 

Hesitant at first, Ratta giggled at Lucion’s simple hand movements and turned around, carefully digging into the sand with her front paws.

 

“Actually, this is only my second time seeing the sea,” Lucion remarked.

 

Thanks to Lee Haram’s memories, he knew what the sea was, but it wasn’t a memory that belonged to him.

 

“It’s the same for me,” Hume said with a broad smile, now joining Lucion in building a sandcastle.

 

“There are so many things I haven’t experienced yet, and honestly, it’s frustrating.”

 

“When everything is over, won’t you have the chance to do all the things you want, Young Master?”

 

—Right! Lucion should go on a macaroon tour! Ratta loves macaroons too!

 

Ratta perked up, her ears twitching in excitement as she continued compacting the sand.

 

[What a great idea! I bet Lucion would enjoy that!]

 

Russell looked at Ratta fondly and patted her gently.

 

[Lord Lucion’s hands have already stopped moving.]

 

Bethel laughed, delighted to see how captivated Lucion was by Ratta’s enthusiasm.

 

“That’s such a fantastic idea! Really, a perfect idea!” Lucion exclaimed, snapping his fingers in excitement.

 

“Can we also eat some chicken skewers… together?” Hume asked casually.

 

“Of course. We can ask Lady Tella for recommendations and go on a food tour.” Lucion chuckled.

 

—Yahoo! Ratta can’t wait! Ratta is already so happy!

 

Ratta, who had been pressing the sand into shape, began hopping up and down with joy.

 

Suddenly, a loud boom resounded, followed by light spreading across the sky—a ruse to mask the darkness of the warlocks.

 

Lucion froze, his hands still, and quickly stood up. The purification had begun.

 

“Bethel, could you check on something for me?”

 

[I’ll return quickly.]

 

Bethel nodded and headed toward the Sea of Death.

 

Lucion remained motionless, his sandy hands hanging at his sides as he stared out at the calm waves.

 

—Lucion. Nothing’s wrong. Ratta knows. So let’s keep playing with the sand.

 

Ratta tugged at his pant leg, hating how sad he suddenly seemed when moments ago, he’d been so happy.

 

“Should I?”

 

[Yes. Don’t worry about it—just finish what you started. That’s what matters now.]

 

Russell urged him to continue, but Lucion simply stood there for a while, unmoving.

 

‘The darkness of the warlocks is spreading.’

 

Lucion felt the smell of darkness mingling with the sudden gust of wind that hit him. It didn’t feel heavy but fresh, warm like the advent of spring.

 

‘Veronia…’

 

Lucion sensed that the melancholy wailing of corrupted darkness, audible with each wave, was starting to quiet.

 

‘That bastard Veronia hasn’t appeared.’

 

Relief washed over Lucion, and his legs gave way, causing him to sink to the ground.

 

Sniff. Sniff.

 

—Look! The darkness is happy! Ratta was right! Hehe!

 

Ratta sniffed the air and began hopping in joyful circles around Lucion.

 

[I knew it!]

 

Russell let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and clenched his fist in triumph.

 

“Hamel-nim,” Hume said with a gentle smile.

 

Hume had transformed the crude sandcastle Lucion had begun into something grand and polished, as if carved from marble.

 

Lucion couldn’t help but laugh—it looked just like Cronia.

 

“Go ahead, add the final touches.”

 

“You’ve already done everything, though,” Lucion hesitated, worried that his touch might ruin it.

 

“Every castle needs a crest. Please draw something here.”

 

“Hmmm…”

 

—Ah! Ratta wants to do it! Ratta’s paw stamp!

 

Ratta pressed her front paw firmly into the spot Hume indicated.

 

—Ta-da!

 

“It’s finished.”

 

Lucion finally brushed the sand off his hands.

 

“Yes, it’s complete,” Hume confirmed, smiling.

 

[That’s quite a crest.]

 

Russell stepped back to admire the sandcastle and waved lightly at Bethel, who was rushing toward them.

 

[He hasn’t shown up! The purification is proceeding smoothly!]

 

With Bethel’s report, Lucion finally felt the weight on his chest lift.

 

[The priests were stunned—the warlocks truly purified the darkness.]

 

Bethel clenched her fists in excitement, but as her gaze fell on the magnificent sandcastle, her eyes widened in surprise.

 

[How is that sandcastle… become so grand?]

 

* * *

 

Asha quickly rose from her seat, putting aside the scarf she had been knitting, and opened the door.

 

“Have you arrived?”

 

Even without the darkness whispering to her, she could feel the presence that made her heart race.

 

“It’s good to see you, Asha.”

 

Lucion removed his mask, offering her a warm smile. She also seemed to have trouble sleeping at night, perhaps because she was Ravien.

 

“It’s been a while, Asha. My apologies for not visiting sooner,” Hume greeted her politely.

 

—Hello, Asha!

 

Ratta darted forward, rubbing her face affectionately against Asha’s leg.

 

[It’s been a while.]

 

[Good to see you, Asha.]

 

Although they knew she couldn’t see them, Russell and Bethel greeted her warmly as well.

 

“I know you’ve all been busy. More importantly, are you alright?”

 

Asha looked at Lucion with concern, her expression as though she longed to reach out and hold his hand.

 

“No, not quite. Right now, Lucion must walk the pilgrimage route,” the darkness interjected with a grumble, addressing Asha directly.

 

“He had to fill the bowls, but he already had three filled. That’s why he’s in pain. This mustn’t happen. That’s why the pilgrimage route exists.”

 

Lucion looked toward the darkness, unperturbed. He had already sensed its presence.

 

“So, I’ve come to walk the pilgrimage route,” Lucion said resolutely.

 

“Don’t worry, Lucion. We are monitoring everyone who enters your room besides Heint. If anything happens, we’ll alert you immediately. Please walk the pilgrimage route without concern.”

 

The darkness curved its lips into a thin, almost imperceptible smile.

 

“Then I’ll leave right away,” Lucion said without hesitation. Walking the pilgrimage route was his sole purpose.

 

“Yes. Please go. I’ll remain here with Asha,” Hume said, bowing respectfully.

 

* * *

 

“Were you knitting a scarf?” Hume asked, glancing at Asha’s seat.

 

“Yes. I wanted to give it as a gift before winter arrives.”

 

“It’s a thoughtful idea. The young master will appreciate it. He’s sensitive to both heat and cold.”

 

“Hume,” Asha said, reaching out to him.

 

“Yes, Asha. Please, go ahead.”

 

“As the last of the Ravien, I haven’t inherited much of its bloodline.”

 

“I understand. You’ve mentioned that before.”

 

“I’m approaching the end of my life.”

 

“….”

 

Hume blinked, momentarily confused by her words.

 

Asha gazed at him sympathetically and continued, “When I’m gone, you will become the last Ravien.”

 

“Are you saying… you’re going to die?”

 

“Don’t be sad. Death comes to everyone, sooner or later.”

 

“I don’t understand why you’re bringing this up now.”

 

“I know you carry the Ravien blood, but you’re not a true Ravien.”

 

Asha grasped Hume’s hand, which he hesitantly extended. His fingertips were icy.

 

“I know you are Lord Lucion’s guide, but I also understand that you’re incomplete as a Ravien.”

 

Hume’s eyes trembled, his emotions spiraling into confusion.

 

“I’m not saying this to accuse you or question your Ravien blood,” Asha reassured him.

 

“I… I…”

 

“Previously, when I examined your blood, I detected a foreign power within it. I realized later that I hadn’t informed you.”

 

“A… foreign power?”

 

“Please allow me to demonstrate.”

 

Asha retrieved a dagger and a bowl, just as she had during the earlier blood test. She cut her finger and Hume’s, letting their blood drip into the bowl. As the blood mixed, the darkness stirred violently.

 

Last time, Asha had applied the blood to Hume’s forehead, and their energies had resonated. Just like the purple-hued darkness that followed Lucion, Hume’s darkness also began to turn that same color.

 

‘The darkness changed color when mixed with my blood,’ Hume thought.

 

Unlike Hume, Asha remained calm despite the transformation. She offered him a reassuring smile.

 

“Please wait. This time, I’ll confirm it more thoroughly.”

 

Moments later, a viscous darkness erupted, consuming Asha’s darkness and the purple one alike.

 

Startled, Asha activated a light-imbued item, dispelling the consuming darkness. Only the purple hue lingered momentarily before vanishing.

 

Hume froze. He had seen that gluttonous, oppressive presence many times before.

 

“…Is this corruption?” His voice faltered as he struggled to articulate the fear building inside him.

 

“It’s similar, but not quite. As Ravien, we’re vulnerable to corruption, but this… this isn’t corruption as we know it.”

 

“Then… that darkness… Is it the foreign power you mentioned?”

 

“Exactly. I apologize for not telling you sooner.”

 

The power in Hume’s blood was something no Ravien could possess.

 

‘So this is why Asha said I’m not a true Ravien.’

 

Hume stepped back, fear gripping him. But what frightened him even more was the thought of what that power could do.

 

“If this… power hurts the young master, what should I do?”

 

Hume’s expression twisted in fear. To think he was such a terrifying existence. That power attacked, aiming to devour the darkness Lucion possessed.

 

“I am… I was created by a warlock.”

 

Hume clutched at his shirt with trembling hands, his voice shaking.

 

“Is that why I have this terrifying power? Because I was created this way?”

 

“Hume,” Asha said softly, stepping closer and holding his hand tightly.

 

“Hume, calm down.”

 

“I wanted to help the young master, not become something that could harm him. I… I’m a monster. Truly. I was created as a monster.”

 

Tears blurred Hume’s vision, stinging as they fell. The power within him could endanger Lucion at any moment.

 

And he had gotten close to Lucion without knowing it. What if Lucion died at his hands? Just imagining it made Hume tremble uncontrollably.

 

“I… I shouldn’t stay near the young master. Asha, I…”

 

“I can resolve this, Hume. That’s why I’m telling you now.”

 

“Really…?”

 

“Yes. So don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

 

“Please, do something… anything. I don’t want to leave. I can’t abandon my precious family.”

 

Lucion, Russell, Bethel, Ratta, and everyone in Cronia were his family. How could he leave behind such a kind and loving home?

 

“There is a bond between you and Lord Lucion—a contract of obedience,” Asha said gently.

 

Hume immediately stuck out his tongue, revealing a black star engraved upon it.

 

“As the Ravien who serves as a coordinator, I have the ability to strengthen this contract of obedience.”

 

Asha placed her hand lightly on the black star etched into his tongue.

 

“This foreign power within you may attempt to consume you one day,” she warned, her voice calm and soothing, as though trying to ease Hume’s fears.

 

“But don’t worry.”

 

Hume nodded slowly, his gaze meeting Asha’s as a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes.

 

Asha took his hand in hers, her grip firm yet reassuring.

 

“The Ravien blood flowing through you will protect you. A Ravien can never betray the darkness; we are its servants.”

 

From the black star—the symbol of obedience—the purple darkness flared, intensifying before marking Hume’s left forehead with an additional engraving.

 

‘Veronia.’

 

As the contract of obedience deepened, Hume recalled that name. The warlock who had created him.