Whether he had been forgotten until now or someone had deliberately blocked his memory, that name resurfaced in his mind.

‘Veronia…’

Wasn’t that the name Lucion had shouted before he defeated Hotram?

“Shh. I only shouted that name because it felt right at the time; it doesn’t mean the same now. Anyway, remember it, Hume. That’s the name of the bastard,” Lucion said.

It was also the name of the one who had hurt Lucion.

‘That bastard… he created me.’

Gripping his arms tightly, Hume suddenly felt revolted by everything about himself.

“Asha,” he called out.

“Yes, please speak,” Asha responded gently.

Hume’s voice trembled as the overwhelming storm of emotions within him surged. The thought of being created by that bastard was unbearable. He wanted to claw at his own skin, wishing he could tear away the disgusting truth.

Asha remained silent for a moment. Ravien were beings born from darkness, inherently enslaved to and subservient to it.

When asked if someone could create a Ravien, the answer was a simple “yes.” As Asha glanced toward the whispering darkness, its soft murmurs reached her.

“Asha. Hume is not to blame. Truly.”

“Comfort that poor boy.”

Despite the circumstances, one thing remained unchanged: Hume was Lucion’s chosen guide. That fact alone spoke volumes.

“Hume,” Asha said. “I don’t know why you were created. But you are still a guide, and the blood of a Ravien will protect you.”

“But it was him! The one who created me is the very one despised by the darkness!”

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Hume realized Lucion was standing there. Fear gripped him, and he instinctively took a step back, staring at the ground.

“What’s going on here?” Lucion’s sharp voice cut through the tense air.

Asha, also startled by Lucion’s sudden appearance, was equally confused.

“Lord Lucion…?” She hadn’t sensed his presence, as though he had melted into the silence of the darkness itself.

“What did you just say, Hume?” Lucion’s voice was firm as he stepped forward.

He had been walking along the pilgrim’s route, feeling at ease, when he heard Hume’s anguished shout. For a moment, he had frozen in place.

‘Veronia… That bastard created Hume…’

[Lucion, give Hume some time. Both of you seem shaken right now.]

Even Bethel, surprised by the revelation, spoke up to calm Lucion. She could understand his reaction–Veronia was no ordinary foe. However, to Hume, Lucion was everything. Knowing how frightened Hume was, Bethel felt she had to intervene.

–That’s right, Lucion. Even Ratta can see how scary your expression is right now.

Ratta’s small voice and gentle tug at his pant leg broke through Lucion’s storm of emotions. He took a deep breath.

‘Damn it…’

Hume stood pressed against the wall, his head bowed, looking as though he had committed an unforgivable sin. The sight unsettled Lucion, and he turned his gaze away.

‘It felt… strange.’

Hotram–or rather, Veronia, who had possessed Hotram–had looked at Hume with an almost affectionate gaze. How could it not be? Hume was his creation.

[Lucion. Calm down,] Russell urged, placing a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

Lucion clenched his fists. The hatred he felt for Veronia ran deep. That bastard had nearly destroyed Ratta, Carson, and Shaela. But the one standing before him wasn’t Veronia–it was Hume.

“Lord Lucion,” Asha called softly, trying to defuse the tension. “I was just about to discuss the contract of obedience between you and Hume…”

“It’s fine, Asha,” Lucion interrupted with a faint smile. “I was just caught off guard for a moment.”

Hume was Hume.

Veronia was Veronia.

“Hume.”

Lucion stepped toward him. Hume shrank back against the wall, covering his head with his arms as though bracing for punishment.

The sight struck a chord in Lucion. Hume looked like an abandoned dog, trembling in fear of his master. Guilt pricked at Lucion, and he stopped moving closer, maintaining some distance.

“I’m sorry, Hume,” Lucion said softly.

Hume flinched.

“My voice was too harsh earlier, but I wasn’t angry at you.”

Ratta, closing the gap Lucion had left, wagged her tail and sat in front of Hume.

–Hume, Ratta saw it. Lucion wasn’t angry. His face was scary, but he was just really, really surprised. Ratta doesn’t lie. Please trust Ratta.

At Ratta’s innocent voice, Hume slowly lowered the hand that had been shielding his head.

Hume and Lucion’s eyes met.

Back when Lucion had believed The Grasp of Darkness was merely a novel, he had thought of Hume as a minor character–nothing more than the loyal subordinate of the Hand of the Void, a mid-level boss.

That was why Lucion had chosen Hume. So he would never face betrayal again.

Yet, even in that world, Hume had been no different from who he was now.

“Hume,” Lucion said again, his voice softer this time.

***

<< Hume drew his sword. "Lucion-nim, it has been an honor to serve you." His voice was calm, his gaze steady as always. "Please, escape safely." Hume took a step forward. "Promise me--you must be happy, Lucion-nim." With a broad smile, Hume charged toward Heint. >>

***

Without hesitation, Hume had willingly given his life for Lucion. Remembering this, Lucion felt a bitter taste in his mouth as he looked into Hume’s terrified eyes.

“What are you doing, sitting there like that?” Lucion asked.

“I…” Hume stammered, tears spilling from his eyes.

“I… I am a being created by that bastard.”

“I heard you.”

“Through the method of confirming the Ravien bloodline, I realized there’s… a strange power within my body.”

“Strange power?” Lucion’s eyes narrowed.

“That power… it consumed the darkness of both the young master and Asha,” Hume confessed, his voice trembling.

[Could it be… corruption?] Russell gasped.

Only corruption could consume darkness.

“No, it wasn’t corruption,” Asha interjected. “It was similar, but not the same.”

Given that Asha, a Ravien naturally vulnerable to corruption, made the statement, Russell had no choice but to believe her. Yet it was difficult to accept.

“Young master…” Hume sobbed, his voice breaking. “I’m… truly a monster. A real monster. If I stay by your side…”

“Stay by my side, Hume,” Lucion interrupted, stepping closer.

“I was once called a monster too.”

“I… I could hurt you, young master!” Hume cried.

“The Hume I know would never do that.”

“You don’t understand! That bastard created me!” Hume shouted, desperation lacing his words.

“So what?” Lucion’s tone grew firm. “You are Hume. You are not that bastard.”

“But his power… it might flow through me. It could overpower me and–” Hume stopped, trembling as he looked at his hands. “–it could make me snap your neck. I never realized how terrifying it would be to have power.”

What if that bastard took control of his mind? The joy he’d once felt gaining strength to protect Lucion as his butler now turned into paralyzing fear.

“Hume,” Lucion said softly as he approached.

“Young master, don’t come any closer!” Hume shouted in panic.

But before he could stop him, Lucion’s darkness surged, lifting Hume into the air. Several sharp edges of darkness hovered dangerously close to Hume’s neck.

–H-Hop! Lucion, if you do that, Hume will get hurt!

Ratta, startled, rushed toward Lucion but quickly lowered her tail and flattened herself on the ground. It was clearly Lucion, but he didn’t seem like Lucion at all.

Lucion’s gaze was fierce, and the aura emanating from him was majestic enough to rival the imperial dignity that flowed from Ketlan on the day Twilo was executed.

“I won’t be defeated by you,” Lucion said, his voice unwavering. “I’m not that weak.”

Hume’s eyes widened in shock, his tears gradually ceasing. He realized something he hadn’t noticed before. Moments ago, Lucion had seemed fragile–someone who might break if he exerted himself too much. But now, standing before him, Lucion was unshakable.

“If you challenge me, I’ll knock you down until you come to your senses. Understand?”

Without hesitation, Lucion approached Hume and looked at him.

“Yes,” Hume replied quietly, a faint smile forming. His usual innocence began to shine through, as if the darkness threatening him didn’t exist.

“If I ever lose myself, don’t hesitate to strike me down,” Hume said.

“Good. I’ll make sure you survive, though. Are you at ease now?” Lucion asked.

“Yes. Now… I feel at ease.”

As Hume tried to nod, Lucion immediately released the darkness. Why was he so fearless?

“Hume,” Lucion said firmly.

“Yes, young master?” Hume replied, standing on steady legs. He wiped his red-rimmed eyes, looking at Lucion with renewed determination.

“I will never abandon you.”

“…”

“No matter who created you, it doesn’t matter. You are Hume.”

“Yes.”

Hume’s stopped tears began to fall again.

“I know who I am now.”

Everyone had called him Hume, and that name had become his identity. It wasn’t just a name; it was his soul. He could say it with pride now.

* * *

“I sincerely apologize, Asha,” Lucion said, bowing slightly. “For causing such a commotion in your home.”

“It’s fine. I should be the one apologizing for unsettling Hume’s heart,” Asha replied gently.

“I’m grateful instead. If it weren’t for you, things could have gone much worse,” Lucion said with sincerity.

Hume quickly shook his head at Asha’s apology.

[That’s true. It’s unheard of for anyone other than Lucion, the contractor, to touch or strengthen the bond. But regardless, the last safety measure was preserved.] Russell looked at the situation positively.

[How do you feel now, Hume?] Bethel asked softly.

“I feel much better after crying. I’m truly okay now,” Hume replied, nodding firmly.

–Eat this, Hume! They say sweets are the best when you’re sad.

Ratta handed Hume a cookie with her paws.

“Did the young master tell you that?” Hume asked, his voice lighter.

When it came to sweets, only Lucion came to mind.

–That’s right! Lucion told Ratta! And it’s true. A cookie always makes everything better.

Hume smiled, taking a bite of the cookie. Then, with a grateful expression, he offered a macaroon to Lucion.

“Young master, please have this. You were upset because of me.”

–And Lucion should have another one! I’ll give you one, too!

Lucion chuckled softly, accepting the two macaroons. Eating sweets at night suddenly felt special.

“Lord Lucion,” Asha said, breaking the moment.

“Yes, please speak,” Lucion replied awkwardly to Asha’s words.

“I am a Coordinator,” Asha stated.

“A Coordinator?”

“It’s a role that no longer serves much purpose, but in essence, I act as a judge.”

“A judge?” Lucion asked curiously.

“I judge those who have become vessels.”

Ting.

The red thread connecting Asha and Lucion tightened suddenly. Her soft gaze took on a new depth.

‘So that’s what the red thread is for,’ Lucion thought. He finally understood its meaning. Had Asha played a role in his death in the previous world?

“I apologize for judging you without permission, Lord Lucion,” Asha said, bowing her head.

[What do you mean by judging a vessel? And what if Lucion wasn’t a suitable vessel? Would you have tried to kill him then?] Russell raised his voice, his displeasure evident.

“It’s a duty assigned to me,” Asha replied calmly, not denying the accusation.

Her words left Hume staring at her in surprise.

“What exactly is a ‘vessel’? What are you even saying? This… this isn’t like you, Asha,” Hume said, confusion etched on his face.

“There isn’t much time left,” Asha said softly. “Time will solve everything.”

She lifted her gaze to Lucion, her expression clouded with guilt.

“I’ve already accepted Lord Lucion as the vessel,” Asha said. “That decision will never change. I swear on my existence.”

Crisp.

The red thread binding Asha and Lucion severed, a clear sign that her words were the truth.

“So…” Hume began hesitantly, but Lucion stopped him.

“Enough, Hume. It’s fine,” Lucion said, his tone steady. “You know why Asha can’t say more, don’t you?”

Unlike Hume, Lucion didn’t seem anxious. He had a good idea of what Asha meant by ‘time.’ She must have been referring to the ‘black orb.’

But what would happen when the broken vessel was finally restored? That was a question only time could answer–and one Asha clearly couldn’t.

“Thank you, Lord Lucion,” Asha said with a bow. “I’ll visit you again soon.”

Lucion said nothing and put the macaroon in his mouth. The unresolved curiosity slowly took away the sweet taste of the macaroon.

* * *

“Take this, Lucion,” Shaela said, handing him a gift box.

“Sister,” Lucion sighed.

“Yes?” she replied with a playful smile.

“How am I supposed to carry all of this?” Lucion gestured to the pile of gifts stacked next to his bed. The sheer number of presents was overwhelming, filling nearly the entire room, and Lucion was at a loss.

‘Among those, there’s a holy relic. I hope this is the last one.’

Lucion felt the bright and pure light that only a holy relic could emit.