Make Dark Fantasy Great Again-Chapter 21: Desire Demon (1)

[Title: any1 kno why this shits happening again? T\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_T]

Content:

[Image] this the original party setup

[Image] and this my current party

whats wrong with it?

why the heroine suddenly leave party?

n why is her affection reset to zero interest?

: you rlly shoulda treated her better...

: Did you keep pestering her?

[OP] : why would I are u nuts

: You should’ve dialed it down a notch bruh o. o

: same I asked my girl out for a meal after a group running session. then next thing i know she can’t come out for runs from tomorrow

[OP] : mfer I didn’t do anything

: ye that must be why. U did jack so her affection got reset.

: womens be complicated...

: what’s the solution if they dont want you in their face or to stay hands-off?

: they just don’t like us bro

: yeah our lives are just a dark fantasy.

[OP] : ok can I get a real answer before my head explodes?

[OP] : might have to reset my whole progress if I cant restore the heroine’s affection

: did u happen to take a carriage near Bondalles?

[OP] : Bondalles? how u know? I was just wrapping up some farming in Hayeren and moving to the next area

: was there this playboy-looking mfer riding the carriage with you?

: o LMAOOOOO

[OP] : idk I set up camp mode right after getting on

: oh yeah bro got Eron-ed kek

[OP] : tf is eron bish

: It’s a random event that happens when you take a carriage near Bondalles. If there’s a female character with low mind magic resistance, she has a chance of being mind controlled by the fucker riding with you.

: ye i seen even male characters fall for it a few times

: bitch why males too??

: bruhh turns out we were playing brown fantasy not dark fantasy...

: I got curious myself and looked it up but lol the trigger condition’s so whack. if a female character resists mind control, the guy gets mad and starts trying to control her man just to piss her off

: bro’s a politically correct ntr guy...

: you know he’s fucking evil coz if the player is alone as a female character, the event doesn’t even trigger

: bro’s got convictions at least...won’t even give a glance unless you wearing the NTRALAL mark...

: even vegans wont stick to their diet so thoroughly, gotta respect that fr

[OP] : r u srs? ha ha ha ha

[OP] : [Image] im trying to kill the playboy and dis hoe covering for him ha ha ha

[OP] : she even gave him all the shit i gifted ha ha ha ha ha

[OP] : im so fucking done

***[The signs were there.]

[“Why are you suddenly yelling?!”]

[“I’m not yelling, you’re just not answering so I—”]

[“Then why didn’t you consider talking later?”]

[It was the first time she had given him such a look.]

[“Huh?”]

[“Can’t you see Mr. Eron’s talking? I’m trying to focus, so why are you butting in? I mean, you’re just going to chitter about nothing anyway.”]

[“E-excuse me? Why are you putting it like that?!”]

[“Oh, you’re yelling again. How crude...Whatever. Just get to the point. Can’t you see Eron’s concerned about us?”]

[“Ah, I’m fine. There must have been something important to discuss. Please, don’t mind me, just talk between yourselves. You two are comrades, after all.”]

[“Always so kind...So, what’s this important thing you’re talking about?”]

[It was the first time she had looked at someone else that way.]

[“I wanted to discuss who’s doing the night watch tonight...”]

[“...Oh my god. That’s all you wanted to talk about? If it’s so important, why don’t you just take the shift yourself?”]

[“But I did it yesterday.”]

[“Then, how about the two of us do the night watch tonight?”]

[“What?! No! It’s my job, you don’t need to help, Mr. Eron!”]

[“Not at all. It doesn’t sit right with me to let a lady work while I sit back and relax.”]

[“Oh my gosh...How are you so different in every way...”]

[“Well, since that’s decided, let’s go back to the topic—Ah, should we move to another spot?”]

[It was his first time seeing such a hazy look in her eyes, as if she were enchanted.]

[And she wasn’t the only one. Everyone in the group seemed to act as if they were under a spell.]

[All except for himself.]

[Despite the feeling of utter isolation, he passed it off as just a misunderstanding. He believed things would get better with time.]

[...He failed to realize that everything had already fallen apart.]

***Beautiful looks on a person? That’s nice. With an amiable personality added on top? It couldn’t be better. People like this brighten up the surroundings just by being there.

Eron, a man who was more aptly described as beautiful rather than handsome, actively led the conversations, and the atmosphere in the carriage quickly became lively.

“I was originally going to find a merchant carriage heading to Bondalles and offer our services as a guard, but they were all taken. We ended up spending money on a journey instead of earning more.”

“No wonder you seemed a bit disgruntled earlier. So that’s what happened. You know, when I first saw you all, I actually thought you were mercenaries!”

“Come on, mercenaries? Mr. Eron, I’m hurt! How could you mistake us for such uncouth rabble?”

Among the carriage passengers, a group introduced themselves as the ‘Marik Party’, who were adventurers based in Bondalles.

As Marik mentioned, they had seemed to be in quite a foul mood when they first boarded the carriage. Their well-maintained weapons, leather armor, and visible discomfort created a palpable tension.

But now, they were all smiles as they engaged with Eron. He seeemed an inherently likable and charming individual, and not just because of his good looks.

“Now it’s my turn to ask a question, right? Mr. Eron, what business brings you to Bondalles?”

“Well you see, an acquaintance of mine is hosting a social gathering, and they want to introduce me to the attendees.”

“A social gathering...Could it be for nobles...?”

“Not exactly. I hear it’s more of a get-together for like-minded friends in the city.”

“... So, not exclusively, but nobles will be attending?”

“I suppose so. Considering the nature of my acquaintance’s business...I imagine there will be more nobles than commoners.”

“...”

The adventurers’ eyes sparkled at Eron’s words, feeling admiration, awe, and expectation for high society.

Now’s the moment.

The adventurers cautiously voiced the thoughts they’d had about Eron from the beginning.

“Seeing as you’re close friends with such a person, surely, Mr. Eron, you must also be a noble...?”

“Haha, a noble? Do I really come across as someone so impressive?”

If Eron were a noble, he’d have no reason to travel alone in such a shabby carriage between cities. His attire was also a bit too ordinary for that. Moreover, a noble wouldn’t treat adventurers like them so casually.

...Nevertheless, Marik and his companions had already made up their minds to some extent.

They were convinced Eron was a noble. At the very least, he had to be a young master of high status comparable to nobility.

After all, not all nobles could be the same. In this wide world, it wouldn’t be strange to have at least one splendid noble like Eron who was frugal and treated adventurers without pretense.

Above all, that dazzling beauty of his, that air of composure and confidence. If he were not a young noble, who else could be?

“So, are you not?”

“I wonder~”

“Well, let’s leave it at that then. Lord Eron—no, no, Mr. Eron seems to have his reasons.”

“Haha, my goodness. You’re putting me in a difficult position. As expected of adventurers, I suppose?”

“Adventurers...Did you have trouble with them before?”

“An acquaintance of mine once said that the most challenging part of doing business was dealing with adventurers. Apparently, they’re sharper and more perceptive than most merchants, and talking to them keeps you on edge...I didn’t understand at the time, but talking with you now, Mr. Marik, I’m starting to get an inkling of what they meant.”

“Hahaha! Well shucks. We had no intention of making you tense, Mr. Eron.”

From that point on, Marik and his group’s interest and fondness for Eron became noticeably more apparent. Everyone looked at him with sparkling eyes, paying attention to his every move.

It was as if the carriage had become his domain.

Eron inwardly smirked at their behavior. His amusement was so intense that it slipped out on his face.

“Hm? Mr. Eron, what did you just...?”

“Oh it’s nothing. Just a silly thought that crossed my mind.”

Eron politely covered his mouth with his hand. His lips were twisted into a crooked curve, a sneer so vile it was completely unlike anything Eron had previously shown.

It was his true face.

Eron reveled in the moment, enjoying how these foolish cretins laid their hearts bare, so captivated by his looks.

But more than anything...

“So, Miss Catherine, are you and Mr. Marik a couple?”

“What?! Er, well...”

“Bahahaha!!! You’re in trouble now Marik. Look at Catherine’s eyes, she’s gone totally gaga!”

He took the greatest pleasure in seeing a woman forget the man she had feelings for as she looked at him.

Inferior, ugly creatures...

These moments that further solidified his beliefs were particularly special to Eron.

Now all that remained was to wait for the seeds he planted to bear fruit. They hadn’t noticed it themselves, but the group was already under the influence of Eron’s power.

The Power of Bewitchment.

When Eron’s power reached its peak, he planned to set them free—but only the males among those lesser beings.

Once they regained their senses, he would claim the women right before their eyes, crushing their spirits and savoring the ultimate pleasure.

“...”

Suddenly, Eron’s attention shifted elsewhere.

“By the way, you two haven’t said a word this entire time.”

“Sorry. We’re a bit too noisy, aren’t we?”

“Don’t be like that. How about we have a chat? It’s not every day we get to converse with someone like Mr. Eron here.”

Marik’s group addressed the other passengers. Specifically, a pair that seemed to be traveling together. They hadn’t uttered a word since first introducing themselves to Eron.

Amidst the chatter in the carriage, they paradoxically stood out the most by remaining silent, their heads bowed, cloaked in plain gray robes with hoods pulled up.

“Shall we?”

The man responded, but Eron’s gaze was fixed on the woman.

“...”

Eron recalled the woman’s face he had glimpsed earlier. He had encountered many noble madams and ladies, but none had possessed the delicate, enigmatic aura she carried.

Eron’s mouth went dry, but he fought back his impatience. First, he needed to understand the relationship between that woman and man.

“Mr. Risir, was it? What brings you to Bondalles, Mr. Risir?”

“I have many matters to attend to...But let’s say it’s primarily to broaden my magical horizons.”

Oh?

Marik’s group looked at Risir in surprise. They continued the conversation on Eron’s behalf.

“You were a mage, Mr. Risir?”

“I’m still far too lacking to answer yes to that. For now, I’m just trying to walk the path of magic. It seemed like the only way I could make a living.”

“Pfft. Well that’s an odd way to put it...”

“You’re quite an interesting fellow.”

“...?”

Eron felt something off, watching them converse so amicably. How could they show interest in an inferior being while he was right there?

This wasn’t mere petty arrogance. Marik’s group was currently under his Bewitchment. Though its power wasn’t yet complete, it wasn’t unstable either. Normally, they shouldn’t have been able to show interest in anyone other than Eron.

Eron belatedly realized something.

Has the power... disappeared?

The Bewitchment he had cast upon them had vanished.

“My friends, why don’t we chat instead? It seems Mr. Risir would prefer to rest...”

“Ah, is that so? Mr Risir, are we bothering you...?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m already sitting and leaning back, how much more rest could I need here? But well, I suppose I could lie down on the floor if you insist.”

“I say, Mr. Risir...Are you really a mage? I’ve never met one so non-eccentric as you in my life...”

“That’s probably evidence of how far I still have to go.”

“...Hahaha! So that’s what you meant.”

“Never thought I’d see the day I’d laugh at a mage’s joke...”

Despite Eron drawing their attention, Marik’s group continued conversing with Risir.

Bondalles was a city home to not only adventurers but also numerous mages. And as adventurers based in Bondalles, Marik’s group knew all too well how insufferable mages could be. Their eccentricity and arrogance rivaled that of most nobles.

But look at Risir. There was no hint of eccentricity or arrogance. If anything, he appeared polite and humble. He too carried an air about him, equally remarkable as Eron’s.

While he didn’t have the striking looks that naturally drew attention like Eron, there was an inherent dignity in his demeanor that the ordinary lacked.

Was it his glossy brown hair? His pale, jade-white skin? Or those eyes, a piercing shade of blue?

Or, perhaps it was that peculiar accent.

Now where did I hear an accent like that before?

Marik’s eyes widened as he searched his memory.

“Uh, Mr. Risir. I hope you don’t mind me asking...”

His voice trembled.

“B-by any chance, do you hail from a certain family, my good sir—I mean, my lord...?”

“I’m afraid I cannot disclose my family name.”

“...Why not?”

“Because I happen to be a bastard.”

“...Bahahahah!!!”

Marik’s group burst into laughter, taking it as a joke.

How could they not? What bastard in the world would smile while revealing their status like Risir just did?

Inferiority complex and compensatory psychology defined their behavior. Bastard children typically acted more arrogant and rigid toward commoners than regular nobles.

They desperately tried to conceal their illegitimacy, and if recognized by their family, they would flaunt their family’s authority.

“I might get hurt if you laugh like that, you know.”

This man called Risir was the complete opposite.

“Don’t other mages often say you’re an unusual one? Or interesting?”

“Well, I suppose I’ve heard something along those lines.”

In the end, Marik concluded that Risir couldn’t be an illegitimate child.

Then what was he? A noble? Who’s also a mage? And with a personality like that?

Is that even possible?

The intrigue in Marik’s eyes intensified.

“Are you two traveling together?”

“Ah, actually we have one more companion. They’re just... separated from us for certain reasons at the moment.”

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

“Is that so? If I may ask, where did you study magic?”

“I happened to cross paths with an excellent mentor—”

“Then, is the person next to you also a mage...?”

“Well, this lady here is certainly as eccentric as one, so you’d best keep your distance.”

“...”

“Ahahaha!! I’ll keep that in mind, yes sirree!”

Once again, the air grew lively in the carriage. Even more so than when Marik’s group was engaging with Eron.

“...”

Eron watched them with displeasure. He wondered if that thing was the reason his Bewitchment had disappeared.

...No.

Eron himself could wield the magical arts, and he could sense Risir’s magical energy was nothing to write home about. It was far too weak to dispel his Bewitchment.

The same went for the woman beside him. Eron couldn’t sense any magical energy from her.

This could mean one of two things: either her magical energy was too faint, or it was too vast.

As a mage on the cusp of reaching the 4th Rank, Eron firmly denied the latter possibility.

What, then? Why was my Bewitchment...

In truth, it didn’t matter right now. Marik, and even his lover Catherine, had their attention completely stolen by Risir, ignoring Eron right in front of them.

Eron found this especially unacceptable.

“By the way. Did I hear right that you are all adventurers?”

And more than anything else, Risir’s accent bothered him.

Is that cretin an actual noble?

As someone who strove to project an air of nobility, Eron could tell how effortlessly aristocratic Risir’s accent and manners were.

Was it inferiority? A sense of defeat, perhaps?

Before he ended up confronting his ugly emotions, Eron offered a handshake to Risir.

“So you were a mage, Mr. Risir. Actually, I too walk the path of magic...May I ask which school you follow?”

He planned to find fault and belittle him, then use the power of Bewitchment to dominate him, reaffirming his superiority over this inferior being.

Risir took his hand.

“As for school, well...”

Eron’s lips twitched, hiding a vile smile. But just as he was about to channel his power of Bewitchment...

“?”

Eron hastily withdrew his hand, staring at it with a dumbfounded expression. The luster in his golden hair began to gradually fade.

***

[There is a unique entity nearby]

[You are too close to the entity]

[The entity's influence is too strong]

[Your stats will permanently decrease]

***

■Eron

Level: 19 > 18

***