Chapter 49
That day, I had a dream. A memory that didn’t belong to me—a memory of a meeting with a girl called Lumière. And then...
"(My past life, perhaps?)"
In the dream, I was referred to as Noir. Yūka’s past self, Lumière, must have once called me by that name. In other words, these were his memories.
"(In a way… he’s a lot like me.)"
It wasn’t just our appearances—I felt our inner selves were similar, too.
Being born into the "Clan of Black." Falling in love at first sight with Lumière of the "Clan of White." Slaughtering the entire "Clan of White" for persecuting her. I could sympathize with all of it—no, I had come to sympathize. Suddenly, the face of my only familiar and fiancée flashed in my mind. For her sake, I’d surely do the same.
"I’m such a simple man."
"What’s wrong with that? Loving someone isn’t a sin."
Just as I sighed at my own simplicity, a voice called out from behind. I turned—
"I suppose this is our first meeting. My name is Noir. You must be my future incarnation."
"A pleasure. I am Albert Lond Bergand."
"The Bergand clan… Descendants of the 'Guardians of the Veil,' then."
"You know of my family?"
"Forgive me, but I took the liberty of reading your memories. A lineage dedicated to maintaining the balance between the demon and human realms—and the royal family ruling a demon world without a Demon God. And you… the first prince, heir apparent to the throne of the Demon King?"
"…Not incorrect. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t rifle through my memories without permission."
"My apologies. I was curious about the man you’ve become."
"And how do I appear to you?"
"I like you. That willingness to destroy everything for the sake of someone you cherish… A worthy reincarnation of myself."
"Supporting one’s wife is a husband’s duty. Yūka is… Yūka matters to me."
I answered bluntly. No use hiding it—he was reading my mind anyway.
"Hahaha! Well said, Albert. It pleases me to feel how deeply you treasure your wife. Had you been a wretch who neglected her, I’d have had to… punish you."
"Punish," huh… I shuddered to imagine what kind of torture awaited.
"More importantly, we should discuss what comes next. Do you have time?"
"Of course. I, too, have matters to speak of—including the curse upon you, and the truth about me and Lumière."
So he already knew. Well, fine. That would make things quicker.
"Then I’ll call for Yūka and the others."
"Hmm. The familiar bond’s 'Sensory Link,' I presume? You and Lady Yūka seem quite close."
Indeed, the "Sensory Link"—a power of the familiar bond—had a special application. Namely…
"Yūka, can you hear me?"
A brief pause. Then—
"Albert-sama?"
Yūka’s voice resonated directly in my mind. Success. The "Sensory Link" wasn’t limited to transmitting pain. Master and familiar were bound by invisible threads, allowing undetectable communication. In Yūka’s words, it was telepathy. But this was only possible after deepening our bond beyond mere pain-sharing. In other words… we’d grown even closer. Suppressing a flicker of joy, I relayed my request.
"There’s something I need to tell you. About our past lives… and the curse. Come to my room."
"Understood. I’ll be there shortly."
"Thank you."
"Now then, Yūka will arrive soon. I should prepare some tea."
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