Chapter 88 - Inauguration!

Chapter 88: Chapter 88 - Inauguration!

The following morning, the capital of the Underworld, Lilith, was already bustling with activity long before the official opening hour of the famous Leaky Cauldron.

On one of the city’s main avenues, a massive line of devils from the most diverse social classes and origins stretched the entire length of the sidewalk, completely circling the block. Nobles, merchants, adventurers, and the merely curious waited patiently for their turn while lively conversations spread through the crowd. The topic was always the same: the inauguration of the new shop belonging to Archduke Häangenti, the only place where it would be possible to acquire the long-awaited cure for the Sleeping Disease.

The establishment drew attention even before its doors opened. Built of polished black stone and dark oak wood reinforced with golden runes, the building projected an image of elegance and solidity. In front of the main entrance rested an enormous ancient bronze cauldron with the Häagenti family crest engraved in high relief. The wide reinforced-glass windows revealed the shop’s interior, where orderly shelves displayed rows of colorful potions, while a sign of black gold announced the establishment’s name.

Inside, the shop was even more impressive. The space was magically larger than it appeared from the outside, with a high ceiling supported by columns of black marble and long oak shelves packed with vials and potions. In the center of the hall, a huge ornamental cauldron hung suspended by golden chains, releasing a fine mist scented with herbs that conveyed a pleasant sense of tranquility. Everything was illuminated by a magical light that seemed to arise naturally from the surroundings, rendering the place truly magical....

Alear observed the entire bustle with a discreet smile on his lips, remaining near the main counter. He wore formal yet comfortable attire suited to the occasion. At his side, Valerie watched the scene in her usual silence, keeping a serene expression. A little farther back, the homunculi in charge of the shop’s administration, Little One and Little Two, coordinated the preparations with the impeccable efficiency that characterized them.

"It seems the inauguration attracted even more people than I expected. Although a good portion came to buy the cure, others certainly came for different reasons...." Alear commented in a low voice, turning his gaze toward Valerie while watching the long line that still stretched outside.

Valerie followed his gaze for a brief moment before answering in her calm, soft tone:

"...How can you be so certain of that, Alear-sama? There is no way to know whether all these devils came merely out of curiosity or whether they intend to buy the potion. From what I have heard, the Sleeping Disease affects thousands of devils."

"Yes, that is true..." Alear replied calmly. "If this disease were even more lethal than it already is, the devils would probably already be on the verge of extinction. It is similar to cancer among humans: completely incurable by current methods, possible only to treat its symptoms. The Sitri family dominates a large part of the Underworld’s hospital sector and, without a doubt, profits greatly from it. Even so, since Serafall is my future wife, they have no interest in hindering the sale of this cure. That, however, does not mean that everyone else thinks the same way."

He returned to observing the crowd before continuing:

"Among these people there are various types of customers. Some are truly desperate for the potion and would do anything to obtain it. Others came simply because the news spread and curiosity got the better of them; they are the ones who follow the herd effect and want to see up close the reason for so much commotion. And finally, there are the competitors and opportunists. Some are certainly here trying to discover how the potion is produced, copy its formula, or find some way to reproduce it. That sort of person always appears when a product capable of revolutionizing a market emerges."

"...That makes sense." Valerie nodded slightly, showing a rare expression of surprise at that line of reasoning. A few moments later, her crimson eyes returned to her king, shining with discreet interest as she asked another question: "Still, wouldn’t it be better to expel that kind of person from the shop, Alear-sama? If they manage to copy the formula and sell the potion at a lower price, wouldn’t that be harmful to the business?"

"No." Alear shook his head. "They will not be able to copy the formula. Every potion I produce contains a destruction sequence. The instant someone tries to analyze them or decode their composition using any kind of magic, the potion simply evaporates. In other words, any attempt at reverse engineering will destroy the very object of study...."

He paused briefly before continuing:

"Besides, I also cannot simply expel someone from the shop merely because I suspect their intentions. I am an Archduke. Every one of my actions is observed by other Noble Houses and inevitably becomes a political matter. If I expelled a customer without a clear justification, it would be enough for him to be the heir of an influential family for it to turn into a problem. He could claim he was humiliated or that he suffered abuse of authority at the hands of an Archduke. Even if the accusation were absurd, it would still generate comments, rumors, and questions. It is a small matter, but small actions also create ripples. And in politics, sometimes a simple ripple is enough for someone to try to manufacture a storm...."

Of course, with the reputation he possessed and the number of political shields around him, it would hardly turn into a real problem, much less a crisis capable of threatening him. Still, he preferred to act with caution. The silence of the Gremory family in recent days troubled him, and the fact that Venelana belonged to the House of Bael—precisely the family that was his enemy—made the situation even more delicate, even if her heir was his friend....

After all, only a few days earlier he had suggested to Lord Agares a plan to finally expose Zekram Bael’s activities to the rest of the Underworld, forcing him to abandon the shadows where he had been manipulating events for so long. Yet since the attack on Agreas, that decrepit old man had remained strangely quiet. That silence did not convey peace; on the contrary, it only made him believe that Zekram was preparing his next move.

And among all the possibilities, one seemed particularly likely to him.

If he could not attack him directly, Zekram would certainly try to strike at his businesses. It would be enough to send an heir of some Noble House to create confusion inside the shop, provoke a public incident, or fabricate some scandal. Even if none of that were truly capable of harming him, any controversy involving the newly launched potion could delay his plans and provide political ammunition to his adversaries.

For that reason, he did not intend to give them that opportunity. Acting with prudence now cost far less than putting out a fire later.

"In that last scenario, Alear-sama..." Valerie tilted her head slightly, showing curiosity. "If someone comes here only to cause trouble, then you cannot simply expel that person? Do you want me to handle it as one of the pieces of your peerage?"

"That is not a good idea...." Alear shook his head. "Your actions are an extension of mine. If you expel someone on my orders, in the eyes of others it was I who did it. Politically, there would be no difference whatsoever."

Valerie nodded in understanding, waiting for him to continue.

"Fortunately, I already considered that possibility and prepared a countermeasure. I discreetly installed an analysis spell at the shop’s entrance. Everyone who crosses the door will be evaluated without even realizing it. If the spell identifies clearly hostile or malicious intentions, the individual will be teleported immediately to a location far away from here."

"...So they will not even manage to enter? Incredible!"

"From the point of view of anyone watching, it will simply appear that the person gave up on entering or left of their own free will, since it is mixed with a disillusionment spell that makes observers think that way. There will be no confusion, no scandal, and no reason for anyone to accuse me of abuse of authority. They will simply... cease to be a problem."

Valerie remained silent for a few moments before allowing a slight smile.

"...As expected of you, Alear-sama."

At that moment, Little One and Little Two approached. The homunculus inclined his head slightly in a respectful bow, while his partner maintained her impeccable posture.

"My lord..." announced Little One in his usual clear, professional voice, "All final preparations have been completed. We are ready to open."

Alear nodded, satisfied.

"Perfect."

He raised his right hand and made a simple gesture. At the same instant, the heavy black wooden doors ornamented with golden runes opened smoothly, letting a brief magical glow escape that soon dissipated into the air. Outside, the murmur of the crowd immediately grew louder.

The first customers entered without delay. Despite the evident excitement, the line remained surprisingly orderly. As soon as they crossed the entrance, many noticed Alear’s presence near the main counter and immediately paid him reverence, some bowing more deeply than protocol required.

"Archduke Häangenti..."

"Lord Alear..."

"It is an honor to meet you..."

Respectful greetings spread through the hall.

Alear answered them all with a discreet nod of the head before addressing a few words to those present.

"Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron. Feel free to explore the shop and our products. I only ask that you maintain order. I will not tolerate disturbances inside this establishment."

His tone remained cordial, yet firm enough that no one would interpret it as mere words. Several customers nodded in agreement.

With that, the shop’s activities officially began.

Little One and Little Two took over the service. Since the potion factory was directly connected to the establishment through a magical storage system, the stock was continuously replenished. Whenever a vial was removed from a shelf, another appeared in its place a few moments later, keeping the displays always full.

The traffic, far from diminishing, only increased.

The hours passed quickly. The line that formed outside advanced without stopping, yet never disappeared completely, being constantly renewed by new customers. Devils of every social class entered, acquired their potions, and left the place carrying small sealed boxes bearing the crest of House Häangenti. Some departed with expressions of relief at finally having access to the cure for the Sleeping Disease; others observed every detail of the shop with genuine curiosity....

However, exactly as Alear had predicted, none of them managed to cause any trouble.

The analysis spell installed at the entrance worked silently, examining every individual who tried to cross the doors. Those whose intentions were clearly malicious simply vanished before even setting foot in the shop, being teleported far away. To the remaining customers, nothing seemed to happen; the line merely continued advancing normally, as if those people had given up waiting and left of their own accord. The inauguration proceeded without any incident, exactly as he had planned.

... ...

While the activity in the main hall continued intense and orderly under the supervision of the homunculi, Alear and Valerie withdrew discreetly to a more private area at the back of the shop. There, a small private salon with an elegantly set tea table awaited them. Light curtains of dark silk isolated the space from the external noise, allowing a much quieter atmosphere.

Alear sat calmly, letting out a light sigh of relief at finally being able to relax a little. Valerie took the chair beside him, maintaining her usual demure posture. Her crimson eyes, however, carried a soft gleam of contentment at being alone with him.

Little Two approached the table carrying a silver tray on which rested a teapot prepared with rare herbs and a small porcelain plate with delicately decorated cookies. With her usual precision, she served the two cups, made a brief bow, and withdrew in silence, returning to the shop’s duties.

Valerie wrapped the cup with both hands, as if seeking to enjoy the warmth it transmitted, and murmured in a low voice:

"...It is quite busy out there, Alear-sama. You... do not seem tired?"

Alear smiled sideways, resting his elbow on the table and supporting his face in the palm of his hand while watching her.

"A little. But seeing the shop functioning exactly as I planned makes this fatigue worthwhile." He took a small sip of the tea before continuing. "And you? Are you feeling well here? I know you do not particularly like crowds... In fact, I was quite surprised when you decided to accompany me this morning."

Valerie lowered her gaze discreetly. The tips of her ears took on a soft rosy hue. His sincere concern always left her a little awkward.

"...I am fine. As long as I am at your side... it does not bother me so much." She answered almost in a whisper, slowly turning the cup between her fingers. "I wanted to come because I want to change this habit of mine of not being good with crowds... and also... because I wanted to spend a little time with you. Alone..."

For a few seconds, Alear merely observed her in silence.

"I understand..." He set the cup on the saucer before smiling lightly. "I suppose that means you no longer distrust me so much... that I intended to use you...."

"O-of course not, Alear-sama..." Valerie answered immediately, averting her gaze. A light blush took over her face. "D-do not make me remember that story... It is embarrassing... I had already managed to forget it..."

Alear let out a short laugh.

"All right, I will not touch on that subject again."

Valerie released a discreet sigh of relief.

"But..." he continued, with an amused smile on his lips. "Seeing you become shy because of a comment about the past is a surprise. I swore you had already completely lost any sense of shame, considering that you keep proclaiming yourself a cultured dhampir...."

Valerie froze for an instant.

"And, let us be honest... a true pervert. Maria’s fault. You spent far too much time with her."

"..."

Valerie’s ears turned completely red.

"I-I am not a pervert..." she retorted in a low voice, though lacking conviction. "Maria merely... shares knowledge..."

"Knowledge?"

"...Yes."

"About that so-called ’literature’ of hers?"

"...Also."

"About that so-called ’love story’ of hers?"

"...Sometimes."

Alear raised an eyebrow.

"And those books she is always hiding when someone enters the room?"

Valerie was left completely without a reaction.

"..." She slowly brought the cup to her lips, taking a sip of tea in a clear attempt to escape the conversation.

Alear could not hold back a low laugh.

"You just gave yourself away."

"...Alear-sama."

"Hm?"

"Please..." She lowered her head even further, hiding part of her face behind the cup. "Do not laugh at me..."

"All right, I will not touch on that subject anymore..." Alear replied with a calm smile. "Besides, I do not think you have any reason to feel ashamed of it. We are devils. Being faithful to our own desires is something perfectly natural."

"In fact, I am glad to see that you can smile, become shy, and show emotions like any other girl. When we met, you truly seemed like a robot. Seeing this change is... comforting."

Valerie slowly raised her eyes to meet his. There was a discreet gleam in her crimson irises.

"A-...Alear-sama..."

"Although..." he added, returning to an amused smile, "I still think you were a little poorly influenced by Maria."

"..."

Valerie remained silent for a few seconds.

"Maria really did teach me some... things."

"’Some’?"

She averted her gaze.

"...Perhaps more than some."

"I figured."

A small smile appeared on Valerie’s lips.

"But..." she murmured. "I learned many good things from her as well, not only from her, from Mio and the others too...."

"I know." Alear nodded. "It is good to see that all of you get along so well...."

Suddenly, his expression changed completely. His brow furrowed hard and the smile vanished in an instant. The face that until then had been relaxed visibly paled, as if something extremely serious had crossed his mind.

He stood up abruptly, the chair scraping lightly against the floor.

"Valerie." His voice came out quick and tense. "Stay here. Do not leave this salon for now. I will explain later."

Before she could answer, Alear had already disappeared in a brief pink flash.

Valerie remained seated, the cup still between her hands, completely paralyzed. Her crimson eyes widened with concern.

"...Alear-sama...?" she murmured in a low voice, looking at the empty space where he had been only seconds before. Her heart beat a little faster. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And from the expression he had made, it did not seem to be anything small.....

___________________

(A/N: Want to get ahead?

The story now has 125 Chapters available on Patreon — that’s right, there’s still a lot of content waiting for you beyond the public release. There are currently 35 Chapters ahead of the public version, meaning supporters are already deep into upcoming twists, revelations, and the absurd chaos of Fate Gacha summons.

If you can’t wait for what comes next — the plot twists, power progressions, and those insane lucky (or unlucky) summons — this is the best time to jump in.

Light spoiler: his luck might be terrible... but the story only gets better from here.

My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon

Thank you for your support — it makes all of this worthwhile.)