An Equal Partnership

#81

“A good scent comes from you too, Hereis.”

Jeha spoke, feeling his heart flutter.

“But it probably isn’t as fragrant as yours, Your Highness.”

Hereis pressed his nose into the nape of Jeha’s neck, breathing in deeply several times. His hands, holding Jeha, traveled meaningfully over his nape, back, shoulder blades, and spine. Fortunately, perhaps because of the previous rejection, his hands did not descend to Jeha’s buttocks. Relieved, Jeha also stroked Hereis’s broad, firm back, indulging his own desires.

Only after they had held each other for a long time, without getting bored, did they finally part. Both of their faces were flushed. If time and place permitted, it seemed they would cling to each other again immediately.

“Ah, shall we sit?”

Jeha said, rubbing his flushed cheek with the back of his hand. Hereis nodded with an openly regretful expression.

The two sat side by side on the long sofa and enjoyed the tea Hereis had brewed himself.

“Priest Benato has stepped down from his position as Inquisitor. He will spend a very long time repenting in a small, distant prayer hall, atoning for the sin of endangering Enkarosha.”

Jeha nodded. Being sent to a small prayer hall far from Enkarosha to spend his life repenting meant a complete fall from grace. Strictly speaking, he was not at fault for this incident, but thinking of how he had tortured an innocent old woman, Jeha felt no sympathy.

“What about Bishop Irellio?”

“Since he was the one who strongly recommended Benato, he also received considerable reprimand. Especially since it was his proposal to bring the demonic beast that Benato killed to Enkarosha for burning at the stake, he came under heavy attack. He has great influence in the Grand Cathedral, but he also has many enemies, so he will lie low for a while.”

“Hmm… So there was no separate punishment.”

Jeha said with a disappointed expression.

“His backing and influence are not to be taken lightly. To bring him down or make him unable to recover, it would take a very serious crime.”

“Like an act of heresy, perhaps?”

When Jeha asked in a subtle voice, Hereis nodded.

“Hmm…”

Jeha sighed and sank into thought.

If only it had been Bishop Irellio who made a contract with a demon, that would have been perfect. What a shame. Why did the Pope’s eldest son have to be the one to contract a demon? With Hereis’s current position, he couldn’t openly oppose the Pope.

“So, what’s your plan, Hereis? Who do you intend to strike first?”

At Jeha’s subtle question, Hereis’s blue eyes glinted.

“It’s still a little too early to confront the Pope. If Bishop Peressio’s heretical acts are discovered, not only the Fanucci family but also his father, the Pope, will suffer a great blow. It might even be difficult for him to maintain his position. And if the papal seat becomes vacant…”

“Then a fierce struggle for the next papacy would break out.”

At Jeha’s words, Hereis nodded.

“I have only just begun to build a support base. Even though I hold the position of Archbishop, there is no law that says the Pope must be chosen from among the Archbishops. Bishops are also candidates. Currently, the most powerful and influential person is Bishop Irellio, so he is likely to become Pope.”

“Whether before or after becoming Pope, Irellio won’t leave you alone.”

“That is correct.”

A moment of silence passed. Hereis fiddled with his teacup and spoke.

“I intend to bring down Bishop Irellio first. As it happens, Benato, whom he recommended, whether intentionally or by mistake, brought a living demonic beast into Enkarosha, causing an uproar. This moment, when Irellio has shown a weakness, will be the most opportune time.”

“Should we kill him?”

Jeha asked without much thought. Then he was inwardly surprised. No matter how much Irellio was Hereis’s enemy and had tried to harm him, to think of killing him without hesitation… He might indeed be losing his humanity.

Of course, aside from being surprised at himself, if Hereis said to do it, Jeha was fully willing to kill Irellio. However, fortunately, Hereis shook his head.

“Irellio’s downfall should not end with his personal ruin; it must contribute to the collapse of the Temple. My ultimate goal is not the papal seat, but the fall of the Temple.”

Jeha nodded silently. Hereis met his gaze and continued.

“Bishop Irellio must be very anxious right now. He is already advanced in age and lost the position of Archbishop to me. The only way for him to fulfill his long-cherished wish is for the current Pope to die and for him to ascend to the papacy. But now, there is Bishop Peressio and me, who has just begun to rapidly expand his influence… He has two powerful rivals right before him.”

“Then he must be desperate for help.”

Jeha caught Hereis’s intention quickly and spoke. Hereis nodded.

“In the past, he might not have, but now, he is probably ready to join hands with anyone. Even if that hand belongs to someone who defies God’s will.”

Having said that, Hereis asked Jeha.

“May I ask a favor?”

“To lure a highly respected priest onto the path of evil is precisely the kind of thing a Demon King should do. Alright, I’ll send a suitable demon to him. I’m also curious whether Bishop Irellio will willingly make a contract with a demon to obtain the papal seat, or whether he will give up his lifelong glory and choose God.”

Jeha said with a sly grin, befitting the leader of the villains, the Demon King. However, instead of smiling along, Hereis lowered his eyes slightly.

“What’s wrong?”

When Jeha asked curiously, Hereis hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“I’ve developed a greed.”

“Greed?”

“Yes. Not a relationship where I only receive help unilaterally, but a greed to stand proudly by your side as an equal.”

Jeha stared at Hereis for a moment. Somehow, he felt he could understand his feelings. If he were in Hereis’s position, he might think the same. If you like someone but can’t help them, and only receive help unilaterally…

Jeha reached out and poked Hereis’s white forehead with his fingertip. Startled by the sudden action, Hereis quickly raised his eyes.

“You seem to be under a serious misconception, Hereis.”

“…Misconception?”

“Yes, misconception. We are currently engaged in an equal exchange. Don’t you remember the contract? I am to thoroughly corrupt Hereis, and in return, Hereis is to devote his body and soul to me.”

“…But that’s only up to a point…”

“From what I see, Hereis is steadily becoming corrupted. Since I promised to corrupt you, it’s only natural for me to contribute to that. And it’s also natural for me to work hard to safely receive the payment I was promised.”

“Jeha…”

Hereis’s eyes slightly crinkled. Jeha lowered the fingertip that had been poking Hereis’s forehead and gently stroked his crinkled eye. The sensation of silver eyelashes brushing against his fingers made his whole body tingle.

“This is also good for me. By helping with Hereis’s work… I think I am slowly transforming into the true Bellarossa.”

Confusion clouded Hereis’s eyes, as if he couldn’t understand. But instead of resolving his confusion, Jeha smiled faintly and stood up. He didn’t want to tell him that he had been human and was still a fledgling Demon King who had only recently become Bellarossa.

“Hereis, just think about how you’ll use Irellio once he becomes a heretic who made a contract with a demon. I’ll handle the part before that.”

Having said that, Jeha bent down, kissed the top of Hereis’s head, and turned around. And he thought, ‘I must have looked pretty cool this time, right?’

*

“Maaaaster…”

Zephyr stumbled in and plopped down in front of Jeha. He was covered in dust from head to toe, his face haggard. In that state, he played the pitiful role to the fullest.

“As per your orders, I rode nonstop to Belgarga Castle and returned. I wanted to see you, so I didn’t rest, eat, or sleep properly on the way. What a grueling journey…”

Zephyr pretended to wipe tears with his dust-covered sleeve. Jeha, seeing dust scatter with every movement Zephyr made, looked horrified.

“You’re getting dust everywhere. Shoo, shoo. Go wash up quickly.”

When Jeha waved his hand in horror, Zephyr made an openly hurt expression. But apparently aware of his own state, he staggered out of the room. Even so, he kept looking back over his shoulder, making pitiful expressions. Paimon shot Zephyr an utterly contemptuous look.