Chapter 16 : On the brink (3)

The rain had ceased, and a clear night sky emerged.

Squeak. Squeak.

Dante wiped the windowpane, a relaxed smile gracing his lips. ‘I’m definitely a worker bee at heart.’ He found the most solace not in rest or sleep, but in the simple act of cleaning.

Yeonhwa observed him, chin resting thoughtfully on her paws. She curled up, a small smile playing on her lips.
“[It’s fascinating. How can you find such joy in a menial task like cleaning? You look as if you possess all the riches in the world.]”

“Ahaha, you’re right. For me, working… it’s my reason for being. It’s my everything.” And in a way, he did possess the world’s riches. He was a workaholic of the highest order, a true devotee of labor.

Wringing the wet rag with all his might, he hung it neatly on the windowsill, a blissful smile illuminating his face. “Work makes me feel useful. Like I have a purpose in this world. Like I have value, like someone, somewhere, needs me.”

Perhaps it stemmed from a lack of affection, or perhaps it was a consequence of losing both parents at such a young age. Dante had grown up fending for himself, constantly grappling with financial struggles. He’d started working odd jobs far too young, driven by the simple need to survive. Securing a position at the Demon King’s castle, what was considered a stable job, had been a monumental achievement. That explained his outburst when he’d first met Olivia, the castle-destroying dragon who’d almost cost him his livelihood. How dare she jeopardize his hard-won job, especially on his first day? His very survival depended on it.

“Besides, working at the Demon King’s castle has always been my dream. Even as a handyman… I thought I’d get to see this magnificent castle every day.” Things hadn’t quite unfolded as he’d imagined, but he was working at the castle, albeit as a handyman/s*ave. “And now I even live here. What more could I ask for?”

He sat beside Yeonhwa, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “I love my life. I’m truly content. Others might see it as pathetic, but that’s their perspective, not mine. Right?”

──Right? The question hung in the air, strangely loaded, laced with an unspoken expectation.

“Who else can say their boss is a dragon?” he mused. “Probably just me.”

He gently stroked Yeonhwa’s head, her fur as soft as the finest silk. While his words conveyed a sense of carefree contentment, Yeonhwa’s violet eyes remained fixed on him, unwavering and unnervingly perceptive. He shivered involuntarily, feeling exposed, as if she could see through his carefully constructed facade of happiness, as if she could sense the lie.

“…Huh?”

Suddenly, his perspective shifted. He was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. Yeonhwa, now in her human form, was looking down at him, her breathtakingly beautiful face filling his vision. His head was resting on… something soft… warm… He swallowed, finally understanding his predicament.

“Y-Yeonhwa…? What… what is this…?”

“Don’t worry. Comforting and praising one’s tired master is a familiar’s duty.” She smiled enigmatically, running her fingers through his hair.

The child, forced to confront the harsh realities of the world, had been thrust into adulthood prematurely. Yet, he’d never forgotten the preciousness of life, even in the absence of support or encouragement.

“Humans are always searching for connection. Even the strongest among us grow weary, and we yearn for someone to lean on. We all look back, at least once, hoping to find someone there. It’s human nature.” She gazed at him intently. “But when you look back… there is only you.”

“…!” Dante’s golden eyes widened, struck by the truth in her words.

Yeonhwa traced his lips with a finger, silencing his unspoken protest. “Your diligent life… it’s beautiful, in its own way.”

Her lips brushed lightly against his cheek. “Allow yourself to rest sometimes,” she whispered, pulling away with a gentle smile. “Think of it as… comfort for a weary soul.”

“…I’ll… try.” A genuine, relaxed smile touched his lips. He rubbed his wrist, his mind elsewhere.

‘…Where did I put that deodorant?’ He didn’t notice the faint red marks lingering on his face.