novelraw Chapter 112 : Chapter 112
Chapter 112 : Chapter 112
Chapter 112. Serena Marcano (2)
As soon as Serena saw Yohan, she noticed something unusual.
―――The Watcher of the Abyss possesses the ability to earn others’ favor.
Until now, no one had realized this fact—but Serena was different.
She could say with certainty that Yohan possessed some form of charm-based sorcery.
That conviction came from the life Serena had lived.
She had never once felt affection for another person.
Though Serena monopolized the love of the masses, her heart remained bitterly hollow.
There was no space inside her for others.
It was because she had understood the true nature of humanity from a very young age.
With the Heart-Piercing Eyes, Serena could peer into people's genuine hearts.
Every person had some vile aspect hidden within.
The entire world lived behind masks.
Even archbishops and saintesses harbored repulsive depths.
The more glamorous and radiant their exteriors, the more rotted and decayed their insides.
Several memories of such true thoughts remained vividly etched in Serena’s mind:
―――A lowborn wench pretending to be refined.
―――Too lowly for marriage, but just right as a concubine.
―――A merchant family part of the Council? The world truly is ending.
And so on.
Every one of them had worn a kind smile in front of Serena.
None ever showed their true face.
Having grown up seeing all that filth, Serena found it impossible to feel affection for humanity.
But this time was different.
The moment she saw Yohan, she was enveloped by an inexplicable sense of favor.
A mysterious trust, familiarity, sense of connection, and even a faint flutter—these feelings surged toward him.
It was the first time Serena had ever experienced anything like it.
To feel affection at first sight—this was clearly not normal.
Some unknown force had to be at play.
Serena had no doubt of that.
She stared directly into Yohan’s eyes.
Just as she expected, the longer she maintained eye contact, the more fondness she felt for him.
Yohan was definitely charming people through those eyes.
When something like the Heart-Piercing Eyes could exist, it was even more plausible that a power to enchant others also existed.
The reason the fallen Miyatro family had suddenly risen again—surely it was because of that gaze.
Serena came to her conclusion alone.
With a smile on her face, she spoke.
"You're quite selfish, aren't you? Would you please lower that gaze first?"
He had forbidden the Heart-Piercing Eyes, yet Yohan himself continued using his own power.
The Watcher of the Abyss was a coward.
At least, that was how Serena saw it.
Yohan calmly opened his mouth.
"My apologies. This isn't a power I can control."
Despite being caught using his ability, Yohan didn’t show a hint of embarrassment.
He was adept at managing his expression.
Though young, he shared traits with the old, shrewd nobles.
That was Serena’s assessment of him.
She wore her usual gentle smile.
"…I see. Then there’s no helping it. I’ll have to confirm it myself."
A strange shimmer passed through her golden pupils.
Her eyes emitted a distinct glint.
The Heart-Piercing Eyes had been activated.
Strictly speaking, Serena was only pretending to use them.
She intended to test Yohan.
She needed to confirm whether he truly knew about the Heart-Piercing Eyes.
Yohan’s expression twisted slightly.
Clicking his tongue, he spoke.
"I see you're trying to gauge me, but please do not cross the line. The moment you use the Heart-Piercing Eyes on me, I will consider it an act of hostility."
Yohan was fully aware that Serena hadn’t actually activated her ability.
He truly knew about the Heart-Piercing Eyes.
The glint faded from Serena’s pupils.
With a composed face, she said,
"That's a rather cowardly demand. What do you think, Lord Yohan?"
Yohan was using his ability even now—yet forbade the other party from using hers.
Such hypocrisy was the height of pettiness.
Yohan paused briefly, then closed his eyes.
"In part, I agree with you. Therefore, I will close my eyes."
As his gaze vanished, the fondness that had been swelling inside Serena immediately faded.
She let out a hollow chuckle.
"Are you planning to stay like that the whole time?"
Yohan nodded.
"I'm afraid I must. As I mentioned, this is not a power I can control."
He still couldn’t control the Eyes of the Great Saint.
He hadn’t yet learned how to wield divine power.
Serena looked at him thoughtfully.
After a moment, she sighed and spoke.
"Actually, this is more uncomfortable. Please open your eyes."
Yohan’s eyelids lifted immediately.
"Are you sure?"
The favorable feelings toward him began rising again.
Serena deliberately put on a disinterested expression.
"I can bear it. After all, it’s just a false emotion anyway."
Mental-type powers were weakened the moment the target became aware of their effects.
Yohan chuckled faintly.
"You’re a strong person, Lady Serena. Remarkable for your age—sincerely."
Serena was about the same age as Shaferia.
She hadn’t even gone through her coming-of-age ceremony yet.
Probably in her late teens. And yet, she carried herself with notable maturity.
She gave Yohan a slow once-over.
"Hearing such praise from someone much younger than me feels a bit strange."
Yohan was still just a boy. He hadn’t even reached his growth spurt.
He replied calmly.
"Appearances aren't everything."
A flicker of curiosity appeared on Serena’s face.
"What do you mean?"
Yohan shook his head.
"Nothing. But for now, shall we sit down? I’ve kept you standing longer than intended."
He personally pulled out her chair for her.
A basic gesture of courtesy.
Serena took the seat without decline.
"I was wondering when you'd offer me a seat."
It was a playful remark.
Yohan sat across from her with a soft smile.
"My apologies. I’m not used to situations like this. I hope you’ll understand."
This was his first time dealing with a noble young lady.
A mischievous look spread across Serena’s face.
Teasingly, she said,
"For someone like that, you were rather aggressive in courting me. Father told me. You asked for our engagement."
Serena had a cheeky side to her.
It was probably one of her charms.
She led conversations with light jokes that made others feel at ease.
Yohan found her way of speaking quite agreeable.
Her teasing naturally led to the heart of the conversation.
Thanks to her, Yohan didn’t have to beat around the bush.
He could get straight to the point.
He nodded.
"That’s correct. I wish to take you as my wife someday."
It was a composed proposal.
No—so composed, it was almost cold.
Serena had never in her life received a proposal like this.
A mix of confusion and intrigue colored her face.
"…How should I put it? That’s quite a unique confession."
"If you prefer a formal proposal, I can make the arrangements."
Serena laughed and waved her hands.
"No, no. I wasn’t asking for ceremony."
She didn’t care much for formalities.
Because she could see the hidden underside beneath the polished exterior, all such decorations meant nothing to her.
Whether people or actions—Serena preferred sincerity.
Yohan opened his mouth.
"Rather than frivolous trappings, practicality is what matters. An engagement with me will bring considerable benefits to the Marcano family."
The Miyatro family might be diminished now, but they had once been one of the continent’s greatest noble houses.
With Yohan’s rise, their former glory was beginning to return.
Still, their prestige hadn’t fully recovered.
It was too early to call a marriage into the Marcano family a perfect match.
They needed to watch a little longer.
Serena smiled gently.
"Lord Yohan, shall we take it a bit slower? An engagement feels a little premature."
Yohan replied calmly.
"My apologies for placing pressure on you. There's no need to decide right away—just keep my proposal in mind for now."
Serena smiled softly.
"Alright. I’ll give you an answer after discussing it with Father. But for now, shall we talk about something else besides marriage? Father mentioned you asked our family for a deal."
Yohan replied,
"I’d like to borrow the Heart-Piercing Eyes for a few hours. Are you aware of my situation?"
"Yes, I heard a bit. You went through quite an ordeal. I’m glad you’re safe."
Horentz had already explained what happened to Yohan the night before.
"I need to find the culprit. Please help me. Of course, I’ll pay the price."
Allowing the Marcano Trading Company to open shop in the city of Beldana—that was the price for using the Heart-Piercing Eyes.
From the Marcano perspective, it was a deal more than worth it.
Serena spoke.
"Very well. But in addition to the agreed compensation, I have one more condition."
Yohan silently swallowed.
‘That’s already a generous deal, and she wants more?’
Still, he kept his expression steady.
"Let’s hear it. Please go ahead."
The smile faded from Serena’s face.
With a calm expression, she said,
"From this moment on, please vow never to speak of anything related to the Heart-Piercing Eyes to anyone."
Yohan hadn’t intended to talk about the Heart-Piercing Eyes in the first place.
He nodded.
"Of course. I promise. I will not share any information about the Heart-Piercing Eyes with anyone."
Serena’s expression turned firm.
"A promise isn’t enough. I ask for a binding oath."
She pulled a sheet of high-quality parchment from her bosom.
Blue letters were densely inscribed upon it.
"…A binding oath. Are you suggesting we use the Great Saint’s Sacred Contract?"
The Sacred Contract was a Tier-3 holy relic.
The moment one signed it, the contents of the agreement had to be upheld.
Failure to do so meant death for the signer.
Using such a document for a normal contract was extremely rare.
Because of its price and rarity.
Serena said,
"That’s right. I hope you understand. From the Marcano perspective, this matter is important enough to stake our lives on."
Yohan could fully understand their position.
"Very well. Please, hand it to me."
He received the parchment.
He read through the contents swiftly but carefully.
There were no hidden clauses.
Yohan bit down hard on his index finger.
He smeared the drawn blood at the bottom of the parchment.
Now, if the document were submitted to the Order’s main hall, the contract would be officially sealed.
Serena, who had been observing the process, looked a little surprised.
She hadn’t expected Yohan to agree so readily.
"Y-You’re quite decisive."
"There’s no reason to drag it out."
"…I see."
"I’ll be going now."
Yohan rose from his seat.
Serena looked up at him, slightly dazed.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes. I’ll see you again shortly. It’ll be an early dinner. I’ll send someone for you at the proper time."
Yohan left after finishing the main topic, without any small talk.
He was a rather straightforward person.
That was the impression Serena got.
She quietly watched his receding figure… and then suddenly sprang up.
She had forgotten to see him off.
A rare mistake.
One she didn’t often make.