Hansel’s Enchanted Fairytale: Fill Me Up With Magic! - Chapter 96
“…….”
Finally, the moment of birth had come, yet Dante appeared to be at least five years old. Was he not a newborn?
However, the immense, suffocating magical power emanating from the child was undeniably that of the Herodt family. Was it so overwhelmingly strong that it had been hidden until now?
Dark hair and red eyes—the characteristic appearance inherited by the heads of the Herodt family. Dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the family head, with short-cropped hair, his face had a prettiness almost doll-like, resembling that of a young girl.
What followed from the Herodt family steward’s explanation was utterly shocking.
“The new head of the Herodt family possesses an unprecedented ability. Simply by calling a name, he can take a life. He has inherited the power of the First Herodt, the lethal naming ability.”
Margaret’s hand shot to her mouth in shock. The Herodt family already boasted unparalleled magical power, and now such an ability? It was conceivable that Herodt alone could wage war against the entire world.
Margaret couldn’t even imagine that what came next would be even more appalling and revolting.
“As proof of inheriting the First’s power, Dante Herodt called the name of a maid last night… and killed her.”
“……!”
Margaret instinctively clamped her hands over Hansel’s ears. Thanks to this, Hansel—too young to understand—did not hear that the maid had been Dante’s biological mother.
No matter how important lineage was, such an act was inexcusable.
Margaret moved to rise, intent on voicing her protest, but the Arsinoe family head, her father, seized her arm with an iron grip.
“Do not intervene. This is the way of mage society.”
“Buuu.”
Hansel squirmed in Margaret’s arms. Margaret bit her lip hard, looking down at her daughter without a word.
Unfortunately, Margaret couldn’t defy her father’s orders. The word of the family head was absolute.
Yet, she couldn’t allow her only daughter to witness such horrors.
Secretly, Margaret pinched Hansel’s toe.
“Waaaah! Hwaaah!”
Hansel burst into loud, forceful cries.
Holding Hansel close, Margaret stood abruptly and looked at her father.
“We cannot allow a descendant of Arsinoe to falter in such an important setting. I will calm her down in the hall and bring her back, Father.”
Without waiting for a response, Margaret hurriedly left. She shouldn’t have brought Hansel here. She had to get her daughter far away from this dreadful place.
After racing down the stairs, Margaret arrived in the lobby, struggling to catch her breath. Mages rarely exerted themselves physically, and her heart pounded as if it might burst. Just as she reached for the door, a shout echoed behind her.
“Margaret Arsinoe! Where do you think you’re going? Stop!”
Helmut was chasing after her. Margaret reflexively glanced back but steeled herself and bolted forward.
Helmut caught up with her in an instant, grabbing her shoulder sharply. The sudden pain made Margaret wince. Then, in that very moment—
“……”
A chill crawled up her spine.
She felt a vast, oppressive magic bearing down on her, as if she were a mere insect about to be crushed. It felt like two enormous eyes embedded in the void were fixed on her.
Margaret’s body began to tremble uncontrollably.
Judging by Helmut’s expression, he felt it too. Both of them turned simultaneously toward the source. Helmut’s face had gone pale.
In the center of the previously empty lobby stood a child. The same child who had been in the Herodt family head’s chamber moments ago.
The new head of the Herodt family.
Dante Herodt.
The child’s crimson eyes, unblinking like those of a doll, stared at them. Those piercing eyes shifted first to Helmut.
“I know you. The wolf told me.”
His voice was pure, like the tones of a choirboy.
“Helmut Arsinoe.”
“…Guh!”
Helmut let out a strangled groan. Margaret, startled, turned to look and gasped. In mere seconds, Helmut collapsed to the floor.
His mouth hung open, his pupils dilated.
It was the face of a dead man.
Margaret nearly dropped Hansel in her shock but regained her composure just in time, clutching her daughter tightly.
My daughter mustn’t see this.
Even as suffocating terror overwhelmed her, that single thought looped in her mind like a chant.
Margaret realized that Dante’s crimson eyes weren’t fixed on her.
They were locked on her daughter. Quiet, gentle, obedient Hansel, who had never cried loudly or caused trouble. Her one and only treasure in the world.
Was Hansel’s name among those on the list? Could this being’s wrath extend to her innocent, oblivious daughter? The mere thought drained the strength from Margaret’s legs.
As Hansel squirmed restlessly in her arms, Margaret hugged her even closer. At that moment, Dante’s young voice rang out again.
“You too. I know you.”
Margaret felt as if struck by lightning. She raised her head sharply.
“Wait, please, just wait!”
Her plea was desperate. Margaret took a cautious step forward as Hansel’s faint whimpers filled her ears.
“Please, listen to me. Just once. Lord Herodt… I will not deny the Arsinoe family’s responsibility for your tragedy. I apologize. For you, for your mother… for the terrible things you’ve endured. I’m sorry. I truly am.”
Margaret fell to her knees on the spot.
