The Martial God: Demonic Cultivator in a World of Magic [Isekai LitRPG]

“But my, I didn’t expect to see the young master look so healthy,” Althea remarked, her voice warm and genuinely surprised. She took a sip of her tea, her eyes scanning me with a hint of care. “Your complexion is much better now, and you’ve even developed some muscles.”

The soft clinking of teacups filled the air as I sat opposite Sister Althea at an outdoor café, the sun casting gentle rays over the city of Romer. Yes, a cafe existed in this world. Arcane Crown didn’t really care about mixing some modern things into this medieval magic setting.

The scent of freshly brewed tea mingled with the aroma of baked goods from the shop’s nearby ovens, creating a soothing atmosphere. Lilian stood just behind me, her gaze flickering toward the trays of pastries and fruit tarts on display, though she tried to act uninterested. I caught her eyeing a particularly tempting piece of honey cake, but she quickly looked away when she noticed me watching.

“Ah, yes, indeed…”

It seems I’m yet to regain clarity in all this body’s memories.

Turned out, I’ve met his Sister before. Quite a few times, actually. It was odd why her name hadn’t immediately triggered a stronger recollection, but when she mentioned the drunk-road accident, I finally placed her. 

Althea had been one of the many healers who had treated me during my weaker years. While she couldn’t cure my chronic illness, she was always there to patch me up whenever I injured myself. Recently, when I passed out and cracked my skull and Sir Rashid al-Faris brought me back home, it was she who had rushed to heal me.

So she knew me, that was why she was surprised to see me, moreover when I looked so healthy that she couldn’t recognize me for a few seconds. Now that she knew it was me, she was smiling kindly. “I’m glad. How did this happen though? Did you find a cure?” she asked curiously.

I offered her a polite smile, “Yes, that incident caused an… [Enlightenment] on me.”

Althea’s eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise. “Enlightenment, you say? That is… incredible. No wonder why you’re so healthy! It’s clear you’ve come a long way since the last time I saw you.”

What a pure person, I noted. I wasn’t expecting her to be this transparent and childishly kind. We exchanged small talk for a while, Althea slipping into the familiar role of a concerned doctor, asking about my health and habits. That reminded me of my old doctor. I replied in kind, and for the next few minutes we had a light chat. 

At some point, I decided to cut to the chase. "Sister Althea," I began with a serious tone, "I was wondering... Can you sense my life expectancy?"

Her teacup came to a halt in mid-air, and she looked at me, puzzled. "Uh, your lifespan? Why would you ask such a question?”

I wished she’d just answer my question, but she had to ask for details instead. I forced a casual shrug, hiding my desperation. "I am just curious, really. Doctors used to say that my disease shortened my life. And I’ve heard that certain enlightenments can extend one’s lifespan, so I wanted to know how my lifespan is.”

Althea’s expression softened into a reassuring smile. “There’s no need to worry, young master. If you’ve gained enlightenment, it’s likely that your weakened lifespan has indeed increased. Unfortunately, sensing lifespan isn’t within my capabilities, so I can’t give you a precise answer.”

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. So that’s another dead end. 

Still, I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away – I had something else to ask. “In that case, I’ve heard rumors about an alchemist who can see lifespans,” I asked, carefully watching her reaction. “Someone who lives in the Wraithwood Forest, near the Carlstein border. Do you know anything about him?”

Althea’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a frown of concern. “I have heard of him. He’s called the Forsaken Alchemist. They say he was once a brilliant alchemist, but… he’s said to have lost his mind, young master. Seeing the final days of everyone around him drove him mad. I wouldn’t recommend seeking him out. Many churches also classify him as a heretic.”

Her words were a warning, a genuine one at that, but I couldn’t afford to be deterred. Since many churches classified him as a heretic, it meant he was a real person. “Thank you for the advice, Sister Althea. I’ll be careful.” I excused myself, standing up from the table. 

Althea rose as well, her concern visible in her eyes. "Take care of yourself, young master," she advised, her voice gentle. "You have been through a lot, and I’m happy to see you finally doing okay. So please reconsider visiting the alchemist; I advise highly against it."

I nodded and offered her a small smile. “I appreciate that. And thank you for everything.”

With that, we said our goodbyes, and I turned toward the shop’s counter. As I passed by the trays of pastries, I caught Lilian’s eyes flicking toward the honey cake once more. I raised an eyebrow, deciding something.

Since I had a proper lead this time, I didn’t feel like I was on the edge as much. I should slow down a little. A light smile tugged at my lips as I picked up a piece and handed it to the shopkeeper, purchasing it along with a few other items.

When I handed the honey cake to Lilian, her eyes widened in surprise, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. She was ashamed that I’d noticed her interest in food, during duty no less.

“Stop acting like that,” I said, keeping my tone casual as I handed her the small package. “Enjoy your feast, little beast.”

“Hey! What did you say?!”

“I’m joking,” I evaded her punch, while people around us gasped in shock that a maid dared to raise her hand at her lord, the infamous Iskandaar no less. I threw the cake in her mouth, diverting her focus, and walked away from the café.

The streets of Romer City bustled around us, but my mind was already moving toward somewhere else. It was time to leave Romer again. To the Wraithwood Forest.

****

When we eventually arrived at the estate, the familiar sight of towering stone walls and elaborate gates did nothing to relieve the strain in my chest. I needed to meet with my father to acquire his permission before I could go. Lilian waited outside the Count's office as I entered through the door.

I found the Count in his study, hunched over a pile of paperwork. The room was dimly illuminated, as the heavy curtains were drawn shut to block off the afternoon sunlight. Long shadows were cast on the glossy floor. The faint scent of ink and parchment could be smelled in the air, while books adorned the walls.

He looked up as I entered, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Oh, Iskandaar.” 

“Father,” I bowed lightly, “I need to go to the Carlstein Barony,”

For a moment, he just stared at me, his eyebrows rising in surprise. He hummed, "...I was just about to tell you the same thing. So you've heard of the news?”

“What?” I blinked in confusion. He wanted me to go there too? What news?

He hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. “Seems like you haven’t. We- well, just you since it's an event for young nobles. You have received an invitation from the Carlstein family. It’s Nebula’s brother’s 18th birthday, and you’re invited.”

Ah… that explained his reaction. I hadn’t been aware of this event, but it seemed the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. 

A trip to the Carlstein Barony was exactly what I needed, and now I had a legitimate reason to go.

However, something surprised me. She has a brother…? Ah right, that stepbrother of hers. Thankfully it was not a Vampire.

“Well, that settles it,” I said, a sense of relief washing over me. 

This would make my journey easier—no need for excuses or elaborate plans. And I'd also get to take some knights with me since this was a noble status thing. With the knights, I can venture into the Wraithwoods and find the alchemist without worrying about danger.

My fathers expression grew more focused as he looked at me. "You appear ready to leave. Is there anything bothering you Iskandaar?"

I casually brushed it off with a shrug. "Oh nothing important. I just felt like it could be beneficial to build connections with the Carlstein family after my recent progress."

His lips curved into a small smile. “Indeed. I’m sure Nebula will be pleased to see you in better health. So, make sure you represent our family well.”

I nodded, while my head was already busy planning the details of my journey. I turned to leave, but as I reached the door, my father’s voice called out once more.

“Iskandaar.”

I paused, glancing back at him. 

His expression had softened, his stern gaze giving way to something more genuine. “Be careful,” he said, the words simple yet laced with a father’s concern.

I offered him a small but reassuring smile. “I will, Father.”

With that, I left the study. The door closed behind me softly.

Upon entering the corridor, I saw Lilian positioned just outside, her countenance displaying a blend of inquisitiveness and apprehension. The subdued illumination emitted by the sconces enveloped the gleaming tiled flooring, creating a comfortable and soothing ambiance throughout the passageway. She looked up at me, her crimson eyes reflecting the flickering light.

“Did he give permission?” she asked, head tilted in curiosity, her big red eyes staring into me.

I nodded with a faint smile on my lips. “Yes, he did. Everything’s in order. We’ll be leaving for the Carlstein Barony tomorrow morning.”

Lilian’s shoulders relaxed slightly at my words, and she fell into step beside me as we began walking toward my room. The silence between us was comfortable, the tension that had gripped me earlier now dissipating into something more manageable. As we walked, I decided to lead the conversation into something lighter.

“How are you managing here?” I asked, glancing at her out of the corner of my eye. “Been a few weeks. This must be a pretty big change for you, coming from a forest to this environment.”

She seemed taken aback by the question, her brows knitting together in thought. What, she thought I didn’t care? “It’s different, I guess...” she admitted after a moment. “But I’m managing. Lot of stuff changes for real, but the head maid is helping me get used to it.”

I nodded, appreciating her honesty. “Is there anything you need? Anything you’re lacking?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Everyone’s been… well, they’re not unkind. But some of them look at me strangely. I get it, though. I’m not exactly what they’re used to.”

Her words made me frown slightly. “Is anyone treating you harshly because of your features? No way. Racism in my house?”

Lilian quickly shook her head. “No, no, not really. A few people seem wary, but no one’s been outright rude or mean. I think they’re just… curious. Perplexed that a demi-human is working alongside them. They’re not rude.”

I gave a slight sigh of relief. "Good. Please let me know if someone causes you any difficulty. You are now a household member and my personal maid. Anyone mistreating you is insulting me, and I will not accept it.

Her curious eyes widened somewhat at my statements, and for a brief time, she seemed unsure how to answer. Then a little smile pulled at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, young master."

We continued to stroll in silence for a while, the faint sound of our shoes taking us down the corridors. The home seemed quiet, maybe too quiet considering the stress I had been experiencing recently, but I didn’t hate it. There was relief in knowing that not everything was messy.

As we reached my room, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, Lilian following close behind.