/
It had been a long time since a higher-level evil spirit attacked the night. The Duke of Noavik was gone until morning.
“Look at this big jewel. He was a really big guy.”
“Wow, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a jewel left by an evil spirit. In the meantime, the priests used to take them quickly.”
The evil spirit took the form of black smoke. And in the middle was the “heart,” the weakness and the main body.
The easiest way to ward off evil spirits was to inflict a great shock on this heart, and the most vulnerable power of evil spirits was the holy power, the power of the temple.
So, priests would use their long swords or spears with their holy power to pierce the heart. It was because it was impossible to directly release the Holy Power without a physical medium.
Evil spirits are expelled by the scattering of smoke, leaving only a heart that looks like a solid pebble. The more difficult the evil spirits, the more precious and large gems are left behind.
And the higher level evil spirit that invaded this time was quickly disposed of, leaving only a cleanly shattered heart and a large jewel. It was expelled so quickly that no one had properly witnessed it.
“But didn’t the gatekeepers miss them all? Did this divine beast really do it?”
The people of the Duke’s Castle tilted their heads as they looked at the dog that had been sent from the shrine as a divine beast. The divine beast refers to a sacred beast that has the power to help exorcise evil spirits.
“
It looks like an ordinary dog.”
It all started when the High Priest gave a divine beast to the North, which was always struggling to eradicate evil spirits, in honor of the achievements of Johannes Noavik, the pursuer who is chasing the ‘Blue Ruby’.
“Woof woof!”
However, the one that was sent was actually a small Yorkshire Terrier that was embarrassed to even be called a divine beast.
In fact, when this dog was sent as a divine beast from the temple for the first time, everyone cursed from behind.
“But this divine beast
 I guess it’s really incredible.”
“I know. Anyway, seeing that this kind of high-level evil spirit has been eradicated at once. Look at the heart breaking at once. Isn’t it impossible to handle such a high-level like this?”
The people of the Duke’s Castle were thrilled as they watched the dog enjoying a special snack in the backyard.
“Great.”
I poked my head out among them. Then, naturally, I intervened.
“Is this the divine beast that defeated the evil spirit yesterday?”
People suddenly nodded at my words in the backyard.
“Perhaps so, madam.”
“It would have been a pretty tough fight for us to fight. However, it was eradicated so quickly that it was impossible to see it with the naked eye. From the looks of it, it seems like he has a strong divine power.”
“I am very happy. Looking at the direction, it seems that it was on his way to Prince Leo’s room. It was going to be really bad.”
I smiled slightly, and the Yorkshire Terrier, who had been frantically eating a special snack, barked and ran to me and hugged me.
“Oh.”
People tilted their heads as if having fun.
“This is the first time the divine beast is being so friendly with someone.”
“I know right. Young master Leo pursued him like that, but it pretended not to know him.”
I also made a strange expression as I watched the Yorkshire Terrier wag its tail while being hugged by me. I am the only one who knows the truth here.
In fact, this Yorkshire Terrier was not a divine beast. It was just an ordinary dog raised in the temple.
Originally, the temple would send priests regularly to tend the evil spirits of the North. And in return, Duke Johannes captured the bounties designated by the temple.
‘But this time, I guess they didn’t like to send manpower to the North.’
The north was cold and rough, and it was far from the capital.
It was only natural that the priests did not want to come. So, this time, the temple simply sent the dog that was raised in the temple, packaged as a ‘sacred beast’. Originally, it was a fact that Johannes had revealed after Leo’s death before returning.
‘Well, it doesn’t take a day or two for the temple to treat the north unjustly. Even so
 They may have other intentions.’
Anyway, I was happy.
Because no one will ever doubt that the presence of this dog would have banished evil spirits.
“Divine beast
 Isn’t the name too exaggerated?”
I said with a clumsy smile.
“Why don’t you just give it a name? Like a dog.”
“Dog
”
Users exchanged glances with each other. In any case, it seemed burdensome to name the dog, the only divine beast who saved the life of Leo. They naturally chose to hand over the burdensome work to their superiors.
“How about you name it? Those who are not from the north recognize each other.”
“Is that so?”
I pondered as I looked at the Yorkshire Terrier in my arms.
It was only natural for this Yorkshire Terrier to be hugged by me. Because I had stamina.
Perhaps it was because it felt the energy I often encountered at the temple, and treated me so friendly.
‘The dog of the temple
 I wish I could just call him Johannes.’
Johannes was the most annoying of all those who chased after me. Of course, it wasn’t a good feeling.
Besides, I was actually caught right before my return, so he had no choice but to be a dislike for me.
I pondered with subdued eyes and said cheerfully.
“Then how about John?”
“
 John 
 Huh?”
“Yes.”
No one knew that John was a nickname for Johannes. Of course, no one could call Johannes Noavik ‘John’.
“They are both similar.”
I said with a bright smile while holding down my resentment.
“Trusted, competent, divine in the temple.”
In any case, it was strange to give the master’s nickname to an existence that was nothing more than a small dog, but in any case, it was a divine beast with great abilities.
Besides, it would be ambiguous to express a different opinion as it was the hostess’ suggestion. In the end, no one objected.
The name of an ordinary Yorkshire Terrier who suddenly became a divine beast with enormous powers was called John.
“John, that’s right.”
I smiled contentedly and stroked John’s head.
Anyway, after returning to last night, one thing in the future was changed. Originally, Leo was seriously injured around this time because of a superior evil spirit who invaded the castle.
‘If I secretly protect Leo like this in the future, I’ll pay off my debts to Johannes
’
The feelings I had for Johannes couldn’t be good, but I had something to pay him back anyway. No matter how much it was before regression.
‘And there’s something else to get.’
John whined in my arms. Unknowingly, I felt like I had strength in my arm holding John.
I was in a hurry to relax my arm, and Kate approached from far away.
“Madam, you were here.”
Kate again had a blunt face as usual. I was surrounded by people who was still looking at me holding John.
“
You look peaceful.”
“Huh? I can’t do that?”
“No.”
Kate waved her hand and answered immediately.
“Just, maybe
 I thought you would return to the south because you were very surprised since a high-level evil spirit appeared. The south is a place without evil spirits.”
“It’s been eradicated anyway.”
“It’s been peaceful for the past few days. In the north, these evil spirits attack very often. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
I smiled brightly as if it were nothing. Kate coughed in vain and said,
“If so, that’s a relief. Oh, and there’s something that the butler and I have to report.”
“Really?”
“Yes, because you’re the hostess.”
I smiled.
This is because I didn’t have any rights as a duchess. Initially, it was a condition for this marriage.
Marry Johannes Noavik to gain the status of a duchess, but nothing will be involved.
‘Honestly, it’s a huge relief.’
Pls read only at pinkmuffintl.
It was fortunate for me who had no background knowledge at all about things like land management.
I didn’t want to do anything bothersome because I wasn’t going to stay long anyway.
“First of all, it turned out that one of the gatekeepers fell asleep at that time.”
“Oh my.”
That may not be the essence of this attack, but anyway, my eyes looked round as if I didn’t know anything. Kate carefully continued to talk.
“Unlike the South, in the North, a single mistake is not easily passed. It’s a place where a lot of mistakes in the moment take away lives.”
At that time, one of the servants who was listening to Kate suddenly intervened.
“So are you going to cut it? Of course, you’re going to cut it, right?”
At the words, Kate nodded slightly. Then I sneaked a peek. She looked worried that I would think it was too cruel for just one mistake.
“Ah
”
She looked embarrassed to say it openly. Well
 I didn’t have to overprotect that person, but she seemed to care too much. I asked carefully with a serious look to relieve Kate’s burden.
“The limbs?”
And I smiled slightly as if it was okay to say this much. But there was silence in the backyard.
“Is that not it?”
It wasn’t until a moment passed that Kate smiled awkwardly and said.
“I just meant to fire him, madam. No matter how harsh the North is, it’s not that cruel.”
Everyone smiled awkwardly with a puzzled look.
I laughed and sweated as if I had joked.
I hid my identity by playing a southern noble lady who grew up warmly without knowing the world, but in fact, I’m the one who lived the cruelest life here.
The problem is that I’ve only lived a “cruel life” so my common sense can be a little different from ordinary people.
‘Well, I can adjust slowly. Fortunately, everyone thinks they’re more cruel. In a way, it’s much more comfortable than the south.’
I thought, gently stroking John in my arms.
‘Everything is smoother than I thought. I think it’s all thanks to the ‘divine beast’ even if I fight off evil spirits. It’ll be easy if I stay like this.’
Johannes Noavik, the only opponent I felt uncomfortable with, did not stop by the territory enough, saying he was chasing the “blue ruby”.
Even on the wedding day, he was a man who said we would not see each other for at least a year.
‘It’s fine as long as I don’t run into Johannes Noavik like this. The problem is that human being don’t always move as I expected.’
I won’t have to face him for a while. Just thinking about it made me smile peacefully.
~*~
(3rd person pov)
A man frowned after receiving a report on the outskirts of the capital, quite far from the Duchy of Noavik.
It was Johannes Noavik with black hair and shining gold eyes like a beast.
On a deep night, whenever the lantern fluttered and shaded Johannes’ face, an ascetic straightness and decadent atmosphere were alternately cast on the clear features.
Having been lost in thought for a while with a sculptural face, he pulled the rope. Immediately, his deputy, Fagan, came running.
“Duke, did you call me?”
“Yes.”
Johannes spoke low.
“When it’s dawn tomorrow, I’ll return to the duchy right away.”
Reminder: pls do not repost ANYWHERE smh