"Of course I remember."
As Shade and Mr. Asmon spoke, the butler had already arranged for a maid to bring over a teapot and cups on a trolley. It seemed the count trusted Mr. Asmon greatly, giving him excellent treatment before leaving.
"The story began with a man without wishes who sealed away a wondrous being. After his death, his grandson made a new wish, willing to spend his entire life sealing that Demon.
Thus, the Youth and the Demon traveled a very, very long road. Along the way, he met the girl he loved, but killed her beforehand out of fear that the Demon would reap her soul. In middle age, he encountered a Noble Lady in distress, along with her Cat and Dog, but the Noble Lady was sacrificed and killed by her relatives. Only the Cat and Dog remained to accompany the Youth on his journey."
Shade sighed.
"Many years later, the middle-aged man grew old. As he searched for a successor to guard the Demon, a young child made a wish at the cost of shattering his own soul, allowing his relatives to live better lives and turning the old man young again.
Unable to endure this torment any longer, the Youth wished to revive his grandfather—the man who had first set out on this journey—and have him take his place. But that was undoubtedly another Tragedy. To prevent the Demon from seizing the Youth's body, the Cat and Dog sacrificed themselves as well.
By then, only the Youth remained on the long road."
Shade briefly described the previous seven stories, and Mr. Asmon nodded.
"Yes, then this time's story—"
"Please wait a moment!"
Shade interrupted him somewhat awkwardly.
"Up to now, every Demon story has ended in Tragedy. Has there truly never been even one