Rune faintly smiled at the words.
"It's not right to judge by appearance alone, brother. There's nothing more fitting for a cursed item than this one."
"Hmm... I'm not sure. Is it really that dangerous?"
Ferdikion's puzzled response made Rune look down at the jeweled box in his hand.
- The effect weakens or the magic breaks if the target strongly resists, depending on their mental strength.
- Caused tens of thousands of casualties due to intoxication by the scent.
- Recovered by a gold dragon elder and placed under a light seal.
"In short... it's a magical scent box that produces alluring fragrances."
"Do you mean like perfume? Is something like this considered a cursed item?"
Even after hearing the explanation about the artifact, Ferdikion still looked as if he didn't understand the danger.
But Rune clicked his tongue at the subtle danger this box possessed.
'I'm curious about who made it. It's exquisitely crafted.'
The box Rune chose had an elegant design that didn't feel dark, adorned with white pearls.
It had the function of emitting a scent when flowers or fragrant branches were placed inside.
It didn't seem to have any points that required caution among the cursed items.
With its beautiful, elegant design, it didn't fit in at all with the ominous weapons and relics that filled the place.
Rune briefly added the item's history.
"It's a box that produces scents based on what you put inside. If you're careful, it's not dangerous, as you can escape if your mental strength is strong enough."
"From what you say, it sounds like a toy made for casual enjoyment."
"Right. It's made to seem not dangerous and easy to use and stop at any time."
"Is that not all...? Like, maybe it was used with a poisonous flower or something."
"You're not wrong, but if that were the only reason, it wouldn't be called a 'cursed item,' even if it's dangerous."
Ferdikion's brow furrowed in confusion, sensing a strange dissonance.
Rune gave him the answer.
"There's a common trait among items that are easy to handle and provide immediate pleasure. It's 'addiction.'"
Thinking it was better to explain the box's danger in advance, Rune continued.
"Back in the day, people who used this box with plants containing narcotic substances became habitually addicted, to the point where they couldn't be saved."
The hallucinations and strong pain relief from the narcotics.
When the box wasn't used, severe withdrawal symptoms drove people mad, so the bloodshed around the box never ceased.
"At first, it was a pastime among thieves' guilds and black market traders, but it was discovered when it was used for crimes, causing widespread drug addiction in villages."
"Hmm. Such a thing happened."
Ferdikion looked at the box with a somewhat uneasy expression, unlike before.
"When the situation got out of hand, the box's existence became known, and countless lives were lost in the struggle to possess it. Eventually, it was considered dangerous and recovered by the state, but even then, nobles indulged in drug parties, leading to the downfall of the country."
Rune tapped the top of the box with his index finger, giving an example he knew from Christina's inherited knowledge.
"Without caution, you won't be able to let go of this box once you touch it."
'Even if you're a dragon.'
Was the effect noticeable?
Stimulation and entertainment were the most powerful weapons to make one forget reality.
Rune lifted the box and soon pressed his hand on the lid.
"So, are you... going to use such a dangerous item on your subordinate?"
"Yeah. But I'll modify it to suit my purpose."
If he just wanted to make simple perfume, a regular scent-making tool would suffice.
But the target Rune wanted to use it on was an undead spirit knight.
The materials to produce the scent were also imbued with magic power.
'There's no better item than this, as it can retain both the scent and the magical effects due to being an artifact.'
What Rune came up with was 'scent.'
He wanted to turn food into magical scents for the Dullahan, who couldn't eat.
However, there was something he didn't tell Ferdikion.
The solution to the 'addiction' symptoms.
'I can't let the Dullahan become useless due to the pleasure from the box.'
Rune planned to modify it so that the more the scent was inhaled, the stronger the loyalty to him would become.
'If I can use it to my advantage, that's best. Even if the Dullahan, as a subordinate, has no reason to, I can't guarantee it will only be used on him.'
Rune smiled, imagining the effects of the item he was about to create.
"Is it really okay? Your face looks like you're hatching a scheme."
'Tch. What a perceptive brat.'
He did have a personal motive.
However, if he didn't do this, there would surely be those who would go to great lengths to take the box from him.
To prevent others from challenging him, the owner of the box, it could be used on non-subordinates as well.
'And if I use it on Ferdikion, I can see how effective it is.'
This was why he allowed Ferdikion to accompany him, curious about a method that would work on the Dullahan.
Not a subordinate and with strong mental strength.
'This guy is perfect. Since it's a flashy item, I need to do this to use it safely.'
Using the abilities of the Black Dragon, the leader of darkness, poison, and curses, it wasn't difficult.
Rune scratched his cheek with his index finger.
'Ah. Even I think this is a bit evil.'
It was a dark adult's intention that he couldn't tell the innocent young dragon.
"I'll modify the box. Brother, keep an eye on the Dullahan."
"Alright. It's a promise, after all."
The Dullahan, who had been sitting in a corner with a gloomy look, stood up.
Ferdikion looked at the Dullahan with interest.
"You're a strong-willed one."
Ferdikion, sensing the faint fire of the Dullahan's soul and heart, emitted a fighting spirit at the gloomy Dullahan.
They both realized they were formidable opponents and cautiously lowered their stances.
"If you fight here, my room will be wrecked. If you really want to, go outside the lair."
Rune's voice stopped the two, who were about to start a fight.
"Ah! I wasn't really going to fight."
Rune inwardly clicked his tongue at Ferdikion's response, withdrawing his fighting spirit.
The Dullahan couldn't freely move outside the dark room, so he thought it would be a good opportunity for Ferdikion to take him out and show him around.
'What a shame. The Dullahan doesn't seem to mind at all, though.'
The Dullahan and Ferdikion started a light conversation near Rune.
They seemed to have some mutual understanding.
It was more like a one-sided diagnosis from one side.
"Do you know that you're surrounded by darkness and death while harboring the life force and fire of a phoenix? Is everything balanced well?"
The green eyes blinked once.
"From what I can see, you're already a complete warrior and knight. Is there anything you want to improve in your combat sense?"
The Dullahan shook his head and clapped his fists together.
Ferdikion nodded in agreement.
"Ah. That's a bit difficult for you."
Surprisingly, they were communicating well.
'As I thought, you're good at reading people.'
Though he had a simple nature, he was surprisingly good at gauging others' expressions and moods.
Just as Pel was about to delve into a deeper conversation about the Dullahan's potential, Rune focused on his task.
Rune's scales, the Happy Scent Box, a few magic samples, and various materials.
Using the cursed tool creation set, the white pearls of the artifact turned black.
The name and description also changed accordingly.
<Dark-Stained Happy Scent Box>
Status: Belongs to Rune Eclipse
- The effect weakens or the magic breaks if the target strongly resists, depending on their mental strength.
- Can contain the will of Rune Eclipse (when using a command word).
- The dominion over the beneficiary increases as the number of times they experience the effect increases.
- The loyalty to Rune Eclipse increases as the number of times they experience the effect increases.
- The probability of being intoxicated by the dark magic power increases.
If already familiar, it creates a sense of closeness, and even if they haven't seen Rune, they will feel a sense of familiarity.
'The name is a bit dark, but the performance is excellent.'
Rune was proud of the increased dominion and intimacy due to the inclusion of a part of his body.
At Rune's words, the Dullahan and Ferdikion, who were talking, approached.
Apart from the color change, there was no visible difference, but Ferdikion briefly swallowed.
"It's become a difficult item to handle carelessly."
The box remained beautiful and elegant.
Moreover, with the infusion of dark power, it exuded a refined charm that drew one in.
Since no one else would use it besides Rune, he held the box and looked at Ferdikion.
"Want to try? You seemed curious, brother."
Rune, who had been watching Ferdikion without a hint of suspicion, took