After that, Kai Adler didn't bother with the aftermath. After carefully erasing all magical traces from the scene, he departed directly.
As for whether the British Royal Family or the Ministry of Magic would handle the captured Ivor Family members, it had nothing to do with him.
However, before altering the patriarch's memory, Kai used Legilimency and found something disturbing.
The Ivor Family hadn't been kidnapping children purely for profit. Whenever they found boys and girls between ten and fourteen, they would draw a tube of blood and send it somewhere. Only after receiving a response permitting it would they proceed to sell the child to the African slave black market—for a considerable price.
As for where the children were actually sent, the patriarch didn't know. Only that mysterious figures in black robes would periodically appear outside the castle.
Kai's lips pressed into a thin line.
This wasn't just trafficking—it was targeted selection.
They were looking for someone.
Which meant… this matter wasn't over.
His figure reappeared silently outside the Granger residence. Seeing that Hermione's bedroom light was still on, he allowed a small smile to curve his lips but didn't knock. Instead, he turned around slowly.
"Merry Christmas, Old Man ."
As expected, Dumbledore, clad in his usual purple robes, appeared behind him. The half-moon spectacles on his nose glinted softly in the moonlight, his blue eyes fixed calmly on Kai.
"Hey, I didn't kill anyone today," Kai said, raising his hands in mock innocence. "If anything, I just did a bit of pest control. Shouldn't clearing out Black Wizards earn me a medal?"
Dumbledore smacked his lips, but said nothing at first.
Then his eyes landed on Kai's robe—and paused.
"This robe… Gellert gave it to you?"
Kai nodded. "A Christmas gift from the old man. Something wrong?"
Dumbledore shook his head slowly. "No… nothing wrong. It's a fine robe."
Dragonhide. Mithril threading. Enchantments solidified through ritual spellcraft.
That robe alone could purchase a villa in Diagon Alley.
He thought about the wool socks he had gifted Kai and suddenly felt a strange sense of defeat.
"Since Gellert gave it to you," Dumbledore said lightly, "do take care not to lose it."
"As if I'd lose something this flashy," Kai muttered. "But let's be honest—you didn't come just to admire my wardrobe, did you?"
"No. I came to warn you."
Dumbledore's voice grew serious. "Be very cautious when dealing with the Vandenhyme family."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "You mean that butler, right? Who—or what—is he?"
Dumbledore was silent for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he said, "To be precise… he's not human."
Kai blinked. "A vampire?"
He thought briefly of Selene, with her alabaster skin and midnight elegance. Sebastian gave off the same subtle chill.
Dumbledore chuckled quietly. "Comparing him to a vampire… greatly underestimates what he truly is."
Then, in that measured, storyteller tone of his, Dumbledore began:
"Many years ago, a powerful family of Black Wizards attempted to summon demons through a mass sacrifice. They believed that the souls of children—pure and untarnished—would draw demonic attention."
"It worked. After dozens had perished… one child remained."
"A demon did appear. But not for the reasons they expected. The child's soul—innocent but already darkening—was the ideal temptation."
"The demon struck a bargain: it would serve as sword and shield to the child, carry out their vengeance. In return, once the child's desire was fulfilled… their soul would belong to the demon."
Kai listened with rapt interest.
"So the child was Ciel. And the demon—Sebastian."
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Their bond is ironclad. A true demonic contract. No force—magical or otherwise—can interfere with it."
He hesitated, then added, "And if the demon bears ill intent, not even I could stop it. Be cautious. Never agree to vague promises or open-ended favors."
Kai's expression changed subtly. "…What if I already owe them a favor?"
Dumbledore frowned sharply. "Did they specify terms?"
Kai shook his head. "No. I cut them off before they could."
Dumbledore let out a relieved breath. "Then you're fine. Demonic contracts require clarity. Vague intentions can't bind."
Kai tilted his head. "So what happens if I do sign a contract but fail to fulfill it? Will my soul be devoured on the spot?"
Dumbledore's eyes darkened. "Not immediately. But the demon will attack you—without mercy."
Kai's eyes narrowed.
"So you're saying… he's holding back right now?"
"You may have heard," Dumbledore said, stroking his beard, "that he cannot interfere with Wizarding affairs unless attacked first. That isn't unique to him. It's a law bound by blood and pact—shared by all demons."
"All demons?" Kai asked, catching the plural.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Long ago, the greatest wizard of our age made a bargain for the protection of our world. He offered his life and soul to bind the demons, to keep them from meddling in Wizarding affairs."
Kai's breath caught.
"Who was it?"
Dumbledore's voice was soft, reverent.
"Merlin."
—
That night, after bidding goodnight to Hermione, Kai returned home. But sleep was not easy.
The Master and servant pair. That favor. And the dark, glittering power that lingered behind Sebastian's eyes…
If his hunch was correct, and the favor related to muggle–wizard boundaries, then this wasn't a simple promise.
And demons…
He curled his lip in annoyance and finally fell asleep.
—
The next morning, he returned to the Grangers'. The air was warm with the scent of fresh scones, and the Grangers were clearly still enjoying his cooking. He happily prepared lunch and read side-by-side with Hermione.
That afternoon, there was a knock at the door.
Mrs. Granger answered it—and blinked in confusion at the sharply dressed man standing outside.
"Are you here for Kai?"
Sebastian bowed with perfect elegance. "Please call for Mr. Adler."
When Kai saw him, he didn't need to ask.
"You're fast," Kai said.
"As the Vandenhyme family butler, I would be ashamed to take longer," Sebastian replied smoothly.
Kai let a small smirk tug at his lips. Who would've guessed that this soft-spoken, precise butler was a literal demon?
If Hermione were here, she'd probably roll her eyes and say, "Says the polite young man who's secretly a second-generation Black Wizard."
Turning to the Grangers, Kai said warmly, "Uncle, Aunt, Hermione—get dressed. I've got a surprise."
—
Soon, they arrived at a stunning manor.
The Grangers were stunned by the expansive lawns, the grand gates, and the aristocratic elegance of the estate.
Kai stood silently, nodding to himself. It looked just like Ciel's—antique, refined, imposing.
Hermione looked around, frowning slightly. "Wait… this isn't the Vandenhyme manor."
"Remember what you said yesterday?" Kai asked.
"I said the Earl's home was gorgeous… and then you—"
Her eyes widened.
"You didn't."
"I did," Kai said. "Sort of."
"You really got a manor?!"
Kai shook his head. "What do you take me for? The Earl gave it to me."
Hermione stared. "So you were planning to scam him!"
"How rude. It was fair payment."
She pinched his arm. "You're incorrigible."
—
Inside, the Granger couple walked through the grand foyer, completely overwhelmed. Paintings, chandeliers, silk-draped windows, and a towering staircase dominated the room.
It felt like walking into a dream.
"Excuse me," Mr. Granger said nervously to Sebastian, "is there something your master wants with us?"
Sebastian smiled gently. "This manor no longer belongs to my young master. It now belongs to Mr. Adler."
Mr. Granger blinked. "Mr. Adler…? You mean—Kai?!"
Kai stepped forward. "It's me, Uncle. Aunt."
The couple turned to him, stunned.
"I helped the Earl with something… and this was my reward."
Then he reached for their hands, his gaze sincere.
"I want you and Hermione to live here. With me."
The two adults exchanged glances—filled with shock, hesitation… and a growing warmth in their eyes.