>

1771 On the Atlantic Ocean In the darkness

In response to the demon’s question, Elmer spoke slowly.

“I’ve made up my mind, demon.”

<That was fast.>

The voice in his mind sounded surprised.

Then, with no hesitation, Elmer named the power he wanted.

“Listen, demon. I want to see you smile.”

<?!>

“Smile, all right? Laugh from the bottom of your heart, at the top of your lungs, like you’re having fun, like you’re overjoyed. Tell me how you smile, you who are called a demon, and what makes you really and truly happy.”

He could sense that the demon’s heart was unsettled. At that point, Elmer was already satisfied.

“I’m sure your smile will give me strength.”

The clearly flustered demon was gazing at him.

<…That’s a problem. My apologies. I underestimated you.>

The face of the man people called a demon gradually began to twist, and the world was on the verge of being completely enveloped in darkness once more.

<I’ve lived several thousand years as a demon who grants human desires…but this is the first time I’ve ever encountered such a difficult wish.>

Just before the world was locked in darkness, Elmer reached out and caught the demon’s arm, which had begun to warp, in a firm grip.

“Uh-uh, don’t you run. Don’t lie, either. I’m not a believer in smiles for nothing. I’ll see through a fake smile right away.”

At Elmer’s stern words, the demon averted his eyes uncomfortably. When he saw it, Elmer grinned.

“Say, demon, I’ve got a favor to ask. If that wish is a hard one, depending on the conditions, I’ll give you some time.”

<Conditions?>

“You know Maiza, right? He’s the guy who summoned you.”

<Yes, I remember.>

“Well, his kid brother died. It must’ve been a terrible shock. He might be feeling rage, or sadness—or maybe despair.”

<Perhaps.>

“So, listen, would you look out for him? I’ll try to hunt up old Szilard, so you stick close to Maiza and help him out with stuff. As a human, not a demon. I mean, you already look human anyway. No problem there, right?”

<>

“Travel around that new world we’re headed to with him. Do it until, someday, he’s able to give a good belly laugh. If you do, I bet you’ll figure out how to smile, too. If you run into me after that… Smile then. Be glad that you met me again. ‘I can smile now! How d’ya like them apples?!’ …I’ll even take a reason like that, so please, show me your smile.”

Silence flowed past, and the seething darkness had gone quite still.

As Elmer’s mind receded again, he heard the demon’s voice, quite clearly.

<I will try.>

He’d made a demon expend effort. Wasn’t that incredibly weird? If he told somebody about it, would they laugh, or would they give him a bored, forced smile?

As he thought about pointless things, Elmer’s mind shut down completely.

And thus time passed…