Chapter 816
Year 652 of the Imperial Calendar. A chilly day in early March.
Just a few days after the final battle.
To the west of Crossroad.
"Phew…"
I took a deep breath and cleared my throat.
There was a lot of speaking to do today, so I had been taking care of my voice since yesterday. Serenade had been giving me honey tea and various concoctions since the morning.
After removing the necklace I'd worn for three years, my neck still felt bare. I rubbed my hand over the faint burn mark left on my neck and looked around.
Two towering memorial stones stood in the graveyard, where preparations were underway for both a funeral and a memorial service.
A funeral for those who had fallen in the final battle.
And a memorial service for those who had perished over the past three years.
Kings who had fought alongside us on the World Guardian Front had dressed in their ceremonial attire and attended. Wreaths of flowers, each crafted according to the customs of their respective nations, were brought along.
The western graveyard of Crossroad was covered with various kinds of white flowers. At first glance, it looked like spring snow had fallen.
A beautiful yet sorrowful sight.
"Ash!"
Even Ariel from the Lake Kingdom had come in person.
Though her kingdom was in turmoil, with the situation too chaotic for her to handle alone, she insisted on attending this event, saying she couldn't possibly miss it.
This time, she came not as a warrior but as the heir to the throne, the First Princess.
She held not a sword, but flowers.
"Ariel."
"How have you been?"
Ariel greeted me with a bright expression.
When I asked her how she was doing, she laughed confidently and said,
"The state structure is on the verge of collapse, the people are in shambles, and Father has abdicated, taking responsibility for what happened five hundred years ago. The royal family's reputation has hit rock bottom. Things are anything but easy!"
"…Your words and your expression don't match."
This isn't a situation to be smiling about. Why are you smiling?
But despite my comment, Ariel simply grinned.
"But it's the most hopeful situation we've been in for the last five hundred years."
"…"
"Though my kingdom still lies at the bottom of the lake, it has regained consciousness. Although my people are broken, they are alive. There hasn't been a more hopeful moment in the past five centuries."
Seeing Ariel's resolute attitude and unwavering smile… I couldn't help but smile back.
"We're finally at the starting line. Whatever happens next, things can only get better. How could I not be happy?"
"You're right."
Despite the state of her kingdom, the Lake Kingdom had brought a floral wreath. Even with the kingdom sunken beneath the lake, they had managed to find flowers.
"Well then, I…"
Ariel gave me a slight nod before turning toward the graveyard, her arms full of white flowers.
"I'll go pay my respects."
Her expression was determined as she headed toward the row of graves.
I understood how she felt.
The Lake Kingdom was both a victim and a perpetrator.
Five hundred years ago, manipulated by the Demon King and the Outer Gods, the kingdom sank, becoming a nightmare that spewed out monsters to invade the world. Even Ariel, who had fought valiantly against the monsters for five centuries, had ultimately been consumed by the nightmare, becoming a puppet for the Outer Gods in the final battle.
Though they were unwilling participants, it was hard for the world to see them purely as victims.
Especially given the damage inflicted during the final battle.
The casualties were immense.
I looked at the newly erected graves.
Many soldiers and heroes were injured or killed in the battle. Even King Poseidon, who had served me loyally, had fallen.
Ariel, as the former master of the nightmare and the representative of the Lake Kingdom, had chosen to confront this situation head-on. She came here to pay her respects and offer her apologies.
"…"
Ariel walked into the graveyard with a tense expression.
Many who recognized her glared at her with hostility. The merfolk, in particular, looked at her as if she were their sworn enemy.
And at the same time…
"Lady Nameless."
"Or should we call you Princess Ariel now…"
"Are you here to pay your respects?"
"Let's go together."
There were also those who welcomed her warmly.
Ariel had contributed greatly to the World Guardian Front as Nameless. People remembered the sword of light she wielded and the nightmare armies she crushed.
Though many still looked at her with disdain, there were those who understood her situation and were willing to accept the Lake Kingdom.
Ariel bowed her head silently and made her way through the newly erected graves, placing flowers on each one.
"…"
The path ahead for the Lake Kingdom is long and treacherous. They will likely be hated for a long time as the ones responsible for unleashing the monsters.
But if they acknowledge their mistakes and are willing to join the world in peace…
The animosity will eventually fade, and people will stand shoulder to shoulder.
Just as the many nations that once fought to the death here on the World Guardian Front now stand together, looking toward the future.
I believe in that.
The choir sang hymns, the casket procession reached their places, priests sprinkled holy water over the caskets, blessing the deceased for their journey to the afterlife…
As the ceremony progressed, my turn to speak approached.
I slowly climbed up to the podium. Looking around, I saw the faces of countless people gathered like clouds.
"Today…"
I began, making eye contact with each one of them.
"…is the last funeral ceremony that I will preside over here in Crossroad."
I extended my hand to the side.
"From now on, the funerals will be overseen by the eldest daughter of the Cross family and the next lord of Crossroad, Lady Evangeline Cross."
Evangeline, who had managed most of today's ceremony, gracefully bowed.
I smiled slightly at her and continued.
"And perhaps, we will never again have to hold such a large-scale funeral. I sincerely hope so."
I took a deep breath and looked up at the sky.
"So many have died."
I gazed at the clear, cold spring sky for a moment before lowering my eyes and looking at the people around me.
"And… even more have survived."
The fear that had always lingered in people's eyes was no longer there.
Instead, it had been replaced with relief and peace.
"The age of war is over. The nightmare is over, and the monsters will no longer invade."
I emphasized once more.
"Now it is up to us, the survivors, to usher in a new era of harmony."
An era of harmony…
A bitter smile formed on my lips as I said those words.
"Many of you gathered here probably know this better than I do. It might be harder to maintain this era of harmony than the era of war."
The kings exchanged awkward glances.
It is easier to fight and kill each other than to talk and understand each other.
This world had spent too long in pain and hatred because of that.
"But if we do not forget the past three years we spent together on this front…"
I made eye contact with the people once more.
"If we do not forget the time we fought shoulder to shoulder to protect the world…"
I smiled.
"Then working together to build this era of harmony will be a challenge worth taking."
Faces full of mixed emotions reflected on the past three years.
Three years ago, no one could have imagined that so many nations, so many races, would stand side by side, listening to me speak as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Seeing this, I nodded.
"And this is what the departed, those buried here, would want us to do."
I turned my gaze toward the graveyard.
"They fought and died not for any particular ideology or nation, but purely to protect the world… This is what they would truly wish for."
The countless graves buried under the white flowers, and the two memorial stones…
The people buried there, those who died under my banner…
I stared at them for a long time.
"…When I first arrived in this city, I said something during the first funeral I presided over. Do you remember?"
When I asked, a smile spread across the faces of the citizens and soldiers who remembered that day.
I also smiled back and repeated the words I had said then.
"I told you that you would continue to die here. I distinctly remember saying that."
And now.
"Three years have passed, and today, I say this."
I finally corrected my words.
"You will no longer die here. From now on, you will live here."
The lips of those who had fought with me over the past three years tightened with emotion.
"The winds of those who became before us have protected us."
Meeting their tearful gazes, I nodded.
"And they will continue to protect us… and our era of peace."
Taking a deep breath.
Thinking of those who had fallen before us and become the wind.
I softly recited the most famous elegy from Earth.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I have become a thousand winds…
At that moment, a breeze swept through.
The wreaths laid in the graveyard swayed in the spring wind, sending a flurry of white petals our way.
Smiling in the midst of the petal shower that looked like spring snow, I spoke.
"I hope you will remember. The faces of those who fought on this front."
One by one, people closed their eyes.
"Remember the faces of those who became the wind before us. And remember the comrades who fought by your side."
I closed my eyes as well, recalling their faces, the time spent with them.
After a brief, silent moment of reflection…
"If we do not forget those faces, if we can recall them and remember the past three years, wherever we are…"
I slowly opened my eyes.
"Then, as they wished, and for our own sake, we will be able to live together, not with swords, but through dialogue."
Lifting my gaze, I saw everyone looking at me.
I firmly declared once more.
"The war is over."
Slowly, I turned around and deeply bowed toward the graveyard.
"To the heroes who ended this war, rest in peace."
With heartfelt sincerity, I whispered quietly.
"May we never forget your legacy."
As I straightened up,
Boom! Boom, boom, boom…!
A salute echoed in the distance, honoring the fallen.
And so, the last funeral I would preside over came to an end.
Chapter 817
After the funeral.
People from various nations began preparing to rebury the kings in front of their graves.
King Kellison of the Dwarves, Queen Skuld of the Elves, King Poseidon of the Merfolk, Kureha, who was the elder brother of Beast King Kuilan…
And many other human kings.
Lastly, there was Duchess Dusk Bringar, the ruler of the Duchy of Bringar.
"…"
I watched from a distance as the caskets of the kings were carefully removed with proper respect.
Countless kings lost their lives during the three years of war.
While most soldiers would remain buried here at the Crossroad cemetery, the kings, along with a few soldiers whose families requested it, were to be taken back to their homelands.
"There's a catacomb where all the previous Dwarf Kings are buried."
As I approached Kellison's grave, Kellibey, who had been gently caressing his son's casket, spoke in a steady voice.
The golden crown on his head glistened. Kellibey had come to this place as the new Dwarf King.
"This one has earned the right to rest there too."
I didn't know what to say, so I just stood there in silence. Kellibey, however, smiled faintly.
"And… I'm thinking of gathering the scattered dwarves together, not as a large nation but in a small, tight-knit group."
"You're not going to rebuild the kingdom?"
As part of their reward for participating in the war, the dwarves had seen the abolition of the non-human slavery system, and all non-human races had been granted freedom. This was an agreement that all nations participating in the World Guardian Front had approved and declared.
I had naturally assumed that Kellibey would now focus on rebuilding the dwarven kingdom.
"As you know, after our defeat in the race wars, we dwarves were still respected as craftsmen. We spread across various nations, and most of us are doing well. Many have grown attached to their new homes and don't want to leave."
Kellibey shrugged.
"Sure, many would return if called, but most have already built their own lives. There's no need to force everyone back together. Besides, we dwarves are naturally individualistic."
"Aha…"
"So, instead of a kingdom, I'm thinking of forming something like a guild. Everyone lives their lives independently, but we come together to help each other when needed, and work on big projects together."
I watched my blacksmith draw out his vision for the new era, and then smiled.
"I'll support you, Kellibey… I'm going to miss you."
"Why're you making it sound like a final goodbye? There's still the 'disbanding ceremony' tomorrow, you know!"
With the disappearance of magic, the entire world was now engulfed in various forms of chaos.
To manage this confusion, the kings of the World Guardian Front had to return to their lands urgently…
And so, the disbanding ceremony was scheduled to take place right after the funeral and memorial service.
"And even if we part ways now, we'll still see each other often. Isn't that right?"
Kellibey laughed and patted me on the back. I smiled back and threw my arm around his shoulder.
"That's right. I'll come visit until you get sick of seeing me and tell me to stop."
"Hah! Let's see who gets sick of whom first!"
Kellibey and I stood side by side for a while, watching as Kellison's casket was loaded onto the carriage.
When I approached Skuld's grave, Verdandi was already there, carefully placing various flowers on the casket that had been removed.
I gently called out to her.
"Verdandi."
"Oh, Ash!"
Verdandi finished arranging the flowers and turned to face me with a sheepish smile.
"How about we drop the formalities and speak casually? You're a queen now."
"Oh, right… Sure… I mean, sure…"
Verdandi looked a bit embarrassed. She was wearing a crown of white branches on her head.
Following the wishes of her elder sister Urd and her younger sister Skuld, Verdandi, the last surviving member of the Elf royal family, had ascended to the throne as the new Fairy Queen.
With the abolition of slavery and their release from vassalage, there was no reason for her to use formal speech with me anymore.
"So… I'll speak casually, Ash."
She fidgeted awkwardly, clearly unused to the idea.
Her nervousness, considering her age, amused me, and I had to stifle my laughter. It was strange to see someone much older than me act this way.
"…In the dungeon beneath the Black Lake, I never did find the Holy Grail I was searching for."
Together, we looked southward.
In the dungeon beneath what was once the Lake Kingdom, Verdandi had spent a hundred years searching for the Grail. It was supposed to be the means of saving the Fairy Kingdom.
But in the end, the Grail she found turned out to be a World Tree sapling.
And even that sapling, planted back in her homeland, had lost its magic, becoming nothing more than an ordinary tree.
The "miraculous magic" she had sought for a century had never existed in the first place.
"But Ash. I met you, we saved the world, and… the Fairy Kingdom has been redeemed."
We exchanged smiles.
Though the Grail lost its power and identity, through our exploration for it, we fought side by side, and as a result, the Elves regained the lands that originally belonged to the Fairy Kingdom.
It had been a long and winding path, but Verdandi had ultimately succeeded in saving her kingdom.
"And so, I believe that the last hundred years of my life had meaning."
Verdandi smiled warmly.
"Maybe the Holy Grail I was searching for… was you, Ash."
"Don't flatter me too much. It's embarrassing."
I waved my hand dismissively and looked at Skuld's flower-covered casket.
"What will you do now?"
"I'll return home and start rebuilding the kingdom."
Verdandi sighed deeply.
"…But many have grown accustomed to life on the continent over the past century. And there are still many of our kin who were sold as slaves across the world."
"You have a lot of work ahead of you."
"Well, I'll take it one step at a time."
Verdandi extended her hand to me.
"Though Urd and Skuld are gone…"
It was a gesture for a handshake.
"…I have a strong new ally to rely on."
I gladly took her hand.
"Promise me you won't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'll do everything I can."
"And that goes for me too, Ash. The Elves will never forget your kindness."
We couldn't let go of each other's hands for a while, both quietly gazing into the face of a comrade we had fought alongside for so long.
King Poseidon's casket was empty.
He had fallen during Operation "Titan Fall," a battle against the colossal monsters. His body was never recovered. Only his crown was retrieved.
"Rompellers."
In the absence of heirs, Poseidon's twin nephews, Rompeller and Rompeller, took on the role of chief mourners.
I approached the twins in their mourning attire and bowed to them.
"You've done well."
"Well, we didn't really do much."
The two Rompellers looked at their uncle's empty casket.
"It was our uncle who did the hard work."
"We didn't accomplish much on this front… But we must carry on our uncle's honor."
With the Merfolk King's position vacant, the two Rompellers would have to take on his responsibilities.
The oppression that the Merfolk had endured was now gone, but someone had to manage and represent their interests, and these two had stepped up.
Though Poseidon had handled most of the arrangements, leaving the twins to merely sign off on them…
"Even so, it's true that you two, and the Merfolk, fought hard."
I comforted the two, who seemed somewhat dejected.
"So, what's next? Are you done with piracy?"
"Haha! It would be a bad look for a hero who saved the world to still be a pirate."
"We'll sail around the continent's seas, spreading the news to our people. Most have already left for the deep sea or other continents… But some still remain."
Most of the Merfolk had already left this continent.
Those who stayed either formed small coastal villages or lived among humans, working on ships.
The Rompellers said they would work to ensure that the remaining Merfolk could live in peace, free from persecution.
"Perhaps a world where racial distinctions no longer matter is on the horizon."
"A world where everyone just works, eats, and lives together."
Nodding in agreement with the Rompellers, I added,
"Maybe we'll be the ones to create that world together."
They seemed to like that response, and the former Pirate Kings smiled back at me.
"If you ever need a navy, give us a call!"
"Ash, we'd trust you as our leader!"
For some reason, I had a feeling I'd be contacting them in the near future. There was much to do at sea.
After bowing one last time to King Poseidon's casket, I moved on.
Kureha's casket was being loaded onto a carriage.
Kuilan and the rest of the Penal Squad were handling the casket and paying their respects.
I waited for a moment before approaching them.
"Kuilan. Penal Squad."
"Oh, Boss."
"Hey there, Big Boss-!"
The five greeted me cheerfully, and I chuckled.
"But don't you think it's time to drop the 'Penal Squad' name? Your punishment ended a while ago."
"We've just gotten so used to it, hahaha!"
Kuilan laughed and looked at his subordinates.
"But yeah… I've been given the title of Beast King, and I'll be going home. These guys should get new titles too."
The excited members of the Penal Squad jumped up and down.
"What will it be, Boss?!"
"The King's Royal Guard?!"
"The Five Wolf Generals?!"
"Or maybe the Crimson Maple Fist Squad?!"
Kuilan pondered for a moment before muttering quietly,
"Kuilan and… His Disciples?"
"…"
The Penal Squad members gave Kuilan a cold stare, clearly unimpressed. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
Kuilan had reclaimed his homeland.
Given his contributions to the World Guardian Front, it was a small price to pay. But Kuilan had insisted on paying for the land with the money he had saved, refusing to accept it as a reward.
In the end, the money was taken, but it was used to provide supplies for rebuilding the devastated village. There was much to be done.
"I'm thinking of creating a community where not just the Crimson Maple Tribe… But all the Beast Tribes, and even refugees, can live freely."
Kuilan gently stroked his brother Kureha's casket.
"I have to live up to the miracle my brother gave me."
With a deep, mature gaze that was a far cry from the Kuilan I first met, he smiled warmly.
"I have to carry on his legacy."
"I'll support you, Kuilan."
After discussing the plans for the new village, I cautiously brought up another topic.
"How's Yun doing?"
"…Still the same."
Kuilan scratched his head with a troubled expression.
"She's always been a heavy sleeper, you know."
"…"
"With magic gone from this world, the curse-like wounds that plagued her have vanished… But the initial injury was so severe that she still hasn't woken up."
Kuilan sighed deeply.
"And if she decides to return to the Ariane Kingdom, that's a whole other challenge. The journey is long, cold, and harsh. I'm worried her weakened body won't be able to handle it. And with no magic or artifacts left to assist in long-distance travel…"
"…"
"In my heart, I want to marry her and take care of her myself, but the laws of Ariane Kingdom are tricky. Legally, for a marriage or any serious matter like that, the person involved must be conscious and able to express their consent."
It was a complicated situation for the Ariane Kingdom.
Transporting Yun, who remained unconscious, back to the Ariane Kingdom by land was too dangerous, yet leaving her in Crossroad indefinitely was also not an option.
Kuilan had offered to marry Yun and care for her, but the laws of Ariane Kingdom required a conscious consent for such a significant decision.
Everyone knew that the two were deeply in love. And now that Kuilan had become the Beast King, he was more than qualified.
But it was legally impossible to marry someone in a coma, especially a princess.
Kuilan let out another long sigh in frustration.
"So, I'm not sure what to do."
"Ahem, that's actually why I wanted to talk to you, Kuilan."
I lowered my voice and leaned in to whisper in Kuilan's ear.
"Yun's father, Miller Ariane, has a 'proposal' he wants me to run by you…"
Kuilan's eyes widened in curiosity.
With a sly, slightly mischievous grin, I asked,
"So, former Bandit King, are you interested in hearing it?"
Chapter 818
After paying my respects to the other kings' graves in preparation for the reburials, I finally made my way to the mausoleum of the Duchy of Bringar, to the grave of Dusk Bringar.
"Your Grace!"
"You've arrived, Your Grace."
The knights of the Dragonblood Knights who had been waiting for me saluted in unison.
I still wasn't entirely used to the name, but I nodded lightly and walked silently to Dusk Bringar's coffin, where I respectfully paid my respects.
I didn't feel sad.
When I met her again in the spirit world, she sent me off with a smile.
So, I decided to bless her afterlife with happiness as well.
"I entrust my mother's transport to you, Dragonblood Knights."
"Yes, Duke."
"After the disbanding ceremony tomorrow, we'll depart for the Duchy of Bringar the day after. Until we reach the duchy, you must keep a close watch over her coffin."
"We will guard it with our lives."
Though their expressions were firm, I could see a faint unease lingering in the knights' eyes.
Understanding their concerns, I smiled at them.
"Don't worry. I have no intention of abandoning the duchy."
"…!"
The knights were startled, clearly having their concerns read aloud.
I had inherited the title of Duke of Bringar, but I was also the Crown Prince of the Everblack Empire.
Depending on the choices I made, the Duchy of Bringar could be erased from history, annexed by the Empire, or simply fade away.
But I had no such intention.
"In fact, quite the opposite."
I looked around at the knights, speaking with certainty.
"For the time being, I plan to focus on my life as the Duke of Bringar, rather than my role as Crown Prince."
"…!"
The knights looked surprised, but this was the natural course of action.
My father, the Emperor, was still in excellent health, and it would be some time before I inherited the Everblack Empire.
Until then, I intended to operate from the Duchy of Bringar, learning more about governance and the politics of the world.
Although I had ruled Crossroad for the past three years, Crossroad was originally a small city, primarily focused on being a military fortress.
Strictly speaking, I was still lacking in many areas when it came to ruling an entire nation. And for a nation as vast as the Everblack Empire, even more so.
Thus, I intended to study kingship within the Duchy of Bringar before eventually assuming the throne of the Empire.
During this time, I also planned to solidify the Duchy of Bringar as a sibling nation to the Empire, ensuring that its status remained secure.
'…Of course, I'll have to face challenges along the way to see how things play out.'
The Duchy of Bringar was precious to me.
It could serve as a firm foundation for my political endeavors.
But above all, the legacy of the previous Dukes burned brightly within this nation.
Though the Dragonblood lineage may have faded, its spirit must continue.
I had no intention of neglecting the Duchy of Bringar.
"…"
I carefully touched the lid of Dusk Bringar's coffin.
Please watch over me, Mother.
As one who has inherited the name of Bringar, I will live a life that is worthy of it. I will do my utmost.
Later that afternoon.
In the drawing room of the lord's mansion.
Knock, knock—
There was a knock on the door, and Evangeline walked in briskly.
"Did you call for me, Senpai?"
She closed the door carefully and turned around with a cheerful tone.
"Is it because of tomorrow's disbanding ceremony? Don't worry, I've been preparing everything, and it's all—"
Mid-sentence, she abruptly stopped.
It was only then that she noticed the room was filled with people waiting for her.
Along with the main party members, several retainers, officers, and servants who had long served Crossroad were present in the drawing room.
There were warriors from the infantry battalion and fellow heroes who had fought alongside Evangeline, and even kings from various nations.
And, of course, my father, the Emperor, along with several of his knights and secretaries, were also gathered.
"Come in, Evangeline."
I gestured for her to approach, watching as she stiffened with surprise.
"No… I suppose it's more fitting to address you differently now."
Clearing my throat, I called her by her new title with emphasis.
"Margrave of Cross."
"…!"
As if struck by lightning, the moment she heard the title, Evangeline's shoulders trembled, and she stood tall, her back straight.
I smiled gently.
"Are you ready to inherit the noble title your father has preserved and the position of lord of this city?"
"…"
She bit her lip, her green eyes filled with complex emotions as she gazed at me.
Finally, with a voice that trembled but was firm and resolute, Evangeline answered.
"Yes!"
I stepped aside, and my father, the Emperor, advanced with his cane.
Evangeline, who had approached him with tense steps, knelt on one knee and bowed her head.
"Long live the Emperor. This humble servant is honored to be in your presence."
"Evangeline Cross, daughter of the Cross family."
The Emperor spoke solemnly to the young knight.
"I know that your parents and ancestors have defended the imperial territory with blood and tears here at this southernmost frontier."
"…"
"There were many names used to describe this fortress city: the Street of Suicides, the City on a Grave, the Monster Front… The names were diverse and ominous."
The Emperor shook his head slightly.
"But now it is time to discard those old titles."
"…"
"The monsters are gone, and a new path has opened to the south."
The Emperor gazed far to the south, in the direction of the Lake Kingdom.
"Crossroad must now become the new frontline of the Empire, bordering new nations and civilizations."
Listening with her head bowed, Evangeline's emerald eyes gleamed with firm resolve.
"Crossroad must be reborn, not as a fortress for war, but as a new center of culture and trade, where the roads of many nations intertwine."
"…"
"Evangeline Cross."
The Emperor asked gently.
"Are you capable of carrying out this heavy responsibility?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Evangeline replied boldly.
"Of course, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor smiled in satisfaction and issued a command.
"Evangeline Cross, eldest daughter of the Cross family, lift your head!"
Evangeline immediately raised her head as the Emperor stepped forward…
And the knights on either side of him presented her with a silver spear, a golden shield, and a beautiful green flag bearing the Cross family crest.
"Use this spear to vanquish your enemies, this shield to protect the city, and this flag to uphold the honor of Everblack and the Cross family."
Evangeline respectfully received the spear, shield, and flag and placed them before her.
With the ceremony concluded, the Emperor made an official declaration.
"Now, as the heir to your family's legacy and your father's name, you are the new Margrave of Cross for this era."
The Emperor then turned to me.
"At the same time, the fortress city of Crossroad is now returned to the Cross family as of this moment."
I stepped forward and handed Evangeline a white cloth that held several items: documents that certified the rights of the lord over the city, a key ring with the original keys to the city's main facilities, and the lord's seal.
As I respectfully offered her the cloth-wrapped items, Evangeline cautiously took them with a gentle touch.
"Thank you for the service of this city over the past three years and for the Cross family's willingness to lend it to the imperial family."
I stepped back, and the Emperor solemnly proclaimed,
"The Imperial family will remember the loyalty of the Cross family and the bravery of Crossroad until the day the history of the Empire ends."
Then, with a warm and benevolent smile, the Emperor added,
"May you become an excellent Margrave and a great lord, Evangeline Cross."
"…"
"Good luck to you."
With tears in her eyes, Evangeline bowed her head.
"It is the honor of my life, Your Majesty… I will strive to be an excellent Margrave and a good lord, as you command."
The Emperor nodded and stepped back, signaling me with his eyes.
After bowing to the Emperor, I stepped forward and cleared my throat.
"Lastly."
Under the gazes of everyone present, I walked calmly to stand before Evangeline.
Holding her by the shoulders, I gently helped her rise from where she knelt.
Facing her now as a fully grown adult, no longer the small, spirited girl knight she once was…
I smiled.
"As the former lord, I would like to recite a poem for the new lord, both as advice and as a blessing."
"…"
"Would that be alright, Margrave of Cross?"
Evangeline smiled back at me.
"I would be delighted to listen, Crown Prince."
Taking a deep breath, I recited the poem I had prepared long ago, for the day Evangeline would become the next Margrave of Cross.
A piece of wisdom I believed she would need in her new role as a ruler.
"People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway."
The recitation ended.
Though it was a long and potentially tedious passage, Evangeline took in the words, carefully reflecting on the advice, fully attentive.
"I will be watching with anticipation to see the lord you become and the city you will build."
I extended my hand.
"Do your best, Margrave of Cross."
Evangeline slowly took my hand.
"I will."
She couldn't hold back her tears as they streamed down her cheeks.
"I may still be young, inexperienced, and full of mistakes…"
But her voice was firm and resolute.
"But I will live and work hard to ensure that I am not ashamed before His Majesty, before Your Highness, before my late parents… Before my father and mother. I will strive to make this city a place where everyone can live with pride."
After a firm handshake, I stepped back.
The room erupted in cheers and applause.
Somehow, word had spread, and outside the mansion, citizens and soldiers had gathered, shouting their cheers and giving their ovations through the windows.
The Emperor's knights and secretaries were concerned for his safety and moved to calm the crowd, but the Emperor waved them off, smiling.
"Let them be."
The Emperor turned to me, his eyes crinkling with approval.
"This is a sight only possible in the frontier."
I smiled back, joining the Emperor in taking in the bustling, lively scene of the frontier.
Waaahhh—!
Citizens and soldiers crowded outside, chanting Evangeline's name.
With her bandaged hands, the new lord of Crossroad wiped away her tears and smiled brightly, waving back to the people.
"…"
Was it just a trick of the eye?
For a moment, I thought I saw the previous Margrave of Cross standing silently among the crowd.
He was no longer in his bloodstained armor.
He was just a proud father, shedding tears of joy as he watched his grown daughter.
'You have every right to be proud, Margrave.'
When I blinked, the vision was gone.
And with it, the heavy burden of guilt I had carried for so long began to lift.
'Your daughter has followed in your footsteps, just as you had hoped.'
Slowly, I raised my hands and clapped along with the others.
For the new Margrave and the new lord of Crossroad, who shone brightly among the people, smiling radiantly.
Chapter 819
The next day.
It was just around noon when the chill finally started to recede, and the weather grew warm, signaling the arrival of spring.
High above the bright blue sky, clear and free of clouds—
Screeeech!
Griffins with wings spread wide streaked across the sky in dazzling aerial maneuvers.
Waaahhh!
The crowd gathered in the plaza below erupted in cheers.
It was an air show led by Mikhail, King of the Vermillion Kingdom, and his Sky Knights. The griffins and their riders skillfully chased each other through the sky, leaving brilliant trails behind them.
"…We asked them to hold a disbandment ceremony."
Watching the air show, which had rapidly escalated to its climax, I chuckled wryly.
"This feels more like a festival."
Mikhail and his wives were now performing triple aerial spins in formation. That was something I had requested long ago, but I never expected him to remember it.
"Crying and saying goodbye has its traditional appeal!"
Evangeline, who had orchestrated this ceremony, appeared next to me with her arms crossed, laughing heartily.
"But this time, I wanted us to part ways with a smile!"
"Oh…"
"The World Guardian Front achieved its purpose admirably, so isn't it fitting to disband with happiness?"
A farewell with smiles, huh?
Indeed, if you can part with a smile, what better way to say goodbye?
The spectacular griffin air show, unlike anything I had seen before, was now in its final stages. Mikhail and his griffin riders spun in the air before plummeting gracefully to the ground in a landing.
Boom! Boom, boom, boom!
As the griffin riders touched down, fireworks exploded into the clear noon sky.
Mikhail struck a grand pose and the onlookers cheered until their voices grew hoarse. Mikhail, ever oblivious, beamed, unaware of the furious expressions on the faces of his five wives, who promptly dragged him away. Seriously, if he wants to live long, he should start noticing these things.
Evangeline watched with a smile before winking at me.
"This is the last time for the World Guardian Front. Let's enjoy it to the fullest!"
I nodded silently, gesturing for her to go on.
Evangeline quickly dashed up to the stage in the central plaza, shouting with enthusiasm.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen! Members of the World Guardian Front, thank you all for gathering here!"
She spun her arms around dramatically as if gathering energy for her next announcement.
"The long-awaited disbandment ceremony will now commence!"
Her voice, booming with all its might, echoed across the plaza.
At the same time, more fireworks burst into the sky, and the crowd erupted in cheers, loud enough to shake the plaza.
"Ah, youth…"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the newly appointed lord, unable to contain her excitement, practically bouncing across the stage.
Next to me, Lucas, who had been watching this lively scene with a smile, spoke up in a calm tone.
"It's ending, isn't it?"
"…Yeah."
Our days here in Crossroad were coming to an end.
We stood there quietly, taking in the sights of the plaza.
Under the spring sunlight, everyone in the plaza was smiling. There was no shadow on their faces.
With one hand holding food and the other a drink or a glass of wine, they laughed together, greeting each other warmly every time their eyes met.
They were farewells exchanged with comrades they would part ways with after this ceremony.
"…"
A festival commemorating farewells.
Amidst this joyous and bustling atmosphere, I felt a pang of melancholy.
But I pushed that feeling down and smiled at Lucas, asking him,
"So, what will you do now?"
"As always, I will remain by my lord's side."
Lucas's answer came as sharp and precise as ever, like an answer key.
But then, after a brief pause—
"…However."
Lucas hesitated before continuing.
"This time, I'm thinking of daring to request a short leave of absence."
I looked at him in surprise.
After a moment, Lucas seemed to solidify his resolve, standing tall and looking me in the eye as he nodded.
"I intend to return to the Imperial Capital and finally confront my past… to settle matters with my family, the McGregor family, once and for all."
"…"
"Will you allow it, my lord?"
"Of course."
I picked up a beer glass from a nearby table and extended it toward Lucas.
"Take as much time as you need. As long as you return to serve as my knight."
Lucas, too, carefully picked up his glass and gently clinked it against mine.
Clink—
After the light toast, we both sipped our drinks slowly.
"That said, you're going to be quite busy, huh? You've got to settle things with your family in the capital, visit me in the duchy when I leave, and then there's…"
On the stage, the newly appointed lord, Evangeline, was busy shaking hands and greeting the leaders of neighboring countries.
"You won't be seeing Evangeline as often anymore."
"…"
Even as a novice when it came to matters of the heart, I could tell that there was something brewing between the two knights.
And that made me worried. Unlike the past three years when they were constantly together, they would now be living separate lives, each in their own role.
"Don't worry."
But Lucas smiled confidently, radiating the aura of a protagonist.
"I won't miss out on anything."
"…"
"I've decided to live as I want to, so I'll work hard to make it happen."
Impressed, I couldn't help but raise my beer glass again.
"You've grown up, you rascal."
As we clinked glasses once more, Lucas grinned mischievously.
"I learned from the best."
This guy really knows how to smooth-talk when he's had a drink.
Shaking my head with a grin, I downed the rest of my beer. Lucas, too, chuckled at his own words as he took another sip.
We stood there in silence for a while, quietly smiling as we watched the plaza and shared our drinks.
I began to make rounds through the city, greeting people and bidding farewells.
Who knows when we'll meet again after this? I tried to shake hands and exchange words with as many people as possible.
And as I walked through the streets…
"Ugh!"
Suddenly, I stumbled upon an incredibly gloomy and dreary spot! What the heck?!
The whole city was in a festive mood, but this small square was filled with a heavy, damp atmosphere. It felt even sadder than yesterday's funeral. What's going on here?
"Ah, Your Highness!"
Someone in the group recognized me and waved energetically. It was none other than Junior.
"Welcome!"
"Ah, Junior. Good to see you. But, what is this gathering…?"
A group of people in robes, all with morose expressions, were pouring wine into their glasses and drinking it like water. What's with this oppressive atmosphere?
Junior, looking a bit flustered, mumbled an explanation.
"Well, it's… a gathering of mages…"
"Oh."
Indeed, upon closer inspection, it was a group of mages from various nations. I hadn't recognized them at first because their expressions were so grim, but they were familiar faces.
Among them, particularly recognizable with his long white beard, was the old mage, Dearmudin. He spotted me and sprang forward, shouting,
"You scoundrel, Ash! You're just in time!"
"D-Dearmudin!"
He seemed to have drunk quite a bit; his usually dignified face was flushed red from the alcohol.
"You're not supposed to be drinking so much, especially with your heart condition!"
"Is my heart the problem now?! Magic, magic…"
Dearmudin collapsed into a chair, wailing like a child.
"All the magic is gone! How can I cope without drinking?!"
"…"
I broke into a cold sweat.
When the spirit realm was sealed and destroyed, all magic, miracles, and mysteries disappeared from this world.
Most mages lost their powers. People who had once used magic in various fields lost their uniqueness.
Society would experience a period of turmoil, with significant growing pains ahead.
Among all, the mages were the hardest hit by this catastrophe. They had lost their very foundation.
To put it simply, I had turned these people into a group of unemployed individuals…
"It was for the world! I understand that! We all understood! We really did! But still!"
Having united the consensus of the mages to agree to the closure of the spirit realm, Dearmudin now wept openly.
"But to see everything we've worked for our whole lives turn to dust, oh, how cruel…!"
"Th-Thank you for your understanding, and I deeply apologize for this. As for the employment of mages going forward—"
"Employment or making a living isn't the issue! Everyone's going to suffer together now that magic is gone!"
Dearmudin blew his nose loudly into a handkerchief, his voice calmer now.
"The issue is the loss of our scholarly pursuit, of our magology."
"Magology…?"
"The academic study of magic, passed down for over a thousand years, is now lost. As scholars who inherited this knowledge from our distant predecessors, how could we not feel devastated…"
It wasn't just about livelihoods; as scholars, they grieved the loss of their discipline.
"Just drowning our sorrows in wine seemed futile, but then, lo and behold, Ash! You were the one who saved us!"
"Huh? Me?"
I blinked, utterly confused.
Saved them? What did that mean?
"Junior told me about your plan to create the history foundation… the 'Jupiter Foundation'."
Hearing her name, Junior scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
The Jupiter Foundation.
A historical foundation dedicated to cross-verifying events from different factions to record the most impartial truth without embellishment.
A historian development project that I planned to launch first and foremost if I were to become the Emperor of the Everblack Empire, to allow us to acknowledge and settle past mistakes and move forward into a new era.
I had been eyeing Junior as the ideal candidate for this project and had already offered her a position.
"I'm still not entirely sure if I'm capable of handling such an important role…"
And Junior had readily accepted.
"But I'll give it my best shot. So, after this disbandment ceremony, I'll head to the capital to begin my training as a historian. When I mentioned this to Dearmudin…"
"A historical foundation! By the gods, Ash Prince! It's an excellent idea!"
Dearmudin interrupted, nodding vigorously.
"That gave me a hint. So our Ivory Tower will be reborn as a new entity focused on compiling and recording the thousand-year history of magic… The 'Ivory Tower History Foundation'!"
"The Ivory Tower History Foundation…"
I echoed in surprise, and Dearmudin nodded earnestly.
"The history of magic is intertwined with the history of humanity over the past thousand years. But once our generation passes, no one will remember magic."
"…"
"Those miracles we once could touch will vanish not just from reality, but from memory as well. So, we will record it."
As Dearmudin spoke, the other mages, who had been somber and dejected, began to lift their heads.
"I understand. Magic is gone. And perhaps the glorious past of magic may seem worthless in the world to come. But that doesn't matter."
Dearmudin looked around at the other mages, raising his voice.
"Magic was once everything to us. It was more valuable than any gem or treasure in this world."
"…!"
"Magic gave us life. To record its history, to keep it alive in memory if nowhere else, is a duty for those of us who have benefited from it."
Dearmudin's words dispelled the intoxication from the air.
Even though the magic had disappeared, the powerful charisma of the Ivory Tower's leader commanded the small square, as he solemnly declared,
"As a magology scholar, I will document that history."
Hearing this, the mages rose from their seats one by one.
"We'll join you, Dearmudin!"
"Our Blue Tower will stand with the Ivory Tower!"
"The Red Tower, too…!"
"Let's gather all the scattered magic records from around the world!"
"Let's document it thoroughly so it won't be forgotten even a thousand years from now!"
What had just been a gloomy square had suddenly become a lively forum for serious discussion about the foundation of the Ivory Tower.
The scholars who had dedicated their lives to the study of magic now had faces full of childlike purity as they passionately shared their ideas.
Junior and I stood side by side, chuckling as we observed the scene.
"The Ivory Tower Foundation… It seems like it could work well with the Jupiter Foundation."
"Magic has been such an integral part of human history that we can't leave it out. It looks like we'll be able to help each other out."
Watching the mages discuss the history of magic, Junior seemed unable to hold back any longer. She was fidgeting and finally turned to me with a quick bow.
"Then, as the first historian of the Jupiter Foundation and a former mage, I'd better go join that discussion!"
She rushed back into the square, and as she did, I called out softly.
"Junior."
"Yes?"
When she looked back, I gave her a warm smile.
"Thank you. For all the things we've worked on together."
"…"
"And in the future… for all the things we'll continue to work on together."
Junior grinned, almost like a fox.
"Isn't that something I should be thanking you for?"
And with that, Junior jumped into the mages' discussion.
As they passionately exchanged wine glasses, discussing the history of magic and humanity over the past thousand years, I committed the scene to memory.
This, too, would be a chapter in history that must not be forgotten.
After leaving the small square, I headed towards the temple.
"I will go ahead and inform them of your arrival."
"Alright. Thanks."
Just before entering the temple, Lucas dashed off, making his way ahead to announce my visit.
As I drew closer to the entrance, leisurely making my way…
Clack.
"…?!"
Suddenly.
Without any warning. Without a sound.
Something cold and hard pressed against the back of my neck.
I froze on the spot. At the same time, a familiar voice spoke from behind me.
"Your Highness."
It was my marksman. My trigger.
Damien's voice.
"Damien?"
"…"
With the precision of a sniper, Damien had managed to fool even Lucas, waiting for me in the shadows of the alley.
After a brief silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and even.
"…Three years ago, you made a promise to me."
His tone was flat as he asked,
"Do you still remember it?"
Chapter 820
"…Do you still remember the promise you made to me three years ago?"
Damien's words triggered an old memory, one from three years ago.
It was back during the Tutorial Stage, on that day at the Forward Base.
— I promise. If I make it out of here alive, whenever you decide, I'll let you kill me.
I had made a promise to Damien back then.
He had lost his friend Ban and was engulfed in despair, letting go of everything. To spur him into action, I had pledged to give my life to him someday.
At that time, Damien had harbored deep resentment toward me. He wanted to kill me for sending the troops from the Forward Base, which had led to his friend's death.
— Someday, after all the monsters are defeated and peace returns to this frontline, Your Highness. Ask me again then.
— I'll tell you if I still… hate you.
After that, Damien became my ally, and the fulfillment of that promise was postponed until after the war with the monsters.
And now, three years later…
With all the nightmares vanquished and peace restored to the frontlines, Damien was finally asking for that promise to be fulfilled.
"…Of course, I remember."
And I…
I nodded without hesitation.
"If that's what you want, I'm ready to die for you."
Three years ago, at the Forward Base on that day…
If Damien hadn't taken the shot and killed the Queen Spider, I would have died there.
Without Damien, I would never have made it through these three years. My conquest would have ended in failure long ago.
Damien was the trigger that set my journey in motion and launched the first shot… He was my trigger.
"You were the reason I made it this far. The promise we made that day still stands."
Smiling faintly, I asked the young man standing behind me,
"But what about you, Damien? Does the hatred you felt for me three years ago still remain?"
"…"
"Do you still… want to kill me?"
A long silence followed before Damien finally spoke, his voice trembling slightly.
"…To be honest, I'd almost forgotten about it. The hatred I had for you, that promise…"
His voice wavered.
"But with the disbandment ceremony today, as I was thinking about the path ahead… that promise came back to me."
"…"
"And I realized I couldn't just bury it and pretend it never existed."
I listened quietly to Damien's words as he continued.
"I still can't forget Ban's death. I'll probably remember that girl's final moments for the rest of my life—the girl who died in my place."
"…"
"But at the same time… I remember Ban's life."
There was a warmth returning to Damien's voice, which had been heavy with sadness.
"The girl who led me out of the orphanage, who showed me the sunrise from the mountaintop, who fought fiercely for his life… I remember her life."
"…"
"Not to focus on death, but on life—not to dwell on despair, but on hope… You taught me that, Your Highness, like the two sides of a coin, that dawn always follows a nightmare."
He paused, as if gathering his thoughts, before speaking again with conviction.
"The days I spent on this monster-infested frontline left me with wounds that will never fully heal, but they were also the most radiant memories of my life. Painful, but precious moments."
"…"
"So, I've come to a conclusion."
I listened to his voice, which now carried a newfound strength and resolve…
"I no longer want to hate… that version of myself from back then."
Closing my eyes tightly, I heard Damien's voice, now tinged with emotion, continue,
"I want to acknowledge it and accept it."
…I still dream about that day.
The thousands of corpses lined up on either side of the flickering blue sacred flame.
That scene from the Forward Base, which had always weighed on me like a debt.
Every time someone fell under my banner, the image of that day would flash back into my mind.
"So please, Your Highness."
The past three years, burdened with guilt over the lives I couldn't save.
"Don't hate the person you were back then anymore."
Could I finally stop hating the person I was then?
Could I finally acknowledge and accept that version of myself as he was?
"…That's my conclusion."
It suddenly hit me.
That my marksman, until the very end…
Was someone who wanted to heal the wounds of others.
Not only his own wounds from that day, when guilt left its scar, but also my wounds—he was trying to heal them too.
"…Thank you, Damien."
Damien would never forget Ban.
And I would never forget the funeral from that day.
But maybe we could carry these scars forward as we move on with our lives.
That's what I wanted to believe.
"Huuh…"
I let out a long, relieved sigh before carefully asking Damien,
"Uh, Damien."
"Yes?"
"Could you maybe… put down whatever it is you have pressed against the back of my neck? It's really terrifying…"
Something cold and hard was still pressing into the back of my neck.
I mean, if you're not going to kill me, could you just take this thing away already? It's seriously scary! Having something like this against your neck would make any normal person faint from fear!
"What? Your Highness, I haven't pointed a gun at you…"
"Huh? Then what is this?"
Puzzled, I turned to look behind me.
And there, I met the gaze of a yellowish, reptilian eye.
A gray-scaled snake with a long, flickering tongue.
It was Jörmungandr…
The snake was coiled around Damien's neck like a scarf, its head extended to poke and prod the back of my neck.
"Waaaah?!"
Startled, I jumped back.
"Why is it here?!"
"Well, when I told it I was going on a journey, it wanted to come along."
"A journey?"
"Yes."
Finally, I was able to face Damien properly.
He was completely unarmed, wearing a warm-looking coat with a thick scarf… or rather, a snake draped around his neck.
His hands were empty.
He had never intended to kill me.
Damien glanced south, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"I've seen the end of the south. Now, I want to see the ends of the north, east, and west."
"…"
"It was Ban's promise to explore the ends of the world, after all."
And Jörmungandr, who also wanted to go north, would accompany him on his journey to the far north.
As an adventurer, setting off toward a new horizon, Damien smiled gently.
I watched him for a moment before speaking up,
"Damien."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Let's make a new promise."
I extended my hand.
"When your journey is over, come find me."
"…"
"And tell me what you saw at the end of the world and how it made you feel."
"…I will, Your Highness."
Damien reached out and clasped my hand.
"Promise."
We shook hands slowly.
"It was an honor to accompany you on your journey, Your Highness."
"I'm really, truly… so glad you were there, Damien. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am."
His hand, covered in burns, blisters, and calluses, was the hand of a sniper.
And at the same time, the hand of a healer.
As we held on, the remnants of the past three years lingered in that grip, and I didn't want to let go.
Eventually, we released our grip.
With one last respectful bow, Damien took a few steps back, only to stop abruptly…
"…"
He turned back to look at me, his gaze piercing.
Then, with his thumb and index finger forming a gun shape, he pointed at me with his index finger.
As if mimicking the gesture of aiming a gun.
And then…
He smiled peacefully.
Damien raised his hand slowly, pointing his finger at the distant sky.
"Bang."
He mimicked shooting toward the sky.
At the same time,
Boom!
A celebratory shot rang out from the nearby temple.
Following that, the sound of a large bell echoed through the air.
Ding… Ding… Ding…
Startled by the sounds of gunfire and bells, birds took flight en masse.
All kinds of birds, perched on the rooftops and stone walls of the alley, flapped their wings, creating a picturesque scene as they soared into the sky.
Amidst the flurry of wings, Damien smiled one last time and nodded at me before turning away.
"Goodbye, Damien."
I whispered to the departing figure of my trigger.
"May you have another amazing journey."
I, too, turned around and took a step forward.
No longer bound by past wounds, each of us heading toward our new paths.
Leaving the shadows of the alley, stepping into the bright sunlight that bathed the plaza…
And beyond.
When I arrived at the temple, the service had just concluded. The celebratory shots and bells must have signaled the end of the ceremony.
"Since this is High Priestess Rosetta's final service here, it's more crowded than usual."
"Ah, I see. It's not every day you get to witness a service led by the High Priestess herself."
As always, I stood alongside Torkel, who was stationed at the temple entrance, and we chatted for a bit.
"So, what's next for you, Torkel?"
"Thankfully, I've received many offers."
Torkel scratched his helmet with a hint of embarrassment.
"I've been scouted by several well-known mercenary companies, and even a few kings have offered me knighthood."
"Knighthood? Wow, that's impressive."
It seemed that several kings were impressed by Torkel's diligent and dedicated attitude, as well as his willingness to sacrifice himself for the tasks assigned to him. Many countries were vying to recruit him…
"Lady Evangeline… I mean, the Cross Margrave also offered me the position of Captain of the Crossroad Infantry."
"This is turning into a heated off-season recruitment battle…"
But I couldn't afford to let him go. Torkel was someone I had my eye on as well. I'd do whatever it took to bring him to Bringar Duchy!
Just as I was about to make my offer, Torkel spoke up first.
"But first, I think I'd like to rest for a while… and visit my home island."
"Oh. Your home island?"
"Yes. The island where people like me, those with leprosy, once lived."
There was a far-off look in Torkel's eyes as he spoke.
"I haven't returned since I left, but I've realized something during my time here in Crossroad. That island, too, was always a place bathed in sunlight, just like Crossroad."
"…"
"So… I'm thinking of returning home with my hands full of gifts and reflecting on my future there."
I grinned and patted Torkel on the back.
"That's a great idea, Torkel. You've worked hard, so take some time to rest."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And when you're done resting, make sure to get in touch with me…"
Before I could finish making my pitch for next season's contract, a voice interrupted.
"Torkel!"
I turned to see who it was, and sure enough, it was a group of priests emerging from the temple. Leading them was none other than High Priestess Rosetta, wearing her trademark gentle yet intimidating smile.
"Oh, Your Highness, you're here as well."
"Rosetta."
"Apologies, but may I speak with Torkel first? Thank you."
With that, Rosetta smoothly positioned herself between Torkel and me.
My eyebrow twitched. No way, Rosetta, you too…?
"I'll get straight to the point. Torkel, have you considered becoming a priest?"
So you're a scout too-!
She must have noticed my interest in recruiting Torkel, so she blocked me and made her offer first! This cunning priestess!