episode_0088

“Wow! It’s the Commander-nim!” “It feels like it’s been so long since we last saw him…!” “We missed you!”

The children welcomed him boisterously. It seemed to be free time, as everyone was happily gathered together, playing. As one small fox discovered him, the others also gathered around.

Pitter-patter-. The little ones ran over on their short legs. He leisurely spread his arms, embracing them as if receiving their rushing bodies. Warm body heat clung to him from all sides.

“Heh heh… Have you all been well?” “”Yes!!”” The answer came back forcefully.

It was the innocent atmosphere unique to children.

“Commander-nim, Commander-nim! What brings you here today?” “You came to play with us, right?” “Idiot! He must have come to work! Teacher-nim said we shouldn’t bother Commander-nim!” “I’m not an idiot?!” “Yes, you are! You idiot!” “Hey, kids… Don’t fight in front of Commander-nim.”

Although they seemed to be squabbling, it showed how close they were. It was exactly the kind of reaction friends that age would show. He watched them with a pleased smile.

As he listened to their chattering voices, Irene, who appeared shortly after, separated her younger siblings. It was the sight of a taciturn older sister dealing with her mischievous younger siblings.

“You kids… Why are you fighting, holding onto a stern person?” “Oh? It’s Sister-nim!” “As expected, you came too!” “Wah…! Unnie, we missed you!” “W-wait, if you suddenly cling…”

She had quite a stern expression, but perhaps she couldn’t withstand the affectionate assault of the softies. It was a scene where even the stiff atmosphere instantly crumbled. The girl sighed as if she couldn’t bear it. Eventually, Irene gave up scolding and stroked the heads of her clinging siblings. The small foxes chirped, surrounding them.

“Heh heh.”

Looking at it this way. He thought that whoever ended up with Irene later would have quite a bit of trouble. Because they would have to support all these many foxes.

‘It feels like a distant story for now.’ If a happy ending ever came to this world, then each of them would build a happy life. Naturally, there would also be those who met people they loved. Although romance did not appear in the original work, there was no law saying it couldn’t happen after the ending.

When that time came. The story of them finally becoming happy, which he hadn’t seen to the end in his previous life. It would be enjoyable to watch that through to the end.

‘Until then.’ He held a faint smile.

As he spoke of such things, as if lightly joking, Irene, who was listening, made a thoughtful expression. Perhaps it was because she was at an age where the word ‘love’ was still difficult. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, her ears twitched upwards, and her tail wagged. The girl coughed lightly for a moment, then asked a question.

“……What about you?” “Hmm?” “I want to know what ordinary men are like. Do they dislike it if there are many children?” “You’re asking for my thoughts, then.” “Yes…”

So she did have an interest in the opposite sex after all. She always went around with such a taciturn expression, so he thought she had no interest in such matters. Should he call it unexpected?

Of course. It wasn’t particularly surprising. She was a girl in the fresh bloom of youth, after all.

He smiled softly and replied.

“I quite like them. I always believe there’s something to learn from the innocence of children.” “Oh, I see… Men…” “That doesn’t apply to everyone. Preferences vary from person to person.” “Okay.”

The trivial conversation continued. After spending some time like that, a person appeared not long after. It was an impressive middle-aged man with deep red hair. He wore a cute apron that didn’t quite suit his large build.

“Commander-nim! You’ve arrived!” “Sir Kyle.”

Kyle Strovane. He was once a star said to have touched the night sky, and currently, the head chef of Astro. He smiled in response to the hearty greeting.

“So you were here, as expected.” “Hahaha! It’s my job! I always teach the children with a happy heart!” “Excellent. It seems my trust in you was well-placed.” “I heard you were looking for me! Is something the matter?” “There’s something I’d like to discuss briefly.” “Hmm? Discuss what?” “It’s about Baob.”

“……Understood. Let’s go to the room next door.” His boisterous voice immediately quieted. His red eyes had somehow cooled. The middle-aged man calmly sent the surrounding children away. The lively atmosphere receded obediently, and they headed to a nearby lounge. The Sword Saint’s expression remained coldly frozen until then.

***

The reason he sought out the Sword Saint was simple. Now that the cultists were beginning to stir again. He felt the need to discuss matters to some extent. Kyle was the most experienced among the guild members, and he had fought on the front lines during the Great Extermination period, so he was suitable for discussions related to this.

He first explained the recent church attack incident. Kyle had probably already heard a rough outline of the situation, but what he was talking about now was more detailed. The ‘Conductor’, presumed to be the mastermind of this attack. They were discussing him.

“The Conductor… I see. So he’s finally reappeared.” Kyle groaned, as if troubled. As he briefly pinched the bridge of his nose, he casually brought up the subject of the Conductor.

“I heard you directly confronted him. During that fierce war.”

Five years ago. Kyle had already faced him. No… perhaps ‘faced’ wasn’t enough. Since they were both called the strongest in their respective factions, they must have clashed countless times on the bloody front lines. The wounds they inflicted on each other must also have been more than just one or two.

On the other hand. Despite everything they had gone through, both of them had survived, making it a persistent ill-fated connection in a way.

Kyle, who had been silent for a moment, soon spoke.

“He’s someone I know well.” “Is that so?” “He’s an enemy I once cut down. I severed his lower body. I made him unable to live without a wheelchair for the rest of his life.”

“I heard that part before.” “He gave me quite a bit of trouble. He was a strong opponent.” “Impressive, for a star to acknowledge him.” “I always had to confront him alone. Otherwise, I’d often be attacked by allies corrupted by demonic energy.” “Indeed… He seemed to possess a bothersome power.” “He was like a demon. I don’t even remember how many sacrifices there were now.”

Memories of that time seemed to surface. Kyle muttered with a complicated expression. “Many more people will die, it seems…”

Was the heart of a hero still within him? His red eyes were wavering. He smiled lightly and spoke, intending to reassure him. Based on the life Kyle had dedicated to him.

“Don’t worry. I will be here this time.” “Indeed… I can’t express how reassuring that is. No matter what that fellow has prepared upon his return, he will be less than a mere insect to Commander-nim.” “I wonder if you’re overestimating me too much.” “Yet, you don’t actually deny it.” “Heh heh.”

The stiff atmosphere eased. He gave a word of caution. “As I told you last time, the head chef should not step forward.”

“May I ask the reason why?” “Because it’s best to hide a good hand for as long as possible.”

The Red Sword Saint. Among the cards he held, he was the hand that would become the most excellent joker in the future. The world believed Kyle was dead. Only the guild members residing at the headquarters knew he was alive. It was information they monopolized across this vast continent.

“For now, it’s enough for you to guard the headquarters.” “Understood.” “Moreover, you have a family to protect, don’t you? To avoid losing precious things again, you must act even more cautiously from now on.” “Family… That’s right. I will bear that in mind.”

Kyle nodded vehemently. For some reason, his eyes were reddened. He seemed touched by the feeling of being worried about.

Indeed. He had saved Kyle and his wife from being murdered by the cultists. Not only had he returned his daughter, who had become a monster, to normal. Now, he was even advising him, worrying about his family.

‘How loyal.’ He would be reduced to a puppet unable to defy commands. Truly a desirable subordinate. He would continue to exploit him thoroughly with the utmost welfare.

“Sniff… Hahaha! I will do my best!” “I’ll look forward to it.”

After a few idle words. He brought up the rest of his business. If what they had just discussed was about future tasks, this time it was a personal request. He said, pointing to the fox standing beside them.

“And… would you be able to help with Irene’s training for a while?” “Are you asking me to act as her master?” “She has just reached a new realm. It is a time when she needs a leader to guide her in the right direction.” “No problem.”

The Sword Saint scrutinized the girl with serious eyes. Then, as if surprised, he let out a clear exclamation. “Remarkable… She has certainly changed. A talent worthy of being called a genius.”

“Is it possible for her to reach the realm of touching a star?” “That’s unknown. Not everyone with talent ascends to the night sky. Most tend to fall midway.” “Meaning it depends on her effort, then.” “That’s right.”

Kyle nodded plainly. “Still… I can give her guidance on the fundamentals.” “That will be enough.” “So I’ll be taking on a disciple in my lifetime.” “I’ll leave her to you for a while. I plan to be away for a few days.” “Understood.”

The Sword Saint replied briefly, then rose from the sofa. And then stood before the fox. His red pupils gazed down. Though the look was as if she would be crushed at any moment, the girl merely held her head steady. Perhaps pleased by her stance, Kyle laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! I like her gaze from the start!” “……” “It will be quite arduous training. Can you follow a path like hell?” “If I can stand by his side… I can do anything.” “Mhm mhm! Excellent!”

The Sword Saint responded positively. Irene, putting the middle-aged man aside, directed a question towards him. Her black pupils were subtly wavering.

“If I’m here… what do you plan to do?” “There’s somewhere I need to go.” “Where?” “The Imperial Palace.” “So you’re going to that Princess-nim.” “Because I made a promise.”

The situation was not suitable for her to accompany him. Because it involved the Imperial Palace. He had visited the headquarters partly to arrange a good master for her while he was there.

The fox, who seemed lost in thought for a moment, soon took a deep breath and nodded. It meant she would comply.

“I… I’ll work hard.” “Good.” “Instead.”

*Grab!* Suddenly, Irene pulled his tie, then wrapped her arms around him. The girl pressed her cheek against his. Warm body heat transferred through their skin. The fox, who had been quietly hugging him, then faintly murmured as if whispering in his ear. It was a strangely bitter resonance.

“……Don’t get hurt.” The girl spoke a concern she couldn’t fully elaborate. He, who had been stiff and blank, chuckled. And then, with his cheek still pressed against hers, he replied.

“Of course.” She was a troublesome fox in many ways.

***

A few days later. He was riding in a carriage. The scenery outside the window, cutting across a long road. Beside him sat a platinum-blonde girl. Doll-like features, sea-like blue eyes, and her characteristic expressionless face. It was none other than Charlotte. They were on their way to the Imperial Palace.

“Can you really fix her?” Charlotte suddenly asked. It was a faint, emotionless tone, yet the underlying anxiety could not be erased. He replied as if deliberately unaware.

“I’ll have to see her condition directly first to know. My abilities aren’t entirely omnipotent, after all.” “I see.”

A strangely powerless response came back. He subtly smiled. Would she truly notice such a dark hidden agenda? The innocent girl merely clasped her hands together and made a faint request towards him. The face of a wicked snake was reflected in her transparent pupils.

“Please… save Elize.”

Elize. ‘Elize Rose von Staufen.’ The Second Princess of the Empire. Charlotte’s younger sister. A character with a rose motif, and at the same time. A terminally ill patient who met her demise in all routes of the original work.

He was on his way to the Imperial Palace, teeming with schemes, to meet the girl filled with misfortune. He mumbled a small thought to himself. ‘This time.’ This time, he would definitely save her.