episode_0133

“Is that so…”

“I really can’t believe it…”

We went to Hoody’s house and finished our conversation while drinking the warm tea that Hoody provided.

Hoodie and Rania both looked in disbelief at first, but then smiled gently.

“This is… the new Espilia.”

“That’s right. I don’t know how you will view it, but… I am proud.”

As I was slowly walking around the village and came into this house, I was able to see the new Espilia.

The city that once had the reputation of being a huge city and the most developed city in the empire has disappeared. The new technologies that used to roam alleys, streets, and squares have long since disappeared along with them.

However, the empty space was not felt. It was only after the brilliant technology disappeared that hope began to fill people’s hearts.

“Mr. Venice…”

“…Keuhum.”

Hoodie and Rania seem to be paying attention a little. I guess I’m worried that I might not like this town.

However, there was no need for that. The village, where all deception, arrogance, and greed had disappeared, was rich without any deficiency.

It did not mean material abundance. Living in such a deep mountain, you must have been given a difficult life with many things lacking.

In particular, it must have been much more difficult for those who lived and adapted to advanced technology.

“…Why are you paying attention? It’s such a beautiful town.”

but. Because of these deficiencies, this village seems to shine even more brilliantly.

Because we have been given a difficult and arduous life, we can be faithful to every moment, and because we have shortcomings, even small happiness can bring great joy.

Humans and beastmen who ostracized, loathed and hated each other live together, helping and loving each other.

Those who used to only curse and look at each other negatively, now say words of blessing and look at each other positively.

Wouldn’t this look similar to what it looked like a long time ago, when Espilia was called Mureungdowon before it collapsed?

“As expected… I will get better. It was a pointless worry…”

“Venice… you are still the same.”

I was just saying my thoughts, but Hoodie and Rania looked at me with bright eyes, as if they were looking at God with a reverential expression.

“By the way, Kali. Are you okay now?”

“Huh, me? What am I… I’m fine. Owner.. Because Venice is nearby.”

“I see… I’m so glad. Your expression was always like that of a person about to die.”

Hoodie, who was quietly drinking tea, looked at Carly and spoke. The Carly that Hoodie was talking about must have been the carly she looked like after I left.

After hearing those words, Carly wiggled her fingers and spoke a little glumly.

“He was a person about to die… That’s right. I wanted to die every day, every moment, but I couldn’t.”

“Carly….”

“But it’s okay now. You are next to me like this, right?”

As Carly said that and smiled brightly as usual, I looked at her and smiled.

There were so many ups and downs in Carly’s life.

A monster that destroyed a happy life. A past where he had to change himself to protect his younger brother.

The days when I couldn’t hope for rest, and the things that Calea and I left behind.

Even though things happened one after another that an ordinary human being would not be able to endure in their right mind. Carly was still brave and kind.

I smile and look at Kali, who lives proudly even though her life was so miserable and dominated only by ups and downs.

“That’s right. Because we… are together.”

“…Venice.”

Water begins to form around Carly’s eyes as she looks at my face. As if everything that had happened so far was passing quickly, her eyes were also shaking.

I hold her hand. Even though she was living in a world that was so cruel and cold to her, her hands were so warm.

“From now on… I won’t leave. I live just smiling.”

“…..Yes!”

Finally. Carly shakes off her tears and hugs me tightly. It may have been chipped away and worn away by the cold reality.

Nevertheless, her warmth seemed to indicate a warm attitude that would not change.

Me, Carly, all of us. I’ve been through a lot, and there have been difficult and sad days…

Because my life has been so turbulent, I will now be able to live with only one goal: happiness.

***

We all slowly looked back at Espilia together, and then looked at the statue that looked like it had been hit with the exact image of my third clone.

“Hoo… This is the leader’s third appearance…”

“…What do you mean by saying this, you look a little suspicious.”

“That’s right. I was very wary when I first saw it too.”

It was amazing how they could make something so identical, and each of the women looked at the statue with interest.

…It really looks like a dark place even to me. How can you not be suspicious when you see someone who looks like that?

anyway. I’m almost done with exploring the village… and now I feel like I’ve finished everything I need to do.

Hoodie seemed to have caught the mood, looking at me with a look of disappointment.

“I’ll be fine. Now… are you leaving?”

” That’s how it should be. Still… I’ll stop by here often, so don’t worry!”

“Yes. Please come anytime… whenever you feel like it.”

I still only told Hoodie and Rania my truth. There were many people I wanted to meet and talk to.

Espilia as well as the northern Frost territory. And I will also visit the southern village of Leria again someday.

“Venice… you must come!”

“Yes. Rania too… take care.”

“Carly. Please… take care of yourself. I hope you don’t lose that expression.”

“…Grandpa. Grandpa is doing well too. Thank you for taking care of me… Little fox, take care of yourself too!”

“I’m not a kid! I’m an adult now…!”

We all burst into laughter as we watched Rania run around, wagging her tail wildly.

So we left Espilia, leaving Rania and Hoodie waving behind us.

Since I had already taken this road once, I was able to quickly get to the place where I parked the automatic carriage.

After Ariel’s magic was dismantled, everyone got on the automatic carriage and there was a short silence.

“Now… what should I do?”

“So…”

“Tsk. It’s really over now.”

I ended up facing all my past relationships safely. Because I have no idea what to do now.

“Venice. Where is your next destination?”

“Uh…um… where should I go?”

Royu, who had been quiet until now, asked me, but I couldn’t really answer.

“Then… how about finding a house first?”

“Home…?”

“Yes. From now on, you can’t just move around here and there and change your place for the rest of your life.”

After listening to Ariel, it was definitely true. Surely, with their abilities, they could live in the best places and enjoy the benefits no matter where they travel in the world…

It was clear that there was a big difference between having a home you could return to and not having one.

“Then, shall we discuss where to buy a house?”

Inside the stopped automatic carriage, a heated argument began, starting with what Royu said.

Let’s decide on the south. Let’s decide on the north. Let’s decide on the east side. Or just buy the most expensive house in the center of the empire, etc. There were many sharply conflicting opinions.

Actually… if we, or rather, considering the wealth they have, we wouldn’t hesitate to choose all the options that have been presented so far.

Choosing a house didn’t seem to be easy, so we had to spend more time discussing it than expected.

“The southern part is the best! It’s warm in the summer and moderately cold in the winter!”

“…That doesn’t mean it’s warm. Have you not seen Venice? I almost melted that day.”

“Well…but it’s not that northern! If it snows all year round, the leader will quickly lose interest and drink! Don’t you even remember how excited you were back then?”

“Oh. Then it’s decided on the east side! The weather is just perfect and there’s a lot to see!”

“Hmm… Let’s get that sorted out.”

The discussion continued, with everyone offering their own opinions and ignoring them, but no one was willing to come up with an answer.

“Hehe… Is there any meaning in what we are discussing, everyone?”

“”……..!””

At that time, Royu, who had been quietly listening to opinions and agreeing with them, smiled and said something.

“No matter how much we discuss and express our opinions, if Venice doesn’t want it, is there any point?”

“What…what!”

“Yeah…but.”

“That’s right…”

When the incident was over, all eyes turned to me, who was sitting still.

“Venice~?”

“Yes…yes?”

“Venice chooses. We… Any place you choose is fine. Right?”

“K…Hmm. That’s right, Captain…”

“If it is the place you choose…”

“Actually, I don’t care!”

The discussion that continued for such a long time turned out to be useless, and in the end, the choice was given to me who stayed still.

Actually, it doesn’t matter to me either… I’ve been thinking about the house before.

“Well, then… what about the West…?”

West. It was the place where I first opened my eyes in this world, and the place where all things began and ended.

Although it was a land of death in the past where no living creatures could live, it is now a land of blessings with only beautiful scenery remaining.

“That… the scenery of the cliff. I miss you all every day…”

And most of all, that cliff in the west where I stayed. This is because I wanted to see the scenery that impressed me without getting tired of seeing it every day.

“”…….””

But… As soon as I brought up that opinion, they fell silent and looked at me with slightly sharp eyes.

Is there something wrong? Then there is no need to be in the West.

gulp.

Write…

Haaa…

Hehe…

Only those unknown sounds echoed in this quiet carriage, and I had to remain silent like a rat cornered.

“Hmm… Then the decision was made to go west! The location… at that time and place. Is it okay?”

“….Keuhum. Of course. Well then, let’s stop by the center of the empire first. We will have to recruit construction workers and buy furniture.”

“And… that phone that came out a while ago…? That’s also correct.”

“Then, would it be better to make the material of the house… reinforced alloy?”

“Isn’t reinforced alloy a bit unstable? Just make it with mithril.”

“Then, in Mithril… Even if I install various security devices, it won’t be enough, so I’ll have to buy a lot of crime prevention artifacts.”

The automatic carriage begins to run slowly in a noisy atmosphere. For our journey home!