episode_0015

John narrowed his eyes as he watched Cassis leave.

‘I think it was successful in drawing attention to me.’

Cassis’s last greeting was filled with murderous intent. It was a murderous intent so strong that it made the hairs on his body stand on end.

‘It’s foolish to increase the number of enemies, but the number of enemies was going to increase anyway. It’s better to strike first like this.’

It would be less frustrating to flaunt your relationship with Francia like this and become her enemy than to stay still and become her enemy.

“Are you feeling okay? You must have been overworked. Even if your magic power has recovered, your physical condition is a different matter.”

Francia asked with concern. Johan raised the corners of his lips and stroked her head.

“As you can see, I’m fine. The amount of magic power I have is much more than I thought. That’s why I didn’t feel any strain on my body.”

The magical power consumed in the spiral attack is not small, but I was able to walk normally even after using it twice.

This battle made Johan realize that he had much more magical power than he had thought.

‘You have to have used magic to its limits to know.’

In a way, it was natural that he didn’t know his own limits. Up until now, he had only used simple life magic or convenience magic.

At best, he had changed the environment in front of the Duke, and although this consumed a considerable amount of magic power, it was not enough to cause him to collapse.

‘How far will it go?’

Although he still couldn’t gauge his own limits, the situation was positive.

This creates the possibility of being able to use transcendence magic, which is one level higher than the super magic.

“Shouldn’t you rest a little more?”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m really okay.”

John rolled up his arms and moved them up and down.

“I don’t have any discomfort in moving my body. I’m really fine.”

“Ugh… … .”

Still, Francia was full of worries. The red glow in her eyes that had been illuminated by the moonlight had long since darkened.

“… Many trials await you ahead.”

She spoke softly.

“There will be many crazy people like this who will try to take John’s life.”

My voice was trembling.

“Even if it’s all my fault, can you still love me…?”

Francia raised her head and met Johan’s gaze. Her eyes shook as if an earthquake had occurred, seeming to represent the anxiety she was currently feeling.

“… Let’s go inside first. I think this is going to be a long story.”

When John took Francia’s hand, she nodded and followed him into the barracks obediently.

“Francia. I mean, once I make a decision, I never change it until I see it through to the end.”

He looked into Francia’s eyes and said.

“I understand what Francia is worried about. When this happens repeatedly, people tend to get bored and move away from the cause.”

But John continued,

“I don’t think I’m tired of the person I love. Since the first night we were together, I fell for Francia, and you fell for me. We share each other’s heart.”

Francia’s heart pounded. The sound seemed to ring directly in her ears, and Johan smiled without realizing it.

“There is a saying I know: Understanding is fleeting, but responsibility is eternal. I don’t think this saying came about for nothing.”

If I had been afraid of the people who were classified as villains in this world from the beginning, I would not have gone to the Duke and tried to make a deal.

If I was afraid of spending my life with someone who was destined to be miserable, I would have blamed Francia and run away.

Just close your eyes once and become a dog of the world and run away. What are you responsible for her?

Of course, if the Duke knew this, he would threaten his life, but Francia would not have said anything. That’s the kind of person she is.

But. John, he decided to take responsibility. Guilt? It wasn’t because of some stupid feeling. He just wanted to do it.

Maybe that night, when he was drunk and couldn’t even remember, he might have fallen for her without realizing it.

John gently stroked Francia’s cheek.

“So, don’t worry. No matter what happens, I will not betray Francia. Even if it means losing my life.”

Francia’s red eyes were moist. Something flowed out. It was sadness that had turned transparent, and it was emotion.

“If I asked you to go to hell with me, would you go?”

“If that is the path that will lead us to happiness, I will gladly do so.”

When Johan chuckled, Francia smiled awkwardly. She held her breath in Johan’s arms.

“I’m really happy.”

“Me too.”

“I’m happy that John is my man.”

“I’m also happy that Francia is my woman.”

“Haha. I won’t lose a word.”

Suddenly Francia pulled Johan’s arm and laid him down on the cot.

“The seat is uncomfortable, but tonight is long.”

“… … .”

“Engrave unforgettable memories.”

Francia’s arms wrapped around John’s neck and their lips met.

“You never know who might come.”

“Everyone is sleeping now, so it’s okay.”

“Still, it’s better to be careful… … .”

“Eight.”

She pulled John closer once more and kissed him on the lips.

“Focus on me now. Okay?”

“… … .”

Although he wanted to avoid doing this as much as possible, Johan kissed Francia at her continued request.

It was a night when the full moon rose.

* * *

Late at night.

“Haa… … .”

“Haaang… !”

Creak. Creak.

Inside the barracks, the creaking sound of the cots could be heard, and between them the sweet moans of a man and a woman could be heard.

Squeak…! Squeak…!

The movement becomes more intense.

I could hear the sound of their breaths meeting, their lips overlapping, and their tongues entangling.

It was to the point where I could imagine what was going on inside without even looking.

“… … .”

Near the barracks.

The man was hiding in a corner where the moonlight did not shine, his hearing sharpened.

‘I didn’t expect this.’

It was Fedelian Rosino.

I came to hear from Francia, who was guarding Johan Harsen’s barracks late into the night, but the outcome was unexpected.

‘… Haha. That’s funny.’

Of course, it was something that lovers who had promised to get married could do.

But. if that person is someone who must be your woman.

If it’s someone you long for but can’t have,

‘I guess I have to kill him.’

The words change.

Crunch. Fedelian clenched his fists. His nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.

The golden eyes characteristic of royalty sparkled and radiated an extraordinary murderous aura.

‘Someday, definitely.’

I’m going to kill you.

* * *

the next day.

The den reconnaissance mission ended early.

It was partly because of the unexpected variables that occurred, but it was concluded that there was no point in looking any further.

During the process, there was a task of collecting the dead, and John’s expression hardened as he looked at Tersis, who was frozen without even closing his eyes.

“I’m sorry. It’s already cold, so I made it even colder.”

John covered Tersis’ frozen face with his handkerchief, unable to even close his eyes.

‘Has someone already taken the military number?’

He was a character I was quite fond of because of his generous personality and caring nature, but I never thought he would die so meaninglessly.

John clenched his fists. He thought of the crown prince who had done this.

‘You will never be at peace.’

As he was frowning sternly, Francia grabbed his hand.

“Vice-Chief, you were a good person… … .”

“… That guy will definitely pay the price.”

Francia nodded and hardened her expression. She seemed determined.

“Then let’s go. There’s still more work to be done.”

“Yes.”

John and Francia returned to their seats along the line.

Fedelian, who was in the lead, raised his sword.

“Everyone, a moment of silence! Pray that our comrades who died during this reconnaissance mission may rest in peace!”

The officers and knights closed their eyes and clasped their hands. After about ten seconds, Fedelian raised his voice again.

“End the reconnaissance mission and return now!”

It was a first reconnaissance mission that achieved its purpose and caused little damage, but Johan’s heart was by no means at ease.

‘He’s no joke, even cutting through the iron plates like a madman.’

I thought that as I looked at the back of Fedelian’s head. It was creepy that he had created all the deaths himself and then acted like an innocent crown prince in front of everyone.

‘Well, then you were the main villain and male protagonist of the story.’

There may have been readers who preferred such characters, but Yohan couldn’t understand them. I will respect that, as it is a matter of taste.

‘Anyway… … With this, I’ve cleared the first gate quest.’

Whatever the situation, Duke Pervace will have to admit that he brought back the head of a first-class demon during his first reconnaissance mission.

Now the remaining homework is to counter the male protagonists’ attempts to approach Francia and to respond to the villainess’s schemes.

‘My worries are deepening.’

One of the main villains, Rudella Bismark, hasn’t even started yet, and Cassis is just getting started.

This time, the Crown Prince’s plan can be seen as a taste.

‘Still, I don’t think I’ll lose.’

I felt this while dealing with this special demon. My power was much stronger than I thought.

Just look at the power that the Book of Disaster has shown. Didn’t it instantly freeze a special-class demon? If you have this power, you can turn things around even in a crisis.

Johan looked at the back of Fedelian, who was standing in the lead. His blond hair, like ramen noodles, swayed as the horse moved its hooves.

‘… Fedelian will be careful from now on, so Cassis will be the one to make a move next.’

To be honest, I don’t know what Cassis will do.

Because he is a member of the First Civil Service, he cannot be directly involved.

‘Still, it would be better not to let your guard down.’

He is the one who even resorted to black magic in order to win Francia’s heart. At this point, when Fedelian is saving his body, he should be placed at the top of the alert list.

“What are you thinking about?”

As John was lost in thought, a woman’s voice was heard from beside him.

“… Violet.”

It was Violet Ratale.

The daughter of the Marquis of Latalen, and a woman who is in love with Cassis. However, strangely enough, she is a woman who shows deep interest in him.

“We are currently riding a horse. Please refrain from talking if possible.”

“Oh my, are you worried about me? It’s okay. I don’t make the rookie mistake of biting my tongue.”

John’s eyebrows twitched. He had meant to tell me not to talk to him, but he got away with it like this. It was ridiculous.

“I didn’t mean it like that. Violet seems to lack understanding.”

So I said it bluntly. I made it clear that I didn’t want to talk to you. But Violet smiled and tilted her head slightly.

“Haha. It’s a bit of a bummer. Well, I like that aspect of it.”

John just turned his gaze to check Violet’s behavior. He couldn’t figure out what she was smiling brightly for.

‘You didn’t like cassis, did you?’

As far as Johan knew, Violet Rathalen was completely obsessed with Cassis Lenokhonen. He couldn’t understand why she was so kind to him, why she was so interested in him.

“So, what do you want to say?”

Violet raised the corners of her mouth.

“Actually, there’s a social party coming up soon. Johan will be there as a special magician, what do you think? Won’t you join me as a partner?”

John’s face crumpled slightly at her words.

“I have a lover.”

“Ah, Princess Perbache?”

Yesterday, Francia’s actions made it clear to both the officials and the knights that Francia and Johan’s relationship was not ordinary. If she had good ears, she would have heard about it.

Nevertheless, Violet continued speaking calmly.

“Of course I know. That’s why I’m asking you to be my partner.”

John looked at Violet, his eyes narrowed.

“I don’t think it’s common to ask a man who already has a partner to be your partner.”

“Hehe. We’re not even engaged yet, right?”

It doesn’t make sense. John sighed deeply and opened his eyes wide.

“Violet. I have a lover and I have no intention of betraying her. I don’t know what tricks you’re planning, but if you’re planning on driving a wedge between me and her, you’d better stop.”

He spoke firmly, putting strength into his voice. She must have understood by now. Johan decided that it would be better to continue the conversation and lowered his head.

“I believe you understand, as I have explained my position sufficiently. So, that’s all for now.”

“Wait a minute─”

Before she could finish speaking, John turned his horse and walked away from Violet.

“… … .”

Violet’s whole body trembled as she looked at the place he had left behind.

“Aha.”

It’s not easy to come by, the way you speak, and the way you look.

‘also…….’

I like it.

That too, very much.

‘I want to have it.’

Her tongue licked her lips.