Ch.166Outside. After the Harem’s Dissolution (2)

At the quarters of Silvina, the elf who served as a scout for the Border Garrison and was regarded as a nightmare by the beastkin.

Three former members of the previous Hero’s party had gathered for a dinner.

When one thinks of a former Hero’s party, middle-aged or elderly people might come to mind, but the three gathered here were still beautiful women in their prime.

This party had been formed thanks to Gwon Heejin’s preference for selecting members based on beauty and virginity. Though they had long since lost their virginity, they still maintained their beauty.

“It’s pointless to say now, but Lord Wellesley should have been appointed as the knight of the Hero’s party. Not me.”

Just before they started drinking in earnest, Millia, a female knight with neatly tied long pink hair, muttered with a bitter expression.

Yuni, who was savoring the abundant food before her, also gave a wry smile upon hearing this.

“That really is pointless talk… But Millia, why did he so readily step aside?”

“I think he saw through what kind of person Gwon Heejin was early on. Actually, I was once summoned to Gwon Heejin’s quarters while on guard duty at the imperial palace. I agreed thinking I could talk with the Hero, but later found out it was an interview.”

“So the Archduke was there too.”

“He just stared in disbelief the whole time Gwon Heejin was asking strange questions. I guess he knew from then that he was being pushed out.”

“Did you talk to him separately after taking his position?”

“No. He just said he didn’t mind since he’d received compensation.”

“That compensation was Corda… Ah, no. Let’s not talk about that.”

“I agree.”

In truth, Millia also tended to avoid talking about the current Hero’s party. It was because depressing emotions surfaced whenever she thought of them.

The guilt of accepting a position beyond her capabilities and bringing disaster upon humanity.

The self-loathing for not recognizing what kind of person Gwon Heejin was beforehand.

And the inferiority complex toward the elite party that had swiftly vanquished the Demon Lord while they couldn’t even overcome the Beast King.

But why was it?

Now she could calmly mention both the name of Hero King Erick Wellesley and the current Hero’s party that had seized control of state affairs with him. Not enough time had passed to consider it a distant memory.

‘Perhaps I’ve become numb to it.’

Or maybe she had grown a little stronger.

It wasn’t simply that her mental fortitude had increased. The current Millia had improved her skills enough to be respected in both knightly orders.

It was thanks to her consistently honing her swordsmanship despite the scornful looks from the penal battalion soldiers, and taking the lead in wielding her sword whenever demonic beasts appeared.

Though her skills were still insufficient for someone from the Hero’s party, it was much better than the days when she wasted her life by Gwon Heejin’s side. Just contributing to the border’s safety gave her a sense of restored self-esteem.

‘That’s enough for now.’

For the time being, she was satisfied just being able to see her family’s faces through escort missions. If she continued to gradually expand her position like this, perhaps someday she could live together with her family.

“Yes, I can take it slow.”

Just as Millia was reaffirming her resolve.

“Don’t go too slowly, Millia. Humans have short lifespans.”

Elf Silvina pointed out as she set down a plate of food.

Silvina was a benefactor who had prepared a feast for the two assigned to the escort mission.

Without exaggeration, it was truly a feast by border standards. Paste-textured premium cheese, ham and biscuits worthy of a noble’s table. The highlight was expensive wine that seemed like something only the Border Lord would drink.

“Silvina, aren’t you overdoing it?”

“It’s fine. Actually, I have too many supplies piled up, which is troublesome. We might not meet again after parting this time, so I wanted to do at least this much.”

“…Why go that far? I’ll be back within two months at most, which is just the blink of an eye for an elf.”

“You never know. Circumstances might change later.”

Though momentarily suspicious, Millia saw no reason to refuse if Silvina wanted to treat them.

She began to enjoy the full table of food without bothering with table manners, eating, drinking, and chatting busily. She intended to enjoy herself as much as possible without interfering with the mission.

“Ah… come to think of it, what if we run into the Beast King at Enekia Port? I heard he personally manages every departure because there are so many troublesome beastkin.”

“Don’t worry. The Beast King won’t think much of it. He remembers Gwon Heejin as an idiot and us as females following that idiot.”

“How do you know that, Silvina?”

“…I have my ways. I meet with merchants often to dispose of furs. And Millia, I’ve prepared alcohol and potions for you to use during your journey. The alcohol will also help appease the beastkin.”

“No, why go that far?”

“It’s fine.”

Her attentiveness was almost motherly. Though she was practically a great-grandmother in age, she wasn’t usually this affectionate, so Millia wondered what had gotten into her. Still, she gratefully accepted the items.

“Thanks, Silvina. Thank you for the food today too. What will you do without us to keep you company?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m living the happiest days of my entire life. And you two… no, Yuni is already out of it. Millia, I want to apologize to you belatedly. I did terrible things to you.”

“Huh? What’s this suddenly?”

“…Back when I was hiding, waiting for Gwon Heejin. Whenever you raised doubts about Gwon Heejin, I just kept telling you to trust him. I even physically stopped Claire when she tried to contact the Papal State.”

“You don’t need to blame yourself. We were all like that then.”

“No. Though late, we must weigh the degrees of responsibility. If I hadn’t blindly been loyal to Gwon Heejin, wouldn’t you be living a better life now? And you short-lived humans wouldn’t have wasted precious years like this.”

“……”

“I’m sorry, Millia.”

Had Silvina always been such an emotional elf?

But Millia had no intention of laughing it off as embarrassing talk. Just looking at Silvina’s expression, she could tell this was something she had seriously contemplated. She must be genuinely reflecting on her past as Gwon Heejin’s bodyguard.

Millia knew she had no right to forgive or condemn anyone.

But competing over who was more at fault wasn’t the answer. Considering Silvina’s personality, she firmly believed she was in the wrong.

In that case, it was right to give the answer the person wanted to hear.

“Alright, Silvina. Let’s forgive each other.”

“Let’s do that. I feel better thanks to you.”

Silvina’s expression became relieved, like someone who had resolved a long-standing wish.

‘This is clearly the attitude of someone saying farewell.’

By this point, Millia had her suspicions, but she didn’t voice them. If she was wrong, it would be heartbreaking. She wanted to just laugh and enjoy today before parting.

“Farewell, Millia.”

It was Silvina’s parting words, delivered with a faint smile.

***

Two days later, Millia left the fortress to carry out her escort mission. Yuni was with her.

The subjects they had to escort to the port were bear beastkin. Though few in number, each boasted a troll-like physique.

“Whew. Look at those sizes. If we’re not careful, our warhorses might get scared, so pay special attention to maintaining distance!”

“We’ll just have to endure for now. What else can we do?”

While the knights assigned to the escort team were complaining, Millia focused carefully on preparing for departure.

Though it seemed like an easy mission at first glance, even a small mistake could lead to a major incident.

‘I can’t make any more mistakes.’

It was impossible to undo her naive belief that joining the Hero’s party would make her a master, which led her to fall for and cooperate with Gwon Heejin.

Naturally, she couldn’t undo the consequences of that choice either.

The once prestigious family had thoroughly collapsed, and distant relatives dyed their pink hair different colors to hide their connection to the Neize family. Some collateral branches had even taken their own lives out of despair.

Millia herself couldn’t tolerate another mistake.

‘Focus, Millia.’

It didn’t matter if no one acknowledged her success in this trivial mission. At least she would have no regrets later if she tried her best.

Millia mounted her warhorse with great tension.

“Wait a moment, Millia. I have separate instructions for you.”

Just before departure, the fortress commander called for Millia.

“Yes. Please go ahead.”

“After completing the bear beastkin escort mission, you and Yuni will be immediately assigned to Enekia territory. It seems there’s been frequent trouble in a small port town where beastkin have been crowding for months. Support the maintenance of public order there until the beastkin migration is complete.”

“Until the migration project is complete, sir?”

“Yes. I’m not sure what happens after the migration ends. Well, you might go to the Principality of Microssia. Anyway, be careful.”

Millia stood dazed for a moment after hearing this.

Anyone with sense could tell this wasn’t an ordinary personnel order.

The sudden escort team dispatch, instructions not to return to the border but to serve under her father afterward, and even the subtle mention that she might go to the principality. It strongly suggested some arrangement had been made.

‘This is…’

Millia felt her heart flutter as she gripped her sword hilt tightly.

It was because she realized that a path had finally opened for them who had been living as criminals.

Though not in an ideal form, the very fact that they were receiving consideration was unbelievable. It was also hard to believe that someone was looking after them when they thought they had been completely forgotten.

“…No, let’s go for now.”

Millia calmed her excited heart and joined the escort team.

There was newfound vitality in Millia’s expression as she slowly moved forward.

It was thanks to finally discovering a ray of hope she had been desperately wishing for.