Ch.397Chapter 397 – Now I Just Want to Pursue Happiness

With the help of Cheonhyeryeong, I returned to Aurelios and immediately headed to the imperial palace.

Upon entering the palace, the Imperial Knight Commander greeted me as if he had been waiting.

“His Imperial Majesty is waiting for Your Grace in the audience chamber.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

Following the Knight Commander’s directions, I moved to the audience chamber where His Imperial Majesty was seated on the throne.

“Welcome, Duke Aurelion. According to intelligence reports, all the anomalous phenomena around the world suddenly disappeared at once.”

His Imperial Majesty opened his mouth as soon as he saw me, seemingly full of curiosity.

Well, it would be strange that shortly after I left for the north, all the anomalous phenomena across the world disappeared. He must have many questions.

“Yes, that’s correct. I believe the anomalous phenomena will never appear in this land again.”

“Could you tell me the details?”

At His Imperial Majesty’s request, I slowly recounted everything that had happened.

The being from another world, Dearside, whom I met while restoring the dwarf craftsman’s sword.

I confessed every detail of how, through my connection with him, this world became safe from the culprit behind the recent anomalous phenomena.

“My, that was quite an ordeal.”

“But it’s over now. Those who caused the anomalous phenomena and attempted to invade this world will no longer be able to covet our world.”

“I sincerely hope it turns out as you say.”

His Imperial Majesty rose from the throne and paced around the audience chamber for a moment.

With a serious expression on his face, he approached a small window in the audience chamber.

After looking outside, His Imperial Majesty turned his head to look at me.

“I, the Empire, and the people—we’ve all been through too much.”

Hearing those words, I pondered why His Imperial Majesty would say such a thing.

‘The emergence of the demon cult, the resurrection of the demon god, and the occurrence of anomalous phenomena.’

Any one of these events would cause chaos in an era, yet we experienced all of them in less than five years.

Not ten or twenty years, but less than five years.

Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but feel a chill.

Events that some might never experience in a lifetime, all happening in less than five years.

If I were someone without abilities and knowledge, daily life would have been painful with all these worries.

Or perhaps, as the world became more difficult, people might have just focused on survival without other thoughts.

“We must all remain silent about matters related to the anomalous phenomena. I’ve already asked those who participated in this affair to keep quiet.”

“I too don’t wish for the world to fall into chaos.”

“Indeed. Wasn’t your wish to fully enjoy a peaceful life?”

His Imperial Majesty chuckled and looked out the window again.

“My era is coming to an end. And the era of young people like you is beginning. And after that, an era will dawn for my grandchildren to live in.”

I quietly listened to His Imperial Majesty’s words.

“Isn’t it a parent’s role to leave behind a future where descendants won’t face hardships?”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

His Imperial Majesty looked at me once more.

“You’ve worked hard, Duke Aurelion. Go home and rest from your journey. And, please take good care of Karen.”

“How could I not, father-in-law?”

We looked at each other, sharing an awkward smile, and then I bowed and left the audience chamber.

After leaving, I boarded the carriage that was prepared in advance, and the coachman began driving toward the mansion.

In the slightly swaying carriage, I pondered what to do next.

Internal problems had been resolved, and external problems had been solved.

All that remained was to live the peaceful life I had desired.

‘Now that I’ve achieved everything, I feel like my motivation for life has drastically decreased.’

Perhaps it was because I had lived such an intense life?

The thought that I no longer needed to live such an intense life seemed to be something my mind and body couldn’t accept.

If modern people enjoy content that gives them dopamine rushes in short periods, wouldn’t I be someone who experienced life-threatening content in real-time for a long period in this world?

‘I think I finally understand why people keep seeking dopamine-inducing content.’

After experiencing situations where dopamine surges, suddenly having it cut off feels somewhat empty.

But can that be considered bad?

‘I definitely don’t want dopamine that comes from life-threatening crises.’

What I desire is the dopamine created while pursuing small moments of happiness with loved ones.

‘I’m not alone anymore, so there’s no need to risk my life for dopamine.’

“Your Grace, we’ve arrived at the mansion.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

I handed the coachman a gold coin as a token of appreciation for his efforts and entered the mansion.

Leaving behind the coachman who kept expressing his gratitude, I entered the mansion where the servants welcomed me.

“Duke, welcome back.”

“Where is the Duchess?”

“The Duchess is currently resting. Being pregnant, she has been sleeping a lot lately.”

It seems nothing unusual happened while I was away.

‘Well, it’s only been about a day since I went to the north.’

If I said I went to the north, solved the problem, and returned in just one day, people would think I was crazy.

But that’s the truth, what can I do?

I left the servants behind and headed to the room where Karen would be sleeping.

Opening the door, I saw Karen sleeping in the middle of the bed, hugging her belly.

Seeing the magical humidifier and other magical devices operating to ensure a comfortable sleep and prevent dryness during sleep, I was reminded anew that she was of royal descent.

“Mmm…”

After shifting a bit, she rubbed her eyes and got up.

I carefully approached her as I watched.

“Patos…? You’re back already?”

“Yes. The matter was resolved faster than I expected.”

I sat down beside Karen as she rubbed her eyes and got up.

“You should have told me you were back. I was sleeping without knowing.”

“You were sleeping so soundly, and I just arrived from the imperial palace.”

“I see. Did everything go well?”

“Yes.”

I told Karen about what had happened in the north.

She showed concern when I mentioned being in danger because of Belen who appeared after destroying the portal.

She was also afraid when I told her about learning the enemy’s purpose from Belen, who was subdued by Cheonhyeryeong.

But she seemed relieved when I said I entrusted the handling of those beings to Dearside, who could be considered an acquaintance of mine.

“So, does this mean they won’t attack us anymore?”

“Yes. Dearside and his companions dislike those who disrupt order. They’ve agreed to handle the beings who invaded our world.”

With the abilities of Dearside and his companions, who can freely traverse dimensions, it should be sufficient.

“Then you won’t have to travel around anymore?”

“That’s right.”

There is the graduation ceremony, but that will only take a day.

“Let’s go together for the graduation ceremony. Since that’s where you began your journey in the Empire, shouldn’t you also conclude it there?”

“Of course we’ll go together. Legally, you’re still my only wife.”

“Hehe, that’s right.”

I smiled as I watched Karen subtly rejoice.

And then the day of the graduation ceremony arrived.

“As a subject of the Celebrio Empire, I, Elena Sandrios, express my gratitude to the many professors and countless others who generously guided me toward graduation.”

Elena became the valedictorian of the academy. It’s only natural since she received direct instruction from the most powerful mage, sister Regina.

I was originally admitted under special circumstances, so I wasn’t eligible for valedictorian.

However, I still had to go up on stage to receive my diploma as part of the graduation ceremony.

“Graduate Patos Severio Aurelion. I hereby confer upon you this diploma of graduation.”

The diploma was presented by Chancellor Bergen Staler himself.

Apparently, it’s tradition for the Chancellor to distribute diplomas and certificates at graduation ceremonies.

Only then are the qualifications of graduates and certificate holders officially recognized, according to their culture.

“Well done.”

“Thank you for your guidance.”

After exchanging greetings with the Chancellor, I descended from the stage, and applause erupted from the graduates, certificate holders, and juniors.

I raised my hand at the sight, and even louder applause accompanied by numerous cheers followed.

Graduation from the academy. With this, one of the tasks I had set out to accomplish in this world was finally completed.

And now, all that remained was the wedding ceremony with my wives… and waiting for our children to be born.