episode_0189

The warrior party is busy.

Not just busy, but busy as hell!

The basic composition of the warriors alone cannot solve all their needs.

All dungeons on the western side of the continent have disappeared, and even now that the demons and the demon king are dead, that fact remains the same.

Rather than saying it hasn’t changed, it can be said that things are busier now that the Demon King is dead.

Because the party of heroes I was in charge of were the ones who contributed the most in the war against the Demon King.

Their every word or move is enough to shake the Pride Empire.

There is no need to fight, but the entire continent is flooded with groups wanting to visit them.

There are also frantic requests to even breathe in the same space, let alone see their faces.

And I, as their manager, am struggling with how to handle it.

That’s not the only thing that needs to be dealt with.

As the owner and earl of a piece of land, I must resolve the concerns and requests of the permanent residents.

After the end of the war, the reputation of my territory, which was already high, rose sharply.

The land is not large enough to accommodate many people, but there are many people who want to move there.

In addition, how will humanity’s facilities lost during the war be repaired, and what future will the empire and its union move forward?

We need to think about that too.

Although Charles is the acting authority, my decisions cannot be omitted in important matters.

The problem doesn’t end there.

Despite not being a hero, I am the one who defeated the Demon King.

2 regressions.

It wasn’t until the end of the third round that I finally killed the Demon King.

However, it seems like he’s always so busy before and after killing the Demon King.

No, in fact, it was busier after that.

There are as many organizations that want me as the warrior party I raised.

‘Galway… . I have to stop by here sometime. And an invitation from the city of Fiorene… . Let’s discuss this with Lucia. MacDerlin Abbey? ‘You invited me here too?’

There were many resolutions that were pushed back during the war.

After defeating the devil, I spent a few days being called here and there to process and explain things, and then spent time in my office passing or rejecting bills.

Right now, I can barely remember that there is a victory ceremony in Superbia this evening.

-smart.

Someone knocked on the office door.

Charles Van Jerry was the castle’s chief butler and acting authority.

“Count. The promised guest has arrived.”

“Guest?”

You promised?

I looked out the window for a moment to gauge the time.

The sunset is setting.

‘It’s already been so long… . ‘I need to get ready to go to the victory ceremony.’

Victory ceremony.

A guest who decided to come today.

ah. I remembered.

“You are waiting in the reception room.”

“Go right away.”

*

Waiting for me in the living room were three warriors.

In this unfamiliar world, the heroes who were scheduled to kill the Demon King on my behalf.

They are members of the ‘First Hero Party’ that I first raised.

King of Knights, Kylie.

The Third Trajectory, Beatrice.

Aria, the incarnation of the Virgin.

These are the children I found, and the heroes I raised.

It was like that at one time.

Due to all sorts of things, emotions, and circumstances, I was once chased away by them.

A distant memory… I thought it was, but it hasn’t even been a year yet.

“… … .”

I was about to go to the head table but stopped.

The three people who came were not sitting on the guest sofa, but were waiting on their knees in front of the sofa.

“Are you protesting?”

“… … .”

When I point it out, he avoids my gaze as if embarrassed.

I know it’s embarrassing.

However, his posture does not relax, and his expression is extremely stern.

I had no choice but to leave it as is and sit at the head table.

“I’m sorry.”

“I was sorry.”

“Sorry.”

As soon as they sat down, the three of them opened their mouths at the same time.

The maid who served tea and refreshments was startled when she saw the three kneeling.

The three of them didn’t say anything until the maid carefully set out the food and left.

Only after the door that the maid left and closed with a “thud” did Aria speak as a representative.

“Apple… I came to do it. I know it’s late, and I also know that an apology shouldn’t be forced unilaterally.”

It was Beatrice.

“That doesn’t mean I never say what I need to apologize for… I don’t think so. Even if you don’t expect forgiveness, I think it would be right to at least inform the other person. This could also be said to be a selfish thought… . In our heads, this is the only thing we can think of.”

Kylie finished.

“I didn’t come here expecting you to know, but even if you think about it that way, I guess there’s nothing to say… . But at least, I felt like I had to let the other person know that I felt wronged. It would be better if you didn’t care about us at all and this was all meaningless. However, something is still bothering me in the back of my mind, and I don’t know if my apology will be needed at all… . Even though it was a bit rude, I came here.”

After finishing speaking, the three lowered their heads in the mood to bow.

“… … .”

Light steam rises from the hot fruit tea.

Apple.

apologize… .

I leaned back on the sofa and thought about those words for a moment.

An apology inevitably follows forgiveness.

Regardless of whether there is forgiveness or not, when you think of an apology, you cannot help but think of forgiveness.

Apology and forgiveness.

I do not know.

It’s not that I never resented it.

I devoted 4 years and was kicked out.

If you ask me whether I am completely free from being exiled, it is difficult to answer for sure.

But I think it is at least an excessive measure.

There was ample room to solve the problem in a better way, rather than through expulsion.

However, regardless of my opinion, they used their superiority in power to chase me out.

It would be strange if you weren’t angry.

But I was too busy to spend time on those feelings.

We had to quickly find and raise the next hero.

Vivian, Helena, Lucia.

And even Kati.

While I was with the new characters, they realized something in my absence.

I know that you struggled, struggled, and tried to apologize alone.

This was especially true for Sylvia.

Is that enough to completely forgive what happened?

I do not know.

Forgiveness is clearly something that can only be done if you are angry about something.

I resented it and was angry, but too much time had passed.

As I was busy with other things, that feeling faded away.

‘It’s complicated… .’

It’s even more complicated because we know that they, too, suffered a lot thanks to Sylvia’s wrong answer note.

“… … .”

As the silence gets longer, he glances in this direction as if he is anxious.

However, he does not rush the words.

… Okay, this should be enough.

Even if it’s too late, I realize it and try to change, so why bother giving it away?

There is no reason to do that in the first place.

A bitter feeling remains, but that’s it.

While I was briefly down, I helped the Fruit Heroes and Katy.

Now that the war is over and the Demon King is dead, there is nothing good about blushing or remaining in an uncomfortable relationship.

“Ha.”

After gathering my thoughts and sighing, I flinch loudly, probably because I interpreted it differently.

“Please sit down first. Because it’s uncomfortable to watch.”

“… … .”

The three of them stood up hesitantly and carefully placed their buttocks on the guest sofa.

I spoke after taking a sip of the lukewarm tea.

“What was your sentence?”

“Huh?”

“It is a judicial transaction, a contract that follows the orders of the imperial family.”

I already know the result, but I still asked.

All three of us were very nervous.

You need some time to relax.

“Ah, ah. It was liquidated the day after the Demon King died. Prince… No, he’s emperor now. Edipus took care of it himself.”

Kylie answered.

“Ah. So, this… .”

As if she had just remembered something, Kylie lifted something from next to the sofa.

The large sack looked heavy.

I recognized it right away.

This is the bag of gold bars I gave you when I bought Kylie’s artifact.

“To return it… .”

“… … .”

“… But I guess this too is selfish coercion. hmm. Well, I’ll just use it for something good. Donate somewhere… .”

After looking down with dissatisfaction, he lowered the bag of gold bars again on his own.

I am quite satisfied with how he is behaving quite well now.

“What do you plan to do in the future?”

“Nothing has been decided, but there is something suggested. They said the empire was going to pioneer a no-man’s land.”

I also heard the story.

This place called the Humility Continent is not actually the entire continent.

It refers to the western region that is isolated and blocked by a no-man’s land.

The entire continent is much larger than that.

However, the eastern and western regions were blocked by infesting monsters.

It is said that the empire plans to clear the no-man’s land that stands in the way and open a trade route with the East.

“I received a proposal asking if I would participate in the pioneering plan. I haven’t received an answer yet, but for now, all three of us have agreed. I think they will probably respond soon and receive a schedule.”

They weren’t the first ones to take on such a task.

I remember these people trying to get away from annoying or annoying things whenever possible.

Even if I had received that offer, I would have just passed it off.

However, things have changed a lot now.

“Good.”

“Ugh, uhm… .”

I said that purely because it was a good thing, but he stuttered as if he was embarrassed.

“No man’s land is a dangerous place. Even I know very little, so nothing is known.”

Looking at the three who seemed embarrassed, he continued.

“So, when you go, don’t get hurt, don’t get into an accident, and get along well.”

“… !”

All three eyes widened at the same time.

“Lee, Ian. What are you doing all of a sudden… .”

Forgive me.

I do not know.

However, if they need my forgiveness to live in the future, there is nothing I cannot do.

“I only heard about how hard you worked behind the scenes. Since I forgave you, don’t worry about it anymore and live in peace. Because I don’t have any resentment or anything like that.”

“… Ah.”

Aria suddenly shed tears.

“Ah, ha, haha. I really didn’t mean to do this… .”

Beatrice turned her head and shook her shoulders, as if tears were coming out of her face as she laughed.

Kylie furrowed her brows as if in confusion and spoke while touching her temple.

“Ian, really… .”

“Stop. I forgave you, so don’t say you’re sorry from now on.”

“… … .”

“Now, we can all just do our own thing. Sometimes the face is illuminated or not.”

I wonder if affection is enough to be hated.

Or, I don’t know if I can say this because it’s all over.

just.

Now that it was all over, there was no reason not to end it on a good note.

The three of them were unable to speak for a while, making sounds that were difficult to distinguish whether they were sighing, laughing, or crying.

I asked to lighten the mood.

“Are you participating in today’s victory ceremony? I think I received an invitation.”

“Ah. I did receive it, but… .”

Aria, who was sniffling, answered.

“Are we qualified to go…? Because I want to. Wouldn’t it be better not to go… .”

“What do you mean?”

“Yes?”

“No matter what you did in the past, it is true that you made important contributions in this war.”

“… … .”

“Well, if you just don’t want to come, I won’t get involved. There is no need to feel deserving.”

After much deliberation, they decided to attend the victory ceremony.

Finally, I got to see it again later.

By the time they left, it was already time to prepare for the victory ceremony.

Before leaving, the three deeply bowed their heads again and apologized.

I knew it was the last apology, so I accepted it without saying anything.

“Count. It’s time to get ready.”

Charles came in like a sword and announced.

“There is no time to rest.”

While grumbling like that, I left the living room.

The group I would go with was already waiting outside.

Katy has silver hair, golden cat eyes, and wears a unique maid uniform that no longer hides her ears and tail.

Healthy blonde. Mercy looked at me with her blue eyes and smiled.

Vivian has red hair, freckles, and light green eyes like strawberries.

Helena, who had orange hair and orange eyes, looked up at me nervously, looking like an orange.

He has luxurious dark purple hair and purple eyes. Grape-like Lucia looks at where the first party left and then turns her head towards me.

And, Sylvia, who had been staying a little distance away from them, was grabbed by Vivian’s arm and came closer.

Sylvia avoids eye contact as if uncomfortable, then adjusts her gaze with difficulty and smiles awkwardly.

“Did the story end well?”

Mercy approached first and asked.

“Roughly.”

“Yes. If it ended well for you, it must have worked out well.”

“Master.”

Katy quietly snuggled up next to me.

Their expressions are expressionless in front of people, but when you see their tails wagging, you know what they are feeling.

“Is the other arm mine?”

Lucia laughed and joined next to me.

While Vivian was looking at this with disapproval, Helena asked in a nervous tone.

“Oh, today… . suit… Are you wearing it… !”

“… I should wear it.”

It’s a victory ceremony held in the imperial banquet hall, so you can’t not wear it… .

It’s already stuffy.

First, I set off for the imperial palace with my group.

*

“It’s frustrating… .”

It’s more gorgeous than ever.

A blue jacket with gold embroidery and a cravat with a jewel in the middle.

This isn’t flashy, it’s loud.

I asked for something else, but Ruby threatened me to take it off or go up, so I had no choice but to wear it.

I’m the main character of the victory ceremony, so I can’t wear something casual or something… .

Actually, this outfit doesn’t make me feel stuffy.

There is a much more serious issue than that.

How can you not make a decision easily? .

“Tsk.”

While I was trying to relieve my frustration by adjusting the tightness of the cravat, the door opened.

“Ian.”

It was Mercy.

She was very glamorous today as she attended the banquet.

She wore a blue dress that matched her eyes, and her hair was tied up neatly.

The tall guy is already wearing heels, so the top of his head touches my lips.

-Crash.

She locked the door and came to me.

“Do you remember that I said I had something to talk about?”

“… okay. It was like that.”

I remember, why is the door… .

“Have I ever told you this too? This is why elves shouldn’t love humans.”

“I often did it after drinking.”

“… What, what? I? Hey, I said… ?! And that too after drinking… ! No way, no way! Oh, how much did you hear?”

Mercy has a bad drinking habit and can’t remember anything.

I was wondering when they would make fun of me, but I never thought a day like this would come.

“Well… . I think I’ve talked about it quite a bit… .”

“… … .”

Mercy stomped closer.

The smell of cosmetics and perfume was overwhelming.

“You, you… ! Even though I know that… !”

“There is a reason why elves cannot love humans. I probably said it right there.”

“… That’s what I heard so much about!”

Mercy got irritated and waved her arms.

I stepped back and swung it in the air, so nothing hit.

“Whew… . You really… . It is not good to keep increasing the number of sins.”

“… … .”

It’s a sin… .

Those words make me notice, too.

After taking a breath, Mercy smiled slightly and spoke.

“Elves are horses. I have a very good memory. And, by human standards, we live a life close to eternal life. For those of us whose lives are boring, you humans are such a dazzling object.”

-Ttogak, ttogak.

Mercy got closer again.

My nervous face was reflected in my clear lake-like blue eyes.

“After seeing you humans, we elves can’t help but fall in love. I am fascinated by the passion that burns life. However, isn’t the life of a human infinitely shorter than that of an elf? As you live for a moment and then die, we love you deeply in our hearts, and we will love you for the rest of our lives… .”

Mercy came within breath distance and wrapped her arms around my neck.

The smell of cosmetics and perfume became stronger.

“And, and again. I have no choice but to live in a state of maddening longing. until the death. Or, there are quite a few elves who miss it so much that they end up arbitrarily short-lived like humans.”

“… … .”

“So there is an unwritten rule that elves must not love humans. I knew that. I knew it, but… . I can’t stop loving you.”

Unlike the others who seemed to have a vague idea, Mercy had no expectations at all until she kissed her on her own.

Although she was once misanthropic, after getting better she was kind to everyone.

It was like a sociable and friendly elf.

I thought I was one of those people… .

“Whether I’m next to you or not. I can’t change the fact that I already love you. Whether I tell you the truth or not, I will have lived my whole life regretting and dreaming about it. So, in that case… . It would have been better to talk and be next to him.”

Without even having time to react, Mercy kissed her briefly and left.

She looked straight into my eyes from a distance where our lips barely passed.

“I love you very much. Do you understand my heart now?”

“Mercy… .”

“You sinful and dull guy.”

“… … .”

“But there are so many strong competitors around… .”

“… … .”

“Cartier Fruit Heroes alone are basically four… .”

… This is exactly why I was frustrated earlier.

The devil was dead, and I was faced with a situation where I had to answer their confessions.

Honestly, I have no idea what to do.

They delayed it too long, and they waited too long.

Even though I was busy, I thought about what to do, but couldn’t come up with a suitable answer.

“Well, it’s still nice for me to open up to you and be with you.”

Unlike me, who was serious, Mercy smiled, wondering what was so good about it.

Mercy suddenly pulled my buttocks and pressed our bodies closer together.

“So, how many children do you want?”

“What, what, what… ! What are you talking about?”

“What?!”

Mercy pinched my butt.

“Then! What should I do! At least you have a good idea! How many other ladies are waiting besides me right now-!”

“My head hurts from thinking about it too?”

“Hmph… .”

As I push away, Mercy narrows her eyes and looks up.

Mercy crossed her arms as if she was dissatisfied and leaned towards me.

“Better not make you wait too long. You know, right?”

“Okay… . I know, I know.”

Mercy grinned as she looked at me sighing.

Mercy put her lips close to my ear and whispered.

“So, didn’t you say that you have too many sins?”

… … .

*

“Next, Ian, the protagonist of this victory ceremony and the one who personally defeated the Demon King, will enter!”

We entered the banquet room with a loud announcement.

The crowd filling the hall greets me with applause and cheers.

My legs walk down the long red carpet and up to the high platform.

… I can’t think of anything.

I am not ready to enjoy or enjoy this victory ceremony properly.

‘It’s an answer, an answer… . ‘What should I do?’

Go up on stage and greet the people who welcome you with appropriate courtesy.

Standing on either side of me are the three Fruits, Katy, Mercy, and Sylvia.

It seems like the host is saying something, but I can’t hear it.

Is this what it feels like when the soul leaves the body?

‘Now, I really can’t put it off any longer… .’