episode_0193

“Master.”

Kati, dressed in pajamas, came to my room late at night.

Am embarrassed.

First of all, it’s because of the outfit.

I don’t know where to put my eyes.

And secondly, until the first wedding took place, I was a kind of natural monument to them.

This means that they agreed to only touch it once the wedding took place.

Of course, I have no intention of agreeing to that agreement.

“What’s happening at this hour?”

I asked as if nothing had happened.

“There is something I want to hear. Wait, can I come in?”

Kati spoke seriously and calmly.

“Come in first.”

“Thank you.”

Kati passes by.

The tips of her long silver hair were slightly wet, as if she had just come out of the wash, and there was a faint soapy scent.

I had to try not to care.

While Kati was sitting, a teacup and kettle were brought.

“Ah, I… .”

“That’s it. Something like this.”

One in front of Kati and one in front of me.

Steam rises from the warm teacup.

“Thank you… .”

Kati was silent for quite a while without drinking, holding the glass tightly with both hands.

It seems like he is choosing what to say.

I spoke lightly to wait and ease the tense atmosphere.

“Wouldn’t it be cold if you dressed like that?”

Kati was wearing light pajamas.

Even though it is warm inside the room and my room and the room shared by my companions are close, it is still the middle of winter.

The castle hallways are quite cool.

Kati, who had been blinking at my words, furrowed her eyebrows ever so slightly as if she was dissatisfied.

“… master. Do not irritate.”

“What on earth… .”

“The purpose of coming here today is not for that purpose.”

“What is that… Oh, no. Don’t answer.”

“So, please don’t provoke me. Because I can barely hold it in… .”

“What did I do… .”

I sipped my tea while muttering like that.

I can’t say anything.

You think you’re the only one holding back… .

“… Still, I’m glad you were concerned. Thank you.”

The expression of dissatisfaction soon softened.

Kati laughed lightly and took a sip of tea.

“Master.”

“Yes.”

“The master’s answer… I want to hear it.”

“What answer?”

Katy, who hesitated, took another sip of tea and spoke.

“By any chance, you don’t like me?”

“… What, what?”

It was so ridiculous that I almost lost the cup.

What does this mean again?

“So… . That thought came to me late. I wonder if my master might not like this marriage, which is going on regardless of his will… . Of course I’ll still do it… .”

… Yeah, I guess I’ll do it though.

It seems absurd to ask now.

Still, that firm will to do it is funny, and at the same time, a bit cute.

‘You’re scared.’

I guess he doesn’t want me to marry him.

I’m afraid I don’t have any feelings for Kati.

I’m acting calm, but I’m sure I’m anxious.

Unlike his calm and expressionless face, his ears and tail, which he has been wearing for some time, reveal his emotions very honestly.

Ears lying flat to the side, tail drooping weakly.

As I look at that scene, I feel that way again.

‘How much does he like me?’

Since when did I like you?

What is the reason?

Why am I so good?

Just a question like that.

Actually, I don’t know.

I don’t know if I’m that good of a person, or if I’m someone worth clinging to.

I will admit that I have accomplished great things, but if you ask me if I am a good person, I am not sure.

“… … .”

As I remained silent for quite some time, Katy’s ears drooped even more weakly.

Although it was pitiful and apologetic, it was not a question that could be answered quickly.

Kati.

What kind of child is Kati to me?

At first it was a symbol of guilt.

Regardless of my guilt, I couldn’t just leave that little guy alone.

While hiding the fact that I was Mine from those around me, I naturally shared my life.

Come to think of it, whether it was a short time ago when I was brought here or now.

Katy has never tried to leave my side even for a moment.

Even when I was kicked out of the first hero party, Kati stayed by my side unconditionally.

In order to protect myself from my weakness, I tried so hard to become strong.

An act that would have been close to self-harm for a prisoner, Kati did it for me.

He didn’t even show it to me.

It can’t help but be precious.

There is no reason not to love.

But that is a deception.

To love someone because there is no reason not to love them is to play with Kati, who values me more than my own life.

What does Kati mean to me? Is it a woman?

“Kathi.”

“Yes.”

“… Do you love me?”

At that question, Katy’s eyes widened and her ears perked up.

Kati lifted her upper body as if she was going to jump over the desk at any moment.

“I love you. a lot. So much, so much, so long, it’s a reality that can’t be expressed in words, so much so that it’s deplorable… . I have loved you. I will continue to love you.”

In the end, Kati did not cross this table.

The wildly wagging tail showed how excited he was.

Kati asked with a trembling voice.

“Do you love me… ?”

Asked directly.

So far, for my own selfish reasons, I haven’t answered and just made them wait.

In the meantime, I was distressed because I couldn’t return it.

I was also sorry.

‘There is no reason not to love.’

That’s not the reason.

It’s not that there’s no reason not to love.

I am.

Katy.

I’ve been ignoring it, but looking back, it’s been a long time… .

*

The new year has dawned.

January 1st.

A new era for humanity has begun, with the demon king defeated and the demons driven out.

As if wishing for eternal prosperity and peace, the cold goes away for a while and the warm sun caresses the earth for the first time in a long time.

“Bride and groom, we will enter. We hope that our guests will welcome us with loud applause.”

A wedding was held in Ian’s land.

Originally, the groom must enter first, and the bride must enter holding her father’s hand.

But Katy had no family, let alone a father.

Therefore, as she wished, Kati entered the hall holding hands with Ian.

The two walked on the white carpet laid out in the central square of Arrogant City.

Invited guests crowded around both sides.

Receiving everyone’s cheers and praise, Kati smiled in front of people for the first time in her life.

With her silver hair neatly braided and wearing a pure white dress, she was as dazzling as the warm winter snow.

Today I also took off my cat bell choker.

To her left was Ian, dressed in a tuxedo and with his hair slicked back.

In front of the two, the children who were flower girls were jumping around happily and scattering flowers.

A human child and a beast child mixed together and sprinkled laughter that was more fragrant and pure than flowers.

Ian and Katy’s feet stepped on the flower path and made their way to the ceremonial platform.

The officiating was the Holy Emperor Johannes.

In front of him, Kati released her hands and crossed Ian’s arms.

Seeing the young couple, Seonghwang burst out laughing.

“A warm day blessed by the sun. The two main characters, who met through a precious relationship, stand at an important appointment today.”

Kati’s laughter got stronger.

It was her first time laughing this much in front of others, but Katy didn’t mind.

Ian glanced at her and laughed quietly himself.

Katy’s smiling face was very cute.

“Groom, Ian Phillip.”

Ian abandoned his previous last name.

When you get married, you have to give a last name, but it didn’t suit this place.

Therefore, he took his pseudonym as his last name.

“And the bride. Kati Phillip.”

So, Kati took Ian’s new last name and became ‘Carty Philip’.

Katy answered the call with a bright smile.

“Yes.”

“Do the bride and groom swear to each other a love that even fire cannot quench?”

“I swear.”

They both answered at the same time.

“As proof of our vows, there will be a time to exchange rings.”

Seonghwang opened the square jewelry box.

There was a black ring and a white ring.

It was a ring of subordination.

Ian wears the black color that Katy uses.

Kati held up the white one Ian was using.

Ian first put a ring on Kati’s left ring finger.

I felt very ashamed and embarrassed, but it wasn’t a bad feeling.

Seeing Ian blushing, Kati couldn’t stop the corners of her mouth from raising.

It feels like the ring that Ian personally put on me holds my entire body tightly, starting from my fingers.

Next, Kati placed a white ring on Ian’s left ring finger.

The ring with two snakes biting each other’s tails resembles an eternity.

“With this, the groom, Ian Philip, and the bride, Katy Philip, became a couple who will spend their lives together under the sun that the sky testifies to and in this place with precious friends in attendance. The sun and all of us present stand as witnesses and declare that this marriage was truly concluded.”

Next, the Emperor gave blessings and words of wisdom for the future, and the orchestra sent by the Imperial Family gave a congratulatory performance.

Ian and Kati clung to each other and watched everything that was going on.

We weren’t alone, we were together.

After the performance was over, I went around the audience and received congratulations.

Ian passed by the front row and couldn’t even make eye contact.

Sitting there were Vivian, Helena, Grace, Mercy, and Sylvia, Grace, and Scarlett, who would later be married.

Instead of Ian, Katy looked down at them and smiled.

With pointed gazes on their backs, the two greeted the guests.

“Oh my… . In my life, I have seen you get married… . Ugh. I lived well… .”

“Anton, a little… . Why is this such a policy?”

“Man! I don’t think so! I thought he was just a bastard who was fine and couldn’t even make excuses!”

“Oh, I’m worried about myself!”

“That’s it, man! What at my age… . Well, anyway. Kati is a wife you can trust. hmm. It’s clear to my eyes that I’m holding on tight.”

“Thank you.”

Kati smiled and said hello.

It was Anton’s first time seeing Katy smile so brightly.

“… It looks good. It looks good.”

The laughter got louder as I imagined holding on to the kernel, but it didn’t matter.

“Ian, Katy! Congratulations.”

Next was Ruby.

“How come the formal attire and dress fit perfectly?”

The person who made the clothes was Ruby.

Ian smiled and answered.

“That’s right. It’s amazing how dexterous people live here.”

Ruby burst out laughing at the sly compliment.

“I’ve always thought that the two of you look good together, yes. As expected, my eyes were right. Congratulations, Ian. Kati.”

Ruby smiled brightly and congratulated him, and the two slightly bowed their heads in courtesy.

“Will we soon have a friend in Zion?”

Galatea laughed heartily as she said that.

Marlion, who was sitting next to him, was holding Zion, who was beautifully dressed for today.

Zion, who is not yet a year old, smiled brightly at Ian and Katy.

“Um, that’s… .”

Unlike Ian, who was embarrassed, Kati spoke firmly.

“I will try my best.”

“What do you mean by effort? .”

When Katy shot him a determined look, Ian just kept his mouth shut.

Resentimient was also sitting near them.

“I never thought I would see a human and a demon get married on such a grand scale… .”

Rhamnus muttered in disbelief.

Trichi, the avian beast sitting next to me, was so moved that he even shed tears.

“It’s a beautiful scenery… .”

“Really, they keep showing us reality that is hard to believe.”

“Well, that’s why I brought you here.”

Rhamnus laughed heartily at the leisurely answer.

“Please continue to take good care of me in the future. And, sincere congratulations on getting married.”

“You two look great together! Stay happy!”

He moved to the next position, receiving congratulations and cheers from the beasts, including Rhamnus.

“You are the only person in all of humanity who would be worthy of having the emperor as his guest and the princess as his seventh wife.”

Edipus, the current emperor of the Pride Empire.

He said in a humorous voice, as if it was fun.

“I am so grateful that you recognize my value so much.”

“I can’t win.”

Wolfgang next to me grinned and joined in.

“Killing the Demon King and marrying a beautiful woman. Despite his name, Philip, he lives a truly amazing life.”

“Why not? If you look closely, it seems like something greater than the position of emperor.”

“Did you come to accuse me of insulting the royal family?”

Everyone laughed at the joke that followed.

Next to him, Aegis leader Leon also laughed, but in fact, Ian and Leon have a somewhat awkward relationship.

The number of times we met, let alone talked, was very small.

Still, Ian is a grateful guest who came to congratulate him today.

Edipus smiled kindly at Kati.

“Mrs. Philip.”

“… !”

At that call, Kati held onto Ian’s forearm tighter.

“Your husband is an important person not only to this empire but also to humanity. Please take good care of my husband.”

“I will protect you with my life.”

At Kati’s solemn answer, Edipus laughed mischievously at Ian, and Wolfgang and Leon burst into laughter.

The greetings continued.

“Yo! Ian!”

Next was Mari and Mari’s warriors.

Penny must have come with us and was in the same seat, but she sat a little further away.

Marie spoke first, pushing aside the hesitant Penny.

“Are you cool today? Kati is pretty too. It’s much better when you decorate it.”

“Thank you.”

“Right?”

Marie teasingly asked Ian about his intentions.

Katy also looked up at Ian.

“Yes, whatever. Yes… .”

“Wow! Ian was embarrassed and admitted that his wife was pretty! Heeheehee!”

Ian closed his eyes tightly as he looked at Marie laughing.

If I had continued to look at it without closing it, I might have been so disgusted that I threw away the night.

On the other hand, Katy smiled and rubbed her head on Ian’s arm as if she was so happy.

Marie, who had been laughing for a while, blinked as she looked at Kati’s cat ears.

“Just in case. That white cat that was always with me… .”

“Do you know now?”

“Wow.”

When Ian shamelessly admitted it, Marie laughed as if it was absurd.

“Really, wow, something really… . Now that we’re a married couple, it’s a bit strange to think about it… .”

Knowing that, Ian also shamelessly stepped forward.

Now that I’m married, what am I going to do with my past cat behavior?

Slowly, he too was adapting to this situation.

“Well, as long as you’re happy, it’s okay! Congratulations on your wedding! Ian, Katy!”

“Congratulations!”

Marie and her warriors greeted her.

Ian glanced at Penny, who was crumpled in the corner, and Penny timidly said,

“Chu, congratulations. Ian… .”

“Anyway.”

Marie crossed her arms and clicked her tongue as if disapproving.

“What can I do if people are so soft and kind?”

“So, that’s right. It’s difficult if a person is too nice.”

“Don’t worry. Because I’m holding on to that bitch tightly.”

“I know that even if you don’t say it.”

Penny was more loyal than Ian feared, and faithfully did her job.

Still, Marie kept a strict watch on Penny with the intention of suffocating her.

As he was moving past Penny, Kati’s footsteps stopped.

Even in the guest room, it was quite a corner.

Three of the first hero party.

There was Kylie, Beatrice, and Aria.

“Ah, um. Well, an invitation came… .”

When Kylie spoke as if making excuses, Ian chuckled.

“Why are you so embarrassed? I sent you to come.”

“That’s true, but… .”

“I heard that you are quite busy since the work to pioneer the uninhabited landscape has begun.”

“What… . I can lose weight for about a day today.”

Beatrice kept twisting her hair awkwardly.

It was worth it.

Katy and Ian’s wedding.

It’s not awkward simply because it’s something I’ve never thought about.

This is something beyond that… It was a very unrealistic phenomenon. For them.

“Yes. Thank you for coming.”

“Ah, no, well, thank you… . Of course you should come. Yes.”

“It’s someone’s wedding, no matter how busy you are, you can’t miss it.”

Following Beatrice and Kylie, Aria also spoke awkwardly.

“Chu, congratulations. Ian.”

“Uh, yes! I didn’t say that. Congratulations!”

“Hmm! Congratulations on your wedding.”

Ian seemed to have a vague idea why they felt awkward.

It is difficult to express it specifically.

Wouldn’t it be similar to when you suddenly hear the news that your close friend is getting married?

There is such a thing as marriage in this world, and you have to do it someday when you get older, but it’s shocking when you actually do it.

Ian just smiled and nodded.

After the first warrior party, Ian and Kati continued to greet the guests.

Veronica, Bishop of Esther and Ian Rye.

Petra Abbot of the Monastery of Agnes, etc.

Many people congratulated the couple on their marriage.

“Next there will be time for bride Kati Philip to throw the bouquet… .”

Even before the successful introduction was over, several women sitting in the front row came rushing out.

Sylvia, Vivian, Helena, Lucia, Mercy, Grace, Scarlett.

The order of the next wedding has already been decided.

But, that and this were different.

Because of their reckless spirit, other women did not even dare to come forward.

Kati held closer to Ian and smiled victoriously at the girls standing behind her.

“… … .”

Kati looked forward again and threw the bouquet behind her.

The high white bouquet sparkled in the sunlight and then slowly fell.

-widely.

Someone received it.

“… … .”

It was Sylvia.

She looked at the bouquet in her hand and her surroundings, then smiled.

It was in a set order.

“Finally, we will end the ceremony with a kiss of promise shared between the two newlyweds.”

The two stood facing each other.

Kissing in front of people?

Unlike Ian, who was nervous, Kati was just smiling.

Ian smiled weakly, looking at Katy like that.

“You are also amazing.”

“Master.”

“Yes.”

There is a lot of strength in the hands held together.

Kati calmed her trembling heart.

Ian quietly looked at Katy’s lips.

Pink lips convey a sweet voice.

“Do you love me?”

The golden eyes that looked up were full of anticipation and excitement.

I already got the answer last night.

The answer I heard for the first time was the words that almost caused an accident.

It is to be acknowledged in front of everyone.

Kati knows what Ian is going to say.

Even though I expected it, I can’t control my nervousness.

Ian smiled at Katy.

Now Ian is ready to give that answer as many times as he wants.

… It’s a little embarrassing, though.

“Yes.”

I don’t love you because I have no reason not to love you.

There are so many reasons to love.

Because he wanted to love, Ian loved Katy.

“I love you, Kati.”

So, so said.

It was his true feelings that he did not embellish or hide.

Same as the answer I gave last time.

Kati wanted to keep this moment forever.

Why isn’t there a technology to stuff moments?

The regret was short-lived.

Because your memories and the time you will spend with him in the future will make the moment into eternity.

Kati answered with bright eyes.

“I love you a lot too.”

The distance between the two narrowed at once.

Each swallowed the other’s breath.

-Dang, dang… .

The bell in the bell tower rang.

Under the winter sky with migratory birds passing by.

The two people locked lips deeply and for a long time in the sunlight.