episode_0269

The Gaia Empire returned after making a great contribution in the Elven Kingdom.

It had been a long time since I had been here, but I was returning home with results that exceeded my expectations, so I proudly went to see the Emperor.

“Meet Your Majesty the Emperor.”

Although he was a warrior, he humbled himself because he belonged to the empire.

“Count Dran. I already received the report.”

The report proceeded quickly. It briefly reported the damage suffered by the enemy, including casualties and the number of demons captured, and the damage suffered by the empire. The details of the battle were not mentioned. Things like dragon help, believers in the goddess of death… … If I talk, my mouth will only hurt. Anyway, since I am known to be a warrior who received favor from the Goddess of Death, I should not have revealed that the Goddess of Death is behind the demons.

Only by defeating the goddess of death can I sleep with my feet stretched out.

“What kind of movements do you think the Demons will make in the future?”

“I think it will be reorganized. Since the plan has already gone wrong several times, I believe they will not launch an attack blindly.”

Before returning, the Principality of Lancelot and the Elf Kingdom suffered tremendous damage. Because of this, the Allied Forces were unable to use their full strength to counter the demon attack.

“However, we can boldly predict that it may be overly excessive and cause a war.”

“Hmm. Why?”

“There is intelligence that the Demon King’s position is precarious due to consecutive failures. This is a fact I found out directly from a high-ranking demon.”

“Yes. No matter how excellent a monarch is, consecutive defeats shake the hearts of the people.”

We won every time, but the demons, who had suffered such painful failures, were falling further and further behind.

“Do you have any plans for next time?”

“First of all, I plan to do maintenance until I can predict the demon’s next move.”

“Yes. You’ve worked hard this time, so you’ll need some rest for a while.”

It was difficult to say the word rest, so I chose the word maintenance, but I was very grateful that the emperor himself told me that I could rest.

“If anything important comes up, come visit me anytime. You could call me before then. Ah, as a prize… … Um, is there anything you want?”

Do you mean “san?”

“It’s not like the Count wanted compensation, but I don’t feel comfortable sending him away empty-handed.”

It’s a prize.

What do you want?

These were words that really caused the recipient to worry. money? wisdom? Or should I ask for a marquis? Or also… … .

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“Good job.”

“Thank you.”

As I came out of the palace after meeting the emperor, Asabel, who had been in the same room earlier, followed me. She looked at me happily for having done well this time too. My increasing value also became Asabel’s strength. Even though I am a warrior, I have followed the footsteps of Princess Asabel Silve.

“The prince’s faction must be quite nervous now.”

“Ah. Do you mean the Hwangja faction?”

“The competition for imperial power is blowing once again.”

It’s a political fight.

Honestly, I didn’t want to pay attention. But if there was one person to worry about, it was Lucia Sylve. From long ago, the competition for imperial power was something that had not been of interest. All I wanted to do was save the world and do whatever I wanted. I didn’t want to take power among them. Having several women under me was already a work in progress, and things like governing the country seemed like a headache. Therefore, he refused the offer of the Goddess of Death and did not interfere much with the Queen of the Elven Kingdom.

“So… … .”

“Princess. I won’t tell you to attack anyone or anything like that. If the empire itself is shaken, I won’t stand still, but if not, I won’t step forward myself.”

“Hmm? Yeah, really?”

No matter how much of a warrior I was, it was a cold answer considering what the princess had given me.

“But I promise you this.”

If the struggle for imperial power breaks out in earnest, those targeting Asabel will gradually be revealed.

“We will protect you.”

“Heh?”

Asabel’s stiff face, who seemed a little shocked, suddenly relaxed. I think this is my first time seeing Asabel make this kind of expression.

“Someone suddenly rebels or makes an unexpected surprise attack… … If something like that happens, I will stop it.”

“Hmm… … hmm. It’s really reassuring.”

Asabel turns her face away and mutters.

“Really… … .”

The atmosphere became ambiguous for a moment due to Asabel’s curious reaction.

… … to be honest.

I am not a eunuch, and I know what signal Asabel’s reaction is. But the reason I didn’t go any further was also because of Lucia. In the first place, there was no other ulterior motive in saying that he would protect Asabel. If the next emperor was needed, Asabel was the best person to do so. Moreover, he was also the person who would listen best when I asked for something. A so-called helping and helping relationship that benefits each other. So I have to protect it.

“Ah. And is it really okay?”

“Yes?”

“That… … The award given by His Majesty.”

“Oh, you mean that?”

“Marquis. Is that all enough?”

ah.

In the end, when asked what I wanted to receive, I wasn’t too greedy and asked to be appointed a marquis. I predicted that there would be friction because this was an unprecedented and unprecedented rise in status, but if you listen to the princess’s words, that was not the case.

“Originally, you were planning to appoint Count Dran as Marquis. Discussions have already begun.”

“You mean you can call me something else.”

The Empire will now try to capture me somehow. A warrior like Charlotte had a place to settle down, but she was also a free person who did not belong to that country. However, I am officially a noble belonging to the Gaia Empire. Because of me alone, the empire will not be threatened by anyone other than forces like the Demon King. So, they are trying to keep me in the empire by giving me a higher noble position.

“I should have asked for something else.”

“So, His Majesty also told you to say something else.”

That’s right… … .

That’s because you want something bigger.

Of course, there was no need for that, but there wasn’t much I wanted from the empire. Even if it wasn’t a reward or something, it didn’t matter as long as you listened to my story carefully.

“Looking at your expression, it seems like you want something.”

“It’s not because I was hoping for something when I went to the elf kingdom and made a contribution.”

This is real.

“Just… … I would like to receive permission from His Majesty later.”

“What… … ”

“Ah.”

In the distance, a woman with flowing platinum hair can be seen. It looked very similar to Asabel, but it was easy for me to tell them apart. I’ve been looking at you for so long, and I’ve touched your lips so many times, how could I have forgotten?

Asabel followed my gaze to another direction. Last time, I revealed about my relationship with Lucia. I’ve never told you how deeply we were in love. To avoid any misunderstanding, we kissed and said we fell in love at first sight.

“Daron.”

Lucia, whom I had not seen in a long time, had the same feelings as me. I can approach you, but come quickly and hug me first… … As I was trying to do this, I looked at the people around me. The only people there were Asabel, Lucia, and their attendants, but they must have been embarrassed. Men should take the lead in these matters.

“I really missed you.”

“Me too.”

I gave him a big hug.

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

“It happens every time. I am strong.”

Lucia knew that even though I was a warrior, what I was doing was dangerous. In particular, since I had actual memories of experiencing war, I knew well the fear of losing someone. To do this after losing your own life… … .

Anyway, it felt really good.

The reward was just holding each other and sharing body heat and body odor with the woman I loved. What does money or status matter? Being alive and well like this and being with the person you love is the greatest happiness and reward.

Only after being separated from Lucia do I look around. Most people looked away and tried not to disturb our time, but Asabel was still staring. His face was red and he had a suspicious expression on his face.

“It seems like our relationship has become deeper.”

“Sister.”

“… … I have no intention of interfering between the two. Still, since she is a princess, she has to save face in public.”

I need to show you this deep kiss so you can see how light what we just did was. I also endured a lot of this. It was a shame that it ended with just hugging. Lucia feels the same way… … At night, we’ll kiss, strip, bite, suck, and get tangled up.

I have to hurry and officially take Lucia home.

“Your sister.”

“I will keep that in mind too.”

“… … You’re not scolding me? What you need to pay attention to is that you need to pay attention to it. You know what I mean?”

Asabel probably didn’t want to be a bad person, so he made an excuse so he didn’t have to. I know there was no bad intention. My relationship with Lucia wasn’t good, but it wasn’t bad either. They weren’t static, and they weren’t the kind of people who would have friction with each other.

No… … .

“Then, I’ll just go. Count Dran, you may be called upon later, so get some rest until the letter arrives.”

Is it the enemy?

“Daron.”

Right after Asabel leaves, Lucia touches my arm. I have something to say, but I can’t bring myself to open my mouth.

“Sister, no way… … ”

“Hmm, I guess so.”

Yeonjeok.

I think so.

Of course, my relationship with Lucia had already become deeper, so there was no room for separation, and Asabel didn’t have the courage to be honest about liking someone. If you think about it that way, they weren’t romantic enemies.

“Don’t worry. I won’t accept it without your permission.”

“If you give me permission, will I get it right away?”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“It’s a joke.”

Lucia puts her hand in my arm as if saying everything is okay. They already had each other, so there was no need to worry.