Who Stole The Empress (R15)

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Table of Contents

  • 1. Chapter 1. Kill The Empress
  • 2. Chapter 2. Tanatos’s Cripple Empress
  • 3. Chapter 3. She's Really Here
  • 4. Chapter 4. The Empress Is Going To Die
  • 5. Chapter 5. How Did This Happen?
  • 6. Chapter 6. Swallowing Eyes
  • 7. Chapter 7. Natasha Roanti
  • 8. Chapter 8. The Crying Sound
  • 9. Chapter 9. Are You Throwing Yourself Away?
  • 10. Chapter 10. Why Did This Woman...?
  • 11. Chapter 11. Then Bite If Off And Kill Me
  • 12. Chapter 12. Ability To Save
  • 13. Chapter 13. The Shadow She Left Behind
  • 14. Chapter 14. Into His Realm
  • 15. Chapter 15. Tamon's Purpose
  • 16. Chapter 16. This Damn Woman!
  • 17. Chapter 17. I've Never Hated You
  • 18. Chapter 18. How About Love?
  • 19. Chapter 19. A Night Walk
  • 20. Chapter 20. How Do You Want To Die
  • 21. Chapter 21. Ronasso's Anxiety
  • 22. Chapter 22. How To Let Go Of Sadness
  • 23. Chapter 23. Lersha Resha
  • 24. Chapter 24. It’s Not Ugly
  • 25. Chapter 25. Where Is The Empress's Treasure?
  • 26. Chapter 26. The Reason For Death
  • 27. Chapter 27. The Consolation Of The Unashamed
  • 28. Chapter 28. A New Name
  • 29. Chapter 29. A Small Change
  • 30. Chapter 30. Out Of Control
  • 31. Chapter 31. There's Always Trouble
  • 32. Chapter 32. Dazzling Silver Hair And Purple Crystal Eyes
  • 33. Chapter 33. My Silver Fox
  • 34. Chapter 34. Is It Okay To Eat This Poisonous Plant?
  • 35. Chapter 35. Don't Be Weak
  • 36. Chapter 36. Don’t Leave Me
  • 37. Chapter 37. An Unfamiliar Peace
  • 38. Chapter 38. Warmth Of The Palm
  • 39. Chapter 39. Give Me Your Right Foot
  • 40. Chapter 40. That’s Right
  • 41. Chapter 41. The Bride's Scream
  • 42. Chapter 42. You Are Like A Gift
  • 43. Chapter 43. Ensemble Drink
  • 44. Chapter 44. I Think It’s Her
  • 45. Chapter 45. Exactly One Month
  • 46. Chapter 46. I’m Disappointed
  • 47. Chapter 47. She Doesn’t Know
  • 48. Chapter 48. To The Lady Of The Pink Rose Forest
  • 49. Chapter 49. Red Stigma On The Chest
  • 50. Chapter 50. That Person Will Come
  • 51. Chapter 51. Smile Next Time
  • 52. Chapter 52. I’m The Owner Of That Leg
  • 53. Chapter 53. The Twins’ Dream
  • 54. Chapter 54. Karen Turasia
  • 55. Chapter 55. Red Passion In The Desert
  • 56. Chapter 56. Cassion Krasis
  • 57. Chapter 57. Brothers
  • 58. Chapter 58. He Did Not Know How To Be Patient
  • 59. Chapter 59. An Unpleasant Visitor
  • 60. Chapter 60. My Brother's Mistress
  • 61. Chapter 61. Tomorrow, Lunch, Together
  • 62. Chapter 62. Roselyn's Anger
  • 63. Chapter 63. Red-eyed Savior
  • 64. Chapter 64. He’s Back
  • 65. Chapter 65. Bloody Master
  • 66. Chapter 66. Welcome Back
  • 67. Chapter 67. I Missed You
  • 68. Chapter 68. Thank You For Staying Alive
  • 69. Chapter 69. It's All Coming Together
  • 70. Chapter 70. Hope That Shine At The End Of Despair
  • 71. Chapter 71. A Mean Woman
  • 72. Chapter 72. Ronasso's Adversity
  • 73. Chapter 73. Preparation To Go Out
  • 74. Chapter 74. Each Person's Heart Flows Differently
  • 75. Chapter 75. Smile, Rosie
  • 76. Chapter 76. Do You Want Me To Show You My Specialty?
  • 77. Chapter 77. Aim And Shoot
  • 78. Chapter 78. The Gap
  • 79. Chapter 79. Arrows That Burn Flesh
  • 80. Chapter 80. I’ll Bring You The Proof
  • 81. Chapter 81. Even If I Die Like This
  • 82. Chapter 82. The Reason She Was Confident In Winning
  • 83. Chapter 83. An Unexpected Guest
  • 84. Chapter 84. Love That Couldn't Overcome Hatred
  • 85. Chapter 85. Aranrosia
  • 86. Chapter 86. The Rightful Owner
  • 87. Chapter 87. Can I Trust You?
  • 88. Chapter 88. A Blind Man
  • 89. Chapter 89. The Wind Lantern Ceremony
  • 90. Chapter 90. If You're There, Come Out
  • 91. Chapter 91. Similar
  • 92. Chapter 92. Ignorance Is Bravery
  • 93. Chapter 93. I Can Tell You
  • 94. Chapter 94. Hartz’s Conditions
  • 95. Chapter 95. If You Kiss Me
  • 96. Chapter 96. Change
  • 97. Chapter 97. Anna
  • 98. Chapter 98. I’ll Have To Remove It
  • 99. Chapter 99. The Prophet's Gamble
  • 100. Chapter 100. Because He's So Good At It
  • 101. Chapter 101. A Mysterious Trend
  • 102. Chapter 102. The Conditions Of The Gift
  • 103. Chapter 103. The Tips Of His Ears
  • 104. Chapter 104. The Meaning Of Yellow Lily
  • 105. Chapter 105. God, Please Take Care Of Them
  • 106. Chapter 106. I'd Like To Meet Him
  • 107. Chapter 107. It’s Beautiful
  • 108. Chapter 108. What Do You Want Me To Do?
  • 109. Chapter 109. There's Only Two Of Us
  • 110. Chapter 110. Even If It Hurts A Little, It Will Last A Long Time
  • 111. Chapter 111. Does This Make Sense?
  • 112. Chapter 112. With Both Feet
  • 113. Chapter 113. Instinct
  • 114. Chapter 114. Did It Happen?
  • 115. Chapter 115. One Step, Two Steps
  • 116. Chapter 116. A Familiar Voice
  • 117. Chapter 117. I See The Glory Of Winter
  • 118. Chapter 118. That's Why It's Not Me
  • 119. Chapter 119. . It Was A Flash
  • 120. Chapter 120. When The Revenge Is Over
  • 121. Chapter 121. What Will He Get?
  • 122. Chapter 122. What Is Your Name?
  • 123. Chapter 123. Sweet
  • 124. Chapter 124. Black Canyon (1)
  • 125. Chapter 125. Black Canyon (2)
  • 126. Chapter 126. A Twisted Doubt
  • 127. Chapter 127. You Have To Save It
  • 128. Chapter 128. The Secret Of The Silver Horned Deer
  • 129. Chapter 129. His Sincerity
  • 130. Chapter 130. Into The Black Fog
  • 131. Chapter 131. Breaking In
  • 132. Chapter 132. Tell Me, Asha
  • 133. Chapter 133. Warmth
  • 134. Chapter 134. Evidence Of Longing
  • 135. Chapter 135. Under The Wheels
  • 136. Chapter 136. Natasha's Crime
  • 137. Chapter 137. Who Left The Flowers?
  • 138. Chapter 138. He Who Sees The Will Of God
  • 139. Chapter 139. Winter Can't Beat The Pines
  • 140. Chapter 140. Let’s Go There Together
  • 141. Chapter 141. Betrayal
  • 142. Chapter 142. A Vanished Home
  • 143. Chapter 143. Finally, At The Imperial Palace
  • 144. Chapter 144. Remove It
  • 145. Chapter 145. Your Worst Nightmare
  • 146. Chapter 146. July 16th
  • 147. Chapter 147. Pretend You Don’t See It. Pretend You Don’t Know It
  • 148. Chapter 148. Take The Child To His Mother
  • 149. Chapter 149. A Crack

Chapter 1. Kill the Empress

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 2. Tanatos’s cripple Empress

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 3. She's really here

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 4. The Empress is going to die

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 5. How did this happen?

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 6. Swallowing eyes

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 7. Natasha Roanti

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 8. The crying sound

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 9. Are you throwing yourself away?

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 10. Why did this woman...?

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 11. Then bite if off and kill me

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 12. Ability to save

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 13. The shadow she left behind

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 14. Into his realm

 

***

 

Hannah, Arsene, and the Knights of Platanus had already arrived in Orkins in the late afternoon.

 

Even though they didn’t rush the schedule, it didn’t take them long, since Orkins was a straight shot from the capital.

 

Arsene recalled that Hannah, who had been sitting in a daze in the carriage all day, had not eaten a single meal properly.

 

“Where did Hannah go?”

 

The boy got watery soup and soft bread from the inn he was using as his accommodation and came out to find Hannah.

 

The innkeeper also added a few fluffy potatoes, saying they had just steamed them.

 

“She said she was going for a walk, so she must be near.”

 

The inn was large enough to encompass all of the Knights, but it was old and outdated.

 

Arsene took a small tray of food and entered a small clearing behind the stable.

 

He could see crude training scarecrows made by hand and what looked like wooden posts, as if the knights who were staying there had prepared it for them to use when warming up.

 

“Is this the place?”

 

By the time Arsene tilted his head, a singing sound was heard from somewhere

 

‘…… That was good. Better than I expected………..”

 

It was definitely Hannah’s voice.

 

Arsene took quick steps to where the sound came from .

 

“……. It’s not simple.”

 

‘Where is she?’

 

Arsene, looking around, found Hannah dangling over a large tree.

 

“Hannah? Are you there?”  

 

“Arsene?”

 

Arsene looked up from under the tree.

 

He could definitely hear people talking, but Hannah was alone.

 

‘Did I hear it wrong?’

 

No sooner had Arsene wondered than Hannah jumped off the tree branch.

 

“Did you come to find me?”

 

As Hannah moved, a firefly hovering near her flew high in the sky in a circle.

 

Hannah tapped Arsene on the shoulder as his eyes followed the tail of the firefly as it flew away, wondering if there was a firefly habitat nearby.

 

“You brought these for me?”

 

“Oh, oh, yes. Because you don’t didn’t eat much all day.”

 

 

“Thank you. Let’s eat together. I don’t think I can eat it all by myself.”

 

Hannah grabbed a warm potato and sat down at the foot of a low tree.

 

“It’s delicious.”

 

With the still steamy potatoes in her mouth, Hannah called out to Arsene.

 

“You should try some, too. It’s perfectly seasoned.”

 

Arsene also sat down next to her and popped a piece of warm potato into his mouth.

 

The potatoes were ripe and delicious, even though he was not hungry.

 

“The sky is so beautiful. Can you see that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Sometimes when I look at the sky like this, my eyes become clearer.”

 

In the carriage coming to Orkins, Hannah was quiet the whole time.

 

She just looked out the window with sleepy, half-blinked eyes, dozed off and on, and was quiet without a word.

 

When night fell again, her eyes lit up as if she was in a daze.

 

One day she was dazed even until she went to bed, and another day she was full of life in the morning.

 

After repeating this several times, Arsene became a little worried.

 

When Hannah had eaten half of the potatoes, Arsene asked carefully.

 

“Do you have insomnia?”

 

“Insomnia?”

 

“Yes. Insomnia is when you have trouble sleeping at night. You can’t sleep well at night, right?”

 

Arsene’s voice was very cautious and full of concern.

 

Hannah stared at Arsene and smiled.

 

“You’re worried about me.”

 

“Oh, my body seems to feel different every day………..”

 

“I’m fine, really.”

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“Yes, it’ll be over soon.”

 

“Over? What is?”

 

Hannah just smiled without answering.

 

She was looking at the sky as if it was pouring down and murmured in a somber voice.

 

“Everyone left.”

 

‘Who is everyone?’

 

Arsene wanted to ask back, but Hannah’s eyes didn’t fall from the sky, so he kept silent.

 

Hannah’s mysterious golden eyes shone like stars.

 

As the hot soup turned cold, Hannah turned to look at Arsene.

 

“When this is all over, will you take good care of me too, Arsene?”

 

“I don’t quite understand what you are saying. What’s all going to be over?”

 

“This journey right now.”

 

Arsene at least knew that this journey was not so simple and easy.

 

The Empress, who was officially considered dead in the Empire, came back alive.

 

Although he didn’t know Lady Asha’s exact plans, Arsene at least knew that she would never return with a happy heart.

 

And that was exactly what Arsene wished for.

 

‘The Emperor! You son of a b*tch!’

 

The low and cowardly way he used the Empress and the children as a shield was still vivid in his memory.

 

Lady Asha had risked her life to save such an emperor.

 

Such Asha was brought down by the emperor who had gone mad with an inferiority complex.

 

“I’ll be a loyal person.”

 

 “…Hmm?”

 

Arsene said with a solemn face as he did that day he decided to become a knight. 

 

“You saved my life, Hannah.  I will not abandon my savior. So I will protect you to the end.”

 

The boy’s eyes, shining with determination, resembled the stars in the sky. Hannah, who had been watching him intently, nodded with a smile. 

 

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

 

Hannah, who had covered her mouth with her fist and smiled, pointed to Arsene’s faint wound. 

 

“It was injured during the monster encounter, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 “Did that person save you then?”

 

“She didn’t just save me. Everyone was able to live thanks to her. Instead, she injured her leg.” 

 

(*they are talking about Roselyn had saved everyone and her leg got injured when the demons attacked when she was Empress in Tanatos)

 

Arsene mumbled sadly, as if he had lost his own leg.

 

“You really like that person, don’t you?”

 

“Who, Asha?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because she’s a good person! I know there are many good people in this world, but I don’t think there is anyone as good as her!”

 

When the monsters suddenly started appearing, even the emperor who had the terrifying power trembled with fear. Even if he had this ability, he was not a god.

 

Rather, the emperor was the ugliest and weakest of all humans.

 

He was a selfish man who tried to live on his own, using his children and Empress as a shield.

 

Yet Asha came forward, even though she was smaller and less powerful than the Emperor. Arsene couldn’t forget her hand, which stroked his cheek at that moment. The hand that was trembling, frightened and pale, that white, beautiful hand that was cold as ice.

 

She put on an unshakable face, but that person’s hand could not hide its true feelings.

 

She was scared too.

 

It was difficult to face the monster in a normal state, but she had to face it with a piece of wood embedded in her Achilles tendon.

 

Alone, without support or help, she stepped forward to protect the children. 

 

Arsene wanted to be a knight who could swear allegiance to that person. 

 

How could he not respect and like her after going through all that? Even though Arsene was still young, he knew how serious and stubborn she was. 

 

So he dared to say that this hot heart will last for a long time.

 

“I am a righteous Arsene. Once a savior, always a savior to the end.”

 

Arsene got up and tapped his chest. 

 

“The same goes for you. Hannah is my savior too. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Hannah burst into laughter at the words he said with a runny nose as if he was excited.

 

How could soup and bread that had already gone cold taste so good?

 

Arsene’s sweetness was more fragrant than any other sweetener.

 

“If so, she’d better live a little longer. Right?”

 

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

 

“Even if it hurts a little, it will last a long time.”  

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah.” 

 

“It’s nothing. Let’s go in now.”

 

Hannah brushed her skirt and got up.

 

Arsene followed her and stood up with the tray. 

 

Hannah was in the middle of eating the rest of the bread on the tray, when Arsene didn’t see her, she spun around and threw some of the pieces of bread into the darkness.

 

The darkness buzzed and a single firefly flew up.

 

Hannah glanced at it and hurriedly called out for Arsene.

 

“Arsene, Arsene….”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t be too surprised, I’m about to faint……”

 

Before Hannah could finish her words, her body dropped to the floor.

 

“Hannah!”

 

Obviously Hannah told him not to be surprised, but Arsene 

dropped the tray and hurriedly picked her up.

 

Darkness buzzed in the vacant lot where the two children had disappeared.

 

***

 

By the time she came out of the river, Roselyn was exhausted. 

 

The river water was quite cold, but she only noticed it was cold after a few hours. Perhaps because of the deed, they felt closer to each other.

 

She couldn’t tell if the heat that enveloped her whole body was her own or the running water.

 

“Oh no. I can’t sleep for hours.”

 

Amazingly, Roselyn muttered in a drowsy voice.

 

She let her instincts take over, with no regard for what came before or after.

 

She couldn’t understand why she did it.

 

What was even more appalling was that there was no regret or self criticism.

 

All that was left was a thrill and huge ecstasy.

 

Roselyn felt that she had changed a little.

 

And at the center of that change was this man.

 

“You might be cold, so warm yourself up.”

 

Tamon took out a thin, dry towel from his backpack and carefully wiped Roselyn’s hair and fingers.

 

He was just as drenched, but Tamon didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of taking care of himself.

 

He carefully wiped her legs and toes, ignoring the water that was dripping from his own hair.

 

 “It tickles.”

 

She curled her toes and started laughing, and Tamon, who was glancing up at her, gave her a similar smile.

Chapter 15. Tamon's Purpose