Chapter 88

Chapter 88

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 88

“Just as I thought! That damn elf! No wonder they call them ‘Kanfra’! Argh!”

I wanted to burst through the door, but I couldn’t. This was a men-only space, and the one inside was none other than Karl.

“Karl! Ca-Can I come in?!”

Wait, that sounds weird. Stupid me!

“I mean! Is everything alright in there?! I thought I heard Eloise’s voice!”

What would Karl say? Would he lie and say no? Or would he be honest?

‘Whatever he says, I’ll accept it!’

If he lies, it must mean he’s flustered and I can understand that. If he’s honest, it means he doesn’t want to hide anything from me, which is also good. So, Karl, please just answer me.

“Eloise was just here, Selena.”

“...I see.”

My voice dropped without me realizing. Stupid! This isn’t good. This will only make Karl feel awkward, especially after he was honest with me.

“So... is Eloise still inside?”

This was the question I was most curious about. Was Eloise still inside? Or had she run away?

The latter would be a relief, but the former would be a headache. If she’s still inside and Karl is covering for her... I might be a little sad.

“No. She ran away.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Thankfully, Karl’s response came back, confirming that she wasn’t here anymore. Phew, a sigh of relief escaped me.

But then, a slightly foolish question sneaked up in my mind, ‘Did she really leave?’

‘I need to trust Karl. I have to trust him,’ I whisper to myself, but then the image of Eloise’s face pops into my head. I can’t help it. Ever since we shared a room, she kept looking at me and laughing strangely, ‘Ufufufu!’

“Um, Karl. I mean... I’m not doubting you, but I’m doubting Eloise! Are you absolutely sure she’s gone?”

“She’s really gone. As soon as you came, she bolted like a child caught doing something wrong. She was so quick, just like an elf.”

[PR/N: I mean... she’s one.]

His answer came without a moment’s hesitation. Yes, this is enough. Now I can believe him.

Actually, even this is wrong of me. If Karl says she’s not here, then she’s not here. It’s not about whether I believe him or not, I should have just believed him!

“Well then, I should get going. When I get back to our room, I’ll give Eloise a piece of my mi—”

“Selena.”

“Yes, Karl? Did you have something to say?”

“Would you like to come in?”

For about three seconds, I blinked, wondering if I had heard correctly. After another three seconds, I was finally able to open my mouth.

“...Huh?”

“No, never mind. Forget what I just said. I think I lost my mind for a moment because of Eloise. Just think of it as nonsense. Anyway, there really was nothing going on, so don’t worry, Selena.”

Forget it, he said. Think of it as nonsense. Hmm. I see. Well, if Karl says so, then I...

“I’ll go wash up right now.”

Selena is the daughter of the Marquis of Nafplion. She comes from a prestigious background and is undoubtedly of noble status.

But the same goes for me. I’m the eldest son of Count Friedrich and now the heir. I’ve risen from a common noble to a titled noble, so my status is no less than Selena’s.

On top of that, as Selena said, my name is now followed by a string of titles. Any one of them would be enough to feel burdened, but there are more than two or three.

‘It must have been difficult for her. As Selena said, it must have been scary.’

Putting myself in Selena’s shoes, it makes perfect sense. That’s why I need to say something more sincere. I need to show her clearly that she has nothing to worry about.

“So what I mean is—”

“It’s already enough, Selena. To me, you’re more than enough.”

Selena’s body trembles slightly, the sensation transmitted through our backs. It’s as if she’s asking, ‘Really? Do you really mean it?’

“The people around us might question it. Strangers might question it. And the world might question it. But Selena, none of that matters. Just one thing. You and me. That’s enough. And to me, you are more than enough. You’re more than I deserve.”

Hmm. Saying this out loud makes my face flush. Did I lay it on too thick?

I chuckle involuntarily, and Selena lets out a small laugh, too. ‘Pfft.’

We stay like this for a while, backs pressed together, laughing. Then Selena speaks again.

“Ah, I’m such an idiot. Why did I reject your confession?”

“Well, maybe it was a divine move for the future? To make things more passionate. They say if first love is too easily attained, you don’t appreciate its value.”

I shouted like that, but in reality, it was nothing more than nonsense I blurted out.

Of course, even such words from me, Selena sincerely accepted with a “Is that so?”

* * *

I thought this hot spring trip would just be about soaking in the water, but it ended up with another incident. After achieving another unbelievable feat, it’s time to go home.

Well, it wasn’t bad. In fact, it was quite good. I got closer to Selena, Eloise is finally dressing properly, and those four guys... well, look at the glow on their faces. They’re practically shining.

“Strange. We all soaked in the hot spring, but why do only they look so refreshed?”

Well, Eloise, maybe it’s because you put Selena and me through so much trouble that we don’t show it. Besides, you were too busy trying to sneak into my room to enjoy the hot spring.

“So you’re leaving, Brother Karl.”

Cardinal Beolant, who was standing behind us, speaks with a chuckle as we wait for the train.

I was already feeling the pressure with all the officers, soldiers, and families of the martyred soldiers in the South. Now, people from the Church, including the cardinal, are clinging to me.

It’s suffocating. Is this what it feels like to be watched every second of the day?

“Ah, Brother. Here.”

Right. I almost forgot. My greatsword. My precious friend. I missed you so much.

“As a gift to the benefactor of the Church, this old man has bestowed a blessing upon it.”

What? This sword that only craved the blood of kanfras has received a blessing from a cardinal? It’s like a bloodthirsty magical sword being suddenly quenched in holy water.

It’s like the cursed sword, thirsting for blood, suddenly being sanctified as a holy relic.

“I wish I could personally visit Count Friedrich to express my gratitude. However, with the matter of the recovered sacred relic and the affairs of the 4th Diocese—”

“It’s alright, Your Eminence. It’s nothing to dwell on. Your presence here is more important for soothing the unsettled hearts of the people.”

“...Indeed. The war may be over, but post-war recovery is just beginning. Truly, Brother, you are worthy of God’s grace.”

Worthy, my foot. I’m just a madman who ran wild with a ‘whatever happens, happens!’ attitude.

I bet even the Goddess of Light was like, ‘Is this guy crazy?’ when I confessed my love publicly and then ran off to the military after being rejected.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]