121 – Imperial Family (1)
“I heard that you were actually injured the most. Still, you look pretty good.”
“…… “It looks like this situation is okay in your eyes, little brother.”
Seocheon forced a smile at my words.
Of course, the area around my eyes twitched as expected.
Anyway, I smiled mischievously and shrugged my shoulders.
“One way or another, isn’t it fortunate that you are safe? “It’s actually amazing that we endured that much against the devils.”
Apart from his light-hearted attitude, he didn’t really think Seocheon’s condition was good.
Actually, it wasn’t a serious injury.
There were no scars that would remain for a long time, but in other words, all kinds of other scars will remain.
Should we say that it is a sign of such a fierce battle?
In fact, except for Beatrice, who was unconscious for three days, it could be said that this was the one who suffered the most serious injuries in this battle.
It could be said that it is a miracle that my limbs are intact.
Geomseong was captured by the Demon King who had borrowed the body of a duke, and while his disciples were dealing with monsters coming from all over, another high-ranking demon appeared at some point.
It was Seocheon who raised the sword against that guy.
And as we can see from Seocheon today, the traces of hardship that remain in many ways allowed me to know how the battle went that day.
As expected, he was also a marquis level demon.
‘Several marquises and one duke. At that point, no matter how much of a demon lord he is, he will be quite upset.’
Suddenly, that thought also occurred to me, but it was not a meaningful number right away.
What does the loss of power under the Demon of Destruction mean?
Even so, the only thing that can be replenished in some way over time are the extras called the Three Kings’ subordinates.
Anyway, for now, shouldn’t we just be happy that we got over the bloody attack that night?
“They said I wouldn’t be able to hold a sword for a while.”
“… ….”
However, that doesn’t mean there was no damage on this side either.
Just looking at Seocheon’s physical condition right now, it’s like that.
I was briefly silent at the words he said in a casual voice.
Seocheon was the one who actually laughed at my reaction.
“Uncharacteristically, I am keeping my mouth shut. Whether it’s sympathy or comfort, this brother doesn’t need anything like that, so leave it behind. “This injury is like a medal of honor earned against the Demon Marquis.”
“…… Well, if you think that way, I have nothing more to say. More than that, since when did you become my older brother? “I hope you’re so anxious that you won’t be able to eat it like that.”
“hahahahaha, it’s all in the past. I think it’s time to admit it, why? “You don’t like it?”
Seocheon returned a sly smile to my hesitant response.
But since he secretly narrowed his eyes, I decided to quickly change my attitude.
“How could you not like it, hahahaha. I also like being like my brother and sister like now. Shall we just forget about the past?”
“It’s nice because it’s refreshing!”
It was something I said out loud, but Seocheon smiled loudly and patted my back as if he was okay with it.
It was quite funny that he was injured and his arm strength was much stronger than mine, but anyway.
I suddenly thought while letting out an awkward, wry smile.
Why did this gentleman suddenly change his mind?
‘Just a few days ago, you were practically clenching your teeth and growling?’
If I had to guess, I think risking our lives and fighting together was effective.
Well, there’s nothing bad about me, so of course it doesn’t matter.
“It looks like I’m very unfamiliar with this, right? Brother.”
“Yes?”
“I think I’ll hear people say I’m not good at managing my facial expressions.”
But it seems like it was all revealed on his face.
Seocheon smiled and glanced at me.
“Actually, I didn’t view her brother that badly from the beginning.”
And as he continued talking, even if I didn’t know anything else, I knew at least that one thing. This is a lie.
I looked at Seocheon with a very reluctant look.
“…… Hmm, does this seem a bit excessive?”
Seocheon scratched the back of his head shyly, and I immediately nodded.
“Maybe a little.”
“What… …. “Then speak up straight away.”
Seocheon then brought her story back to the starting point.
Black eyes that are somewhat familiar to me meet my gaze.
“Of course, I was a little dissatisfied at first. No, a little too much.”
“I don’t even know where it came from, but it’s trying to snatch my youngest child?”
“Oh, that’s it.”
Seocheon snapped her fingers as if she was following my words.
But I am affirming this again.
“But actually, I knew because I heard about it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You.”
At about that time, Seocheon’s voice became slightly more serious for a moment.
“I heard you met a jihadist at the academy.”
“… ….”
“That ugly priest.”
I reflexively remained silent. Did you hear the story from the Sword Saint?
Well, I didn’t think it would be too strange to hear more about him when he was a major type.
So, I took a quick look at Seocheon’s expression, and he seemed more bitter than negative than I thought.
Considering what Jihad has done, I would say this is a fairly moderate response.
Come to think of it, even though you tried to put my granddaughter in danger several times, your treatment of Jihad was very gentle.
No, rather than saying it was just soft, it would be more accurate to say that it just felt sad.
Anyway, Jihad sighed and continued his sentence.
“…… There’s a lot to talk about about him, but it’s not something worth telling you, so just hold on for now. “What I was trying to say is that I knew full well that Aria was safe thanks to you.”
There are sure to be many reasons for the bitter look on his face, but perhaps they are not emotions that I, as an outsider, can guess.
So I decided to just stay silent and listen to the story.
“Anyway, you played a big role in this invasion, so why bother bothering me even more? “That is just as shabby as it is.”
‘I knew it.’
In addition, the thoughts that came to my mind in an instant were not expressed in words.
I just nodded with a reasonably plausible expression.
Wouldn’t it be fortunate if they recognized me one way or another?
If I ever visit Yeongsan again, I will meet this person, but it feels a bit uncomfortable to part ways with him still yelling at me until the end.
I thought just that much. Actually, there was nothing more to think of.
But, it seems like the gentleman in front of me still had something to say.
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“That’s what I’m saying. You concluded that she might be able to entrust Aria to you. When are you going to have a ceremony?”
Seocheon spoke so calmly and softly that I paused for a moment. What did this guy just say?
Without exaggeration, I was frozen for about 3 seconds and then I was barely able to move my lips.
“Yes?”
What he said was only a short question.
Seocheon continued her words, wiping away the tears that had not yet flowed.
“Yes, even if I am sentenced to death, I have no right to stop my youngest from being happy. In the first place, there is no reason to stop Aria when she openly expresses her interest in you. From now on, not only as Aria, but also as your brother-in-law, I will actively support your relationship.”
“Yes??”
“As you know, Aria is prone to loneliness. Of course, as long as she stays at the academy, she’ll be able to meet her whenever she wants, so it’ll be fine. Oh yeah. Since we are both students anyway, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to come to Yeongsan right after graduation. Of course, two people together. “Little brother, by any chance, what is your family relationship like?”
The barrage continued without giving her a chance to stop speaking. I was so confused that I came to my senses very late.
And he very carefully separates the words.
“I don’t know where to begin to explain this, but let me just say that me and Aria don’t really have that kind of relationship—.”
“Of course!”
However, even my courageous attempts had no choice but to be buried in the old castle of Seocheon.
His somehow meaningful gaze followed me persistently.
“I know, brother Dante. I know.”
An unknown smile appeared on Seocheon’s lips.
“Dante’s younger brother and our youngest child, Aria, have been maintaining positive feelings for each other since they met at the Academy, right?”
“… ….”
“In particular, Dante seems to have many friends who are not of the same s*x around him, but he has no intention of turning a blind eye to such attractive friends… ….”
At that point, no matter how clueless I was, I was able to understand.
Seocheon, what is this guy aiming for by saying these things to me?
“…… No, a thousand death sentences. Please calm down first and let us talk calmly.”
“Of course, I know what I have seen over the past two months. Miss Beatrice, Miss Djibril, Miss Eve. “Dante’s younger brother has a lot of luck with women, doesn’t he?”
Seocheon smiled brightly, completely crushing my desperate attempts at conversation.
And finally, he stands up, comes to my side, and taps my shoulder.
Then he mutters.
“Just try trampling on our pretty Aria’s first love. “You really need to know that you won’t be able to take a single step out of Yeongsan on that day, priest.”
“… ….”
One word that made me have no choice but to stiffen and nod my head shakily.
At this time, I had a hunch.
I don’t know what it is, but something is happening.
‘…… Now that I think about it, it seems like there are a lot of girls around me. ‘Uneasy.’
I really don’t know what it is, but fate and the future are truly terrifying.
It seemed like it was approaching me with great strides.
It may be an illusion, though.
I’m sure it’s an illusion, but…….
*****
The two months I spent in Yeongsan have come to an end. The actual time that has passed will be about a month.
Anyway, the moment to leave Yeongsan finally came.
After a farewell party on the last day with the disciples of the Sword Saint, we set foot on the land below the mountain range for the first time in a long time.
Everyone’s disappointment was quite evident.
Although we faced one major crisis, we eventually overcame that crisis by fighting together.
The bond that was formed in Yeongsan during these two short months was by no means shallow.
“Dante, what’s wrong? Your expression hasn’t been good since you came down from the mountain. “Are you motion sick?”
“… ….”
Of course, I am a Jew and a Nabal, so I was in a situation where I couldn’t just enjoy those feelings, which were lukewarm but strangely rewarding.
No, should I just say that’s the situation… ….
Before we parted ways, it seemed like the old man, Geomseong, had completely gotten rid of even the slightest disapproval he had in me, but it was actually his students who were bothering me this time.
These youngest idiots are such fools.
How is it possible to relentlessly harass people without getting tired until the very last day?
“Oh, Dante. Are you really dizzy? My complexion is a bit blue…….”
“…… Hmm.”
Still, I couldn’t stay discouraged forever, so I decided to come to my senses, using Aria’s worried voice as encouragement.
Yes, anyway, isn’t it the time to leave Yeongsan? It’s really goodbye now.
I waved Aria’s hand to indicate that it was okay, and I leaned back a little more comfortably.
As expected, the carriage that Tsumei prepared was very comfortable to ride.
Comfort that feels like it’s shaking but doesn’t shake. It was a pretty good background to close your eyes for a moment, but…….
‘The imperial family.’
I didn’t do that. No, is it correct to say that I couldn’t do that?
I had to think about the next thing again.
It seems like it’s coming without giving me time to rest, but so far I’ve still been able to do it.
Isn’t it me who has successfully resolved such incidents in one way or another?
Even if another problem came next time, there was no reason why we couldn’t do it again.
‘Still, the thing to be careful about is that it’s not just things I know about that happen.’
However, it was forbidden to let down one’s guard at any time. Especially if something as unexpected as this time happens again and at an unexpected time.
For example, the ‘fourth main episode’ that the quest window told me about was exactly that.
After enduring the tragedy of the [Devil of Destruction], The [Imperial House] Came to us.
This is also a change from the development I was familiar with.
‘Obviously, the topic of solvents should have begun at this point… ….’
Since the original main story where the demons appeared in the first place was blown away and the Three Kings appeared in person, there was nothing special about making something more different.
Demons and Mines of Yurin.
The two episodes were originally related to some extent, so it wasn’t unreasonable to say that they were somehow replaced.
But the imperial family is different.
Not only is it not a group related to the Dragon Emperor, but it also doesn’t have the slightest hint of foreshadowing for it to suddenly appear like the demon of Yurin.
‘Why the imperial family? Could it be because of the mountains?’
…… If I had to guess, there was definitely a major event called Sangun’s resurrection, but even if that were true, it would still make my head spin.
Anyway, let’s say the fourth episode is about the imperial family, so what about the dragon emperor?
Are you saying that the Yongje’s affairs will explode in the same manner as the Yongje?
Or, literally, what the hell?
I don’t know. There was no basis or context for predicting this, and I felt like there was nothing I could do to prepare for it.
If you have to prepare, I think the imperial family’s problems will come first.
‘Umm… ….’
There was a bit of conflict, but it wasn’t difficult to make a decision.
First, we focus on the [Imperial Family].
Anyway, isn’t that the variable? In the first place, in the original story, the dragon emperor did not cause a direct incident, but only indirectly related events occurred.
At the same time, I’m paying attention, but for now, I’m thinking a little more carefully about the imperial family that I don’t know about.
‘I guess it’s okay for now.’
I wrapped up my thoughts and slowly closed my eyes.
There is still quite a long way to go until the academy, and I have roughly finished thinking about my future work.
Although it is too early, the imperial family is one of the forces that must be looked into at some point.
In that case, it wouldn’t be a bad plan to try to search in advance.
‘…… Let’s just leave it at that and take a good nap for now.’
I muttered this to myself and relaxed my tired body.
Isn’t this trip to Yeongsan a rather difficult journey?
If you do not rest on time, your body will suffer.
Thinking like that, I slowly fell into a deep sleep.
And that didn’t just apply to me.
More than half of the people in the carriage were already sleeping as they pleased.
Jibril, who seemed to like the corner seat, was still crouching on the floor and fretting, and Eve, who was having a harder time than the others, was also in an upright posture with her eyes closed, as if she had died.
In other words, should I say that it is a very suitable atmosphere for me to fall asleep as well?
Anyway, I felt my consciousness slipping away.
In a comfortable position, in a comfortable space.
A system that will be headed soon.
I never imagined that I would meet the bloodline of ‘Dante’ there, whose face I didn’t even know.