Epilogue. bell (1)
“Sister Olivia… … .”
Belle was combing her soft auburn hair, looking at the picture in the frame with Sister Olivia.
Once she had settled down and started combing her hair, it was her habit to sit there for quite a long time and style her pretty hair.
With a blank face, she always had a longing look on her face.
It’s because when I comb my hair, it reminds me of the time when Sister Olivia used to sit in front of her and compliment her on how pretty she was.
“miss you. Sister.”
So.
Brushing her hair without realizing the passage of time is a kind of self-consolation, recalling her own sweet past.
“What did Sister say to me at a time like this?”
Bell looked at Olivia, who smiled benevolently, with wet eyes. The nun in the photo doesn’t have an answer, but… … It seemed like he was giving me an answer.
‘bell. Find something that makes you happy. I live the way I want to. Got it? Your happiness comes first.’
Olivia in the frame says so. No, Sister Olivia in her lifetime would surely have said this.
Because he was the one who always wished for Belle’s happiness. Even if Bell was chosen as a saint, he was the one who advised her to do what she wanted to do.
Remembering that fact, Bell laughs bitterly. It wasn’t that easy.
‘Sister. I… … .’
smart–
The sound of a knock breaking the long silence.
“May I come in? lady candidate. It is time to go.”
“… … Yes, please come in.”
Bell quickly wiped away her tears with the palm of her hand at the sound she heard outside the door, and answered in a kind voice.
When the door opened, Belle greeted the man entering with a benevolent smile. It’s a familiar face.
“Bishop Victor.”
“Candidate Saint.”
The two greeted each other with a light glance.
Viktor entered without making a sound and knelt in front of the bell.
“Don’t do this between us.”
Bell grabbed Viktor’s hands and raised him up. Viktor shook his head in embarrassment.
“What kind of trouble are you talking about me? Soon, the saintess candidate will receive the revelation of light and become a true ‘saint’. I dare not. Because there are laws. You should never do this outside.”
He acted so politely that Viktor didn’t recognize him.
Bell was awkward with Viktor, who was becoming more mature day by day. When I think of the corrupt priest who was flirting with this woman and that woman at Lorena’s shop, it makes me wonder if the sun has risen in the west.
“Whoa. Bishop Victor. Still, I am.”
“I understand how you feel, but… … . Still, that many people came.”
Victor smiled bitterly and slightly opened the window of the Holy See’s room in the Holy See. An uproarious song immediately rang out. Everyone was singing a hymn praising the god of light.
―――!
Followers from all over the kingdom flocked to see Bell’s appointment as a saint.
It is the day when the first official ‘Saint’ is born after the Great War of the Demon World ends. The sacred city of Eatera achieved unprecedented success in history.
“… … Whoa.”
Bell let out a low sigh.
Seeing that figure, I really thought that I was crossing an irreversible river.
“In front of them, I mustn’t show the appearance of being innocent with me, a bishop. You must be familiar with it, right?”
“yes. I know. Bishop Victor. Seeing you nag, you really have become like a bishop. It’s amazing.”
“ha ha ha… … . Well, that’s how it happened.”
Victor has changed.
He had a past where he was passionate about alcohol and women, but as he went through a lot of things last time, his mind changed a lot. It was unbearable to be born as a man and waste time drinking.
In particular, it was the heart that he made a promise while watching the performance of his proud junior. Victor wants to become a cardinal. So now I am working more faithfully for the church than anyone else.
That’s why Viktor had sad eyes.
The day everyone has been waiting for the birth of the saintess. It was that glorious and blessed day, but the most important person was not smiling.
“Candidate Saint.”
“… … yes?”
“Have you not made up your mind yet?”
“… … .”
Although he works for the church more than anyone else, Victor is still Victor.
From the moment he heard Bell’s sad concerns, Viktor couldn’t help but be shaken.
Is it for the church?
Is it for one person named Bell?
Because I was at the crossroads.
“Come on, let’s go. It’s too late.”
Bell, dressed in a splendid castle, walked out the door with a refined step without answering. Viktor couldn’t help but look at her heavy-looking shoulders.
I couldn’t have predicted what decision Bell would make.
“Aren. Hey… … .”
* * *
“My lord. We are ready to depart.”
“Oh yeah.”
I listened to Dalglish’s words and immediately put on my coat. It was a new formal dress that my mother had airlifted from the Western Islands last month.
It’s light, moderate, and clean, so I liked it the most among the clothes my mother made, so I decided to wear it today.
“You fit in very well. It’s also a perfect outfit for a day like today. As expected, your wife’s eyes.”
Dalglish nodded, praising his mother’s discernment.
Recently, Dalglish has grown particularly fond of Delina. The reason for this is that Dalglish is slowly contemplating retirement, so he is doing this to sweetly receive his retirement pay.
And my mother, who spends the most money, was also the target.
One year has passed since the demon king was defeated and the Pandemonium War ended.
A lot happened.
If you insist on reciting them all one by one, the years will pass. Let’s just think about the major incidents…
Odelia was recognized for her contributions to the Pandemonium War and was confirmed as the first in line for succession to the throne. The academy was reorganized and expanded in many ways, and the revival period was approaching.
When the evil forces that consumed Aeonia completely disappeared, talented people for the kingdom gathered like clouds and worked hard. Thanks to this, Aeonia was rapidly recovering its national power.
After graduating from the academy, I, who had just graduated from the academy, watched the process while secluded in the Blackfire Mansion.
I also had a lot of work to do, but for now, taking a break was my number one goal.
As he had dreamed of, he leisurely cultivated the manor, worked for the people of the manor, and harvested mature wheat and fruit.
It was the idyllic life I had longed for.
A few months ago, I officially took over as head of household.
Now that I have become an adult, my father left everything that symbolizes his family, such as seals and rings, and went on a long-term trip.
I knew it would be like this someday, but I really didn’t know that I would become the head of the family less than a year after the graduation ceremony. who will stop my father
Thanks to that, I became the head of the family sooner than expected, and I abolished the many bad habits that remained in the Blackfire family.
First of all, the servants of our family who made a contract of soul. Homunculuses such as Billglish, Dalglish, and Annie were the first targets.
-It’s okay to leave the family.
I broke the soul contract.
Everyone was moved by my actions, and some of them gradually began to prepare for retirement. Like Dalglish now.
Dalglish, along with Billglish, are scheduled to retire in a week. After serving her family for hundreds of years, it was time to enjoy her freedom.
“Then, I hope you have a peaceful trip.”
Dalglish greeted politely and did his duty until the end.
“Yes. When we get back, let’s have a big party.”
“Whoops. I look forward to it. Duchess of Blackfire.”
When I climbed into the carriage, Annie sat down and smiled faintly.
“Today, the person is clear. Bitch, no, Duke.”
“animated film. You can do it comfortably.”
In a week’s time, Annie, who would officially become Chamberlain of Blackfire Manor, shook her head. Unlike Billglish and Dalglish, Annie decided to stay at the mansion.
I don’t know the exact reason. Maybe it’s because of the lust for power? I’ve been waiting for hundreds of years, but if there was a lust for power, now would be the right time.
If he was the chamberlain of a duke’s family, he wouldn’t be at a level where he could get lost. Of course this is just my guess. Annie’s intentions were difficult to grasp. Even if you look at it like that, it was close to a spirit creature that lived for several hundred years.
“no. Now that you’ve been elevated from a count to a duke, it’s that important to be polite.”
Having said that, Annie’s attitude toward me was not much different from that of a child. To her, I still looked like a young boy. I didn’t really care either.
“Then shall we leave?”
“yes. I see.”
At Annie’s signal, the coachman moved the horse. The black horse, which became a symbol of the Blackfire family going out, kicked the ground vigorously.
.
.
.
.
.
Unlike before, there was no shaking of the wagon. It’s because it’s no longer a country road.
It was thanks to the fact that he invited the Dwarven artisans with whom he had a fairly deep relationship, received a 30% discount each, and cleaned up all the main roads of the territory.
For the past year after graduation, I really worked hard to take care of the manor. Thanks to that, the villagers seemed to like me quite a bit.
“Duke~! Are you going out!”
“Yes. We are going to the Holy City.”
“Please be careful!”
People who had previously been reluctant to even come near the mansion now waved at my carriage or shouted at me if the window was open.
Dalglish or Annie scolded them at first, but I stopped them. that good is good It was because I liked the freewheeling atmosphere of Yeongji more.
“You have become a really good lord.”
“What.”
Annie smiled as she saw me talking to the resident without hesitation. Still embarrassed by such compliments, I shyly closed the window and leaned against the backrest.
“How are you feeling?”
As I closed my eyes and crossed my arms, Annie spoke to me. Anyway, the more I watched the anime, the more talkative it was.
Unlike before, when it was bobbed, Annie was smiling as her hair, now down to her waist, was brushed back. As if trying to tell a funny joke.
That expression makes me sick of it now. It was obviously a warm-up process to tease me.
“How are you feeling? It’s okay.”
“It can’t be.”
Annie struggled to hold back a laugh and suppressed the corners of her mouth.
Her laugh was subtle. Rather than ridicule, what can I say… … .
‘I know everything inside you, where are you cheating? Come on, tell me what’s on your mind!’
Oh, it was a feeling.
“My lord.”
“Yes.”
“Be a little more honest with your desires. Isn’t it about time now? You are in a position to do so.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
The scenery flows leisurely. The black horse was very strong.
“Would you like to have a drink first?”
As I continued to remain ignorant, Annie took out the liquor from inside the wagon and opened the lid. The bottle was a [Lorena 31] limited edition.
“under. good.”
Annie really had both hands and feet. You know my insides so well.
… … As Annie said.
To be honest, I wasn’t okay right now. throat was burning
Squeak.
The taste of the liquor made with Lorena’s unique brewing method of distilled water from barley and bananas was amazing. Lorena’s skill was improving day by day. Even I, who don’t like alcohol, liked it.
Lorena may not have been a great alchemist, but these days she is called the ‘King of Liquor’.
Strong alcohol burned his throat. An energy so strong that the shape of the esophagus and stomach could be drawn in my mind swept through the stomach wall. I woke up.
As I tilted my glass, Annie opened her mouth as if she had been waiting. It was about the worries that kept me awake the night before.
“Miss Belle, if you spend your whole life as a saint, is that really happiness?”
I hated Belle becoming a saint.
* * *
A wagon carrying the Blackfire flag arrived at the castle. I heard that Eatera, the city of light, has been lined up like that for a fortnight ago. The procession of pilgrimage to the Holy Land had no end in sight.
“That’s amazing. The Church of Light seems to be reviving even more.”
“Iknow, right.”
Annie gives a brief impression. Certainly not since the Pandemonium War had so many people gathered in one place.
After the end of the Pandemonium War, the birth of a true saint was the most awaited grand event by the followers.
One of the savior warriors of this era, and an agent of the god of light. Saint Belle Irusi. It is a city where even rumors spread that unclean things disappear and diseases are cured by just mentioning the name.
That’s why the title of a saintess candidate had a great meaning.
The pollen was flying, and the day was clearer than ever. There is not a single cloud in the clear sky. The ordination ceremony, which took place immediately after Bell’s graduation ceremony, will finally take place today.
Everyone’s aspirations were directed toward that high place, the Cross of Light.
“Please present your ID.”
Upon entering the entrance, the guard of the Chengdu asked for an ID. As they rushed in without waiting for their turn, the guard’s expression distorted.
It’s the same as never recognizing me… … .
“no! Who is this!”
… … It wasn’t the same.
“Aren’t you the Duke of Blackfire!? Guys! You are really, oh Come back, you are a reeducation. Be prepared.”
The guard who had faced me a few times had now become the captain of the guard guarding this place. He paid attention to his juniors and ran straight to me.
“Um, that’s right. Long time no see.”
“Oh, this time I recognized it right away! Did you do well?”
“… … Thank you. For not making a fuss this time.”
“haha! Your jokes are mischievous! Come on in. I’ll see you right away.”
Certainly the world has changed. My name as a hero was not known, but the title of duke was quite famous.
Independent Principality of Blackfire. In the middle of Aeonia, my mansion existed as an independent place.
“Then go.”
Annie bowed politely.
“I’m coming.”
“Decision, good luck. I will make all preparations.”
“… … Yes.”
After hesitating, I stepped into the Holy City to meet Bell.