Incompatible Interspecies Wives chapter 196

196 – Remaining Tasks (5)

The king was looking down at the territory from afar, where black ashes were rising.

The Cryer family. A lupine family that valued battle and honor.

They were not as big as Blackwood, but they had their own renown.

In the last war, the Cryer family had withstood all adversities with their own strength.

“…Survivors?”

“There are some survivors among the citizens… but the Cryer family…”

“…”

But from today, the family was wiped out.

Kroond’s first attack. The sound of the resumption of the war echoed loudly.

In the midst of sighing and pondering over this fact, the royal knights brought someone.

The knight bowed their head and introduced the person they had brought.

“This is a soldier of the Cryer family. I brought him because he vividly remembers the battle.”

“…”

The soldier with hollow eyes trembled.

His tail was curled up between his legs.

Considering the characteristics of their race, it was not something that happened easily.

“Explain the situation.”

The king ordered the soldier.

However, the soldier remained motionless as if he hadn’t heard.

-Snap! Snap!

A royal knight snapped his fingers in front of the soldier’s face, reacting to his slow response.

Only then, the soldier blinked as if coming to his senses and swallowed a breath after seeing the king.

“Your…Your Majesty, the king…?”

Rex Draygo was running out of patience for this whole tragedy.

With a slightly heavier tone, he commanded.

“…Explain what happened.”

Only then, the soldier seemed to realize that there were more than just one or two eyes watching him.

He wandered for a while before regaining composure, and continued his explanation hesitantly.

“…The…The Devil’s right-hand man appeared.”

“…”

“I…I don’t know how or where he appeared, but suddenly the ground shook and…”

The king was already well aware of the fact that Khrund summoned his minions from the ground.

If the ground was shaking and the enemy appeared, it meant that it was almost certain that the enemy was Khrund.

“…Couldn’t you deal with the monsters?”

The king asked the soldier.

At those words, the soldier shook his head vigorously.

“No, not at all… We responded properly, and everyone fought well, but…”

“Then why did this happen?”

The soldier blinked momentarily.

His eyes seemed to relive a nightmare.

Once again, with darkened eyes, he muttered as if recalling something.

“…. We couldn’t… No one could kill Khrund…”

“…”

“Even when dozens of us attacked him at once… We were all torn to pieces…”

Everyone remained silent at the soldier’s testimony.

A heavy atmosphere of silence flowed.

Kruund had always been considered more powerful than the Demon King with its pure strength.

If the fall of the Krya family was due to the inability to kill that one being… then the problem might have been bigger than expected.

A knight from the royal family, standing next to a soldier, demanded further explanation.

“Are you saying that a single Kruund led to the downfall of the family?”

“…After all the Krya lords and ladies were killed or captured by Kruund, there was no one left to lead…”

Initially, the Demon King and Kruund were not of the type to participate in the battlefield.

That’s why it was more awkward, and the war had lasted so long.

However, from the beginning, Kruund had been wreaking havoc on the frontlines like this.

The more ignorant it was, the more destructive… and the more lethal it was.

Although it might not have been a way to win the war, it was an effective way to inflict significant damage.

“…Perhaps Kruund never intended to win from the start.”

The aide, Gendry, who was next to the king, shared his thoughts with the king.

“…Is it revenge against the Demon King?”

The king also pondered his own reasons and replied.

He felt like he had reached another high wall.

One problem led to another.

And this time, there was no way to know how to solve the problem.

Not all families have recovered from the aftermath of the last war.

There is also a plague.

The hero has lost his arm.

Gail had retired from the position of the best warrior, claiming he had grown old and was currently living in Stockpin.

Akran was gone, and Silfrien had always been a supporting role.

The holy maiden lost her power, leaving only… Berg, but.

The king had long understood that there was no evidence that Berg was a solitary warrior.

If the problem became serious, he would have to bring Berg out, but it wasn’t the right moment yet.

“…Ah.”

The king sighed.

Indeed, being a leader was tough.

If only the history of the family and the lust for power flowing in the blood had not existed… he would have given up the throne at any moment.

****

Arwin and Berg stood together, gazing at their farmland today as well.

As numerous farming tools were completed and the people using them became more skilled, the rate of progress in farming work was astounding.

The task of turning over the vast land was already finished, and now they were plowing the fields.

They were creating the perfect environment for planting seeds.

Feeling that things were going well, the workers smiled brighter than ever before.

A sense of relief about their future seemed to make them smile.

In addition, more and more people were recovering from the plague and resuming their normal lives.

Benz also got up from his sickbed and was now regaining his strength.

Stuckphin was overcoming the seemingly unbeatable plague.

Although it seemed like all their problems were being resolved one by one, the depth of Berg’s thoughts only deepened.

Arwin, who was watching all of this by his side, knew it well.

There was only one reason.

… Cienn’s condition was getting worse.

“…”

Ner tried to reassure Berg that everyone goes through this process, but of course, it wasn’t a story that Berg wanted to hear.

He had lost too many precious people, and he knew the pain all too well.

It is a pain that nobody wants to experience.

Arwin also understood him.

She, too, would have had the same reaction if Berg had contracted the plague and been bedridden.

The short-lived species met death too easily.

All Arwin could do right away was to put in an effort for Berg.

She had to solve her assigned tasks diligently to protect the people he loved.

“…Sigh.”

Berg, who had been wearing a stern expression, soon spoke to Arwin.

“Arwin.”

“…Yes?”

“I’m going to see her.”

“…”

The words “going to see her” meant that he was going to see Cienn, of course.

Despite having much of the day left, Berg had already visited her twice.

In the blooming jealousy, Arwin made a suggestion.

“…It’ll be alright.”

From No ble mt L dot c om

“…”

However, Berg just shook his head briefly and continued walking.

Arwin watched Berg’s retreating figure and followed him.

The reality of having no choice but to follow him was difficult at times.

But even today, she decided to wait patiently.

Just being by Berg’s side like this, for now, she thought it was a blessing.

Someday, she would be able to feel happiness with Berg for a long time.

With that dream in mind, Arwin suppressed her feelings.

….

Arwin sat on the floor of the hallway, listening to the conversation seeping through the gap of the open door.

It wasn’t that she wanted to eavesdrop … it’s just that everything could be heard while waiting outside.

‘Ahem! Ahem…’

Sien’s cough was a little more rough.

‘…Drink some water.’

And Berg’s response followed.

Arwin continued to hear Berg and Sien’s conversation.

Usually, Sien spoke a lot, and Berg listened… but this time, it was the opposite.

Berg explained the improving situation in their territory and made Sien laugh with casual stories.

In a way, it seemed like Berg came not so much to worry about Sien, but to make her laugh.

Arwin was aware that it was a special situation.

However, she was always envious that Berg would go that far for someone else.

As if by habit, Arwin imagined what it would be like if she were in Sien’s position.

Even if her body was in pain… she would have been happy, feeling Berg’s love.

But for now, she could not know.

Would Verge worry if I fell?

“…”

In the midst of such imagination, Arwin realized that Verge and Cien had become silent.

Arwin secretly turned his body to glance through the doorway.

Verge was holding Cien in his arms once again.

“…Sick…Ver…”

“…It’s okay. I’ll suffer with you.”

“…”

Cien giggled at those words. Within that laughter, there was a faint sound of tears.

Soon, Verge let Cien go from his embrace.

Cien smiled at Verge and said,

“…Go now, Ver. I’m fine.”

“…”

But Verge couldn’t move even at those words.

After a while, he finally spoke.

“…What are we doing here…?”

Arwin swallowed his breath at Verge’s words.

Although it must have been a meaningless remark, for some reason, it sounded like Verge was about to disappear.

The leader Verge, with those words, felt like an ordinary person once again.

Verge spoke with his hand on Cien’s cheek.

“…We decided to live while traveling.”

“You remember, Ver?”

“But…here…because of me…you…”

“…”

Perhaps the fear in those words was because Arwin knew Verge well.

Verge, who could make any choice for the one he loves.

He was a person who wouldn’t seem strange if he suddenly disappeared one day.

Arwin’s anxiety grows with his momentary imagination.

‘…Huh?’

He could give as much life as he wanted. Verge could wait forever, too, because he was used to enduring pain.

…But what if Berge disappears one day?

Can they find him again once he’s gone?

Even her bluebird might lose track of Berge.

One mistake could lead to losing Berge forever.

“…”

Thankfully, Berge was a responsible person.

Though he might say such things, he’s not the type to suddenly leave.

“…”

But if they think of Berge’s happiness, which is the right choice?

They didn’t know if the very sense of responsibility Berge felt was actually burdening him.

They didn’t know if it had become something that shackles and oppresses his freedom.

As Arwin, who has been trapped for 170 years, knew all too well how frustrating that could be.

Arwin needed additional information about the story he just heard.

“…Bel. As long as I’m with you, I’m fine living anywhere.”

…But it was impossible at the moment.

He could not interrupt Berge, who was talking to Sien.

Berge embraced Sien again at her words.

Arwin turned his body away, frowning at the sight.

He closed his eyes and recited a spell.

In response to his spell, her bluebird answered.

‘Chirp! Chirp!’

Arwin gave a firm and definitive command to the bluebird.

“From now on, never lose sight of Berge.“

****

As the farm work began anew and the evening sunset painted the sky, Arwin asked.

“Berge, do you remember the story you told last time?”

“…?”

“…Why, you asked me to watch over Stokfin even if you left the world…you remember, right?”

“…Ah.”

“Do you remember the promise to have a drink together?”

“…”

I knew Arwin was suggesting that we drink alcohol together.

I had been feeling the need for a drink recently.

At least when I drink, the burden on my shoulders feels lighter.

Ever since Cien became ill, I had been suppressing my desire to drink heavily.

“…It might be tough today.”

However, I suppressed my feelings once again.

It seemed like if I really started drinking, it would be hard to control the end.

One worry biting another, it seemed like the alcohol would flow endlessly.

“…Just a light drink, Berg.”

However, Arwin seemed to have read my mind and asked once again.

“I’ll invite Gail too. Let’s all have a drink together.”

“…”

“…Put your worries aside for a moment.”

I knew that this was Arwin’s way of trying to comfort me.

Like Ner, both of them expressed their concern and compassion for me.

I knew the importance of rest, too.

Cien was also most worried about this aspect of mine.

I looked at Arwin.

Recently, I had been grateful to her for helping with the farm work.

Though the farming wasn’t finished, thanks to her, I was able to relieve one of my worries.

“…”

In the end, I nodded briefly.

Arwin smiled and said to me, “I’ll call Gail.”

.

.

.

.

This drinking session was unusually held outside.

They lightly started a fire and gathered around it, speaking in low voices.

It was because Ner said that sitting together in a room would be less likely to catch the plague.

I doubted if that was really related, but…in the end, I had to follow Ner’s words on this matter.

The sight of the fire burning somewhat lightened my mind.

To be able to sit without a thought was also a blessing.

“Come on, let’s drink.”

Gaël was the first to raise his glass and speak.

I followed him, looking at the fire and taking a sip of the alcohol.

“So what about Sir Cien?”

Gaël asked straight away, without making any small talk.

That was his personality.

“…”

I shook my head.

It was hard for me to admit to myself that things were getting worse.

-Tap tap.

Gaël patted my back.

“Everything will work out fine. Aren’t things going well right now?”

He looked at Ner sitting next to him and said.

“Thanks to Ner and Laan’s efforts, there are many people who have recovered.”

Then he looked at Arwin and continued.

“Thanks to Sir Arwin, the farming matters are also proceeding smoothly, aren’t they? Likewise, Sir Cien’s problem will also be resolved. I believe so.”

“…”

I grinned and thanked him.

“Thank you.”

While stroking his chin, he asked.

“By the way, after everything is resolved… What are you going to name the child?”

“…”

It seemed that Gaël wanted me to think about a happy future, as he brought up the topic of the child.

To be honest, it was still a burden for me.

It’s not easy to think about a child’s name while worrying about Cien’s future.

There was something on my mind.

However, if I made a decision here, and if something went wrong again…I felt like I wouldn’t have the strength to endure the loss.

The moment I named it, the possible farewell would be even harder to bear.

That’s why I hadn’t made a decision with my own words yet.

But knowing Gael’s kindness, I could only force a smile.

“I don’t know.”

And I dodged the question, avoiding the topic.

Then, Arwin cleared her throat.

As the focus turned to her, she spoke.

“…Berg, I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s not that I was trying to eavesdrop earlier…I just happened to hear it.”

“…”

Arwin cautiously asked me while looking at me.

“…What did you mean when you said you wanted to live while traveling?”

“…”

In a previous conversation with Sien, I recalled our dream together.

She wanted to live while traveling the world.

Having been sick since she was young, she naturally traveled all over with her parents, and had told me several times that she wanted to show me what she had seen.

It was a promise that we had made but never achieved yet.

Naturally, it came to my mind as I sat by her sickbed, looking at her fading away.

“…”

Instead of answering, I drank.

And then I replied to her belatedly.

“…It was just a passing thought.”

Gael also looked at me slowly at my answer.

Seriousness rose in his expression again.

“… Are you going to make a decision?”

“…?”

“Berg, I told you…I will take good care of you here.”

Nel swallowed a dry sigh at Gail’s whisper.

Arwin stared stiffly at Gail.

“What… what do you mean by that?”

“….Berg, what does this mean?”

For a moment, Nel’s tail wrapped around my ankle.

“…Are you leaving somewhere…?”

I took a deep breath and freed Nel’s tail.

The moment my hand touched her tail, Nel cringed.

I looked at Gail and shook my head.

“Gail, that conversation was over.”

“But you brought it up to Sir Cien today, didn’t you?”

Gail was amazed by Nel and Arwin, who believed that incredible story even if it was true.

It’s something I’m drawn to, but I can’t do it.

I answered.

“…How can I go when there’s still so much to be done? It’s not easy to give up my mission, as you said.”

Arwin whispered.

“…What if everything is done…?”

“…?”

“When all the problems that happened this time… are resolved? You never cared about missions or anything like that.”

I couldn’t say anything.

I even wonder if such a moment will come in the first place.

-Thump!

That’s when Nel grabbed me.

“Ah…I’m sorry.”

Surprised by her own behavior, she let go of me again.

From No ble mt L dot c om

“Be…Berg. It’s okay to go anywhere…but should I let you know before I do?”

“…?”

“Oh, no, I mean…have to come back?”

I didn’t have such a twisted personality as to leave her scared like that.

“No…or….take me with you…?”

It wasn’t a lie, and I had no plans to go anywhere at the moment, so I told her the truth.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

I took a sip of my drink.

“…Just a thought of wanting some peace.”

And then I told them.

There was a silence for a moment.

I continued to gaze at the burning firewood.

“…Bergh.”

Arwin calls for me.

“…If you ever want to go somewhere…please talk to me.”

“…”

“I will help you as much as I can. Always thinking of you… Ah…because we’re friends.”

Ner whispered beside me.

“Me too, Bergh.”

“…”

“Even if the whole world turns its back on you…I’ll always be on your side. So…please don’t leave without saying a word.”

I took another swig of my drink.

I stared once again at the blazing firewood.

My words of not leaving were sincere.

I couldn’t leave in this situation, with so much left to do.