175 – Return (7)
“Damn it…! What on earth did we do wrong?
Julia put the bottle down on the table roughly.
The sound was so loud that she was worried that she might break.
All the maids around were watching.
“Julia. “Please lower your voice.”
“Schnella. Do you think I don’t have a fever? “I had a hard time fighting the demon king’s army, but you can’t welcome me, but you’re swearing at me?”
The relaxed expression on her face disappeared and was filled with anger.
Ironically, I was the one who fought against the Demon King’s army, but Yulia was more angry.
Still, she got angry on my behalf, so my frustration went away a little.
“Master. Please don’t worry too much. “They are just people who don’t know anything.”
“Yes. At the very least, I am very proud of Seohyun.”
No matter how determined she was, there was no way she would feel good after hearing people’s jeers.
Kayla and Serica comforted me as if they knew how I felt.
On the other hand, Erina kept her mouth shut and lowered her head.
I don’t know what she was thinking, but her expression was not good.
I’m sure I feel bad because I was booed.
On the contrary, since no action was taken, doubts arose.
Not only me but others were also watching Erina’s thoughts.
Even though she was still, she was strangely alert.
“Everyone should be careful. “Now that your name is known to people, it will attract attention.”
Even if we go out on the streets of the capital, people recognize us.
People could come and flock to the front of the mansion.
In the first episode, there was also an episode where something similar happened at the end of the war.
If the situation got out of control, there was a possibility that the mansion could be broken into.
“First of all, I called the guards near the mansion, so don’t worry about security.”
Julia encouraged people to stay in the mansion.
Still, she was relieved to hear that there was a security post near the mansion and that she rarely went inside the mansion.
“Don’t worry. “They must be familiar because they were there when there were only children.”
It might cost a little more, but it was better this way.
At least in the mansion, my colleagues should be able to rest in peace.
Even here, we couldn’t make them keep watch.
“I think it will be difficult to enjoy the festival.”
At my words, Celica and Tyria nodded their heads with downcast expressions.
I had high expectations for the festival even before arriving in the capital, but it did not come true.
Fortunately, except for me, the faces of the rest of my colleagues are unknown.
After today, rumors about us will probably spread quickly.
“But if you cover your face well, you’ll be fine.”
“Yes. “Still, you have to be careful.”
I had no intention of just staying in the mansion for my first break.
However, you should avoid crowding around with all your colleagues.
“Damn it. Schnella. “Bring me some more alcohol.”
“Let’s stop now. “There is still a lot of work to be done at the referral center.”
As soon as Julia arrived at our house, she didn’t stop herself from taking the alcohol out of the cupboard.
Schnella stood in the way to prevent her remaining bottle of liquor from being taken away.
“Ha… “As soon as I arrive in the capital, I have to work without being able to rest.”
“What should I do? “It’s natural for a requesting director.”
Instead of offering comfort, Schnella throws harsh words without hesitation.
I thought I knew why Yulia was secretly gossiping about her.
Perhaps because of that, Julia could not run wild.
In the past, she would have screamed and gotten drunk.
She was now drinking sparingly, holding only the bottle of wine in her hand.
“Let’s spend today quietly at the mansion.”
“Yes… all right.”
“Instead, you can quietly go outside tomorrow.”
People will be walking around excitedly today.
If people recognized us, we could have been in danger.
“Today’s work is done, so let’s all rest.”
My colleagues responded helplessly to my words.
Celica went down to the first floor to take care of her children.
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Yulia was taken by Schnella and returned to her request station.
Now the only people left are me, Erina, and Kayla.
And Tyria also remained by my side.
When Tyria and her eyes met, I felt sorry.
I can’t believe I was shown this scene after coming to the capital for the first time.
I didn’t feel very good.
“I’m sorry. Tyria. “She looked ugly.”
Then Tyria stubbornly shook her head.
“No. I just… “It’s just a pity.”
“…”
“I honestly don’t understand why people react like that.”
Until now, Tyria’s entire life had been centered around Hellwood Forest.
Of course, he was unfamiliar with the power struggles of nobles, the inner workings of the people, and the public sentiment of the kingdom.
From that perspective, what happened in the square must have come as a shock.
“Don’t worry too much. “Let us focus on defeating the demon lord.”
“Yes, I know, but…”
Tyria couldn’t finish her sentence and blurted out her words.
The fact that no matter what she said was of no use made her mouth heavy.
Instead, Kayla stayed by my side unwaveringly.
“Even if people jeer, my lord, you are already a hero.”
“That’s right. “We know how hard Seohyun worked.”
“My lord, you always made the right choice. So, please forget about today.”
Kayla’s words made me feel a little better.
What do other people care?
I already had colleagues by my side.
If only these people believe in me, it will be okay.
“Thank you everyone.”
As I nodded, Kayla met her eyes and smiled softly.
But her eyes were still shaking with anxiety.
Even if I said any more, I didn’t think the situation would get better.
Wouldn’t it be better to calm down and rest alone?
“Then I’ll rest in my room. “Can you call me when dinner is ready?”
“Yes. “I will come find you.”
When I got up from my seat, everyone else also got up.
Meanwhile, Erina followed behind me without saying a word.
When we entered the room together and closed the door, Erina suddenly fell into my arms.
A strong hug that came with warmth.
It was a feeling I had now become accustomed to.
And the rough sound of the heart transmitted through our bodies touching each other.
As expected, she was hiding her agitated feelings.
As I slowly stroked her head, the tremors seemed to have lessened little by little as if she felt better.
“Erina. I’m fine.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. “Something like this happens.”
Actually, it didn’t really come as a shock because I half expected it.
However, it is not pleasant to be criticized by people even if you know in advance.
“I still don’t know…”
“What?”
“You’re getting attention… “It would have been better if you were alone with me…”
“Don’t say that. “Because I have no regrets at all.”
Erina had a habit of saying that she would always protect me.
But when she actually faced Catherine and was in danger, she was unable to properly prevent her.
Even now, the wound on her shoulder has not been erased.
A deep wound remained in Erina’s heart.
What if I were much weaker than I am now?
If I hadn’t received help from Kayla, Celica, and Tyria.
She was sure that at least it wasn’t just an injury.
“You have to become stronger. “For that to happen, I have to endure something like this.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Erina must have experienced something similar to what she experienced today.
Is that why they want to protect me from people’s attention?
But now it is just a useless assumption.
I have already reached the position of knight commander, and people have come to remember my face.
Maybe it was fortunate.
Even Erina will no longer be able to stop me from becoming stronger.
“…”
Erina silently leaned against my body and lifted her tiptoes.
And left a kiss on her lips.
A soft sensation that comes with the scent.
It was always sweet and warm.
“I love you.”
“Yes. I love you too.”
A confession of love that is often made.
But now, my heart feels warmer than ever.
***
“Master…”
Two people visible through a gap in the door.
Kissing while embracing each other.
Kayla peered through the crack in her door and felt her emptiness.
Kayla’s heart was so distressed.
She couldn’t do anything even though the person she loved was insulted.
She only comforted me with words at best.
On the other hand, Erina, who was in Seohyun’s arms, was fawning over her and sharing skinship with her.
I wanted to push Erina away right away, but she was only imagining it.
She was left feeling helpless, thinking that she could not do anything.
“…Master.”
Although she thought she had forgotten her loneliness after living a wandering life alone for a long time.
Recently, I have been feeling tormented by her empty heart again.
But Kayla had her heart set on it.
‘Okay…’
She doesn’t have a chance because she didn’t try hard.
Even now, you must do something to receive your master’s love.
Thinking so, Kayla went back to her room and picked up her robe.
She said that even though her lord advised her not to go out.
This time, I decided to head to the center of the capital alone, risking her disobedience.
To find a gift worthy of her lord.