67. After this battle, we’ll return home to get married.
A few days later.
After a series of inspections conducted by the Austro-Hungarian tribes and the Prussian Kingdom, confirming that Nilu had shown no signs of being in either country, I finally felt a slight sense of relief upon receiving this news.
Just like my previous encounter in the Prussian Kingdom with Adele, this time it wasn’t that Nilu had “run away,” but rather that she had chosen to disappear temporarily. The main difference might be that before, she had left with a triumphant air and a few harsh words, while this time it felt more like she had been forced to leave.
In any case, regardless of which scenario it was, neither we nor even Kephir had the power to pose any real threat to her. The only option we had was to let her escape arrogantly. This wasn’t due to Kephir being too “weak ,” but rather because I, knowing the script involving Kephir, had failed to take action. I couldn’t let myself be entangled in matters like forced marriage or masochism; instead, I needed to find Kephir’s upgraded script, so that when she faced Nilu, she would have a chance of winning.
Of course, that was a matter for later.
The effects on my body from forcibly “merging” with Miss Alsace finally began to recover after more than ten days. The most immediate feeling was that I no longer had to bear the modified appearance and body of Miss Alsace, watching helplessly as Kephir excitedly manipulated my immobile form as if she had found a treasure.
Then, one night, after waking from sleep, some “fat” finally disappeared from my body, and some things that were supposed to return finally did. I could finally use my “normal body” to witness the “temporary reconciliation” between Adele’s Prussian Kingdom and the Austro-Hungarian tribes.
At this moment, inside the residence of the Austro-Hungarian chieftain, Kephir and I, along with Gelo and Gu Erdan, plus that wizard, were present. Under such witnesses, I adorned my uniform with the insignia, transforming into Adele, the queen of the Prussian Kingdom, and extended my hand with a displeased expression…
Symbolically shaking hands with the shadow of the chieftain’s outstretched claw.
There was no helping it; the chieftain of Austro-Hungary had always met people in this manner.
“Though it’s quite displeasing, both Prussia and you are currently facing a common enemy—the woman in black who can influence our judgment with magic that exists outside the system.”
As she spoke, Adele glanced at me. “And the proposal put forth by Euclid as a third party does not affect the interests of Prussia in any way. Therefore, Prussia is willing to consider temporarily refraining from any excessive actions against you, and instead , we will jointly investigate the whereabouts of this woman and resolve the issue.”
As for the chieftain of the Austro-Hungarian tribes, he responded straightforwardly. After all, having come to his senses, he should have the clearest understanding of the danger Nilu posed.
“Deal.”
The chieftain’s command was absolute in the Austro-Hungarian tribes, so those two words could fully represent: moving forward, my safety as Euclid, and… with the assistance of the Austro-Hungarian tribes and the Prussian Kingdom, capturing Nilu seemed unlikely , but it was better than nothing.
“Deal, you say… If it weren’t for the fact that you never show your face, you wouldn’t have been taken advantage of, would you? You’ve never even appeared at the summit…”
After the “friendly agreement” was reached, Adele’s curiosity grew, this time directed at the chieftain’s “identity.” However, just as she was about to sneak a peek, she was met with a transparent barrier that hit her nose, causing her to tear up and start rubbing it.
At the same time, a deep voice came from the chieftain’s side!
“My identity is none of your concern. The alliance between Austro-Hungary and your Prussian Kingdom is only ‘temporary.’ Don’t forget, elf.”
“Hah!? Rarely do I want to endure my displeasure, and you, beastman, dare to push your luck!? Just watch me…”
Before Adele could start another argument with the chieftain of Austro-Hungary, Kephir and I hurriedly pulled her away. If we angered the beastmen, we might not even make it home, Your Majesty!
So I said… collaborating between elves and beastmen was merely for show.
Afterward, having finally calmed Adele down with some persuasion, she declared, “I’ll call someone to take us back immediately! I won’t stay in this godforsaken place any longer!” and ran off to a supposedly “signal-friendly” area to contact Aunt Mel.
This unexpected turn of events gave me a long-awaited opportunity for some alone time with Kephir.
So, after sending Adele off and securely closing the door, I finally brought up what I had been wanting to say during our time alone.
“Kephir, I think it’s time for us to ‘make a run for it.'”
Nilu was no longer in the Austro-Hungarian tribe, continuing with Aidefu. The outcome was certain: I would be kept in her Prussian kingdom by Aidefu using various reasons. I had initially stayed to deal with Nilu’s troubles, but if I wanted to stay now, it would truly be with ulterior motives. Don’t be fooled by Kfeier’s silence; in the script, she had silently urged me several times in her heart!
Now that I brought it up myself, she should at least be happy, right?
However, the response I received from Kfeier was as ordinary as it could be: sitting by the window, she simply replied with an “Mm.”
“The time is set for the day Aunt Mel arrives. Before that, we can’t just leave Aidefu alone here. I’ve already found a suitable path with ‘prophecy’ so that we won’t be chased down by the elves on our way back.”
“Mm…”
Still so cold. Even though I was in a good mood, I could sense something was off with Kfeier.
Fortunately, with just a glance at the script, Kfeier’s thoughts suddenly surfaced.
【Kfeier is troubled by Nilu’s earlier words!】
Ah… so it turns out that when Kfeier saved me and faced Nilu, the words Nilu said to Kfeier had been bothering her ever since. After all… at that time, every word Nilu uttered was mocking Kfeier for being “incompetent .”
I had said I would respond to Kfeier when I “returned to my normal self.” It seemed… it was time. Because if I didn’t say anything, Kfeier would definitely be holding back.
“Kfeier, you don’t need to take Nilu’s words to heart.”
“!”
Sure enough, as soon as I finished speaking, Kfeier’s body trembled slightly.
“I have already taken Nilu as an enemy on my own, so… um… this means that the one I choose is you.”
I don’t know why, but saying such cheesy lines was becoming increasingly embarrassing for me. However, Kfeier didn’t think so at all. She finally snapped out of her daze by the window and silently came to my side.
Phew~ As an Oujilide, isn’t it obvious who I should choose? It hasn’t changed in the past, and it won’t change in the future.
But, this kind of thing…
I didn’t have the chance to finish my sentence because Kfeier wouldn’t give me the opportunity to explain. She directly turned and stepped in front of me, then…
She stood on her tiptoes, raised her head, and did what was obvious in this situation, only leaving when I was almost out of breath. She took a step back, her gaze never leaving my face, allowing me to see her cheeks gradually becoming “rosy.”
At that moment, I made a decision. This matter, concerning Kfeier, I had already made up my mind.
“Kfeier, the reason I kept dodging ‘that’ before was actually because… in the ‘prophecy,’ if we really became that kind of relationship, my situation would be extremely dangerous in the future.”
After all, I didn’t have the status or the life to just push Kfeier away. Pushing her away would be fatal, right?
But now…
“Just now, I’ve decided not to care about the prophecy for the time being.”
Looking at Kfeier’s expression, which was gradually turning to surprise, I finally spoke out the decision I had prepared that day. I had delayed it because I had transformed into Alsace and it seemed a bit “out of place.”
“So, um… just promise me you won’t slap me, okay~”
By the way, Kfeier wouldn’t disagree, right? She shouldn’t, right?
“If you don’t mind, after we go back this time, we can… um, get… get…”
Don’t blame me for being timid! I was really nervous! I’m still a novice at this!
“Get… uh…”
—
Before the words left my mouth, I found myself tackled to the ground. Yes, it was indeed the legendary reverse push! But wait a minute, Kephiel, I’m somewhat of a conservative here, you… you really shouldn’t be tearing off my clothes! No way! This is still the territory of the beastmen! Soon, Geloam will be coming back, heh heh heh!
I struggled desperately, as for Kephiel’s answer…
The script has already given it to me.
——
This volume is coming to an end soon; the next volume will introduce new characters and Kephiel’s new outfit. I hope everyone will give it a lot of support, like monthly tickets and such.