Maintenance (8)

“Hiccup…”

The sound of Julia’s hiccups resonated particularly loudly.

The noisy atmosphere calmed down until five minutes ago.

The unexpected guest was looking at me with a smile.

“It’s been a while, Seohyun.”

“Yes. It’s been a while. King…”

“Call me Eliana.”

How many people would dare say the King’s name to his face?

“All right. Eliana.”

At my words, the king smiled and placed his hand on the table.

Glasses and refreshments were set in front of her, and a new bottle of alcohol was brought out.

“I’ll give you a drink.”

“There is no need to use honorifics even here. Isn’t it between you and me?”

Since when have we been close friends?

After receiving the drink with both hands, he picked up the bottle as if to offer me a drink as well.

After receiving the drink as is, he held it out in front of him.

“Ruler. Cheers.”

“Yes.”

The drinking glasses clinked together with a clanging sound, and the King put his mouth to the glass.

As I drank, I felt uncomfortable.

A drink full of sweetness without any alcohol flavor.

No, it wasn’t alcohol, it was just an ordinary grape-flavored drink.

“Hmm… I heard it was wine so I thought I would use it. “It’s sweeter than I thought.”

“Is that so?”

The man served next to him and nodded.

As if he was paying attention to me.

The king, who was still young, was addicted to alcohol.

That’s why the servants seem to have noticed and prepared drinks instead of alcohol.

I can’t believe I was fooled by this trick.

I started laughing without realizing it.

“I didn’t know Eliana would come visit.”

“I barely found time. “I was also curious about how you were doing.”

“Don’t you often contact us by letter?”

“It’s because I want to see your face.”

A conversation that could be misunderstood if anyone heard it.

When I heard the sound of teeth grinding right next to me, I held onto Erina’s hand tightly.

Definitely not now.

If you go on a rampage like before and run over the king.

Punishment is not just a crime, but treason.

“Ah. Are you Erina? Nice to meet you.”

“…”

“I know about your activities. “I heard that you were the one who directly defeated the Spirit King and Catherine.”

The king spoke kindly.

Erina kept her mouth shut and did not make eye contact.

Although it seemed rude, the king was merciful.

No, I misunderstood that Erina was shy.

“Well, I understand your feelings of caution, but don’t be too afraid. “I am on your side.”

He tried to offer me a drink as well, but I managed to stop him.

“Sorry. Erina must never drink alcohol.”

“Ah. I see. I’m sorry.”

Meanwhile, Julia came over and sat next to me.

Naturally, I stepped in front of the king and held out a cup.

“I will take it for you.”

“Ah. Okay. Count Julia. “You are also my precious relationship.”

The image of politely accepting a drink and smiling.

This is behavior that is not seen in the usual Julia.

Just a moment ago, she was drunk and yelling.

Suddenly, all the blood drained from my face and I became pale.

In the meantime, she stood in front of the king and treated him politely.

“Julia. Thank you for trusting me. “I feel reassured because you are there.”

“No. “I am grateful.”

Even though it was just empty words, his expression brightened as if he liked it.

For the first time, I was able to see the King smile.

“Thank you so much. “I came here because I wanted to tell you this.”

“…”

“I don’t plan on staying long anyway, so I’ll be heading back soon. However.”

The king’s gaze returned to me.

A faint smile revealed both regret and faith.

“Seohyun. Are you really planning to head to the demon world?”

“Yes. We are planning to leave tomorrow.”

“Are you really, really okay? “I’m saying this out of concern.”

If the king opposes and forcibly blocks the expedition.

I might not be able to expedition stand with her pressure and quit the.

But the king did not do that.

“I will definitely return safely.”

“…Okay. “I trust you.”

Because I believe what she said.

They are not stopping me because they really expect me to return safely.

This time, I was fully prepared.

From supply to supplies. Plans and operations. Even information about the demon world.

I gathered as much information and resources as I could.

I had to do my best not to betray her expectations.

Meanwhile, Catalina approached me with an uncomfortable expression.

“Everyone has such serious expressions.”

“Uhm… It’s been a while since you too.”

“Yes yes. It’s been a while. But why is the drinking atmosphere like this?”

Catalina did not know who the person in front of her was.

Even though he oddly mixed in polite language, his tone of voice was poor.

An attitude of respect that doesn’t exist even when you look for it.

For the first time, the king showed feelings of embarrassment.

“Uhm, I’m sorry.”

“I have nothing to be sorry about.” Let’s just have a drink and go.”

I think this is the first time I’ve seen someone this easy-going.

Although the king was embarrassed, he drank the alcohol in one go.

Seeing that, Julia, I, and Catalina all drank our glasses at the same time.

I and Julia got drinks so it was okay, but not Catalina.

He drank a whole bottle of strong rum and exhaled loudly.

“Haha… Why is everyone’s expression like that? Let’s have some fun while drinking.”

Meanwhile, members of Max’s knights burst out laughing and screaming.

Unlike others, it seems that he did not recognize the identity of the uninvited guest.

Thanks to that, the atmosphere started to come alive again, and people around me started to notice and join in.

“Okay. Everyone should have fun.”

Catalina seemed satisfied as well, giggling and returning to Malcolm’s side.

Meanwhile, Malcolm was watching without even knowing what was going on.

Wouldn’t it be scary if they found out the identity of the customer later?

“Your Majesty. “I’m sorry.”

“No. Catalina is right. You should have fun at the party.”

Then he deepened the robe

“It’s a pity, but I guess I’ll have to go soon. “I barely found time to come, so I can’t take any more time.”

“If you let me know in advance, I will at least prepare next time.”

“There is no need for that. “I came here in the first place because I wanted to see your face for a moment.”

After emptying his cup for the last time, the King slowly stood up and looked around.

Max nodded his head in greeting, and Schnell also bowed his head politely.

People who treat each other with respect in their own way.

“Do you know? “There are so many people around me that I can’t trust.”

“…”

“But these are different. “I really want to believe it.”

A life of staying in the kingdom all day long and walking a tightrope with traitors.

Even if he were given the title of king, no one would want it.

That’s why the king wanted faith so badly.

Party members, including me. Marx and the Knights. Julia and Catalina.

“Please try a little harder for me and for the kingdom.”

“Yes. I will do my best.”

After saying his final greetings, the King left the bar.

After she disappeared, Julia sighed heavily and cursed.

“Oh shit… “I thought my heart was dropping.”

“I didn’t know the King would come in person.”

“I was so surprised too… I was very quiet until Schnella told me…”

Anyway, who would have expected that he would come to the bar in person.

It’s a shame I didn’t stay long enough.

If I wasn’t careful, the drinking party could have been ruined.

“Ruler. Since the precious person is gone, let’s quickly have some more drinks.”

“Really. That’s amazing. Even in front of the king.”

“Well, you did such a great thing. Instead, just get a drink.”

When Catalina took the lead and passed the glass, everyone’s expressions returned.

The atmosphere heated up and conversation quickly took place noisily.

There was a bit of commotion, but it wasn’t a bad drinking party in its own way.

Everyone forgot their worries and worries for a while and drank happily.

And I patted Erina’s head and praised her.

“Erina. Well done.”

“I really endured it…”

Unlike before, is it now possible to discern between interests and interests?

It was definitely a huge step forward.

I wish Erina could change like a normal person like this.

I don’t know when my dream will come true.

I decided to just wait for that day to come.

***

“Everyone is ready.”

The next day after the drinking party.

The southern entrance to the capital was busy from early morning.

In order not to attract people’s attention, we decided to leave at dawn when the sun was rising.

Thanks to this, I was able to complete preparations for the expedition much more easily.

“Celica. The goodbyes are over, right?”

“Yes. I’m okay now.”

Serika hasn’t been away from the kids since last night.

Even though he answered that way, his expression was gloomy, as if he was disappointed that he couldn’t bear it.

“Master. I am also ready.”

“I finished it too. I didn’t leave anything behind.”

Once all my colleagues were ready, all preparations were completed.

“Seohyun. I hope you return safely.”

“Please come back safely. Never get hurt.”

Schnella and Colin also sent their final greetings with words of encouragement.

In Julia’s case, she just watched me with her mouth shut.

I’ve already said everything I wanted to say to her.

I was just hoping that she would trust me until the end.

‘It will be a sight to behold if we defeat Makiela.’

Should I be happy because I defeated the last of the Four Blades?

Or will I get angry because I broke my promise?

Julia was just glaring at me, not sure if she knew what I was thinking.

“Okay then, are you ready?”

“Yes. Let’s go right away.”

“We are ready too.”

Finally, I received confirmation from Catalina and Max and prepared to leave.

Now all you have to do is wait for the departure signal.

Only then did Julia come up to me and speak in a small voice.

“Come back quickly.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“Just wait and see if you hear news of someone getting hurt.”

“Don’t worry. “I plan on just wandering around the border.”

I turned around with words that deceived her until the end.

Now it’s time to head to the demon world.