Final Preparations (7)

Three weeks of rest.

If it is long, it is long; if it is short, it is a short time.

There was no special preparation to be done before heading to the Demon King’s Castle.

I told my colleagues the truth and prepared for Erina’s actions.

He prepared for the operation in the Demon King’s Castle, properly managed the treasured sword he received directly from the king, and prepared his shield and armor.

Now all that’s left is to rest.

Before advancing to the Demon King’s Castle, I spent time with my colleagues and people around me.

He exchanged letters with the king and had dinner with Catalina when he unexpectedly visited.

Julia and Schnella also came to discuss operations and supplies.

Very occasionally, Rene would visit and enjoy tea time with us.

And just before heading to the Demon King’s Castle, the king held a small banquet.

Invitees are only people related to me.

My colleagues, Julia’s family, Catalina and Malcolm.

I wanted to call Rene too, but I couldn’t because it was limited to people who knew the king’s secret side.

The location of the banquet hall is a villa a little away from the royal palace.

It wasn’t a very large building, but it was just the right size for the number of people.

“This is the villa where I often spent time as a child. “My mother especially liked it.”

Even though the interior was much smaller and more modern than the royal palace, there was affection in the king’s voice.

He probably wanted a happy family with his mother rather than a always tense and desolate environment.

Even though her parents are not there, we hoped that we could fill the void.

“Alcohol! “I went to drink some more and wow!”

“Sister! “Please lower your voice…!”

In the meantime, Catalina gets drunk and goes into labor.

Fortunately, the king seemed to be happy and accepted it leniently.

“I wish you good luck. “I hope you come back safely.”

“I will definitely defeat the devil and return.”

The atmosphere was lively rather than desolate, and serious rather than noisy.

Julia was also paying attention and being self-respecting, and Schnella was also formal.

It feels like a dinner party rather than a party.

It could be said to be the last favor the king could give before heading to the battlefield.

“Everyone worked hard. Yulia and others must have put an expedition a lot of effort into the effort.”

“It is weak compared to the support given by the King.”

“Don’t say that. Because I know how hard you worked.”

The King personally poured drinks for everyone and toasted them.

The last dinner before leaving for the battlefield.

The glasses clinked together in hopes of victory.

“If you defeat the Demon King, you will leave your name not only as a hero but as a legend.”

“Surely Seohyun can defeat the devil. “He is already a legend.”

“Okay. Who else can stand against the devil if not you?”

Colleagues enjoying food in a friendly atmosphere.

The last remaining break passed comfortably.

Catalina is still drinking and making a fuss, and Malcolm stops her.

Julia chats with the king and smiles while Schnella watches.

Kayla, Celica, and Tyria were talking happily to each other.

And I,

“Seohyun. I really like it.”

I spent time with Erina, who smiled brightly next to me.

For her who couldn’t drink, I poured her orange juice and brought her a whole roasted wild boar.

Erina smiles happily while eating food.

It was cute and sad at the same time.

While other children are playing in groups of twos and threes, does it feel like my child is the only one stuck next to me?

At least Catalina came to tease her, but Erina remained cold.

Even though we’ve been together for the longest time, we have no connection at all.

I still haven’t been able to improve my ruinous human relationships.

There were times when I tried to comfort her, and there were times when I scolded her severely.

I have always been by his side, correcting his behavior and restraining him more than once.

However, seeing that nothing had changed made me wonder if my educational policy was wrong.

“Eat a lot. Because we have to suffer until we reach the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Yes. You too, eat a lot.”

It’s been a while since Erina showed herself in a good mood.

Recently, I’ve gotten to the point where I hate my coworkers, and my stress has increased.

He only smiled when he was clinging to me.

“If you defeat the devil, everything is over.”

Erina speaks with great anticipation.

If you listen to it normally, it doesn’t sound like anything special.

Does this mean that if the Demon King is defeated, the war will end and there will be peace?

But to me, who knew the truth, it had a different meaning.

‘Are you really planning to destroy the world…?’

Even after my doubts turned into half-confidence, I hoped not.

Even though I wanted to believe that it was all my wrong judgment, my doubts did not go away when I saw Erina’s behavior.

I had to brace myself. I couldn’t just let the world collapse like this.

“Erina. “Can you swear that you will always listen to me?”

Then Erina answered without even the slightest hesitation.

“Yes. “I want to live my whole life listening only to your words.”

On the contrary, he was behaving angrily as if he was hoping for something.

How can I say this even though my words and orders have been violated countless times?

She didn’t really think she had disobeyed the order.

They just understand what I say and act as they please.

“Are you happiest when I’m with you?”

Is that why? I also became increasingly good at telling lies.

“Huh. I need you to be by my side.”

“Of course you only love me, right?”

“Okay. That’s right.”

If I lied at first because I was afraid of Erina’s powerlessness.

Now he was truly lying to deceive Erina.

I didn’t want to make the excuse that she didn’t lie first.

In the end, I caused this situation.

“Stop acting like a chicken and take it.”

Catalina, who was worse off, intervened and thrust a bottle of alcohol at her.

Erina glared with an unpleasant expression, but Catalina couldn’t care less.

I poured a glass of wine and toasted Catalina.

“It’s a shame. Because I couldn’t go to the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Okay. It’s so unfair that I’m going crazy. Because of whom.”

Catalina turned her head and glared at Malcolm.

Then Malcolm scratched his head with a shy smile.

It’s not that I don’t know Catalina’s feelings, but I thought it was a good decision.

Because I had no intention of taking Catalina with me in the first place.

If I hadn’t been injured, of course I would have been together.

Catalina’s injuries were so serious that nothing could be done.

“Still, I can’t help it. Because I know the condition of my body.”

Fortunately, Catalina also accepted it.

Because of Malcolm, not anyone else.

I heard it later, but it is said that Malcolm confessed out of anger when he was in a life-or-death situation.

Of course, Catalina knew that fact and did not dislike it.

“So when are you planning on giving me an answer?”

“…Fuck. Do you really have to answer that?”

Catalina curses and frowns.

For the first time, seeing her embarrassed made me laugh.

Surprisingly, Malcolm was not conscious of it and behaved as usual.

Rather, Catalina was embarrassed and reluctant to speak.

“Because Malcolm also showed courage. You too, have courage.”

“You take care of yourself. “Walking around with women in a row.”

This time I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

When Erina said something unnecessary, she seemed to feel uncomfortable and expressed her dissatisfaction with her whole body.

“Don’t say that. “My lover…”

“Stop managing the fishery. Wouldn’t it be better to decide on just one person like me?”

If I dragged the story any further, I would be at a disadvantage.

When I held out a bottle of alcohol to silence him, he took a glass without hesitation.

After pouring a drink and making a toast, I downed the wine and giggled.

“Take my words to heart. “If you get married multiple times, it’s hard work.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

As I started making noises without realizing it, the king who was watching also laughed and joined in.

“Seohyun. “A hero always has his luck.”

“No… That’s not it… “

“Your wedding will be the biggest wedding in the kingdom. “I promise.”

Then, the eyes of my colleagues immediately gathered.

Erina glared at me with a cold gaze.

Kayla looked at me with expectant eyes.

Tyria looked at him with eyes full of earnestness.

Celica lowered her head in resignation and was quietly talking to herself.

The problem is that the king’s gaze is also unusual.

Could it be that they were targeting me? I didn’t hope, but so far, my expectations have never been wrong.

The atmosphere became cold for a moment.

At that time, Julia noticed and said something.

“Sounds good. “I haven’t even held a man’s hand yet.”

Then Schnella also added a word.

“A woman who gets drunk every day is not popular.”

“Don’t pretend you’re not the same when you’re the same.”

“I’m not as urgent as you, so don’t worry.”

Then Catalina slapped Malcolm on the back and laughed heartily.

“Everyone, don’t give up. Because people like me also have a lover.”

Then the king and other colleagues burst into laughter.

The atmosphere naturally calmed down and drinks were exchanged.

Thanks to Julia and Schnella’s response, the last banquet ended in a happy atmosphere.

However, it cannot be said that on the way back to the mansion, the gaze of my colleagues became even more harsh.