Chapter 580

My hips hurts.e.x with Aegir is too intense.

Lucy groans as she languidly changes position.

Her t.i.ts, which had been squished into the bed, jiggle as she lies on her back and then point to the ceiling before spreading out slightly to the left and right.

After a woman climaxes, youre supposed to switch to light caresses and whispers of love. Swinging your hips until the womans eyes roll back is too cruel.

Lucy complains, beckoning me with her hands.

When I move closer, her graceful hands wrap around my head and pull me into her ample cleavage.

At the end, I was screaming and couldnt come back from the climaxyour actions are rough even for a vampire.

Her plump b.r.e.a.s.t.s smack my head from side to side.

Hearing Lucy scream on the verge of o.r.g.a.s.m turns me on.

So you get aroused from seeing me sufferyoure terrible, Aegir. Fufu.

Its ten times worse for me, having to listen to it right next to you.

Celia determines that we have finished and wedges between us, forcibly putting my pants on so I dont start a second round.

Nevertheless

Lucy trails off, combing back her disheveled hair and using a wet towel to wipe my saliva off her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Im surprised Aegir and that girl are fine. During the earlier stages, the urge of blood-sucking feels like starvation and is enough to make writhe in agony. Its not uncommon for vampires to lose their sense of reason and indiscriminately attack humans.

Blood tasted good. My instincts also urged me to suck it.

But its not enough to make me rampage. Tomatoes can be used as a decent subst.i.tute.

Celia and I exchange looks, peck each other on the lips and then rub our noses together.

Thats not what I know. I guess it must have been some complication I had during mutation or simply because Aegir is abnormal.

Im abnormal even after becoming a vampire?

I stretch and step down from the bed.

The three of us moved our residence from the cave to a hunters cabin.

Despite being vampires, living in a cavern is hard, and we wanted a bed and a roof.

The owner of the cabin was eaten by wolves a short distance away, leaving the place vacant, perfect for vampires who want to hide from the world.

A ray of sunlight s.h.i.+nes in through a crack in the closed window.

Mu, I was so absorbed that I didnt realize it became morning.

Indeed. Shall we sleep until the sun

Not sure what Lucy said, I spoke over her and put a hand on the wooden shutter.

Bathing in the morning sun will give you the energy for the day ahead.

Eh?

Celia let out a weird noise right as I flung the shutter wide open.

Guwaaah!!

The heat felt like the flames of a dragon.

Aah, Aegir-sama, theres smoke coming out! Youre getting burned!

Close it! Close the window!!

Celia throws something to shut the window.

Why would you expose yourself to the sun as a vampire!? Are you an idiot!?

I wave away the smoke dejectedly as Lucy scolds me.

I forgot because of how recent it was. Mghmy entire body hurts.

Youre lucky that you didnt turn into ashI wont forgive you if you died from a clumsy mistake after swearing to be with me for eternity.

Lucy pats her chest in relief.

My throat feels dry, perhaps because I was burnt.

The water jug is empty too, I guess Ill have to fetch some.

Its good that there is spring water close to this cabin. We can freely drink the fresh tasty water.

Eh?

Celia lets out a strange noise right as the door swings wide open.

Dowaaaah!!

Aegir-sama, are you an idiot!?

Gosh, should I cut off your arms and legs until you become more aware!?

I plop face-first onto the bed with smoke rising from all over my body.

I give up. I dont feel like doing anything in the morning anymore.

Dont make the morning as a starting point in the first place.

I roll around in bed, wrap Celia in a blanket, and pull Lucy in too.

These two are my family nowits just the three of us.

How many days went by since then?

Although Id like to act like I have no concept of dates as a vampire with no lifespan, Celia keeps a memo with her schedule so I unfortunately know the exact date.

Its been two months since Celia and I stopped being human.

I gaze in the direction of the palace.

It should barely be visible from a hill.

Since Ill burn up, I cant even peek out of a window.

Sensing my unease, Celia slides up to block my vision and pushes her cute b.r.e.a.s.t.s in my face.

Dont you think thats enough? We are not humans anymore. We have nothing to do with them and we must not have anything to do with them.

Now that were monsters of the night, we cant just nonchalantly waltz into the palace.

I know that much.

The stupid worthless slug that is Antonio seems to be doing oh so well.

Celia comments scornfully.

We arent just staying cooped up in this place.

Night after night, we visit nearby villages to satiate our urges and suck the blood from careless pa.s.sersby.

Even though theres nothing I can do about it, I end up hearing tales of the happenings after I died.

Combining the different stories together gives me the broader picture.

It seems hes going pretty overboard.

When I continue the conversation, Celia unhappily pulls out her notes from a pouch on her waist.

Shes using the pouch because her cleavage is too small to store anything.

Stupid-tonio killed everyone who came to protest when he declared himself king as a form of disobedience, and that would be fine if that was all Im sorry, those who praised him for liberating them from a tyrant were also killed for disrespecting the crown.

He is using the same method I did except he is more uncompromising and thorough.

Hmmm. But if hes so severe, wouldnt that spark a rebellion?

Lucy poses casually as she crawls her hand over my crotch.

Idiot-tonio knows that and is utilizing intelligence officers and a unit commanded by Leopolt-san to crush them the moment they disobey. Its like he knows who will act out and who will chicken out from the start. And for some reason, the minister of justice is fighting as his minion.

Ehh, isnt that incredible?

Lucy fondles me more with her hand as she rubs her forehead against my chest.

Its clear that she has lost all interest in politics.

Additionally, Trash-tonio has turned the countrys armyinto a useless training squad, dismantling them splendidly. The commander of the Federations vanguard saw it as an opportunity and attacked, breaking the secret agreement.

And what was the result?

A large contingent of elite soldiers were laying in wait and decisively thwarted them, and during the pursuit, multiple towns were burned to the ground along with its people down to the last tree to set an example.

Given the scale of damage, the effect on the Federation is insignificant.

But it will make the Federation realize.

That the army will still be strong even if the king is killed, and that the new king is stricter and more ruthless than me.

With that, it at least stops them from making a move so easily.

And they will, as antic.i.p.ated, prioritize attacking the Empire.

Lucy doesnt bother to nod or signal like shes paying attention and continues touching me.

Slugits hard to say. Slug-tonio hasmumu

I wrap Celias adorable round face and cut her off.

He has ma.s.sacred n.o.bles and enemies, but he hasnt laid a finger on his family. He hasnt exiled anyone from the palace either.

Celia opens her mouth, thinking of another insulting name to call him, but refrains and rephrases her sentence.

He just granted his biological mother, Catherine-san, a special position and declared his sister, Rose, as his wife.

That sounds incredible, now that you put it in words.

Lucy, who has regained interest, cackles.

As soon as he made the declaration, Rose slapped him as hard as she could, and Anastasia cursed him with words that even a town girl would not utter, but he returned to his throne like nothing had happened.

Imagining what the atmosphere would be like makes both me and Lucy laugh.

But it seems Catherine-san was in an absentminded state from beginning to end and didnt even respond.

That put an end to my laughter.

Also, it seems Nonna-san cried loudly in the middle of the coronation ceremony, he rolled Anastasia over who he had pinned down, and he glared at Myla-san when she didnt obey his order Antonios reputation is at rock bottom, not only among the n.o.bles, but also among the citizens, well of course it is!

I continue to look at the window through which the morning sun leaks while quieting Celia, who is furious at the memory.

Its natural for his reputation to take a hit, and Im sure hes having a hard time.

Ei.

I hear a tearing sound and feel a sharp pain run through my body.

Lucy ripped a handful of pubic hair.

Just when Im about to say how mean she was, Lucy stands up, completely naked.

You werent reacting at all, are you that interested? You want to see them?

I cant go back now. Im not human and if I go back

The feeling is enough to make me want to rub my hands nervously, but because that would look uncool, I squeeze Celias cheeks instead.

Celia fusses while Lucy sighs and flicks my forehead.

You didnt answer me. I asked if you are interested and if you want to see them?

I reply, rubbing Celias cheeks together hard enough for the friction to produce heat.

Of course Im interested. Of course I want to see them. I told Nonna that Id be back by nighttime and didnt even say goodbye.

Celia stops fussing.

I look at the window I cant peek through once again.

But theres nothing I can do. n.o.body will proceed to die after announcing they will die. To live is to regret.

The same applies to the guys who were once beside me and the guys I defeated.

Nothing will change no matter how selfish I am.

Then shall we go?

Just when the mood was all set up, Lucy silently puts on her clothes.

Where to?

Lucy points to the outside.

To the capital.

Like I said, that isnt

I hug Celia close.

Her body, which supposedly lacks heat, felt warm.

As you can expect, I have to be indecisive here.

Returning as a dead person surely cant be a good thing.

It would give the women false happiness and it would ruin Antonio.

Of course, the inhuman Aegir cant return. Or rather, I wont let you return.

She states in a serious tone before giving me a peck on the lips.

However, it should be fine to go say your goodbyes.

I cant answer right away.

The women will definitely cry.

And theyll also be happy with my return.

But since my life as a human is over, I have to part with them immediately.

Their joy would be short-lived as Id have to leave.

Gosh, Ive had enough of your bad habit!

Lucy looks at me head-on.

Reflected in her red eyes is a pathetic, dithering man who is only good for his muscles and his d.i.c.k.

Which is more painful for you, saying goodbye to me or me disappearing without a word?

Celia, who has settled in my arms, also chimes in.

Everyone would certainly be delighted, then several times more sad afterward. Compared to not being able to see you again

I slam my forehead against the wall, smack my cheeks, and whip my d.i.c.k on the bed.

I was worrying about trivial things. Alright, lets go.

Lucy and Celia smile.

I swing open the door, thinking that putting on clothes would be a waste of time.

The sunlight beams down.

Zuwaaaaah!!

Why dont you learn!?

Im not sure if youll live ten years, let alone eternity

I stand on the window frame and peer into the room.

There isnt a single candle lit inside, but as I am now, that doesnt hinder my ability to see.

In the largest room of the palace, sleeping in the middle of the largest bed was Nonna.

The bed is fluffy, the air is the perfect temperature, and Im sure a lovely scent is wafting from the flowers on the table.

Despite all that, her sleeping face is strained and her eyebrows are furrowed.

Hicsniff

I hear soft crying come from her chapped lips, which gradually grow louder.

You saidyoud be back at nightnodont gouuuuu

Her cries turn to sorrowful groans and she takes her arms out of the blanket, waving them wildly.

Tears spill endlessly from her closed eyes.

And then, from the adjacent roomwhich was originally meant for servants, Bartolome comes running with a lamp and takes Nonnas hand, comforting her with pats to her shoulder.

Mother, mother.

Nonna opens her eyes, sees the concerned Bartolome and acknowledges him with a long, long sigh.

DidI cry in my sleep again?

She drinks the water offered to her and hugs Bartolome.

The door of the adjacent room on the opposite side also opens.

Mother.

Anastasia, who is on the verge of tearsno, who is already crying, waddles in.

Aah, did you wet the bed again?

The crotch area of her pajamas is soaked.

Anastasia hangs her head and silently throws her clothes to the ground, then jumps into Nonnas chest.

The usual Nonna would have screamed loud enough for the entire inner palace to hear, but she doesnt say anything this time and simply hugs her children and sobs.

This isnt the scene I wanted to see.

I guess its good I came. What was I worried about?

Her beloved disappeared without a goodbye.

This is the result.

I open the window without making a sound.

Im sorry. I should be strong, yet when Aegir-sama isnt here, I cantI cant

The three of them cry in each others arms in the center of the bed.

I spread my arms wide and embrace them altogether from the outside.

I make sure my hands are touching all of them and Im not hugging too tightly.

I said I would come back at night but I didnt. Im sorry.

Eh?

Everyone looks up, and their eyes make contact with mine.

Im tempted to say Im back, but I hold back and nod without uttering a word.

Aaaahaaaaah

Father!

Nonnas eyes widen and her body begins to tremble.

At the same time, Anastasia pounces on me energeticallyactually its closer to a tackle.

The blow that hit my waist from behind might have caused me to stumble if not for the difference in our weight.

Damm, she must have learned the move after watching fights in the arena many times.

Aegir-sama is alive! He has returned! Someone, get someone

Nonna grabs my hand and tries to yell, but I place a finger on her lips and slowly shake my head.

Im sorry. I havent returned and Im not alive.

Bartolome stares blankly at his hand after it touched me.

Coldfather is as cold as ice.

Nonnas smile fades.

Anastasia buries her head so much in my lower back that Im worried whether she can breathe.

I came to say goodbye.

Y-youcant be!

Nonna extends her hands to grab my face and chest.

Im still going to touch you even if youre cold! These thick arms, this hot chest, this face and back, all belong to Aegir-sama, the person who has embraced me countless times! Yet whywhy!!?

I take her hand and hug her.

I dont have time to explain everything and I probably dont need to.

Nonna surely knows the truth.

Its just that she loves me and cant accept it easily.

What should I say?

I didnt prepare any phrases.

I love you, sorry, I dont want to go.

Those dont seem right.

I have those feelings, but those arent the final words I want to convey to her.

Aah, I know.

It was truly fun. Thank you.

Nonnas eyes become round like full moons.

She tries her best to hold back the tears and fights with the sadness in her heart to show me a smile.

She was ready.

Nonna takes Bartolome with her and steps away from me, then faces me and bows deeply.

Thank you for all your hard work on this long journey.

Yeah.

I respond with a single word.

Nonna knows its not a lukewarm answer.

It wouldnt be cool if I kept talking after all.

To pick up a failure like meto loveand careand bless with childrenhic

Youre taking too long.

I say jokingly as Nonna chokes up.

Gos.h.!.+ Youre rude till the end!

Nonna pounds my chest playfully and then takes a deep breath.

Thank you for everything. It was really, really fun!

Yeah!

I hug Nonna, ruffle Bartolomes hair, and then lift up Anastasia, who was clinging to my waist, her face dripping with tears and snot, and put my forehead against hers.

I give them a great big smile and wave my hand, then jump out of the window.

Now its goodbye.

A few seconds later, I hear tremendous wailing.

It was not a cry of despair, rather it was a cry of sadnessIm sure they will recover soon.

Nodding, I remove the thumb-sized knife from my waist and toss it away.

A purple fluid trickles from the tip.

Poison doesnt work on vampires, its probably a numbing agent.

She tried to make me faint to stop me during that exchange, d.a.m.n Anastasia is scary.

Her wailing, which is on the same level as Nonnas, should be sad but sounds just a bit happy.

I hop onto the roof of the two-story annex.

It is an easy feat for me now that Im a vampire.

Though, its not because I want to act like a cat.

My goal is right in front of me.

Ah

The one who sounds unenergetic is Carla.

She is gazing at the night sky on the roof.

A guard pa.s.sing below holds up a torch and sees her, but makes a sad face before resuming his patrol.

This must be a normal occurrence.

Hey Carla. At least eat a little.

Sitting beside her is Mireille.

She offers a small loaf of bread, but Carla shows no interest and continues staring at the sky.

Looking closer, Carlas cheeks are sunken in and her body is skinnier.

I dont need it.

Carla turns her face away like a spoiled child.

Youve gotten so thinif you dont eat properly, youre going to die.

I said I dont need it!

Mireille brings the bread up to Carlas mouth only for her hand to be smacked away.

I catch the bread that spins through the air, then tap Carla on the shoulder.

Whnmuu!

Our eyes meet, and when her jaw drops, I stuff the bread into her mouth.

Youll ruin your body if you dont eat.

Mm, mghu!

Carla rapidly chews the food in her mouth like a mouse and opens her mouth to speak.

But I just stuff another loaf of bread in her mouth, smiling.

I came to say goodbye.

Mireille collapses onto her b.u.t.t after standing up, and Carlas chewing slows down to that of a cows.

I put one arm around each of their shoulders and hug them.

Aegirs body is quite cold.

So its really true.

The two of them cling to me and sob.

Sorry this is so sudden.

Carla holds onto my arm and drops to the roof to look up at the moon with Mireille.

I could care less for a world without Aegir. I might join you soon.

I wonder if I wouldnt feel this wayif I continued my life as a mercenary like back then.

Both of them say tearfully.

Dont be sad.

I whine, caressing their feeble upward-looking faces.

Is everything going to disappear when Im gone? I guess I didnt leave anything behind.

Carla pauses briefly, then shakes her head.

Mireille also forces herself to smile through the tears.

No, youve left something. Aegir gave me his child and connected me to this family.

And also the memories of us crying, laughingright?

Im glad.

Half of our memories of us having s.e.x though.

Carla jokes.

Ive had lots of adventures tooremember when we exterminated the two-headed demon boar and when we searched for the hidden treasure in the blue pondwe went through so much, even though Im a senior member, yet for some reason I wonder why the others tell me I dont have a close relations.h.i.+p.

Mireille c.o.c.ks her head, her face clouded with mixed feelings.

Right, right, we went through a lot.

Anyways, I should end this reminiscent talk.

There is only one thing left to ask.

Was it fun living with me?

Of course!

Yes!

The three of us high-five each other.

I leap off the roof, leaving Carla and Mireille to hug one another and cry.

Those are some nice cries.

Im sure theyll be fine.

On my way, I see the light of a lantern.

Carrying bread and milk toward the annex is Ekaterina, Carlas daughter.

She must be bringing a late meal to her mother, worried that she hasnt been eating.

Carla should be alright now.

I embrace Ekaterina and give her a kiss.

Then I carefully lower her back to the ground like a fragile object.

Live a long healthy life.

Ekaterina silently runs off and then I hear a third crying voice from the roof.

The moment I entered Mels room, two ladies, three children, and a mature beauty rose from the bed and pounced on me.

How did you know?

I smile, letting them push me over.

This is family youre talking to.

Mel says with a smile and a tear trickling down her face.

She probably knows this is the last time well meet too.

Mels children get swept up by their mothers emotions.

Kuu, Ruu, Sue, and Gilbard cry as they hug me, making it hard for me to talk with them.

This is fine.

Not saying anything and simply sharing one last embrace also makes it worth coming.

I hope all continue to get along.

I purposely verbalize a sentiment that doesnt need to be said.

Not just you, but the rest of them too.

Mel seems conflicted at first but eventually nods.

And youre all crying a bit too much.

The six of them are crying over me, making it seem like its raining.

I grab the apple left on the table and divide it into slices.

Normally, I end up crus.h.i.+ng it, but this time Im able to split it cleanly.

Here, eat. Eat up and stop your crying.

I toss one slice into each childs mouth.

That ceases their crying, however Ruu cries twice as loud.

Im leaving soon.

Right.

Everyone lines up by the window.

Perhaps they emptied their tear ducts in the beginning, because by the end, everyone has a smile.

It was fun.

I say before jumping out of the window.

It was fun, thank you, bye.

The scattered responses are very characteristic of Mels kids.

The soft mutter of Im glad I got to live with you at the end made me the happiest.

I can hear the sound of someone sleeping peacefully, though the room I crawl into has a gloomy atmosphere.

When I hug her from behind, Maria twitches in surprise.

Hey.

Maria doesnt turn around.

Her rhythmic breathing has stopped and I dont think she hasnt noticed me.

Heey.

Does she think an unfamiliar man visited her in the night or something?

What should I do? Should I let her touch my d.i.c.k so she knows its me?

I cant turn around.

Maria mutters.

Her voice is hoa.r.s.e, like she had cried for a long time.

Why not?

Maria hugs herself like shes terrified of something.

Because if I turn around, youll disappear, right? I knowbecause you did it so many times.

Maria trembles, stubbornly refusing to look at me.

She is more fearful and timid than most people.

Maria, I died. I cant be with you anymore.

Stop, this dream again!? Enough, let me wake up!

I hug the screaming Maria from behind.

My body doesnt have any warmth, but I at least transmit the warmth of my heart to her.

But Im here right now. For one more time, one last time, I wanted to talk with you.

Marias sorrowful screams stop, and she turns around stiffly like a broken water wheel.

Hey.

I greet her with a wide grin.

Maria instantly bursts into tears.

Cruel, so cruel

Im sorry.

Maria shakes her head.

I knew. I knew Aegir-san prepared the lunchbox for that child. Despite how clumsy you were, spilling things everywhere and complaining as you did ityou kept thinking that youd make up with himand yet, he did something so cruel.

Oh, thats what she meant.

Ive had enough. Enough, I said.

She isnt sad that I left her behind and disappeared, shes crying and getting angry for what happened to me.

Maria is such a kind girl.

Is this the last time?

Yeah.

I pat Marias back to comfort her.

We wont see each other again?

Yeah.

I comb my fingers through her long hair.

So that meansI have to say goodbye?

Yeah.

Maria stands up abruptly.

T-then let me make you a meal! Err, lets see, Ive got to prepare a soupput the meat in the ovenuugh, if I start now, I cant finish anything

I glance at the table and find a portion of uneaten pasta.

So they didnt have the energy to tidy up, huh?

Those are leftovers, dont eat it. And its gotten cold

I put the cold pasta in my mouth.

Tasty. You made this, right?

I pick up some more hardened noodles with a fork and bring it to Marias mouth.

uuu, its good. Even though its supposed to taste bad because its hard and coldits delicious.

See?

We take turns eating the pasta.

But as soon as the bottom of the plate can be seen, the corners of Marias mouth turn downward.

She knows that once we finish the pasta, our time together will end.

Its the last bite. Finish it with a smile.

Maria opens her mouth wide as tears pour from her eyes.

Thank you for the meal.

Maria puts her hands together like shes saying a prayer.

Yeah, thanks for the meal.

I do the same and then stand up.

Its fine if you wait a bit, but make him a meal too. Im sure hell munch on the ingredients raw otherwise.

I will after I sort out my feelings. Ill deliberately start with cold hard pasta though.

I unintentionally laugh out loud.

By the way Maria, did you have fun living with me?

Maria, still crying, nods enthusiastically.

A pretty young lady is lying naked on the sofano, if I look closer, she has underwear on, its just wedged deep into her a.s.s. Her body is a bit saggy, but just as erotic as ever.

Fuuhaa

Tired and sighing repeatedly is Melissa.

I make eye contact with Jennifer, her daughter, so I raise my hand and say h.e.l.lo.

Mama, mama.

Jennifer pokes the exposed b.u.t.t.

Sorry. Ive reached my limit in many waysIm sorry for being such a pathetic mama let me rest a little

Melissa answers, her a.s.s swaying slightly.

If she is treating her child like this, she must truly be at the end of her rope both physically and mentally.

Mama, not that.

I join Jennifer and poke her b.u.t.t.

Dont poke me so muchin a bit, Ill get up in a bit.

I switch from poking to kneading her a.s.s cheeks with both hands.

Gos.h.!.+ Where did you learn how to use your hands like that? Its like Aegir-sans naughty touchurk.

Melissa sees me when she reluctantly turns around.

Jennifer sneaks to the corner of the room.

Which is it?

Hm?

I dont understand the question.

Did you miraculously survive? Or are you a ghost?

Sorry, Im closer to a ghost.

Melissa slumps into the sofa.

I seeaaah.

I guess I let you down.

Melissa is an intelligent woman.

She doesnt scream or lose her composure.

Im sure she was also saddened by my death, but she most likely took care of the kids and other despairing girls at the same time. Thats why she is exhausted.

I mount Melissa, though I ensure not to rest my weight on her body, and give her a ma.s.sage from her back to her b.u.t.tocks.

Even as an amateur, I can tell plenty of fatigue has acc.u.mulated in her first-rate body.

Sorry, Aegir-san. I cant be with you even as a ghost. The children are still young youll have to wait ten years.

Dont be silly. Youre not dying in ten years or twenty years. Im not a worthless man who would drag his beloved woman to the grave.

I apply a bit of force to my ma.s.sage as I get angry, stretching the underwear which is dug into her a.s.s crack.

Ow ow ow, sorryfufu, this naughty way of touching definitely belongs to Aegir-san.

Thats me.

I declare boldly.

This is the endI suppose.

Yeah.

I say, somewhat depressed.

What should we talk about? Theres so much that happened, I dont know where to start.

Melissas breathing becomes ragged.

Its fine. Seeing your face, being touched by you and exchanging words, even if they are nonsensical ramblings, that is enough.

Melissa lays on her back and spreads her arms.

Of course, I jump into them.

Im glad I was sold to you.

I bury my face into her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and listen.

Im glad I became a prost.i.tute.

I can tell shes choking up and starting to hiccup.

Im glad I wasbroken. Because I met you.

In many ways, those arent good things.

But its an honor as a man to have her say it to me.

Im also glad to have met Melissa. If fate exists, Im thankful for it.

Both of us open our mouths simultaneously.

It was fun.

I stand up.

There are plenty of things I want to say, but Ive told her what I wanted to tell her the most.

When I position next to the window and turn around, Melissa changes into an extremely s.e.xy outfit.

Its to send you off. Vulgar, isnt it?

Fufu, its the most beautiful. But you should scold the one next to you.

Jennifer is wearing a similar outfit as Melissa that exposes her childish body.

When did you, its ten years too early for youno, you must not wear such perverted clothes!

I want to be s.e.xy like mama!

Melissa covers her face and stares up at the ceiling.

Take care. Live a long life.

I give the two of them a kiss each, and part with them forever.

I stand in front of the tower.

OooooOooooooo!!

Is this the demon kings castle?

The earth-shaking groans continue to echo.

Its source is obviously within the tower, and Ive been hearing it constantly ever since I got close to the palace.

Aaoooooough! Aauoooooo!

The groans get louder.

I even hear an extraordinary fart-like sound.

How did she make that sound?

I think about turning back, but I shake my head and pull myself together.

The person in the tower is not the demon king, its Claudia, and the groans are her wailing.

Surely, the reason she is crying is because of me.

I push off the ground and leap up to the window of the three-storey tower.

Higuoooooo!! Egooooooooo!!

Her voice is so powerful that I almost fall backwards when I open the window, but I grab the frame and hang on somehow.

Hey.

Gugeeeeah

Claudia, who is standing in the middle of the room, stops crying.

Oh and it stinks. That sound I heard was actually a fart, huh?

Ooohmymy

Claudia runs up and clings to me.

To think I can see you again in this worldmy tears and lamenting were not in vain!

She seals my mouth with a kiss before I can say anything.

You are without a doubtmy beloved. However, you are no longer alive.

Yeah.

Claudia doesnt probe any further and remains glued to my chest.

Staying silent could also be fine, but I have something I want to say.

Youve gotten a littleno, I guess its quite a bit skinnier, Claudia. And your skin is white.

Two images, one of a giant ball of flesh and one of a s.h.i.+ny black muscular form, cross my mind, but the woman in front of me right now is just a chubby adult female.

Ever since news of Your Majestys death reached me, I have been crying endlessly. Because of that, I have lost both muscle and fat, and my weight has dropped 150 kg, plus Ive gotten paler from not going outside.

I seethats incredible.

I leave this topic there and get to what I really want to say.

I separate from Claudia, get down on one knee and lower my head.

Ive been saved by you countless times. You left your husband and your house and devoted yourself to me, yet I couldnt repay you. And now Im disappearing with that debt unpaid.

Claudia kindly puts her hand on my cheek.

What are you saying? I devoted myself to you because of love, and there is no loss in love. I gave you my all because I fell for you. Dont say that you will return anything, instead think of it as having received my love.

I smile and slump my shoulders.

Its my total loss, Claudias love appeared ridiculous but was actually much deeper than mine.

When I looked up, Claudia was crying and smiling with a dignified expression that was completely different from my unprepared veneer.

Oh, my dear beloved. My eternal lover. I hope your path leads you to wherever you want to go.

Claudia then takes a deep breath and shouts.

Clara!!

Clara comes jogging in with quick footsteps.

You called, madafueh, master!?

Claudia gives Clara a command as shes trying to figure out whats going on.

A send-off! To King Hardlett, on his eternal departure!

Claudia bows her head gracefully, keeping her back as straight as an iron pole.

Similarly, Clara also bows.

In the end, I couldnt win against Claudia.

I put my hand on the window with a wry smile, thinking that Ill be leaving with her having taken the initiative the whole time.

I convey the situation to the confused and tearful Clara with a single glance.

My message successfully reaching her, she sheds one tear and mouths the word goodbye back to me.

By the way Clara, I realized many years ago.

Geh.

Claudia says, her form still perfect.

I jump out of the window gallantly.

P-please wait, Your Majesty, take me with you even if its to the other worldaah, madam, have mercy!! Anything but that! Please spare me! Ugyaaa!

I sneak through the window into a room where Yoguri is hunched over a desk and running her brush over a sheet of paper.

She is writing her script, her sole purpose in life, as if possessed by something.

Her cheeks are caved in, her greasy hair is stuck to her forehead, and her clothes are stained with sweat.

She probably hasnt eaten much or taken a bath.

I-Im donenextnext

Yoguri doesnt notice me even when I dont make much of an effort to tip-toe closer.

I peek at the pile of roughly stacked papers on the desk.

These might be the scripts for a play, but I dont know the detailed instructions so all I can read are the general plots.

Its a story of a king who dies an untimely death returning home after narrowly escaping death, and ends with him defeating the rebels.

Its a story of a king tired of the world who feigns death and becomes a peasant, eventually reunites with his former town girl concubine and lives together with her.

Its a story where time rewinds at the moment of the kings death, he is stopped before departing and is able to continue his life without incident.

They are all different works, but the feelings put into them are the same.

UuumoreI have to write moremore, more!

A red-eyed Yoguri desperately continues to write.

Just when Im about to reach out and stop her, my eyes land on another work.

Its a story about a kingat this point, I can say its me, right?

Its a story where I am actually alive and come back to capture the throne.

And then his unjust traitorous sonI guess its Antonio.

Antonio is defeated in a duel and punished on the spot by being f.u.c.ked in the a.s.s

What the heck is this?

I unconsciously voice my thoughts.

That is written with my personal tastes and not meant to be publisheddont look at it.

Yoguri s.n.a.t.c.hes the ma.n.u.script from me and sighs after burying it somewhere on her messy desk.

Gosh, Aegir-san. Dont just come into my room without warning.

Sorry. I have important business.

Yoguri puffs up in anger, but soon realizes the way she smells and casually sprays perfume on herself.

Goodness, what could it be that you had to come so late at nightI mean, the only thing can be s.e.x, right? Im a bit dirty, so let me take a bath firsta bath.

The bottle of perfume drops to the floor and shatters.

Y-y-youre alive

I shake my head.

Yoguris face changes from surprised to delighted and then to saddened.

That moment is painful.

this-this worthless thing!

Yoguri grabs the draft she just completed and tries to tear it.

I prayed hard when writing this! I believed you would come back if I wrote lots! But its all for nothing

I stop Yoguri before she rips up the papers.

Hey now, dont do something so wasteful. Its well-writtenalthough I just skimmed it.

You can rip that one you buried on your desk though.

I straighten the wrinkles on the paper and hand it back to Yoguri.

Yoguri hugs the bundle of papers and eventually jumps into my chest.

Aegir-san is not dead. I wont let you die on my watch.

She continues before I can open my mouth.

Once every month, I will write about Aegir-san. Ill make sure Aegir-san doesnt disappear from everyones memories. You can live forever in my plays.

Its not that big of a deal.

Yoguri doesnt listen when I tell her its fine if Im forgotten over the years.

Ill remind everyone how much of a womanizer you are, how you like to cheat, how you act without thinking, but also how warm, kind and reliable you are

I dont know whether I should blush or complain.

Ill make sure everyone remembers Aegir-san as someone who actually also likes cute boys!

Thats fabrication.

Why does she want me to engage with males?

Anyway, I dont say much else.

I am leaving and Yoguri is staying.

As the one leaving, I should be the one to say it.

And there is only one thing I have to say.

Thank you. And goodbye.

Yeah. It was alsofun for me.

We exchange a hug, a kiss and a final farewell with a smile.

Yep, thats good. This is a perfect score.

I guess its about time to patrol.

Myla, who sluggishly stands up, is dressed in military uniform on her top half but only has underwear on her bottom half.

Rather than a sword, she is holding a bottle of alcohol in her hand.

I was told by the vice-captain to rest for a while! What a rare dumb mistake for you, Myla-dono! Waha, wahaha! Wahahawaha

Irijina sounds boisterous as usual, though her face doesnt show the same emotion.

You dont have to go. The mushroom hotpot has just been cooked.

I dont want any.

Myla takes a swig from her bottle and returns to bed while Irijina stirs the pot next to the fireplace.

Celia-dono, she isnt coming back.

I doubt she will. I have a feeling about it.

Myla finishes the last drops of her alcohol and tosses the empty bottle into the corner of the room.

She goes to fetch a new bottle from the cupboard, but Irijina grabs her hand and stops her.

Drinking more will poison your body! You mustnt do it, especially now!

Who cares. It doesnt matter since hes

Irijina s.n.a.t.c.hes the bottle out of Mylas hand, picks her up and gently places her on the bed.

Sniffits too suddenhe was so strongand still.

thats what it means to be a warrior. And its not uncommon for a corpse to not be left behindnot uncommon at all

Myla covers her face with her hand as she cries, whereas Irijinas salt water gets added to her hotpot.

Im such a pathetic man.

I hug their shoulders.

They raise their heads slowly, their eyes widen, and then they despair at the lack of heat from my skin.

Sorry. This is the last time well meet.

I tell them.

Uooooooh!!

Irijina stands, grabs a bottle from the cupboard and comes running back.

Time to drink!

Its very characteristic of Irijina to do things without a logical reason.

Its better than her acting all solemn.

Errrumm!!

Myla removes her uniform and shows me her exposed chest and belly.

What is she doing?

I got pregnant when we fooled around three months ago!

No wait, wait just a second.

I try to remember my liaisons three months ago, but there are too many.

The time when the six of us, Irijina, Celia, and I, along with a girl from a nearby village, played strip dice

I remember now.

It has to be when Irijina and Celia were involved too.

It was the time when Myla was receiving a concentrated attack, got stripped quickly and then was pounced on by me after I got turned on.

Not to mention it was when both of us were drunk, so we didnt think of using contraception.

I couldnt be happy at all.

I pa.s.s through the bottles to get to Myla.

Without you here, I thought it was pointless to give birth, so Ive been drinking everyday and I wouldnt care what happened.

I write the words pregnant, drinking alcohol is forbidden with charcoal on a wooden tag and hang it around Mylas neck.

Why dont we party it up one last time?

Irijina and I share booze while Myla gets fruit juice.

The mushroom hotpot is perfectly seasoned!

Mushrooms are fine too, but you two should eat meat. Look how thin youve gotten.

I divide a healthy portion of meat into Myla and Irijinas bowl while taking the mushrooms for myself. Its a very pretty hotpot with red, white, green, and purple colors in it.

We enjoy a merry time without worrying about bothering our neighbors.

The tears welling up in their eyes were counteracted with laughter and the pecking of their hotpot.

Eventually, the alcohol runs out and the bottom of the pot can be seen.

Well, its about time for me to leave.

yes.

umu.

I hug both of them, and rub Mylas belly.

Take care.

Their response was sobbing.

One more thing, Irijina. I noticed it when I hugged you, your belly is swollen too.

What? Youre right! Im pregnant! When did this happen!?

Are you serious?

Their crying faces turn into a shocked and fed-up face respectively.

I laugh freely and wave farewell.

This is an emotional farewell, but this is really just a pretty way of abandoning isnt it?

I hope I dont get hit by karma and die.

Some strange b.u.mps are appearing on my bodyis it an extension of divine punishment or just from the mushroom hotpot I ate?

I hate to think what would happen if I wasnt a vampire.

I was pinned as soon as I entered the room.

Both my arms were locked and my ankles were held together.

Impressive, Sekrit.

I say to Sekrit, whose hair is draped over her face.

Then I hug her body from below.

Its a gesture of love and also to show her that my body has no heat.

Sekrit, who is much smarter than me, should understand right away.

Take me with you.

She pleads as she closes my fingers around the handle of a knife, brushes her hair up and exposes her neckor more specifically, her carotid artery.

I cant. You have a child too.

Sekrits child, Hasafa, is not in this room.

Shes the one who gave birth to him, but the rearing of the child is all being done by Sulama.

Its not my problem. Whether or not Im here

I seal her mouth with a kiss.

After the kiss, Sekrit groans and glares at me while holding her head.

If you insist on not taking me then Im going to find other men. Ill go find the three most brawny guys and make them cover me in their seed every night.

Urgh

An image of Sekrit being surrounded by three men and all of her holes being filled crosses my mind.

Then she screams as she gets pumped with white j.i.z.zoh, what jealousy it stirs within me.

However I cant remain at Sekrits side anymore.

Even if she tells me that shell find other guys, it doesnt make sense for me to complain.

Grnngggguoo

Nevertheless, I dont want to admit it and only express through grunts my frustration, to which Sekrit sighs sadly.

Youre not going to take me no matter what?

Yeah.

I wont yield on that.

I definitely dont want to drag Sekrit to the grave after taking Celia with me.

Even if thats what she wants, I wont allow it.

Why dont you raise Hasafa up to be a splendid man instead?

Sekrit coldly turns her back to me.

Go.

She says bluntly.

Yeah, sorry its so sudden.

I kiss Sekrit on the nape of her neck and then head toward the window.

One last thing.

I stop moving.

What kind of a woman was I to you?

I could talk endlessly once I start, but lets sum it up in one word.

You were the best.

Sekrits shoulders lift slightly.

Im sure you say that to everyone.

I reply with a wry smile.

Everyone is truly the best, so its not like Im lying.

Enough. Go.

I resume walking again.

When I try to show her a thumbs up, a fruit knife comes flying at me.

Good bye, my man, my final man.

Her shaky mumble would have gone unheard had I been a human.

Thats why I pretend not to have heard it and jump out the window.

Sekrits monologue continues as she stares at the window I leave through.

Ill raise your seed well. Ill make him mercilessly kill any enemy he sees and indiscriminately f.u.c.k any woman he sees, just like you, until he eventually replaces that lazy son.

I want to tell her Im not like that and not to raise her son into such a beast, but I cant respond like I can hear her the whole time at this point, and just leave her be.

I wanted a clean farewell and now I have this strange regret.

Im scared there will be a rumor about him thirty years later, but I can only pray that she raises him well.

The next stop is a bit troublesome, so I psyche myself up before jumping through the window of the corridor.

When I do, I see an unexpected womanits Casie sitting in the corner of the corridor holding her knees.

Sniffle.

I tap Casie, who has partially materialized into a vengeful ghost and is blowing her nose, on the shoulder, unable to ignore her.

Fpsshu.

She lifts her face, half-transformed because of her extreme sadness.

Then she blinks her eyes a few times when she sees me.

Gyaaaaa! A ghoooost! Evil spirit, begone!!

Youre close, but wrong. Also, youre one to talk, as a ghost yourself.

Casie bounces around in fear, hitting the wall and ceiling, though she eventually calms down and descends in front of me.

There is a deflating sound and her face returns to the dumb-looking one Im familiar with.

The order is wrong, but Casie is also family.

Lets say goodbye to her.

When I tell her this is the last time well see each other, she starts crying again.

However, she doesnt transform this time.

Well, I do have one thing to say to you.

Casie wipes her tears with my sleeve and smiles, implying that I dont have to say anything.

I know its late to ask, but where is the water for her tears coming from?

I actually knew all along.

I see, I mutter.

My grudge has long since disappeared. I was just dragging it out.

I simply nod.

I wanted to stay here in this lively and warm house, even if just for a second longer.

I gently pat Casies head.

But everything changes. Everyone has grown older and Aegir-san is also gone. Its weird for someone like me who never changes to stay here, right?

Yeah.

The two of us dont age anymore.

Thats why we must leave.

Youre not going to say goodbye?

No. I wrote a note. Ive also got some pumpkin for my final moments too.

Im a bit skeptical of her definition of a note, but lets not nitpick.

Then Ill see you off.

I stand Casie by the window.

Then the clouds part and the beautiful full moon peeks out.

Casie stares at my face and slowly rises uponly to come back.

I-Im not quite preparedlend me your hand.

Youre a hopeless girl, arent you?

I stick my hand under Casies arm, supporting her like Im playfully lifting up a baby.

Then vigorously toss her up, without regret, towards the moon.

Off I goooo.

Casie soars high into the sky with a smile and vanishes, becoming a golden sparkle.

Palace windows open one after the other and patrolling guards stop to look around.

Apparently, her final words reached those who normally cant see or hear her.

What a pleasant farewell.

Translucent ent.i.ties slip through the ceiling and wallsNeisha and the other ghosts of the inner palace come out.

Neisha speaks first before I can say anything.

You dont have to utter a word. Everyone is aware.

Neisha and the other ghosts smile and become more faint.

You brought us, who were deluded by grudges, to our senses. You yourself fell to a plot and feel no resentment. I also want to live that way. I want to live once more with others who live like that.

Then youll have to start over.

Because she cant do that as a ghost.

The other ghosts dont seem to have any objections either.

Us ghosts of the inner palace will abandon the past and look toward the future.

Yes, my grudge is disappearing. Rather than remaining in this world, I want to move on to the next life.

Goodbye my beloved, goodbye my begrudged. I will forget it all and ascend to heaven.

Everyone scatters into golden beads and fades awayand dont disappear.

do the same for us please.

With a wry smile, I lift the tiny Neisha up, and like I did with Casie, throw her toward the full moon.

Thank you.

Neisha extends a hand up at the moon and then vanishes.

I send them off, one by one.

After sending off the last one, I gaze briefly at the empty s.p.a.ce in the sky, then walk to my original destination.

The reason Im going to this room via the corridor is because the window is tightly guarded.

Of course, there is security in the corridor too, though they are easier to deal with than the ones in the room.

Sorry.

In an instant, I accelerate outside of their line of sight and take down four guards at once.

I hold back as much as I can, tapping them lightly, but they still spin around in the air once before fainting.

If Im not careful, one day Ill end up killing somebody.

Inside the room, I hear a disturbed womans voice rather than sobbing.

Mother, stay strongits not mothers fault.

The voice belongs to Rose, since this is Catherine and Roses room.

Its my faultmy sonI destroyed everythingI ruined everything again

Catherine sits on the bed clutching her head in distress, her teeth chattering.

Its pathetic of me that I considered something as stupid as leaving without a trace knowing Catherine would end up like this.

This is no time to think about appearing in a cool manner.

I toss the troubled Rose to the corner of the bed and wrap my arm around Catherines shoulder.

Its not your fault. Dont torment yourself.

Then there is three minutes of confusion in their faces.

can you talk?

Nope.

For some reason, Catherine strips naked and hugs me from the front.

She buries her face in my chest, staining my clothes with snot and tears.

Let me explain, father.

Rose speaks after raining my face with kisses.

Her eyes are a little red, but she doesnt hesitate. Despite her soft appearance, shes quite composed.

Mother became like this because she blames herself for your death at the hands of Antonio. She says that we are people with a curse that ruins families.

Catherine nods while still against my chest.

That cant be true.

I was the one who destroyed Catherines previous family, and what happened this time was my just deserts.

perhaps the curse is actually me, no it cant be, right?

She wanted to at least end things with her own hands and tried to kill Antonio

I poke Catherines side strongly.

She lets out a choked grunt, though she doesnt separate from my chest.

Obviously I stopped her, then next she suggested a double suicide.

I flip up Catherines s.h.i.+rt, blow on my hand, and slap her back with an open palm.

A distinct hand print forms on her back as she lets out a cute shriek.

Still, Catherine doesnt let go.

Lastly, she tried to take responsibility by offering to kill herselfI put her to sleep temporarily with Natias medicine and now shes like this.

Gosh, youno, I guess its my fault for not saying anything.

I hug Catherines head and talk to her like a child.

Theres no such thing as a cursed people. If you consider all the things Ive done, the kind of fate I met was not anything strange.

Catherine lifts her headher tearful and anxious expression makes her look like shes in her twenties.

But II said it would come someday. That retribution would comeand that became a jinx

I show her an exaggerated smile.

If some cursed words could kill me, then Id have died decades ago.

I pull away from Catherine, put her hands on my neck and lift her up.

She is surprised for a second at my cold body and tries to close her eyes, but I rain kisses all over her face, not letting her do so.

I died how I was supposed to die. I wont let you girls shoulder the burden.

I carry Rose with the opposite hand.

After the two of them briefly crawl their hands over my face, they smileCatherine forces herself to while Roses comes from the bottom of her heart.

If I can tell you a regret a have.

With the two still in my arms, I walk over to the window where the kings quarters can be seen outside.

Will you forgive Antonio?

Not a chance.

Both of them answered simultaneously.

How could you kill our loving father and take me, your sister, as your wife, are you crazy? Die!

How dare you use foul play to kill your own father! I should never have given birth to you!

We told him together.

Wow, harsh.

As someone who loves his mother and sister, he must be enduring a lot.

Well, dont be so quick to say that. No matter what happened, hes still family. Im not too familiar with the details, but he still loves you two.

They dont reply.

He has no friends here. The only thing he has is the blood connection with you.

Catherine and Rose look at each other, their eyebrows furrowing like they are contemplating the issue.

Then they break out in a smile.

Now that I think about it, its weird for my dead father to appear to me as a ghost and tell me to forgive Antonio.

Its sad to hear my daughter say that.

As a woman, I cant forgive Antonio for killing you and making a mess of everything. However, I can still feel some affection towards him as a mother. I guess I can forgive him after giving him a good spanking.

Thats good enough.

No matter what kind of evil deed he did, you forgive him because hes your child.

Thats how it should be.

Alright, I should be going, now that I have no regrets.

I lower the both of them.

Yes, and I also have something to say. I forgot about it before.

Rose mentions lightheartedly.

I only turn my head around to her and smile sheepishly because she ruined the perfect mood for an eternal farewell.

Im pregnant. Fathers seed hit the bullseye in one shot.

My neck rotates 180 degrees, making a bone-cracking sound.

If I was a human, it would have been a fatal injury.

Catherine also falls down with a thud.

Just letting you know.

You said it like it was nothing.

I help Catherine get back up from the floor as she struggles to stand on her weak legs.

Anyways, Ill accept Antonios proposal along with forgiving him. Even if we arent connected by blood, itll be bad if the public knows I am pregnant with my fathers child, so Ill make it his child instead.

Being pregnant with your brothers child is still badgosh.

Im afraid of the strength of Roses heart.

Catherine will be fine if I let Rose look after her.

Now then

I return my head to its proper alignment and sit Catherine on the bed.

Did you have fun?

Yes!

Of course!

I have no regrets.

This is goodbye to the two of them.

I watch the three of them surround a campfire silently from atop of the roof.

Their sad and vacant expressions cause feelings of guilt from leaving without saying anything well up inside me.

But I have something to address first and foremost.

Isnt it a bad idea to start a campfire in the courtyard in the middle of the night

I land next to Pipi, who is poking the fire with a stick, Luna, who is adding leaves to the flames, and Ruby, who is about to cook a potato.

Chief!

Pipi throws away her stick and pounces on me.

Did perhaps the mountain G.o.d answer our prayers and project the chiefs soul to us!?

Luna drops the pile of leaves straight into the campfire without thinking and clings to my waist.

Sorry, Ive become an existence thats more on the evil side.

Errummm

Ruby turns left and right in a panic, not sure where to put her potato, then joins in and hugs Luna.

Theres something more important that I must do first.

I pull the three of them off me.

Extinguish the fire! The stick and leaves are burning!

I didnt come to the palace as a ghost intending to set the palace aflame.

I stomp on the scattered embers, smother the flames with my cloak, and pick up Pipi and let her pee over the fire to finally completely extinguish the campfire.

We lay wearily on the ground on our sides, and I explain the details while Im at it.

It was supposed to be a more emotional development, but now it seems more like a second thought.

I want to ask one thing.

Pipi murmurs.

Did the chief lose to Antonio? Were you challenged to fight fair and square losethen died?

Yeah, I lost. Antonio was the one who made it back here alive, not me.

Other things happened, but thats the truth.

The three of them look devastated.

If the chief was defeated in a fair battle, then Antonio is the new chiefwe have no choice but to accept it. That is the law of the mountain nationas frustrating as it is.

Now that they remind me, I did at one point slay the shaman and chief of the mountain nation at the time and made them follow me.

I couldnt say it in front of Catherine, but everything Ive done is coming back to me, and thats pretty ironic.

If the new chief orders it, we will have to do as he pleases.

Ruby grumbles, causing me to stop moving.

as he pleases?

Whatever he desires. If he asks for it, we cannot refuse.

Luna continues.

Mu, guso thats the mountain nations law?

Im starting to get some lingering attachment again.

He will violate us one at a time from behind. He will stick it in roughly, slapping our a.s.s at the same time.

Pipi adds, sticking her own a.s.s out as if imagining the scene.

Guooo

When I grab my head in agony, the three of them burst out laughing.

Fufu, were just teasing. Think of it as a way of venting our anger for visiting us so suddenly.

Luna smiles, bowing politely to me.

As people of the mountain nation, we will accept him as the new chief. If war breaks out, we will join in haste. But as women who had their beloved man taken away, we will refuse to let him mount us.

Ruby playfully pokes me as Im suffering.

Pipi will also listen to his orders but refuse mating! Antonio is strong though, if he a.s.saults me, I cant resist.

He wont do something as heinous as forcing himself on an unwilling woman, right?

Right?

Who knows.

Guoo

The campfire is lit once more as they happily watch me act like Im suffering.

We bid you farewell. This is goodbye to you in this life, but if you see our children and our descendants, please take good care of them.

Pipi too! I want to stare at your face so I dont forget it!

Pipi jumps on my head, and Luna and Ruby also bring themselves near my face.

Hahaha, you should be fine after looking so much.

I etch their faces in my memory as well, and give their noses a final light poke, triggering them to sneeze.

Im going now.

The three wish me well and wave their hands.

Death is not something to be sad about in the value system of the mountain nation.

Its a different story if one dies and becomes a vengeful spirit, but souls that die without regrets return to the mountain and simply get reincarnated in another life.

Thats why our parting will end smoothly.

Or so I thought, as Pipi sobs, Luna cries, and Ruby falls to her knees in tears.

I leave the courtyard without daring to look back, despite thinking that I left a lot of loose ends.

Shall we go greet the new chief tomorrow?

What will we do if he desires our bodies?

Itll be fine. Our wombs already have a guest, we can confidently reject him!

I approach the bed silently.

There is no need to keep our voices down because this place has no light or guards.

But she wont come back even if I talk to her so I stroke her hair quietly.

In some ways, youre my biggest regret. I couldnt get you to open your eyes.

Benel remains asleep, almost like shes dead.

Shes been this way for many years. Doctors have also given up on her, saying shell likely never wake up.

Its pathetic that I went and died without being able to nurse you back to health.

Benel, who doesnt seem to have aged possibly as a result of her comatose state, doesnt react when I put my hand on her cheek or when I give her a soft kiss.

About thirty seconds pa.s.sed and I was just about to leave a single rose behind.

ugh.

Im surprised.

The most surprised Ive been since dying.

Her eyes open a tiny crack, look around in confusion and land on me.

Aegir? good morning.

She shouldnt be able to generate sound from her throat or lungs after sleeping for so long.

I answer her hoa.r.s.e ghost-like whisper with a wide smile.

Good morning. Nice night, isnt it?

I mutter, placing a rose on the bed of Benel, who is perplexed at how her weakened body cant move.

Then, I leave as I hear the maid come around for her night s.h.i.+ft.

What is this sound so late in theB-Benel-sama!?

My bodycant movehow strange.

I hear more sets of footsteps.

The nurses and doctors likely told her shes been sleeping for years.

but Im lucky to even be alive with that wound. Aegirs the one who saved me, right? Eh, where did you go? Aegir, where are you?

I stop eavesdropping.

It cant be! You were right here, its not a dream! This rose too

I dont want to make her sad right after she wakes up.

Hopefully, she thinks its an illusion.

I systematically visited each womans room.

Soon, there were no more people who cried, forced themselves to smile, were glad they got to see me for one last time, or despaired in a mix of emotions as they watched me leave.

The ones I couldnt visit were Leah, Natia, Felteris and the elves.

Although Im worried about them, I just have to concede that I cant meet everyone.

While Im at it, Ill also take care of some trivial business.

There is still time until dawn.

If I can do some clean-up, I might as well do it.

I open the door of the room where light is leaking out even though its close to daybreak without knocking.

The sound of a pen scribbling on a sheet of paper pauses and resumes moving less than one second later.

Without worrying about hiding my footsteps, I walk toward and stand behind the source of the noise and light.

Hey, any problems?

The sound of the pen doesnt stop.

Leopolt doesnt turn around either.

None. Or are you suggesting one will happen soon?

I shake my head and show him the red eyes that prove Im no longer human.

A king is nothing more than an accessory to the nation. If the new king has sufficient capabilities, he would just be a higher quality alternative. What problem is there?

This guy, saying what he wants until the end.

Im getting so angry that my eyes are s.h.i.+ning like crazy.

Its gotten to the point that the whole room has a red glow, how do I stop it?

I want to just knock this unpleasant guy down and leave, but since Im here, I might as well say what I have to say.

I said Id get you promoted to the top, but that ended prematurely. Well, I guess this is what they call the changing of times. It was unexpected to me too, so forgive me.

I can write him a letter of recommendation now. No, thatd have the opposite effect.

Leopolt covers his eyes with a hand because my eyes are too bright, then answers.

I dont mind. The new king seems to have endless ambition. Im sure there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Thats fine then.

He doesnt charge recklessly or let himself be overcome with anger. Although he lacks in experience, he has the potential to eventually become someone capable of leading hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Hes far superior to his predecessor, who was only competent enough to command a thousand-man army, and much easier to use.

d.a.m.n him, thinking of me so poorly.

Does he want me to grab him and throw him out of the window?

Getting angry once more seems to have made the light in my eyes disappear.

Do I control it by turning them on and off in my mind?

However.

Leopolt continues.

Its not bright anymore, you dont have to cover your eyes.

Its become boring and dull as he isnt as much of a ha.s.sle or as irrational as his predecessor.

I didnt think Id hear those words come out from Leopolts mouth.

I see.

I turn around, unable to hold in a smile.

I dont have to talk long with him. Its always been that way with him.

Leopolt stands up from his chair, making me wonder what hes thinking.

He better not be hoping for a hug, Ill punch him.

Thanks for your hard work, Lord Hardlett.

Sure.

He offers his hand and I reciprocate on reflex.

I guess this will do, since Im not a king or n.o.ble anymore, nor am I a close friend.

We let go of each others hand after the brief handshake.

I exit the room.

Leopolt returns to his seat and resumes his work.

Thats the end.

Not that I care, but I guess Ill also visit Adolph and Tristan.

If theyre there, great, if not, Ill scribble a message on the wall.

Alsooh.

Haa, I cant get over it. This kind of ending is possible?

how disappointing.

The general lost to such a brat? I wont be able to go on unless I drink.

I pa.s.s by the dining hall where a gloomy Christoph, Mack and Yakov are drinking.

Lets just drink. Lets be cheerful even if its a lie.

I doubt it will change anything.

It makes me feel sick no matter how much I drink. Still, theres no other option.

The three of them clank their gla.s.ses together in a mood that is by no means happy.

Cheers.

I smile and leave the dining hall behind as the three of them tip over from their chairs.

Then I see the stable from the window and descend with a sigh.

Ill drop by, I guess. Not like I have time to spare for a perverted horse.

I curse, stroking the wide-eyed Schwartzs nose a few times before stopping.

Youve gotten pretty small.

Of course, a horse cant shrink, but his entire body has shriveled and his spirit is almost non-existent.

Schwartz turns away coldly.

I tug on his mane which is more ruffled than it is in my memory.

Schwartz snorts, but it doesnt have the same impact as it used to.

Are you going to die too?

Schwartz glances at me and then nuzzles his nose against me.

Hes not yet at the age considered to be an old horse.

And it doesnt appear like he has any illness.

And somehow I know that he cant be saved.

Gosh, youre so annoying, chasing after me.

I take a brush and step inside the stable.

Ive ridden him for a while. I can groom him one last time.

When I set foot inside, I come across four mares lying down with white liquid dripping from between their legs.

One of them is an especially big one with an abnormal s.e.x drive.

Schwartz neighs like hes laughing.

d.a.m.n horse, youre just exhausted from overdoing it!?

I jam the brush up his a.s.s and stomp off, ignoring his neighs of agony.

Do your best to live long, dimwit.

The night is not over yet.

But it is time for light to start emerging from the horizon.

There is an idiot who is casting a fis.h.i.+ng line into the creekor rather, the aqueduct outside the palace.

That person, who doesnt appear to know how to fish, is holding the rod blankly.

I sit down next to that idiot.

Catch anything?

The response comes after a long long time.

Theres no way I can catch anything this late at night.

However, right as those words were said, the floating lure gets pulled into the water.

You got a bite.

The person doesnt reply or do anything with the fis.h.i.+ng rod.

Eventually the lure stops moving.

You suck, you let it run away.

Well yeah, because Ive never done this before.

What a hopeless guy.

Ill show you. Give me the rod.

I grab the familiar rod and reattach bait to the end.

Getting a bite in an aqueduct is a miracle, and it wont happen again, but you never know unless you try.

Besides, there is some fun in just waiting with your lure in the water.

Hey, what are you crying about, silly?

I drape my cloak over the persons nightwear and slap the persons back.

Is it tough?

I ask with my eyes still on the rod.

I sense a nodding motion.

It comes with the job. You had the determination too, Im sure itll go well.

Really?

With that, things go silent.

Im really not getting any bites.

Maybe Ill try using an apple as bait instead.

Father.

What?

Dont keep looking at me, watch the movements of the rod.

Sorry. Im sorry, father.

Yeah. Dont worry about it.

If you cry, youre not going to see my graceful rod handling skills.

Father, you got something.

Mu.

I quickly pull the rod up.

What was on the end of the hook, however, was not a fish, but a blackened shoe that Ive seen somewhere before.

Its Anas. Half a year ago, she said she lost it when we went on a trip.

That brat, she threw her shoe in the aqueduct because she wanted new ones. d.a.m.n, she really isnt picky on how she does it.

Ias well as Antonio smile together.

Haa, no luck huh? Well, its your fault for fis.h.i.+ng here in the first place.

Its going to be daytime soon.

Perfect timing.

Youre going already?

Yeah, I got to fish a little with you.

I toss the rod back to Antonio.

He catches it, holding it carefully like the ordinary rod is a precious treasure.

I wont ever see you again.

Yeah.

I pat Antonios head as he goes quiet.

Thats why I told you to wait another four years, stupid son.

After giving his head a good rub, I take Head-helmina, who I found lying in the corridor, out from my pocket.

Shes somewhat troublesome, but knowledgeable. You can also carry her around easily, Im sure shell come in handy.

Umu, weve talked about this. The point of contention is whether I am alive or dead.

Nothis lookswait, isnt this Emperor Wilhelminas head? Father, youre more fiendish than I thought.

The sun is about to come up.

Goodbye father.

Goodbye, stupid son.

Kefun.

I hear someone clear their throat softly.

Brynhildr. Goodbyeno, I guess you dont want it.

Ill kill you if you do.

I thought so.

Its not needed.

That kid is incomplete.

Brynhildr points at Antonio, who is crying with the fis.h.i.+ng rod still in his hand.

What does she mean by that?

That woman, she must have hesitated quite a bit because the transformation stopped halfway. His life has extended, but it doesnt mean he wont die. And he might find it harder to have children, but if he repeatedly does it over and over, its not impossible.

A smile unconsciously forms on my face.

In the first place, a newborn cant protect himself from the sun with a hood. A few seconds of exposure will turn him to dust.

I have doubts about the few seconds part, but whatever.

Should I go back and inform him?

No, I dont know if going back right after saying goodbye is a good idea.

Im sure itll also hurt his pride if I see him bawling.

Brynhildr continues.

In the end, its going as that woman wants, shes doing whatever she wants and destroying everything

Something feels off here.

Brynhildr clearly sounds angry.

But what is she angry at?

I was killed.

But I just became like her, its not like we have to say farewell.

My family is a mess, but its not like that concerns Brynhildr.

Oh, by the way, Im not a mindless puppet. I can do this kind of thing.

I flip up Brynhildrs skirt.

Just as the thought of her racy underwear comes into my mind, she cracks my cheekbone. d.a.m.n, shes merciless to her own kind.

I know that. If you were a puppet, I would have annihilated you already.

Then I dont know what it could be.

I glance at Brynhildr, trying to figure it out, and see her looking sadly at Antonio.

Im even happier.

She must feel sorry for Antonio who had to kill his father.

Brynhildr. This is only if you want to.

What?

I lower my head.

You only have to do it until the end of my childrens lifespan. Will you watch over them?

Brynhildr puffs her cheeks and turns her back on me without giving an answer.

In other words, she accepts.

The price is great though. Youll have to accompany me on a date.

Very well.

That kind of price is nothing.

Im more than happy to do it.

The location is that womans bedroom. Ill aim for when shes away, be prepared for that.

That price is steep.

If were discovered, Ill literally be torn to pieces.

Im counting on you.

When I agree with a troubled face, Brynhildr nods, and runs back to the sobbing Antonio with a sisterly aura.

I confidently leave from the main gate.

At this point, I dont care if someone sees me and makes a scene.

Ah, there he is!!

I turn around, thinking that I was found pretty fast, and see all the girls on the balcony.

Although cramped together, they do their best to wave at me.

However, the narrow s.p.a.ce quickly creates discontent.

So tight! Im getting squished!

Ow, someone stepped on my foot! This weight must be Irijina-san!

Hey, Nonna! Move your b.o.o.bs! Theyre in the way.

Melissa-san, stripping is against the rules! If everyone does the same thing, itll get out of hand!

Ugh, it stinks! Doing it now of all times! Who was it!?

Mamas makeup is rubbing off and s.h.i.+fting almost like a moneek!?

Now now Pipi, dont climb on me. Youll hurt yourself!

Gyoee! A severed head!!

I shout and wave back.

The guards gather in a hurry, but it shouldnt be a problem if I simply cover my face with my hood.

Youre here after all! Heey, Aegir!

what?

Is it really the general!? I dont believe it.

The drunk companions also show up, but the girls complain about their b.r.e.a.s.t.s and a.s.ses being touched and kick them out right away.

Lammy hangs from the roof and Mirumi jumps up from the aqueduct.

I also see Pochis form high in the sky.

Father, I am also!

Ah, its the main villain!

Everyone, step on his feet! Pinch his side too!

Knee him hard in the b.a.l.l.s.

Fathers killer, Ill cut off his d.i.c.k.

Ana, bright objects are a bad idea!

Antonio, who shows up late, gets ganged up on by the others.

He does keep the promise of not fighting back.

I cant keep track of whos there anymore, but the boisterous atmosphere is fitting to sum up my life.

Aegir-sama!

Celia hops off the roof, then runs toward me.

There on the roof, Leah is watching with wet eyes.

I was wondering where she was, so she was with Celia, good for her.

Leah said she wanted to die so I gave her a mission of becoming the best confectioner.

It was that serious?

She would have done something horrible if we didnt come to say goodbye then.

While those on the balcony make a fuss about how Celia is getting a head start, I turn around and leave behind the nostalgic clamoring. This is the end.

Or so I thought.

Uwahahahahaha! I found you, man!!

A ma.s.s of muscle stands in front of us.

Its Gildress.

Read the mood! You ruined the touching farewell!

Gildress disregards my yell and Celias shooing, and draws his sword.

If you returned alive, you would have displayed your joy with a pa.s.sionate manly hug!

Absolutely no thanks.

From what I see, it seems you arent alive. So let me ask you this! Are you the true man that I have come to know!? Or are you a foul monster wearing the skin of a man!?

This cant be resolved unless I answer.

And morning is near.

Im a monster, but Im still myself. I came to deliver my final goodbyes. I dont have any hostile intent.

Gildress peers into my eyes with a piercing stare.

I see, man. So thats how it is.

Then, oily tears gush out of his eyes.

Ooh, man. It is an honor for a man to die in battle. But he should not have been able to defeat you yet.

Gildress was the one training Antonio.

Naturally, he knows Antonios true ability.

I am more of a parent than a man. Dont you understand?

This guy might really not get it.

I understand. Of course I do. Thats why Im frustrated! Its frustrating to see a man such as yourself die without giving his best!

Gildress says as he throws off his s.h.i.+rt.

Hes always been wearing only a pair of underwear to begin with, so its safe to say he has completely stripped.

Lets fight, man. My friend. Getting a chance after death is also because of the discretion of the G.o.d of battle. Show me your full strength!

Gildress wails, drawing his glowing red sword.

Father, use this!

Antonio tosses the Dual Crater to me from the balcony.

Why does an emotional farewell have to take such a sweaty turn?

And Celia, dont sprinkle salt on Antonio, it might work on us if youre not careful.

How surprising. Your life-

Shut up.

Muu. Im going to sleep.

Here I come!!

Gildress holds his treasured sword, the Light of Aless, above his head and charges.

Despite his bulky body, he is faster than the wind.

I wonder how much power his defense-abandoning downward slash possesses.

Regardless, he is no match for the current me.

This body, which has given up its humanity in exchange for a weakness of sun and silver, has strength incomparable to

Uoooooh!!

I meet Gildresss full-powered slash with my Dual Crater, held only with my right hand.

My knee buckles, my chest is kicked, and I am sent flying in the air.

Youre kidding.

I curse as Im knocked back.

I lost in a pure contest of strength. Dont tell me hes also a vampire.

Man, have you gotten weaker!?

What did you say?

I sweep my sword sideways, angry that I was embarra.s.sed in front of the girls.

The unrestrained inhuman strike blows dirt to either side and gouges the earth without the sword even making contact with the ground.

Nnrgh!!

Gildress accepts the attack head-on with his blade, and the resulting sparks created by the clash emit a blinding flash.

The torrent of power stirs up a gust of wind that spins up into the sky.

Grrr!

Nnuu!

Both of us push the other, and Gildress takes two steps back while I take one step back.

Man. Have you stopped being human and gotten stronger!?

Im not so sure if youre a human anymore.

We both distance ourselves and prepare for a clash between downward swings.

Defense or tricks are not considered, this collision of swords relies solely on strength.

I did not hold back.

I threw all of my monstrous strength at him.

However, Gildress did not break.

He blocks multiple strikes capable of crus.h.i.+ng the earth, and when I run out of steam for even a second, he counters with attacks as solid as a boulder.

Guards rus.h.i.+ng in because of the intruder are blown backward by the force of the sword swings, the gla.s.s windows of the palace shatter from the impact, and the flames of the torches dance as if fanned by a great gale.

The girls and Antonio cheer me on from the balcony.

Losing in front of my family after becoming a vampire is not an option.

Murderous intent swells from within my body as I increase my strength, gradually accepting the possibility that I may kill Gildress.

Gildresss body is pushed away.

Im not done!!

When I go in for the finis.h.i.+ng blow, he adjusts himself in midair, knocks away my thrust and retaliates with a slash aimed at my neck.

I block and my sword is deflected far from my body.

Although I wouldnt have died if the attack landed, my head would have been chopped off.

Our swords clash for a third time, then a fourth time, but the battle isnt settled.

Aauauuu.

Celia stares at the sun rising from the horizon and begins to panic.

Nuoo!!

Hmpp!!

We both unleash a grand horizontal sweep at each other that knocks us to the ground on our b.u.t.ts.

In that moment, Gildresss fighting spirit disappears.

My friend. Did you fight for real?

Yeah. It pains me to admit that I was serious.

I fought with the intent to kill him.

It was unmistakably my best effort.

I should be the one asking if you held back.

If were equals now, then Id be outcla.s.sed as a human.

I wont be so rude as to go easy against a friend. I always give my alland a man becomes stronger the stronger his opponent.

Youre pretty much a monster with the name of a man.

I did push myselfjust a little.

Gildress drops his sword and falls forward.

He did not get hit, but the fight itself must have been hard to endure.

He managed to bear it to the end though.

All for the sake of encouraging me to fight with my full power.

Goodbye, my friend.

Gildress, who is lying face-down on the ground, raises a closed fist in response to my words.

The sun emerges as if to see me off.

Celia shouts something from a nearby house, but Im in no hurry.

We have a limitless supply of time ahead of us.

Antonio is also yelling something after withdrawing from the balcony, but I dont answer him.

Ive said all that I needed to for a farewell. Further words are redundant

Guwaaaaah!!

You got burned again!? Please learn to take cover!

Celia tosses a rope at me, which gets caught around my neck, allowing her to pull me into the shade.

My road led to the kingdom. And that led to a happy ending to my story. The future will be the start of another story.

The road to the kingdom has reached the end.

Where the next path leaves and where it goes, I dont know, and thats okay.

We have all the time in the world.

FIN

~500? Years later.

The artificial intelligence of the ancient civilization began to use its own judgement with the loss of its administrator.

They defined human happiness as the absence of any suffering, and concluded that it could be achieved by not giving life to mankind, in other words, the extermination of mankind.

Ruins scattered across the continent started the ma.s.s production of unmanned weapons, preparing several million steel soldiers to erase humanity

Platoon leader! Platoon leader Hardlett! Please wake up!

My cheek is slapped.

I open my eyes with a groan.

Gha dream?

It must be because of the movie I watched yesterday

Where am I? The palace? Rafen?

What are you saying, leader? Palace? Did you have a dream about becoming king or something?

I hear the din of multiple voices.

My senses gradually return.

I see eight men crammed into the interior of a vehicle that is as narrow as a steel coffin.

The stench of body odor from sweaty male bodies and fuel wafts in the air.

My ears are filled with the sound of a noisy engine and the endless treading of uneven ground

It sucks to sleep in this thing. A carriage would be better.

When I mutter, the jovial soldier who woke me up laughs.

Hahaha, youre not wrong. The M-205 armored combat vehicle, commonly known as Smoothie, has a p.i.s.s-poor ride quality in exchange for its tough armor and 30 mm chain gunright, where did I leave off?

If youre referring to your monologue that n.o.body is listening to, you left off at the part about the second emperor.

A middle-aged man with a stern face answers.

His rank, if I recall, was sergeant.

Oh yes, thats right. Uhh, the second emperor, Antonioit feels odd because that was his childhood name at the time. Even though it was normal to change ones name upon ascension of the throne, he kept it until the end for some reasonis anyone listening?

The other soldiers make a face like theyre fed up.

I knew you were a history major, but Im surprised you can still babble on when were going to be fighting a war.

At least its not as annoying as the propaganda Im tired of hearing. Keep talking about the cute emperor with the childhood name.

Implicitly urged to continue, the cheery man resumes his story.

Well, the second emperor was far from cute. His reign was extremely harsh, killing enemy and ally alike if they defied him, burning down cities of enemies who didnt surrender, and going so far as making his mother his lover and his sister his wife, who he had children withhe was dubbed the mad emperor.

So youre saying he was crazy and did whatever he liked?

One soldier chuckles.

I act like my foot slipped and kick him in the s.h.i.+n.

The upbeat individual shakes his head and goes on.

The second emperor was not merely a tyrant. He challenged the Olga Federation, a nation that was unstoppable at the time and controlled 90% of the continent after annexing the Garland Empire, with less than a tenth of their strength and kept pus.h.i.+ng forward, winning consecutive battles.

Some of the audience let out oohs in admiration.

And it was in the state capital currently known as Beldograd, which waswhat was it again?

Greidel.

The cheery man claps his hands.

Right, it was near Greidel where the decisive battle took place, in which he defeated and killed the supreme commander Stessel, and invaded White City. In just one generation and 15 years, he crushed the mighty Olga Federation!

I nod in satisfaction.

Then he also repelled a large scale invasion by an ethnic tribe from the east which happened at the same time the Federation surrenderedand went on to disappear without returning to the capital of Goldonia.

What the heck? Did he not just die in battle?

Its unthinkable that a king ran away.

The jolly man shakes his head.

One theory claims he died from illness, but if that was the case, his body should have been retrieved. The most reliable record at the time simply wrote he disappeared in the middle of the triumphant return and never came back. Nothing else is known about his whereabouts

The cheery individual smacks his knee and continues.

Succeeding him as the third emperor was Bartolomehere, the name is officially the empire and the king is the emperoranyway, this one is again a complete contrast to his predecessor, and is said to be mild-mannered, gentle, and indecisive. He has a personality not suited for violence, however, was perfect for an empire which had already swallowed the Federation and annihilated the ethnic tribe. It is because of the third emperor that our homeland continued to experience great prosperity unprecedented in history for the last four hundred years!

Spa.r.s.e unenthusiastic applause comes from the audience.

Well, after thatas you know, a democratic revolution happened and the emperor was overthrown, which then led to a communist revolution and the establishment of the Peoples a.s.sembly, which then led to the forming of the patriotic party who defeated the Peoples a.s.sembly through a coup detatI wont go into detail as it gets messybut the nation strayed too far and declined in power, resulting in our current situation.

That was terrible. Not only did the ruler change every year, the political system also changed.

Although Lucy laughed, finding the era all too amusing.

Leader, you sound like my grandfather.

Oh, leave me alone.

So, going back in history again, the second emperor was merciless to his enemies and alliesbut strangely, he never laid hands on his family. It is said that those who blatantly disobeyed him or attempted to a.s.sa.s.sinate him were never punished, let alone executed or exiled.

He promised after all.

Thats when the stern sergeant grumbled.

I get the second emperor, but why arent you mentioning the first emperor when talking about the rise of the empire?

The cheery fellow scratches his cheek with an uneasy look.

There are very few doc.u.ments on the first emperor. Actually, there are plenty of places hes mentioned. In novels, in playsfor example, this book.

He takes out a small paperback from his pocket.

I catch a glimpse of the authors name: Christoph.

Apparently, the original creator of this book is my ancestor. Isnt that amazing?

He gets jeers of who cares and never heard of that book, but I nod to myself.

No wonder he has a similar aura about him.

It says he rode a dragon in the sky. It says he led an army of monsters. It says he faced a thousand enemies alone, and repelled a cannon with his sword

That stuff cant be true.

The upbeat guy acknowledges the retort.

Right, there are too many elements of fiction that the real image cant be pictured. If you were to believe everything written about him, hed become like a hero in a childrens RPGwith that said, the Chronicles of Tristan, said to be close to historical fact, describes the movements of the first emperor vaguely.

Then he probably didnt accomplish anything and was probably a boring guy, no?

I act like my foot slipped and kick the soldier in the knee.

That cant be possible. It was undoubtedly the first who transformed the Central Plains from a sea of rivaling warlords into an ent.i.ty capable of competing with the then strongest Olga Federation in just a decade or so. We know the result, but we have no idea of the process.

As respect for what he said, I give the guy a cookie from my pocket.

A Celia cookieleader, despite the way you look, you have a sweet tooth, huh?

The stern sergeant laughs with a scary expression.

By the way, this cookie, with a lot of sugar and cream in it, is famous in our nation and also has its origins in the era of the third emperor. The creator named them after her best friend who pa.s.sed away.

I slap the shoulder of Christoph III.

Dont talk about that too much, itll make me cry.

Thats when the radio suddenly roars.

Oh, theres the company commander.

A voice that sounds young and hot-blooded comes from the wireless transceiver.

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company is now entering the combat zone! The goal of this operation, in which three corps have been deployed, is of course to recapture the capital city Rafen and its surrounding area! We must take back the land of our home that has been stolen by the vile 8-nation alliancethe air force is fighting hard and vying for control of the air s.p.a.ce!

They still havent gained air supremacy?

One of the soldiers mutters.

That reminds me, youre part of the volunteers, right? Is it because you wanted to protect your home?

Christoph III asks.

Im not interested in that, but a bomb landed near us. It almost blew us to bits. And I couldnt let things continue or else my family would get hurt.

Aahyou mean the enemys indiscriminate bombing of the city?

To be precise, it did blow us up.

We just returned to normal afterward.

I no longer cared what happened to the political system or whether territory was gained or lost, however it mattered if Lucy and Celia were going to get hurt, and so I decided to volunteer and put a stop to things before it got out of hand.

At the recruiting site, I told them to make me a commander because I had experience, but after going through the apt.i.tude test I was deemed qualified to only be a platoon leader.

How disappointing.

The stern sergeant leans over and smiles creepily.

Actually, Im like you. Look, this is my daughter.

I tilt my head when he shows me the photograph.

The familiar face revives a distant memory.

Shes a weird one, and although I was not there to witness her birth, according to my wife, as soon as she was born, she yelled Im finally here!

The sergeant goes on with a lovestruck expression unbefitting his exterior.

Shes still a toddler, yet doesnt like playing with dolls, instead she is happy when looking at bodybuilding magazines.

does she also like pumpkins?

The sergeant becomes surprised.

Its her favorite. Also, sometimes she would crash into windows and say, I thought I could pa.s.s through like before.

Its confirmed.

After the war, Id like to meet her once.

Sure, please do.

The company commanders briefing continues while we chat.

There are reports of a formidable enemy in Rafen. However, they are nothing to

Uwah!?

A loud boom interrupts the fervent speech.

The company commander was. .h.i.t! It was a missile!

At the same time the report comes in, the armored vehicle ramps up in speed, making the ride laughably b.u.mpy.

Two combat helicopters overheadhey, this is bad.

Things arent looking good for me either.

The shaking is making me want to vomit.

An autocannon begins firing rapidly above my head.

Third vehicle, severely damagedfourth vehicle also incapacitatedd.a.m.n it, the sixth vehicle got blown apart!

Where are the anti-air guns and surface-to-air missiles!?

Both of them got blown up by the first strike!

Christoph III stores his book away and trembles.

The Smoothie is the worlds strongest combat vehiclebut I dont know if it can withstand combat helicopters without support from the air

I hear a high-pitched whistling sound.

I grab Christoph IIIs helmet and press him to the floor.

Everyone, get down!

A powerful impact hits us and tips the vehicle sideways.

Raise your hand if youre dead.

Good, everyones still alive.

I kick the completely destroyed back door and step outside.

The vehicle which was brand new an hour ago is crumpled and on fire.

Surviving soldiers are crawling out of the other wrecked vehicles, with the exception of the company commanders vehicle, which is totally engulfed in flames.

I think theyre all done for.

A faint whizzing of wind prompts me to twist my body, narrowly avoiding a bullet aimed at my chest.

The enemy is hovering just above the ground, shooting at allied soldiers, and launching missiles and rockets at our combat vehicles.

I try retaliating by spraying a few shots with the gun provided to me.

My gun makes the guns in the Federation battle seem like a joke, as the bullets travel in a straight line as fast as light.

Things would have been easier if we had these.

Bullets. .h.i.t the enemy directly, but dont seem to have any effect.

Its not working.

Of course not, leader! A rifle is as effective as a pea shooter against a combat helicopter!

Is that so? Im going to need something bigger then.

I scan my surroundings and put my hands on the vehicle we were riding earlier.

The 30 mmwhatever-its-called. The barrel is still intact, I can probably use this.

I rip the bolt fixing it in place and drag the gun along with all the stuff resembling guts attached to it.

I press a few b.u.t.tons to test if it works and a sh.e.l.l shoots out. I can use this.

Leader, what are you doing!? Without a motor, that thing still weighs 170 kg

I ignore the babbling Christoph and pick up the gun with my right hand.

The enemy happens to circle around.

I take a breath and strain my eyes.

Its harder to see because of the sun, but I can clearly make out the spinning rotor, the bullets being spit out at a constant interval by the gun, and the pilot who has a smirk on his face.

I step on the dangling b.u.t.ton and fire the gun.

The sh.e.l.l flies slowly with a clockwise rotation.

Although its hard to aim with the opponent and the sh.e.l.l both being fast, its still easy enough for me even as a human.

Now, its practically childs play.

The rotating sh.e.l.l pierces the c.o.c.kpit and hits the pilot in the abdomen, spraying blood everywhere.

Scattering broken metal debris, the combat helicopter pa.s.ses over my head and crash lands not long later.

In one shot

I yell at the dumbfounded sergeant to lower his head.

I fire the gun, aiming at the three rockets fired by the other helicopter, making them explode mid-flight.

The pilots face warps in astonishment and hastily tries to breakaway by ascending.

Too slow.

I lower my waist and set my aim on him.

The fired sh.e.l.l hits the helicopters rotor, causing it to spin wildly until it crashes into the ground and explodes.

Man, that was heavy.

Turning into a vampire has increased my physical strength, but heavy things are still heavy.

Moreover, it is unpleasant to fight in the sunlight, even though it has become more bearable after the first five years.

Well, it looks like the company commander was burnt to a crisp.

There should be three other platoon leaders besides me.

One of them is unable to stand due to fear.

Another is searching for his right arm that was blown off.

The last one is getting cardiac compressions by a combat medic.

Ill take command. Everyone, ride the remaining vehicles separately.

W-we cant possibly ride them.

I smack the sergeants forehead.

If you cant ride inside, ride the top. If you stick close together, Im sure you can fit about 20 people.

Another sergeant speaks up.

But the company commander has suffered major injuries! We lost 60% of our vehicles and 30% of our personnel! We should wait for reinforcements

The enemy is likely thinking that too. Thats why well charge forward.

Leave this to me.

Despite how I look, I should be the most experienced of everyone in war.

The weapons might have changed, but the essence of battle hasnt.

And neither has human nature.

I fight endlessly, eat endlessly, and laugh endlessly.

And I sleep with the beauties of the period endlessly, while also taking a little of their blood.

Aah, this is wonderful. Dont you think?

A book falls out of Christophs descendants pocket.

Its t.i.tlemakes me smile.

Road to the Kingdom, huh?

True End