320th Episode
At the Manor of Phillip’s County.
Alesya was happily enjoying tea with Karen, smiling contentedly.
Every time she looked at their increasingly swollen bellies, Alesya felt truly fortunate.
If only Karen had been pregnant alone, how twisted her insides would have been!
Alesya considered herself lucky to not face such a terrible situation and while stroking her own belly, said,
“If you want to be called ‘older sister,’ make sure to come out just one day earlier than that brat!”
Seeing Alesya urging for an early lead, Karen couldn’t help but laugh as well.
Thanks to the disappearance of morning sickness, both Alesya and Karen were eating well.
Today, they were waiting here together at Ray’s request. While absentmindedly stroking her belly, Alesya suddenly frowned.
“I’m suddenly feeling uneasy!”
“Why?”
“I’ve heard that when a husband starts being overly nice, it’s because he’s done something wrong!”
Ever since his return, Ray’s overly sweet behavior had been quietly bothering her.
She had let her guard down while indulging in his newfound sweetness, forgetting that Ray wasn’t usually so affectionate towards her.
Karen thought Alesya was overinterpreting Ray’s considerate actions due to her pregnancy.
However, it turned out Alesya’s instincts were correct.
“I’ll have to leave for a couple of months.”
As Ray entered the room where the two women were waiting, his first words scratched at their nerves.
“Figured as much!” Alesya exclaimed immediately.
Alesya grumbled while Karen looked slightly hurt.
Of course, neither of them truly intended to scold or hold Ray back.
They understood perfectly that with Ray’s exceptional abilities, staying tied down in Phillip’s County for long periods was impossible.
In fact, they were inwardly grateful that he had taken the time to visit them.
But as Ray continued explaining the Empire’s current situation, their expressions grew increasingly grim.
Despite his efforts to soften the explanation, Ray was essentially saying he planned to delve into the Demonic Realm.
Alesya shouted earnestly,
“How can you head toward such a dangerous battlefield after impregnating a woman?”
“Hey, don’t twist my words. You’re the one who ‘attacked’ me.”
“…”
Faced with her husband-to-be’s suddenly cooled attitude, Alesya almost grabbed his collar but restrained herself for the baby’s sake.
Seeing Alesya pouting, Ray cleared his throat awkwardly before trying to soothe her.
Meanwhile, Karen was silently conflicted, fidgeting with her fingers.
Karen didn’t want to hold Ray back, nor did she believe she could significantly influence him.
Still, gathering her courage, she took Ray’s hand in hers and asked,
“Ray… can’t you reconsider? Do you really have to go somewhere so dangerous?”
“Don’t worry.”
The answer came not from Ray but from Luna.
Both Karen and Alesya turned their heads to look at Luna.
Luna, as usual, maintained her emotionless expression while speaking calmly,
“The perception of the Demonic Realm spread among people is exaggerated. It’s true that humans can’t survive there for long, but it’s not a sea of lava or hell itself.”
“…”
“You two worry too much. This won’t turn into the dangerous war you imagine. And I’ll be protecting Ray, so don’t worry.”
Given Luna’s habit of always speaking truths calmly and rationally, her words carried far more conviction than Ray’s endless assurances.
With Luna’s support, Ray repeatedly reassured Karen and Alesya.
Ultimately, Karen and Alesya could do nothing but reluctantly nod, trying to hide the unease that had taken root in their hearts.
Ray also knew he couldn’t completely erase their worries.
Nevertheless, in an effort to provide some peace of mind, he gently advised them,
“For my sake, don’t harm your health by worrying about me. Take good care of yourselves, eat well, and rest properly.”
“…Yeah, I understand. I’ll do that. Be careful, Ray.”
“…I understand as well, my knight. Please don’t get hurt.”
“Thank you both. I’m sorry. Please take good care of our children.”
With a warm smile, Ray kissed the backs of their hands.
Sighing but forcing themselves to calm down, Karen and Alesya nodded.
*
Originally, Phillip’s County was also obligated to contribute supplies and troops to the expeditionary force.
However, as Ray hailed from the county, it was one of the very few exceptions exempted from this duty within the Empire.
Taking advantage of this freedom, Count Phillip arranged for five knights, including Didier, to accompany Alesya.
Before leaving the county, Ray briefly visited Clemens.
In the garden, Clemens and Mineher were walking side by side, engaged in rehabilitation therapy.
Seeing Mineher’s partially recovered ears, Ray smiled faintly and exchanged greetings with Clemens before giving a light reminder,
“Well… take good care during my absence.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Mineher, don’t cause any trouble. Even if you run away after causing chaos, you won’t escape my sight.”
“Y-yes…”
With her hearing somewhat improved, Mineher seemed to regain her arrogance.
Ray made a show of smacking her head, then handed her a fine apple before bidding farewell.
All that remained now was checking the luggage he had prepared.
“Hmm…”
While rummaging through his belongings, Ray sensed someone approaching.
Jimy approached and sat down on a chair beside Ray, speaking up,
“Are you going to die?”
“No, I will return. There are unresolved matters I must deal with, and if I die there, who will clean up the mess?”
“And after you come back and finish dealing with those issues?”
“I’ll have to say goodbye again.”
“You’re such a selfish bastard.”
“That’s what I’ve been told.”
Ray smiled faintly, and Jimy fell silent.
After packing his things, Ray stepped outside just as Lea came running from afar.
Ray sighed deeply upon seeing her approach.
“Looks like I have to ask you again, Jimy. Please keep an eye on Lea while I’m gone. Especially make sure she doesn’t wander around alone…”
“Don’t worry. After the incident at Osiris Countdom, she still trembles when left alone. She only runs around when Bella or I am with her.”
“At least that’s a relief for now.”
Though Jimy’s territory was safe, the Imperial Capital was safer.
Still, Ray chose Jimy’s territory for Lea’s sake.
Even individuals specialized in detecting anomalies might find Lea unsettling.
Although such people were rare, it was hard to guarantee she wouldn’t encounter them in the capital.
Until Ray returned, it would be best for Lea to stay hidden close to Bella.
“Bella, explain everything again to her, Jimy.”
“Alright, understood.”
By now, Lea had reached them and jumped up excitedly.
When Ray picked her up, Lea noticed the scarf around his neck and grinned proudly.
“It’s Lea’s present!”
“Yes, it’s Lea’s present.”
“Do you like the scarf?”
“I do, but it’s a bit hot.”
“You should use it for a long time! Lea worked hard on it!”
“I’ll try my best.”
Ray pinched Lea’s cheek lightly and smirked.
“After all the trouble you’ve caused me, wait until you meet my daughters and get roasted by them.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“There’s something like that.”
Ray tousled Lea’s hair as she tilted her head in confusion and started walking toward the carriage where others were waiting.
It was time to depart.
*
At the Continental Conference, Ray had been absent for quite a while.
The expedition-related matters were progressing smoothly without major issues, but now it was time for him to return.
After leaving Phillip’s County, Ray stopped by Jimy’s territory to reinforce its defenses and first visited Johanna.
He confessed to Johanna that Karen and Alesya were pregnant.
Tension filled Ray internally as he made the confession, but…
Johanna’s reaction was unexpectedly curt.
“Is this supposed to be a joke to make me laugh?”
Johanna didn’t believe Ray right away.
If Karen alone had been pregnant, she might have believed it.
But with Alesya also carrying Ray’s child, Johanna naturally assumed Ray was playing a prank.
Caught off guard by Johanna’s unexpected response, Ray had to repeat himself seriously.
Realizing after a long pause that Ray wasn’t joking, Johanna’s face flushed red as she exploded,
“With Alesya?! Are you some kind of pervert?!”
“…”
Thinking Ray had done something strange with a household pet, Johanna reacted strongly, leaving Ray momentarily speechless.
During the brief silence, Johanna’s face turned even redder as she clenched her jaw tightly.
When she had returned home recently, she subtly bragged about the new necklace she received from Ray.
That meant Karen and Alesya had already been carrying Ray’s children at that time, didn’t it?
Negative emotions surged within Johanna, causing her stomach to churn despite her heightened clarity of mind.
Johanna glared fiercely at Ray with bloodshot eyes, clenching her jaw so hard that blood trickled from her gums before finally speaking,
“C-Congratulations.”
“…”
“C-Congratulations…!”
“…”
“Why aren’t you responding? Aren’t you happy to hear that? Isn’t that why you told me?”
“Does anyone congratulating someone else look this disappointed?”
“Just…! It’s shocking, okay? If you’re done talking, please leave now. Quickly…!”
With her eyes bloodshot and tears threatening to fall, Johanna lashed out.
Had this been the usual Ray, he might have pondered how to fix the situation.
But today, Ray had firmly decided on his approach.
Say what needs to be said… Not quite that extreme, but similar.
“Hey, Johanna, haven’t you always gotten mad whenever I didn’t treat you the same way I treated Karen?”
“!”
Johanna was about to yell back that she never asked to be treated like Karen.
But before she could utter a word, Ray raised his voice first,
“Wait! Why are you upset?! Shouldn’t I be the one feeling upset?!”
“What?”
“Since you kept rolling around everywhere while other kids sucked on their moms’ teats, I nurtured you, right?! But then, when you first saw me, you used to smile like an angel, and now, during puberty, you just glare at me every time you see me!!”
“Hey!! You… You always teased me, saying my sweat smell suited me and stuff!!”
“Damn it, you were the one who always greeted me with ‘What a nuisance’ and teased me for being shorter than Karen!!”
“Because you acted immature, and so did I! How could you act like that?!”
“Hey!! I’m the same age as you, you know?!”
Well, at least physically they were the same age.
Ignoring the guilt churning in his chest, Ray continued shouting,
“Isn’t it natural for me to feel more affection toward someone who smiles kindly next to me rather than someone who constantly irritates me and sticks out their lips??!”
“I…!!”
Johanna had more to say.
Even though she often showed irritation in front of Ray, she neither harassed others nor failed to fulfill the rigorous training Ray demanded of her. Despite her struggles, she diligently followed through.
Still… The undeniable truth was that she had frequently displayed a snappish attitude toward Ray.
Ultimately, Johanna swallowed her lengthy grievances and spat out a short retort,
“So what?! What exactly do you want to say?!!”
“Do you still like me?”
“Yes!! I do!! Happy now?!!”
Shouting loudly, Johanna wiped away her streaming tears and sniffled.
It was a sudden confession.
But Johanna didn’t feel embarrassed or have her heart racing due to nervousness.
Instead, a sense of relief washed over her for finally voicing what she had harbored for so long, along with vague regret that pierced her heart.
Up until now, Johanna hadn’t intentionally acted like a disobedient daughter toward Ray.
Their connection ran too deep, causing Johanna to constantly wrestle with their relationship. Ray’s ambiguous distance only exacerbated her confusion.
Such emotional turmoil was stressful for a teenage girl.
And ultimately, it was Johanna herself who ended up regretting it.
Accepting the fact she had tried to avoid, Johanna asked again,
“If…!! If I like you… So what are you planning to do…?!”
After watching Johanna sigh with relief yet sadness, Ray leaned back in his chair.
Taking a long breath, Ray spoke hesitantly,
“To apologize to both of them, but… I formed somewhat impulsive physical relationships with them.”
“…”
For some reason, Johanna easily accepted Ray’s statement.
Considering how drunk he must have been to sleep with Alesya, Johanna thought.
What exactly was Alesya to her? Ray briefly wondered before snapping back to reality.
“You probably noticed, but the techniques I use put a heavy strain on my body. They might appear threatening to powerful figures.”
“…”
“If things go wrong, I might die prematurely. Therefore, I didn’t want to create unnecessary attachments like lovers or family. I disliked casual relationships.”
“…”
“So, I tried to keep some distance from you guys… My ambiguous attitude unintentionally hurt you, and I sincerely apologize for that.”
“…”
“But once we resolve the Demonic Realm issue, I plan to step back from frontline duties and live out my days as an old man in the background.”
“…”
“At that time, if you still feel any interest in this indecisive, clueless, narrow-minded person who has already hurt you and has two other women by his side, let’s talk about our relationship again.”
It was an entirely self-centered and one-sided declaration devoid of romance.
Ray was fully aware of that, but to ease the years of accumulated resentment between them, he couldn’t think of a better way than confronting her directly like this.
Ray shrugged as he looked at the silent Johanna.
“If you have anything to say, go ahead. You can curse me freely.”
“…”
After glaring at Ray for a long time, Johanna left the room.
Ray was pondering what else he could do when sounds of someone blowing their nose, wiping tears, and composing themselves came from the adjacent room.
Ray decided to wait.
A while later, Johanna stormed back into the room with bloodshot eyes.
She marched straight toward Ray and grabbed his collar forcefully.
“Hey, you rotten bastard…!”
Spitting out her insult, Johanna, whose face was half-swollen from crying, managed a faint smile.
“Please… come back safely without getting hurt.”
Puck!
Johanna slammed her lips onto Ray’s.
This wasn’t an accidental kiss; she deliberately rammed her lips against his like a headbutt.
The sharp pain made Ray yelp and clutch his lips.
Due to the forceful impact, both their lips split open and bled equally.
Confirming the bleeding lips, Ray and Johanna burst out laughing uncontrollably.
“Ha…! Haha…”
“Hehehe…”
Their laughter and unrestrained tears alleviated, albeit insufficiently, the bitterness that had built up between them over the years.
Sitting Johanna beside him, Ray continued their conversation as she alternated between laughing and sniffling.
Smiling more vibrantly than usual despite her usual grumbling, Johanna interacted with him.
As time passed…
The imperial army was gathering in the capital.
It was almost time to head toward the Demonic Realm.
As the guardian of the Empire and the Emperor’s proxy, Ray would fulfill his final role at the forefront of the army.
After everything was over, he resolved to confess the remaining words he couldn’t express to Johanna today.
Glory (5)
