Side Story – Encounter [1]
[12]
Time passed.
Over the years, the boundary line with the Demonic Realm and the power structure of the continent gradually became entrenched.
Of course, the war continued, and the continent’s manpower and resources were being consumed endlessly.
It was an unstable tightrope walk that seemed like it could collapse at any moment.
But despite this precarious balancing act, the continent had so far managed to endure. At least on the surface.
The situation appeared positive at first glance.
The expansion of the Demonic Realm had been successfully halted, and a new system centered around the Emperor and the Empire was taking shape.
Tensions between the Empire and the Sacred Country had also eased significantly compared to the initial stages.
At least, direct and violent clashes like in the early days had almost disappeared.
However, for Luna, the easing of tensions with the Sacred Country was not something positive.
This easing of tension meant that the Empire was being infiltrated by religious groups centered around the Sacred Country.
This religious infiltration would likely deepen over time. Yet, persecuting all clerics who venerate El-Lam was not a viable option.
The war was ongoing.
Divine power, or ‘miracles,’ were indispensable for healing wounds sustained on the battlefield.
Moreover, the mental toll on those enduring this period was as steep as the consumption of resources.
Those seeking solace in religion due to the endless war and their weary minds were bound to increase.
Additionally, there was frequent murmuring about how the demons’ attacks were concentrating more on the eastern side rather than the south.
In such a situation, starting a crackdown on the sacred sect under the guise of monitoring the Sacred Country could easily worsen the situation.
There was even a possibility of large-scale opposition against religious persecution, leading to a complete loss of control, making it difficult to take decisive action.
Ultimately, Luna realized that indirectly controlling those who sympathize with or follow the Sacred Country had its limits.
Force alone couldn’t solve everything.
At least, Anthonyus’ movements remained relatively calm for now.
Thanks to that, maintaining stability was possible. But the situation could change drastically at any moment.
This was a race against time for everyone, with dozens of ticking time bombs racing towards the endgame.
And the timing of the first bomb’s detonation was still unpredictable, even to Luna.
The situation seemed stable for the moment.
Luna concluded that before the first bomb went off, she needed to have the postponed meeting.
Her cold silver eyes glanced toward the direction where the royal Magic Tower stood.
*
On the frontlines adjacent to the Demonic Realm.
Johanna, who had been engaging in bloody battles against demons and monsters, received a message from Luna asking her to return.
Though it meant stepping away from the frontlines, it wasn’t particularly welcome news.
Johanna preferred focusing forward with her sword here, near the Demonic Realm.
Here, the worry of betrayal was relatively low, and the lines between light and darkness, good and evil, were clear, allowing her to swing her sword without the heaviness in her chest.
As she fought on the battlefield, her complexion grew increasingly pale and weary, but Johanna liked it here nonetheless.
“Return…”
Was it a request for some rest, or was there another task?
Though the exact reason was unclear, Johanna turned back from the frontline.
While traveling back to the Imperial Capital after receiving the message,
Johanna took out an entangled necklace from her bosom and began carefully untying it.
This small necklace, with tiny gems intricately knotted into a flower bud, often tangled severely with even slight rough movement, despite being carefully stored.
Johanna frequently spent the end of her daily routine untangling this necklace.
Ray had gifted her this necklace, which was inconvenient to maintain, hoping that Johanna wouldn’t be bound by anything.
Yet, Johanna’s gaze remained entangled with the small gems of the necklace.
As Johanna sat in the carriage untangling her necklace,
Jusephin, seated opposite her, hummed a tune while looking out the window.
Jusephin unknowingly revealed her excitement with a grin, looking forward to this rare leave.
Most direct descendants of noble families with strong influence in the Empire harbored significant resentment towards the current regime.
As a result, there were very few reliable talents the Empire could trust.
Jusephin, however, was one of the few individuals the current Empire could rely on.
She came from a humble background and was relatively distant from the imperial center until her admission to Izhise.
Thanks to this, Jusephin quickly rose to prominence externally by supporting Johanna on the battlefield, though rising didn’t come without challenges.
Those serving close to key figures in the Empire often faced assassination threats.
Jusephin had already encountered several instances where people wielding knives accused her of consorting with traitors.
Although news of her return to the capital might bring new assassination threats, Jusephin seemed to prefer urban life over the battlefield.
Listening to Jusephin’s humming, Johanna spent her time until arriving at the Imperial Capital.
The reconstruction of the capital was still ongoing.
It seemed less like reconstruction and more like fortification, but restoring past functions wasn’t progressing smoothly.
The air in the capital remained heavy and bitter.
“…Hmph.”
Johanna sighed briefly upon arriving at the capital.
Too many things in the capital complicated her mind.
Too many presences constantly reminded her of the past, constricting her heart.
Johanna felt something akin to nausea and slowly steadied her breathing before continuing her walk.
As Johanna entered the palace grounds step by step and walked down the corridors, she sensed someone lurking around the corner.
Someone was hiding, waiting for Johanna to approach.
Johanna paused momentarily then resumed walking.
Just as she was about to turn the corner,
a presence suddenly jumped out.
“Wa!”
“Wa…!”
It was Ellie and Cania.
The two children sprang out with arms wide open, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, expecting Johanna to be surprised.
Johanna quietly looked down at the chubby-cheeked children, now about five years old. Both were Ray’s kids.
Gazing down at Ellie and Cania with bright eyes, Johanna absently stroked her own cheek.
These children were beings who sometimes brought her misery, sometimes embarrassment, and sometimes comfort and memories.
They were reminders of a naive past, long gone, when she once thought days like today would continue forever.
Looking at these beings she never had but once vaguely dreamed of, Johanna silently mulled over feelings of inadequacy, pain, and regret, her lips quivering.
Then, Ellie, steadfastly standing with arms wide open, suddenly shouted:
“Auntie Johanna!”
Damn.
Johanna’s brow furrowed sharply at the term “auntie.”
“Hey!! Why am I an auntie?!”
Johanna genuinely felt irritated at the term “auntie” used by Ellie.
Despite her worn-out appearance from continuous hardship, Johanna, having reached a high level at a young age, still maintained a youthful appearance similar to her teenage years.
Nevertheless, hearing Ellie call her “auntie,” Johanna felt unnecessarily annoyed.
Though Johanna shared a sister-like relationship with Alesya and Karen,
there was no major issue with Ellie and Cania calling her “auntie,” but Johanna definitely disliked being called that way.
“Didn’t I clearly write in the letter not to call me that?!”
Bonk!
“Ouch!!”
Ellie, struck by Johanna’s slap, clutched her head.
After vigorously rubbing her scalp, Ellie looked up and yelled:
“I’ll tell Mom!”
Huh?
Johanna shot back at Ellie’s trivial threat:
“I’m way stronger than your mom, you know?”
“…!”
Shocked by Johanna’s unexpected rebuttal, Ellie’s eyes widened before slumping dejectedly.
“My mom is too weak…”
Why is she already sulking?
Johanna recalled Alesya’s confident demeanor before she hit puberty.
Back then, Alesya was the fearless princess of Philips County, often singing songs about commoners while strutting around confidently.
After briefly reminiscing about the past, Johanna grabbed Ellie’s cheeks with both hands.
“Keep causing trouble?”
“Ow ow…”
With a complex look in her eyes, Johanna gently stroked Ellie’s cheeks before smiling and picking up both children.
“Is Karen and Alesya doing okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah!!”
Fortunately, they seemed unharmed.
Karen probably still forced herself to hide her gloomy expression,
but Alesya recovered faster than Karen.
Even though Alesya experienced a great shock just like Karen,
she resiliently stood up and looked ahead, albeit with difficulty.
Seeing this, Johanna felt strength in Alesya for the first time.
“…See you later.”
Johanna gently consoled the children and put them down before resuming her solitary walk.
However, not long after, she encountered an unwelcome meeting.
“…Your Majesty.”
It was Lea.
Upon recognizing Lea approaching from the opposite side, Johanna stopped her steps, and Lea greeted her with an awkward smile.
“Sister Johanna… Welcome back safely.”
“…Yes. Has Your Majesty been well?”
“Yes, naturally…”
“That’s fortunate. And please speak more humbly.”
The child born of Ray’s bloodline, the one Ray sought to protect until the end,
and also the cause of Ray’s self-chosen destruction.
Johanna still struggled with what emotions to feel and what attitude to show towards Lea.
In truth, she had many emotions she wanted to vent, but knowing it wasn’t the right thing to do, she only averted her eyes and forced a smile.
Once again, Johanna tried to pass by Lea with a mere formal nod and a smile.
However, Lea stopped her.
“Are you going to see… Brother?”
“Could you… take me along?”
Johanna suppressed a sigh rising from her chest.
