Within a day, something that was already strong became even stronger? And at a dramatic level too? Even while observing from afar, it felt so absurd that I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.
—
If we hadn’t, we would have been utterly annihilated by the Great Worm—a monster even more monstrous—who had shown favor to the other creature. So I held back my frustration.
—
Was it because some blood of our kind flowed through her veins that she treated us well? Looking at how the Demon King and other leaders of the Demon Tribe subtly care for me, it might be true.
—
At first, what could someone like her possibly know, coming from a bandit gang that survived by pillaging small villages? But one thing is certain: as time passes, taking the doll named ‘Mari’ becomes increasingly impossible.
—
The Hero meddled with a dangerous power even the Demon Tribe avoids. Akashi sees right through everything about me without a doubt. The woman with the steel arm may seem insignificant compared to those here, but that doesn’t mean she’s weak by any stretch.
—
Honestly, isn’t surveillance just a formality anyway? In truth, would the world really change if I disappeared?
—
Watching them chatting leisurely around the bonfire made me think—what essential task could there possibly be that requires me?
—
There’s none. In fact, things might have gone better with someone else in my place. Still, when I recall the faces of those who express genuine gratitude for my presence, I feel guilty for being so pessimistic.
—
Is it because the air is getting colder that I keep having such gloomy thoughts? The high altitude makes the air chillingly cold, almost painful. Moreover, breathing feels difficult. Normally, I wouldn’t have ascended this high, but to avoid detection by the Great Worm, it was unavoidable.
—
Since the distance has grown considerable, it should be safe to descend now. I infused my clothes with mana to lower my altitude. Though I can fly using my innate abilities, reaching such heights isn’t possible without assistance.
—
It’s been quite a while since His Majesty the Demon King contacted me for a regular report. I wonder when he’ll do so.
—
While carefully descending to avoid being noticed, His Majesty’s voice suddenly rang in my ear.
—
“Elizabeth. Things have gone awry. We need an artifact capable of conceiving ancient Dwarves. Our hideout has been exposed. I’m evacuating to Landekrihen for now. Once things settle down here, I’ll join you, but… the situation isn’t good, so I don’t know how it will turn out. I’ve sent Hipnox your way. Sorry, but there’s no way I can send more support right now. Elize, please take care of this. Your burden is heavy.”
—
Before I could ask what happened, the connection with the Demon King cut off.
—
There was no trace of calmness in His Majesty’s voice. Other sounds followed—anxiety-ridden murmurs and the labored breathing of someone wearing a respirator.
—
How did they find us? Leaving that aside for now… Lord Hipnox is coming?
—
No sooner had I thought this than a crack appeared above me, and a black mass fell down. As I hurriedly caught what seemed lifeless, I realized it was the severely injured Lord Hipnox.
—
“Ugh, ah. Thanks for catching me, Elize… This is bad… Did you hear what happened…?”
—
“Yes, Lord Hipnox. How exactly was our hideout discovered?”
—
“A mother and daughter were starving, so they went outside the fence to pick fruit and got captured. You can guess what happened after that.”
—
Lord Hipnox grimaced as he clutched his strangely twisted arm. He was never particularly large to begin with, but now he looked even smaller.
—
“…What about the mother and child?”
—
“There’s nothing left to bury. Anyway, that’s not important right now. We need to secure that artifact. The ones we obtained from other ruins are in poor condition and insufficient for opening the dimensional gate.”
—
Clearly, the situation is far worse than I imagined.
—
“Do we have a plan?”
—
“No, not at all. I’ve just come from fighting the Holy Knights and the Hero. I almost died…”
—
This is the worst-case scenario.
—
“Well, maybe combining your strength with mine will work! If we fail, it’s over either way, so we have to try.”
—
With just those words from Lord Hipnox, my shoulders felt like they’d snap under the weight.
—
—
For dinner, we ate bizarre earthworms I dug up from the ground. They looked, smelled, and sounded disgusting, yet somehow, once Akashi worked his magic, they transformed into gourmet-level dishes. Apparently, these are rare ingredients, according to him.
—
What? Ingredients should look appetizing, shouldn’t they? But upon tasting them, they were undeniably delicious.
—
These shrimp-like creatures tasted better than actual shrimp, with a superior texture and flavor. While eagerly devouring Akashi’s earth-shrimp grill, something happened.
—
“Altera, could I speak with you privately for a moment? There are a few things I want to ask.”
—
Though his eyes looked tired, I wanted to suggest postponing until tomorrow so he could rest, but his expression clearly indicated urgency.
—
Silently rising from my seat, I took another bite of the earth shrimp before following him.
—
We stopped not far from the campfire’s glow. It didn’t seem necessary to move farther away, but he wore a serious expression as he asked his question.
—
“Altera, this might sound silly… but how does it feel to be born strong?”
—
“To be born strong…?”
—
Am I strong? Reflecting on it, yes, I am strong. But thinking deeper, I’m not overwhelmingly powerful, and claiming weakness here wouldn’t make sense…
—
I’m indeed stronger than Myungho, Yuna, and Akashi. Earlier, when he questioned whether I was strong enough, it felt odd. Something about him seemed off—he usually doesn’t dwell much on strength.
—
“It’s nice knowing you can solve annoying problems with power… Hmm. Not feeling inferior wherever you go is also nice… If I were to describe the feeling… Well, it’s natural to me, so I don’t know how to explain it.”
—
I tried explaining in a way Myungho could understand, but it was difficult. It’s akin to asking how it feels to have a tail or horns.
—
How do you explain how to breathe?
—
—
“…I see. If only I had been born with such strength like you…”
—
Myungho clenched his fists and muttered irritably, not at me, but at himself.
—
“This might not be comforting, but don’t blame yourself too much. Myungho, I still think you’re doing fine. So… please don’t push yourself too hard.”
—
After hearing my words, Myungho forced a smile and nodded in agreement.
—
“…Ah, that’s right. Take this, Altera. Akashi made another one.”
—
He stood silently with a stern expression before suddenly handing me a coat. Wait. Wasn’t this something he made? Didn’t that kid, Akashi, create these?
—
“Wait, did Akashi make this?”
—
“Yeah. He said you keep breaking them and told you to take better care of yourself. Oh, didn’t you know? This is made from threads woven with mana, which only Akashi can produce.”
—
Until now, I thought I’d just been receiving extras from that kid, but apparently not.
—
“That… That brat… Should I apologize beforehand? Though I don’t intend to take care of it.”
—
How can I catch a dragon while caring for myself? I laughed and joked. Myungho gave a reluctant half-smile.
—
“…Haha, that’s right. To catch a Dragon… Haa. Altera, I know this is intrusive, but I have to ask. Do you really have no intention of giving up? Wouldn’t it be better to run away somewhere safe with your father or the gods… and start a family safely?”
—
As Myungho laughed, his expression suddenly turned serious, and he blurted out his concerns. Is there still a chance you’d consider fleeing to safety?
—
“I’m sorry, but I hate running now. Besides, I don’t think that person will leave us alone anytime soon.”
—
In the past, I might have gotten angry, but now I understood why he was acting this way. I simply smiled and calmly conveyed my resolve.
—
“…Don’t worry too much. If I ever feel it’s hopeless, I’ll step back.”
—
Despite my reassurance, Myungho still looked uneasy as he stared at me. How could I ease his worries?
—
…Hmm. Would this work? Approaching Myungho, I hugged him tightly.
—
“…Altera?”
—
“Most importantly, you offered to become part of my family. So, I won’t die. No matter what happens. If I want you as my family, I must stay alive, right?”
—
Even as I spoke, I could feel heat rising to my face.
—
I know exactly what I just said—an engagement, no room for misunderstanding.
—
A lifelong commitment.
—
…I wish it could have been done in a more beautiful, romantic setting.
—
Still, wherever it happens, as long as the sentiment is conveyed, it’s enough. After stepping back slightly, I pressed my forehead against his and saw his expression. Like me, his face was flushed, and he looked thoroughly flustered, staring into my eyes.
—
“Ah, Altera… Those words─”
—
“I love you.”
—
Was it the wine I drank earlier or the night air? Since becoming this body, I never imagined I’d say that to a man.
—
But right now, I feel like I can.
—
Breaking the forehead contact…
—
I kissed him.
—
Startled, Myungho stiffened as though frozen. Nevertheless, I could distinctly feel his warmth.
—
It was warm. Seizing the moment, I slipped my tongue into his lips. Caught off guard, he hesitated to close his mouth, but when I pulled back slightly, he looked at me with longing.
—
So honest. Extending my tongue again, I entered his mouth, and this time, he embraced me actively.
—
For a brief moment, our tongues intertwined, then paused.
—
“…No matter what happens, I’ll be with you.”
—
Will you stay with me?
—
“…Yeah. I’ll stay with you wherever we go.”
—
Quietly leaning into him, I listened to his heartbeat—it was slow but steady.
—
—
“From now on, you can call me your lover. And as your lover, I advise you to have confidence, Myungho. You’re doing great right now.”
—
Gently pushing him away, I patted his shoulder.
—
“…Understood.”
—
Smiling, we returned to the bonfire together. There, a blushing Yuna greeted us, and Akashi immediately smirked upon seeing us return.
—
Ah.
—
Ha.
—
—
—
—
