Chapter 12.2

“Hah… haah… haah.”

Jeras took a moment to steady his ragged breathing and his consciousness. In his hand, instead of his greatsword, was the dagger he had retrieved from the ruins.

For something Eloe had insisted on getting no matter what, it looked old and shabby. But when he desperately grabbed it and swung it to block Agtatius’s attack, it proved to be surprisingly useful. The only downside was its short length, which limited its range.

“That sword… it’s Aletheia’s Executioner’s Sword. I thought it looked familiar.”

“No wonder your attacks were so easy to block. I thought you’d gotten weaker with a bigger body. My mistake.”

“Khahahaha!How amusing, how very amusing.”

“I’m not amused. Come on, fight. Don’t just have fun by yourself; let me have some fun too.”

Jeras grinned and beckoned with his finger. As if on cue, Agtatius’s attack came flying toward him.

He dodged what he could, parried what he couldn’t, and steadily closed the distance between them.

If only the sword were a little longer, he wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble. He clicked his tongue in his mind and embedded the dagger into Agtatius’s forearm.

“A simple attack like that won’t work!”

There were countless annoying and bothersome things about Agtatius, but his monster-like regenerative ability was the most frustrating. Even now, with the dagger still in his arm, Agtatius was trying to regenerate. If Jeras were to lose this, he would have no means of offense or defense.

Jeras quickly pulled out the sword and landed lightly. His movements were incredibly swift and agile, unlike a man who had just been knocked down by Agtatius’s attack.

“Transcendent. Are you a servant of Aletheia as well?”

“Curious, are we? Ask politely again, and I might answer.”

Jeras’s sarcastic reply avoided the question. The enraged Agtatius swung his arm, but Jeras was not so easily defeated by a slow and obvious attack.

Jeras dodged the attacks with minimal movements, all while thinking. He knew why Agtatius had asked him that question.

When he was fighting the half-possessed Kieryk, his soul had been pulled toward Eloe and was firmly bound to her. Although it was done through a ring, the bond he felt at that time was something he had never experienced before.

He couldn’t hear her thoughts clearly. But he could vaguely feel what she was feeling.

And he could tell what she wanted him to do without her having to say it. How to use his power, how to attack, and how to move.

When he moved according to that feeling, Eloe’s mana would naturally follow. His wounds would heal, and he wouldn’t feel tired no matter how much he swung his sword.

‘It was as if I became one with Eloe.’

When Eloe, who had reached her limit, lost consciousness and collapsed, his soul had returned to his body. But even after that day, he felt as if he was connected to Eloe by a faint thread.

Eloe’s Light Mana would sometimes flow through his body. And if he was lucky, he could even feel her emotions.

It was the Light Mana that Eloe used that had brought him back to his feet when he was on the brink of death from Agtatius’s attack. A warm and soft life force spread throughout his dying body, healing every wound in an instant.

As soon as Jeras came to his senses, he had looked for Eloe first, but she was nowhere to be found. It was a strange thing. The clear warmth of her presence still surrounded him, as if he were still in her embrace.

“There’s no need. I can feel a surge of power from you, but it’s just residue. You cannot fundamentally use that power.”

‘Fundamentally?’

“This is getting tiresome. I’ll end this now.”

“I’ve been tired of this from the beginning. You’re too simple for a supposedly great demon.”

“I’ll ask you one last time. Will you join hands with me?”

Agtatius held out his hand. His ugly hand, with its long fingernails, was no longer Kieryk’s. Jeras furrowed his brow at that fact.

Was there truly no way to return his brother to his old self?

He stomped over to him, looked at his hand, and then looked up at Agtatius.

“What do I get if I join hands with you?”

“Everything you desire.”

Everything he desired, huh. Jeras scoffed.

“Is that how you tempted the Empress as well?”

“That woman sought me out herself. She said she could never get what she wanted with her own power. For a human, she was quite wise. At least she knew her place.”

“Fine. I’ll accept your offer. But only if you can give me what I want.”

“Hoh. And what would that be?”

“The neck of a self-proclaimed great demon who can’t live without stealing the bodies of unsuspecting humans.”

Agtatius didn’t answer. In place of an answer, a red glint flashed in his eyes.

Jeras spat on Agtatius’s palm, climbed up his arm, and began to run. A tornado of flames quickly moved toward him, trying to swallow him whole.

Jeras re-gripped his dagger and sent out a shockwave, splitting the tornado in two. Through the clean gap, Agtatius’s fingernails, which were moving like a whip, came flying at him.

In the next moment, the fingernails shattered into tiny pieces and were swept away by the tornado, disappearing without a trace. Jeras, who had leaped down from Agtatius’s arm, slowly turned around.

Standing there was a woman he had missed so much, a woman he had ached to see, a woman whose presence alone made his heart swell so much he could barely breathe.

“Eloe.”

“How…?”

Jeras’s eyes widened. He could not form a single word. He hugged Eloe. She blinked a few times, then threw her arms around his back and sobbed.

He was alive. Jeras was alive. As Eloe’s sobs grew deeper, Jeras hugged her even tighter. His shoulder was soaked with her tears, but he didn’t care. No, he was glad. It made her return feel so real.

Eloe also grabbed his clothes tightly, as if she would never let him go again.

“Brother, he’s alive… everyone’s still alive. I can save them. Jeras, I’m sorry. Just wait a little.”

“Don’t worry, princess. I was doing just fine on my own. Leave him to me. I won’t let him touch a single hair on your head.”

Wiping away Eloe’s tears as she spoke incoherently, Jeras flew toward Agtatius with an invisible speed.

After seeing Eloe, Agtatius had attacked her multiple times, but Jeras had blocked every single one of them. Agtatius began to relentlessly attack Jeras. A smile of delight appeared on Jeras’s lips, as he had successfully lured Agtatius’s attention away from Eloe.

While Jeras was distracting Agtatius, Eloe began to heal the unconscious group.

Sion was in the worst condition. His arms and legs, which had been pierced by Agtatius’s claws, had received first aid from Mason, but the subsequent magic attacks had aggravated his wounds, and he had already lost too much blood.

Eloe poured mana into Sion, whose pulse was getting weaker and weaker.

‘If there is a God, please, save Sion. This is all my fault. I… I’ll die in his place if I have to.’

Did Eloe’s desperate plea work? A long sigh escaped from Sion’s mouth. After healing Nia, who had every bone in her body broken, Eloe laid the four of them down in one place.

“How are they?”

“I wasn’t too late. They’ll be fine. They’ll regain consciousness soon.”

“That’s incredible, princess. So now all we have to do is take care of that guy, right? The two of us together.”

“…Jeras.”

Eloe was saddened by Jeras’s attempt to not mention Kieryk out of consideration for her.

Under the sky, which was completely covered in darkness, there was no trace of Kieryk left in Agtatius.

Eloe and Jeras just stared at each other for a moment in silence. The rings on their fingers flickered with a faint light. Without a word, they could feel each other’s sadness, despair, and the small flicker of hope they held on to.

“Rise, my undying soldiers!”

Agtatius, in a fit of rage, let out a black aura that scattered in every direction. The corpses, which had been infused with the aura, began to rise one by one, their arms and legs twisting grotesquely.

These beings, with no soul or life, would not stop until Agtatius was defeated. They would devour everything that lived on the earth.

“I found the spell to seal Agtatius. But… it’s going to take a little… just a little bit of time.”

Eloe took Jeras’s hands. The light that had been shimmering from her was transferred to Jeras, turning into several layers of barriers.

“This should buy us some time. Don’t overdo it. You just need to stall. Okay?”

“Eloe.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re not planning to do anything strange, are you?”

Jeras asked in a serious tone. Eloe put on a playful expression.

“I’m not. I’m too scared to do anything strange with you watching. Now go, I need to focus. It won’t take long.”

“…Really? Do you swear?”

“I, Eloe, will not do anything strange. Is that enough? Now go!”

Eloe gave Jeras a light slap on the shoulder. He feigned being defeated and turned away from her.

In the distance, the army of corpses was swarming toward them, jet-black. It was a miracle that their progress was slow because they were all tangled up together.

“Jeras.”

Jeras, who had slowly turned around at the sound of her voice, felt his heart stop. Eloe was smiling at him, a wide, blossoming smile like a flower.

“I love you.”

Jeras, who had been about to turn back to her, was forced to change direction because of Agtatius’s magic.

As he cast magic at the army of corpses and slashed at Agtatius’s relentlessly attacking claws, a sense of unease settled in a corner of his heart.

A confession? In this situation?

It was strange, no matter how he thought about it. Moreover, the emotion that was being transmitted through the ring was… a heartbreaking sadness.

Why was she sad? Did she hate that she liked him so much? Or…

A strong, ominous premonition flashed in Jeras’s mind. This was no time to be grinning like a fool.

Jeras turned his head toward Eloe and winced at the blinding light. It was followed by Agtatius’s enraged cry, which echoed throughout the area.

“You dare interfere with me again, Aletheia!”

A pillar of light shot up from where Eloe was. A streak of light began to draw a gigantic magic circle in the sky, which was covered in an ominous darkness.

Agtatius belatedly tried to send his army of corpses toward Eloe. But the golden drops of water falling from the magic circle turned the army of corpses into a handful of ashes the moment they touched them.

Flowers, grass, and trees grew where their ashes had piled up, covering the land in green.

Agtatius was not free from the effects of the holy light either. His gigantic body slowly began to shrink, returning to the size of a normal human.

Jeras, who was watching Agtatius scream in agony, averted his eyes and ran toward Eloe.

“Elo…!”

And the moment his eyes landed on Eloe, he doubted what he was seeing.

It was a woman he had never seen before.

A woman with black hair that was slightly longer than her shoulders, tied in a single braid, and wearing strange-looking clothes, was praying with her eyes closed.

Jeras was flustered and quickly looked around, but he couldn’t see Eloe anywhere. Sion, Mason, Nia, and Siliya were all still there, but only Eloe was gone. She hadn’t fallen through the floor, nor had she ascended to the heavens.

Jeras’s agitated gaze returned to the unfamiliar woman.

His reason already knew who the woman was and why Eloe was gone.

The Light Mana shooting up from her body was something only Eloe could control. He just didn’t want to believe it, and he couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Jeras bit his lip.

His eyes. He could easily confirm it by opening his eyes, which could see through souls.

But could he truly accept this situation? Could he understand Eloe, who had suddenly become a different person?

‘Eloe almost died, and she barely made it out alive.’

‘And after she came back to life, the illness she had was completely gone. As if she was reborn.’

A conversation he had with Sion suddenly came to mind. It was the conversation they had after he first met Eloe in the Duchy. It was a fond memory, as if it had happened a long, long time ago. It even made him happy to remember Eloe’s startled expression when they met in the dark room.

Jeras scoffed at himself.

So this is what Sion felt like. They say you never know until you experience it yourself. That Sion somehow managed to hide such an unpleasant emotion. If it were me, I would have just punched the guy in the face for talking nonsense.

Jeras opened his eyes. The light of a soul, shimmering in a myriad of colors, brightly illuminated his vision. It was a light that belonged only to Eloe’s soul.

When he thought about it, she really was a strange and mysterious woman. He had no idea how many secrets she held to herself.

“Eloe.”

As if in answer to his call, the woman opened her eyes. Eloe’s eyes, which had been a purple and blue heterochromia after she awakened her mana, were now a light brown, like a fallen leaf.

The color was distinctly different, but the firm resolve in them was undeniably Eloe’s.

Jeras took a step toward her. Then another. Seha, who had been watching him silently, closed her eyes and began to chant a spell.

An immense amount of mana drained from her body and flowed into the magic circle in the sky. From the completed magic circle, a form of flawless, pure white slowly descended.

Agtatius shrieked in horror.

“Aletheia…”

It was the same expression as the one on the statue of the goddess in every temple. A benevolent creator goddess who brought peace to the heart just by looking at her. It was the manifestation of the goddess herself, who would return the twisted world to its original state.

However, to Jeras, the goddess was an ominous being. Because in his eyes, Seha’s soul was flickering precariously, as if it were about to go out at any moment.

“Stop.”

Jeras grabbed the shoulders of Seha, who was still chanting the spell steadfastly. Seha opened her eyes as if she had no choice. Her eyes were now tinged with a golden color, and he could not feel any emotion from her expressionless face.

Her state proved that Jeras’s thoughts were not wrong.

She was planning to sacrifice herself to manifest the goddess.

“No. This is my way. There’s no other way to save everyone.”

“Who would be happy if you sacrificed yourself to save them? Stop this. Let’s fight together instead. We can fight and…”

“And what? Can you kill Kieryk with your own hands?”

Jeras’s hands, which were holding her shoulders, tightened.

It was a cruel truth. Fighting without the goddess’s power meant that everything would end only if they killed Kieryk, who had become Agtatius.

But if she were to call forth the goddess like this… Kieryk would return to normal.

Jeras had to choose. To save Kieryk or to save Eloe.

“I won’t give up. Not on you, and not on my brother. There has to be a way to save him without you having to sacrifice yourself. Eloe, so just…”

“I’m not Eloe!”

Seha shook off his hands and screamed. She undid her braid and showed her hair to Jeras.

“Look. This is the real me. I just fell from a world you didn’t even know existed and got lucky enough to take over Eloe’s body. That’s all.”

Jeras’s expression twisted. Seeing his pained expression, one he had never even made when he was being battered by the demons, made Seha’s heart feel like it was being ripped to shreds.

But the more it hurt, the more she steeled herself.

The moment she called forth Aletheia, her soul and body would begin to lose their life force. It was because Aletheia would absorb her life force to manifest in this world. After sealing Agtatius, destroying the monsters he summoned, and retrieving Kieryk’s body, she, Han Seha, would be nothing more than a handful of dust that had disappeared.

The Light Magic that was only permitted to a transmigrator was not a blessing from a god but a curse. The humans of this world were too frail to contain the goddess’s power, so an an outside soul was needed to call forth the goddess.

The final moments of the transmigrator who had called forth Aletheia and saved the world, as recorded in Haiola’s hidden record, were both lonely and brilliant.

Han Seha’s end would not be much different.

She had always thought it was an absurd setup. But absurd or not, this was the only way.

So, this is the right way. Seha said to Jeras, who seemed to have been struck speechless.

“It was fun. Watching people who didn’t even know my soul was replaced worship me. Even saving you in the beginning was all part of a plan. I thought I might be able to change my life by marrying a prince. The real Eloe would never have done that. Do you understand now?”

The sharp words she hurled at Jeras came back to her, leaving an even deeper wound. This probably hurt less than having all her bones broken or being stabbed by a sword.

Seha bit down on the hot tears welling up in her throat and drove the final nail in the coffin.

“I’m not the Eloe you fell in love with. I was just a fake pretending to be Eloe.”

“I know.”

At Jeras’s calm reply, Seha’s heart stopped. She had thought that Jeras, with his quick wit, had quickly understood the situation after seeing her appearance had completely changed.

Tears threatened to flow from her eyes. Why was she crying? Like an idiot. This is what she wanted, wasn’t it? This should be enough.

“Good. If you understand, that’s enough.”

Seha tried to harden her expression, which was about to crumble, but she couldn’t stop her eyes from welling up. She closed her eyes and turned her head away from Jeras.

As expected, no matter how hard I try, a fake can’t defeat the real thing.

It’s only natural when you think about it. She wasn’t the protagonist in this world or her original one. But still… she was happy, even if it was just for a little while. Even if it was a love that the real Eloe should have received.

She had gained a family she had wanted her whole life, she had experienced love, she had a peculiar master, and she had a sister who was as close as family.

Seha settled her lingering attachment, which was like a residue at the bottom of her heart, deep, deep down, with her tears.

It would be a lie to say she had no regrets, but she did not regret this choice. She was happy that she could protect the people she loved.

Memories fade over time. The time would surely come when she could talk about this moment with a smile. As long as she lived.

Seha hoped for that time to come for Jeras as well and tried to chant the rest of her spell.

“I’ve known all along. About things like that.”

Jeras hugged Seha. Seha looked up at Jeras with a shocked expression.

“The light of your soul is the same now as it was then. It shimmers in various colors, so it’s as beautiful as an aurora. I’ve never seen a soul like yours before. And I never will.”

“Jeras…”

“The person I met from the very beginning was you. It doesn’t matter what your original name was, or which world you came from. I love you. I didn’t fall in love with you because you were Eloe, or because you were the Grand Duke’s daughter. I love you. I love you for being you. I want you, no matter what you look like.”

Seha tried to push Jeras away. But she had no strength in her arms. The desire to not push him away was far stronger than her desire to push him away.

When did this happen? When did she start to love him so much? Even as she just lay in his arms, unable to push him away or hug him back, it felt so wonderful.

She had been so sure she wouldn’t waver when she was healing Sion, but her resolve was melting like snow in the spring sun, flowing from her eyes.

Jeras gently stroked the hair of Seha, who was crying silently.

He was curious about her true feelings. Did she really think he liked her only because she was the Grand Duke’s daughter? Or because of her pretty face?

To Jeras, there was no such thing as a “real Eloe” and a “fake Eloe.” He had never met the real Eloe. The only Eloe he knew was the woman in his arms, the woman he loved so dearly.

It was her from the beginning, and it would be her until the very end.

Even if she could never return to being Eloe, Jeras didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was by his side. He couldn’t lose her because of some ridiculous reason like her being a transmigrator.

“I’m sorry, Jeras.”

Seha gritted her teeth and pushed Jeras away. She had seen Agtatius, who had been getting bigger while the manifestation was delayed, and she knew she had to act.

She had to get ahold of herself. If she couldn’t borrow Aletheia’s power, everyone would die.

Jeras, who had noticed her gathering mana, yelled at her.

“Are you going to be like this until the end? Why do you have to be the one to sacrifice yourself? Why you?! You said you liked me, didn’t you? How can you leave me and…”

“Because I love you… I want to do at least this for you. Why are you trying to stop me? Everyone can be happy if only I disappear. You’ll forget about someone like me in no time.”

“I think you’re mistaken about something, princess.”

Jeras wrapped his arm around Eloe’s waist and pulled her closer. He put on his characteristic playful and confident smile and leaned in close.

“Go ahead, do what you want. If you truly believe that, then you can die after saving everyone. I’ll follow you to the ends of hell.”

“That’s not what I meant! Why are you always…”

“You’re always like this. You care about others so much you forget about yourself in critical moments. Do you really think that if you die, if you disappear, everyone will be happy? Do you truly believe that?”

She should have said yes. She should have at least nodded her head. But she couldn’t. Seha was flustered by herself.

She had learned to be considerate of others before she learned how to take care of herself. After living like that her whole life, being considerate of others became second nature.

Just as Jeras said, that personality of hers became even more apparent in important moments. Because if she was the one to sacrifice herself, she would be praised. She wouldn’t have to hear any bitter words. She would become someone those people desperately needed.

“Please, just be honest with me!”

“…I want to live. I want to live too!”

Her honest feelings burst out. Her true feelings that she had never told anyone, never even considered telling anyone.

“Who in the world wants to die?! I want to live too. Happily… I want to live so well that everyone will look at me and be jealous. I’m sick of being so considerate, and I’m tired of always having to give in. Do you think I lived like that because I wanted to? I finally have a family, and I finally have someone I like! I don’t want to die unjustly. But…”

“Then you should live.”

“That’s easier said than done…”

Jeras gently wiped the tears from Seha’s face. His lips softly touched her forehead, leaving a long kiss.

Seha looked at him, her eyes still full of tears.

“Live with me. For a long, long time. Happily. Do everything you’ve ever wanted to do. I’ll make sure you can. Just stay by my side.”

Seha could hear the resonance of Jeras’s soul. Like when they talked through the ring, the sound wasn’t one that she heard with her ears, but one that was transmitted from soul to soul.

That’s right, the ring. She was still wearing it.

A thought suddenly occurred to her. If there was someone who could endure Aletheia’s power with her, maybe her soul and body wouldn’t be extinguished.

If Jeras and she were to share the burden of Aletheia’s power… Or if she were to control Aletheia while Jeras endured her manifestation.

“I’ll do anything. For you.”

“…It might be so painful you’ll want to die.”

The two, whose souls were connected, could vaguely read each other’s thoughts. Jeras nodded at the hesitating Seha.

She wanted to live. She knew it was a ridiculous desire. But still… just this once. Just this once, couldn’t she be selfish?

Seha hugged Jeras tightly, then released her arms. And she said in a light, almost joking tone.

“Keep your promise. That you’ll let me do everything I want to do.”

“Of course.”

Seha began to chant the rest of the spell. The magic circle began to shine again, and Goddess Aletheia began to slowly reveal her majestic and mystical form as she passed through the magic circle.

Similar magic circles began to appear all over the sky, and the goddess’s pure white servants descended, cleaning up the monsters that had occupied the capital before flying back toward Agtatius.

“…Ugh.”

Jeras fell to one knee. An incomprehensible pattern of golden light spread throughout his body like veins.

Seha, who had a transmigrator’s soul, had called forth Aletheia, and Jeras had taken on the role of enduring the power of the manifested goddess.

His whole body felt as if it were on fire, and then as if it were frozen solid. A headache that felt like his head would split open and an ineffable, ecstatic pleasure coursed through his mind.

These conflicting sensations tormented him at every turn. His consciousness, which couldn’t keep up with the maddening sensations, was on the verge of collapsing.

But every time, a voice spoke to him. ‘Are you okay? Can you handle it?’

Jeras decided to follow that voice alone in his painful ecstasy. He had promised to do anything for her, but the goddess’s power was not something a human could contain.

Yet he could not give up. The future of the people he loved was in his hands.

– You’re just holding on. Tell me what I need to do.

‘The spell is almost over. Pick up the sword!’

Jeras did as Seha said and picked up the sword. His hand was trembling, and the sword kept slipping from his grasp, but he held on to it. As soon as he did, the goddess, who had emerged from the magic circle, gently placed her hands on his shoulders.

His skin cracked, and red blood gushed out, only to heal just as quickly. Her words were true. It hurt and scared him so much he wanted to die.

He felt as if he would be devoured without a trace by the fathomless power.

‘Just a little… hang on just a little longer, Jeras!’

Her gentle voice, full of concern, was sweet. Jeras endured and endured, relying on her voice.

The goddess slowly possessed Jeras’s body, and the blood he bled turned golden and seeped into the ground. On the desolate earth, green grass began to grow.

Finally, the goddess had fully manifested in Jeras’s body. His body, which was his but also not his, felt no sensation.

He wouldn’t last long. A human body was too weak to endure the goddess’s power. Jeras knew this instinctively, and Seha knew it as well.

‘Let’s end this in one go. Pour all your strength into the sword and pierce Agtatius as close to the heart as you can. I’ll take care of the rest.’

– Will that not harm my brother?

‘It’s fine. It won’t harm a human’s body. The sword will disappear once Agtatius does.’

– Understood. I’ll do my best.

‘Don’t overdo it!’

– You’re worrying only with your words. Why don’t you give me a kiss?

Seha ignored Jeras’s teasing. He chuckled as her face seemed to flush a little. He shook his head and cleared his vision, which was shimmering with a golden light.

Agtatius was held fast by Aletheia’s servants and could not move.

There was no reason to stall any longer. Jeras focused all his strength on the dagger, just as Seha had told him to. The light that poured from the patterns that covered his forearms moved to the dagger, gathering on its surface.

The dagger, which had absorbed Aletheia’s power, transformed into a true form, made of pure light.

‘So that’s why she said it wouldn’t harm my brother’s body.’ Jeras was relieved as he approached Agtatius.

“How dare you! How can I be defeated twice by insects who rely on Aletheia’s power!”

“Just shut up and get lost now. I’m sick of you.”

Jeras accurately plunged the sword into the writhing Agtatius’s heart. It was the final blow that contained all of his remaining power.

“Kaaaaaaah!”

Agtatius’s ear-splitting scream pierced the sky. Jeras released the dagger. Even without him holding it, the sword seeped into Agtatius on its own.

“I’ll kill you! Aletheia, one day you will also be…!”

“You’re so talkative. You’re giving me a headache.”

Seha, who had appeared beside Jeras, was holding a blank book. The same book she had brought from Haiola’s underground library.

Seha flipped through a few of its blank pages, then set the book on the floor and chanted a sealing spell.

“No, no, no! This can’t be! How can my perfect body be…”

As soon as the black shadow came out, Kieryk returned to his original form and collapsed powerlessly.

Agtatius, who had lost his physical body, thrashed and flapped his wings, trying to escape from being sucked into the book, but it was no use.

A small, faint wisp of smoke rose from the book that had absorbed Agtatius. The smoke disappeared as soon as Seha closed the book.

It was Agtatius’s end.

The black clouds that had filled the sky completely disappeared, as if they had been washed away.

The sight of Aletheia’s servants, who had completed their mission, and Aletheia, who had been manifested in Jeras’s body, returning to the magic circle in the form of a light beam, was a spectacle to behold, like Agtatius who had been sucked into the book. The grand magic circles that had been adorning the sky slowly faded and finally disappeared, as if nothing had ever happened.

At the same time, Seha felt something leaving her body. It was a strange feeling—partially liberating, partially refreshing, and partially regretful.

Seha looked up at the sky, which was now filled with bright sunlight. The peaceful sky was so beautiful it felt as if she were in a dream.

“…I’m so tired.”

“Oh! Jeras! Hey!”

The exhausted Jeras fell into Seha’s arms. Seha had no choice but to open her arms and hug him. His body was soaked in sweat.

It must have been an unimaginable amount of pain for him, who had to endure Aletheia’s power directly.

Well, if he did a good job, she should praise him for it. Seha patted Jeras on the back.

“Thank you. For enduring so well.”

“Are you going to thank me with just words again?”

“…What else should I do?”

“You’re asking me even though you know the answer?”

Maybe it was because of his half-closed eyes, or because of his low voice, but every word Jeras said felt a little lecherous.

Seha tried her best to push Jeras’s face away, which was getting closer. But because Jeras was holding her waist, she couldn’t escape completely.

“Ah, just stop already!”

“Eloe!”

The two of them turned their heads toward the direction the voice came from. Sion, Siliya, Nia, and Mason, who had regained consciousness, came running toward them.

Mason and Nia found Kieryk on the floor and immediately went to check on him. Sion was completely unscathed, which he seemed to find a little confusing.

“What happened? Where did Agtatius go… Anyway, get away from that pervert.”

“…Brother, do I still look like Eloe to you?”

“Huh?”

Sion was uncharacteristically flustered and tilted his head. But then he put on a kind smile and stroked Eloe’s hair.

“Of course. You’re my most adorable younger sister, Eloe.”

Just as Sion had said, the person reflected in his eyes was Eloe.

When did I go back? No, when did I change back? Eloe was briefly conflicted over whether to call this a change or a return.

As if he knew what she was thinking, Jeras added in a playful voice.

“And she’s also going to be my wife.”

“…What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Just what you heard. Do you want me to say it again? Eloe is going to marry me. And for kids, I think about four would be good.”

“Eloe, did this bastard threaten you? Is… Eloe?”

“…Hic.”

Eloe was hiccuping. Sion and even Jeras looked at her in surprise, then glared at each other. Sion’s eyes, in particular, looked as if he was going to kill Jeras on the spot.

In the end, Sion was the first to grab Jeras’s collar.

“What did you do to Eloe?!”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“If you didn’t do anything, then why is she crying?! I’ve disliked you from the start. A duel, Jeras.”

“Good. I’ve also disliked you from the start. I was holding back because you’re the princess’ brother, but I’m glad you’re acting like this. Shall we do it right now?”

“If I win, you will never approach Eloe again.”

“And if I win, you should never even think about seeing the princess again.”

“…I’m so happy…”

Jeras and Sion, who were about to punch each other, heard Eloe’s sobs. Eloe was leaning on Siliya, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m so happy… that I’m crying…”

“Eloe, don’t cry. You like me that much? What will you do if you like me this much already? It’s only going to get better from here on out.”

Jeras, who had quickly taken the lead, knelt in front of Eloe and wiped her tears. Eloe just nodded her head silently. In truth, she hadn’t properly heard a word Jeras had said.

When she heard Sion’s words, she felt as if she had been given permission to live as Eloe for good. When she heard Jeras’s words, she felt as if she had found a place to return to, even if she wasn’t Eloe.

Even though he knew everything, Jeras had said he loved her, never gave up on her until the end, and told her to live with him.

It felt so good. So, so good. She was happy that Siliya was comforting her and giving her a handkerchief, happy that Grandpa Mason and Nia were alive, and happy that Kieryk had been saved.

She was happy to be alive. She was happy that there were so many people who loved and worried about her.

“If you keep crying, I’m going to kiss you. Hmm?”

“You bastard!”

Sion, whose anger had exploded, shoved Jeras to the ground and threw a punch. Siliya looked at the two men, who were rolling on the floor and fighting like dogs, and gave an awkward smile.

Eloe wrapped her arms around Siliya’s neck and sobbed loudly.

 

***

 

“Do you… really have to leave?”

Jeras’s voice echoed in the hallway of the Sword Palace. Perhaps it was because there would soon be no one left to live here, but the air in the Sword Palace was still and cold.

Kieryk stopped in the middle of the hallway. Although he had stopped walking, he did not turn to face Jeras. Jeras knew all too well what Kieryk was thinking. So he approached Kieryk first.

“His Majesty said he would not hold you accountable. Everyone knows that this was not something you planned. It is not something you did wrong, either. You don’t have to leave. Please, don’t go.”

Kieryk quietly shook his head. Jeras looked at Kieryk’s drooping figure.

He was wearing a robe of slightly inferior quality and thin leather shoes. If he were to leave in such a state and encounter any monsters that might still be left, his life would be in danger.

Just as Jeras was about to protest, Kieryk opened his mouth, and Jeras stopped.

“Even though I did not directly commit any crime, everything started because of me. Therefore, I must take responsibility.”

“Brother…”

“I know how much Your Highness has done for me. I am… truly sorry that I cannot repay your kindness.”

“I am your younger brother. Why are you using formal speech? Please, treat me like you used to.”

“Even if you haven’t had your coronation ceremony yet, you are still the Crown Prince. This is the right thing to do.”

“I did not risk my life to save you just for this!”

Jeras, unable to control his emotions, raised his voice. Kieryk looked at Jeras’s face, a mixture of anger, sadness, frustration, and hurt, with a calm expression.

It had taken a month for Kieryk to regain consciousness. Although his life was not in danger, he had been continuously exposed to black magic due to Empress Florese’s schemes and had been traumatized by witnessing her shocking ritual.

Jeras had felt a sense of relief when he saw Kieryk lying peacefully as if he were asleep.

The consequences of the unprecedented event where the Empress had tried to sacrifice a Prince to summon a demon inside the Imperial Palace were immense.

The eastern part of the palace, especially the Flowers Palace where the ritual was held, was almost in ruins. Fortunately, Jeras had been quick to evacuate the Emperor, the officials, and the soldiers, so the casualties were not high.

Since the Empress, who should have been held accountable, had died without even leaving a body behind, the arrows of blame naturally turned toward Kieryk.

A certain nobleman, his eyes blazing red, yelled that Kieryk, who had sought a demon’s power to covet the throne, should be justly punished for treason. Jeras showed him his forearm.

The burn scar from accepting Aletheia’s power was deeply etched on his forearm like a holy mark.

“My brother is a victim who was used without his knowledge. If my brother had a malicious intention, I would have killed him right there and then.”

“However, Your Highness, the Second Prince, it is a fact that His Highness, the First Prince, accepted the demon’s power!”

“Are you saying you don’t believe my words, the words of someone who acted as a proxy for a god? Then I’ll ask you, Count. What did you do while my brother and I, along with the Duchess of Kilmaria, risked our lives to save everyone? Did you at least pray to God to save us?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“This is my final warning. Do not accuse my brother of treason. Be grateful that this ended here because it was my brother who contained the demon.”

The Count, who had been hoping to use this opportunity to get rid of Kieryk and curry favor with Jeras, fell silent after receiving Jeras’s sharp glare. Since Jeras was now bringing a god into the conversation and acting so aggressively, he had no more room for objection.

Jeras’s words were true. Without Jeras and the Duchess of Kilmaria, the capital would have been overrun by demons.

With even the Emperor declaring that he would name Jeras the Crown Prince and hold his coronation ceremony once the situation stabilized, the nobles, who didn’t want to get on Jeras’s bad side, had no choice but to follow his will.

Kieryk, who had regained consciousness, quickly figured out what had happened from the news he was receiving. And before his body had fully recovered, he had tried to hastily leave the palace, only to be caught by Jeras.

“Jeras.”

Jeras felt his brother’s gentle voice in his heart. He knew full well what his brother was about to say.

When Jeras remained silent, Kieryk took his hand. It was a firm and beautiful hand, scarred and burned from saving him and the world.

“I truly had no idea that Mother was thinking such things. If I had known, I could have stopped her, and so many people wouldn’t have died or gotten hurt.”

“So why is that your fault, brother?”

“Yes, as you said, it may not be my fault. But so many people died. Someone has to take responsibility. And if I remain in the palace, a similar incident might happen again.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take care of it.”

“I don’t want to be a weakness for my beloved younger brother, Jeras.”

Jeras’s eyes wavered. Kieryk warmly held Jeras’s trembling hand.

“I wanted to be a brother you could be proud of, but I couldn’t. I’m sorry. I hope you can understand.”

“…Please tell me where you are going. That much is okay, isn’t it? I won’t follow you.”

“Hmm. For now, I’m planning to travel the continent to take care of the remaining monsters. And help the people who were affected.”

“If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you anymore. But, don’t you dare die somewhere I don’t know. Your life belongs to me now since I saved it.”

“Of course. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kieryk hugged Jeras. He was just a little troublemaker, but when did he grow up and learn to say such scary things?

Kieryk patted Jeras’s back, which was much wider and more dependable than his, and released him.

“Take care. My beloved younger brother.”

“Brother.”

“Hmm?”

“…Do you not want to see Eloe?”

Kieryk seemed surprised by the unexpected question and blinked with a blank look on his face. But soon, he returned to his usual expression and shook his head.

“I have no right to see her, nor do I intend to. I only feel regret and gratitude toward the princess.”

Kieryk’s tone was calm. No emotion could be detected.

Does my brother still have feelings for Eloe? As if reading Jeras’s mind, Kieryk continued.

“I won’t deny that I was attracted to the princess for a brief moment. My confession to her wasn’t something I did while being controlled by Agtatius; it was my true feeling. But now that I think about it, that wasn’t love. I think I just wanted to be acknowledged by someone who wasn’t Mother or you. The princess became that person, and I mistook that feeling for a possessive kind of love.”

“Is that so.”

“Of course, I like the princess very much as a person. She is a very fun and interesting person.”

“Yes. She gives me a headache sometimes, though.”

Jeras and Kieryk looked at each other and laughed.

They had a lot more to say, but it was time for them to walk their separate paths. Kieryk gave Jeras a nod and turned his body.

“Brother!”

Just as Kieryk’s back reached the end of the hallway, Jeras called out to him in a loud voice. Kieryk seemed to turn back. Jeras yelled.

“You can come back whenever you want! I’ll be waiting!”

Kieryk did not reply. But Jeras was sure that he had smiled. It was probably that kind smile that he had the day they first met.

Jeras remained in that spot for a long time, even after Kieryk’s figure had disappeared, as if to feel the warmth he had left behind.

***

Jeras has been very busy lately. So busy that he has to look at reports even while he’s eating.

It’s understandable. He must be swamped with restoring the chaotic capital, and to top it all off, he was named the Crown Prince, instantly putting him in a position to oversee the country’s affairs.

I’m not as busy as Jeras, but I’ve been having my own hectic days. The most important part of my schedule is helping with the capital’s restoration.

For some reason, I could still use Light Magic even after Aletheia’s manifestation.

Everyone told me I was a hero for defeating Agtatius and that I should just relax at home, but their desperate eyes told me otherwise, so I couldn’t refuse.

My power is a great help in the restoration efforts, and since I don’t feel tired no matter how much I use my magic after my awakening, I decided to participate.

Nia was furious, saying that a high-level talent like me shouldn’t be used for such things. It’s a good thing the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess went back to their Duchy; if they were still here, they would have definitely sided with Nia.

Of course, Nia was also busy herself, trying to find a way to deal with the book that had sealed Agtatius. It seems she’s planning to create a dungeon-like maze in the academy’s basement. I guess I’ll have to finish it once it’s done.

The book is blank, so it looks like Agtatius was annihilated, not sealed… But it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“You’re here, unnie?”

“Yeah. Are you done already?”

“Yes. My assigned area wasn’t that badly damaged. How about yours?”

“Ours is going to take a little longer. A big one must have gone on a rampage.”

“It’s just such a hassle. I’ll help you.”

“That would be great.”

Siliya smiled and came to the shade of the tree where I was sitting. I wiggled my butt to make space for Siliya to sit.

It was a beautiful, clear day with a cool breeze. The perfect weather for working. We were spacing out, watching the people busily working in the distance.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real.”

Siliya broke the silence with a sudden thought. What did she mean? I just looked at her quietly. She sat with her knees together and continued.

“Now, being called Siliya is more comfortable than being called by my original name. No, sometimes I even forget that I’m living inside a novel. It always surprises me when I remember. And then I accept it. My everyday life has changed. My future reality has changed, too.”

“Me too. I feel the same way.”

“I’m so glad I met you, Eloe.”

Siliya leaned her face on her knee and smiled at me kindly. Her warm smile made my heart feel cozy and my lips turn up.

“Honestly, I didn’t like this novel. It wasn’t a happy ending.”

“Ah… that’s right. A lot of the characters died. That’s why it wasn’t popular.”

“When Agtatius was sealed, and I saw Kieryk alive, a thought suddenly crossed my mind. If you weren’t here, if it was just me, would I have been able to face Agtatius? Could I have saved Kieryk?”

I knew the answer to Siliya’s question. Because the story I read was the one where Siliya was the protagonist.

But I couldn’t answer honestly, so I just stayed silent. Siliya didn’t seem to have expected an answer anyway and continued.

“The answer was ‘no.’ If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t have been able to stop Agtatius.”

“Hmm… I think a little differently, unnie.”

Siliya blinked. I leaned my back on the tree and looked at the people. I could hear their loud laughter, as if they were having a fun conversation.

“I was the one who called forth Aletheia, but I did it because I wanted to protect everyone. Everyone protected and loved me, so I also wanted to do my best to save them. It wasn’t something I did alone.”

As Siliya said, the original story we knew didn’t have a happy ending. Sion and Kieryk had died, and Jeras had to kill someone he cared about.

But we all worked together and found a way to a happy ending. We couldn’t save Empress Florese… but still, the people we loved were alive, and we would live with them from now on.

Even if it wasn’t a perfect happy ending, isn’t this more than enough?

“Yeah, that’s true. You’re right, Eloe.”

Siliya smiled at me and looked up at the cloudless sky. The weather is great, isn’t it? Just as I was about to follow her gaze, I saw a familiar person coming into my view and stood up.

“Ah, I’ve been sitting too long. My muscles feel stiff. Unnie, I’m going to take a walk.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, I want to walk alone. And it looks like someone is coming to see you?”

I playfully motioned with my chin toward where Sion was coming from. Siliya’s face turned red, but I just scoffed, as if that was not going to fool me.

“Eloe, where are you going?”

Oh. He’s so fast. Is it because his legs are long? I smiled at Sion, who was approaching me with long strides.

“I was just going to take a walk. You two haven’t been able to go on a proper date because you’ve been so busy, have you? Take this chance to spend some quality time together.”

“No, Eloe. Don’t go. You don’t have to!”

“Don’t go too far. It’s dangerous.”

Sion and Siliya had different reactions in these situations. Sion had become surprisingly proactive after realizing his feelings for Siliya, and Siliya, who used to be calm before, had become shy and embarrassed.

Well, well. A man has to be that direct. He wouldn’t be as charming if he was always just considerate and gentle.

I left Siliya, whose eyes were wide open in embarrassment, and lightly walked away… and hid in a good spot to watch the two of them. I was too curious to just leave.

“Are you uncomfortable being with me?”

“…No, that’s not it.”

“You look a little pale. Are you eating your meals on time?”

“Yes… I’m doing well. Are you doing well, Your Highness?”

“If Lady Rioest would grant me one request, I think I would be a little happier.”

“A request?”

Sion took a step closer to Siliya. Ooh. It feels like I’m watching a drama. I gulped.

“Would you call me by my name?”

“I don’t even come from a proper family. How can I dare to call you…”

“It’s Sion.”

“Pardon?”

“I just wanted to tell you my name, Siliya, since you seem to not know it.”

Siliya’s flustered face quickly turned red. I smiled as she slowly opened her mouth and truly left.

‘What should I call her when she and Sion get married? Sae unnie?* Do people here use a word like that?’ I walked away, contemplating such useless things.

 [*T/N: Sister-in-law]

***

 

“…Princess, princess! Please wake up!”

“Ugh… no, no…”

“Oh, come on, wake up already!”

My head suddenly dropped. Ah! My pillow! I opened my eyes and saw Hilda holding my pillow and grinning.

I covered my head with the blanket and used my arm as a pillow instead. I wiggled my feet inside the cozy blanket and thought about my schedule for the day. It wasn’t an academy day, nor was it a day for the restoration project, and I didn’t have any plans with Jeras. So why was she making such a fuss so early in the morning?

“What is it…?”

“You’ll see if you just get up!”

“I don’t know, I don’t know. I can’t get up, so either tell me or don’t wake me. I want to sleep more.”

“Please, just get up for a second, okay? Just one look, and all your sleepiness will just vanish, I promise!”

Hilda’s voice was full of conviction. What on earth was she up to?

I had been through so many things and had a heart of steel that wouldn’t be surprised by much. To surprise me, a dragon would have to be dancing in my backyard, shaking a tambourine.

I threw off my blanket, yawned, and got out of bed. Hilda put a shawl over my shoulders and led me to the window.

“On the count of three, I’ll open the curtains. One…”

“Seriously, what is this? If this isn’t worth it, I swear…”

I pushed Hilda aside and pulled the curtains open. The warm morning sun was blinding. I shaded my eyes with my hand and looked down. My jaw dropped.

Standing in the Grand Duke’s garden and looking up at me wasn’t a dancing dragon, but Jeras. Dressed in a magnificent tuxedo with a perfect balance of black and white, he looked at me and smiled, his eyes crinkling.

“Did you sleep well, princess?”

“Hey… what are you doing right now?”

“I’m not doing anything yet.”

‘You’re not doing anything, my foot!’ Then what’s that long line of things behind you?!

Behind Jeras was a long procession of all kinds of treasures and jewels. Most were on carriages with the Imperial crest, but in the middle, there were rare animals like wyverns and griffins, which Jeras had tamed himself, sitting docilely with luggage on their backs.

They were all eye-catching, but the one that held my attention the longest was…

“Go change and come out. I have something to tell you.”

“That’s such a hassle… Can’t I just go out like this?”

“I don’t see why not. But the things here won’t be able to see the light of day ever again.”

Jeras just chuckled. He was pretending to be joking, but he was 100% serious.

To save the poor animals from a terrible fate, I quickly changed and went downstairs.

“You’re here.”

A gentle breeze wrapped around my body with his affectionate voice and carried me to stand in front of Jeras. As I landed softly in front of him, Jeras lowered his head and gave me a kiss, starting from my forehead to my cheek, the tip of my nose, and finally my lips.

It was his good morning kiss, and just like the first time, it was still embarrassing and made me feel all tingly inside. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists until the kiss ended.

“Hmm, good. You’re beautiful today too.”

“…Seriously, do you know you’re getting cheesier and cheesier?”

“That’s why the princess is falling for me more and more.”

“No, I’m not!”

My clenched fist was easily overpowered by Jeras’s large hand. Jeras kissed my fingers, my palm, and my wrist before slowly kneeling on one knee.

The tree behind him naturally filled my view. It was a gemstone tree with pink flowers that resembled wisteria blossoms hanging from its branches.

“Princess, do you remember this tree?”

Jeras’s serious voice was soft in my ear. I slowly nodded.

I still remember it vividly. I was chasing after Jeras with the sole purpose of saving Sion, and he proposed to me while offering to take me to Rivai. This was the same gemstone tree he had brought.

“You asked me if I truly liked you. If I loved you. I couldn’t answer that question, and now so much time has passed.”

Did I ask that? I don’t remember it clearly. I only vaguely remember being so flustered by his proposal that I rejected him with some nonsense words.

A soft spring breeze blew. The gemstone flowers on the tree rattled, making a clear sound.

“To be honest, back then, I thought you wouldn’t be a bad choice for a wife. Your background would be a great help until I became Emperor, and even after.”

Jeras placed his right hand on his left chest and bowed to me.

“Now I will answer that question. Not as the Crown Prince of the Empire, but as a man. Will you give me a chance to be your companion and be together for eternity? I’ll give you anything you want. You can have all of my heart, my soul, and my very existence. Eloe, I love you. With all my heart and soul.”

My chest swelled, and my throat choked up. I was happy, so incredibly happy, but my chest ached as if it were tightly blocked by sadness.

I felt like if I opened my mouth, I would burst into tears, so I couldn’t bring myself to answer. Jeras held out a small jewelry box with a ring inside.

The ring artifact Jeras had brought back shattered right after Aletheia returned. I hadn’t worn a ring since.

“I want to be a home you can always return to and rest. I want to be a family that will always love you by your side. You don’t have to be anxious anymore. Your place is next to me, and my place is next to you. My beloved Eloe, please marry me. And be my family.”

“…That’s impossible.”

“What?”

“Four kids… is too much. Is that okay?”

Jeras’s head snapped up in surprise, and a smile bloomed on his face. Seeing his overflowing happiness made me so happy that tears began to stream down my face.

Jeras hugged me and whispered in my ear.

“Yes. You’re all I need.”

“Then… put it on me.”

I held out my hand to him. Jeras, his hands shaking, tried to put the ring on my finger. He couldn’t align my finger with the ring’s hole and missed a few times.

‘How can he be so clumsy?’ To my embarrassment, I also failed a few times. But Jeras waited patiently until I managed to put the ring on him.

The rings fit perfectly on both of our fingers. So perfectly that they wouldn’t come off unless we cut our fingers.

“Live your life with me and do everything you want to do.”

“I’m really going to do everything. I’ll be extravagant and work you to the bone.”

“Gladly. From now on, I’ll make sure you only cry tears of joy.”

Jeras’s warm lips touched the corner of my eye. His lips, which had taken my tears, were moist and warm, and so gentle that I burst into tears again.

I bit back my sobs and turned my head, pressing my lips against his. The fingers of the two of us, who now shared rings, were tightly intertwined, leaving no space in between.

For us, at least, it was a perfect, happy ending.