Chapter 52
Swoosh - !
The curtains that blocked the sunlight are pulled away, and the bright flash that comes in makes me squint.
The strong sunlight, feeling like a weight pressing down, pulls my consciousness up from the abyss, and I get up from the bed in a daze.
"Good morning, Harold! Let's do our best today!"
Erina's refreshing voice greeting me in the morning was the cause of my awakening.
"Uh .. Yeah ..."
Still not fully awake, I reply lazily and stretch, but ...
"?! "
The moment I see her, wearing thin clothing that almost reveals her skin, my mind becomes instantly clear, as if splashed with cold water.
"Well... last night was good, and... I'm sorry..."Reading my face, Erina blushes, making me realize that what happened last night was real.
Whooosh - !
With the heat rushing to my face, embarrassing memories from last night flash through my mind.
I definitely became intimate with Erina...
No miraculous intervention or interruption occurred this time, and unable to resist her, we ended up together.
" Hmm ~ Hmm ~ Hmm ~ "
Perhaps because of that, she seemed especially cheerful today, humming a tune with every light step.
"Ah... "
But unlike Erina's mood, my emotions were utterly miserable.
It wasn't my fault... I was the victim... but the chaotic scene from yesterday weighs heavily on me.
The passionate moments, the overwhelming sense of emptiness and guilt, come flooding back.
"Ugh...!"
I groan, and it sounds like something a zombie would make.
The cold, rational part of me was criticizing my actions.
On one hand, I felt embarrassed; on the other, I felt wronged. My emotions were so complex that I couldn't describe them.
But one thing was clear: I wanted to cry.
I blamed my inability to resist her, and I just wanted to hit the ground and scream in frustration.
"Harold, don't make that face."
Erina, sensing my distress, gently comforts me.
"You did nothing wrong. It was all my doing."
She leans into me, closes her eyes, and whispers with a gentle smile.
"I love your kind heart, which always takes the blame, even when it's not your fault."
"Harold, you're not at fault, so cheer up."
Hearing that, I take a deep breath and try to calm my mind. It wasn't easy, but I was familiar with such complex and unpleasant emotions and knew how to deal with them.
"Mm..."
I try to calm myself and shake off negative thoughts. Although I haven't fully recovered, and a bitter taste remains, I'm okay.
"Shall we go for breakfast?"
I agree with a forced smile and get out of bed. However, a sudden thought hits me.
'How should I explain this to Eleona...?'
The thought makes me anxious again.
"Harold? Why that complicated expression again?"
If I were to face Eleona again, how would I justify myself?
She's the type who'd get upset just from a slight touch with another woman.
After what happened with Mir and sharing a kiss with Erina, and even becoming intimate... if she learns about this, my life would be over.
Really, what should I do...?
I wanted to despair again at the reality that was rapidly approaching.
But what can I do... what's done is done. All I can do is face it...
I regret my short-sightedness, but the weight I'm carrying now is too heavy. I just want to let everything go for now.
"It's nothing."
I reassure Erina and start walking again.
I wanted to postpone all the complicated thoughts. The time flew, the promised three days passed, everything was settled, and we finally returned to the main road. Mir had disappeared somewhere within a day,
For two days, I truly took a restful break and cleared my mind.
After becoming intimate with Erina, we grew closer, and to my embarrassment, we were almost like lovers.
The first day was total chaos, but after that, I enjoyed a relatively relaxing vacation.
Drip...!
But as time passed, the inevitable moment arrived.
"Welcome, my servant. I've been waiting for you."
The moment to face the goddess I serve had come.
"Now, come forth. We haven't seen each other for three days, and there seems to be a lot to discuss."
She seemed dishappy, either because she knew what happened or because I hadn't shown up for a few days.
Swallowing hard, I hesitated to approach, feeling the heavy atmosphere.
Facing Eleona was nerve-wracking, as she might know exactly what had transpired.
"Yes, servant Harold... I am here before you."
I tried to bow, during this excruciatingly slow and tense moment, wishing it would end quickly.
But...
Snap!
"Ugh?!"
Using some kind of magic, Eleona pulled me from thin air, holding me close and piercing me with her sharp gaze.
"Now, tell me everything."
Her suspecting attitude, with such certainty... It seemed obvious.
"Yes..."
I didn't know how she had found out, but I had to spill everything that had happened at the beach.
"Really... Unbelievable. I warned you..."
After hearing everything, Eleona reprimanded me.
"What did I say? About other women... And not only do you come back smelling like another woman, but you also let her in... You really have some nerve."
With both hands clasped, I could only accept her blame.
Thankfully, she wasn't as furious as I had anticipated; it was just a reprimand.
She then unexpectedly explained her milder reaction.
"Though you've been tainted while I wasn't looking... you're still mine. My heart aches less than before."
She had always considered me hers. Though what happened with Erina was forced and we didn't share feelings...
"Harold, you're my man. That's the one constant fact..."
We had genuinely wanted each other before, which seemed to be the reason for her attitude.
Maybe it won't be as bad as I thought?
But just as I had that thought, she suddenly grabbed my clothes.
"Still, you being with another woman is a fact. You owe me."
In broad daylight, my goddess had some risky intentions...
Ah... so this is how it's going to be...
"Haha..."
All that echoed was my hollow laughter. "My knight, I have something to say."
An hour after everything ended, Eleona's demeanor changed to a more serious one.
"What's the matter?"
"While you were away, the gods have been sensing ominous signs. A major upheaval affecting the fate of the gods is expected within a month at most."
The last quest of the early chapters, setting the stage for the climax of the main story, seemed grander than the rest.
"The Goddess of Fate, Morione, has written letters to all the gods. That indicates the gravity of the situation."
The quest begins with a visit to the god one serves.
"I'm half worried, half curious about what's shaking the world so much."
Each god, like Eleona, with a mixture of serious concern and curiosity, questions their servant.
"Harold, do you have any idea what this might be?"
Upon hearing her question, I pondered for a moment.
"No, how could a mere mortal dare to speculate on the will of a god? I don't know."
Matching her serious demeanor, I responded with a solemn face. In truth, I knew why Morione had written such letters and was aware of the major upheaval that would affect the fate of the gods.
"Hmm... is that so... if you say so, I won't ask any further."
However, for a smoother progression of the story, I chose to act as if I was following the flow of the game, pretending to be unaware.
The reason Morione went to such lengths to alert the gods was because of the impending "Night of Ruin."
"According to the letter, our pantheon is also in danger."
This imminent event was a major story development, so significant that, according to the setup, a god might have died.
The Night of Ruin is described as a dark night with a red moon rising. The lore says it occurs when dark energy accumulates and engulfs the world.
One might wonder if there's a need for such a dramatic name for just a peculiar night.
The real issue with this night is that it empowers those corrupted by darkness while suppressing the power of others.
And in this universe, the only group associated with darkness is the Heretics.
These are zealots who worship and serve ancient evil gods, now extinct. They were a constant presence in the second chapter at the academy.
Known as the most secretive and dangerous group, they possessed dark artifacts left behind by ancient gods.
Although biologically dead, they firmly believed in resurrecting their gods through their devotion, causing havoc wherever they went. Their curse on me was a testament to our long-standing enmity.
"Anyway, we've been warned to brace ourselves. All followers are advised to stay alert."
In the story, the final quest involves the Night of Ruin when empowered Heretics, confident in their strength, unite to invade the kingdom.
To counter this, the gods release their restrictions, gathering at the kingdom's center to defend the land with their followers.
The entire process was memorable. Even though I watched from behind a screen, the scenes were harrowing. Buildings aflame lighting up an otherwise pitch-black night, screams echoing from every corner...
But in the end, with the help of the gods, they successfully fend off the attack and peace is restored, making it a memorable quest for the players.
"Harold? Are you listening?"
Snapped out of my thoughts by Eleona's voice, I quickly nodded.
"Yes... Knight Harold will be on high alert as per your command."
Reassured by my response, we exchanged a few more words before I left the temple. Walking through the peaceful forest, I pondered various strategies.
The final quest was a siege, making stamina crucial.
However, my biggest drawback was my low stamina, despite being able to use only large-scale magic.
I intended to prepare thoroughly, addressing this weakness and anticipating any unforeseen situations.
I had always wanted to inquire about it but got sidetracked. Once I finish my royal duties, I plan to return to Eleona and request a less energy-consuming spell.
The only downside to this quest was the uncertainty of its timing.
The setup did not specify when it would occur. Based on dialogues, it's speculated to be within a month, so preparations must be in place.
Though the probability is low, it could happen as soon as tomorrow. Preparation is key. Having wasted three days at the resort, I needed to move even faster.
Hastening my steps toward the kingdom...
Thud!
"Huh?!"
Something jumps out from the bushes, blocking my path.
"Who's there?!"
I reach for the portable sword at my side, on guard...
"It's me, big brother!"
A familiar voice reached my ears.
A young girl with a height reaching just below my chest, short black hair, red eyes - similar to Mir but distinctly different. "Miru...?"
The black dragon, Miru, spreads her arms and legs wide, blocking my path.
"Yes, it's me! Miru! It might seem sudden since we've just met, but I have something important to tell you. It might sound strange, but you need to listen carefully!"
She seemed so urgent, sweating profusely and gasping for breath as she gave me this unexpected advice.
"If you don't want to die, leave this kingdom immediately!"