Side Story Episode 13

The plan to return directly to Veladia Castle after the coronation ceremony was adjusted.

Using a private warp gate would have taken only 2-3 days, but we deliberately chose to travel on horseback. Consequently, the journey to Veladia was greatly extended.

It wasn't without reason. With the entire empire celebrating, we toured various cities, enjoying the festival scenes along the way.

Particularly, Pallides's joy at being able to walk about boldly in human form was truly unparalleled.

One might have expected her energy to wane from touring the entire region, but Pallides remained incredibly spirited even as we reached the mountain range.

"Ah, if only every day were a festival like this!"

The clothes Pallides wore while climbing the mountains were the very same splendid festival attire. They looked uncomfortable just to see, but Pallides paid no mind and continued the mountain trek in that outfit.

Just as I was marveling at her determination, Nadav, who had been climbing silently, clicked his tongue and retorted.

[If festivals became everyday life, they would no longer feel special.]

"Nadav, you always speak in such general principles. If you keep talking like that, the mares won't like you."

[……I sincerely hope they don't.]

"Wow, are you bragging about being popular?"

Pallides shot Nadav a look full of reproach. Before Nadav could counter her, Tristan laughed heartily and shouted.

[Nadav, being loved is something to be grateful and happy for! Enjoy it!]

[What on earth do the mares see in that blockhead Nadav?]

When Zigore added his piece, Nadav snorted roughly.

Recalling his situation—how he became the center of attention for all the mares every time we entered a stable during our travels—I couldn't help but laugh.

"Nadav is a splendid horse, though."

[……Thank you, Captain.]

I meant it as a compliment, but Nadav seemed to think I had joined in teasing him. Smiling at his resigned reply, Xenon, who was walking ahead, called out to me loudly.

"We're here!"

At his words, I looked up to see an open sky. It was the cliff where the warp gate connecting to the castle was installed.

[That place…….]

Minte, recognizing the cliff scenery, paused. Bark, who had been advancing by snapping trees, opened his mouth with a puzzled voice at her reaction.

[What's wrong, Minte?]

[So, a warp gate was installed here.]

Instead of answering Bark's question, Minte turned to look at me. I nodded nonchalantly.

"It's fine to stop by and pay respects while passing through."

The cliff where the intermediate warp gate, which must be passed to reach Veladia Castle, was installed. This place, where one could see Veladia Castle at a glance along with a vast gorge, deep greenery, and winding streams, was also where Dasha had found her rest.

Dasha was not here.

Of course not. What she chose was a peaceful death.

As if recalling the scene from the day Dasha sought her rest, Minte fell silent for a moment, gazing into the empty air. Bark and Pallides, who belatedly realized where this was, also closed their mouths with peculiar looks.

I watched the Dullahans quietly for a moment before speaking softly.

"Come here whenever you miss her. That's why I had the warp gate made."

No one answered, but I knew they would visit this place often.

Just as Nadav, Zigore, Tristan, Ganik, and Mori did.

* * *

Ganik, who had come out of the moat, greeted Minte, Bark, and Pallides warmly upon seeing them again.

However, before he could utter a single word, he was caught by a young Lizardman and dragged back in. Seeing this, the Dullahans began offering pieces of advice on raising adolescent monsters.

Everyone seemed too engrossed in teasing Ganik, showing no sign of entering. In the end, I entered the castle first with Xenon.

The outer castle was as bustling as ever with monsters. Thanks to the Wyvern, which had flown to the castle early and established its territory, now acting as the neighborhood boss with an armband, there were no serious incidents, but minor disputes were plentiful.

And whenever such disputes arose, for some reason, they all scurried over to me, chattering and clamoring for attention.

Just like now.

[Captain! Well, this fellow is monopolizing the communal leg bone!]

It was information I'd rather not know—that Skeletons take turns using a communal bone.

[The newly moved-in Golem keeps fighting with the Gargoyle, and every time they fight, stone fragments fly everywhere, causing significant damage to the other monsters!]

Well, since both are made of stone, fragments would naturally fly when they fight.

[The landscaping is terrible because of the plant monsters!]

Well, of course, they're monsters, not ornamental plants.

I quickened my pace, dodging the chattering monsters until my head throbbed.

Xenon, unable to understand the monsters' words, seemed to roughly grasp the situation from the cacophony of various cries and promptly shouted toward the monsters.

"Due to the long journey, Lady Anelli is very tired, so if you have anything to discuss, tomorrow……!"

Xenon, who had been shouting quite vigorously, flinched upon seeing the gleaming eyes of a monster right in front of him and stumbled back in surprise.

"W-wouldn't it be better to talk tomorrow……?"

Fortunately, the monsters seemed to understand Xenon's words and slowly retreated. Though some monsters breathed heavily and fiercely, they eventually turned away obediently.

Confirming this, Xenon let out a sigh of relief and patted his chest.

"Well, at least they understand words, so that's fortunate."

"Rather than that……"

It was because the Wyvern had issued a warning. That Xenon is the human I favor most and the male who can serve me most perfectly.

That touching him would mean not being able to set foot in Veladia Castle and, moreover, incurring my wrath, putting their lives at risk.

Thanks to that, some recognized Xenon as my potential mate, while others considered him my right-hand man, an extension of myself.

……Xenon probably wouldn't be pleased to find out, so it's better not to tell him in the future.

Having successfully dispersed the gathered monsters, Xenon quickly approached my side.

"Shall we go straight in?"

Noticing my steps passing by the main tower, Xenon looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Ah, I'll stop by the chapel first."

At my words, Xenon nodded in understanding. Then, saying he would go to the main tower first, he readily stepped aside.

While most parts of Veladia Castle had been newly refurbished, the chapel behind the main tower was left untouched. I didn't really want to tidy it up, and somehow it felt like it shouldn't be tidied.

This chapel was a space solely for Soana, and Soana was its mistress.

I lightly knocked on the chapel door and opened it. With a rusty metallic sound, the interior of the old chapel was revealed. Faint dust floated in the air, and a subtle scent of aged wood wafted through.

After quietly gazing at the modest pile of stained glass fragments at the front, I sat in a nearby chair. Since I had visited and sat here often before, there was no dust on the chair.

"Everyone has returned, except for a few, Soana."

There was no reply.

Like Dasha, Soana chose eternal death. She probably…… didn't even wish for reincarnation.

So, speaking alone here would be words that wouldn't reach her.

Still, I occasionally came here like this to share news of the Dullahans. Until the very end, Soana had cherished and cared for the knights of the Round Table.

"You don't still hate me, do you?"

Muttering with a smile, a cool breeze flowed in through the broken window. Feeling that breeze, I closed my eyes.

I don't know how much time has been granted to me since my resurrection. Judging by my still poor stamina, I might age similarly to others. Or perhaps I'll age even faster.

But however much time remains, my remaining days won't be spent alone, and they will be distinctly different from my past life. A life filled with noisy monsters, Dullahans who follow me, and a beloved lover will continue.

"It's fortunate, as you said, that my affection isn't directed at everyone."

Because cherishing those I now hold close is already overwhelming enough. Even if I pour all my remaining time into it, it might not be enough.

"Soana, you were an observer. You must have watched for a long time. You know."

I slowly opened my eyes.

"Don't they all look truly happy?"

The gently blowing breeze stopped. My lightly fluttering hair settled down quietly.

I never thought I'd utter the word 'happy.' But this was sincere. Something I didn't know, couldn't even imagine in the past.

"That's right, I'm happy. So, rest assured."

After quietly staring at the stained glass fragments, I stood up. Only the sound of my footsteps echoed through the silent chapel.

* * *

"Lady Anelli!"

I thought he would have entered the main tower first, but Xenon was pacing not far from the chapel.

Seeing Xenon looking at me with a bright smile, I suddenly stopped walking. He then made a puzzled expression.

"Lady Anelli?"

"Xenon."

"Yes?"

He seemed to detect some emotion on my face and adopted a rather serious expression. Staring intently at him as he quickly approached, Xenon examined me from all sides. He seemed to be checking if I was injured somewhere.

Naturally, nothing could have happened in the brief moment I sat in the chapel and came out. Eventually, finding no trace of anything, Xenon furrowed his brow and parted his lips.

But before he could speak, I blurted out.

"Have I ever told you how precious you are to me?"

Xenon froze with his lips parted. His dazed, blank stare at me was somewhat comical, so I slightly lifted the corners of my mouth.

"If I haven't, I'm telling you now."

"……Th-that, you don't have to say it. I already know."

Xenon, his face bright red, stammered in reply. I smiled at him, a flawless smile. One without any sorrow or worry.

"Yes, I love you."

Xenon's face was now red to the point of having nowhere left to redden. Watching him stiffen like a stone statue was utterly unbearable.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down. Xenon's head stiffly lowered, and our parted lips met.

It was very warm.

On a certain clear and bright day, I gladly accepted the resurrection granted to me.

<Don't Look for the Resurrected Villainess> Side Story End