Chapter 141: Farewell

The war was over.

Moreover, it was ironically finished in a very short time, akin to when a downpour abruptly stops, leaving those who hadn't managed to shed their tension feeling awkward.

However, even after the rain stopped, puddles were still formed from leftover rainwater. And just like that, the disaster of war still lingered throughout Griffin Kingdom and Marias Great Forest, leaving behind a bitter scent of blood.

Meanwhile, Romerzan, Harroin, and Boman—nobles from the Griffin Kingdom—were the first to be arrested and taken away. They were likely headed to the Griffin's execution grounds.

According to what they confessed to me when I directly confronted them in the forest, this invasion was one of the negotiation points with the Jerman Kingdom, which was beyond the desert.

Since they already had no way to stay in the Griffin Kingdom, the three of them planned to use the Marias tribe to occupy part of Griffin Kingdom's land, expecting that the Jerman Kingdom would follow suit.

However, the Jerman Kingdom deemed the situation hopeless and unilaterally severed ties with the three of them, leaving them abandoned.

It was ridiculous to think they left the confines of Griffin to negotiate with Jerman using the Marias tribe. In fact, I thought it not only foolish but also surprisingly audacious of them.

They might believe that this incident occurred under their own initiative, but there was no way Dante's spy, the Dark Mage, wasn't involved in this matter.

Perhaps that man led everything, right?

The Dark Mage affiliated with Dante couldn't overcome the suffering and injuries caused by his burnt limbs and had now died.

I also collected his soul along with Valkzar; it was to prepare for the battle against Dante.

Dante is moving too quickly.

The Jerman Kingdom's invasion plan, by itself, wasn't surprising because it was part of the main episode.

However, it happened faster than expected.

At the very least, it should have happened around the second semester of Aria's third year; when the story of the Queen of Jerman, which was the starting point of the episode, began. However, it was only the second semester of Aria's first year.

It was ahead of schedule by almost two years.

I knew that from Dante's side, as they were already aware of my existence as the Soul Whisperer, were now making various moves.

However, I didn't expect individuals like Horua and Valkzar, who weren't even mentioned in the game, to appear.

This means that there might be more powerful individuals I am not yet aware of.

I slowly walked out of Marias Great Forest, pondering what in the world was happening on this continent.

Illuania had already left first to receive protection, and now, I was leaving the aftermath for Gloria to handle.

Perhaps because I came out a little later, it was already the break of day.

The air, once damp due to the rain, now felt slightly refreshing.

[Deus!]

Swish!

Something flew past me.

"Huh?"

I was so bewildered that I couldn't help but subtly exclaim before I even realized it.

When I glanced back, I saw the Dark Spiritualist floundering in mid-air.

Thud!

Afterwards, a heavy impact suddenly struck my body. Unlike when it was the Dark Spiritualist who tried to tackle me, this time, I could feel a distinct weight and warmth.

"Master Bastard!"

As Findenai rushed at me, I could smell the faint scent of a cigarette. She wrapped her arms around my neck and both legs around my waist, clinging tightly and causing me to stagger.

"...."

While the sudden welcome slightly took me aback, Findenai buried her head against my chest and murmured softly.

"Well done, you've done really well."

"......"

"Damn it, Master Bastard, massacres aren't your style. I'll handle that kind of thing for you, so you should just sit back and cross your legs while enjoying a warm cup of tea."

Upon hearing the rare tone of relief in her voice, I could feel how worried she was about me.

Was that why...?

Somehow feeling awkward, I still spoke as coldly as usual.

"As long as the tea is not brewed by you."

"Ha! Bullshit!"

In response to my words, Findenai lifted her buttocks and leaned forward. Since I was already exhausted and wasn't particularly strong physically, the sudden movement caused me to tilt backwards and fall.

Thud!

Although we both fell, Findenai placed her hand behind my head to cushion the impact, ending on top of me.

Findenai slightly shifted her body and looked down at me with a playful smile on her lips.

"Wait for it. One day, I'll surely make you can't live without my tea."

"Sigh, move away."

When I sighed irritably, Findenai once again laughed and lightly rubbed her buttocks against my waist.

"Is it up?"

That was the end of it.

I used my mana and pushed her away, causing Findenai to immediately roll to the ground, letting out a miserable groan.

"Oughh!"

"You have crossed the line. You will get a pay cut this month."

"Ptui! Ah, dirt got into my mouth! Ptooey! What do you mean by a pay cut?! I got a salary deduction after rolling in the battlefield?!"

Just like that, I stood up, brushed off the dirt on my body, and was once again about to move forward. However, this time, a woman in a black robe stood with her arms crossed, glaring at me.

[You know I spotted you first and flew over, right?]

"Yes."

[Originally, I should have been in that position.]

"What does that even mean?"

[Argh! It's so annoying.]

Despite saying that, she subtly approached me and stretched out her hand.

I felt a sense of reluctance and tried to step back, but the Dark Spiritualist huffed and took a step closer, maintaining the distance.

Thud.

It was a touch that had a sense of weight.

Perhaps she had become quite skilled at manipulating mana; I could feel a slight weight and warmth coming from her hand resting on my head.

[You did really well. And thank you.]

"......"

[You just need to keep being there for me; continue to remain aloof and beautiful.]

I saw a faint smile beyond her black veil. I could sense that the Dark Spiritualist was also concerned about me, though in a different manner than Findenai.

[Not as a Dark Mage, but as the Soul Whisperer.]

As I stared at the Dark Spiritualist, a sudden thought occurred to me.

Since the Dark Spiritualist was here with me to see the end of Necromancy. Once she resolved her resentment, she, too, would rest in peace, right?

She was someone who would eventually leave my side.

For now, I would continue walking towards the truth of Necromancy.

While I still didn't know what lay at the end, there was one thing that was clear: parting ways with the Dark Spiritualist at that moment was inevitable.

"In a way, I see that this journey of mine could provide you with some comfort."

Was she surprised by my words?

The Dark Spiritualist's eyes trembled for a moment, then she smiled faintly and nodded.

[I suppose you could see it that way.]

I didn't feel the need to continue the conversation any further. Another inexplicable emotion was welling up within me, but since I was already mentally exhausted, I averted my eyes, not wanting to tire myself any further.

Even though Saintess Lucia soon came to greet me and heal my wounds, I was still too exhausted.

So, without even eating any food, I quickly returned to the tent after briefly washing up and closed my eyes.

Was it because I entered Marias Great Forest immediately after finishing the memorial service?

The sense of fatigue had piled up more than I had anticipated, and it now washed over me.

***

I wasn't sure how long I had slept for, but I could tell that someone had taken care of me diligently while I was asleep.

Despite sleeping on the tent's bedding, I couldn't feel any unusual stiffness in my waist, nor was it too cold or too hot.

It was a proper rest as if I had slept and woke up in a mansion rather than the damp discomfort of the tent.

Because it was bright outside, as if the sun had just risen, no lamps were needed. I could see that no one was inside the tent.

After getting up and tidying my hair quickly, I stepped outside to be greeted by the intense sunlight.

How many days did I actually sleep for?

It was strange to see sunlight and feel this way to this extent, as if I had turned into a vampire. My stomach also grumbled with hunger.

"Oh? You're awake."

Findenai, who was sitting outside the tent smoking a cigarette, which she probably borrowed from someone else, spotted me.

To regain my senses after waking up, I used my mana to blow Findenai's cigarette far away.

She looked at her own hand holding the cigarette, wriggling it with a dispirited expression.

"Damn, I just lit that."

Ignoring Findenai's complaint about only having taken a puff, I asked her.

"How much time has passed?"

"Two days, Master Bastard."

Alright, two days.

Fortunately, not as much time had passed as I had feared. Then, I spoke again.

"Where is Illuania?"

"Illuania and Sevia are both fine, so you don't have to worry. You should eat first. Look at your sunken face."

Although Findenai's words were probably spoken out of concern, I shook my head.

"No, this is more urgent."

There was still one soul left whose resentment hadn't been resolved.

Hearing my response, Findenai sighed heavily before loudly shouting.

"Hey, Owen! Get the food ready! We're going to eat soon!"

"Ah, yup! Got it!"

Owen's voice came from somewhere. It seemed like he was still afraid of Findenai.

"Let's go. You should finish what you need to do and then go eat."

"Alright."

Findenai guided me into a large tent. Inside it was Illuania holding Sevia, with the Dark Spiritualist protecting them from the side.

"Ah, you're awake!"

Illuania greeted me warmly.

Rather than this, I wished I could provide her with a better place for her postpartum recovery.

However, it seemed like she had waited for me to wake up.

That was fortunate.

"Illuania, there is one soul that has remained in this world in order to protect you and this child."

"Yes, I know. She also protected me at the hotel."

"And soon, that woman will fall into a deep sleep."

"...."

She would protect Illuania until she saw her child enter this world safely, letting out a smile.

That was the promise made between me and the woman with burns on her body.

"Would you consider letting the woman hold the child, even if it is just for a moment?"

I politely requested permission from Illuania, the mother, as it seemed only natural to do so.

Illuania smiled and nodded.

"Of course."

I immediately looked at the Dark Spiritualist. The reason she was here was none other than to ensure that the guardian spirit did not vanish before I arrived.

With the help of the Dark Spiritualist's mana, the female guardian spirit revealed herself again.

She, who had directly faced Horua's flames to protect Illuania, had lost her horrendous, resentful appearance from the past.

Now, she was barely able to maintain consciousness, her body dripping with cold sweat.

I reached out and welcomed her into my body.

It was just like when I allowed Owen's grandfather, Oster, to possess my hands.

This time, I entrusted my body to her, the guardian spirit.

She then slowly took my hand and reached out towards the baby.

Illuania handed over Sevia, who was wrapped in a swaddling blanket.

Once the child was in my embrace, my hand moved across the child's forehead on its own accord.

Kyaaa!

Sevia laughed as if there was something funny about it.

Then, various emotions that were not my own started spreading inside me.

Relief, gratitude, joy, happiness.

And regret.

[Ah.]

The woman's voice echoed within me, not from the pain of half her body being burned, but from the regret and determination of wandering in resentment after losing her child and dying.

[Was my child also this beautiful?]

I lightly nodded upon hearing her tearful voice.

"Certainly."

I had become one with the emotions I felt spreading within me.

[Thank you.]

With that, the woman who fought for her child even after death slowly closed her eyes, and finally entered into eternal rest.