Epilogue (Part 1) ─ Regulus and Mary

Everything had ended.

The children of the dark mother of fertility were defeated by Regulus, and the eight knights of the Walt Empire were eliminated.

Even Hades lay lifeless on the ground, with no more dangers in sight.

At least, that's what one would believe if Hades' body hadn't moved.

He stood up as if nothing had happened, despite missing half of his upper body along with his head.

A portal opened, and the corpse stepped through it, transporting itself to a beautiful forest illuminated by a black sun.

Once inside, Hades' body regenerated.

There, sitting and eating a golden apple while reading a book, was Nero.

He noticed his friend's presence.

"Hmm? Oh, Hades. You've finally returned."

Hades shook his head as he brushed off the dirt and blood from his clothes.

"I'm back. How did it go with the declaration?"

"Great. The dragon tried to kill me, and I put up a bit of a fight. I only managed to injure one of its claws before fleeing."

"Really?"

"Yes. I wanted to tear off its arm, but the basilica had excellent defenses, and I could barely get close."

"It doesn't matter."

Hades commented as he sat down and took an apple from the tree.

"Our objective is just beginning."

"By the way,"

He swallowed his food and told Nero that he had finally met him.

"I met that Regulus."

"Oh! Really? How did it go?"

Nero asked excitedly.

"He defeated me. I was too confident and ended up humiliated."

"Even the cursed seedlings were defeated."

"His mother will be angry with me."

"But..."

His expression of sadness faded, replaced by a sinister smile.

"Now I understand what you said. He is a unique existence."

"In that desperation that the dark gods need to feed and rise, he managed to find a way to stand out and gain tremendous power."

"He gained a power that is impossible for anyone else to obtain."

"I'm excited. There are still more destinies where we can summon the children of the Supremes and thus contaminate this world with their malice and depravity so that their parents can come and be pleased with our work."

"Yes. I understand you. We have a lot of work to do."

In that perverse conversation, Nero smiled like a child listening to the most pleasant talk.

Meanwhile, Hades planned to do more sinister things.

They rested in the only place outside this world that is their home. The Black Eden.

◇◇◇

The great nobles of the Alzer Magic Empire gathered immediately after being summoned.

One of them was still sleepy.

"Why are we being called so early? I want to sleep."

His companion asked him to be quiet.

"Silence, we are in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor."

In front of them was a large man with long white hair and blue eyes.

Despite his advanced age, his body was toned.

A large beard extended almost to his chest.

"How is the investigation going on that man? The one who dares to steal our name and use it as his own."

"The Mage God Alzel is his name,"

responded one of the great nobles.

"I don't care what his name is. I want you to find him and kill his entire family and loved ones."

"Anyone who dares to mock the empire, to mock me, the Emperor Rudeldolph Ford Rothstein, will be executed in the worst possible way."

◇◇◇

Meanwhile, in another part of the continent.

The royal palace of the Principality of Rosenheid was in a predicament.

"How is it that they tried to kidnap the second princess?"

"Will the kingdom take responsibility for this?"

After the events of that day, Princess Cloe and her entourage returned immediately without saying goodbye to Mary and the others.

Upson immediately told a bunch of lies to justify why he did nothing.

Many believed him, others did not.

But the kingdom itself sent an ambassador to explain what happened based on their investigation.

The ministers were angry because they had hoped to provoke a conflict.

But there was someone who didn't care about that, only the princess's well-being.

"Cloe. Clolivia, I'm so glad you're safe."

"Rachelle onee-sama, you're suffocating me."

Cloe was being hugged by a girl identical to her, the only difference being that Cloe had a larger chest while her older sister, the princess and first queen of the principality, Rachelle Zera Rosenheid, did not.

"Cloe, I was so scared I couldn't believe it."

"I'm glad you're safe."

"I'm fine. It's thanks to them that I'm okay."

Cloe smiled as she recalled that day; it was terrifying, and she was scared.

But she was saved by people who were not from her country, people who protected her and vowed to get her out of there.

People she could deep down call friends.

"Even though we are from different nations, I'm happy to have more bonds with people I can trust."

Her sister hugged her firmly.

(I'll protect you, Cloe.)

(I'm protecting you even now by not telling you that it was Upson and the others who conspired in the assassination of our parents.)

(This country is rotten. But you're my only family.)

(Even if I have to sell my soul to the devil, I'll protect you at all costs.)

◇◇◇

"That concludes my report."

"I see."

The royal palace of the kingdom was still in crisis due to what had happened.

Even though they managed to interrogate Aldrake to make him talk, there were many holes in his story.

But they couldn't delve further because he committed suicide.

The king was listening to the report from Roxy, the saint of the sword.

"It seems that things between the theocracy and the kingdom of domination are very frightening."

"At this rate, a war could break out across the continent. What could those people be thinking?"

Commented an old man sitting in a chair, despite being in the ministers' section.

That old man was the younger brother of the former king and uncle of the current king, Jared Noel Rosenthal.

Jared took the throne once but retired due to the pressure and moved to the academy, where he works as a professor.

But occasionally, they ask for his opinion.

The king nodded at his uncle's words.

"You're right. But let's remember that our country is neutral."

"You may go, Roxy."

"At your command."

The beautiful woman with white hair returned to her position, where three other men were standing.

She angrily asked them.

"Can I know why the senpais I adored and thought were the strongest ended up in such a pitiful state?"

She sent a furtive glance at Tyler and Gram.

They were covered in wounds and bandages all over their bodies.

Tyler, embarrassed, tried to explain.

"How to explain it? It was a surprise attack, and I was drunk."

"That's no excuse!"

"I remember when I was a simple recruit like everyone else, you made me go through hellish training and said that you must always be awake even in your dreams."

"And look at you, senpai. It looks like your wife gave you a beating."

"..."

"In my case, I have no words to say. My opponent was superior to me and left me no choice."

Tyler was embarrassed, while Gram was honest. Roxy was very gentle with him.

"I see. I suppose if someone puts you in a bind, it's because they were very strong."

"Hey! Why do you treat Gram like a caring mother but treat me like a father who comes home late?"

She looked at Tyler with a murderous, fiery gaze.

"That's because you're the oldest and should set an example! Look at him!"

"He has an excuse since he was traveling with his son Matt! You don't!"

The man beside Roxy was the vice-captain of the dark knights, Belange Zora Crossfode, one of the great nobles.

(There they are. Fighting like children.)

(I'm too old for this, but my son still can't take my place since he's a student at the academy.)

Belange sighed, wishing he could retire already.

But among the ministers, there was someone who was not happy with what had happened.

(Damn it. In the end, everything turned out worse than I feared.)

Marquis Fredman was biting his nails, hoping that Aldrake hadn't said a word about him or anyone he knew.

(The Black Rose has a decree to forgive no one. No matter who they are.)

He was scared that it would be discovered that he was responsible for this incident.

(Damn it. Not only did I end up making a fool of myself with the members of the Rose, but they also annihilated the Walt army.)

(Whoever was responsible for this, I'll make them pay with their miserable lives!)

◇

Today was the day we were going to the royal palace to give our report.

Apparently, the king wanted to hear it from our own mouths and grant us the reward.

I found out later that Mary and some other girls had been kidnapped and rescued by Cedric. Even Alice was a target.

Well, Russell was also a victim of it, along with Tyler.

I was sitting on the same couch as him because I needed to tell him something.

"What's wrong?"

"You seem like you want to tell me something, but the words aren't coming out."

Russell said. And he's right; I really have to thank him.

If it weren't for that technique, everyone would be dead.

But I don't want to say it.

I feel like the moment I say it, I'll lose my dignity.

But why would I lose it?

Part of me doesn't understand why I reject Russell as if he were an insect. Our beginning wasn't the best, but I don't hate him enough to expel him from my life. He gave me a handkerchief.

"What's this?"

"Mary and the others are still recovering."

"Let's train a bit."

"Now?"

"It won't take long."

"… Okay."

We stood up and went to the courtyard. There, he said to me:

"Put that handkerchief around your eyes."

"Why should I?"

"Because I'm going to teach you a new technique."

I complied without protest since his technique had saved my life before.

"Alright. What now?"

"Now…"

I asked him, and he answered with an incomplete phrase before touching my shoulders.

"It was terrifying."

"Huh?"

I didn't understand what he meant.

"What you described and what the guards reported."

"It must have been tough being in that situation."

"Regulus. You were brave to face those things. You saved everyone here, including those you love."

"You don't need to act tough."

"If you want to cry, cry."

"If you want to ask for help, shout. And if there's no one around, I'll come to help you."

"You're still a kid. But you don't have bad intentions."

"I'm sure that one day you'll achieve your dream, and if you allow me, I'd like to see it."

I removed the handkerchief from my eyes and saw Russell smiling from ear to ear.

I finally understood why his presence bothered me. This body feels sadness for having left its family and believes that Russell is a paternal figure erasing that family.

For that reason, it also implies that I'm growing fond of him.

After thinking about it, I can't say anything bad about him. He's helped me a lot, and thanks to him, I defeated those creatures.

If I could state a truth about him, it's that I see Russell more as a life mentor than a swordsman. I hope this doesn't become a weakness.

I wiped the tears from my face and removed the handkerchief.

"Stop saying nonsense. I'll become a Sword God someday."

"Russell! Regu-chan! We're ready."

Mary opened the door leading to the courtyard and called us to come in.

I turned around and, before taking a step, said:

"Thank you."

"If you hadn't taught me that technique, I would never have won."

I continued on my way, and then he put his arm around my neck.

"Huh?"

"Hahaha. You're a tsundere brat."

"If it's so painful for you to say thanks, I can't imagine how you'll be when you ask for a favor, hahaha."

"Don't laugh! I really hate you!"

Despite saying that, I didn't feel disgusted by the moment and even felt warmth.

◇

The audience with the king went smoothly.

There were many details I can't disclose, as they would be too lengthy. But I'll only mention the most important points.

Mary was recognized as an honorary knight, and not only that. She was awarded a scholarship to study at the academy as a token of gratitude for helping to clear the name of a foreign princess, as well as the daughter of a count and a duke.

Then came Russell, who was rewarded with the rank of baron, and thus received his own surname. He is now Russell Zora Thorwald.

And last but not least, me!

Since I was the one who defeated those creatures and saved the daughter of an important noble, I was granted not just one, but two promotions.

I started as a baron and was then promoted to count. I hope that in the future I can become a duke, as I heard that dukes are the most important people after the royal family. For that reason, I was given a surname; my full name is now Regulus Zora Leonhard.

Mary and the others were amazed.

We went to celebrate at a barbecue restaurant. Russell and the count started drinking beer, while Alice and the others were shouting with joy as they got easily drunk.

Mary stood up and took my hand; we went outside and looked at the moon.

"It's really stuffy in there."

"I know."

"It was quite a hectic afternoon."

"Hehe. Now we can both go to the academy."

"Rose-chan was speechless. But that means I'll be able to see Esther-chan and the other girls again."

"That's good."

On this chilly night, Mary seemed a bit strange, as if she had brought me outside to say something she didn't want anyone else to hear.

I asked just in case.

"Mary. Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"More importantly, Regu-chan, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Do you love me?"

"Of course. You're my girlfriend."

"Then…"

The festive atmosphere was erased by a hum that came from her mouth.

"Why did you decide to take my mom as your next woman?"

"… Huh?"

Suddenly, a cold chill ran down my spine.

It was true that I wanted to tell her the truth. But I didn't know how she found out.

"Answer. Or did you expect to keep it a secret from me for life?"

"I…"

"Don't try to deny it. I've known from the beginning."

"The day my mom sent me to buy some pastries to celebrate our first month, I saw you enter the kitchen and kiss her. She didn't resist and accepted it."

Since I had entered stealthily, no one noticed me. But I was very angry.

Deep down, I wanted to yell at both of them and hit them.

Despite saying that, her foot moved to my rear.

"Now I feel better."

She said after taking a deep breath.

"I spent several days pretending nothing happened. But then Alice and the other girls came, even after we arrived here."

"I saw my mother enter your room and then leave."

"So, Regu-chan, if you don't want our relationship to be hell for you and her, start talking."

"I waited a long time for them to say something, but my patience wore thin. I'm not stupid not to notice the look she gave you."

Mary was smiling, but her gaze showed her anger. Her tone of voice was like someone who had lost a family member.

I sighed deeply and told her everything that happened. Her expression changed with every word I spoke until the inevitable happened.

"I see. So, you're the one responsible for all this."

She said as she threw me to the ground and put her hands on my neck.

"Regu-chan, tell me why you are like this. Isn't having a girlfriend enough for you? Do you want more?"

Her fingers began to apply pressure, but it was losing its strength to the point where it didn't matter to her.

Tears finally ran down her cheeks.

"Tell me, am I not enough for you?"

I quickly got up and hugged her.

"You're wrong, Mary. You're wrong!"

"I love you. That's an undeniable fact."

I made sure she looked at my face; she didn't want to see me.

"I love you, but I also love your mother."

"Huh?"

Immediately, she punched me for telling her the truth.

"How the hell do you think it's okay to tell your girlfriend that? You idiot!"

"What I wanted to know was if I'm not enough for you! Not that you also love my mother!"

"I already knew all that and didn't hit you for that!!"

I rolled on the ground and reacted to what I had said.

"What do you mean?"

Mary stopped crying and wiped her tears.

"I know my mother better than anyone. She always told me everything that happened to her, wanting me to tell her everything I experienced as well."

"More than anything because of mutual trust. I didn't mind doing it."

"But I could see that my mom also had her secrets. Things she didn't want to tell me because she thought I couldn't handle it, like debts or threats she received."

"But when we met you, I'm sure she must have felt happy because I now had someone to trust, but at the same time, she felt lonely."

"So when you dared to seduce her, mom gave in out of weakness. But if you say you love her and mom didn't tell me anything…"

Mary looked at me with wet but happy eyes.

"It means she found happiness for herself. The problem is with you."

"That's why I have these mixed feelings. Because I want to know if you truly love my mother or if you're just playing with her."

"Depending on your answer, our relationship will either break or not. The same goes for Alice and the others."

"I want to know what you really feel."

Mary demanded the truth; I couldn't tell her the whole truth. So I only told her the truth of what I felt.

"I don't know what love is. I just interpret what I believe."

"So when I say I love you, I respond with what I think love is."

"I want to see you smile, make you happy, and make sure nothing happens to you. But I also feel the same way about Shannon, Alice, and the others."

"I can't guarantee that I won't meet other girls."

Mary looked at me threateningly after hearing that.

"You. Do you have the guts to say that, you know?"

"I know. But it's true what I say."

"I'm not lying, just like my desire to become a Sword God."

I said the words my mouth didn't want to say.

"Mary. Do you want to continue being my girlfriend?"

I was expecting a negative response accompanied by a punch. But the opposite happened.

She threw herself at me and kissed me.

"You're a rare crossroads. But you've shown me how much you care. I know you're trying your best to be honest with me, and that means more than you can imagine."

Her lips were warm and gentle against mine, and the kiss was filled with a mix of frustration, relief, and affection. After pulling away slightly, she looked into my eyes with a tender but serious expression.

"Regu-chan, I'm not saying this is easy. It's complicated, and I have my doubts. But I can't deny my feelings for you, and I don't want to lose you."

I held her close, feeling her heartbeat against mine.

"I appreciate your honesty, and I want to be with you, despite everything. Just promise me that you'll always be truthful with me. If you ever decide to pursue something else or someone else, tell me upfront."

"I promise," I said sincerely.

Mary nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of relief and determination. She stepped back a little but kept her hand in mine.

"Let's go back inside. We still have a celebration to attend."

"Alright."

As we walked back to the restaurant, I couldn't shake the feeling that this moment marked a turning point in our relationship. Mary and I had faced a significant challenge, and although the future remained uncertain, we had taken an important step in understanding each other better.

Inside, the party was still in full swing. The laughter and joy seemed to have intensified, and it felt as if the world had returned to its celebratory state. Mary and I rejoined the group, our hands still intertwined, and I felt a sense of contentment and resolve.

The rest of the evening was a blur of laughter, music, and the warmth of friends and allies celebrating our victories and new titles. Mary's presence beside me was a comforting reminder of the bond we shared, and the challenges we faced together had only strengthened it.

She threw herself at me and gave me a kiss.

"You're a rare crossroads. But you've shown me how much you love me, so I'll give you a chance."

"Don't lie to me. Whatever you do or whatever happens to you, tell me about it."

She said this and then hugged me.

"I really love you. I want to believe in you, but I also want you to believe in me."

"I'll tell you something that happened to me that day, but I also want you to tell me things you wouldn't tell anyone else."

Mary is truly a wonderful woman.

I took her hand and we went back to eat.

"Alright. I'll tell you everything, but in due time."

"Hehe, I wonder what Mom will think when she finds out I accepted her relationship with you."

"Huh? Really?"

"Of course. You better make my mom as happy as you make me. Or do you think you'll get away with it?"

"I will! I'll do my best!"

After saying that, my life progressed as if nothing had happened.

Yes, my life with Mary and the others is something I cherish.

________________

The fanservice will be all the waifus from the novel, but it will be in two parts.

Luvia

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/6950484

Lidvia

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7128728

Julie

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7501737

Cloe

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7520508

Esther

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7994470

Lyla

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7389869