Episode 15: Understanding is momentary, but responsibility is eternal
Yohan narrowed his eyes as he watched Cassis’s retreating figure.
“It seems I succeeded in diverting his attention to me.”
The last farewell Cassis offered was laced with murderous intent—a killing aura so intense it made his entire body bristle.
‘Making enemies unnecessarily is foolish, but he was bound to become an enemy anyway. Better to take the first strike like this.’
It was less frustrating to become an enemy this way, by showing off his relationship with Francia, than to quietly become enemies later.
“Are you alright? You must have overexerted yourself. Even if your mana has recovered, your body is another matter,” Francia asked with concern in her voice. Yohan smiled and ruffled her hair.
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. Turns out I have far more mana than I initially thought, so it didn’t take a toll on my body.”
Using Spiral Heaven Breaker consumes a significant amount of mana, but even after using it twice, he could still walk without issue.
This battle had taught Yohan something new: his mana reserves were far greater than he had realized.
“You never know your limits unless you push them.”
It was understandable that he didn’t know his own limits. Up until now, he had only used convenient daily spells or utility magic.
At most, he had demonstrated environmental manipulation in front of the Duke, which did require significant mana expenditure, but it was never enough to make him collapse.
“How far can I go?”
Though he still couldn’t fully gauge his limits, the situation looked promising. There was now a real possibility he could use transcendent magic, a tier above high-level magic.
“Still, shouldn’t you rest a bit more?” Francia asked.
“I appreciate your concern, but I really am fine,” Yohan replied, rolling up his sleeves and flexing his arms. “There’s no discomfort in moving my body, so you don’t have to worry.”
“Ugh…”
Despite his reassurances, Francia’s face was still full of worry. The light in her crimson eyes, which had gleamed under the moonlight, had long dimmed.
“…Many trials lie ahead,” she muttered softly. “There will be more lunatics targeting your life, just like this time.”
Her voice trembled. “Even if it’s all because of me, will you still be able to love me?”
Francia looked up and locked eyes with Yohan. Her trembling gaze mirrored the deep anxiety she carried within her.
“Let’s go inside first. This might take a while,” Yohan said, taking her hand. Francia nodded and quietly followed him into the tent.
“Francia, let me be clear about one thing. Once I make a decision, I see it through to the end. I never change my mind.”
He gazed Into her eyes as he spoke.
“I understand what you’re worried about. When faced with repeated hardships, it’s natural for people to grow weary. And when that happens, they tend to distance themselves from the source of their troubles.”
Yohan paused briefly before continuing, “But I don’t grow weary of those I love. Since our first night together, I’ve been captivated by you, and you’ve been captivated by me. We are bound by a shared heartbeat.”
Francia’s heart thudded loudly in her chest. The sound echoed in her ears, and Yohan couldn’t help but smile at the reaction.
“There’s a saying I know: Understanding is momentary, but responsibility is eternal. I don’t believe that saying exists without reason.”
If he had been afraid of the world’s villains, he would never have approached the Duke to negotiate in the first place.
If he had feared a life tied to someone destined for tragedy, he would have blamed Francia and run away.
He could have easily shut his eyes to his conscience, become a heartless scoundrel, and escaped the situation. Why choose to take responsibility?
Certainly, if the Duke found out, his life would be at risk. But Francia wouldn’t have betrayed him. That wasn’t the kind of person she was.
Still, Yohan had chosen to take responsibility—not out of guilt or obligation, but simply because he wanted to.
Perhaps, on that hazy, drunken night he couldn’t remember, he had unknowingly fallen for her.
Yohan gently cupped Francia’s cheek.
“So you don’t have to worry. No matter what happens, I will never betray you, Francia. Even if it costs me my life.”
Francia’s crimson eyes welled with tears. Something transparent and pure flowed down her face—grief and gratitude intermingled.
“If I asked you to follow me into hell, would you?”
“If that path could bring us happiness, I would gladly go.”
Yohan’s sly grin elicited an shy smile from Francia. She leaned into his chest and drew a deep breath.
“I’m truly happy.”
“So am I.”
“I’m happy because you’re my man.”
“And I’m happy because you’re my woman.”
“Hehe. You always have to get the last word.”
Suddenly, Francia tugged Yohan’s arm, pulling him onto the small, makeshift bed.
“It’s not the most comfortable place, but tonight is long.”
“….”
“Let’s make memories we’ll never forget.”
Francia wrapped her arms around Yohan’s neck and kissed him.
“Someone might come.”
“Everyone’s asleep now, so it’s fine.”
“Still, we should be cautious…”
“Enough.”
She pulled him back and kissed him again.
“Focus on me right now, okay?”
“….”
Yohan would have preferred to avoid this kind of situation in such a setting, but Francia’s persistent affection left him with no choice. He kissed her back.
The night of the full moon stretched on.
***
Late at Night…
“Haa…”
“Haaang…!”
Creaaaak. Creaaaak.
Inside the tent, the creaking of a makeshift bed mixed with the sweet moans of a man and a woman filled the air.
Creeaak…! Creeaaak…!
The movements grew more intense. Sounds of shared breaths, mingling lips, and intertwining tongues filled the air. Even without seeing, it was clear what was happening inside.
Outside the tent.
A man hid in the shadows where the moonlight couldn’t reach, his ears tuned sharply to the noises.
‘This… I didn’t expect this.’
It was Fedelian Rozino.
He had heard that Francia was lingering near Yohan Harsen’s tent late into the night, so he had come intending to strike up a conversation. But things had taken an unexpected turn.
‘…Haha. Interesting.’
Of course, such acts were natural for a couple who were promised to each other.
But—if the woman in question was someone who should belong to him, someone he desired yet couldn’t have—
‘Then I’ll have to kill him.’
The thought changed everything.
With a clenched fist, Fedelian’s nails dug into his palm, drawing blood. His golden eyes, characteristic of royalty, flickered with a menacing, murderous intent.
‘One day, for sure.’
He would kill him.
***
The Next Day
The reconnaissance mission in the demon lair concluded early.
Unexpected variables had played a part, but the primary reason was the consensus that continuing further wouldn’t be meaningful.
As the Officers recovered the fallen, Yohan’s expression hardened as he came across Tersis, frozen in death, his eyes open.
“I’m sorry. It must be cold enough already, and I’ve made it worse for you.”
Yohan gently used his handkerchief to cover Tersis’s unclosed eyes and frozen face.
‘Has someone already taken his dog tags?’
He had grown fond of the man’s bold personality and considerate nature. He hadn’t expected such an abrupt end.
Yohan clenched his fist tightly, the thought of the crown prince flashing through his mind.
‘You won’t leave this world in peace.’
As he glowered darkly, Francia reached out and held his hand.
“Deputy Commander, he was such a good person…”
“…That bastard will pay for his sins.”
Francia nodded, her expression firm as if she had steeled herself.
“Then let’s go. There’s still much to do.”
“Yes.”
Yohan and Francia rejoined the group.
At the front, Fedelian raised his sword high.
“All, observe a moment of silence! Pray for the peace of our fallen comrades on this reconnaissance mission!”
The officials and knights closed their eyes and clasped their hands together.
After about ten seconds, Fedelian raised his voice again.
“With this, the reconnaissance mission is concluded. Let us return!”
Though the mission had achieved its objectives and sustained relatively little loss, Yohan’s heart remained heavy.
‘The audacity of this lunatic is unbelievable.’
Watching Fedelian’s back, Yohan thought to himself. It was chilling how convincingly the man played the role of a righteous crown prince after orchestrating all the deaths.
‘Well, that’s why you’re the main villain and male lead of this tragic tale.’
Some readers might prefer such a character, but Yohan couldn’t understand it. While he’d respect their tastes, it wasn’t for him.
‘Anyway… with this, I’ve cleared the first quest of this story.’
Regardless of how things had unfolded, the Duke of Fervache would have no choice but to acknowledge him. After all, he’d brought back the head of a special-grade Demonic beast from their first reconnaissance mission.
Now, the remaining tasks were dealing with the male leads approaching Francia and countering the schemes of the villainesses.
‘This is going to be a headache.’
One of the main villains, Rudella Bismarck, hadn’t even started her schemes, and Cassis was just getting started.
The crown prince’s plot this time could even be considered a mere prelude.
‘Still, I don’t think I’ll lose.’
Facing the special-grade Demonic beast had proven it. His power was far greater than he’d thought.
The strength of The Book of Calamity alone was astounding. It had frozen a special-grade demon beast in an instant. With this power, even if he found himself in a dire situation, he could turn the tides.
Yohan gazed at Fedelian’s back as he led the group. The golden hair, shimmering like instant ramen noodles, swayed with every step of his horse.
‘…Fedelian will lay low for a while. Cassis will likely make his move next.’
Frankly, Yohan wasn’t sure what kind of ploy Cassis might attempt.
As a member of the first division of the royal knights, Cassis couldn’t interfere directly.
‘Still, I can’t afford to be careless.’
He was a man who had even dabbled in black magic to win Francia’s heart. With Fedelian stepping back for now, Cassis deserved top priority on his watchlist.
As Yohan brooded, a voice called out beside him.
“What are you thinking about so deeply?”
“…Violet.”
It was Violet Ratalan, the young lady of the Ratalan Marquis family.
She was a woman who admired Cassis, yet for some reason, displayed a keen interest in Yohan.
“This is a time to focus on riding. Please refrain from engaging in conversation.”
“Oh my, are you concerned for me? Don’t worry. I’m not careless enough to bite my tongue while talking.”
Yohan’s brow twitched. He had meant for her to stop talking to him altogether, yet she twisted his words like this. It was absurd.
“That wasn’t my intention. But it seems Violet is somewhat lacking in comprehension.”
He spoke bluntly, making it clear he didn’t want to talk to her. But Violet merely smiled and tilted her head slightly.
“Hehe. Playing hard to get, are you? I do find that charming, though.”
Yohan averted his gaze, examining Violet’s demeanor. She smiled brightly, but her intentions remained as inscrutable as ever.
‘I thought you were in love with Cassis.’
As far as Yohan knew, Violet Ratalan was utterly obsessed with Cassis Lenokhohen. He couldn’t understand why she was now showing interest in him.
“So, what is it you’d like to say?”
Violet’s lips curved into a sly smile.
“There’s a social gathering coming up soon. Since you’ll be attending as an esteemed mage, how about going with me as my partner?”
Yohan’s expression subtly darkened at her suggestion.
“I already have a lover.”
“Ah, you mean Lady Francia?”
After Francia’s actions the previous day, the officials and knights had all noticed that her relationship with Yohan was far from ordinary. Someone as perceptive as Violet had surely heard the rumors.
Even so, Violet continued speaking nonchalantly.
“Of course, I know. That’s why I’m asking. Be my partner anyway.”
Yohan narrowed his eyes at Violet.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask a man with a lover to be your partner.”
“Hehe. But you’re not engaged yet, are you?”
There was no reasoning with her. Yohan let out a deep sigh, his eyes sharpening.
“Violet. I have a lover, and I have no intention of betraying her. I don’t know what kind of scheme you’re planning, but if you’re trying to sow discord between us, you’d best stop now.”
His voice was firm, his tone resolute. That should’ve been enough for her to understand. Deciding there was no point in continuing the conversation, Yohan bowed slightly.
“I believe I’ve made myself clear. I trust you’ll understand. Excuse me.”
“Wait─”
Before she could finish her sentence, Yohan turned his horse and moved away, leaving her behind.
“……”
Watching him leave, Violet began to tremble all over.
“Ahaha.”
The fact that he didn’t fall for her so easily, the way he spoke, and even his face…
‘As I thought…’
She liked him.
No, she wanted him.
Her tongue ran across her lips.
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