Chapter 176 (2/2)

Despite alo, there was a sense of cals that I should’ve been doing right now: helping Aya if her battle hadn’t already ended, inforht now, I couldn’t In this weakened state, I couldn’t help them even if I wanted to, so I relented to my body’s wish and rested

I leanedalmost therapeutic I usually never let hts of wistful fantasies, but right now, I felt like I deserved it Letting ine hts, even if they wouldn’t necessarily corown up— a beard—with a family of my own Tess’ face popped into e to continue my reverie But I deserved this little fantastical break

So I let the scenes continue Tess looked older, htly at soe of red She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before glancing upward at le step toward ot on her toes as she closed her eyes Her blush deepened and her long lashes quivered

Just as she pursed her lips, Tessia was suddenly ripped out of uelyin front of me, just a few feet away

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It was me The former me

What makes you think you can have this happiness—that you deserve this happiness? The former me spoke, or rather, a formless voice echoed from its location

After what you did to theet and move on? They died because of your choices They paid the price for your selfishness

Whether you’re King Grey or Arthur Leywin, you can only exist alone

Whether you’re King Grey or Arthur…

… Grey or Arthur…

… Arthur…

“Arthur!”

I jolted awake In front of me was Aya

Her expression immediately untensed and a flicker of relief shone in her eyes “You wouldn’t wake up noto worry that soht”

“I’m just a bit tired” I mustered a slad you’re okay”

Staring at the elven lance, I noticed that her face was much paler than it usually was, but besides that there weren’t any visible wounds “How did it go on your side?”

Aya’s expression darkened “A few of the Alacryan soldiers were able to escape As for the traitor, I was able to execute him”

Traitor Execute I mulled over the elf’s choice of words It was as if she was distancing herself from the fact that she had killed a former comrade I couldn’t blame her; Olfred’s death left a bitter taste in er than I had

“What about Mica?” I asked

Aya shook her head “I ca my job at the Alacryan’s hidden base to help you, but I see that it was unnecessary”

For a briefthe lance about Seris and how she had helpedbehind it, but I wanted to know“It was a hard battle, but I was able to defeat him with Sylvie’s help”

There was a flash of doubt in Aya’s eyes but she ilad the both of you got through this in one piece We’ve won”

“Thanks,” I said, petting Sylvie’s body “It doesn’t feel like on though Wewith it, a member of the Council and a lance—maybe even two”

“I think it’s safe to leave it at just one lance,” Aya replied as she idly stared at Uto, whose frozen body I had left upright

“So Mica wasn’t a part of it?”

Aya shook her head “She still needs to be questioned but I highly doubt it”

I let out a sigh, resting ainst Sylvie’s body I could feel ain—ainside her drea along with this retainer’s interrogation, It’s going to be hectic e get back to the castle,” I said, more to myself than to Aya

The lance let out a soft chuckle as she stretched “It definitely will be, so get some rest here while you can”

I s t there would be too much on my mind to rest: What to think about Seris’ actions; how to utilize the horns to get stronger; and how to explain the recurring nightmares about my past life However, in the battle between my body andlull of sleep