This Book is Not Available for Subscription Under the Age of 18 - Chapter 193

Now, of all times? (3)

“I know you’re worried. But there won’t be any magic stones left, and I can use magic too, so it’ll be fine.”

“I’m anxious.”

“If anything happens, I’ll teleport straight to the Thirty Six Stratagem.”

“I think I should go with you.”

Merson firmly grasped my hand. Almost painfully. Although frowning from his pain, he didn’t release his strength.

“You’re hurting me.”

“If I don’t hold on like this, it feels like I might lose you.”

“Even if you don’t hold on, or rather, if you let go, I’ll be sticking close to you like a leech from now on.”

“…I’m anxious.”

His feelings were conveyed to me. It was the kind of fear that if I took just one step too carelessly, I might slip into an unknown darkness.

Approaching Merson, I embraced him tightly with one arm.

“Don’t think like that. It hurts my heart.”

“Can’t I go with you?”

It was difficult to see him in such anxiety. And I, too, felt that if he stayed by my side, I would gain courage as if I had obtained a formidable army.

But there was something to ask Serdebella. Something very discreet.

What does it mean to open the door? The question remained unanswered. The only clue I had about why I ended up here was Serdebella Renee.

“Merson.”

“Please.”

Finally, he let go, or so I thought, but now he embraced me even tighter, as if my body was about to break.

“….Let’s go.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But please give me some time alone with Serdebella. If things get dangerous, or if you feel some divine energy, rush to me.”

It was the best compromise I could come up with. Merson couldn’t respond immediately to my words. There was undoubtedly something dissatisfying about it. However, he didn’t throw a fit anymore and just stopped there.

“…ung.”

As a compliment, I gently stroked his back.

“When we return safely, there’s something I want to say.”

“What is it?”

“Not now. It’ll be a very long story, and it might turn out to be a very happy one.”

I will reveal everything. I’m tired of secrets now.

I will show Merson everything, raw without hiding it. From the fact that I am not actually a person from this world, to the fact that our second generation may be in this belly.

The next day, as it was time to leave the imperial city, I could finally meet the Emperor. I realized anew that an Emperor of a country is a presence even more difficult to meet than the Demon King.

“Being an emperor is definitely not an easy job.”

“Is that what you say as soon as you see me?”

“If you look at your past records, it’s not an unreasonable thing to say.”

“Did the Demon King experience any discomfort while staying in the imperial palace?”

He ignored my words and greeted Merson lightly.

I wanted to tease the Emperor a bit more, but considering his situation where he couldn’t treat me comfortably due to Merson’s watchful eyes, I decided to endure it for now. Consider yourself lucky.

“I have no good feelings towards you.”

“I know. That’s inevitable.”

Hey, what’s up with this atmosphere?

The Emperor bowed to Merson and gave a respectful posture for a while. Then, as he lifted himself up and looked at me, I was surprised and my body shook.

Why, why?

“I’m sorry and thank you.”

“I don’t think I did anything to deserve those words.”

“I’ve learned a lot thanks to you. And I apologize for leaving you alone.”

“Oh, the underground prison of Theron Abitz? That was horrifying. But it’s okay. In the end, Merson, no, the Demon King came to rescue me.”

The Emperor forced a bitter smile.

“Yes, you have the Demon King by your side.”

“I guess there’s nothing new about that.”

“That seems like a statement that only applies to you.”

Haha, is that so?

While I was still smiling, Merson grabbed my shoulder and pulled me closer. Why is he doing this again?

“Erina, aren’t you late?”

“I didn’t schedule anything, but I don’t have much time to spare as well.”

“Then let’s go quickly.”

I nodded and was about to shake off Merson’s hand clinging to my shoulder. However, he held me even tighter. Ah, right. Let’s go.

“Next time we meet, I’ll show you some respect.”

“What?”

“As the Demon Queen… right.”

I felt a bit awkward for no reason. And I’m not used to receiving such treatment. It’s actually more comfortable to have a casual conversation.

“No, there’s no need to do that… Oh, Merson. He’s still talking….”

Snap!

A blue light enveloped us, and soon the rustling nausea came. Merson forcibly teleported us.

As soon as my mind cleared a bit, I slapped his forearm hard, making a thudding sound.

“I have to prepare myself when we teleport!”

“I didn’t want you to talk for a long time with the Emperor who you think is your first love.”

“Huh? How long are you going to keep bringing that up? And why are you so bold?”

“Just look at me.”

“Ahh, I told you many times that I only see you!”

Alright, alright. I was the one who slapped him, but the impact was on me too. Ah, my hand is numb. On the other hand, Merson looks perfectly fine. When I shot a glance at him, he suddenly rubbed his forearm, pretending to be in pain.

“…That just makes me more angry.”

By the way, where are we?

After teleporting, I couldn’t even grasp where I was due to the meaningless bickering. While diverting my gaze from Merson and looking around, I could easily figure out the answer without much thought.

My body, which had been relaxed, tensed up again with a sense of urgency. Merson’s fingers touched my stiffened hand, tapping gently.

“We’re in front of the temple.”

“I know.”

Although I said we’re going, when it actually came to the place, I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

The image of Merson, who suffered severe injuries in this place, flashed through my mind. Just thinking about that moment made my chest tighten.

However, there was no intention to step back as my determination was firm. I had no intention of turning away when the situation had come to this point in the first place…

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