Epilogue
The capital of Amarantha had turned into a red desert. To restore prosperity to the empire buried under sand dunes, countless efforts would be required. A tent was set up over the red desert. Inside, protected by knights, Elia and Varlan faced each other.
“Brother, you must ascend the throne.”
Varlan remained silent in response to Elia’s plea. In the brief period since the sun had vanished from the land, much had changed. In the darkness, the emperor had been killed by a monster, and his body was scattered. The empress, who witnessed his death up close, lost her sanity. It was a tragic and pitiful end, unworthy of an emperor and empress.
‘It’s hard to tell if this is even revenge.’
Nevertheless, the throne could not remain vacant for long. With the state funeral over, Varlan had to inherit the throne.
“I wonder if I am fit to be the emperor,” Varlan questioned himself. Elia merely smiled gently at her brother’s introspection.
“You are worthy, Brother. You tried to face the truth till the end.”
Among her family, Varlan was the only one who neither avoided nor exploited the truth. Elia carefully held Varlan’s hand.
“Please, open a world where minorities are not oppressed.”
If diversity collapses, the world will also self-destruct. Having experienced this twice already, there could be no third mistake. Varlan, looking at Elia holding his hand, finally nodded.
“Then, I will take my leave now.”
“Are you going to him?”
“Yes.”
Varlan’s eyes showed unease at her immediate response.
“Elia, perhaps…”
His voice trailed off, but Elia had already sensed what Varlan was worried about.
‘He must be concerned about my happiness.’
Such a kind person. Elia opened her mouth, believing that someone like Varlan should indeed be emperor.
“I am happy by Aksion’s side.”
More than anyone else, she felt at peace with him. At her words, Varlan nodded. Elia turned her back to him and exited the tent.
She mounted a white horse and headed towards where Aksion was. Desert and cliffs, and the sea below. It was a place where peculiar nature intertwined. Aksion stood there, facing the sea breeze from atop the cliff.
“I am here.”
Aksion turned his head. The sea he was looking at contained the ashes of Tartan, scattered as per his will to be buried at sea instead of the north. Aksion, who had been holding back his words, sighed deeply.
“I never thought I would have to send him off like this.”
They had been enemies since birth. Always aiming to overcome the duke, but not like this.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier.”
Duke Tartan had a terminal illness. Only Elia, the duke, and his personal physician knew. He realized his sins too late. When he tried to repent, he got caught in Sharon’s thread. When the duke regained his senses, his burden of guilt had only grown heavier.
‘He hoped to lessen his sins, even just a bit.’
That’s why he risked bringing the Sun Sword. He also fought against monsters till the end.
“No, the duke would have wanted that too.”
Aksion shook his head. Even until the last moment, father and son couldn’t reconcile. Elia, who had been watching him for a while, handed him a letter. It was what Tartan had entrusted to her at the end.
“…I received it well.”
Aksion didn’t open the letter immediately, instead, he quietly placed it deep inside his clothes. Someday, he hoped to have the courage to open it.
‘And I hope all the pain remaining in Aksion’s heart will be healed.’
As Elia earnestly wished, he reached out his hand.
“Shall we go home now?”
“Yes, let’s go quickly.”
Elia held his hand. It was time to go home.
* * *
The northern region was also affected by the changes in the capital. The climate in Mahart’s territory became milder, and with the perfect closing of the demonic realm, the number of monsters significantly decreased. In short, it became a land more suitable for human habitation. The northern region, which previously only had short springs and winters, now boasted distinct four seasons, becoming even more beautiful.
The succession ceremony was held on a warm summer day. Aksion was no longer an heir but the head of the Mahart family.
“Congratulations.”
Jacob and the Silver Knights, along with guild members, did not hold back their congratulations. Additionally, Elia also became both the princess of Amarantha and the duchess.
That night, the day the Mahart family had a new master.
‘This is our first time using the marital bedroom.’
Only the head and mistress of the Mahart family could use the marital bedroom in the duke’s castle. They had freely visited each other’s rooms, but using the same room was a different matter altogether. Elia sat on the bed in the marital bedroom, waiting for him.
Thump, thump.
Her heart pounded anxiously, and she pressed her chest with her hand. The thin slip that the maids had dressed her in, and the stronger-than-usual perfume, made her feel uncomfortable. As if.
‘It feels like our first night.’
At the sudden thought, Elia’s cheeks turned red. Just then, she heard the sound of the door opening. When she looked up, there he was. His slightly wet hair, smooth cheeks, and the deep gaze looking at her—all caught Elia’s eye. Unconsciously, she avoided his gaze. For some reason, she was too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
“Elia?”
At his puzzled question, Elia only moved her lips without sound. His shadow approached her and cast over her. Aksion lifted her chin with his fingertips.
The gaze they shared contained a fierce desire to possess.
“I want you to promise me one thing.”
“Yes?”
At the sudden words, Elia blinked.
“Never again order me not to save you.”
From now on, we will become one. Telling her to push away the same body was too cruel, and Elia bit her lip at his words. It was a punishment for when Elia had risked herself to save him.
“…I promise.”
When Elia slowly nodded, a faint laugh was heard. Soon, a deep kiss followed, igniting the first flames. The night to share eternity began with the rise of the first star.
* * *
Three years after the capital was covered in sand. Mahart’s territory became even more prosperous. The previously slow development due to the climate flourished in the mild weather. It was all possible because of the two masters managing the territory.
All the people of the land praised the Mahart couple. It was a warm spring day when Fiona from the spirit family came to the north on vacation with her twins.
Elia welcomed Fiona and the children.
“Welcome, Fiona. Kids.”
“Thank you for having us. Twins, greet properly.”
“Elia!”
“Elia, sister!”
Rain and Rena ran to Elia and hugged her. The children, who had once only reached her waist, had grown to her shoulder height.
‘Children grow so quickly. But they’re still adorable.’
The twins had greatly helped in creating a defensive line to save people when monsters were rampant. While the children played in the garden, Elia had tea time with Fiona.
“How is the capital?”
“Almost fully restored.”
Fiona shared news about the capital. Since Varlan became emperor, the restoration progressed swiftly. The imperial city, rebuilt after removing the red sand, regained its prosperity, and the emperor was helping minority descendants to become self-sufficient.
“It’s a relief that everything is getting back in place.”
Elia sighed in relief. Fiona, watching her, widened her eyes.
“Oh my?”
“Why do you ask?”
As Elia asked back, the children ran over. The spirits summoned by Rain and Rena hovered around Elia.
“The spirits keep talking to Elia.”
“They seem to sense something about Elia.”
The water spirit rubbed its cheek against Elia’s belly. Watching this, Fiona covered her mouth with a fan.
“Could it be?”
A small exclamation echoed in the garden. Elia also realized what the spirit’s behavior meant.
Despite their never-ending honeymoon, they had concerns, particularly about a new life between them.
‘Is it really?’
Had the long-awaited baby angel finally come to her?
While Elia was stroking her belly, Aksion, returning from an outing, approached her.
“Elia? Is there a problem?”
Elia and Aksion made eye contact.
“Aksion.”
Elia stood up and hugged him tightly. As she whispered softly to him, Aksion’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I love you, Elia.”
“I love you too.”
Their sweet words of love mingled with the spring day. A new life was budding by their side.
〈End〉
and with this, this novel has come to an end. It’s been less than 2 months, but i’ve already grown attached to Elia and Aksion, despite the few 100 chaptersthey stayed with us…
Thank you so much everyone for supporting and reading this series until now, as the time of uploading this i’ve already uploaded on my kofi the volume version of the novel, if some of you prefer to read it that way!
Once again, thank you, and i hope to see you soon with my other novels!
midori
thanks for translating! i did enjoy the novel, was not satisfied with some points, like the couple hiding suff from each other, but oh well, things turned out fine in the end, ahahaha!