Chapter 826
Side Story 01. [After Story] Ash
And they all lived happily ever after.
…if only life could be summarized that easily.
Reality, however, is never that simple.
"Your Grace! This is an emergency!"
In the 657th year of the Empire.
Five years after the final battle against the monster.
At the Duchy of Bringar, in the office of the Duke of Bringar.
"There's flooding along the Iris River basin…!"
"A wildfire has broken out in the dried-up forests from the winter!"
"The western desert region is requesting the agreed-upon food aid!"
"The steam engineering research facility we were constructing with other races has exploded again!"
"An envoy from the Everblack Empire is requesting an audience! They'll be arriving this afternoon!"
"…"
As urgent reports and letters poured in, piling up into a mountain on my desk, I—the Duke of Bringar—could only stare blankly with my mouth agape.
"…"
What… is this?
I was certain we won the final battle and reached a happy ending.
Why am I here, stuck in an endless paperwork defense game? Why? This isn't even a New Game Plus mode!
"When is this damn endless paperwork and stamp-signing defense going to end?!"
Bang!
Unable to hold back any longer, I slammed my desk and shouted furiously.
"Hey! Sunflower seed-loving assistant!"
"You gave me a new name, Daram, remember? Daram! Please start calling me properly!"
As soon as I called out sunflower seed-loving… no, Bodybag… no, my aide, 'Daram,' corrected me while darting out from the side.
Almost on the verge of tears, I yelled at Daram.
"Why is there so much work to do?! My subordinates are competent, aren't they? Why does every single approval need to go through me?!"
"You must be suffering from short-term memory loss due to overwork, Your Grace! Since you've forgotten again, I'll explain it to you once more!"
Matching my shouting with her own, Daram retorted without backing down.
"Because of you, who brought a whirlwind of reforms to the duchy, tasks requiring your direct approval have piled up like a mountain!"
"Oh, uh… did I…?"
"Yes, all of it! Every single bit of it! It's all because of you, Your Grace!"
She seemed genuinely upset, having been dragged into this paperwork defense with me. Tears welled up in Daram's eyes… I'm sorry.
Unable to withstand her sharp glare, I reached out my right hand and used a skill to summon reinforcements. Damn it, I need backup!
"Summon Ally!"
I called out the name of my most loyal subordinate.
"Lucas! Get here immediately!"
…
But only silence followed.
"Huh?"
Despite my desperate call, Lucas didn't appear. Awkwardly, I stared at my empty hand.
"Wait, what's wrong with my summoning skill…?"
I hesitated and called again, this time more timidly.
"Lucas? Where are you?!"
"You're really not in a good state today, Your Grace! Don't you remember?!"
Instead of the large golden retriever-like knight who used to appear instantly, my squirrel-cheeked aide placed a new file on my desk and reminded me.
"Sir Lucas just went on leave yesterday! He rushed off to Crossroad to see his wife as soon as he got his vacation!"
Oh.
Right.
Lucas finally got a break yesterday after months of work. And the moment he did, he bolted to Crossroad…
"That damned henpecked husband! He used to say that loyalty to his lord came first as a knight! And now his wife is his top priority?!"
Naturally, the person Lucas married was Evangeline.
One year after the war ended—four years ago—they got married.
By the way, it was a joint wedding. Serenade and I also got married on that day… Man, what a crazy day that was…
'Ack!'
I quickly dragged my thoughts back to reality before I got lost in memories. Sweet yet bitter wedding memories can wait for later; the present matters now!
"Anyway, I can't lose to him!"
Lucas isn't the only one who got married! I did too!
If that's how it is, I'll go see my wife too!
"Summon Ally!"
No, my wife will come to me!
"Honey!"
The moment I cried out, the office door burst open with a bang.
"Did you call for me, my dear husband?"
Serenade appeared, her radiant smile lighting up the room.
Her hair, which had grown quite long over the past five years, was tied below her neck and draped over one shoulder. Even though I see her every day, she's truly beautiful…
…But.
"…Serenade, what's that in your hand?"
My lovely wife, who wore a warm smile, was holding a pot in her hand.
When I asked, Serenade chuckled softly and lifted the lid. A steamy aroma wafted up, revealing its contents.
Eel, abalone, oysters, garlic, chives, mushrooms, and other unidentified but clearly purposeful ingredients simmered appetizingly together.
Hesitantly, I asked again.
"What… is this?"
"It's already lunchtime. I made something for you, my dear husband."
"Well, I appreciate it… but the ingredients seem a bit…"
What can I say? They're… what the common folk would call ingredients 'good for that.'
Blushing slightly, Serenade averted her gaze and murmured softly.
"We should have a baby soon."
"…"
"Father also asked when he'd get to see his grandchild and suggested I put in some effort. That's why…"
Serenade's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red, but she didn't retract the pot she was holding out toward me.
Instinctively, I reached up and smacked my forehead. Ah, Father!
'What are you even saying to your daughter-in-law?!'
I understand that as part of the imperial family, he wants to see an heir, but still! We're still young! We can think about this later, can't we…?
That's when it happened.
Grab!
Serenade, who had quietly moved closer without my noticing, suddenly reached out and seized my sleeve. Wh-what?!
Her silvery eyes, blazing with determination, fixed on me.
"Tonight…"
"T-tonight?"
"…you won't be getting any sleep."
Shiver!
A chill ran down my spine.
My loving wife, smiling sweetly, holding a pot of stamina-boosting food.
And behind her, my ever-loyal aide helping with the endless paperwork.
Looking back and forth between the two of them, I…
Dash!
…immediately turned around and leapt through the open window to escape.
Forget my duties as a duke! I love Serenade, but tonight, she's terrifying!
"Ultimate EX-Rank Skill: Duke's Emergency Escape!"
Sliding down the rope I'd pre-installed below the window, I landed on the ground floor and quickly cut the rope. Success!
"Where are you going, Your Grace?! There's still so much work left to do! Your Grace, hey! Your Graaaace!"
From the window above, my aide leaned halfway out, yelling after me. I heard that "hey" in there, Bodybag—no, Daram—I'll remember that!
"Safe travels, my dear husband! Be sure to eat this tonight~"
Next to her, Serenade chuckled and held up the pot. I love you too! But sometimes… you're just a little scary!
Without a second thought, I bolted toward the entrance of the duke's manor.
At the entrance stood a familiar woman with navy-blue hair, now dressed in a sleek black suit instead of her old maid uniform.
It was Elize, Serenade's bodyguard. While Lucas was away, she was also doubling as my protector.
"Elize, let's go! We're going out!"
She glanced at my disheveled appearance, covered in leaves from the escape, and cautiously asked:
"…This isn't an escape, is it?"
"I'm just getting some fresh air! Stop questioning and let's go!"
"Hmm… Understood. The carriage is ready."
Elize took her place on the driver's seat, and I hurried into the carriage.
"Yah!"
With a crack of the reins, the carriage pulled away from the manor and headed into the city. As the cool air brushed against my face, I finally felt a bit of relief. Whew!
Citizens on either side of the road, recognizing my carriage, removed their hats and waved in greeting.
"A pleasant afternoon to you, Your Grace!"
"Spring is here, and the weather's quite warm today!"
"Out for a stroll again, are you?"
I returned their waves and called out.
"Just getting some fresh air! How are things going?"
"Spring's here, so it's time to start farming in earnest!"
"It was a tough winter, but thanks to the food aid, we managed to get by!"
"I heard the steam engineering research institute is opening new positions next month! I've been studying hard; I'll pass for sure this time!"
Many citizens greeted me with bright smiles, but not everyone was pleased.
A few wore discontented expressions and voiced their grievances.
"The events Your Grace abolished last year as excessive formalities were actually part of our traditions and honor! Please reconsider!"
"Your reform efforts are admirable, but you mustn't damage the traditional values of the Duchy of Bringar!"
"While you've assured us that we won't be annexed into the Everblack Empire, please formalize this with a clear declaration!"
"Even if you someday return to the Empire, ensure the autonomy of the Duchy of Bringar, Your Grace!"
I nodded solemnly.
"I'll take all of your concerns to heart. If there's anything else you wish to share, don't hesitate to send a letter to the duke's manor!"
Listening to words of gratitude, casual greetings, and sharp criticisms alike, I toured the city.
"…"
I observed the faces of the people, those I now bore the responsibility of protecting.
Though I'm doing my best as a duke, I'm still clumsy as a politician. And my ambitions often exceed my abilities, leaving the Duchy of Bringar in a state of chaotic progress.
Still, with five years of experience under my belt, I'm slowly getting the hang of things.
Though my ideals are high, and I'm far from perfect…
If I keep pushing forward, perhaps someday I can become a decent ruler.
"So many people have placed their fate in my hands."
Reaching a quieter area of the city, I murmured to myself.
"I'll have to work even harder."
Hearing this, Elize chuckled softly.
"You grumble about hating work, but aren't you the one digging your own grave, Your Grace…?"
"Q-quiet."
"Working hard is admirable, but don't overdo it. Everyone's worried about your heavy workload as it is."
"Work-life balance isn't easy to achieve…"
Still, it's an unchanging truth: the harder a leader works, the smoother their country runs.
Moreover, Serenade has been managing my health with military precision… from sleep schedules to exercise, meals, and even snacks. She keeps an exceptionally close eye on everything.
'Ack.'
The dish Serenade had shoved in front of me earlier suddenly came to mind, and I flinched.
A shiver of apprehension ran through me for a moment, but I soon steadied my breathing and slapped my cheeks lightly to refocus.
Then, I spoke to Elize.
"Let's head back."
Once again, I gazed out the carriage window—at my country, the land I govern.
"I've had my breath of fresh air. Now it's time to face what I have to do."
To handle the piled-up tasks.
To spend quality time with my lovely wife.
For everything and everyone I love, I resolved to work hard again.
Elize smiled softly and turned the carriage around.
"Understood. Let's head back. Yah!"
As the carriage carried me back to the duke's manor, I gazed blankly at the passing scenery and found myself reflecting.
On the final battle we fought five years ago.
On the comrades with whom I laughed and cried as we parted ways afterward.
'I wonder how everyone is doing.'
Some were easy to keep in touch with, but there were others I hadn't heard from in a long time.
I could only hope they were all living happily somewhere in this world.
And I wished that, whenever and wherever we might meet again, we'd be able to greet each other with smiles.
As the faces of my old comrades—now distant memories—came to mind, I murmured to myself.
"I miss everyone…"
I wanted to see them all again, but among them, there was one I especially thought of.
"Our Sid… he must've grown so much by now."
As his godfather, I found myself thinking of Sid often.
He must be six years old by now. I'd been so busy that I hadn't been able to visit him as often as I'd like.
'I should invite them to the duchy sometime soon.'
Crossroad wasn't too far away. It would be nice to invite Lilly and Sid, show them around the duchy, and let them experience the sights.
With these thoughts in mind, the carriage carried me swiftly toward the duke's manor.
At the same time.
In the southern region of the Empire, in Crossroad.
At Lilly and Sid's home.
"Mom."
Six-year-old Sid asked with a curious innocence.
"Why don't I have a dad?"
"…"
Faced with the sudden question, Lilly froze.
Chapter 827
Side Story 02. [After Story] Sid (1)
"Mom, why don't I have a dad?"
"…"
At her son's question, Lilly froze.
With his bright green and brown eyes—so much like his father's—Sid quietly stared at Lilly.
"Hm?"
He tilted his head, genuinely curious.
"Why don't I have one? Where is Dad?"
"…"
Lilly hesitated for a long moment, unable to respond.
Imperial Year 657.
Five years after the final battle with the monstrous beasts.
Southern Empire. Crossroad.
"Sid asked you something like that?"
Evangeline's mouth fell open in shock as she sat across from Lilly in the lord's office.
"Lilly, how old is Sid this year?"
"He's six now."
"Goodness, already? Time really does fly."
"Tell me about it. He's growing so fast…"
Lilly bit her lip gently.
Watching her son grow day by day was her greatest joy and happiness.
But now, alongside that happiness and joy, fear had started to creep in.
"Little by little… he'll start noticing the things missing in our home, won't he?"
"…"
"He'll ask things like where his dad went, or why his mom can't walk… How do I answer those questions without hurting him? I just don't know."
No dad at home. A mom who couldn't use her legs. And a child of mixed blood.
Their family was undeniably different from what the world considered "normal" or "ordinary."
How was she supposed to raise Sid in a world like this…?
It was something she'd been grappling with for a long time, but when the reality of it loomed before her, Lilly's mind went blank.
"And so, I just started venting to you, my lady… Haha. Sorry about that."
Lilly sighed deeply and picked up the teacup in front of her.
Evangeline looked at Lilly with a new kind of surprise.
It had been five years since the war ended.
In that time, Lilly had been assisting Evangeline, the newly appointed lord, closely. Her exceptional work ethic and extensive network with various production guilds had been an enormous help to Evangeline in her new role.
Over the years, Lilly had served as the senior representative of the Crossroad Mercenary Guild, the spokesperson for the production guilds, and the lord's aide—all while raising Sid as a single mother.
Not once in all that time had she ever shown signs of weakness.
Yet today, for the first time, she revealed a very human vulnerability.
"Still, it does feel a bit better to let it out. Whew…"
Lilly brushed her hair back and glanced at Evangeline.
"By the way, how's your family planning coming along, my lady?"
It could've been a sensitive topic, but Evangeline had always openly mentioned wanting one son and one daughter. And as the heir to the Cross family, there was always an expectation for her to have descendants.
"The thing is, my heart is all for it, but…"
This time, Evangeline sighed heavily and rested her chin on her hands.
"What's the point of the flowers blooming so beautifully if no butterflies come to visit? Ugh."
"Oh dear…"
"I can't even argue with him about it. He's always wandering around at the crack of dawn. Where in the world does that man think he's going?"
As Ash's knight, Lucas was primarily stationed in the Bringar Duchy.
Fortunately, Bringar and Crossroad weren't too far apart, so he would usually come home every weekend or during the generous leaves Ash granted him.
But for the past few months, Ash had been exceptionally busy, and Lucas, as his bodyguard, had been just as swamped. All he could manage was to send letters instead of visiting in person.
The last time they'd seen each other was a few months ago. He'd promised to visit soon, but…
Evangeline leaned back, clasping her hands behind her head as she let out another sigh.
"I've been trying, but there's still no news. Oh, speaking of which, your senior and Serenade haven't had any news of a second generation either."
Ash and Serenade were also married, but they had no children yet.
Lilly began counting on her fingers.
"It's been four years since their wedding, right?"
"They got married exactly one year after the war ended, so yeah, it's been that long."
It had been a joint wedding for two couples—Ash and Serenade, and Lucas and Evangeline.
As the two women reminisced about that day, their faces turned pale.
"That wedding was… something else."
"Ahh… it really was…"
It was a truly unforgettable wedding.
Even Evangeline, whose wedding it had been, openly admitted it. That wedding was… legendary, in every sense of the word.
The kind of event everyone avoided bringing up because of how overwhelming it had been…
The two women quickly tried to push the memories of that day out of their minds.
Evangeline flashed Lilly a grin.
"Anyway, despite all our efforts, we haven't been blessed with a child yet. But Sid? He came to you right away, didn't he? He's such a precious and wonderful child."
"…"
Lilly hesitated, then muttered quietly.
"Not… exactly right away…"
"…Ahem."
The casual slip into R-rated talk made it clear—both of them were definitely getting older.
"Anyway! Isn't Sid such a good kid? If you take your time and talk to him, I'm sure he'll understand your heart."
"You think so…?"
"Absolutely! He's so smart, too. He's already much sharper than other kids his age. He might even figure out some of the things we're worrying about on his own."
Evangeline reached out and held Lilly's hand.
"More than anything, I'll help with whatever I can! So just tell me, alright? Don't hesitate."
"Thank you, my lady."
If it was Evangeline, she would truly roll up her sleeves and lend a hand.
Knowing that warmed Lilly's heart, but it also made her chest ache.
No matter how sincere Evangeline's help was, in the end, she was an outsider.
She was a bystander in the challenges that Lilly and Sid had to face together as mother and son. This was a problem that only the two of them could solve.
Because of that, Lilly was both afraid and… deeply aware.
She couldn't avoid this issue forever.
Someday, she would have to face it head-on.
Though five years had passed since the war, Crossroad was still a city marked by its scars.
There were many who had lost limbs, lovers, or family members.
In a city like this, being a single mother, being unable to walk, or having a mixed-blood child didn't particularly stand out. Pain and suffering were everywhere.
At the same time, however, Crossroad had transformed into a new trade hub, where a previously blocked path to the southern continent had been reopened. People of various cultures and races flocked to the city to exchange goods and ideas.
It had become a melting pot where people of all kinds mingled. People connected regardless of race or nationality, and mixed-blood children were no rarity here.
Still, Lilly often felt the weight of biased gazes.
Sympathetic glances of pity, or scornful looks that seemed to regard her as dirty or impure…
If it was like this even in Crossroad, one of the more open-minded places, what would it be like in the wider world?
Thinking of the future Sid would one day have to face made Lilly's chest tighten and her breath catch.
"Teach me, Kalail…"
That night.
Sitting at her desk, Lilly whispered the name of her husband, who had yet to return. She buried her face in her hands and swallowed her trembling breaths.
"Teach me how to raise our child without you…"
She could still picture his shy smile so vividly in her mind. Suppressing her tears, Lilly murmured in a strained voice.
"Please, teach me…"
No.
Couldn't he just come back instead?
As if nothing had happened, as if it were all a lie—just come back and be by her side.
Hold her.
Kiss her.
Love her…
'I miss you so much it's driving me crazy. I'm so lonely and scared. I'm just an ordinary, weak person… '
The thought of enduring the difficult life that lay ahead made it hard for Lilly to breathe.
It was then.
"Mom?"
Sid appeared at the door to her room, clutching a pillow to his chest. His eyes were sleepy, and he rubbed them softly.
"Mom, are you okay…?"
"…Sweetheart."
Lilly quickly wiped her tears away, turned toward Sid, and opened her arms.
"I'm fine. Come here."
With quick little steps, Sid ran to her and flung himself into her arms. Lilly held him close.
Though her son had grown much heavier over the past five years, he still fit perfectly in her embrace.
How long did they stay like that? In his mother's arms, Sid cautiously whispered.
"I'm sorry, Mom."
"Hm?"
Lilly blinked in surprise at his sudden apology.
"What are you sorry for?"
"Because… I made you cry when I asked about Dad…"
Sid fidgeted nervously, glancing at Lilly's expression. His big eyes lowered toward the floor.
"I'm sorry. I won't ask about him again. So, please don't cry…"
"…My sweet boy."
Lilly hugged Sid tightly, then gently sat him down in the chair next to her.
"Sid."
She locked eyes with her son.
"The reason I haven't told you about your dad until now… It's not because it's a bad story or something to hide."
Lilly tried her best to smile at her son, who stared at her intently.
"It's just… some things might be a bit hard for you to understand right now. That's the only reason I haven't said anything."
And then, she made up her mind.
"…From today onward, I'll start telling you. Little by little. About the kind of person your dad was."
She decided not to run away from this wall in front of her.
She decided to face it.
To hold her son's hand and climb over it together.
From that day on, little by little, every day.
Lilly began to tell Sid about Kalail—or rather, Godhand.
How she first met the elf man. How they didn't get along at first. But how they eventually opened their hearts to each other.
How they fell in love.
How deeply they loved each other.
And… how the two of them, who had tried so hard for each other, ended up parting ways.
After hearing about Kalail's final moments, Sid hesitated before carefully asking:
"Then… Dad is… dead?"
"…"
Lilly felt her throat close up.
Yes.
He died in the battle against the Goblin God-King.
At the very end, he inflicted a fatal wound on the Goblin God-King's left arm. Thanks to that, they were able to win the battle. Even the Crown Prince himself publicly acknowledged Kalail's sacrifice.
Most importantly, he saved your mother, who was pregnant with you.
Your dad met a heroic end after an incredible act of sacrifice.
That's what she should say to this child in a mature, composed way.
That's what she needed to do, but…
"…No."
Before she knew it, her trembling voice slipped out.
"Your dad isn't dead. He's just… gone very far away."
Kalail was officially listed as missing. His body had never been found.
The number of those declared missing in action during the war against the monstrous beasts was enormous. And in that war, being declared missing was as good as being dead.
That's why even those missing in action were honored as fallen heroes and granted a resting place in the graveyards. Their families were also entitled to benefits for their sacrifices.
But Lilly refused all of it. She let Kalail remain missing.
She knew full well that being declared missing was practically the same as being dead.
She also knew that the man was a liar.
— I'll definitely come back.
— Before winter ends, I promise.
Yet, she still couldn't let go of the last promise he had left behind.
Sid, with his eyes wide and round, asked again.
"Then… will Dad come back?"
"…"
Lilly's breath caught in her throat.
She wasn't unaware that what she clung to was a futile hope. She knew it might only inflict deeper wounds on her child.
But.
But…
"Mom…"
She couldn't lie to her own heart.
"Mom still believes he will."
Five years since the final war.
Seven years since the battle with the Goblin God-King.
"Mom wants to believe he will come back."
Even now.
She was still waiting for him.
Sid silently watched his mother, who was on the verge of tears, for a long moment.
"…Then I'll believe it too."
Sid walked closer and wrapped his arms tightly around his mother.
"I'll believe Dad will come back someday."
"…"
Hearing her son's innocent voice, Lilly felt a sharp, piercing pain deep in her chest.
She pulled Sid into a tight embrace and silently sobbed.
"I'm sorry, my son. I'm sorry your mom is so stubborn, so foolish…"
As if trying to comfort his crying mother, Sid's small hand carefully patted Lilly's back.
The mother and son stayed like that for a long time, holding each other close.
Even as yet another winter ended and a new spring arrived, they both longed for the man who hadn't returned.
Chapter 828
Side Story 03. [After Story] Evangeline (1)
Imperial Year 657.
Five years after the final battle against the monsters.
Southern Empire. Crossroad.
"What?! You've already arrived?!"
Evangeline came rushing out of the lord's manor, barefoot, to greet her visitor.
The guest was already stepping down from the carriage parked in front of the manor. Evangeline called out the guest's name loudly.
"Ariel!"
The guest greeted her with a bright smile.
She was Ariel, the princess of the Lake Kingdom, once called "Nameless."
As the emissary of the Lake Kingdom and acting king, Ariel had personally traveled to Crossroad.
"Welcome! How long has it been?!"
"It's been a while, Lady Evangeline."
Ariel and Evangeline clasped hands tightly.
The Lake Kingdom and Crossroad were geographically close to each other and had been collaborating on various ventures, so Ariel and Evangeline occasionally saw each other.
Every time Evangeline met Ariel, her joy was genuine. Ariel, too, always greeted Evangeline with a smile.
"Ah, come on, 'Lady Evangeline'? Why so formal?"
"Well, I am here as the acting king, so…"
"Don't be like that. It's just us here, so treat me casually like before! Okay?"
Evangeline grinned and declared on her own terms.
"Until you ascend to the throne of the Lake Kingdom, I'll call you whatever I want. Ariel!"
Ariel smiled helplessly as if she had no choice, glanced around cautiously, and whispered softly to Evangeline.
"I'm glad to see you too, Evangeline."
"Hahaha!"
Laughing heartily, Evangeline grabbed Ariel's hand and led her inside the lord's manor.
After some casual chatting over tea in the drawing room, the two women began their meeting on various pressing issues.
Despite their sisterly closeness, today they met as a lord and an acting king. As leaders of their respective regions, they carried several unresolved challenges.
Though the situation had stabilized to some extent, the Lake Kingdom was still precariously adapting to the present after five centuries of nightmares.
Crossroad, too, had lost its main industries: monster extermination and magic stone processing. To secure the city's future, they needed to find new opportunities.
"What's the perfect solution to tackle these two problems at once?!"
Evangeline clapped her hands and exclaimed.
"The tourism industry! That's it!"
"Hmm…"
Ariel let out a low hum.
"The situation in the Lake Kingdom is still far from ideal. People are only now beginning to escape the pain of their nightmares, and the restoration work has just reached a point of respite. Even politically, my position as acting king has only recently solidified. Under these circumstances, allowing foreign tourists in…"
"It's been five years. The Lake Kingdom needs to breathe in the air of a new era now."
Evangeline pushed forward, reiterating the logic she had been consistently advocating.
"Of course, there will be initial challenges and difficulties, but I believe opening up to foreign tourists is a great way for the Lake Kingdom to adapt to the modern era."
"…"
"Not to mention! It would facilitate exchanges with other countries, bring in foreign currency, and build a positive reputation for the Lake Kingdom! It's a win-win! Killing three birds with one stone! Everyone benefits! Oh, and now I'm craving pheasant…"
Mid-sentence, Evangeline called the head chef and ordered pheasant to be prepared for dinner. Watching her, Ariel couldn't help but laugh.
At the same time, Ariel admitted to herself that Evangeline had a point.
This was an era without magic.
The Lake Kingdom, which had been at the forefront of magical civilization 500 years ago, now had "nothing to sell," to put it bluntly. Its competitiveness in the global market was weak.
To survive in this entirely changed world, they had to fight to adapt.
"But does the Lake Kingdom really have any worthwhile tourism assets…"
"Oh, come on! The Lake Kingdom is overflowing with incredible tourism assets!"
Evangeline passionately argued.
"Do you have any idea how envious I've been of the Lake Kingdom while trying to establish the tourism industry here in Crossroad over the past five years? Compared to Crossroad, the Lake Kingdom is practically a treasure trove of tourism assets, a treasure trove!"
Evangeline listed off the numerous attractions in the Lake Kingdom.
Architectural structures preserved from 500 years ago! Streets filled with various antiques!
The unique geographical feature of being under a dried-up lake!
A natural environment perfectly preserved, untouched by human hands!
And even a newly accessible route to the distant south, where no human footsteps had ventured before!
"There's definitely demand for this. We just need to package it properly! Open the kingdom's doors, and people will flock to it!"
"…Phew."
Closing her eyes briefly to organize her thoughts, Ariel eventually nodded.
"Alright, let's do it."
"A wise decision!"
Evangeline couldn't hide her delight and let out a cheer.
If the Lake Kingdom, which had long kept outsiders away, opened its doors to foreign guests, Crossroad would naturally reap the benefits as well.
Evangeline had already brainstormed several tourism projects that would tie the Lake Kingdom and Crossroad together, and she actively shared her ideas. Ariel listened attentively.
Ultimately, it was decided that the project would proceed as a collaborative venture where the Lake Kingdom and Crossroad would be connected, but Crossroad would take the lead in managing the business.
The Lake Kingdom lacked the capacity to focus on the tourism industry, but it possessed excellent tourism assets. On the other hand, Crossroad had the capacity but lacked appealing attractions to draw people to the southern end of the continent.
It was a situation where their interests aligned perfectly.
"Good deal, good deal!"
After verbally confirming several contract terms, Ariel and Evangeline shook hands firmly. Details of the agreement would be further negotiated soon by their respective officials.
"See you again, Ariel!"
"Yes, we'll be seeing each other much more often now."
After wrapping up dinner with the pheasant dish, Ariel returned to the Lake Kingdom, while Evangeline accompanied her to the southern gate to send her off.
As the Lake Kingdom's delegation gradually disappeared into the distance, Evangeline waved her hand and let out a small sigh.
"Alright…! The plan to transform Crossroad into a tourist city has finally taken its first step."
Turning around, Evangeline looked back at her city.
Five years since the war.
The city still maintained the structure of a fortress, but with the arrival of a peaceful era, its atmosphere had softened considerably.
"…"
It was a pleasant sight, yet it felt unfamiliar.
Evangeline, whose entire life and family lineage had been dedicated to fighting monsters, found the responsibilities of a lord to be anything but easy. Moreover, the new future she was supposed to carve out for Crossroad was still uncertain.
'I've set the direction with trade and tourism, but… '
Trade was challenging, and tourism even more so.
Crossroad wasn't entirely without assets, but they didn't fit together seamlessly.
It felt like the gears were almost ready to align if she just tried a little harder, but for now, they weren't even moving properly.
And as someone still young and inexperienced, Evangeline was at a loss as to where to start fixing things.
'Well, what choice do I have?'
She could only knock around here and there, trying to figure out how to deal with this massive challenge.
'What exactly was the vision that my predecessor had in mind for this tourist city plan?'
Evangeline suddenly thought of Ash, her predecessor as lord and now the Duke of the Bringar Duchy.
Though Ash constantly complained and sighed about everything, Evangeline believed that Ash was a natural-born ruler. Ash had taken control of Crossroad in no time and, by all accounts, had now completely stabilized the Bringar Duchy as well.
'I should've learned more while we were together.'
Both about the duties of a lord and the future of Crossroad.
She regretted not asking more questions or learning more during the three years they had fought together.
As the memories of those three years came to mind, Evangeline let out a small laugh…
"But seriously, why won't my husband come back already?"
She suddenly felt a pang of frustration.
No matter how busy things were in his country, her broad-shouldered, golden-haired knight's home was now undoubtedly here.
'He's part of our family now. His name is Lucas Cross, for crying out loud. And yet he keeps following Ash around all the time… '
Evangeline pouted her lips and muttered to herself in irritation.
"Lady! Come quickly! We have a new visitor!"
A soldier who had rushed over from the northern gate called out.
"Huh?"
Evangeline tilted her head in confusion.
"What? I didn't have any more visitors scheduled for today."
And then, at the northern gate.
A blonde knight lightly stepped down from the carriage, silently spread his arms wide, and flashed a grin at Evangeline.
"Tada—"
It was Lucas, returning unexpectedly, like a surprise ambush.
Before she realized it, Evangeline clasped her cheeks with both hands and let out a high-pitched squeal of delight.
"Darlinggggg!"
"Yep, your darling's here."
Though his face showed signs of exhaustion from the grueling duties of the duchy and the rushed journey to get here, Lucas couldn't help but smile brightly at the sight of his wife.
"Prepare for a grand welcome, my lady."
"Wowwww! It's really my husband!"
Evangeline sprinted forward and launched herself into Lucas's arms.
"Ugh!"
Her move was somewhere between a tackle and a hug, leaving Lucas momentarily winded as he barely managed to catch her.
"For a moment, I thought a bull was charging at me…"
"You say the sweetest things to your adorable wife!"
Nestled snugly in Lucas's embrace, Evangeline took a deep breath, savoring his scent.
Then, lifting her head to meet his gaze, she growled playfully.
"But seriously, mister! You should've told me you were coming! I was sulking all by myself, thinking you weren't coming!"
"I wanted to surprise you, so I came quietly."
Lucas chuckled softly.
"Don't like it?"
Instead of answering, Evangeline let out a strange giggle and suddenly thrust her arms out, shouting to everyone nearby.
"Alright, strike up the music! Tonight, we feast!"
The staff who had followed her outside erupted in cheers and applause.
Evangeline, further energized, raised her voice again.
"My husband has returned! Strike up the music! Music, I say!"
"…The way she's talking, she sounds like a tyrant, doesn't she?"
But seeing even the servants and citizens struggling to suppress their laughter as they played along with Evangeline's antics, Lucas couldn't help but grin.
Evangeline extended her hand briskly toward Lucas.
"Let's go home already! Darling, hand!"
"Yes, yes."
Lucas obediently offered his hand forward.
The two blonde knights held hands tightly, swinging their arms back and forth as they marched enthusiastically into the manor.
That night.
"Hmph."
Wearing pink pajamas, Lucas lay slanted on the sofa, frowning slightly.
Sitting in front of him in matching yellow pajamas, Evangeline, who had been leaning against Lucas while munching on snacks, widened her eyes and turned around to look at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Hmm…"
"Don't like the pajamas? Aren't they cute?"
"No, the pajamas are fine…"
Lucas was already well-acquainted with Evangeline's love for all things pink and sparkly. That wasn't the issue.
One of Lucas's hands rested on Evangeline's stomach.
As he gently kneaded the soft, squishy flesh of his wife's tummy, Lucas cautiously opened his mouth.
"Well, it's just… your belly…"
"My belly, what?"
Immediately, Evangeline turned around with a fierce glare, her eyes narrowing sharply.
The pleasant mood they'd been sharing since their reunion instantly froze over.
Lucas flinched and shrank his shoulders, closing his mouth, but Evangeline wasn't about to let it go.
"My belly, what? Go on, finish your sentence."
"I-I mean… it's nice to touch. Feels kind of healing, actually…"
"Are you about to say I've gained weight again?"
Bullseye.
And Lucas, who wasn't great at lying, couldn't hide the truth. He averted his gaze, cold sweat pouring down his face.
Evangeline, now even angrier, let out a low growl.
"Before we got married, you said you loved my belly no matter what. That was a bold-faced lie, wasn't it?"
"No, no! I do love it, no matter what! I mean it!"
"Then what's with the 'but'?"
Lucas, being the kind of person who struggled to hold back blunt truths, couldn't resist.
"I feel like… it's gotten a bit rounder than a few months ago…"
"My belly's always been round, okay?!"
"No, that's not what I meant… It feels… different somehow…"
Tilting his head, Lucas hesitantly asked.
"…Could it be that you're… pregnant?"
Boom!
Evangeline spun around and body-slammed him.
The move was just as flawless as it had been during her monster-frontline days. Lucas, even as he rolled across the floor unable to scream, couldn't help but be impressed.
From where he lay, he heard Evangeline's booming voice, filled with rage, echo through the room.
"No matter how much my belly might've gotten softer, you think it's okay to throw out hints like that?! What? Pregnant?! Preeegnaaaant?!"
"I-I didn't mean it like that—"
"Get out, you blockhead! Out! You're sleeping outside tonight!"
Faced with Evangeline's genuine fury, Lucas had no choice but to obediently leave the bedroom without another word.
Blushing furiously, Evangeline ground her teeth in frustration.
"For the rest of his vacation, I'm never letting him touch my belly again!"
With that declaration, she angrily stuffed the remaining snacks into her mouth…
"Ugh—!"
Only to suddenly gag.
The snack, which she'd been enjoying just moments ago, now made her stomach churn to the point where even the smell was unbearable.
"…What the heck?"
Evangeline—of all people—gagging in front of food?
Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, Evangeline blinked in confusion.
"Wait… could it really be…?"
Chapter 829
Side Story 04. [After Story] Evangeline (2)
Imperial Year 657.
Five years after the final battle against the monsters.
Southern Empire. Crossroad. Lord's Manor Drawing Room.
"Congratulations. You're pregnant."
The visiting priest, Zenis, announced.
Sitting side by side in front of him, Evangeline and Lucas's mouths fell open at the same time.
"What the…"
"Wha—"
Zenis, taken aback by their reactions, asked in disbelief.
"Look, her belly has already started to swell. How could you not notice?"
"Well… she's always had a bit of a belly, so…"
"Shut it! That's all abs! Or at least it was abs!"
As Evangeline delivered a sharp shoulder strike, Lucas let out a yelp and rolled to the side.
Chuckling softly at the spectacle, Zenis resumed speaking.
"It seems to have been at least four months. Haven't you noticed you haven't had your period?"
"Ah… Now that you mention it, yeah, it hasn't come."
As Lucas and Zenis squinted at her with suspicion, Evangeline growled.
"I've been so busy with lordly duties that I didn't have time to think about it! And I don't really have a tough time with it when it happens, so I didn't notice."
"Still, even so…"
"You're surprisingly oblivious, my lady."
Evangeline was about to glare daggers at him, but Zenis skillfully redirected the criticism toward Lucas with a polite cough.
"Sir Lucas, isn't it a bit negligent of you? How could you not notice your wife was pregnant for several months?"
"Well… I was away for a while, so…"
"That's not an excuse, Sir Lucas."
"Exactly! No excuse at all!"
Evangeline, clearly enjoying this, chimed in with Zenis's scolding.
Lucas wanted to argue, but a sharp intuition warned him that doing so would lead to a lifetime of regret.
"It's all my fault…"
In the end, Lucas resigned himself to quietly enduring the criticism. Evangeline, meanwhile, playfully jabbed at his side with her fists, pretending to scold him.
Watching the two, Zenis nodded.
"From now on, please visit home more often. And if possible, stay by your wife's side."
"Stay by me! Stay by me!"
"I'll… do my best…"
With that, the checkup concluded.
"…By the way, congratulations on the pregnancy."
Zenis said, furrowing his brow slightly.
"But why did you call me of all people?"
Evangeline and Lucas both blinked in surprise.
"Aren't you the continent's best midwife, Zenis?"
"You're renowned for successfully delivering one of those rare half-blood babies! We called you because you happened to be nearby."
"That… happened by coincidence! I didn't become a midwife on purpose!"
Zenis sighed and rubbed his temples, wondering how he had ended up being treated as a professional midwife.
'Is this my karma…?'
After the final battle against the monsters, Zenis had lived as a wandering priest.
He traveled freely across the continent, offering help wherever it was needed. Zenis's expertise in field medicine made him an invaluable figure.
Although he felt it would be arrogant to call himself an expert, in a world where divine healing powers had disappeared, his medical knowledge and experience as a healing priest were extremely valuable.
Even though the monsters were gone, there were always people suffering everywhere.
Zenis roamed the land, seeking to heal the weak and the sick. His recent visit near Crossroad was to treat patients in the area.
'But why… why is this region more interested in me as a midwife…?'
As Zenis reflected on his past, Evangeline's eyes sparkled as she asked,
"So, Zenis! Do you have any tips for prenatal care or some useful tricks? Spill the secrets!"
"Why do I feel like I'm being treated more like someone who's already had a child rather than a midwife…"
"Isn't it the same thing? You're basically Hannibal's dad, right?"
"I didn't birth him! I just helped deliver him!"
Despite grumbling, Zenis rattled off various tips for prenatal care and childbirth, even jotting them down for Evangeline.
They also exchanged updates on their lives and news of their old comrades.
As the conversation wound down, Zenis rose to his feet.
"Well then, I'm glad I stopped by and got to hear such good news. Congratulations again."
"Thank you, Zenis."
"Thanks! I'll deliver safely! Come visit often!"
As Zenis stepped out of the manor with Lucas and Evangeline seeing him off, he suddenly stopped and turned around.
"By the way, what will you name the baby?"
Lucas and Evangeline froze, letting out startled noises as they looked at each other.
"Right, the name!"
"What should we name them?!"
"No need to rush. For now, just come up with a nickname. Something simple and cute works, or even something silly is fine. There's an old saying that the simpler or rougher the nickname, the more it wards off illness and bad luck."
Leaving them with one final piece of midwife-like advice, Zenis waved and departed for real.
Lucas and Evangeline, having seen him off to the end, looked at each other.
"Hey."
Lucas extended his hand first.
"Hey yourself."
Evangeline smacked her hand firmly into his with a resounding slap.
It was a glorious high-five.
The two then linked arms and started spinning in place together.
"We did it! We really did it!"
"This is definitely worth celebrating with music!"
"Time to rejoice, time to rejoice!"
"Well done, Lucas!"
"You're amazing, Evangeline!"
The two continued their self-praise until they suddenly turned to each other and shouted at the same time:
"I hope it's a handsome son who takes after me!"
"I hope it's a beautiful daughter who takes after me!"
And then, silence.
"…"
"…"
Lucas and Evangeline narrowed their eyes at each other, a tension-filled stare-off beginning between the young couple. A frosty silence settled over the room.
That night.
The atmosphere was much more peaceful than the night before.
Lucas, having just finished his preparations for bed, was about to lie down when he heard Evangeline's sly voice.
"Honey~"
"Gah!"
Startled, Lucas flinched and turned to look beside him. There was Evangeline, her chin propped up on her hands, smiling sweetly.
"W-What? What is it? Did something happen?"
"Hehehe…"
Evangeline let out a low chuckle and started stroking her belly.
"Suddenly~ our baby is craving toast, you know~?"
"What…? Toast?"
"You know, that toast Ash made for us a long, long time ago. The one you really liked too. Remember?"
Lucas blinked in disbelief at the oddly specific request, muttering with suspicion.
"Are you sure it's the baby craving it and not just you being hungry…"
"Huh?"
Evangeline's face darkened instantly, her expression turning fierce as she growled.
"What did you just say? Care to repeat that? Think carefully, because our baby is listening too. Now, try again!"
"…Wait a second. I'll go make it right now."
Lucas immediately got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. He had heard far too many cautionary tales from his predecessors about the dangers of ignoring the cravings of a pregnant wife.
Sizzle…
Sweating profusely, Lucas stood in the kitchen late at night, making toast.
Evangeline, who had quietly followed him downstairs, peeked at him from behind, a wide grin spreading across her face as she watched her husband work.
And so, with the invincible logic of pregnancy on her side and a husband who did as he was told, Evangeline's food adventures began.
"Steak!"
"Pizza!"
"Lobster au gratin!"
"Fried squid!"
"Fried squid that looks just like you, honey! Squi~i~i~d!"
By the end, she even started singing.
It was obvious these were all foods Evangeline enjoyed eating even before the pregnancy, but she insisted it was for the baby too (which was partly true).
After all, it was for his wife and child, so Lucas couldn't refuse. Throughout his vacation, he had to cater to Evangeline's every craving.
Interestingly enough, her tastes started to change in unexpected ways.
"Bean rice cake."
"Bean rice cake."
"Bean rice cake!"
With her mouth covered in bean powder, Evangeline exclaimed in shock.
"Why does bean rice cake taste so ridiculously good?!"
The "bean rice cake" was a humble local treat made of flour covered in bean powder, more like a type of bread. It was a snack common in the southern frontier like Crossroad.
As a teenager, Evangeline had thought it was too rustic and had avoided it. Even after returning from the Imperial Capital, she barely touched it.
But now? It was addictively delicious. Evangeline spent entire days with bean rice cakes practically glued to her mouth.
Lucas, unable to watch any longer, finally commented.
"If you keep eating bean rice cakes, the baby's going to turn into one."
Evangeline's eyes widened, and she clapped her hands together in excitement.
"That's it!"
"What… is it now…?"
"The baby's nickname!"
Lucas blinked in confusion, but Evangeline had already made up her mind.
"We'll call the baby 'Bean Rice Cake'!" (TL Note: In Korean it's 콩떡 [kong-tteok])
Lucas was about to protest but stopped, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
The nickname "Bean Rice Cake" actually fit most of the criteria Zenis had mentioned for a good prenatal nickname. It was simple, a little silly, and even kind of cute…
Sigh.
Lucas let out a small sigh before pressing his forehead against Evangeline's round belly and murmuring softly.
"Just be healthy, okay…"
"Are you talking to our little Bean Rice Cake?"
"To both of you…"
Evangeline smiled quietly and wrapped her arms around Lucas's head, pulling him close.
Of course, just because Evangeline was obsessed with bean rice cakes didn't mean she ignored all other food.
If bean rice cakes were the baby's cravings, then every other dish in existence was Evangeline's.
As a busy lord, Evangeline worked tirelessly, but now she was also pregnant.
To work hard, she needed to eat well.
And to nurture the baby, she needed to eat even better.
So Evangeline ate.
She ate a lot.
Often too busy to leave her office, she would eat while working, quill in hand, surrounded by piles of documents.
Lucas personally brought meals up from the kitchen to her office.
"At this rate, I should just open a food alley!"
Lucas groaned dramatically as he served yet another platter of dishes.
Evangeline burst out laughing and joked back.
"How did you know? I was just thinking about setting one up—"
Evangeline suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
In front of her were sheets of paper where she'd been drafting her plans for Crossroad's tourism initiatives.
"…Wait a minute. A food alley?"
"Huh?"
"Why didn't I think of this before?"
"What are you plotting with that serious face again…?"
Lucas asked, looking somewhat terrified.
But Evangeline simply nodded brightly.
"Thank you, honey! I think I've just found a key piece for Crossroad's tourism plan!"
"You're really going to make a food alley…?"
"Yes, gastronomy is the foundation of it all. If we develop unique specialty dishes exclusive to Crossroad and promote them…"
Evangeline trailed off mid-sentence and suddenly turned to look beside her.
A plate with bean rice cakes was sitting nearby.
"Yes, bean rice cakes…! If we experiment with different variations of this local southern frontier treat…"
"…"
"Let's start with product development. Maybe I'll try adding cream first…!"
Evangeline was utterly serious, but—
'Isn't this just… you trying all the things you want to eat?'
To Lucas, it seemed suspiciously like she was disguising her cravings as brilliant business ideas.
"Bean Rice Cake~ Bean Rice Cake~ You're truly a little treasure. Thanks to you, Mommy's brimming with ideas!"
Jotting down her ideas in a flurry of excitement, Evangeline shouted enthusiastically.
"Good! Let's grow Bean Rice Cake! Let's create the food alley!"
"…"
"Come on, say it with me, honey! One more time!"
Stretching her arms upward with vigor, Evangeline exclaimed. Lucas hesitated but eventually muttered along, somewhat awkwardly and shyly.
"Let's grow Bean Rice Cake… Let's create the food alley…"
"Ohhh, ohhh~!"
At the time, no one knew.
That this small idea would go on to change the fate of Crossroad.
Chapter 830
Side Story 05. [After Story] Evangeline (3)
Half a year later. Imperial Year 657, autumn.
Five years after the final battle against the monsters.
Southern Empire. Crossroad.
Southern part of the city. Orchard.
Snip!
With a crisp sound, a cluster of grapes was neatly clipped off the vine.
"My, my, what a fine bunch~"
Evangeline, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, whistled cheerfully.
She held the plump cluster of grapes in her hand, weighing it thoughtfully. Then she plucked a single grape, popped it into her mouth, and—
"…!"
Her previously skeptical expression lit up with sweet delight. Fist clenched in triumph, she grinned.
"Ahh… it's sweet. This is it!"
Beaming, Evangeline turned to her side.
"Looks like we can actually sell them this year!"
Before her stretched rows upon rows of grapevines—thousands of them. Under the southern sun, the vines were heavy with bountiful fruit.
People who once wielded spears and swords to slay monsters now busied themselves with pruning shears and shovels, moving efficiently between the vines.
This orchard project had been started by her late predecessor, the frontier margrave.
Once the monsters disappeared and the sinister energy lingering in the land dissipated, Evangeline made it her priority to restart the orchard business.
After a few trials, errors, and years of effort, she had finally achieved visible success.
"If they could see this, my parents would be happy, wouldn't they…?"
Evangeline murmured softly.
Her eyes scanned the clusters of grapes hanging from the vines, brimming with a sense of nostalgia.
This orchard held the wishes of her parents and the people of Crossroad who came before her.
Now, in a world where monsters no longer invaded, the fruit ripened beautifully.
At that moment—
Thump!
Evangeline felt a small movement in her belly.
Smiling, she gently caressed her round stomach.
"Alright, Bean Rice Cake. I'll give you some. Geez, just like your mom, you're such a foodie…"
Evangeline was heavily pregnant.
Having been four months along half a year ago, she was now nearing her due date.
She swallowed another grape, rubbing her belly as she did. The baby, seemingly satisfied, stopped kicking.
"It's amazing, isn't it? How we're so connected."
Looking at the ripening grapevines, Evangeline stroked her belly—stroking the child within.
"We're all connected…"
With a soft smile, she turned her gaze toward a nearby building—once her father's villa, now repurposed as the orchard's management office.
"Lilly! The grapes are super sweet. You're going to try some, right?"
In the shaded front yard of the office, beneath a canopy, sat a large table where Lilly and Sid were busy drawing with colored pencils.
Evangeline had invited them over after learning they were planning a weekend outing.
Setting down her colored pencil, Lilly looked up with concern.
"I'll try them, but isn't it about time for your due date, Lady Evangeline? Shouldn't you be resting instead of working in the fields?"
"Oh, I'm fine, I'm fine. The baby likes it when I'm active. When I sit still, they get all restless and start kicking like crazy."
Evangeline rinsed a bunch of grapes with water from the pump and placed them on a plate before the two.
"Thanks for the food!"
Sid, who had been drooling for a while, eagerly grabbed the grapes and stuffed them into his mouth.
"Wow!"
Before he could even express how they tasted, Sid's eyes went wide. Pleased with his reaction, Evangeline laughed heartily, while Lilly frowned slightly.
"Lady Evangeline, you give Sid too many snacks. Look at his chubby fingers; they're all pudgy now."
"What's wrong with that? He's just adorably plump."
Evangeline patted her own belly, nodding confidently.
"Baby fat disappears as you grow up. Don't worry so much!"
Coming from someone who stood in defiance of that conventional wisdom, her words carried little credibility.
Lilly opened her mouth to retort but stopped as Sid plucked the biggest grape and held it out to her.
"Mom, say ahhh~"
"…Ahhh."
Unable to resist, Lilly accepted the grape, her own eyes widening as she tasted its sweetness.
"Wow, this is really sweet. It's incredible, Lady Evangeline."
"Right? I know, right? I mean, think about it—Crossroad is at the southernmost tip of the continent. That means we get the most sunlight. And more sunlight means? Sweeter fruit, obviously!"
While her logic was somewhat simplistic and over-generalized, the result spoke for itself.
"If we can maintain this level of sweetness consistently…"
Lilly, thinking as a steward of the estate, murmured to herself. Evangeline caught on and responded.
"Then my grand food alley project… will definitely succeed!"
"…"
Lilly wasn't sure about the success of Evangeline's ambitious food alley initiative.
However, the prospect of cultivating the fertile lands south of the old frontline—which had once been inaccessible due to monster invasions—was undeniably promising for Crossroad.
'If we can keep this level of quality, it might sell well as a specialty product… '
And they could also sell it at that food alley she keeps talking about…
As Lilly pondered, Evangeline and Sid burst into laughter, crossing their arms and chanting.
"Eat!"
"Grapes!"
"Eat!"
"Alley!"
The two were perfectly in sync.
"Oh, my sweet Sid. When Bean Rice Cake is born, you'll have to play with them a lot, alright?"
"Yes! I can't wait to play with my little sibling!"
"Hehe. Soon, very soon. Oh, speaking of which, do you want some actual bean rice cakes? I've made a fresh batch."
"Yes! Thank you, Auntie!"
Evangeline brought out the latest batch of bean rice cakes, made from this year's harvest of bean powder and wheat flour, both grown in the fertile lands south of the former frontline. The ingredients were 100% Crossroad-grown.
These bean rice cakes were a core item in Evangeline's ambitious food alley project.
Sid, with his mouth already watering, devoured several cakes in seconds, the bean powder sticking to his lips as he nodded enthusiastically.
"It's delicious, Auntie!"
Even Lilly, who cautiously picked up one cake, nodded after tasting it.
"Maybe it's because they're made from freshly harvested ingredients, but they're really good. Very tasty, but…"
"But?"
"They're a bit plain."
After eating the intensely sweet grapes, the bean rice cakes did feel a bit bland by comparison.
After all, it was a humble, rustic snack typical of the southern frontier. For something that was supposed to be a centerpiece of a would-be tourist city, it lacked a certain flair.
"I was hoping the grapes would solve that problem, but…"
Evangeline sighed in frustration.
Over time, she had tried adding cream, chocolate, and various fruits to the bean rice cakes. She had even tried pairing them with the grapes.
While the experiments weren't bad, they never quite achieved a harmonious balance. The flavor of the grapes, in particular, was too vibrant and bold, completely overpowering the subtle bean rice cakes.
"What should I do…"
"Do you really have to stick to the bean rice cakes?"
Lilly asked cautiously.
Even the name sounded a bit outdated… Bean rice cakes.
As Evangeline pursued the already challenging plan of transforming Crossroad into a tourist city, Lilly couldn't quite understand why she insisted on holding on to the bean rice cakes.
But Evangeline was unwavering.
"These bean rice cakes are the true food of the frontier. Simple, humble, maybe even a bit rustic… but that's why they leave a lasting impression, the kind of food you remember and seek out. They're uniquely Crossroad." (TL Note: If you are reading this on WebNovel, keep in mind that Zeom is stealing my translation)
"…"
"A food that carries the spirit of the city. I think every place should have at least one thing like that."
It was the kind of thought one might expect from the Cross family, who had ruled Crossroad for generations. A reflection of their duty to preserve the essence of the city.
The spirit of the city…
As Lilly and Evangeline both fell into thought, Sid continued to quietly nibble on grapes and bean rice cakes, glancing between the two.
And then—
"Wow~ This is quite a sight."
A familiar voice rang out.
"Huh?"
"Oh my!"
Turning toward the voice, they saw none other than the wandering priest Zenis, who had visited Crossroad half a year ago to give Evangeline her checkup. He waved cheerfully as he walked into the orchard.
"The orchard is amazing. When did you manage to get it to this point?"
"Uncle Zenis!"
Not just Evangeline, but Lilly and Sid lit up at the sight of him. Sid even ran over and threw himself into Zenis's arms.
Zenis wasn't just a former comrade from the monster frontlines; he had also played the role of midwife during Lilly's labor, delivering Sid himself. Their bond ran deep.
After exchanging pleasantries, Evangeline asked,
"Weren't you heading west last time? You're back sooner than I thought."
"Ah, well. I wandered around the west for a while and ended up running into another wandering priest. That friend of mine said they were heading to Crossroad, so I decided to tag along."
Zenis gestured behind him, and the young man standing there removed his hood.
With his curly hair grown out and his skin slightly tanned, his appearance had changed a bit, but everyone present instantly recognized him.
Evangeline gasped, covering her mouth as she exclaimed.
"Damien!"
"It's been a while, everyone."
Damien, who hadn't visited Crossroad in years, greeted them with his familiar gentle smile.
"So at first, I planned to go all the way north…"
Sitting before a plate of freshly served grapes and bean rice cakes, the reunited comrades chatted warmly.
"But along the way, I kept coming across sick people asking for help… and, well…"
Damien smiled sheepishly.
"In an era without divine power, what choice do I have? If someone with even a little medical knowledge doesn't help the sick, who will?"
Zenis nodded in agreement, clearly resonating with Damien's words as a fellow wandering priest.
Damien continued,
"Before I knew it, I found myself wandering the western desert regions. So I figured, why not just go all the way to the western edge this time?"
"Wow, so you really went to the western edge?"
"Yeah. It would've taken much longer if I had walked the whole way, but the Mirage nomads helped me. Thanks to their camels, I got there faster than expected."
"That's incredible… What was it like at the western edge, Damien?"
"That's… a really long story…"
At that moment, the large snake coiled around Damien's neck—Jörmungandr—hissed softly, flicking its tongue with apparent displeasure.
Damien scratched Jörmungandr's head with a wry smile.
"I know, I know. Sorry about this. We'll head north next, I promise. Don't be mad."
Ssshh…
Jörmungandr seemed to have been annoyed by the detour westward and continued flicking its tongue as if to show its displeasure.
Sid's eyes sparkled as he stared at the snake.
"Um, big brother Damien… Can I touch the snake?"
"What are you saying? No way, absolutely not!"
Lilly hurriedly grabbed Sid, alarmed.
But Damien smiled and nodded, unwrapping the snake from around his neck and gently placing it before Sid.
Jörmungandr let out a soft huff before curling up on the table and lying still. Sid, delighted, eagerly began touching the snake's smooth body, while Lilly furrowed her brow in exasperation.
Damien chuckled and exclaimed, "Ah!" as if remembering something. He pulled a pouch from his pocket and handed it to Evangeline.
"Seeing this orchard reminded me. Here, Lady Evangeline, take this."
"Hm? Damien, what is this?"
"Date palm seeds."
The pouch was filled with well-preserved date palm seeds.
Damien explained,
"Five years ago, during Night Bringer's invasion, a cold snap struck the western desert regions, killing off most of the date palm trees."
"Oh no…"
"The local residents gave me these seeds, saying to plant them wherever I went if I could think of a suitable place. I've been carrying them around ever since because I couldn't find the right spot."
He gestured toward the orchard with a nod.
"I think they might grow well here in Crossroad. What do you think?"
"Date palms…?"
Evangeline swallowed hard.
She had tasted dates once before and vividly remembered their uniquely chewy, sweet flesh. As the memory came to her, something clicked in her mind, and she snapped her fingers.
"Yes, if it's these…!"
But just then—
"Ugh!"
Evangeline suddenly clutched her belly and collapsed where she stood.
Everyone jumped in alarm, and Lilly cried out in panic.
"Lady Evangeline?! Are you okay?!"
"My belly… It hurts so much…"
Evangeline was drenched in sweat as she struggled to speak.
"Did I… eat too much…?"
"What are you saying?! This is clearly labor pains! You're in labor, you pregnant woman! Now, deep breaths!"
As Zenis helped guide Evangeline's breathing, he shouted, "Call for a carriage! We need to transport her to Crossroad immediately!"
Everyone sprang into action, working together to lay Evangeline down and prepare to rush her to the city.
That was when Damien—kind-hearted but notoriously oblivious—blurted out the question no one else dared to ask.
"Where's Sir Lucas?! Where is he?!"
"…"
"His wife is about to give birth—shouldn't he be here right now—?"
"…"
"Ah."
Awkward silence fell over the group.
Damien began to feel the temperature in the sunny, early-autumn orchard drop significantly. A cold chill, despite the warm sunlight.
"…I'm sorry."
Damien mumbled a quiet apology, but it was too late.
Evangeline, her face flushed red—either from labor pains or sheer anger—had already entered a state of rage.
"That idiot husband of mine…"
Her voice was shrill as she glared with bloodshot eyes, whether from pain or fury.
"He thinks work is more important than his wife and baby—!"
At the same time.
On the main road from the Bringar Duchy to Crossroad.
"Hyah! Hyah! Faster—!"
Lucas was galloping down the road in a frenzy.
"Go! Go! I have to get there!"
He had to make it in time for Evangeline's labor.
He had to be there for the moment his child was born.
"Somebody help meeeeee!"
…And, above all, he had to avoid a lifetime of being scolded by his wife.
Desperately. Furiously. With all his might.