Leave a comment

“……”

Loggins moved through the dance hall with heavy steps, having no choice but to sheath Gate Burner, which had lost its target.

What a mess.

Broken windows, a burning chandelier, and damaged stone walls and floors, followed by dozens of human corpses.

Can this place really be called the King’s residence? It seems like an abandoned ruin transformed into a battleground.

Frowning slightly at the blazing flames and the stench of blood, Loggins picked up Seletina, who was sleeping on her side.

“How beautiful.” Loggins said, merely voicing his opinion.

The girl’s eyelids were closed, hidden beneath her long eyelashes, and the bridge of her nose was smooth

Her pinkish lips were slightly moist, and her beautiful blonde bangs seemed to have been woven out of gold.

“Lovers, huh…”

Loggins recalled what The Witch of Black and White said.

I need more information.

Loggins began to sort things inside his head.

It’s certain that The Witch of Black and White set up this whole fiasco. But then, what’s her purpose? She said that she only acts in order to get what she wants. She also said that she loves this girl. And while battling this girl, the Defiler of Pride and Wisdom had assumed the appearance of The Witch of Black and White. Are this girl and The Witch of Black and White really lovers? What is their connection?

Suddenly, the sound of a woman’s distant moan broke Loggins’ train of thought.

A survivor!

Loggins took long strides toward the voice, mindful not to disturb Seletina, who was in his arms.

Soon, he reached the person.

“Melia!”

The woman was someone who Loggins knew.

He carefully lowered Seletina to the ground and lifted Melia’s torso.

“Melia. It’s me. Loggins.”
“Ughhh!”

Melia moaned in agony, her eyes blurry, but she managed to catch a glimpse of Loggins through them.

She’d lost too much blood.

Just from holding Melia, Loggins’ arms were already drenched with her blood.

It was clear to him that she was on her deathbed.

“Oh… cough! If it… isn’t you, Loggins… You’re always late to the party…”
“I’m sorry. Here, drink this Potion.”

Loggins said, taking out a small bottle. However, Melia shook her head, refusing it.

“Why? Do you want to die?”
“… Fufu. I took a Strengthening Potion… I can’t drink that…”
“You…”
“This is what I get for relying on tools… A shame on Melia the Gale’s name…”
“No. You did the right thing.”
“… Fufu. I never thought I’d hear you say that… My jaw would’ve dropped to the floor had I heard it during my…. mercenary days.”

Cough cough!
　
At each cough, Melia vomited substantial amounts of blood. Her lips were purple and her body was cold.

“Wait here. I’ll get a doctor.”
“Don’t… bother.”
“What?”
“I’ll die anyways. I know that much.” Melia said, smiling.

Her smile was daring, definitely not one fit for death.

“But…”
“I-Is Seletina… Is my daughter there?”
“Daughter?”
“I… want to see my daughter’s face…”

Loggins promptly stood up and walked up to Seletina.

He picked her up, carrying her next to Melia’s side and placed her down.

“Seletina… My pride… and joy…”

Melia said, running her trembling finger across Seletina’s cheek.

A line of red appeared Seletina’s cheek as she did so.

“She’s your daughter?”
“Sure is… Her name is Seletina. Isn’t she… really beautiful?”
“She sure is.”
“Tonight… was her debut… She was amazing… Everyone was looking at her… I’ve never felt more proud…”
“……”
“Say, Loggins…”
“What is it?”
“Could you do me a favor?”
“Let’s hear it.”
“You see…” Melia said, stroking Seletina’s golden hair.

Looking at her cherished baby sleeping blissfully, Melia’s eyes started swelling up with tears.

“This child’s dream… is to become a knight… Fufu… Can you imagine? Such a beautiful… frail child… becoming a knight…”

Melia spoke, while Loggins just stood and listened.

Then as Melia continued, her voice abruptly became deeper.

“I made fun of it… I made fun of her dream… Nevertheless, Seletina is strong… Without running… she stood up to me, her terrible mother…”

Tears began falling from Melia’s eyes.

“Loggins. This child… will definitely become a knight… I guarantee it. So… So… So…” Melia continued, “So, when this child becomes a knight, please watch over her. Watch over her so that she doesn’t stray down the wrong path, and so that she can live her life to the fullest.”

Because I won’t be there.

Were the words Melia couldn’t say.

Melia’s deep blue eyes stared straight at Loggins.

“I promise I’ll do what I can.”
“Fufu… You’re as serious as ever.”
“I’m sorry.” Loggins said, but no response came back.

With her hand still tenderly resting on Seletina’s head, Melia’s eyes closed slowly¹.

1. Robinxen: Where are the onion ninjas?!