Love

[D-Rank Tale: Sword Demon City

Mission Objective: Conquer the city (1/1)

Assassinate Sword Demon (1/1)

Mission Objectives Achieved!

Tale Extermination Successful!

Rewards have been added to your inventory; please check!]

With the Sword Demon's death, this message appeared before all participating Heroes.

The city's defenses had crumbled; the Sword Demon's death was the final piece of the puzzle.

Though the city was conquered, it wasn't completely over; they…

Needed higher-level Heroes to lead lower-level ones in clearing the city and eliminating all monsters.

The Heroes planned to prevent any escape; all gates were sealed for a complete extermination.

There was no room for mercy; every Hero had lost family, some, like Anyi in his previous life, had entire villages destroyed.

The monster invasion had been going on for too long, resulting in the destruction of cities one after another.

Including [Sword Demon City], which had once been human territory.

Without extermination, they'd raze human lands; humanity would be extinct in ten years.

There was no need for mercy; treat them like pests and eliminate them all.

Anyi said: "Only Class 3 and 4 monsters remain; you two can join the cleanup teams.

Heroes have been assigned to your teams; find them."

Mala and Philia looked at Audrey.

"Let's go," Audrey smiled.

"Yes, Master!"

They replied in unison, then nodded at Anyi.

Mala: "Senior Brother Anyi, let's go!"

Philia: "Thank you, Senior Brother, for creating this opportunity."

They left the training ground…

Instantly!

"Bang!"

Anyi felt a flash; he landed on a chair; a soft touch on his lap; Audrey's beautiful face was inches away.

Audrey sat on Anyi's lap, hugging his head, rubbing affectionately: "I haven't seen you for a long time because of the extermination; did you miss your Master?"

Anyi: "Yes, but Master, aren't you a little too close?"

Audrey was back at her peak; even at Anyi's current strength, he couldn't see her movements.

If she had any intentions towards him, he'd be helpless.

Well…

He could say "Master, please don't."

Would that count as resistance?

And Anyi had something else to say; wasn't his Master's affection a little excessive?

He'd been avoiding close contact with her.

He'd spent the last two months leveling up with Ariana.

He'd found two disciples for Audrey.

His attitude had been cold; Why his Master's affection excessive?

This life wasn't as close as their previous one.

Audrey whispered in Anyi's ear, smiling: "Too close? I don't think so.

If you were ten years younger, being hugged and kissed would be normal, wouldn't it?

If you had a teenage sister, you'd do the same, wouldn't you?"

Anyi: "I suppose, but…"

"I'm an adult now."

Audrey chuckled: "In my eyes, you're no different from a newborn; I'm over 1500 years old."

「So that's it…」 Anyi thought.

Audrey saw him as a cherished disciple, not a romantic interest?

That was best.

He continued: "But I don't see why Master likes me so much.

In human society, close contact is special.

Is it different among Elves?

Perhaps close contact isn't indicative of intimacy but a simple friendly gesture?"

Audrey hugged Anyi tighter, saying softly: "Of course not; I hug you because I like you.

I don't hug my other disciples like this, do I?"

Anyi: "..."

Why?!

In his previous life, even expressions of affection only came after several months.

And even then, it was half-joking.

Too soon in this life!

"Why do I deserve Master's affection?" Anyi asked.

Audrey lifted Anyi's chin with her finger, meeting his gaze, saying softly: "My disciple, I like your eyes.

Even Elves admire the strong.

I've encountered countless powerful beings, monsters and Elves alike, all strong.

I am also strong; few Elves surpassed me in the Elven race.

And Elves don't easily fall in love; I've never been attracted to any male before.

But…

You are different.

I could kill you with my pinky finger, yet I feel you're stronger.

It's… intuition?

No, it's not intuition; it's a warning from my soul.

As one of the strongest Elves, my soul trembles in your presence; it's afraid of you.

It's not attraction; it's…

I've been conquered."

Anyi: "…Ah."

Wait…

Was this even possible?!

It involved the soul; beyond his control!

In past life, he and Audrey's relationship had likely developed over time?

So, in this life, following the previous life's pattern, he could avoid "love over time" by avoiding her.

But…

She'd fallen in love at first sight!

Being conquered by a single glance was something else!

Audrey was of age; Elves could only have one partner; they'd repeatedly request pairing before having children, then enter a [Lustlessness] state like Heroes.

The number of children depended on their desires.

Then, until death, they'd feel no romantic love for anyone.

If she'd fallen in love at first sight…

He couldn't escape!

「However…」

Fortunately, it wasn't time for pairing requests yet.

Due to their short acquaintance, Audrey wouldn't immediately have romantic thoughts.

Otherwise, things would get complicated.

Anyi: "Ahem, if you were afraid of me, why didn't you kill me first?"

Audrey laughed, releasing Anyi, gently jumping off his lap, going behind the chair to hug his neck, whispering in his ear:

"Because… such a terrifying man, yet I were genuinely happy when I first saw you.

Didn't it feel like…

A tyrannical king showing affection to a weak woman?"

Anyi: "..."

You're the tyrannical ruler; I'm the weakling… weakling man.

"With my strength, I'm hardly a tyrannical ruler," Anyi said.

"Oh?" Audrey chuckled, "I have a feeling you'll surpass me soon.

Years, even decades, aren't long for me.

I can wait for the day you surpass me."

"What if I never surpass you?" Anyi asked.

"If you never surpass me, then… so be it."

Audrey released him, walking two steps away, hands behind her back.

Because…

Regardless of Anyi's strength, he was the man she valued.

If Anyi never surpassed her in strength;

It didn't matter.

He'd conquered her with a glance; her affection needed no further justification.

Regardless of his strength, she'd accept it!

However, she had a feeling.

Anyi would surpass her during the monster extermination.

Within ten years.

From Audrey's perspective, Anyi was the world's most deserving Hero.

If even he couldn't stand before the Demon Lord…

If even he couldn't, could anyone else?

The campaign was over; Anyi had some free time; his junior sisters were also out; he decided to spend some time with his Master.

He hadn't been able to in their previous life.

He could use monster extermination as an excuse to avoid her, but without one, he decided to spend time with his Master.

Anyi: "Master, I can cook."

Audrey: "Ah? I wouldn't have guessed!

Now that the campaign is over, can you cook for me?"

Anyi: "Sure.

Spicy?"

"What's that?"

"You'll see."

...

Meanwhile, at the Silver Moon base, in the Aldrich Theocracy region, Ariana attended a meeting at the Theocracy's invitation.

After some congratulatory remarks, a devotee presented Ariana with a document.

"Your Highness, please review this."

Ariana accepted: "Alright."

Because Anyi had previously pointed out their "wasted time," they'd organized the information for her review.

They understood that the Holy Maiden's time was precious! It couldn't be wasted on individual reports!

The documents weren't numerous but not few either.

For Ariana, monster extermination was paramount; she was a warrior herself.

Secondary was her duty as Holy Maiden.

As Holy Maiden and top Hero, she needed to encourage devotees, Heroes, and citizens, inspiring them to fight monsters.

Before this campaign, she'd given a speech.

While not a complete victory, there was no celebration yet.

However, something else required her attention.

The protection and benefits for Heroes' families, which she'd discussed with the Pope.

This had been ongoing; many families had gathered within the Aldrich Theocracy.

The relocation itself was smooth, but…

Hero casualties were unavoidable.

Even with Anyi's influence reducing deaths, casualties were inevitable in war.

The families of "living Heroes" had no complaints; their food and shelter were secure.

But the families of "deceased Heroes" were different.

With their Hero dead, what would the Theocracy do?

Their family members had died at the Theocracy's behest; was that the end?

Would they be expelled because their Hero was dead?

Some were driven by greed; others by anxiety and doubt.

Being treated as commodities, relocated, then sent back after their loved ones died in battle felt wrong.

Like a two- or three-month vacation, ending with a family member's death.

A pointless journey ending in loss.

It would have been better if their Heroes hadn't fought!

At least they wouldn't have died!

Ariana had raised this issue; now, she had to decide.

Not that other Theocracy officials couldn't decide, nor the Pope, but Ariana was the ultimate authority.

Whatever she decided, the Theocracy would abide.

Unless she relinquished her decision-making power, allowing officials or the Pope to decide, she alone would make the final judgment.

But how could Ariana relinquish this decision?

It concerned the future of the Heroes' families!

After reviewing the documents, Ariana placed them on the table, lost in thought.

A devotee approached, placing another document on the table: "Your Highness, these are several proposed solutions.

If you don't use these, you can make your own decisions.

But whatever you decide, please address the citizens in person to reassure them."

Ariana nodded, then looked at the proposals.

She knew she needed to address them, both as Holy Maiden and decision-maker.

Her presence held more weight than any other devotee's.

Reading the first proposal, Ariana frowned.

It suggested, to save costs, returning the families of deceased Heroes and replacing them with the families of future Heroes.

"Impossible?!" Ariana exclaimed, "Remove this! Absolutely not!"

A devotee, sweating profusely, nervously removed the document.

They'd anticipated her reaction; it was a test.

They wouldn't actually do that.

Perhaps they'd reduce benefits or provide less desirable housing, but they wouldn't return the families.

[Holy Hero: Anyi, Miruku, and Mr. Layton, could you come to the League of Heroes meeting room? I need to discuss something with you.

Shield Hero: Okay! Coming right away!

Thorn Hero: 1

Sword Hero: Ms. Miruku, come to the base kitchen; I'm cooking for Master and need an excuse to leave.

If I just go, Master will think I'm avoiding her.

Holy Hero: Anyi, you can cook?! I've never had your cooking!

Thorn Hero: …Fine.]

Meanwhile, Miruku, finally enjoying some peace, sighed.

"Sigh…"

More trouble!

Why not call Mr. Layton?!

...

In the base kitchen, it was past lunchtime; the Heroes had eaten and wouldn't be eating dinner for a while.

Anyi used the kitchen to "show off his skills."

Audrey leaned back in a chair, hands clasped, legs spread casually, watching Anyi cook with interest.

"So, what did you gain from that fight with the Sword Demon?" Audrey asked with a smile.

"A four-armed sword.

Now I can use three swords with two invisible hands," Anyi said.

[Item: Four-Armed Sword Lv99

Description: Grants two freely controllable [invisible arms]; allows the use of two additional weapons.]

This wasn't what Anyi had hoped for.

The Sword Demon was a border lord; he couldn't expect a [Demon Sword].

It was useful, but not entirely.

Useful in that he could now officially use multiple weapons.

Useless in that he already could.

But it was helpful for disguising his use of [Sword Control].

"That's not all you gained!" Audrey playfully chided, "He was a skilled swordsman, and he had more arms than you; didn't you gain experience from fighting him?"

"Experience…"

Anyi suddenly remembered he was a "disciple"; Audrey, though aware of his talent, would still teach him.

But…

"No experience," Anyi said.

"Oh… Master hoped you'd gain some insight," Audrey chuckled.

Anyi shook his head: "There's no insight to be gained from fighting such an opponent.

Ah…"

Suddenly, a white light flashed; a strangely shaped, pale purple sword appeared beside the stove.

Then, the cooking utensils and spices flew; a salt shaker, its lid open, spilled salt into the soup.

Anyi: "I see, I can cook with four hands."

"Pfft… Hahahahaha—!!" Audrey burst into laughter, "You should focus this ingenuity on battle! Ha ha ha ha!!"

Anyi: "Using four hands to make monsters into food."

Audrey: "Ha ha ha ha—!!

Stop making me laugh! Ha ha ha ha!!

Why are your emotionless words so funny?!"

Anyi: "Because I'm a genius."

Audrey: "That has nothing to do with genius!"

After a few more words, Audrey looked at the strangely shaped sword.

The blade was standard, but pale purple; the hilt was carved with four fists pointing outwards, the pommel shaped like a strong bull's hoof.

Like… a sword based on that four-armed Sword Demon.

She'd learned about "Kami" from interacting with the Heroes.

It was truly miraculous.

Sometimes, Audrey wondered;

Why did the Elves perish? Why hadn't the Elven gods saved them?

Ah, perhaps the Elven gods had always been helping them.

They possessed elemental control, powerful mana; they were a favored race from birth.

Humans had nothing.

Humanity still had a long way to go.

The strongest human force had only just taken a border city, a significantly weakened one.

Without her slaying numerous Class 6 and 5 monsters, conquering the city would have taken half the time and twice the manpower.

Rescuing her was a key human decision; it facilitated the city's conquest; it was mutually beneficial.

Before reaching human territory, she hadn't believed Anyi and the others were human.

Their strength was far beyond human capabilities.

She'd believed they were some kind of human-like monster.

But upon reaching human territory, encountering ordinary humans, soldiers, and other Heroes, she realized.

Anyi hadn't lied.

After several days' rest, high-ranking officials from the base, Theocracy, and League of Heroes gathered for a meeting with Audrey.

The League of Heroes officials were the four members of the Holy Maiden team; Ariana was the founder.

The meeting concerned;

Audrey's future actions.

Anyi already had a plan.

Audrey couldn't appear in monster territory for several years; she shouldn't participate in monster extermination.

Her disguise in Sword Demon City had anticipated this.

For the next few years, until the Heroes were strong enough to threaten the monsters, Audrey would remain in human territory as an "advisor."

She could teach her magic, swordsmanship, monster knowledge, and other relevant information.

This contribution would be far greater than conquering monster cities herself.

Currently, even if Audrey conquered cities, humans couldn't occupy them; it might even provoke a fierce counterattack.

If the monsters learned her location and multiple Servant-level enemies attacked, it would be disastrous for humanity!

Humanity had nine years and nine months left.

Ten years was nothing to Audrey; not fighting wouldn't cause boredom.

"Master, the food's ready," Anyi said.

"Ah!" Audrey snapped out of her thoughts, "Yes, I've smelled something strange, slightly pungent; is that your cooking?"

"It's unusual but delicious," Anyi said, putting a piece of chili-stir-fried meat in his mouth.

"You shouldn't eat before offering food to your Master?!" Audrey scolded playfully.

Anyi: "I'll remember that next time."

Audrey: "As compensation, you must feed me!"

Anyi: "Alright."

...

Miruku, as a professional assassin, was familiar with her surroundings; she knew where the kitchen was.

Layton would have taken a long time finding it.

Even before reaching the kitchen, she smelled the chili peppers.

"Ugh!!" Miruku instantly covered her mouth and nose.

She hated spicy food!

It caused pain and masked the original flavors!

Approaching the kitchen, she heard strange panting sounds.

"Ah… ah… Too spicy… unbearable… ah…" Audrey's muffled voice.

Miruku, without thinking, approached the kitchen door.

She saw Audrey's flushed face, tears in her eyes, hands gripping the chair, legs spread, her tongue lolling out as she panted at Anyi.

"…?" Miruku's face turned pale.