Chapter 50: Business as usual

Taking in all these refugees as slaves of the Demon King’s Castle might seem no different from before, but in reality, the difference is huge.

As for just how big, Emilia simply didn’t have the time or energy to care right now—she was swamped.

Under the scorching sun, inside a hastily erected outdoor shelter, several slave overseers were carefully listening to the commands and instructions of the silver-haired girl.

She spoke quickly, precisely, and with an unmistakable authority. Soon, they all agreed without question.

They responded in unison, no objections, nothing unreasonable, and nothing left to say.

“Alright.”

“Thank you for your hard work. If there are no objections, we’ll do it my way. As usual, if you need anything, just go to Sig. He’ll get it for you, and if he doesn’t, tell him I said so—this is important. Tomorrow, let your people rest well for a day. The day after, we have a big operation. Don’t hold us back.”

She nodded, saying nothing more.

After all, a bunch of new people had just arrived and were being assigned accommodations, food, and other arrangements—plus the slaves had to work overtime, building temporary shelters.

“I can hear you just fine, Emilia. But I need some dignity. When we’re working, call me Lord, use my title, not my name.”

Nearby, Sig was rocking back and forth on a kiddie ride, the creaking sounds echoing. He answered offhandedly.

He wasn’t angry, just helpless. He was working hard to maintain safety and order, to keep anyone from acting up. Other than him, there were no other guards. His golden eyes watched each new face outside.

He yawned in boredom and scratched himself. He’d figured out where these people came from—they were indeed from the Empire, but had fled as refugees. Apparently, they were survivors from the old noble purges, most of whom supported Emilia. As for where the rumors came from?

They all claimed not to know. Anyway, they just knew, but no one could say who told them.

He didn’t intend to dig deeper. If he did, it would probably come to nothing—better to just let things be.

He continued to observe the situation. People were lining up in order, each reporting their name, age, and former occupation, then happily joining as slaves—no, as future residents of the Demon King’s Castle.

“Sorry, I’ll pay more attention next time, Sig.”

She realized she’d been careless and quickly apologized, her movements graceful and polite. Yet Sig didn’t care at all, continuing to rock back and forth. In fact, he rather liked things this way; compared to being flattered or oiled up, this felt more comfortable.

“It’s fine, go on. By the way, it really is tough keeping things safe all by myself. Emilia, you should hurry up and get the Militia Training schedule going. I remember you mentioned it before.”

At first, he thought Militia Training was unnecessary. With him around, he could handle most crises. Better to focus on building the Demon King’s Castle.

Now, he realized it was too much for just one person.

“I’ll hand over a few carefully selected slaves under me for you to train. It’s not that I want to slack off—just that I’m not capable enough, you get it? I’m trusting you with this.”

“Alright, I understand. If possible.” She answered, then suddenly turned her face away, her silver hair falling to hide her slightly reddened ears. Her fingertips unconsciously played with the trim of her skirt.

“Can you stay with me for a while these days? I feel more at ease when you’re around, especially since we have some dangerous things to do.”

“? Fine, but don’t get any ideas about me. I know a thing or two about women’s self-defense.”

Since it was official business, he had no right to refuse. Though he often shirked responsibility, he couldn’t just ignore this. For some reason, he had a bad feeling.

He sighed, his tone a bit impatient.

But just then, a black-haired man who’d been waiting in line for ages heard and saw this scene, and immediately shouted to stop them.

“You can’t talk to Emilia like that! Who do you think you are, talking to her that way? Emilia, say something, yell at him…”

As expected, this was the top-tier Hero, Gerard, destined to be remembered throughout history. He’d found Emilia as if finding his anchor, but unfortunately, she no longer wanted to bother with him—treating him as a stranger.

“…Gerard, stop causing trouble. Finish registering and leave.”

As for Gerard’s issues, she didn’t want to get involved at all. With a hint of anger, she pressed her hand to her forehead and took a deep breath. If he were just bothering her, she’d only find him annoying, but he just had to drag Sig into it.

For the first time in a while, she spoke to him again, but her voice was cold. After all, who cares about a stranger?

“You’re still willing to talk to me. You do care about me, Emilia! Come back to the Empire with me. Let’s go, after we return I promise I’ll treat you well, and then we can…”

Unexpectedly, Gerard beamed, reaching out to grasp the girl’s delicate hand, wanting to hold it forever, speaking his wild fantasies. Even Sig at the side was dumbfounded.

Seriously, this guy was something else—a real genius, Hero.

Does he even know what a mess the Empire is now? What’s the point of Emilia going back—so she can be paraded through the streets with him?

Actually, that might not be so bad. Just imagining the scene felt exhilarating—better than any thrill.

But seeing how Gerard kept pestering her, Emilia looked utterly disgusted. She took several steps back to put distance between them, her brows tightly knit, forcing down her nausea to handle things formally, even using honorifics,

“Enough, Mr. Gerard. If you won’t write, then please leave.”

“I’ll write, I know you’re still angry, but I’ll show you my sincerity and regret. I’m not staying for anyone else, Emilia—just for you.”

Knowing it was pointless to keep going, Gerard filled out the form while pouring out his love and regret. Once done, he was led away to his assigned room.

As he left, he looked back with deep affection, his gaze almost sticky with longing, as if he had endless things to say. In the end, all his words condensed into just one line.

“I’ll wait for you outside tonight. Don’t forget to come find me, Emilia.”

Sig, having watched the whole thing, picked up the form the Hero had filled out. He frowned, put on his thick-rimmed glasses, and forced himself to read this absurd nonsense. Former occupation: Emilia’s husband. Likes: Emilia. Suitable work: Sleeping with Emilia, having children.

He shook the paper, showing it off, his expression growing even more strained, as if he’d just lost his last lifeline.

“If you ever act like that Hero, I swear I’ll never bother with you again. And don’t even think about sharing a bed with me—too creepy, Emilia.”

“I get it. By the way, Sig, why did you take in the Hero? I remember you two have some deep-seated grudge. Isn’t it an eyesore to keep him around? Or do you have some other reason?”

At this moment, as Sig’s future wife, she naturally considered things from his perspective. She couldn’t quite understand, but hoped he’d explain.

Unexpectedly, he smiled, gently shook his head, and no longer hid the disgust in his eyes—the emotion hidden behind his calm exterior.

“Aren’t you the same, Emilia? Aren’t you an eyesore? Are we really that close? He’s just like you—useful to me, so that’s why he’s here. Maybe, the day he’s no longer useful, I’ll kill him. Don’t be surprised, that’s normal. I told you this from the very first day.”

He paused for a moment. Maybe it was finally time to answer the question he’d left hanging before.

His expression was calm as water, his voice level as he spoke.

“I remember you once asked what you could do for me to forgive you. I didn’t answer back then… Now I will. I’m not giving you empty promises about forgiveness—I’m being serious. Do you think you could forgive Gerard? You can’t, right? That kind of feeling, that kind of emotion, that kind of pain… you and I know it all too well. So, take care of yourself.”