Chapter 98: Grab

Inside the makeshift conference room at the center of the Demon King’s Castle, though shabby and barely shielding from the wind and rain, the voices of discussion gradually quieted, showing no sign of reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

“Lady Emilia, won’t you reconsider?”

Duke Orlay slammed his hand on the table, his emotions stirred. He seemed utterly helpless, his mind consumed with the question of why Emilia simply refused—why, why?

“No. No matter how good the offer, I can’t accept. I know you’re sincere, I can see that. But the construction of the Demon King’s Castle needs me. Sieg can’t do without me, and he doesn’t want me to leave either. Besides, I don’t want to go back—to the Empire. I’m sorry, Duke Orlay, but this is my answer.”

With matters at such a point, Emilia’s words broke the deadlock. She spoke her heart, hoping the other side would cease their entreaties. At the same time, a breath of relief eased over her, a faint smile gracing her lips as she elegantly awaited the response.

“Sigh, very well.”

After a brief silence, Orlay nodded helplessly. He bit his lip in frustration—by all rights, Emilia should not have refused. From the perspective of the Demon King’s Castle’s situation, or from her—

……

Hindsight was cruelly foolish. He could only say that plans never keep up with change, and schemes cannot outmatch human will.

The reality stood before him, and there was no use prolonging it. Emilia’s refusal was resolute, a stark contrast to her previous hesitation.

Better to leave early… He wondered if there would be another chance to persuade her, a glint of dark determination flickering in his eyes.

If only there were more time, if only… His gaze lowered, filled with reluctance, an unwillingness to give up.

Even in his heart, he couldn’t relinquish Emilia—the beauty within reach was far too precious. Yet none of these emotions showed on his face; his expression remained calm and composed.

With no choice, he rose to leave, but his eyes lingered longingly on the silver-haired maiden. She was like a flower he could never tire of—each glance brought freshness and stirred his heart anew. This scene only deepened his reluctance, and his lips moved involuntarily, words born purely of feeling, genuine to the core.

Who knew when they’d meet again? Or if there even would be a next time? After all, he had to return to the Empire. The Empire needed someone to lead.

Since Emilia refused to return, he was both the best and the only candidate. But the road ahead was long and uncertain—he might not survive.

….

Perhaps there would be no next time at all. The thought brought a faint flush to his cheeks.

“Lady Emilia, do you dislike me?”

“Not really.”

Without hesitation, Emilia gave her honest answer. She always maintained a friendly relationship with Duke Orlay, speaking politely even when he had betrayed her trust. It didn’t stop them from being ordinary friends, especially since there were mutual benefits to be had.

For Sieg’s sake, she was willing to let go of some grievances.

Unexpectedly, an untimely confession echoed in her ears.

“Is that so? I… I like you, Lady Emilia. From the moment I saw you, I wanted to marry you. Even if you’ve been with Sieg, it doesn’t matter—I wouldn’t care. I know you’ll probably refuse, so please don’t answer. Just leave me some space to dream.”

He paused, then continued earnestly, extending his hand as if ready to part amicably.

“At least answer me next time, if there is a next time, Lady Emilia.”

“Fine. I won’t answer you. Let’s leave some dignity for both of us. Goodbye, Duke Orlay. Until next time.”

It was clear Emilia was used to confessions; she remained serene and unfazed. After all, in the Empire, she had been confessed to countless times, especially by Orlay himself.

She silently extended her delicate hand for a proper farewell, her crimson eyes watching the departing duke. She hoped there would be a next time. Knowing his predicament in the Empire didn’t mean she was obliged to help him.

She was no saint—she was Sieg’s wife, giving everything for him with all her strength, with no energy left for other matters.

Soon, she was alone in the conference room, the draft from the leaky walls rustling her waist-length hair. She leaned back in her chair, stretched lazily, feeling completely at ease.

Rising without delay, she prepared to seek out her beloved Sieg. After all, her thoughts were full of him—there was nothing else. Perhaps this was what love truly meant.

Meanwhile, Duke Orlay, having reached the outskirts of the Demon King’s Castle, was deeply dissatisfied with the failure of his plan. By all rights… sigh, there he went again, indulging in fantasies. He shook his head helplessly, knowing it was pointless.

He had been too impatient. Not only had he failed to drive Emilia to desperation and isolation, but also failed to have Gerard eliminate Sieg—the biggest threat.

Perhaps those two failures were the root cause. Sigh.

As he walked, he sensed something amiss. Using magic, he detected a commotion nearby. Familiar voices and scents reached his ears—undoubtedly Emilia. Even the reflection in his eyes was her. Yet there was something unusual about her.

Just as he was about to speak and inquire, he saw the silver-haired, blue-eyed girl muttering to herself, seemingly unsettled by a recent ordeal.

“Sieg really is terrifying. Just standing beside him makes me feel uneasy—a natural enemy. When Gerard regains the Hero’s power and takes back Emilia, I’ll make you pay.”

It was obvious that even after coming back to life, she hadn’t changed her nature. Perhaps it was simply who she was.

Besides, Emilia was the very meaning and reason for her revival.

Naturally, Orlay, not far away, overheard this. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, stepping closer with a smile and raising his hand in greeting, unsure of the girl’s true identity.

He chose to test the waters, to verify the unrealistic guess in his heart.

Moreover, this place was far from the Demon King’s Castle’s reach, unlikely to be easily detected.

If Emilia were threatened, though, the Demon King might sense it.

“Lady Emilia, I was just talking to you a moment ago. How did you end up here? Is something wrong? You look panicked.”

“Orlay, ahhh—”

It was clear that Gerard was startled by the sudden appearance of the man behind her. Her slender body trembled, her long legs weakened, and she collapsed onto the grass. After all, she had died because of him; such lingering fear was understandable. Fear flickered in her eyes as she swallowed hard, trying to steady herself, repeatedly whispering the same words—indeed, even saying it aloud:

“I am Emilia. I am Emilia.”

“I know, you are Emilia, but only on the surface. Your aura, expression, even your pupils are different. Could you be the resurrected Gerard? Interesting.”

Based on the previous words and guesses, Orlay made a bold assumption. He stepped forward and grabbed the girl.

Unexpectedly, he wasn’t sent flying by Sieg.

This person was undoubtedly not Emilia… interesting.

A faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

Truly, when one path seems blocked, another unexpectedly appears.