Night fell, the starry sky dazzling above.
Inside the tent where the two were alone, the makeshift hut still felt too crude—nothing compared to the tent’s practicality.
After all, most of their belongings were here, and neither of them felt like moving things back and forth.
In the end, they decided to stay in the tent.
The interior was simple: a big bed, a table, and a chair.
Seated on the chair, a silver-haired girl was writing ceaselessly, her pen scratching across the paper.
Yet she would pause now and then, editing, crossing things out, and drawing anew.
Under the candlelight, her delicate face looked especially troubled, so much so that something about her seemed off.
Most likely, it was Sig’s words that had left her heart in turmoil, her mind restless.
Having her greatest fear exposed, it was like a thorn stuck in her throat, impossible to let go.
The worst part was that he wasn’t wrong—he was completely right.
In the end, there was no essential difference between herself and Gerard…
She didn’t even know what to say. She couldn’t even argue, only remain silent.
She felt uncertain about her future with Sig, but she didn’t want to give up, nor was she willing to.
She kept asking herself, What should I do, what should I do? But no matter how she questioned herself, there was never an answer…
She didn’t know how much time had passed when Sig’s impatient, unmistakably commanding voice reached her ears.
He raised his hand and, in one smooth motion, grabbed the girl’s small head.
“Alright, stop writing already. Emilia, look at you right now, all miserable like you’re about to die or something. Just seeing you like this annoys me. Go to bed early and stop working. I need to sleep too, after all.”
“Okay, Sig.”
She didn’t say anything more, just answered softly, nodding gently.
She lifted her eyes to look at him, her rosy lips parting as if to say something, but nothing came out.
Of course, that didn’t stop Sig from teasing her.
The corners of his mouth curled up, as if he’d suddenly made a connection, and he clapped his hands in mock celebration, toasting the “dog couple.”
“So that’s it, huh? I was wondering what was wrong with you. Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Gerard’s words? Thinking about him day and night, waiting for him to change his mind? Next, are you planning to go see him? And then, under cover of night, have a round of fun to ease your worries? After all, the love and hate in your heart are both surging, so you’re hesitating, suffering, right? It’s written all over your face. So, old feelings are rekindled, huh… Heh, you’re going to forgive him just like that? That’s pretty cheap, honestly. Seems I overestimated you before—forgot you’re just a green tea b*tch.”
He paused, the mocking smile on his face growing even more pronounced. Ignoring her mood entirely, he continued without a care.
“Even if you do forgive Gerard, Emilia, I won’t forgive you. That’s a promise. I’m not as cheap as you. You two should just get together and lock yourselves in, since scum and dogs are destined for each other. That way, no one else has to take over the mess. When you have a kid, remember to come to me for a free Slave Identification Card at the Demon King’s Castle. No need to thank me—after all, I did most of the heavy lifting.”
He finished, feeling pleased with himself, humming a little tune as he adjusted himself in his trousers.
Even though Emilia didn’t like hearing these things—she’d even asked him not to say them before—he still liked to say them out loud. After all, it’s his mouth, and he’ll say whatever he wants.
Maybe that’s why people say lies don’t hurt, but the truth is a sharp knife. What else could it be, in this situation? It’s impossible that she’s thinking about me… He quickly cut off that thought. Too unrealistic. Seems that spending too much time with a beautiful girl makes you start to fantasize. I, the humble mouse, am better off in my dark little sewer—it suits me more.
It’s not that he didn’t want to think more, but his previous experiences made him afraid to have any hopes for Emilia, even if she seemed to show interest in him… But years of brotherhood can’t compare to a single dog man. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy. Back then, he almost couldn’t take it… So, kids, the prettier the woman, the more dangerous she is.
She listened quietly to all these unreasonable guesses, her fists clenched tight and teeth gently biting her lip. It was clear she wasn’t happy, but she mustered her courage to respond, putting down her work and standing to face him directly.
She seemed a little out of control for a moment, but quickly calmed down.
“I didn’t. Really, I didn’t. My mind is filled with thoughts of you, and Gerard has nothing to do with it. Sig, I’m really in pain—what should I do? Sig, what do I do? Tell me.”
Realizing she’d lost her composure, she took a deep breath, regaining the calm and steadiness a Saintess should have.
“Sorry, Sig. I lost control a bit, but those are my true feelings.”
“It’s fine. It’s not a big deal.”
Sig looked startled, not expecting her to react so strongly. Hakimi, you stubborn guy, the more you struggle, the more stubborn you get. That just proves what I said was right.
But instead of backing down, he only became more aggressive, fanning the flames even harder.
“But as your former brother, I’m telling you this from the heart—stop lying to yourself. That outburst just now didn’t fool anyone. If you like Gerard, just admit it. Why hide it? What’s the point? What, you want to bet on both sides? Don’t want to tie yourself to a crooked old tree? Or do you think I’d fall for you?”
If nothing unexpected happened, he’d finally be free of Emilia’s Gravity Net of Death. But for some reason, his heart felt empty. Maybe he’d gotten used to the gravity over the past year—without it, he felt off. Maybe he just hadn’t spent enough time at the Dojo. A few more rounds tonight and he’d settle down.
He even offered her an out, ready to draw a clear line between them. He’d said everything that needed saying—if she had any sense, she’d leave.
If he didn’t do this, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to go through with it later…
“Alright, that’s enough. I wish you and Gerard a happy ending. Go to his room, and don’t bother me again. That’s an order, Emilia.”
“I don’t have any such thoughts! Why won’t you believe me, Sig? I’ve thought about it for a long time, and now I’m answering you. I can never forgive Gerard, not in this lifetime. I admit it, just like you can never forgive me. But that doesn’t mean I’ll give up on atonement, or let myself fall. I’m serious about you—even if you never forgive me, I won’t regret atoning for you for the rest of my life.”
Her blood-red eyes shone with determination, her words pressing in step by step. Hakimi swallowed hard, feeling something wasn’t right. He was forced back to the edge of the bed, and with a stumble, fell onto it, still putting on a tough front.
“Don’t—your little boyfriend’s right here. If he sees us like this, he’ll be heartbroken…”
But before he could finish, the girl didn’t respond with words. Instead, she answered with action—her slender hands deftly undid her clothes, slipping off her garments and undergarments until they lay at her feet. Her perfect curves were revealed, her fair skin glowing under the dim light, her shy expression unforgettable.
She’d already made up her mind, and she wanted to use this to finally shut him up—no more talk about her and Gerard.
“Shall we? I meant it when I said I’d be your wife. You don’t need to feel any burden—I’ll take all the consequences, you’re not responsible for anything.”
“?”
Sig’s mind went blank, helplessly lying on the bed. He realized his earlier guesses were all wrong. What she was doing completely overturned everything he’d thought. Staring straight at that tempting figure, he couldn’t help but feel a wicked urge rise up.
Maybe they should just do it—after all, it’s a matter of mutual consent.
And it would be a perfect way to get back at that Hero—two birds with one stone.
Emilia’s words, like a devil’s temptation, were breaking down his mental defenses.
“…Back then, with so many people around, it wasn’t possible. But now there’s no one else. It should be fine, right, Sig?”