111 – Demon King's Legacy #2
Mirna didn't particularly say anything about that.
Aira also started to make her way out of the mansion, as if she hadn't expected an answer in the first place.
I hurriedly followed Aira, who was walking into the darkness.
Still a bit bothered about leaving Mirna alone in the mansion, I took one final look-back and saw her waving her hand at me.
Thus, I waved back ever so slightly lest Aira would notice.
"You seem to have gotten quite close with Lady Mirna. Did anything happen in the dungeon?"
But Aira's next words suddenly startled me. Of course, I hid my surprise and pretended nothing was wrong.
"So, did you get some training done in the dungeon? I can feel that your magic power is stronger than before."
For this, I didn't even bother trying to lie. She could easily and quickly see through my progress anyways.
"I think I'm around Rank 4 now."
"A one-of-a-kind talent progressing this fast, only inferior only to mine… As expected of the man I chose~."
Aira praised my progress.
"Continue your training and loyalty to your Queen."
Having responded appropriately, I recalled what had happened as of late. I had made quite a progress with Elga and Mirna to some extent.
However, for Aira, I had no idea where to even begin.
In a way, she was the one who spent the most time with me, Theo. But I couldn't even see a single chink on her shell that I could exploit.
A cool wind blew me out of my thoughts. Only then did I realize that I was walking alone in the dark suburbs with a woman.
Under the countless twinkling stars in the sky, and a soft scent brushing the tip of my nose.
For some reason, I could hear not one beast cry, even the grasshoppers were silent. Perhaps they knew that they were in the presence of the Queen and went into hiding. R̃ΑＮȏᛒΕ§
"Come to think of it, Theo. It's been a long time since you and I took a walk together."
In the past, when I was still living in the court, I often went for a walk with Aira just . By walk, I mean strolling around the palace's splendid and safe garden.
"So, Theo. Are you satisfied with your life at Ark?"
She'd been acting like a parent wanting to talk with her children, coming up with random topics. But before I could even think of a proper answer to her question, Aira added a few more words.
"Although it's been a while, I still remember that night. Theo, what you said to me in your room…"
"The thing you told me about giving everything up and escaping with you."
I remembered that I did take a big gamble back then. I grabbed Aira's shoulder and seriously said I was prepared to throw everything away. Looking back at it now, that was a little crazy.
"At that time, you didn't know how high the sky was and dared to speak that way. Do you remember?"
"That was reckless of me, please forgive my past actions."
"If you could go back to that time, what would you do?"
"I would still do the same thing."
This time my answer just came right out without even thinking. However, it was true that I did not regret my decision. There was no doubt that my choice was the best.
Did she like my answer?
I couldn't tell, Aira simply said nothing more.
━Mem, Memem, Memem, Mem-.
At this time, the previously silent insects suddenly started to cry. This marked the start of a hot summer night, with colorful fireflies flickering with beauty and ambience.
Under the moonlight, the scenery looked straight out of a fairy tale.
Except, this was reality.
Then Aira spoke to me again.
"Does the Queen have something to add?"
"If it's the other way around–."
Aira was about to say something when she suddenly shut her mouth. That sudden silence eventually devolved into full-blown awkwardness. Our footsteps on the trail became exceptionally piercing to the ears.
"What would you do if I told you first?"
Aira pondered for a while, before barely managing to open her lips. Her steps suddenly halted, at the same time, the wind blew.
I asked her face to face.
Aira shook her head and started walking again.
"The moon is bright."
Aira raised her head. It was obvious that Aira had stopped trying to tell me something.
"What are you doing? Come on."
Aira, who took a few steps ahead, urged me. Her dark hair fluttering in the wind looked very beautiful.
As I approached her, she raised her hand and stroked my hair. Her touch felt deft and gentle, not something you would expect from a tyrant Queen.
Come to think of it, didn't Aira have 'Saintess' as a job?
I had many questions in my mind.
However, I knew that she wouldn't answer even if I asked so I kept my mouth shut.
The time had yet to ripen.
For now, just strolling under the moonlight while hiding many things from each other was enough…