Chapter 51

After summoning the incomplete Caladbolg, releasing the lightning stored within the sword was no small feat for Asulin.

Exhaustion was inevitable. Whether I collapse unconscious from expending all my strength or gradually fall asleep unable to resist fatigue, the outcome would be the same.

Regardless, there was no reason to keep holding Caladbolg, draining vitality pointlessly. Asulin quickly reversed the summoning.

She confirmed Khalid’s silent form, burnt black like charcoal from her lightning strike, then closed her eyes to soothe her weary body.

At the same time, she swiftly recalled the enlightenment she felt when summoning the sword and calling forth lightning. The hidden mark on the back of her hand that only appeared when manifesting power.

The exhilaration and release she experienced when her family’s forbidden sword lent her its strength. The immense surge of power when she projected her will to attack only the intended target.

Though it happened in mere moments, this experience would fortify Asulin. Of course, even if her opponent lost the strength to resist and the situation became safe, resting and gathering insights so openly in such an exposed space could be dangerous.

But Asulin wasn’t worried as she sank her consciousness to its limits. She could hear footsteps approaching distinctly from afar, dispelling her previous unease instantly.

Those footsteps were rhythmic and orderly, signaling someone reliable was coming quickly. If he arrived, Asulin believed she could just lie down instead of closing her eyes and still be fine.

She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. She wanted to show him her best self, but by the time he reached here, she’d only be able to show him a tired face.

No choice. Once awake, she could greet him warmly and stay close. For now, she had to gather her insights and exhaustion in this moment.

She wanted to see him even with her eyes closed, to have him by her side when awake, and to be together even in sleep. But she’d have to wait a bit longer. Just a little more and she’d see him.

Asulin soothed her tired body and mind in her own way before letting her consciousness slip away.

How much time passed?

Gathering and organizing everything didn’t take long. Repeating an often-experienced event wasn’t difficult.

Her beloved’s precious voice, which she yearned to hear at every moment, continued to resonate beside her consciousness, even when she momentarily let go of the thread.

She could only hear it, though. She couldn’t tell what form it took or what emotions it carried.

Gradually, her suppressed consciousness resurfaced. Asulin’s closed eyelids slowly opened.

She was certain she’d see his kind face, caring for her as she let her consciousness sink to rest.

As expected, the moment Asulin’s eyes opened, she could meet Andymin’s gaze up close.

But meeting him wasn’t quite what she hoped for.

Instead of calling out Andymin’s name as she should have, a short sigh escaped her lips.

Though the distance between them was appropriate, she felt a mix of worry and intense emotion in her eyes, looking at the sky rather than her.

If she was going to look, why not look at her? She couldn’t help but pout slightly, expressing her disappointment.

But that moment passed quickly. Asulin soon shook off her lingering regret at seeing Andymin ignore her and gaze blankly at the sky.

She couldn’t explain why, but she felt a strong sense of déjà vu from his expression as he silently looked upward, letting his emotions settle.

It reminded her of a cherished memory from her childhood, though the timing, place, and people involved were different.

His silent, upward gaze evoked the same sense of déjà vu as that cherished moment in her memories.

Why? She paused, trying to confirm this feeling, but her mind wasn’t fully awake yet.

“…”

Even with her frown deepening, the source of her déjà vu remained unclear.

Still, she felt she could understand it better if given a little more time.

But Andymin’s warm voice, breaking her reverie, said, “You’ve awakened. You look tired. Are you okay?”

While disappointing, seeing his warm expression wasn’t entirely bad.

She could always reminisce about those times she couldn’t do anything but recall the past.

“I’m fine. I can walk. But how about you? Your expression seems worried.”

She thought it best to comfort him now, as she couldn’t do so later.

Asulin took a step toward Andymin.

The first morning starlight of the new year shone down blessing her as she stepped forward.

“I’m fine…,” Andymin replied, his voice warm but weak.

His demeanor, so different from usual—confident and unyielding—alarmed Asulin.

What happened? Was he hurt while she was unconscious?

She worried he might have sustained unseen injuries.

With each step, ominous thoughts grew in her mind.

Her gaze, shifting to the spot she last saw the situation resolved, was purely coincidental.

But seeing nothing there now, she asked, “Come to think of it, where’s that assassin I subdued? Did the Imperial Security Bureau take him?”

At that moment, Asulin noticed something unusual.

Andymin, usually calm and composed, showed clear signs of panic for the first time.

His sweat, dripping despite his attempts to hide it, mirrored his reaction to Andymin’s drunken antics.

Only then did Asulin realize why he looked away, seemingly hiding his feelings.

The psychological burden of losing a key witness—a high-ranking assassin needed as evidence against the League—kept him from properly facing her.

“…I failed. Like a wisp of smoke, he vanished again.”

Andymin didn’t need to tell Asulin about the League Master’s revelation through Khalid.

He knew the truth wouldn’t change anything for him.

Just as steel must endure fire and hammering to become refined, enduring the Succession War and extreme situations honed his body and spirit beyond any biological father.

Andymin affirmed this, saying, “I should have been prepared. I let my guard down after seeing him immobilized and lost him. It’s my fault.”

He calmly apologized for failing to meet her expectations after subduing Khalid and trusting her to rest.

Though he doubted the possibility of the former patriarch still living, losing a crucial witness was unforgivable.

“It’s fine. We can get information from others. Losing a madman who wouldn’t give us proper intel isn’t your fault.”

Asulin, satisfied he wasn’t seriously injured, didn’t press him further.

“But I feel uneasy knowing I couldn’t hold onto someone I struggled so hard to capture.”

“If you want, there’s one thing you could do for me.”

“Sure, if I can.”

“Just one…”

“Oh, that’s a bit…”

“…I haven’t finished asking yet.”

“You know, I was going to ask if you could have a drink with me. The Duchess insisted I shouldn’t drink here.”

“…”

To lighten his heavy burden, Asulin tried to ease his expression with insincere words.

“Looks like the Law Enforcement Agency has arrived. We should leave.”

Andymin’s clouded expression, suggesting they leave Blood Haven, seemed less ominous now.

“Shall I escort you?”

Asulin approached Andymin, linking arms with his right arm to offer her escort.

“Sure.”

Andymin silently accepted, mindful of Asulin’s still-tired state. They walked slowly away from Blood Haven.

The tumultuous days of the Succession War and demonic invasions had passed, and a hopeful future lay ahead.

Despite those who mocked the world’s unchanging nature and those striving to lead it towards a better path, the latter’s victory marked the end of the conflict.

The rising sun of today would shine brighter and clearer than ever before, thanks to the many believers and those protecting them.