Chapter 57

A small mountain situated above the downtown area.

There, a church stood symbolically.

The stone stairs leading up to that place were obstinately unwelcoming—even a small wagon wasn’t allowed.

You could only ascend by carrying your load on your back or walking with your own two feet.

Unless, of course, some great mage decided to fly up there…

Or maybe someone chose to bypass the stairs and cut through the forest instead.

It was a steep hill—different from sheer cliffs or ravines—but even those accustomed to mountain paths preferred the stairs over the alternative.

However…

Carriel found the mountain path oddly familiar.

Climbing the stairs felt harder somehow.

At first, he debated whether he should come here at all…

But ultimately, he decided it didn’t require much thought. Without delay, he sprinted upward as if climbing a tree, heading straight for the summit.

When he finally reached the top where the church came into full view…

“…Uh, you actually made it this far?”

He met Alesia halfway down the neatly paved staircase. Her outfit remained unchanged from their initial meeting—a chain mail shirt adorned with a prominent golden cross embroidered onto a pristine white background.

Despite carrying relatively little baggage, she had various tools strapped to her body. The sword of Saint Carriel hung loosely around her waist, its blade wrapped in rags since it lacked a proper scabbard. Other than that, her hands were free thanks to the gear slung across her back and hips.

“Did Filbar tell you something? Were you really planning to leave right away?”

“…Yes. I wasn’t aware of the festival.”

Perhaps if today hadn’t happened, he might’ve stuck around to enjoy the celebration.

His heart changed.

The situation shifted.

Any excuse would do.

“Is Alesia leaving somewhere too?”

“Hmm… I thought I’d go with you.”

“With me? Where to?”

“To your destination.”

…

Awkward silence fell over Carriel as he glanced away briefly before speaking.

“What makes you think I know where I’m going?”

“…Since we’re talking about pilgrimage under the pretense of visiting holy sites…”

“Pilgrimage?”

After a moment’s pause, Carriel realized this must’ve been part of her cover story—likely concocted by Ellie.

“Do you know who I am now?”

…

Alesia hesitated slightly, lips pressed shut.

“Not exactly. Really.”

Even years ago when she visited the institution, she hadn’t paid much attention to his affairs. And yet, people around her kept prying into others’ lives incessantly.

As for him—the son of a hero often criticized as unworthy—he had faced endless mockery and blame. Back then, Alesia hadn’t given it much thought either.

Growing up in a prestigious family, inheriting titles while acting rebellious or clumsy—it wasn’t exactly rare. Some got twisted due to excessive expectations, burdensome responsibilities, or forced obligations. She’d seen countless cases like that.

So, it wasn’t particularly unusual.

Was being the descendant of a warrior supposed to exempt one from such fates?

She shook her head firmly.

“It’s better to move out of the city before sunrise. Once things get chaotic outside, getting out will take forever.”

With that, she turned to head back down the steps…

“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“Because of this?”

She pointed at the sword hanging from her waist.

“I already informed the priestess. If detailed reports are needed, I’ll send someone later. For now, this can wait until my next visit.”

For example…

She intended to follow him directly.

“How do you even know where I’m headed?”

“…If it involves traveling to holy sites, it concerns me too.”

Or perhaps…

“Or is this just another rumor?”

…

Carriel looked away from her gaze for a moment.

“To be precise, coming here was purely coincidental. I merely wanted to visit the place that inspired my name.”

Yet strangely enough, he encountered an extraordinary connection here. Reflecting on the arrangement of events, his chest grew heavy.

This wasn’t what he sought.

He hadn’t expected it, nor imagined it.

Likely, they hadn’t placed undue hopes on him either. He simply arrived where he was meant to be, facing destiny head-on.

“You don’t need to follow me. There’s no duty or responsibility obligating you to.”

“But what if I want to?”

“Why?”

Wanting to…

What did that mean?

“What if I genuinely care about you and feel compelled to travel alongside you?”

…

That… he didn’t understand.

“This feels strange. This is our first meeting, isn’t it? What reason could you possibly have to grow attached to me?”

Alesia gave him an exasperated look.

“Listen, people sometimes like each other or develop interest without needing to dissect every angle or calculate pros and cons. It doesn’t have to be so complicated, does it?”

“…Is that true?”

“Just because I feel inclined, because I want to—that should be reason enough, right?”

…

Maybe it was.

It sounded simple enough, yet why did it feel so distant?

“Your concern and affection overwhelm me.”

“That kind of talk makes me uncomfortable…”

Alesia averted her eyes sheepishly.

“Thank you for your kind words. But I’m not in a position to bring anyone along on this journey.”

“Why not? Am I too burdensome?”

“Whether or not you’re burdensome—I’m unsure. Your kindness is appreciated, even if mixed with ulterior motives. Still, I consider it a valuable form of interest.”

…As though discussing someone else entirely.

As if detached emotionally, he described everything clinically, like writing entries in a ledger.

“What if I simply desire to accompany you? When I repeatedly express liking you, it’s not superficial flattery. Unless… you assume it’s because of my age or stature…”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

Good.

Ultimately, even malicious intent could evolve into sincerity. What started as mere flirtation could ignite into a brighter flame, eventually burning fiercely beyond expectation.

Such passion and determination—to possess someone, to be possessed in return…

…Love.

The desire to give and receive love resonated vividly within him.

Some might mock it as lust, but so what? If both parties find joy and satisfaction, how could it be considered wrong or immoral?

While impulsive actions may lead to regret later, that wasn’t guaranteed.

“I let go of many things when I left the institution.”

Or rather, abandoned them.

“And one of the reasons was…”

Looking up at the night sky, Carriel continued.

“…”

Interrupting his thoughts, a radiant girl appeared, obstructing the starlit heavens. Resting her chin thoughtfully, she observed them with keen interest.

It was both a blessing and a curse.

A salvation and a damnation simultaneously.

If given the chance to relive this moment, time after time…

I would gladly choose the same path.

“I formed an alliance with the Demon King.”

The statement struck Alesia like a thunderclap.

“What…?”

“Call it a curse if you wish, or a contract.”

For instance…

I cannot remain complacent in reality.

Unless I defeat my father, everything connected to me will crumble.

Myself? That’s irrelevant now. Their kindness toward me is appreciated but adds more weight, making it harder to bear.

Like carrying an ever-growing burden.

Grateful, yet…

Afraid.

Moreover, involving someone who cares for me…

Even if we were to unite and bear fruit together…

Wouldn’t that mean passing on the seeds of my curse, igniting new flames?

How could anyone endure that?

Even if I wanted to turn away, ignore it all…

It’s already far too late.

Still…

Because of this, I regained the leisure to gaze purely at the night sky.

Thus, I hold no resentment.

No hatred.

This outcome belongs to me alone.

It’s my choice.

“Yes, as you see, I’m cursed. And it’s likely no one in this era can undo it.”

“Wait, hold on. Did I hear that wrong…?”

“No, you heard correctly. Let me repeat: I’ve been cursed by the Demon King, and there’s something I must do because of it.”

Therefore…

“I’m not in a position to bring anyone along. Nor do I have the luxury.”

“No! That’s exactly why I—”

“Alesia.”

Carriel bowed deeply.

“I truly appreciate your concern and affection. For a brief moment, I felt saved.”

However…

“Salvation, redemption—all these things depend solely on oneself. No one can do it for you.”

“What if I can’t? What if it’s impossible?”

Alesia remembered well. Even as a child, she understood helplessness firsthand.

But…

Here lay the difference between them—an unbridgeable gap.

Clearly, Carriel had gained assistance from the Demon King. Yet, that aid became possible only after he resolved himself fully, enduring pain and accepting absurdities.

Had the Demon King left him untouched otherwise?

Could Carriel have transformed into who he is today without that resolve?

“Even fate and destiny fall into this category.”

Hence…

He stopped praying.

He no longer expected, trusted, or dreamed of unconditional goodwill from others.

Others might differ, but…

Not me.

If someone couldn’t save themselves, relying solely on others for redemption…

“I believe that too falls under one’s personal lot.”

Ultimately, it boiled down to this:

Accepting the truth entirely—or rejecting it fiercely—was one’s own responsibility.

Surrendering because answers weren’t visible was a choice.

Persisting despite believing none existed was another.

…One’s own burden.

He grasped this while confronting the Demon King.

To avoid rendering his realization meaningless…

To prevent regrets from overshadowing past mistakes…

Stagnation wasn’t an option.

Neither was hesitation.

“Many people, including you, Alesia, have become entangled in my curse. Therefore, I must resolve this issue—not just for myself, but to protect everyone involved.”

“Are you serious…?”

“Does such earnestness sound light-hearted to you?”

Carriel managed a wry smile, which filled Alesia with profound sadness.

Until now, he hadn’t shown her a genuine smile once. Now, for such an unfunny remark, he forced one out. Was it self-deprecation? Or self-reproach?

“What if I accept all that and still want to follow you? What if I care for you that much…”

“Thank you.”

A rejection disguised as gratitude.

“Given how much I care for you, I believe I can exert myself accordingly. I don’t want you to…”

Become unhappy.

Especially if it stems from some unseen, malevolent fate.

“I can only gain strength when I’m alone.”

Having someone nearby…

Would make me want to lean on them.

To rely.

That desire would be so overwhelming…

I’d forget how I managed to stand on my own.

Such weakness was unbearable.

Being with Alesia amplified those cravings more than with anyone else.

It felt like she’d embrace me unconditionally…

Unconditional kindness and affection could weigh so heavily.

“You’ve done nothing wrong. In fact, you deserve gratitude.”

This was simply…

“My weakness.”

“There’s so much I could say. So many ideas come to mind. How easily I could promise solutions, offer grand assurances…”

But for some reason, her lips wouldn’t move.

Because of his expression…

His eyes—completely detached from himself, focused solely on her…

“If your method fails, or if there’s another way…”

“…”

Carriel glanced upward momentarily.

Though empty, the void seemed alive with something intangible.

For a fleeting second, Alesia thought she saw something…

But what, she couldn’t tell.

Just dazzling gold.

“Please don’t worry.”

Carriel spoke calmly, unexpectedly serene.

“I don’t harbor blind resentment, but reaching this point implicates others too.”

No pointless grudges.

No misguided hatred directed at false targets.

“This is why I’m cursed.”

Curse or contract—labels didn’t matter.

He would keep his promise.

Not some sappy vow to protect precious ones—but honestly, that came later.

If anyone mocked him for being overly dramatic about trivial matters…

Who cared?

“Thank you for loving me.”

And if ever…

“Should the day come when I set down my burdens, would you revisit me then?”

By then…

He’d gladly welcome her affection.

Ultimately…

His failure would impact her misfortune—and countless others’.

From the moment Ellie developed feelings for him…

Failing to fulfill his role would harm her and her surroundings, spreading misfortune throughout the empire.

“…”

Although…

That woman probably didn’t contemplate all this when confessing her love.

All he felt for Ellie was admiration—perhaps respect upon deeper reflection.

No affection there.

Who knew how it might change later? Though personally, he doubted it ever would.

He remained skeptical.

Alesia was different.

If her feelings endured…

Secretly, he hoped they wouldn’t—for her sake.

“…”

In a subdued tone, gazing at him with faint despair, she said:

“?”

“If I accumulate enough merit, maybe my prayers will reach Him more effectively.”

Alesia smiled wistfully.

“So henceforth, I’ll pray for you.”

Wishing he avoids misfortune.

Wishing he gains strength.

“…Though I’m uncertain how I’ll change…”

If her feelings persist…

“…Then I hope you’ll accept my confession then. Oh, and please hurry back? I’m not getting any younger… Missing my chance means living alone forever, right? Not that I have deep faith like some people claiming devotion to God or whatever—I’m quite materialistic. So I’d prefer marrying early, having kids, reducing hardships, and living happily ever after.”

So…

“…”

Staring at her inability to continue, Carriel nodded lightly, then passed her to head down the stairs.

Amidst her rambling…

Her voice grew increasingly moist.

Her face betrayed emotions she struggled to mask.

He chose to ignore it.

Whether it hurt her or consoled her…

Frankly, he wasn’t sure.

But hopefully, it offered comfort.

Hopefully…

Everything she pursued unfolds smoothly.

The world becomes kinder, even slightly.

More peaceful.

He prayed not—merely wished.

Encapsulating those wishes into the wind, letting them drift away.

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