R4STWH - Chapter 77
Chapter 77
“Huh? Oh…”
It seemed the stage was finally set for a proper conversation.
“I was thinking about the dungeon.”
“Hmm… I see.” Elias nodded calmly and took a sip of his tea with an air of elegance.
“……?”
I waited, but he didn’t bring up the topic again.
I had no choice but to ask, “Elias, can you tell me what title you received when you awakened?”
“How do I check that?”
“Just think about wanting to see your status information.”
Elias nodded and looked off into space for a moment, then said, “Chaser.”
‘Chaser? Pursuer?’
I was surprised. Given his large build, he didn’t seem the type to stealthily pursue someone.
‘But he is quite agile for his size…’
Perhaps he had some unexpected hidden talents.
Since he didn't seem inclined to elaborate, I continued, “You should be able to use your inventory now. Just think about it, like before.”
To awaken as an ability user, one had to enter a dungeon and defeat a monster with their own power.
While not easy for an ordinary person, fulfilling that condition gave you the foundation to gain superhuman abilities and access convenient functions like the inventory.
“Hold the items you acquired in the dungeon or received as quest rewards and think about wanting to see their information.”
“Is this ring you gave me also a dungeon item?”
“Yes. To be precise, it was dropped by the boss monster of a dungeon that wasn’t cleared in time and exploded, destroying an entire city.”
“If you fail to clear it… it explodes?”
“Yes. Hundreds of thousands of people died because of that one mistake.”
Elias looked shocked.
“That’s why it’s called a calamity. Despite the many benefits it brings.”
“I see.”
I studied his worried face and gently took his hand.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll make sure this world doesn't meet the same fate. I promised, didn't I?”
“You’ve… been fighting for a long time, for your world. Aren’t you tired?”
“It’s what I do best. And… back then, I couldn't see a future, but now it's different.”
When facing the Evil Dragon Ermitar, I’d only thought,
‘What will I do after I defeat this thing?’
I couldn’t imagine how to survive in that ruined world.
Yet, I had fought desperately because I couldn’t bear to see my comrades die at its hands.
Despite my efforts, they died one by one, leaving me alone.
But this time, it was different.
Elias, who made me experience the joy of living for the first time, was by my side, and my comrades, though in different bodies, would live happily in this bountiful land.
“Do you think I can clear dungeons alone?” he asked.
“It’s not impossible, but since you don’t know what the environment inside will be like, it’s safer to go with others who have different abilities.”
My words about dungeons exploding seemed to have affected him because he started asking more questions.
I answered them as best as I could, and time flew by.
He never asked about Princess Selena or Howell Ricks, and I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved.
‘Still, I don’t want to lie…’
Even though I knew Elias would be suspicious of me regarding them, I didn't try to make excuses. I figured I’d have a chance to explain later.
After our long conversation, he held me in his arms and lulled me to sleep, just like always.
His gentle touch, as if my strength was irrelevant, was reassuringly familiar.
For a while, I was able to forget my anxieties—that I might be the cause of the impending calamity, that I might ruin Elias and his world.
I fell into a sweet, dreamlike sleep and woke up early the next morning to urgent news.
Dungeons were appearing everywhere across the Empire… no, the entire continent.
The first thing Elias did after hearing the news…
“You’re holding a wedding… now?”
…was to bring the Saintess and hold our wedding ceremony.
Gerent, the head of Tenaclad, was also present at the temple as a witness to our marriage, though he looked exhausted, as if burdened by work.
Cardinal Melder, who had delivered the Saintess’s letter to us earlier, was also there, standing behind the Saintess with Crow. It seemed everyone essential was present.
“So, will you do it or not?” Elias asked the Saintess, who glanced at me.
As if certain she wouldn’t refuse, Elias had found me a beautiful white dress and summoned Tenaclad’s most skilled maids to dress me properly.
Although he couldn't see my expression because of the veil, my attire clearly conveyed my intentions.
“…It would be my honor.”
“Are you sure you’re alright with such a small ceremony? You’re going to be the head of this family,” Gerent said.
Elias smiled faintly. “We can hold another ceremony when the world is stable. It’s not a good time to invite guests anyway.”
“That’s true.”
There was a reason why Gerent was so supportive of our marriage.
He had agreed to lift the skill affecting Pilien and his brothers once Elias and I were married and officially recognized as family.
To be honest, they were no longer in any condition to be considered human, and if I waited any longer, they might die, so I’d been planning to do it anyway.
I had also made it clear to them that there wouldn't be another chance if they tried anything foolish like Herodia, and Gerent had repeatedly promised to keep an eye on them, so I figured I could just observe them for now.
I doubted they could lead normal lives after that experience, but… well, that was their problem.
“Let the ceremony begin,” Cardinal Melder announced, stepping forward. I had thought the Saintess would officiate the entire ceremony, but it seemed the priest and the Saintess had different roles.
“First, the marriage contract…”
“Here.” Elias handed the documents he’d prepared to Melder.
“You’re well-prepared. Lady Ilesha, have you reviewed all the clauses in this contract? If there's anything you don’t understand or agree with, we can assist you.”
“I’ve checked everything. It’s fine.”
“Hmm… very well.”
The ceremony itself was simple, befitting its informal nature.
First, we signed the marriage contract in the presence of witnesses, overseen by the priest.
Then, Elias, as the husband, and I, as the wife, vowed to fulfill our duties faithfully and remain faithful to each other, both in body and mind.
Finally, we exchanged rings, Elias lifted my veil, and kissed me.
The Saintess, dressed as elaborately as I was, watched us, then said in a slightly hesitant voice, “In the name of God, I pronounce you husband and wife.”
He gazed into my eyes, our noses almost touching, and whispered,
“No one can take you away from me now. Right?”
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