Return and Discovery (5)
Yushin had made a specific request to Ardena as a condition for joining the conquest of Granata in the Liberia Elf Kingdom: he wanted to see her in her academy uniform. But that wish went unfulfilled.
To soothe Allen's sullen expression, he ended up going on the gourmet tour of Maherith that he'd promised her last time.
Ardena, who caught sight of Yushin being dragged off toward the warp gate by the hand, felt a mix of relief that she hadn't shown him an embarrassing side of herself and deep discomfort at seeing him get along so well with Allen.
"Come back safely. And try not to cause any trouble."
Ardena said it while still eyeing Allen with clear displeasure, but there was no reason to stop them, so she permitted Yushin to head off to Maherith with her.
"Yushin."
"Yeah?"
Ardena grabbed the departing Yushin for a moment. Blushing faintly, the golden-haired high elf beauty had something she wanted to ask of him.
"I know I'm not really in a position to say this to you... but..."
Ardena whispered it like a murmur, stumbling over her words several times as if it was hard to voice. Finally steeling herself, she met Yushin's gaze and straightened his crooked necktie before speaking.
"P-please... don't stay out overnight."
It was like a conversation between newlyweds.
Yushin could guess why Ardena had hesitated. This easily embarrassed high elf girl must have been worried about overstepping or coming across as meddlesome.
"Got it."
Yushin replied simply, and Ardena's face lit up like a flower in bloom.
After a quick farewell, Yushin headed to the warp gate with his arm linked through Allen's. Of course, before snatching him away, Allen hadn't forgotten to shoot Ardena a fierce glare in a lover's standoff.
Ardena returned the glare, displeased at Allen for stealing Yushin from her.
The brief battle of wills ended there.
Leaving the golden-haired high elf behind, Allen walked off with her arm snugly linked through Yushin's.
"I've wanted to link arms all lovey-dovey with you, oppa."
"This is called an arrest, not linking arms."
Yushin's arm, caught in Allen's grip, was twisted behind his back. It looked just like a criminal being hauled off by the cops.
But Allen seemed satisfied even with that, grinning ear to ear as she tightened her hold on his arm.
"Okay, I'll let you go now."
"Told ya it was an arrest. My arm's gone numb."
They passed through the warp gate and arrived in Maherith, the capital of the Liberia Elf Kingdom. Only then did Allen finally release his arm, seemingly reassured, allowing Yushin his freedom.
"It's so refreshingly cool."
A breeze thick with the scent of greenery blew through, tousling Allen's blue hair. She flashed a bright smile.
The lush forests blended seamlessly with the city, bringing fresh winds even in summer, and it clearly pleased her—her smile wouldn't fade.
Leaves rustled in the wind. Beneath the shade of towering trees, countless elves bustled about, protected by the green foliage as if one with nature.
Here and there, elven children swung on swings hung from high branches.
"If you got on one of those, it'd snap under your weight."
"No way! I'm lighter than a feather—lighter than a fluff of down!"
What a childish retort. Yushin shrugged at Allen's indignant outburst.
"This the place you came to with Alonne last time?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"Steak, huh... Still love your meat, I see. Doesn't add up for a lady lighter than a feather."
"I'll work out later. Won't gain weight that way."
Grinning cheekily, Allen boldly flung open the double doors and strode into the restaurant.
The interior was all wood—not so much a wooden building as one fused seamlessly with a massive tree. It was elven architecture no human could hope to imitate.
Thanks to the wood, the inside felt magically cool.
"Um, excuse me..."
The elven waitress approached with the menu, bowing cautiously as she spoke. Dressed in a white blouse and black skirt—like a maid's uniform—the pretty elf girl blushed excitedly and asked Yushin,
"Are you... the hero who defeated Sabnack?"
"Not exactly a hero."
"It is you!"
Black-haired human male. No slave's black choker. Putting the clues together, the waitress realized this human diner was the Diablo Slayer who'd beaten Sabnack.
Yushin wasn't hiding his identity anyway, so plenty of elves had recognized him on the way here. They'd just murmured in awe without approaching.
"Her grin's ear to ear."
Allen muttered while sipping her ice water, watching Yushin and the waitress.
Ignoring her, Yushin basked in the popularity like some idol star. Back in Korea, with titles like "No dating experience" and "Three confessions, three rejections," when would he ever get this kind of attention again?
He reveled in the stares and admiration.
"Maybe I should book an after-party? Wonder if they do takeout on waitresses... Kidding, put down the fork."
Yushin had been eyeing the waitress's retreating backside as she headed to the kitchen with the menu, but he hastily averted his gaze upon seeing Allen's meaningful expression, fork in hand.
"You've got your fiancée right here—how could you look elsewhere?"
"Then show me your ass."
"I'll stab you with this fork."
"My bad."
Seeing Allen armed with fork and knife, Yushin muttered to himself, Why does this steakhouse leave dangerous weapons on the table?
Utensils for cutting meat. But in Allen's hands, they'd turn into tools for slaughtering hundreds.
A killer sat before him, weapons drawn. He wanted to join those friendly elf beauties showing interest, but her murderous aura scared him off.
"Here're your dishes!"
The waitress returned with an adorably bubbly voice, setting the food on the table. Gambas with garlic and shrimp. Squid-ink paella dyed black. Hearty beef stew with chunks of meat, and the star: a mouthwatering T-bone steak, all accompanied by tantalizing aromas.
After placing every ordered dish, the bubbly waitress flashed a mischievous, impish smile and slipped a small note onto the table.
"My home address."
"...Huh?"
"I live alone."
"Koff koff!"
Yushin coughed awkwardly, brushing off the temptation. Her golden eyes gleamed dangerously.
Even with the delicious meats before her, Allen's killing intent was palpable. A chill ran down his spine; sweat beaded on his forehead.
"Sh-should we just... go?"
He asked Allen cautiously. Huffing jealously, she snorted and dug into the food.
Any woman would have every right to blow up at that. Yushin was amazed at her restraint, suppressing her rage. He half-expected the restaurant to be wiped off Maherith's map, but disaster was averted.
"I don't want to ruin this time. Not gonna let some bitch waste our precious date."
After the meal, as they strolled the streets, Allen glanced back and revealed her true feelings. It felt innocently sweet. Her shy confession was utterly cute.
It would've been cuter if she hadn't devoured enough to bankrupt the kitchen, though.
"You've grown a lot. I'm proud."
"Don't treat me like a kid. Our age gap's tiny."
"This big bro's thrilled. I don't tear up easy... but damn, I'm misty-eyed."
"Teasing me again!"
Allen huffed and turned away. To cheer her up, Yushin bought her ice cream from a street vendor.
Seeing the towering four-layer stack, her sulk vanished—eyes sparkling like a kid's.
"Hero treatment's the best."
Yushin noted. Back at the restaurant, and now here—their savior couldn't possibly pay, they'd insisted.
Beats getting the short end of the stick. Yushin muttered around his ice cream.
"You look happy. Happier than back in the kingdom."
"That obvious?"
"I want you happy forever, oppa. You want the same for me, right? Ditto."
"Aw, touching. You've grown up."
"Hmph!"
At Yushin's mock surprise, Allen puffed out her chest proudly.
"You're right. Way better than kingdom days."
"Because of that woman?"
Ardena Valencia. Allen bit her lip, recalling the golden-haired high elf. She resented her. Still did.
One of those who'd torn her and oppa apart. I hate you. Hate you endlessly. For making oppa happier than I ever could.
Resentment rooted in jealousy. Negative emotions surged.
"And you too."
Yushin raised his hand and pressed down on Allen's head. Surprised by the pressure, she blinked up at him.
"I wouldn't be this happy without you. Could I even smile worry-free if you weren't here? It's all thanks to you."
"Eek!"
His frank words turned her pale cheeks beet red—like a ripe tomato. Her ears and nape flushed too.
The head pat. The tender whisper. No woman could stay composed under such affection from her crush.
Allen's heart pounded wildly, like it might break.
"Why so sweet now? You used to hate my guts."
"You punched out a noble lady barehanded at the ball. Normal folks would've passed out."
"She badmouthed you."
"Hold back next time."
"My fist just... flew out."
Her admission of blind violence was awkward, but her defense of him touched Yushin. A bit burdensome, but it was her way of showing love.
"Thanks anyway."
"Hehe."
Allen's mood soared at his gratitude, nose practically in the sky.
They wandered the streets together. Elves recognizing the Diablo Slayer crowded them, but Allen's sharp killing intent cleared paths through the throng.
If Ardena saw, she'd probably say, "Rabid dogs need muzzles on walks—mandatory." And clash with her.
"Time to head back? We'll miss dinner."
Yushin asked. Hours had passed since the meal. Sunset approached.
The western sun cast an orange glow over Maherith, painting it beautifully.
Daytime Maherith brimmed with vibrant energy like a lively maiden; twilight's version exuded seductive allure like a glamorous beauty.
"Oppa."
"Yeah?"
As Yushin turned toward the warp gate, Allen called out, halting him briefly. He waited patiently, gazing at the blue-haired knightess.
Was it the sunset? Her fair face seemed flushed. Backlit by the glow, she fidgeted with her lips before finally speaking her mind.
"I..."
She took a deep breath.
"I don't wanna go back."
One of Valua Kingdom's Kingdom's Seven Swords. The Rocksfield mad dog. The valiant knightess who'd felled Sabnack alongside the Diablo Slayer.
Allen Rocksfield gazed at Yushin with hesitant yet resolute eyes, urging him to stay the night.