Volume 9, Chapter 68 – Epilogue

“Lin?”

“Ah!” Yisi’s sudden call made Lin, who was chiding Red and Purple with a peeved expression, jump. She didn’t even know where to put her hands, turning sideways as if ashamed to be seen, and asked flusteredly in a low voice, “Wh-What is it?”

“Nothing… I just thought you looked strange right now. Did something happen?”

“This girl has been restless ever since receiving His Holiness the Pope’s invitation to attend the coronation ceremony together. She even ran over frantically asking me and Purple what kind of clothes would be appropriate. Although I know Lin never cared much about clothes, I didn’t expect her wardrobe to contain nothing but black gauze dresses, not a single piece of another color. In the end, Purple had to alter one of her old formal dresses slightly for Lin to have something to wear to the ceremony.”

As she spoke, Red wore a ‘disappointed in you’ expression and forcefully pushed Lin in front of Yisi, making Lin let out a soft cry.

“Red! What are you doing!”

“I’m helping you! If you like her, just say it, idiot! Always being so timid, are you deliberately making us anxious? The you now is no longer suffocated by the Gospel like before. Always moving forward for others… you should try striving for yourself too.”

Like an old father, Red placed one hand on her hip, sighing and waving her hand.

“You… I-I’ll deal with you when we get back.”

Forced into a corner by Red’s blunt words, Lin’s face turned completely red. She held back for a long time, finally managing only to utter a fierce threat, then timidly turned slowly towards Yisi, her gaze constantly shifting across the floor, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. Like a sheltered young lady ashamed to be seen, she nervously fiddled with the hem of her skirt and stammered, “How… How is it…? It’s clothes Purple used to wear… Standing outside with Yisi… will… will people laugh…?”

“Hey, hey, Lin! I feel like you’re saying I have no taste!”

Purple’s dissatisfied voice came from the corner. However, Lin acted as if she hadn’t heard, cautiously raising her eyes, peeking at Yisi through the gap in her black bangs.

Unlike her usual black attire resembling Death’s bride, today Lin wore a dress primarily white, adorned with light purple frills. The luxurious skirt trailed to the ground, and the design exposed her pale chest. If a white veil were added, Yisi wouldn’t find it strange at all if this were a bride’s wedding dress.

Seeing Lin in such bright and exceptionally luxurious clothing for the first time, Yisi couldn’t help but feel her eyes light up, her gaze lingering on Lin for a few extra seconds.

The white dress, her waist-length black hair, the shy demeanor, and the faint cyan scales on her cheeks gave Lin more of the vitality a young girl should have.

Yisi nodded with certainty.

“Absolutely no one will laugh. In fact, if anyone laughs at you, Lin, it must be because they have no taste. You look very cute right now.”

“Cute again…” Lin muttered softly, then, as if remembering something, emphasized with unusual seriousness, “But I’m a monster, neither human nor dragon.”

“Hah? Who said you’re a monster? Dragon girls are quite cute, aren’t they? Didn’t those soldiers say it too? That you’re very beautiful, Lin? Some of them even want to marry you. So you absolutely don’t need to feel inferior. You’re actually very popular.”

But more than them, I just want to know your thoughts.

Lin stared blankly at Yisi. Involuntarily, the words in her heart slipped out.

“Then… what about Yisi…?”

“Hmm? I think you’re very cute, Lin. Not just your appearance, but your kind personality, strong will, and even the naivety that makes you unable to realize you’re being teased—every aspect is very cute.”

Yisi’s words made Lin lower her head, hesitating.

‘Cute’ wasn’t the answer she wanted. What she hoped for was a deeper, closer relationship, something inseparable. Even if it was just her wishful thinking, even if she was just treated like a servant, summoned and dismissed at will… just being given that chance would make her content.

For a moment, her thoughts broke free from rational constraints. Her whole body surged with soaring emotions like a runaway horse. A fire seemed to burn in her chest, the long-suppressed feelings finally erupting. Lin’s mouth moved uncontrollably, asking abruptly and without thinking, “Then will Yisi marry me?”

“Eh?”

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“Huhu, our princess finally said it.”

“Finally said it! Made me so anxious.”

“Hoh, welcoming a new member again? Although I just said she needed self-awareness, seeing as it’s a half-dragon girl this time, let’s make an exception. Her personality is also interesting. I wonder what it’s like to interact with her.”

“Master has absolutely no self-awareness…”

“Bloodscum.”

“Miss Yisi needs to look at Master more.”

“Does the current situation mean My Lord has a new companion?”

“Hehehehe, looks like this old fossil should leave. Youngsters, do your best.”

After Atwood smilingly exited the carriage and everyone else had spoken, the remaining Camilla finally frowned, addressing not Yisi, but Lin.

“Setting aside Onee-sama’s opinion, Lin, as the savior, do you know the meaning behind those words just now?”

Faced with Camilla’s questioning, Lin first felt panicked by her own bold statement. In her imagination, this question should have been asked quietly to Yisi just as she was about to leave. Saying it out loud now in front of everyone was completely due to her momentarily losing control of her mouth.

However, since the words were out, there was no turning back. Lin took a deep breath, her expression gradually calming. Without backing down, she looked back into Camilla’s red eyes and said seriously, word by word,

“I know. But I am prepared. I know Miss Camilla and Miss Edith are already Yisi’s lovers, but I don’t mind becoming a concubine. As long as I can be by Yisi’s bedside—no, even just a lover without status, even if Yisi has no feelings for me at all—I am willing to give my everything. My only wish is to stay by Yisi’s side, watch the same sunrise and sunset, and cook every meal for her. To me, she is more important than the Gospel, an existence I cannot abandon, cannot forget, cannot ignore.

Miss Camilla, I have always wanted to apologize to you. Because of my Calamity constitution, I affected your entire life. I swear to you, as long as you give the command, I will definitely fulfill your order. If doing so can make up for my past sins and allow you to accept me, I will use anything except this life to fill your hatred. But if it means giving up Yisi, I will never give up, no matter what.”

It was so formal and unassailable that even Camilla was momentarily speechless. But Camilla wasn’t such an easily dealt-with girl. First annoyed by her own momentary lapse, she then laughed without any humor.

“Hehe… Anything? Don’t think I’m so easily fooled. If mere empty talk could make me allow you near Onee-sama, I wouldn’t deserve to be called Onee-sama’s staunchest shield.” Pausing for a moment, Camilla first pointed at Lin, then gestured outside the carriage. “Right now, strip naked like a ***** and go—”

Before Camilla could finish, Lin, with remarkably deft movements, undid her white formal dress. In just a few seconds, a completely bare, jade-smooth, graceful body appeared before everyone.

Mary immediately covered Tiffany’s eyes. Refina, Red, and Purple politely averted their gazes. Only Edith and Laxy didn’t look away—the former observed while clicking her tongue, the latter showed no reaction. In Laxy’s eyes, everyone present was female; there was no need to look away.

Although her arms covering her chest showed Lin was feeling shy, her gaze held no cowardice, looking straight into Camilla’s eyes.

“Miss Camilla, what should I do next?”

“You…”

Camilla was speechless again.

Even she couldn’t actually make Lin strip naked and parade outside. In Yisi’s words, Camilla just had a sharp tongue, but was actually very kind-hearted underneath, the type who would scold someone while simultaneously taking care of things for them.

Has Camilla met her match?

Yisi couldn’t help but smile wryly. Clearing her throat twice, she stepped between Camilla and Lin.

“Ahem. Camilla, let’s end this topic here. Lin, put your clothes back on.”

“But Miss Camilla’s order isn’t finished yet.”

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“Camilla won’t really make you go out. Hurry up and put your clothes on, otherwise I won’t know where to look.”

Covering her eyes, Yisi waved dismissively at Lin.

Lin looked towards Camilla, who averted her face impolitely, let out a soft hmph as if saying “I won’t agree so easily,” and walked straight out of the carriage.

While Lin was getting dressed, Yisi, the person involved, scratched her cheek awkwardly.

She wasn’t an idiot. Lin’s gaze towards her recently was completely different from before, sometimes even resembling how Camilla looked at her, to the point where she would occasionally narcissistically think Lin had fallen for her.

From the standpoint of being true to her heart, being confessed to by a beautiful girl like Lin was something that should make her laugh out loud with joy. However, this didn’t mean she would take advantage of the situation. The reason Lin held feelings for her was because she had helped her so much. Lin mistook the desire to express gratitude for the bittersweet feeling of love. Like the suspension bridge effect, it wasn’t true affection. That’s why she had always pretended not to notice, worried Lin would become dejected upon learning her answer.

However, now that Lin had finally said the words, she faced the situation of having to respond. This was being responsible—to herself, to her companions, and especially to Lin. She had to make her inner thoughts clear.

Looking away from Lin apologetically, Yisi said seriously, “Lin, I cannot reciprocate your feelings right now.”

“It doesn’t matter if Yisi doesn’t like me, as long as I like Yisi—”

“No, Lin. What I want isn’t a one-sided devotion. Perhaps your current feelings for me aren’t truly what’s called love. So—”

“I am very certain. I like Yisi very much. To the point where I can’t extricate myself. Just one day without seeing you makes my heart restless.”

“Hah.” Lin’s resolute demeanor made Yisi sigh. “Let me finish first. Being confessed to by a cute, beautiful girl like you… honestly, I feel like I’ve used up all my luck for this lifetime. I could totally agree to you right now, Lin. But that doesn’t mean my actions would be responsible towards you. You might just be mistaking the desire to thank me for affection.”

Seeing Lin lean forward slightly, looking like she wanted to say something, Yisi quickly held up one finger, interrupting her.

“Half a year. If half a year passes and you haven’t changed your mind, Lin, then I will agree. However, I don’t have romantic feelings for you right now, so even after half a year passes, I won’t marry you—But, I think we can start by getting to know each other.”

“Hoh, a cool bloodscum statement.”

Edith applied Tiffany’s words on the spot, though her face held more teasing.

Damn it, don’t say things like that at a time like this!

Yisi couldn’t help but glare daggers at Edith. Seeing the playful look on Edith’s face, her embarrassment deepened, her firm tone instantly weakened, as if she were the most vulnerable one present.

“Umm… Is that okay with you, Lin?”

“Half a year…” First muttering as if pondering the meaning, then raising her head, Lin’s expression tightened as she looked into Yisi’s blue eyes. “Then within half a year? Can we not see each other anymore?”

“No, of course not. We’re dear friends, aren’t we? So during this half year, things will be the same as before. Of course, if I change my mind during this half year and fall for you, I can’t guarantee I’ll remain rational like now and properly adhere to the half-year agreement. After all, people in love are always reckless. Well, you can just tell me to cool down for half a year then.”

Completely ignoring the possibility of Yisi falling for her, Lin focused only on the half-year agreement, nodding while repeating softly.

“Meaning, even if I can’t make Yisi change her mind midway, as long as half a year passes, I can definitely be with Yisi?”

Don’t make such tragic statements so early.

Yisi felt a headache coming on.

Although saying this from her perspective was extremely inappropriate, she wished Lin could be more confident.

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“Ah, Lin, you need to have more confidence in yourself. With your charm, I’ll definitely surrender in less than a month.”

“Is Her Holiness asking our princess to actively seduce her?”

Purple stirred the atmosphere with a teasing tone. Mary sighed softly.

“Is this the world of adults…?”

“No, no, I absolutely didn’t mean that!”

“But that’s what your words just now sounded like to us.”

“I said it’s not like that!”

Even knowing Purple was doing it deliberately, Yisi had to make it clear. Even Tiffany could trick Lin; Purple could definitely twist her around her little finger.

Abruptly, the sounds from outside suddenly grew much louder. Everyone stopped talking and looked out the carriage window—the flower carriage had reached the King’s Avenue. An exceptionally large crowd of Duchy residents had gathered here. Far in the distance, even a cyan dragon could be seen on the outskirts, watching them.

Refina smiled and changed the subject for Yisi.

“We’ve reached the King’s Avenue.”

“Tiffany, let’s hurry outside.”

“Okay. Don’t run around.”

“I should be the one saying that. Then, My Lord, we’ll go outside first with Mary and Tiffany.”

“Yes, yes. Lin, Pepe, let’s go out too.”

“But we still have our agreement…”

“Lin, Her Holiness wouldn’t lie to you about something like this. Besides, if we stay any longer, giving Her Holiness a chance to change her mind would be terrible. This is your first time formally standing before everyone without a mask. If you look worried about this and that, it’ll lower your standing in the eyes of the populace.”

“Exactly, exactly! Lin, leave the rest to me and Purple. Now you should go do what needs to be done.”

Half-forced out of the carriage by Purple and Red, Lin, after Atwood finished his brief speech, walked up to the high platform of the carriage amidst the cheers of the surrounding populace. With cautious, beginner-like movements, she held both sides of her skirt, accepting the people’s cheers and adoration while waving back with a shy smile.

That genuine happiness is much cuter than the determination shown when executing the Gospel’s commands.

Yisi couldn’t help but think.

This girl, bound by the Gospel her entire life, has finally obtained the happy ending she deserves.

“Master, everyone outside is waiting for you to come out! Hurry and stand with Miss Camilla~”

Mary’s innocent voice came from outside.

“Ah, I’m coming out now.”

Pushing the miscellaneous thoughts from her mind, Yisi extended her hand to Edith, who had remained behind, looking intrigued, and said with a wry smile, “Let’s go, my princess.”

Placing her right hand on Yisi’s palm, Edith corrected with dissatisfaction, “It’s king.”

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“Yes, yes, King then King.”

Her smile widening further, Yisi led Edith out of the carriage together, under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Does a person’s life have no substantial meaning?

Stepping onto the platform, Yisi shook her head helplessly.

Perhaps it’s precisely because it lacks substantial meaning that people insist on connecting themselves with others. Promises, friendship, fate, curses, revenge—anything will do. By forming causal links with others, they attach meaning to their own existence. This way, people can gain unparalleled peace of mind. And precisely because of this, people eternally regard bonds as treasures from the gods.

Thinking this, Yisi looked towards Lin not far away, who was being presented with flowers by soldiers. Set against the flowers, Lin became even more dazzling.

Ultimately, the only one who can decide one’s own life is oneself.

End of Volume 9

Author Note

Afterword

Long time no see, it’s afterword time again.

Lin’s volume was really too long. Before writing the afterword, yomi always thought, when it comes time for the afterword, I must complain properly. But in the end, just like before, when it actually came time, I forgot what I wanted to say. Looking back at previous afterwords, I feel they’ve almost become a template. Well, I’ll just say a few random things this time.

First is about the update time. These past few days, because I wanted that recommendation spot at the bottom of the homepage, the daily update time shifted from the original eleven o’clock (what a bold claim) to the early morning hours. But that seems too late. Therefore, yomi has decided to change back to the original time starting tomorrow. That is to say, this current update is for January 2nd, and starting January 3rd, updates will be in the evening.

Then let’s talk about the content of this volume. As mentioned in the previous volume or the one before that, Volume 8 and Volume 9 could actually have been combined without issue. Volume 8 was mainly slice-of-life, explaining why Lin and the Divine Religion acted the way they did. Volume 9 then expanded on the groundwork laid before. This is the first time I’ve extended a single story arc this long. Looking back now, although there are some issues needing improvement, overall, the effect was unexpectedly good. If this weren’t a daily update, but written completely before publishing like a publishing house, it would surely have become even better than Pepe’s volume and An-chan’s volume. A volume that makes yomi quite proud.

Next is Lin. Like Evelyn and Cynthia, yomi originally intended for Lin to become Yisi’s close friend. But just like Evelyn, as the plot developed, the accumulation of emotions pushed the story to continue this way. Lin is just too cute, impossible to abandon (author’s resentment). While writing, I even thought, if Lin and Yisi got together, she would definitely become a super, super gentle and considerate wife. For example, while Lin is cooking wearing an apron, Yisi suddenly hugs her from behind, Lin would surely let out a squeal like “Kya!”, and the scene of tying herself up like a present appearing on the bed, it just feels so much like a cute girl. This feeling of being ‘conquered’ is truly addictive.

Of course, Purple is also cute, big sister www, quietly.

(The above are all the author’s personal thoughts)

Then, a spoiler for the next volume’s content.

Perhaps some dear readers guessed that the next volume should cover Tina or the Emperor Adonis. Just not sure which one. Yomi will give a small spoiler here: both will appear! The next volume will primarily be set in the Empire, telling the stories of two rulers. It probably won’t have the relatively heavy tone of Volume 9 again. Rather, I never want to write with a heavy tone again! I’m just a slice-of-life writer; what plot understanding does a slime have?

Finally, the customary closing remarks.

Thank you very much, dear readers, for reading this far. Every donation, monthly ticket, comment, and complaint from dear readers is immense encouragement for yomi. Yomi basically sees and replies to all messages under the book. Recently, update times have been unstable due to some matters, my deepest apologies. Unless there are specific circumstances, yomi will not stop updating (Actually, I originally planned to finish this volume in 2020, but there was just too much to tell later, so it dragged on until today. Happy New Year to all dear readers, everyone!)(:з)∠).

Last but not least, this month’s bonus chapter drive has started! Same as before, 50 monthly tickets or 5000 fire coupons adds one chapter, fulfilled within the month, content will only be more, not less. See you all dear readers in the next volume >-<!

2021/1/2

Yomi

Translator Note

there’s no illust this time, already post it all at vol8. no new chara afterall

Volume 10: The Rulers Who Fell in Love