Chapter 396: My City (2/2)

”The fact that you are this prideful of your city is what I wanted to test. If you allowed me to wreak havoc, then His Majesty would have removed you from your position,”

The Duke of Battle left the camp, and Arthur saw a light flash across the sky, signifying the end of his test. Arthur retracted his aura and sighed. A battle against the duke would have been beyond his capabilities, but he wouldn't mind going beyond his limits to teach him a lesson.

”You have been missed, Seika.” The Knight of Courage walked out of the house and stood behind him. Arthur turned to see her giving a slight bow.

”And you did well in managing the city,” Arthur said with gratitude. ”I'm sorry for leaving you all for so long,” he said before someone ran to hug him.

”Boss!” Gruen hugged him tightly, his thick beard pressing against Arthur's chest. ”I prayed every day for your well-being. The heavens have my gratitude. The heavens have my gratitude!”

”Alright, alright. I missed you too. Now get the hell away from me.” Arthur laughed as he pushed the dwarf away. Then, Dia came out of the house, looking at him with a numb face devoid of emotions.

”Where is the witch?”

Arthur's heart twinged at her questions and the fact she was looking around for Gala. Despite knowing that Dia acted like she hated Gala, he knew that she acted this way toward everyone.

”She won't be coming back,” Arthur said quietly, and Dia's blue and red eyes stared into his. She walked toward him and stood in front of him, and Courage grabbed Gruen and left the place silently.

An ice platform appeared beneath the two, and it levitated in the air until it carried them to a branch of Rega. During the whole process, Dia didn't break eye contact with him.

”Did you kill her?” Dia asked as she turned away from him and looked at the scenery of Hidden City.

”I did,” he answered.

”You did the right thing,” she scowled and walked away. ”You should have killed her sooner,” despite saying that, Dia's voice was trembling ever so slightly.

”Did she tell you about our deal?”

”Uh-hm,” she nodded without looking at him. ”The witch needed to help you escape, including the access to our library, and you had to kill her in the Spirits Realm.”

Arthur was silent as he lifted his head and closed his eyes. Before, he said that their separation was inevitable, but he never thought that Gala would be the first to leave them.

”Our separation is inevitable,” the princess muttered as her cold hand pressed against his chest. Arthur opened his eyes and met her gaze. ”You must have been so hurt,” her voice was broken, full of tender care that he never saw in her before.

”Why are you here, Dia?” Arthur asked and saw the shift in her eyes. ”You shouldn't stand against the nobles when you are trying to win them over.”

”My allegiance will forever be with you,” her words stabbed into Arthur's heart, and he reached out to grab the hand on his chest.

”That's the only comfort I have,” he breathed out. ”Thank you for being here, and I'm sorry that I've caused you trouble.”

”Don't be,” she shook her head. ”I'm just glad that you came back, Arthur.”

The way she said his name reassured him of his existence as if the name would disappear if no one spoke it into the world. Arthur nodded, and they held stood like that for a few minutes.

Then, his nose sniffed a flowery scent, and Arthur noticed that flowers were blooming beneath them. Dia turned to look at the flowers with confusion before the petals broke away and danced around her.

”Is this Mother Rega?” Dia asked as the petals surrounded the two. A sweet smile appeared on her lips, showing off her dimples.

”I guess Rega is inviting us in,” Arthur smiled and pulled Dia toward the truck of the tree, which split open. The two then walked into Rega's Inner World and entered the cabin.

”Master!”

Rega hugged him the moment he entered. Arthur was glad that she was well after building the walls of his city, and it seems she was livelier than ever.