I raised my hand, signaling my guards to stop. Then, I walked up a hill. The higher I climbed, my ears could hear loud shouts.
I stopped at the top of that hill, watching Velvet practicing various thrusts with Nate's new sword. That thing reminds me of futuristic weapons in a science fiction film franchise. Instead of metal, the blade part of the sword was formed from something like condensed orange light. According to Nate, it was the heat from Velvet's dragon power. The former prophet controlled it with the help of that device.
Something extraordinary, indeed.
That woman kept moving her blade so intensely. There are no more beautiful motions like dance sequences as usual.
She did this more to vent her anger than to actually practice it.
"Heeaahh!!!" She jumped up with the last stab, then looked at me.
I give a smile. "Good afternoon, my love."
"My lord." She switched off her sword and bowed. Her breath was so heavy, and her sweat was dripping to the ground.
"I heard you've been doing this for hours?" I glanced at the setting sun. "Are you not tired?"
"I'm sorry if I worried you." She caught her breath. "It's just that I have bad thoughts if I don't do anything. So, I decided to practice with Nate's new sword."
"I'll ask you one question." I approached her and touched her chin. "Now, what do you want, my love?"
She closed her eyes, and her hands clenched so tightly that they trembled.
"This anger is natural, my love." I lifted her hand, making it open. "These are emotions that are always present in the existence of every living being."
"With this kind of anger, I will only cause mischief." She opened her eyes, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
"So?" I brought my face closer to hers. "In the end, the destruction you created was the start of something better. You have heard that I am in the process of equalizing opportunities in all fields for both the royal lineage and commoners? If you hadn't become a dragon and destroyed Ascaind's government, then I won't be able to carry out this initiative."
She fell silent again and just looked deep into my eyes. I held her hand tighter.
"Embrace that feel, my love." I widen my smile. "You are no longer a prophet who has to follow strict rules."
"Then…." She gulped. "What should I do…. What should we do?"
"I've sent various assassins to kill Fergus, even though I'm sure it won't be effective. Meanwhile, I can't just leave all of this behind to kill him. Not with the many preparations we have to do, from starting to improve the security system and enlarging the army."
"War….." She sighed softly, lowering her head.
"There will be many casualties from my side and theirs." I continued. "However, these are sacrifices for a purpose. In this case, eliminating one of our greatest enemies yet."
It's the same as when I sacrificed one eye, shed my wings, destroyed the elf nation, and of course, what Velvet did, killing humans to overthrow Ascaind's government.
I've made a lot of sacrifices to achieve all kinds of goals, and all of them are necessary to achieve my ultimate dream.
Velvet pressed her hand against my chest but still didn't look at me. "But we might need a bigger army. Aside from the fact that we still have to fight the rebels in Ascaind, I heard that Durcia will also use super soldiers."
"I could have created a lot of troops quickly. I could have used what's in here as their beds, although it wouldn't be ideal." I continued. "The problem is food. Yes, demons can survive without food more than ordinary humans. However, I don't want to send them to fight with hungry stomachs. They won't be able to fight optimally."
"So, what are you going to do?" She finally looked up to look at me.
I paused for a moment, watching her face covered in fear. "In Durcia, there is a special town for Lizardmen, similar to the elves' town in Ashenburg. I've currently dispatched workers to make some meat preservatives."
Velvet widened her eyes, took a few steps back, and turned around on me. I had anticipated such a reaction from her.
"Are the rations from the areas we control not enough?" She asked with trembling lips.
"I can't force them to give more, my love. They can barely meet their own needs." I put my hands on her shoulders. "I don't want their worship of me to decrease. If that happens, I won't be able to make more armies. Their adoration is the main ingredient for me to be able to create more demons."
Her hands clenched hard again. "Is there no other way?"
"Unfortunately, there isn't," I whispered into my wife's ear. "We can't fall behind Fergus. If that happens, we won't be able to get our revenge…. Your revenge."
Slowly, the former prophet's hand opened. And to my surprise, she turned around while giving a smile, even though her eyes were filled with tears.
"And if we lose, you won't be able to continue your mission, my lord." There was a hint of pain in her deep voice. "As you said, this is a sacrifice we must make to achieve our goal."
"I'm glad you understand." I wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I swear to you, it will all be worth it. In the end, this world will be a better place."
She pressed her face against my chest and started to sob. I hugged her shaking body.
"A-at least, don't let them die a miserable death." She hissed.
"No, my love." I rubbed the back of her head. "They will die quickly and painlessly."
She took a deep breath. "And thank you for always telling me the truth."
"You're welcome." I continue to hug her body. My mouth still curled into a smile, and my heart was filled with satisfaction.
With the support of my wife, I am more confident about the path I'm taking.
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