After that, I had to carefully explain to everyone about Melphis’ true identity and our future plans.

My plan itself was actually quite simple.

Melphis and I would go to the temple in the Dragon Realm to find the holy sword.

According to Melphis, we could finish everything within a week…

However, there was a problem. Time flowed differently between the Dragon Realm and the Human Realm.

A week in the Dragon Realm was close to half a year in the Human Realm.

In other words, no matter how quickly I found the holy sword, a considerable amount of time would have passed in the Human Realm by the time I returned.

‘By the time I come back, the demons may have already invaded.’

In the original story, the war broke out about 7 months from now.

Now that the original plot had changed, the war might start earlier than that, but it was unlikely to be delayed.

‘So while I’m gone, everyone needs to prepare for the fight in advance.’

Above all, it was certain that Siegfried would cause many incidents in the future.

They were the only ones who could stop him.

“…Anyway, that’s why I have to go to the Dragon Realm. Melphis has agreed to help.”

After finally finishing the explanation, I observed everyone’s expressions.

Except for Melphis, worry was evident on their faces.

Amidst that, Ren urgently spoke up.

“I will accompany you.”

I had anticipated he would say that. I immediately replied in a firm voice.

“No, Ren. I want you to stay here and help everyone.”

Shadow magic was very useful. Sending Ren to the Dragon Realm as well would be a waste of manpower.

However, he didn’t seem to have any intention of backing down.

“That won’t do. Even if it’s just a week, you will face many inconveniences. I will attend to you. You need to pack a change of clothes, and food as well…”

Melphis interrupted Ren’s words with a grin. Then he lightly snapped his fingers.

In that instant, my clothes changed into new ones, and a dish of luxurious food appeared in his hand.

“Unfortunately, it seems you won’t be needed!”

Melphis replied in a spiteful tone. Before I knew it, I had returned to my original appearance.

Ren glared intensely at Melphis.

I knew to some extent that Ren disliked Melphis, but there was more hatred in his eyes than I had imagined.

“Then I will go instead of Lady Vivian. I cannot let Lady Vivian go alone.”

“Vivi, I can go too. Elder brother can protect things here.”

Suddenly, Ludovica joined in and sided with Ren.

“Hmm…”

I glanced at Melphis. Ren strongly insisted again.

“I will go, Lady Vivian.”

Then Melphis made a frightened expression and clung to my shoulder.

“What should we do, Vivian? I’m usually shy around strangers and feel uncomfortable with everyone except Vivian. Ah, the thought of being alone with unfamiliar people is terrible, and I don’t have the confidence to do it.”

Melphis being shy…

It was clearly a lie to anyone’s eyes, but I just nodded.

Yeah, if he doesn’t help in the first place, the human realm will face a destruction ending. I’d be grateful even if he just does this much.

“You heard him? I’m the one going. That can’t be changed. I’ll return safely, so protect this place well while I’m gone.”

Even with my resolute voice, Ren still seemed unable to give up. Dietrich and Ludovica also had complicated expressions.

‘But it can’t be helped. If we don’t find the holy sword, we can’t kill Siegfried.’

Generally, demons die when they suffer a critical injury to the point that regeneration is no longer possible.

However, Belial, the king of demons, was a different case.

They said it was impossible to completely eradicate him without the power of a god.

‘That’s why in the original story, Ludovica and Callys went out of their way to find the holy sword.’

So I also had to somehow find the holy sword and confront Siegfried in battle.

‘I’m afraid of major changes happening in the human realm while I’m in the Dragon Realm, but I still have to leave.’

Dietrich, Ludovica, and Ren. Trusting in their strength, I had to do my part.

I handed several sheets of paper to the three of them, who still had complicated expressions.

Written densely on them were the major events that occurred in the original story.

“I’ve organized the incidents caused by Siegfried that I saw in my visions. I don’t know if the exact same events will happen since the future has already changed a lot, but it’s still better than nothing.”

“…”

“I’ve also delivered documents with the same contents to Her Highness Princess Veronica. If Siegfried attacks earlier than expected, please join forces to stop him.”

At my determined attitude, Ren’s expression darkened.

“Don’t make such a face. I’ll come back as soon as possible.”

I reached out and stroked Ren’s arm.

“The connection of the communication device will be cut off in the Dragon Realm. I’ll contact you as soon as I return to the human realm, so always wear the earrings.”

“…I understand.”

Fortunately, the situation was resolved.

Ren went to the hideout first, saying he would organize the necessary items for departure, and Melphis also disappeared, saying he would come back tomorrow.

Before I knew it, the only ones left were Dietrich and Ludovica.

I escorted them to the front of the carriage and bid farewell.

“I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I’ll be back soon! Please take care until then.”

“Have a safe trip, Vivi.”

“Yes, Ludovica! Oh, Dietrich, you take care too!”

I waved my hand to Dietrich as well.

The next time I see them, quite some time will have passed for them. Somehow, I had a strange feeling.

But then, Dietrich, who had been making an enigmatic expression, grabbed me.

“Lady Vivian, there’s something I want to talk about before you go.”

“What is it?”

I tilted my head and asked him.

“I think it’s better to talk in a quiet place, not here.”

Dietrich glanced at Ludovica. She lightly nodded and got into the carriage alone.

“I’ll go ahead.”

“Be careful on your way!”

Dietrich and I watched Ludovica leave for a moment.

“But is it okay not to go together? It’s already so late.”

The moon was already hanging in the night sky.

“It’s fine. Rather… Shall we take a short walk?”

“Sure.”

We walked side by side on the quiet night street.

‘What does he want to talk about?’

Come to think of it, Dietrich was unusually quiet today.

I thought it was just because the situation was confusing, but could there be another reason?

Eager to hear what he had to say, I glanced at him, gauging his expression.

He, who was always overflowing with composure, seemed a little tense unlike his usual self.

I kept following his footsteps with curiosity. Before I knew it, we had arrived at a small nearby park.

“Lady Vivian, let’s sit for a moment.”

Dietrich gestured towards a bench. As I sat down first, he sat right next to me.

Contrary to my expectation that he would speak right away, he maintained his silence.

I quietly waited for him.

Dietrich calling Vivian out was a completely impulsive action.

He himself had no idea why he suddenly engaged in such behavior.

It was just that his body moved on its own at the thought of not being able to see Vivian for the next few months.

Dietrich glanced at Vivian sitting next to him.

The only thing that could serve as a light source in the night park was the moonlight.

Despite the dim light, Vivian’s appearance was particularly striking to his eyes.

Her slightly curly, light purple hair, her gentle-looking eyes, her pale pink lips.

Even when he first met Vivian, he acknowledged the fact that her appearance was objectively outstanding.

However, that was just a fact and didn’t hold any special meaning to him.

After all, he wasn’t particularly interested in how graceful the appearance of others besides himself was.

In the end, he was the most outstanding one anyway.

But recently, Dietrich realized how foolish such thoughts were.

Suddenly, his own words to Nils some time ago struck his mind.

〈How many times do I have to say it? I told you I’m cursed to be too handsome to fall for anyone else. Of course, there’s no way I’d be attracted to others.〉

Back then, he had said that as if it were obvious. Now that he thought about it, it was truly arrogant nonsense.

‘What curse of not being able to like anyone. It’s more like I was cursed to be a fool.’

He had asserted to Nils that there was no one more beautiful than himself, but now he knew.

There was such a person. And the proof was his heart that raced especially when he was by Vivian’s side.

‘This must be the feeling of liking someone.’

He had never experienced a romantic love before, but he could easily tell.

Dietrich had developed feelings for Vivian.

With her every action, her every word, his heart soared high into the sky and then plummeted into the depths.

Today was no exception.

When he suddenly heard the news that he wouldn’t be able to see her for several months, he felt like the ground beneath his feet was collapsing.

From the moment he heard those words, he was engulfed in an inexplicable sense of unease.

He himself didn’t know why he felt such emotions.

After a prolonged silence, he cautiously spoke.

“Lady Vivian.”

“What is it?”

He had only called her name, but her brown eyes fully focused on him.

At that moment, Dietrich realized the nature of the urgency he had been feeling.

He wanted to convey his feelings to her. Before she went far away, he wanted to confess these emotions.

The inside of his mouth went dry from the intense heat.

His clenched fists naturally tensed up.

He carefully and slowly opened his mouth.