Dekan's Proposal, Part 2

The night was so dark that even the moonlight was almost hidden.

In a luxurious courtyard befitting the Elector Duke's status, a group of people are watching one person.

The long silence between them resembled a public trial.

Everyone was waiting for Dekan to give his final defense.

After a long silence, Dekan suddenly burst into laughter.

He looked at his friends who had illegally intruded and declared loudly:

"I've been waiting for you for a long time. I knew you'd want to cause trouble, but actually, this is a sting operation orchestrated by Clay and me to entice you all out!"

Dekan, with an air of complete mastery, staged a stunning comeback.

It doesn't seem like they're blatantly lying.

He appeared calm and collected, but in reality, he was constantly relieved that he had reacted quickly enough and still had room to struggle.

They were even still trembling with fear as they plotted to get rid of that great god, Clay, once they escaped this calamity.

Even if I had this guy by my side, I couldn't control him!

"..."

For a moment, the friends opposite each other exchanged glances, seemingly filled with doubt.

Dekan's performance just now, which sounded like he was drunk, really did resemble fishing.

Moreover, given Dekan's style and personality, it is quite possible that he would engage in entrapment.

After all, this isn't the first or second time that Cat Teacher and Morion have engaged in paparazzi behavior.

However, the subtle stubbornness in Dekan's tone made others feel that Dekan had truly messed up.

As is well known, Dekan is a respectable man.

Although he can be really embarrassing at times, he still upholds the Dekan never-give-up spirit, using his intelligence to stubbornly stick to his guns until the very last moment.

But now, regardless of whether Dekan was acting or not.

Let's give Dekan a way out.

After all, he has an important card-making competition tomorrow.

This was the answer everyone came to after a brief exchange of glances.

"Dekan... it's our fault... but we really meant it..."

Mie was the first to apologize.

Just as everyone else was preparing to apologize to Dekan, and Dekan was relieved to have escaped unscathed.

Suddenly, the mansion door was kicked open from the inside.

"Let's pop the champagne!!"

You hear their voice before you see them!

The next second, Clay appeared out of the mansion holding a bottle of champagne, shaking it vigorously and then opening it with great enthusiasm.

The confident expression on his face made it seem as if he was certain that his performance would bring the atmosphere to its peak!

However.

"..."

The response was an unusual silence.

The courtyard was eerily quiet.

Everyone silently looked at Dekan, then at Clay.

Finally, even Dekan's eyes widened as he turned to look at Clay.

"?"

Clay stood at the entrance of the mansion, his expression turning puzzled.

He had been using his "mind's eye" to observe the situation in the garden from inside the mansion.

From Clay's perspective, it goes like this: Dekan unintentionally confesses his love to Cornelia comes out to face Dekan, and finally everyone gathers around to bless them.

So, in this touching and heartwarming moment...

If only someone could step forward and open a bottle of champagne to celebrate!

It was undoubtedly doing the right thing at the right time!

Then it's his duty Clay, to do it!

That's exactly how it should be.

But why does the atmosphere here feel nothing like Dekan's wedding...?

But... was it Dekan's funeral?

As the kingdom's top secret agent, Clay immediately realized the problem.

"Haha, I'm outta here!"

He chuckled dryly, then Clay a step back and immediately closed the mansion door, pretending nothing had happened and that he had never been there.

"..."

Crows flew across the night sky, followed by silence.

So now everyone can only watch Dekan.

Even though everyone was putting themselves in Dekan's shoes, they really couldn't think of any other way Dekan could argue.

Clay went too far...

Dekan was rendered speechless, as if he had been put on Gag.

Before Dekan could fully accept the fact that he had been tricked by Clay, he was completely and unexpectedly defeated by Clay.

This guy can't be out of my sight for even a second.

Whether they're nearby or have disappeared from sight, it's all too devastating...

Originally, they planned to send Clay away tomorrow, but now Dekan suddenly doesn't dare to let him go.

It's a feeling that it's easy to invite a god but difficult to send him away...

While feeling distressed, Dekan couldn't help but admire Sion.

How did she manage to control someone like Clay before?

And how exactly did she raise Clay?

If Clay had been given more time to evolve, even without Dekan's help, Clay would have eventually managed to put his mentor, Master Da Zhan, to rest.

Just thinking about a ninth-tier Clay makes Dekan feel terrified for Sion.

Etc.

Something seems off.

Dekan remembered that when Sion transferred Clay to his team, he did seem quite reluctant to part with him.

But upon closer reflection, it becomes clear that Sion was remarkably decisive from agreeing to signing the contract.

It's as if they'd love to get rid of Clay.

Did I get scammed?!

This shrewd, overpriced acquisition of personnel is so clever that even my uncle would applaud it!

Dekan, who was already somewhat despondent, finally had his last shred of strength completely crushed at this moment.

He seemed completely dejected, as if he had accepted his utter defeat.

He fell silent.

It was as if they sensed the pitiful aura emanating from Dekan.

The Cat Teacher, who was the instigator, gradually felt a little guilty.

"Uh, Dekan Meow, it's getting late, I'm a little afraid of the dark, meow, I'm going home now, meow!"

The black Cat Teacher immediately jumped into Morion's shadow.

Morion seemed to realize something as well:

"Oh dear, it's so dark in this courtyard, I can't see anything. I'm so sleepy, I'll take Cat Teacher back first."

After saying that, Morion turned and ran away.

Then everyone used similar excuses, repeatedly emphasizing that it was "dark," "the lighting was poor," and "I didn't see what just happened," before scattering in a panic.

They left the courtyard of Dekan as if fleeing.

Only Cornelia, with a slightly worried expression, remained where she was, looking at Dekan with concern.

"Well..."

Dekan sighed deeply and walked wearily to the swing next to him, where he sat down.

Then, as if his whole body had turned to ashes, he drifted there alone.

He's become somewhat withdrawn.

All our efforts were originally intended to avoid shame tomorrow.

Now it can only be described as a shameful mother opening the door for another shameful person; it's utterly shameful.

"I'm sorry... Cornelia, for making you see me in such an embarrassing state..."

Dekan lowered his head, seemingly talking to himself as if he were apologizing to Cornelia.

Upon hearing Dekan finally speak, Cornelia's worry vanished instantly.

She walked slowly to the swing with a smile and sat down next to Dekan.

"Hasn't Dekan always been like this?"

Cornelia stroked Dekan's hair and asked softly.

"I thought everyone saw me as someone like Delois... a man who did everything perfectly... but actually, I always make mistakes..."

Dekan was like a child who had failed an exam, hanging his head and whispering.

"That's never happened."

Cornelia closed her eyes, smiled, and shook her head.

"Whether it's me or everyone else, what we like Dekan, who can be a bit stubborn in certain areas, has a strange confidence and a strange persistence, and always gets into funny situations because he trusts his companions too much."

"Is that so...?"

Dekan finally seemed to have regained some strength, stealing a glance at Cornelia before asking a question.

Cornelia nodded.

She placed her hands on Dekan's cheeks and gazed tenderly into his eyes:

"I'm not as smart as Dekan. There are so many things in this world that I don't understand. Whether it's a problem I encounter at school or a mystery in the Shadow World, I can't handle it without Dekan."

At this point, her voice became more certain.

"But I've noticed that even Dekan, whom I consider the smartest, sometimes overestimates himself, has illusions, and gets caught up in his own thoughts. Even I sometimes think Dekan is a bit stupid. But that's part of Dekan's true self, and everyone has already noticed it. No one has overly high expectations of you, so don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Dekan, whose face was being pinched by Cornelia, blinked his eyes wide open, his mouth looking almost like a small round hole.

"Um..."

However, after listening to Cornelia's words, Dekan lowered his eyes and responded.

Cornelia looked at Dekan's comical yet pitiful appearance and felt as if she were bullying him.

So he let go, allowing Dekan to calm himself down.

The two remained silent for a long time afterward.

Although Dekan didn't say much, the rhythm of the swing seemed to have become more energetic.

It's already very late.

Dekan glanced at the girl beside him and finally spoke.

He knew that Cat Teacher and the others were definitely still hiding outside the courtyard.

Cornelia went back with everyone, which put Dekan at ease.

"Um."

Cornelia slowly leaned against Dekan's shoulder.

"Let me swing with you a little longer."

"..."

Dekan didn't say anything more, leaning against the swing and gazing at the starry sky.

I don't know why.

Dekan felt his thoughts becoming clearer.

Many things are not that complicated.

All you need to do is tell her your truest feelings, at the right time and in the right place, in front of her.

There's no need to use Delois as a perfect benchmark to guide yourself.

Dekan knew.

He is Delois.

She is no longer Delois.

Delois certainly wouldn't do something so shameful.

At least Dekan couldn't imagine Delois getting into an embarrassing situation in an ordinary, everyday story.

But that's because...

The very first Delois.

There won't be so many complex emotions that belong solely to human beings.

Making mistakes occasionally isn't necessarily a bad thing.

He simply possessed from the very beginning what Delois had sought throughout his life.

Let's go back to the present.

The celebrations in the Vihart Kingdom have come to a complete end.

In the square, on the stands, and on the roads, people dressed in all sorts of clothes had smiles on their faces.

When an alchemical concoction prepared to celebrate the birth of the victor and the successful conclusion of the ceremony is lit, the flames will soar into the sky and transform into dazzling fireworks.

As the flames rose higher, people's gazes also turned to the sky.

--Clang.

As if ripples were cast into the stillness of the night, the tolling of bells accompanies the ceremonial music.

If fireworks are stars falling into a river, then the sound of bells is the murmuring water.

Clang, clang, clang, clang.

The sound repeats at regular intervals, not only to indicate the time, but also as an ancient ritual originating from the Purification of the land.

Today is a day of celebration, a day of rites, and a day of celebration.

From the royal viewing platform, there was a sky full of stars and a bright moon.

Then, their eyes met.

"You could have chosen to take a large bounty."

Seeing Dekan's earnest, marriage-proposal-like expression, Cornelia covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

Dekan didn't respond with specific words, he just shook his head.

"So, what does this mean?"

Cornelia looked at Dekan and asked with interest.

He knelt on one knee, holding a priceless treasure in his hand.

Even if one wanted to present this Red Legend as a gift to the princess who commissioned it, it seemed far too solemn.

"This is a marriage proposal."

Both their words and their attitude were absolutely certain.

"!"

Cornelia was startled by the unexpected answer, and the Cat Teacher she was holding accidentally fell to the ground.

Only in this very moment.

Dekan's eyes became incredibly clear and resolute.

Those were eyes filled with trust and love, deep and focused, earnest and devout.

It was a gaze that Cornelia momentarily dared not meet.

Dekan raised his other hand slightly and grasped Cornelia's small, drooping hand.

"I have never believed in things like destiny or love at first sight, or anything ambiguous like that."

Dekan slowly opened his mouth,

"Love is a feeling that always arises for a reason."

"--That's what I originally thought."

"But perhaps that's not entirely true."

"Although our meeting was somewhat extraordinary, nothing particularly unforgettable happened. The memories of spending time with you are mostly of ordinary days and nights."

"So much so that I can't even be sure when I fell for you."

"If I can't even figure this out, then I can't express my truest feelings to you—I've struggled with how to say my vows to you."

"Until you sat beside me, I finally knew the answer."

"I just met you, and then we just kept each other company like this. And then, without realizing it, we ended up together as friends."

"Although 'unconsciously' doesn't sound like an answer that would come from someone as meticulous as me."

"But I think that this unconscious process, for someone as single-minded as me, is a necessary condition for falling in love with someone."

"So, could you please continue to stay with me, and let us unknowingly spend the rest of our lives together?"

Even amidst the deafening noise of the Royal Capital's bells, fireworks, and laughter, Dekan's voice remained crystal clear beside Cornelia.

Cornelia listened to Dekan's words, taking in his entire figure.

Her eyes looked like she was crying, but the corners of her mouth looked like she was smiling.

Finally.

Cornelia reached out and gently touched the red Magic Card in Dekan's palm, binding it to her soul.

[The Demon's Oath Across Worlds]

The owner can contract a demon.

Dekan smiled and closed his eyes. When he opened them again to look at Cornelia, his pupils had turned gold.

He is both human and one of the few remaining demons in the world.

The girl stood before the demon.

This moment feels just like that moment ten thousand years ago.

The gray-haired demon learned to express his true feelings, while the red-haired girl gained a healthy body.

The next second.

This Red Legend seemed to transform into a soft, flowing light, linking to the two people's hands.

A sacred power of covenant emanated from the card, forming two rings engraved with the marks of Goddess of Reincarnation and Fate. These rings landed on their ring fingers, creating a strong force that connected them.

Suddenly, Cornelia felt a strange connection between herself and Dekan, as if she could clearly sense wherever Dekan went.

Gradually, Dekan stood up and, like a butler, smiled and bowed to the young lady.

It was as if the demon was expressing friendliness to its contractor, or as if it was making up for a regret in a certain story.

Cornelia also took a step forward.

"You never hold back your praise, you're always there for me, helping me, and even when I say something wrong, you find it funny. I know you're the person who understands me best in the world, so I quickly let my guard down around you."

Cornelia gazed into Dekan's eyes, looking deep into his depths, as if she could see into his very soul.

Before I met you, I was so ordinary, and my life was so dull. You brought me vitality and made every day feel like a dream.

"Even today, I'm still amazed at how wonderful it was to meet you. You're always the one who holds my hands tightly to prevent me from falling down again."

"Your love for me is more enduring and harder to repay."

"This is a love story that moves me deeply, and it is also an irreplaceable love story."

"Thank you so much."

The girl's eyelashes trembled slightly, her vision blurred, and she murmured.

That face, sculpted as if by moonlight, seemed to have tears sliding down its cheeks.

This time, however, the girl will not succumb to sleepiness.

Those were tears of pure joy, devoid of any sadness.

In this star-studded Royal Capital, the two seemed to stand at the end of the moonlit night.

For the first time, Dekan's eyes, usually filled with a rare deep affection, became clear and lucid like a spring.

Cornelia also tiptoed slightly.

A gentle breeze rustled through the flowers and leaves, and the lamplight flickered among them. The Gray-haired Demon embraced the Red-haired Girl, seemingly inseparable.

******

Author's Note:

With this chapter finished, another chapter of the story comes to an end, and we're one step closer to the conclusion. According to the plan, it should be finished in a little over a month. Volume 6 will soon enter the final chapter of the Holy Kingdom, while Volume 7, as the concluding section, doesn't have much content in the present world, and the Shadow World is almost just a major battle. After that, there will be side stories after the main story... Emmmm, of course, these side stories might seem like the real main story, but they basically won't have much fighting; the battles will probably just be some teammates sabotaging each other. Also, because I still have a lot of unpaid chapters to repay even by the end, the way I'm settling the debt is that all the unpaid chapters after the book is finished will become free side stories. So all the side stories after this book is finished will be free, and I'll be writing at least a few hundred thousand words of side stories...