The captured demon clan was imprisoned in the dungeons of the royal castle to be interrogated later.
I was invited to Vila’s private room, and we started talking.
“First of all, would you allow me to apologize, Vila?”
“Sion…”
“I doubted you regarding the use of such a deadly weapon, I should have believed in your words, I’m sorry…”
“Sion…”
“That’s why I want to trust you more, Vila.”
I said it clearly.
I regretted having even a moment of doubt. I truly wish for her forgiveness.
I bowed my head to Vila.
“I have been betrayed several times. By vassals, by friends, even by my own family… That’s why I’m afraid… Do you really trust me?” Vila asked.
“Yes, although we have had little time to get to know each other, I feel warmth being with you, Vila. I want to try to believe in that warmth.”
“It’s natural to doubt yourself in that situation.”
Vila smiled.
“More than that, I’m glad that you trusted me. Because, Sion, I really want you to trust me.”
“Vila…”
“I’m afraid to trust someone…”
Vila murmured as if it was difficult for her to say those words.
“Even if you tell me to trust you, I always think you might betray me later… even if I want to trust you, Sion… there is a fear inside me,” Vila expressed.
“Is it because we have been betrayed continuously in our lives, that it hurts so much to be betrayed after trusting someone?”
I, in a way, understand it too.
I have just been betrayed by the comrades I trusted.
Tiana, Katrea, Ingrid, Efemia…
I considered them all excellent companions.
They laughed as they led me to suicide and planned to kill the Demon King.
“But still, I want to believe.”
“Me too, Vila.”
I embraced her.
I felt the warmth of Vila’s body.
Warmth…
Yes, it is the atmosphere I have felt since I arrived in this country.
The warm environment of the people.
And Vila’s presence itself, which seemed to heal me.
I feel they have softened my heart.
I feel they have dissolved my hostility and hatred towards the demon clan.
That’s why I wanted to believe in her.
Our eyes met.
And we stared at each other.
Unconsciously, our faces slowly approached, until our lips did the same.
To deepen the connection between our hearts.