200: The Battle Maiden is at the Crossroads of Marriage (17)
When Zeke tried randomly pulling out a book from the bookshelf, he found a scripture for children.
…Placing a scripture of the Goddess’ teachings in the same room the Dragon Emperor rested.
Zeke returned the book to where he found it. Standing next to Hades’ bed, Zeke asked.
“Why did you pretend to be sick?”
Zeke had seen it coming, and here it was.
Hades replied from inside the blanket.
“I’m not pretending. I truly feel awful. I don’t want to stay awake. …I don’t want to do anything.”
“That’s just being a recluse. Did something terrible happen to you?”
“Not really. Everyone is kind. However, it’s nothing like I expected at all… I already know, though.”
Zeke decided that Hades was just feeling stressed.
“I get it. You went to greet your wife’s family and all.”
“I prepared a lot of souvenirs. I rehearsed my greetings many times. I want to return to Rave as soon as possible. I’d rather deal with my noisy siblings…”
“Hold on for a bit longer. This is the captain’s hometown.”
“I know… I now understand how it feels like to be homesick, or missing the comfort of your own house…”
If Hades’ older siblings in the Rave Empire were to hear that, they’d start crying.
Hades rolled over and looked up at Zeke.
“…By the way, were you able to meet up properly?”
“Yes, as instructed. They’ll be here soon. Do remind me again, why are you making this seem like a surprise attack?”
“The more uncertain the elements, the better. No matter what you do, this is a battlefield where the other side has the upper hand. If we don’t launch a surprise attack, we’ll lose.”
Zeke could understand the strategy. He just failed to comprehend what exactly Hades was trying to do.
“I hope I can make it in time for the dinner party.”
“…Anyway, is it really okay for the emperor to be absent from the dinner party?”
As Zeke asked, he suddenly noticed two figures outside the windows. His eyes went wide. At the same time, Hades hobbled up.
“That’s right. It depends on the situation, but changing clothes is a pain… What’s the matter?”
Zeke abruptly closed the curtains and turned around.
“Nothing. The sun is just too bright.”
“… What’s happening outside?”
Hades showed a broad grin. He had seen through Zeke. Bitterly, Zeke reopened the curtains he had just closed, but not before emphasizing this:
“…Don’t act rashly? You’re an adult.”
Hades stood up and approached the window.
What was even scarier was the fact that his expression was visibly… blank. Reading his intenions was impossible.
“…You are an adult, so don’t fly into rage?”
“Indeed. I don’t know what the actual situation is. Breathe in, breathe out, and calm down.”
“If you don’t, she will hate you?”
“I know—I know, but!! Argh—!!”
Hades turned on his heels and stormed out of the room. In panic, Zeke rushed after him. Only in times like that did Zeke have to console the emperor on his own. At the same time, Zeke also thought that he shouldn’t overly depend on Jill.
After all, it was her hometown. Demanding her to consider herself as being in enemy territory would be cruel.
On the other side of the open drapes, under the window, the captain—whom Zeke respected—and the prince, whom he recognized as his enemy, were happily strolling around.
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