Conquest Complete, So Why Is the Affection Dropping? - Chapter 26
As I approached the altar, blue flames ignited without being touched. Having read in books that divine power materializes in this form, I pretended to be composed.
Though blue flames are supposedly the hottest, they didn’t feel particularly hot. Well, it would be strange for divine flames to follow physical laws anyway.
“What incredible flames…”
“I’ve never seen anything like this.”
I heard various exclamations of amazement from somewhere in the crowd.
‘Since everyone’s gathered, should I put more effort into the presentation?’
When I raised my right hand, the blue flames soared high.
I heard the crowd gasp in awe at the pillar of fire that rose higher than the temple tower.
I wished I could shoot some flashy laser lights, but technological limitations were disappointing.
“Evidence has emerged that Temple Knight Hexion conspired with demons.”
Without being asked, the quick-moving priests laid out their stockpiled evidence before the altar.
Blood-stained feathers, a stamped pass, a magic stone lamp, some crude-looking tokens, blackened weapon fragments…
Most of those items were evidence of my sins rather than Hexion’s, but I decided to keep quiet about that.
Sorry, Marvis. I’ll apologize later for ransacking your house.
With each piece of evidence placed before the altar, jeers and condemnation rose from all around, and Hexion’s expression grew darker.
Seeing him like that filled me with guilt, and I desperately wanted to twist the priests’ necks and shout ‘Don’t criticize my guardian knight! I’m the guilty one, throw stones at me!’ but I had to maintain my composure.
Hexion, this humiliation will be repaid after I complete your route- never mind.
“All of these are irrefutable evidence of betrayal, discovered by Priest Baal and Temple Knight Venom.”
Though other priests and knights joined in too, those two seemed to be the main instigators, so I decided to tell on them to Hexion.
Of course, he didn’t seem to grasp my intention at all.
“Hexion, do you have any means to prove your innocence?”
“….”
Hexion didn’t answer.
He no longer protested his innocence.
Anyone would easily give up in a situation where everyone points fingers and no one takes their side.
With his head bowed and lips firmly sealed, Hexion looked like he wished the Blade of Judgment would just take his head right now.
“Hexion. There are countless pieces of evidence denouncing your betrayal. Conversely, there isn’t a single piece of evidence proving your innocence. However.”
I deliberately paused after ‘however.’ This was to avoid having my speech deleted.
Since the word ‘however’ has been spoken, the system should accept what follows even if it deviates from the flow so far.
“You asked me to believe in you.”
The lowered head lifted. Even the tall Hexion had to look up to see me standing on the altar steps.
Finally, our eyes met.
What dwelled in those purple eyes that had been downcast all this time wasn’t hope but simple puzzlement. His somewhat innocent expression almost made me laugh, but I bit the inside of my mouth.
Here, I needed to show dignity befitting the Divine Master.
“I have chosen to believe in you.”
“Divine Master!”
The priests were shocked by my complete reversal after setting up this public trial supposedly to execute a criminal.
But unfortunately for them, once the system accepted my words, their defeat was sealed.
‘Let’s go straight to event clear!’
When I reached toward the flames with my left hand, fire transferred to my fingertips. Though I hadn’t felt heat even when standing right next to it, once it touched my hand it was quite hot – I almost cried out. Thankfully, not hot enough to cause burns.
“There are no means to prove Temple Knight Hexion’s innocence. Therefore!”
“I shall become that evidence myself.”
When I pulled the fire from my left hand to my right, it stretched straight like cooling wax taking shape, forming a blade.
No wonder it felt hot – it was exactly the temperature where paraffin melts.
“The Blade of Judgment surely cuts down falsehood, leaving only truth.”
As I raised the sword wreathed in blue flames, the frozen priests and knights stepped back. Whether because they feared the blade of truth might turn toward them, or simply wanted to distance themselves from a woman wielding a flaming sword, I had no time to figure it out.
“What this blade forged by divine power leaves behind will be the most certain evidence.”
Though Hexion’s expression still lacked vitality, it was no longer as gloomy as before.
“Hexion.”
At my call, he rose from his kneeling position. Venom, who had been restraining the bound Hexion, stepped back.
Standing before me with his chest out, Hexion’s face seemed to beg for the Blade of Judgment to pierce his heart.
While proving his innocence the way he wanted wouldn’t be bad, I was quite serious about this route.
‘Let’s go bold!’
Since Hexion gave me maximum affection so decisively, I decided to respond just as boldly.
I’ll show you the Korean spice!
“I claim Hexion’s innocence, so if my words are true, the Blade of Judgment will vanish, and if false, the blade will cut down my flesh and destroy it!”
As I shouted this and gripped the sword in reverse, cracks appeared in Hexion’s expression who had been standing straight, watching me.
“Divine Master! You must not!”
A shocked Hexion rushed forward. Though Venom tried to grab him in surprise at the sudden movement, there was no way he could match Hexion’s strength.
Hexion, who had run straight toward me through the crowd that day when Marvis invaded. This time too, he began climbing the stairs with a desperate expression.
Having somehow broken free of his ropes, his now-free hands reached out toward me.
“I believe in you.”
“Divine Master!”
I flashed him a grin, then unhesitatingly plunged the sword into my chest.
Hexion’s scream echoed across the pale sky.
Was the performance too much? I felt slightly embarrassed and had a moment of regret.
Then suddenly, flames burst from my chest.
‘Huh?’
Though I hadn’t felt anything when stabbing, my heart constricted and my breath caught.
What’s happening?
As my vision started spinning and my legs gave out, Hexion caught me. Thanks to his armor being removed, I could clearly feel the man’s muscles through the thin fabric – enough to make my mouth water.
“Divine Master!”
While my heart hurts like fireworks exploding, seeing Hexion’s face up close made me feel truly dizzy. For the first time allowed this close, I couldn’t get my bearings.
‘Damn, he’s handsome. This is why we pursue temple knights.’
Thump. Thump.
My heart, which had been setting off fireworks, heaved greatly and heat rose to my face.
Worried I might faint if I closed my eyes and missed out on the close-up view of this handsome man, I kept my eyes wide open. In response, Hexion’s arms around me tightened.
“Hexion…”
As expected of a knight, those arm muscles are really…
“Nice…”
It’s just unfortunate I can’t give him a thumbs-up since I can’t control my body.
When I managed a faint smile toward Hexion, he made a face like he might cry.
Was it too moving?
Well, I’ve never done such a bold performance before.
Just as I was about to praise myself for conquering a forced event without a walkthrough, my vision went dark.
Did I close my eyes already? No, I shouldn’t! I need to see more of Hexion’s face!
…As I was thinking this hazily, I felt my body float in the air.
[Hexion] Affection Limit Released! [Hexion]’s current affection: 103 Hexion’s route completed. Special event, [Oath of Loyalty] will follow.
So that’s why there was an unavoidable forced event – it was for the limit release.
I looked at the blue-green system window glowing softly in the darkness, then closed my eyes again.
This time, true drowsiness washed over me.
***
When you wake up after fainting, you’re supposed to see the ceiling, but a handsome face entered my vision first.
“Shin Joo, are you conscious?”
Still handsome even on second look, my guardian knight… no, since the route is complete, can I call him my man now?
My man, Hexion, appeared before me.
“Hexion.”
“…Hah.”
The tension drained from Hexion’s somewhat desperate expression as he let out what might have been a sigh or a gasp and sat down. He must have stayed by my side the whole time I was unconscious.
Seeing Hexion in my bedroom, it seems he’s recovered his position as guardian knight. The reliable Blade of Judgment must have proven his innocence well.
“Hexion. You’re cleared of charges now, right?”
“….”
No answer.
Is he not innocent? Did the trial just get paused because I fainted?
“Shin Joo, why…”
“Yes?”
“Why did you do such a thing…”
Hexion looked at me with an expression like his breath might stop.
I was the one who plunged the blade into my heart, yet somehow Hexion wore an expression like he’d crossed death’s boundary.
Is this that ‘man’s sincere gaze after awakening from the shock of almost losing the woman he loves’ thing?
