The World After the Bad Ending

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Chapter 280

While Professor Vega had been taken away due to the new teaching directives,

I finished up the remaining tasks alone and left the professor’s office.

Before I knew it, evening had fallen.

It was the last evening of the year.

‘Maybe I should grab a meal, then head back and rest.’

This year had been full of events.

Perhaps that’s why I felt particularly sentimental, meeting the end of it.

‘I guess it’s fine to have a drink on the last day of the year.’

I hadn’t touched alcohol in a long time, too busy advancing the scenario.

But now, the matter with the Demon Sovereign was more or less settled.

Though it was an age of upheaval, it was also the peaceful era we had all longed for.

I was thinking this as I walked,

when I saw a girl staring out the window at the sky.

She had hair as white as mine.

The melancholy on her face would have left anyone else speechless with its beauty.

But to me, it was a familiar face.

“Xenia.”

“Ah.”

When I called her name, Xenia turned toward me.

She looked a bit flustered, as if only now realizing I was here.

I hadn’t particularly tried to hide my presence,

but it seemed she hadn’t noticed me.

“What were you thinking so deeply about?”

Seeing Xenia always brought a rush of thoughts.

Zerion—her past, and my former lover.

And now, her long-awaited family—her younger sister.

With those two identities blended together, Xenia herself must be confused as well.

Maybe that’s why she occasionally called me Fram.

She, too, was struggling with overlapping memories.

“Just… had some things to think about,”

She said, lowering her head slightly.

“It’s about Vikamon.”

“Vikamon? As in…”

“Yes. The Vikamon who was supposed to disappear due to our plan.”

I had possessed Vikamon.

And ever since then, his soul hadn’t been seen anywhere.

Back when I revealed my identity,

Xenia had said she would search for Vikamon.

Where could he have gone?

“I think the goddess may have used her power on him.”

“The goddess?”

That was unexpected.

I turned to her, surprised.

Xenia nodded slowly.

“Yes. Right after Fram possessed him—maybe the goddess stepped in at that point.”

Xenia had celestial magic.

Thanks to that, she could catch glimpses of things happening in the world of the gods.

By chasing Vikamon’s traces all this time,

she had finally found him,

by the goddess’s side.

“Hah.”

A dumbfounded sigh escaped me.

The goddess had her plans all along.

I thought she had finished her work when she sent Isabel,

but it turned out she had done something more.

He must have seen everything we did.

Would this world have been satisfactory for Vikamon?

It was hard to say.

He was far too distant now to ask.

“…What will happen to Vikamon?”

The goddess had taken him herself.

If he wished, he could probably stay as her divine envoy.

“I don’t know. But if he wants, he might be able to reincarnate.”

“Reincarnation, huh…”

I couldn’t say for sure whether reincarnation would be a happy thing for him.

But if he did reincarnate, I definitely wanted to meet him again.

To tell him what I had accomplished.

“You did well finding all that out. Thanks to you, Xenia, I feel a bit relieved.”

If the goddess had taken him,

then surely it wasn’t something bad.

That was a comfort.

“…Oh.”

It was only then that I realized I had started patting Xenia’s head.

It was almost a reflex at this point.

Xenia closed her eyes quietly,

and even leaned her head into my hand.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Why? We’ve only just become family. I’m allowed to enjoy this much, right?”

“Yeah. You’re right.”

Zerion’s wish, and Xenia’s wish—family.

We had finally become one after everything.

We weren’t Zerion and Wolfram.

Xenia had inherited those memories, but she hadn’t lived them.

I had only seen glimpses of Wolfram’s final journey—I didn’t carry his memories.

But the wish of those two had undeniably come true.

We were family.

As I thought that, Xenia glanced up at me from between my hands.

“…Fram, what do you think of someone like me?”

“What do you mean?”

“I have both Zerion’s and Xenia’s memories. Isn’t that confusing for you?”

“It’s okay.”

Xenia looked up at me, wide-eyed.

“Whether you’re Xenia or Zerion, you’re family to me.”

We had moved beyond being lovers in the past—

now, we had reached a new bond.

Whatever that bond may be,

Xenia was one of the most precious people to me.

She seemed to understand.

Her eyes widened again, then she smiled softly.

“You’re right. I’m someone precious to both Fram and you. That doesn’t change.”

So now she understands.

Satisfied with that, Xenia stepped two paces back from my hand.

Then, she wore a slightly mischievous look.

“Then… is it okay if I get married someday?”

“Absolutely not.”

My little sister is staying with me for life.

Xenia stuck out her tongue.

“Not that I plan to or anything.”

My little sister’s future is terrifying.

＊＊＊

When I arrived at the dining hall for dinner,

a lot of people had gathered.

Maybe it was because the year was ending—

everyone’s expression was different.

Some were worried about the future,

others were simply happy to have made it through the year safely.

Among them, I saw familiar faces.

“Foara, Aisha.”

“Ah, assistant!”

“You came to eat too?”

Foara greeted me brightly,

and Aisha gave me a gentle smile.

I decided to have dinner with the two of them.

“You’re both third-years now, huh.”

“That’s right. I can’t believe it myself…”

Foara pushed up his glasses with a face that looked like he still couldn’t quite grasp it.

Aisha, standing next to him, wore a similar expression.

“Thinking about how all the seniors are about to graduate… it’s kind of overwhelming.”

“You’ll both do fine. Besides, we’ll still be seeing each other often.”

After all, I’m a teaching assistant.

“By the way, Assistant Vikamon, what’s going to happen with Senior Hannon?”

While we were eating, Foara brought up a question.

“That guy? He submitted a withdrawal request a little while ago.”

“Really?”

Aisha also looked surprised.

Hannon was the identity I had used as a fake name.

To the real Hannon, that false identity wasn’t something important.

So, he left the academy behind and went his own way.

He decided to live his life as he used to—pursuing archaeological research.

“He’s gone off to find his own path.”

Just like how he appeared out of nowhere, he disappeared just as suddenly—like the wind.

Hannon lived life as the wind blew, simply drifting wherever it led him.

Now that he’s found true freedom, I’m sure that’s a happy thing for him.

“By the way, Aisha, I heard you went toe-to-toe with Associate Professor Rexaron?”

Rexaron Bizvel.

He was Aisha’s cousin.

Not long ago, Aisha challenged Rexaron.

Though she didn’t win, she held her own and built a solid performance.

“Yes. After everything that happened, I’ve grown a lot stronger.”

There was a determined gleam in Aisha’s eyes.

Without a doubt, she would continue to grow even stronger.

And one day, she would break free from the chains of the Bizvel family.

“Hang in there. If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word.”

“You already help me a lot. Your advice during morning training really helps.”

Aisha and I still train together every morning.

Lately, it’s become something of a spectacle at Zerion Academy—more and more people come to watch.

Not just me—Aisha had gained a lot of recognition after the recent events as well.

Maybe because of that, more students were starting to take interest in joining our training.

Most couldn’t keep up and dropped out pretty quickly, though.

Still, a few persistent ones were starting to emerge.

Aisha seemed a lot more cheerful now that she had more training partners.

I even thought that maybe this would become a tradition at the academy someday.

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

“Foara, what about you—”

I stopped mid-sentence.

At the entrance of the dining hall, I saw a familiar face.

Beaquirin Monem.

She stood there hesitantly, looking uncertain.

The last day of the year.

For some, it was also a day to make important decisions.

I could sense Beaquirin’s resolve.

“Foara.”

At my call, Foara looked up from his meal.

“Beaquirin is waiting for you.”

“Ah… okay.”

Foara flinched slightly and lifted his head.

Confession is the final step of confirming a feeling that already exists between two people.

By now, Foara was well aware of Beaquirin’s feelings.

A blush spread across Foara’s face.

“Good luck.”

“Y-Yes!”

Foara stood up from his seat.

I didn’t know how things would turn out for them, but it was clear that Foara’s life had already changed significantly.

After talking a bit more with Aisha, I headed off.

As I walked, I saw another familiar face.

“Yo, Wangnon.”

It was Card.

Since he was graduating this year, it was time for him to leave as well.

“I’m graduating soon, and you’re not?”

I flipped him off, and Card just chuckled.

Same old guy.

“Card, what are you planning to do after the academy?”

Card had once been a spy.

A spy who betrayed his own kingdom, no less.

Even though the Kingdom of Panisys had changed a lot, it probably wouldn’t be easy for him to return.

“Remember the dream I told you about before?”

Something dumb about living with a bunch of busty maids.

“I’m going to work under Lord Duke of Whitewood.”

“What?”

“My dream is to contribute to the nation, right?”

What a load of crap.

I gave him a look, and Card just grinned.

“Pulled a few strings, of course.”

Must’ve been Solvas’ doing.

Solvas, the Son of Shadows, worked with the White Wolf Knights under Duke of Whitewood.

No doubt he had gotten Card a spot there.

“This kind of thing suits me best. It’s pretty much all I know how to do. So I figured I’d contribute to peace for a while.”

Well, that’s Card for you.

“Do your best.”

“Of course. Oh, and it looks like you’ve got a visitor.”

Card pointed behind me, and I felt a presence.

Turning around just as he said, I saw a familiar face.

Midra Fenin.

He stood there—one of Zerion’s disciples.

“Midra.”

I widened my eyes at his appearance—he hadn’t been seen since the Demon Sovereign incident.

According to Xenia, he had his own reasons.

She said now that he had fulfilled his duty as a disciple, he would probably live freely.

And now, Midra had returned.

I was genuinely glad to see him.

I knew very well how hard he had worked all this time.

“Assistant Vikamon, long time no see.”

Midra smiled gently.

“Is life in the world after the happy ending going well?”

It was a question in the same vein as one he’d asked me long ago.

Is it enjoyable?

“It is.”

More than ever before.

“Then I’m glad. I came here today because I felt like today was the day the world would change. Just wanted to watch.”

Midra was now living a life of immortality.

And that seemed like something that would continue on indefinitely.

His eyes looked out toward the darkening sky.

“So I won’t keep you any longer, Assistant. You should get going.”

And with that, Midra left.

I still didn’t quite understand what he meant.

Anyway, as always, he kept making incomprehensible remarks until the very end.

It was already late.

I turned to head back to my room.

Among the assistant instructor quarters, I had a room of my own.

Considering everything I’d done so far, there were quite a few assistant instructors who found me burdensome.

Many assistant instructors at the academy were from families lacking influence, so it was to be expected.

Just as I was about to enter the dormitory building—

I locked eyes with two women standing ahead.

One had unyielding blue hair, the Azure Flame, Eve.

The other had peach-colored hair—Hania Rapidedia.

Both were people I had deep ties with.

“Eve? Hania?”

It was rare to see the two of them together, so I looked at them with curiosity. Eve flinched.

“Hannon— no, Assistant Instructor Vikamon.”

She still seemed more used to calling me Hannon.

Eve glanced toward the instructor dorm.

Then, with a short sigh, she walked over and smacked me hard on the shoulder.

I think my shoulder just broke.

“You— sigh— better stay on the straight path from now on.”

With that, she acted like her business was done and walked away.

What the hell was that about?

I turned to Hania with a puzzled expression, and she gave a wry smile.

“Hania, what’s up with Eve?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. More importantly—Vikamon, you’ve worked hard this year.”

“You too, Hania. You’ve worked just as hard.”

Was she here to give New Year’s greetings?

“By the way, how’s your father?”

“Still recovering. After being used like that by the Demon Sovereign, he’s planning to step down as knight commander.”

So that’s how it turned out.

It must be a devastating blow for House Rapidedia.

“That’s why I plan to become the next commander.”

I looked up at her.

Her eyes shone brighter than ever.

“As commander, I’ll protect the people I want to protect.”

I knew exactly who she meant.

Hearing her say it brought an involuntary smile to my face.

“Wouldn’t that count as treason?”

“Oh my, the First Prince—now Emperor—isn’t that petty.”

So typical of Hania.

“I’ll cheer for you.”

“Of course. Just don’t get jealous when your ex-girlfriend becomes more successful than you.”

“I probably will. I should’ve held on to you back then.”

Hania laughed.

Our relationship would probably always be like this.

“Well then, go on in.”

She turned to leave with that.

“Obviously—take care of Lady Iris for the rest of your life.”

It almost felt like I’d been given Iris.

“Of course.”

Iris was the most precious person to me.

Even now, I could clearly picture her sobbing in my arms after the battle with the Demon Sovereign had ended.

Whenever I thought of that scene, I felt a firm resolve to protect her for life.

Parting with Hania, I entered the instructor dorm building.

Just as I was about to open the door to my room—

I sensed several presences inside.

The very end of the year.

It was almost midnight.

Realizing who those presences were, I remembered Midra’s words.

That the world would change tonight.

Swallowing hard, I slowly pushed open the doorknob.

Inside, a strangely enticing scent wafted through the air.

It didn’t take long to recognize it as the scent of skin.

And I was not unaware that there were five people in my room.

Isabel Luna.

Seron Parmia.

Sharin Sazaris.

Nikita Cynthia.

Iris Hysirion.

Each of them had confirmed their love with me.

What they came here for was already clear.

Love is the process of desiring one another.

I didn’t need to think too deeply to understand why they made this choice.

It was a gesture of love to match my greedy desires.

I was grateful for their feelings—and at the same time, I felt guilty.

No one wanted to come second.

So perhaps they had reached this agreement together.

“Embarrassing… Just get in here already!”

Seron shouted, her face bright red, and I exhaled the breath I had been holding and closed the door.

“So this is how it ends up. I had a feeling.”

Isabel whispered, covering her underwear with embarrassment.

“I’m not embarrassed at all.”

Sharin looked completely unfazed.

“Assistant instructor, you greedy man.”

Nikita smiled lightly, finding the situation amusing.

“Oppa, I’m cold.”

Iris subtly exposed her chest as she seduced me.

“What, you’re cutting in line all the way here?!”

Seron protested, and Iris feigned innocence, saying she hadn’t done anything.

Yes, in the end, this was my decision.

Rumors had already branded me as a philanderer.

Then so be it—I’ll live as one.

Tonight was the night I truly became a rake.

As I stepped into the chaos, their faces tensed slightly.

They were about to enter a world unknown to them.

But there was no fear.

All that remained for us was happiness.

That night, if Sharin hadn’t cast a soundproofing spell, who knows what might have happened.

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]