***
Outside the Morkoda caves, two days later,
On the beautiful green landscapes of the Allegro plains, where flora was just as rich as fauna is mysterious; a flock of tents were erected, their presence although small, was akin to an ugly blotch in an otherwise serene painting. And right in one of those tents, lay a teenage boy, his body, face and hands were covered in bandages.
In the tent with him were two women, one was on top of the boy while the other sat on a desk a cedar away from his bedside, writing and approving letters and documents. These girls were naturally Ana and Emma, and the boy resting in the bed was of course Mikhail.
"Ngh...Uugh," Suddenly, Mikhail groaned, his voice soft at first but it started getting louder, before Ana, who had just fallen asleep on his lap, was awoken by it.
Rubbing her eyes, the sleepy Ana finally realized what had just occurred, and immediately jumped up in joy, startling the busy Emma.
"He's awake, he's finally awake!" Ana shouted, before beckoning Emma to come and look.
"Yes, you're right, he isn't dead," Emma rolled her eyes at the puppy-like excitement Ana carried when Mikhail started to awake, but she smiled regardless; Undoubtedly relieved that her pseudo-disciple was still alive.
"Mnn... Huh? Ana? W-Wait! Where am I! Where's the gorgo—" Mikhail shouted in confusion, clearly unable to remember what had happened at all.
"Shh... " But he was promptly pacified by Ana, before explaining:
"Mikhail, don't worry, we're safe,"
Mikhail was in disbelief, but when she saw her face; when he saw the tears that had started to glaze over her beautiful eyes... Only then did he realize it was all true. And in a moment of pure joy, they both hugged each other.
"*Hic* I-It's finally over, isn't it?" Ana spoke in between broken sobs.
Mikhail flinched, Truth be told, he had no recollection of what transpired two days ago, but he reassured her nonetheless. Fearful of the consequences should he say otherwise.
"Yes, yes it's finally over,"
They continued staying in each other's embrace, not daring to let go. As if only the other's presence and love could replace what they had lost during this nightmare...
"*Cough!* I don't mean to interrupt you lovebirds' cuddling, but..." Suddenly, a voice interrupted their 'cuddling'. This was of course the long-forgotten Emma. Who couldn't help but feel awkward when she was ignored.
Sadly for her, they were too busy at the moment that they had completely forgotten about her, even now she was like air to them, making her feel even more awkward than before... Eventually, she just left in resignation. Leaving a few words for the duo.
"...Meet me at my tent after you're done, Mikhail. We have yet to discuss my dagger,"
"U-Um, did she leave?" The moment they heard her footsteps wane, Ana immediately asked, slightly nervous.
"...yes," Mikhail answered back, before looking at Ana curiously. "Why did you want her to leave anyway?"
But instead of answering him, Ana just smiled sheepishly, before getting up and turning around, to his confusion. But just as he was about to ask her, he was gobsmacked when she suddenly took her dress off.
"Mikhail, I-I feel so scared, will you... Will you protect me?" She spoke, her tone more embarrassed than sensual, but she continued nonetheless.
"M-Mn, sure,"
"Good, because I need some protecting right now..."
***
"So that's what happened..." Mikhail whispered in realization.
"Yes, I'm afraid the Morkoda queen managed to escaped despite our efforts," Mikhail frowned before contemplating, from her words, he could only assume it was still out there, terrorizing the innocents of the realm...
"A-At least the whole Morkoda murder has been vanquished by us..." Seeing the deepening frown on his face, Ana tried cheering him up.
"Haha, I guess we did," Mikhail of course knew of her intentions, and quickly let out a chuckle before continuing:
"But I think I've done enough 'protecting' and you should be safe from any unsavoury characters for a good while," When she heard his cheeky remarks, Ana's cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of red and she quickly covered herself with the blanket in embarrassment.
Seeing her adorable reactions, Mikhail just smiled and began to dress. Then quietly left the tent, leaving the bashful Ana to herself. And as he steps foot out of the tent, he could hear a whisper from behind.
"...Dummy," Mikhail just smiled at her remark and continued on his way.
After a few minutes of aimless wandering, Mikhail finally set foot on his next destination... And after a long sigh, and a few seconds of silent self-encouragement, Mikhail finally entered the tent. But to his amazement, he saw no one.
"Looking for me, are you?" Suddenly, Mikhail heard a voice from behind him, but when he turned his head, he was instantly tackled to the ground.
"Wha—?!" Looking at the culprit, Mikhail was amazed to find Emma, but instead of the usual armour she had on, a beautiful silk dress adorned her instead.
"How is it? I'm still a duchess after all, better than that girl you save, wouldn't you say?" Emma clearly knew he had noticed her new get-up, and after allowing him to stand up, proudly puffed her chest to show off.
"Would such a grand noble of our empire push down a mere peasant just to flaunt their wealth?" But Mikhail wouldn't let anyone insult Ana, and jabbed back.
"Why you–!"
"Oh, I understand, you want to take this subject from his , I must decline, since her beauty is fairer than your riches!" But Mikhail continued, not allowing her a single chance at rest.
"Tch! You win this time," They continued their woody banter, and soon, banter turned into conversations over drinks, before turning into intimate chats, and then...
"*Hic* So? What are you going to do now?" Emma spoke, her tone loose, clearly she was drunk.
"I dunno *Hic* I think I'd probably become a member of the warrior's guild, get more powerful and look for the goblin queen..." Mikhail answered.
"How 'bout you join the imperial knights, after all, if you're good enough, we can give you the tools you need to hunt that vile beast than you alone could ever could,"
"Oh? Tell me more,"
"Aye, you'll be training just like any other recruit, but when you reach a certain rank, you'll be put in a special squad meant for hunting down world ending threats, of which I'm a captain of!"
"But I'm not as skilled as you think, I probably can't–"
"Don't worry about it, Let tomorrow's problem curse tomorrow's you! C'mere! another round to the defeat of the Morkoda queen~!"
""Cheers!!""
***
With that, our first tale ends, Our hero Mikhail would later to go on to marry Ana, Join Emma's knight group and at the end of his life, would finally seal the goblin queen forever...