"Well, first I have to say I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help you," Albrecht kneeled down and laid his sword beside him.
"There was nothing you could do. If you had defended me, the entire continent would have been your enemy. They hate me, not you, so stand up."
"But I could have helped in any way possible!"
"Calm down. First, look at Paisley. He isn't kneeling or doing anything I'm telling you to stand."
Albrecht finally stood up, and I began to ask questions. I had three questions, in fact. The first one was what happened to Cassius, the second was how is the temple, and the third was the situation of the Holy Empire.
The third question is what I'm concerned about. Before I left, the entire empire was in a state of rebellions and civil war. From what I knew, there were a few reports of villages being burned, so it was in the brink of collapse.
It's been three years, so I want to know what happened during the time of my absence or the time of my banishment. Though they banished me, I hope the situation didn't worsen.
"Well, Lord Cassius is currently in his so-called underground bunker, which he had built himself. He tends to avoid people, so we send a ton of supplies once a month."
That does sound like Cassius. He wasn't really the social type. In fact, he stayed here because he thought that going back to the other world would be a hassle.
He can be treated far better than the king or the emperor, and he can stay away from people and order them around. Isn't that a nice life?
"I see. It's good to know that he's doing well, at least." Honestly, I can't hate the guy. Yes, I did, in fact, face the demon god with my party after they were shamefully destroyed. His party had some deaths as well. We both lost something in the war.
He objected to my banishment, for which I am really thankful. But with the entire continent against me, so he had to stop supporting me.
"As for the temple... Maybe you have heard it yourself, but I don't think they are willing to do anything for you at this point."
"Hahahaha," I laughed. "What a funny statement. Do anything for me? Since the beginning, they have always loathed me." They only did what I told them because of how many goddesses support me.
"Is everything alright, Esmond?" Albrecht had a confused and concerned look on his face. He must think I have become a madman by now.
"Everything is okay, my friend." I glanced at Paisley since he was quiet the entire time. I wondered what's gotten into him; his demeanor isn't always like this.
"Paisley! Are you alright?" He glanced at me with his straight and serious face. Though he looks serious right now, I could tell he was nervous about something.
"I'm fine. I just feel weird all of a sudden. It's nothing to worry about."
"I see. Well, there's one thing I want to ask about: the temple. I'm sure it's been circulating and it must have reached the ears of the royal palace."
"About what?"
"The bullsh*t prophecy that has been circulating since I was banished." Albrecht and Paisley were quiet at my statement; they didn't know what to say.
"The temple didn't confirm it, but they are also not denying it. I... don't know what to believe."
I gave Albrecht a pat on the shoulder. "If you want to believe the temple, then believe them. It's your faith. As of now, I am your enemy."
I turned and backed up. "You're in danger because of me. If we talk idly, it might be bad for you."
"For now, answer my third question and I will leave. Make it fast; I'm worried about the position you two will get in when they hear us talking."
"Alright, the empire is stable for now. The rebellion was fortunately crushed in the southern part of the empire. Marquess Bernard was there, so victory was guaranteed."
Marquess Bernard? So he's still living and kicking. He was the father of my companion Clovis, though I can say he was pretty pissed when I said I wanted Clovis to be a part of my party. He rejected, so Ayla and I had to kidnap him.
He would chase me around the battlefield and the palace. I guess he couldn't accept his son being a part of a hero's party that could potentially die during a fight.
But I knew the Marquess was proud of his son; even Clovis knew that.
It's in the past now. Clovis is dead. I couldn't meet the Marquess to say I'm sorry. It feels pathetic, to be honest. I lost everything three years ago, and now I can't take anything back.
"There's also a chance that the capital has already fallen into the hands of the rebellion, but its investigation was oddly stopped."
"An insider?"
"Possibly. There are some individuals I suspect, but it's just a guess. I don't have proper evidence."
"The holy empire has been corrupted."
I turned my back away from them as I started walking. It's about time I should leave. I can't endanger them anymore.
"We'll catch up when we meet as friends and not enemies."
"This might be our last time meeting each other."
"I hope not. The two of you still have a bit more to do in this world, so try to live as long as you can. Eat your vegetables, maybe."
"Hahaha, I'll keep that in mind. I hope the same for you."
I don't wish to live longer, but maybe living long enough might make things better. With one last look at each other, I was on my way. Gesine, who was silent the entire conversation, waved goodbye to them.
I guess Gesine will stick by my side for now, and maybe for as long as I live.
"Aurghh!!!", a groan was heard behind me. This situation was all too familiar. Gesine, who was happily smiling and waving, had a surprised face.
I knew what was happening. I did anticipate this, but for this to happen while I'm here is crazy. I turned back and immediately saw Albrecht on the ground with two swords stabbed on his back.
Paisley was busy defending himself from five fully armored knights. They aren't wearing the Holy Empire's armor; it was different.
"Duke Albrecht and Duke Paisley, by what I saw and heard, you are to be put in prison immediately and await the emperor's decision."
The man who appeared behind the incoming knights who were wearing dark green armor. This isn't the Holy Empire's knights; it's the private knights of a noble.
A man came forward, touching his beard. He wore a green tuxedo-like suit that didn't fit him; his body was thin and slender. He wore a top hat on his head, and he had an annoying grin on his face.
"It's been a long time, Lord Esmond, or should I say, Demon King!"
"Who the f*ck are you?"
He had a cheeky laugh that made me want to punch him really hard.
"It's me, The new marquess Blight! The one who you deeply embarrassed in the war and in meetings! You think you can pretend to not know me?!"
"Oh? That useless one who can't even hold a sword or draw a bow? I feel sad for your family back then."
"Hahahaha, that won't be the case right now. You are about to die miserably in the place you once called home!"