The meeting spot Merem had arranged with Roy wasn't at the Misaki City church but at a quiet park on the outskirts of the city.
When Roy arrived, Merem Solomon had already been waiting there with Arcueid for some time.
Seeing Arcueid swinging on a park swing with Merem standing nearby, Roy greeted them with a wave.
"Hey, Arcueid."
"Ah, you're here, Roy."
Noticing Roy's arrival, Arcueid hopped off the swing and ran over to him, her face lit up with joy.
"What's up? Arcueid, and Father Merem, is there something you needed to talk to me about?"
Arcueid aside, Merem definitely had a reason for calling him here.
"..."
"Mr. Roy, I apologize for calling you out so soon after such a grueling battle," Merem began, his tone respectful and apologetic.
This respect wasn't just due to Roy's overwhelming strength but also out of gratitude for protecting Arcueid and for finally putting an end to Roa, fulfilling Arcueid's long-standing mission.
"It's fine. I've mostly recovered," Roy replied, shaking his head before turning to Merem. "So, what's the important matter you wanted to discuss at this hour?"
"Yes... I called you out for a reason, or rather, a request," Merem said, cutting straight to the point. "Though it's unlikely, I still wanted to try."
"Go ahead."
Roy nodded.
"Would you be interested in joining the Holy Church? The higher-ups have said that your solo takedown of three troublesome Dead Apostle Ancestors is enough to earn you the title of Saint within the Church. If you're interested, you could come to the headquarters."
"..."
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Seeing Roy's strange, silent expression, Merem sighed. "I knew it. What a stupid question. Those guys..."
"I already expected this answer, and those higher-ups are dreaming. A title like 'Saint' in exchange for a Magician's top-tier combat power? Fanatics really do have twisted minds."
Merem didn't hold back, subtly mocking his superiors.
Then he shouted into a mirror he was holding.
"Are you satisfied now? I've said what needed to be said. This doesn't count as slacking off. If you want to recruit someone, at least have the decency to show up in person. Sending me as a messenger? What a joke."
"Merem..."
A voice began to speak from the other side of the mirror, but with a crack, the mirror shattered, cutting off the communication.
"Alright, Mr. Roy, I've done my annoying duty. I'll leave the rest of the time to you and the princess... I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you further."
Normally, Merem wouldn't bother with such a ridiculous task. But this time was different. After the events, Arcueid had personally sought him out and asked him several strange questions.
Though Merem himself had never experienced romance, having lived for over a thousand years in the material world, he had seen it all. But this situation was new to him.
From Arcueid's behavior, it was clear that while she might not yet understand love, she had developed a deep attachment to Roy. Had the princess fallen for him?
The realization startled Merem.
As a staunch supporter of the White Princess, he began to strategize. Arcueid, having spent most of her time in the depths of the Millennium Castle, retained a pure innocence and lacked understanding of the complexities of the world.
When it came to emotions, she only knew simple concepts like liking someone or considering someone a friend if they helped her. It was easy for her to be deceived.
If it were anyone else trying to deceive the princess, Merem would have strung them up and killed them without hesitation. But if the person in question was the new Magician of the Third Magic who had single-handedly taken down three Dead Apostle Ancestors in a week...
Well, that was a different story.
It wasn't just about strength. They were comrades who had fought side by side. Betraying that bond after the battle was unthinkable.
Merem was a man of loyalty and honor.
And he was certain that if he were to foolishly pick a fight, he'd only be adding to Roy's list of achievements.
Three Dead Apostle Ancestors weren't enough? Did he really want to be the fourth?
Moreover, Arcueid wasn't being deceived. Roy had protected her for so long, aided her at her weakest, and finally resolved her centuries-long grudge with Roa. All these things combined had given Arcueid, who had never relied on anyone before, a strange new feeling—dependency.
Emotionally, Arcueid was serious. Though she didn't fully understand love, her attachment and affection were genuine.
And Roy was no ordinary person. His strength was unparalleled. If Arcueid stayed by his side, her safety wouldn't be a concern.
Whether it was Altrouge or Ortenrosse, anyone who dared to target Arcueid would have to go through Roy first. All things considered, Roy was a good match.
If things progressed between them, it wouldn't be a bad outcome. The White Princess would gain not only Merem's support but also Roy's, who was no less formidable than Altrouge.
Though proposing such a thing wasn't something Merem found difficult, the main issue was that Arcueid hadn't fully grasped her own feelings. A sudden proposal might backfire.
So, as a loyal supporter of the White Princess, Merem decided to play matchmaker and let them figure things out on their own.
Using the Holy Church's request as an excuse, Merem made his exit after a brief exchange, leaving the two alone.
Before Roy arrived, Merem had already explained to Arcueid what her feelings might mean and how she should approach Roy. He even offered a few suggestions.
Now, he had done all he could. The rest was up to Arcueid.
Whatever the outcome, Merem could only wish her luck.
Watching Merem leave in a hurry, Roy was puzzled.
Had Merem called him out just to ask such a trivial question?
He couldn't understand the thought process of these Dead Apostle Ancestors.
Though confused, he smiled at Arcueid, who had run up to him.
"Arcueid, you're here too?"
"Yeah, I came with Merem."
"Roy, let's go over there. I found something fun."
Arcueid happily took Roy's hand and led him back to the swing she had been on earlier. She sat down, and instead of joining her, Roy stood behind her and gently pushed the swing.
Taking the opportunity, Roy asked, "So, Arcueid, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Well... yes..."
"What is it? Are you planning to return to the Millennium Castle?"
Roy looked down at her.
"Huh? How did you know? Did Merem tell you?"
"No, I guessed."
Roy shook his head. "Roa's soul has been stripped of his emotions and self, forever trapped in my Reality Marble. He won't reincarnate or cause trouble anymore. So, you don't need to chase him anymore. It's about time for you to return, isn't it?"
"You're amazing, Roy. You really can guess everything..."
Arcueid sighed. Though she smiled, there was a hint of sadness in her expression.
"Roa's been completely destroyed, and I don't need to wander around seeking revenge anymore. I've been away from the Millennium Castle for a long time, and it's about time I went back to sleep."
"Even though I've known this was coming, the thought of leaving you, Shiki, and Beo soon... I just..."
Arcueid's voice grew soft, tinged with sorrow. For her, these past seven days had been more eventful than the last century.
For the first time, she had made true friends, experienced the vibrant world, and tasted delicious food. But now...
"So, you don't want to leave us, do you, Arcueid?"
"Yeah, I want to keep being friends with everyone, to live with you and Shiki."
Tears welled up in Arcueid's eyes as she spoke earnestly.
"I see..."
"Then why not stay? You don't have to go back."
"Huh?!"
Arcueid was stunned by his response. She looked up at Roy, who smiled gently, and stammered, "But I..."
"Are you worried about your bloodlust? Shiki's already helped suppress it, hasn't she? It might not be completely gone, but with regular sessions and some time, I'm sure Shiki can handle it."
Seeing Arcueid's flustered expression, Roy chuckled and teased her. "Or are you homesick?"
"I don't think so. I've been to the Millennium Castle before. Though the castle still stands, it's empty except for mindless Dead Apostles and puppets. It's just a lifeless place. Going back would be meaningless."
"So, what are you worried about, Arcueid? If you want to stay, then stay. We're your friends, and you're welcome to live here as long as you like. Even if the Dead Apostle Ancestors try to target you again, I'll protect you. So... don't overthink it. Just make your choice."
"Roy..."
Arcueid was momentarily dazed. She reached out and took Roy's warm, broad hand.
Then, with a slight tug, she stood up and hugged Roy tightly, burying her face in his chest. Her voice was soft but filled with joy as she whispered, "Thank you, Roy."
"Meeting you this time was the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me. I know I'm not very smart, and sometimes I don't listen to you, causing you a lot of trouble. But even so, you and everyone else have always taken care of me."
"Whether it was reviving me from death, helping me defeat Nrvnqsr and Vlov, or even killing Roa and finally ending this centuries-long grudge... you've really, truly helped me so much..."
Tears streamed down her face, but they weren't tears of sadness. They were tears of gratitude, of overwhelming happiness.
"Ha, crying over something like this? Arcueid, you're as adorable as ever."
Roy patted her shoulder as she clung to him, quietly sobbing.
"Actually, I came out this time because of you. Our meeting wasn't a coincidence—it was fate."
"Whether it was our encounter in that dream or me finding you, meeting you has been incredibly fortunate for me too. I believe there are no coincidences in this world, only inevitabilities."
"So... you don't dislike me, Roy?"
Hearing his response, Arcueid was surprised but overjoyed.
"Of course not. No one could dislike Arcueid. You're too cute, after all."
Roy shook his head and extended his hand to her. This time, it was his turn to make the invitation.
"So... Arcueid, would you like to stay? To live in this world with Shiki, Beo, and Touko? There's no need to lock yourself away in that cold castle. Come and see how much the world has changed."
"Really... can I?"
"Of course. You're always welcome here."
"Okay, I want to stay."
Under the cool moonlight, Arcueid took his hand.
"I want to live with everyone. I don't want to go back to that empty castle anymore. I like everyone so much. I want to fight alongside you, live with Shiki, and eat more delicious food with Beo."
"I... really, really want to stay here..."
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Arcueid's tears flowed freely. This time, they weren't tears of sorrow but of overwhelming joy.
She had finally found a home, a place where she truly belonged.
"Then come. This will always be your home."
Roy's voice was calm and gentle.
Just like their first meeting, everything was warm and peaceful.
Under the pale moonlight, they both made their choice.
___
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