Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 48: Whole Again, Part 3
“...I don't know what to say. But, can't you find a better reason to be alone with me? Put that aside, aren't you going to Axellibra? Why come here? The war is over?”
Previously Xavier did not feel groggy when he was in front of Artemys. He knew the woman before him was the most understanding, the most receptive to him. Artemys was the best woman he could imagine, the most perfect. She was a woman who had conquered it without relying on any strength.
But...how would he react if he told him that his first child was not Artemys who gave birth?
“What's up? What are you hiding so groggy?” Artemys stood up from his chair and approached the commander. “I know you're not the typical one who would do anything superfluous behind me,” he said while right in front of Xavier—both hands have framed the face of the commander. “Have you been forced to serve another woman?”
The question was aired with ordinary intonation, but Artemys' smile said another – smile that almost never the princess let out.
“Who is he? One of your soldiers? Elf queen? Monica's? Queen Elmira? Or maybe..Kanna? Ah, since you are from the battlefield, is that a woman from among the enemies?”
“...Vermyna Hellvarossa.”
“Ah...”.
“You're surprised? Me either. But that's not the big deal.” Xavier moved him and Artemys to a small island west of Islan – that he did so quickly that Artemys did not realize it. Previously he had made a replica of the palace of Artemys on the island—as well as buried Nueva. “There is a bigger problem,” press it while inviting the wife to sit on the sofa.
“She's pregnant?”
“More than that,” he replied as he clasped Artemys' soft hands together. “But before I say, make sure you control your emotions.”
“I'm starting to worry, you know.” Artemys looked unblinkingly. “Did he do something that made you unable to stand in front of other women besides him?”
“He locked me up in a dimension whose time went much faster than normal time. For about ten years he held me. Because of that..”.
“...I'm starting to understand, but try continue.”
“I already have a five-year-old son. Name Incell Hellvarossa.”
“...Oh.”
…It wasn't the response Xavier had imagined would come out of Artemys' mouth. However, the woman whose hand he held was Artemys. Such a response should not be surprising.
“...Artemys, you're not angry, are you?” ask Xavier to make sure.
That's the dumbest question to ask. If this beautiful woman was not Artemys, Xavier also agreed that it was a stupid question. However, once again, this woman was Artemys. The question that Xavier asked was practically normal. The reason, he did not know what to do if Artemys got angry. That would be a bigger problem than Monica's anger.
“Of course I'm not angry,” Artemys replied a moment later. “Our son, according to the healer Jenny brought to the palace, woman. It's just nice if she has an older brother who will always look after her, right? If Incell were like you, I'm sure our daughter would have a wonderful life.”
Xavier involuntarily let go of a sigh of relief.
“But this and that are two different things.”
However, that relieved breath was instantly restrained before it perfectly came out.
“You said you spent ten years with him?”
Artemys didn't let Xavier just nod. He was already sitting on the commander's lap with a dangerous lip arch. One of his left hands was attached to Xavier's right cheek, the other hand was holding the commander's lips to prevent him from letting go.
“Spending ten years with another woman.it's a very big sin, my dear. You must undergo severe punishment and penance. But I understand you can't fight back, so you don't have to serve your sentence. However, my dear, you are willing to do penance, right?”
Seeing the beautiful and frightening smile Artemys gave back reminded Xavier of the time his father made a mistake. Artemys smiles eleven twelve with his mother. And because of that, Xavier was again made to understand why his father did not dare to mess around.
“Everything is clear.”
“I know you won't disappoint,” Artemys responds while resting his head on Xavier's left shoulder. “I know confessing isn't the only reason you're seeing me. So, why don't you talk about it?”
“As you said, there is indeed another reason.” Xavier sighed softly while carrying his left hand hugging the wife's body. “I once said my problem with your father, right?”
“Ya.”
“Second not to do what I want to do. I can't imagine what to answer when our daughter asks about her grandfather. I can't kill Nueva.”
“But?”
“But I couldn't save him either. Your father was killed by Lucifer, a former archangel who was cast out of heaven. I managed to kill Lucifer, but I can't get your father back alive.”
“...So, yes. My mother would be sad to know this. Although she often complained of losing her husband a jerk, but my mother loved her.”
“How about you?”
“I'm a little sad, but at the same time I'm happy because you're okay. Thinking of my mother losing her husband, I became afraid that I might lose you. I don't care if you have many wives; I know you'll always make me your place back. I understand you more than anyone. But I can't if you're gone forever. Therefore, make sure you don't die before I die.”
“You're a strong woman; I'm sure you'll be fine without me.”
“You can't be more right, but this and that are two different things. So, where's my father's body? You saved his body?”
“I've buried him behind this palace. I put his body in the crate. I froze his body, so it won't rot. Therefore, if you want to hold a funeral for him, we can do that after the war is over.”
“Thank you.”
“No need to thank; that's all I can do. And, Artemys.”
“Hm?”
“...I guess it's time we told Monica.”
“You sure?” artemys asked to make sure, eyes looked up at the face of the husband. “You alone are afraid he knows. You're worried your relationship with him will deteriorate. Are you ready to take the risk?”
“After seeing him sacrifice himself to save me, I couldn't lie to him any further. Monica deserves to know. I have to accept whatever ri—oh, I have an idea. We can confirm in advance whether Monica can accept it or not. If he can accept it, let's tell him. Otherwise.. I guess it is better that he does not know.”
“What is it?”
“You want to help?”
“Ya, but explain first.”
“Begini, i..”.