Unfortunately, the end of the culprit’s existence didn’t mean everything was over. First, there were the remnants—those born of the Queen’s power, as well as the races that betrayed the alliance and sided with the Queen.
For example, Doppelgangers and the traitorous Beastmen, among others. The issues to deal with were overflowing. The hardliners insisted that they all should be killed, while the moderates argued that it was no different from a massacre.
Both sides had valid points, so I thought numerous discussions and negotiations would unfold in the future. And that was only right. Additionally, there was the matter of territory. If we were to regain all the land on the continent,
how would we divide it? However, that was a problem for the high-ranking officials to resolve. Hans and his companions could no longer intervene. But there was no need to worry.
[If you cause any more confusion here, I, the Dragon Lord, will not forgive you under my name.]
The dragons, previously known as the Race of Benevolence, began to intervene actively, unlike before. Some criticized such dragons, saying they were no different from tyrants. But hey, isn’t it better than being a bystander?
What people referred to as benevolence was essentially just empty talk because they did nothing with their overwhelming strength. So, it was merely sweet talk that didn’t require anyone to be cautious.
However, it seemed that the dragons learned a lot from this incident. Of course, excessively oppressing would be a problem of its own. Those were matters that all races would have to compromise and learn from each other.
“Commander.”
“Just call me Hans now.”
“Ha, Hans… sir?”
“Why the formalities?”
Hans, sitting in his chair and writing a letter, chuckled while looking at Cluna. Cluna, not quite used to it, showed an awkward smile. Hans smirked and said,
“By the way, how are the other members?”
“They’re still here.”
“They must have received good offers.”
“Right.”
The Royal Knights rose as heroes in their time. Of course, Helia, who was originally known as the Scarlet Knight, and even Ruby and Clara were being praised as young heroes in their respective countries.
If I were to guess, they had probably received good offers, perhaps to become captains of knight orders or even Guardians of the Forest. Especially in Ruby’s case, there were even mentions of passing down her family line.
However, they had already rejected such offers three years ago and stayed here. If one were to ask why… that would be ignoring their feelings, I suppose. Hans sighed and said,
“This is heavier than I expected.”
“Hans, you don’t have to do anything.”
“…….”
Before he knew it, Cluna had come right next to Hans. Her elfin eyes sparkled like a siren this time. Finally, Cluna and Hans’s lips met.
“We’ll be your hands and feet.”
“Then I’d be happy to receive help.”
“I knew this would happen?!”
However, things didn’t go that far. It was due to an interloper. And it happened to be his own daughter. Cluna clicked her tongue while looking at Clara, who burst through the door, fuming.
“What’s wrong, Clara?”
“Don’t just do whatever you want! There’s an order to things! An ORDER!”
“The order was set by us, but in the end, it’s Hans’s choice, isn’t it?”
“An old man should just brighten up.”
“What did you just say?”
Cluna, who previously held the upper hand with adult wisdom, was suddenly brought down. But the mud fight didn’t start solely thanks to Hans’s efforts.
“Stop it! Do we really need to fight on such a beautiful day?”
“Y-You’re right.”
“Sorry, I got too angry without realizing it….”
“I understand. Just know when to prepare.”
Hans sealed the letter he had been writing into an envelope and tucked it away. Naturally, Cluna and Clara couldn’t help but be curious. Clara was the first to speak.
“By the way, Hans, what was that letter about?”
“A letter to an old friend.”
“A friend?”
“Why? Do you think I wouldn’t have friends?”
“Ah, no. That’s not it….”
Cluna hesitated and swallowed her words. But her reaction wasn’t strange either; after all, Hans had never met a friend until now. Hans nodded.
“Well, I suppose that makes sense.”
“The Commander’s friend? I’d really like to meet them.”
“Perhaps I’ve already met them.”
“Wha? When did you visit Lionheart Fortress?”
At Cluna’s words, Hans smiled and turned his gaze away.
“Anywhere.”
Right to you.
*
This feels a bit awkward. Should I write in my usual tone or just casually? Wait, does it even matter to me right now? I imagine you must have some questions.
Have you ever thought about why people who love web novels and read a lot don’t recognize the existence observing them from outside? If it’s a cliché, then it’s a cliché, I guess.
I believe it’s to uphold the laws constituting this world. If a protagonist possessed by a novel or game comes to recognize the outside, their movements would become unnatural, of course.
I was like that at first. Then, for a brief moment, when I became one with time. When I briefly sat in a position that could be described as a transcendent or god-like state, I felt your existence.
At first, it was bewildering. Was everything I’d done until now actually a pre-written script from the beginning? Could all of this be fake? But now, I’ve decided not to care about such things.
Because everything—the land and sky I stand on with my two legs—is real to me. I intend to face it without turning away. I can’t express how difficult it was to make such a determination.
I’ll end my personal stories here.
Now, I want to write a bit about recent events.
Helia became the captain of the kingdom’s knights. Naturally, she initially rejected the position, but I persuaded her to take the captaincy. Even though the Queen has disappeared, chaos still reigns over the continent.
It wouldn’t be wrong to help until the confusion settles. Of course, I’m doing my best to assist her. Cluna is cultivating herbs alongside Clara to make medicine and tea.
Once their skills advance to a certain level, they plan to sell directly through a merchant guild. Interestingly enough, Bayard reportedly hates tea. He claims the scent is so strong it nearly knocks him out!
Yuren succeeded the position of the Dragon Lord. Naturally, she had many grievances, but among the surviving dragons, only Yuren was strong enough to ascend to that role.
Fortunately, her heart has been recovering well through ongoing treatment, so there’s no need to worry. Bayard and Ruby have opened a forge. Bayard mainly handles the heavy tasks,
while Ruby takes care of the technical aspects. But Bayard’s growing interest in blacksmithing is leading to Ruby keeping him in check. Apparently, Bayard’s talent is on par with that of dwarves?
Officially, I’ve become the lord of Lionheart Fortress. People who lost their homes have gathered around here, and the village has formed before I knew it. So, I suppose I accidentally became a lord.
Among them are some I met in the refugee camp. I was really happy to see Margaret and Clarence. I heard Clarence survived and even married Margaret!
As a lord, my responsibilities are heavy, but what can I do? They gathered around me with trust. Naturally, I have to take responsibility. Thankfully, I have a lot of capable talents around me.
Speaking of which, has it already been three years since that incident ended? I was so busy that I hadn’t realized how quickly time had flown. Sometimes I want to return to my hometown, but it’s okay.
This place has become my home now. Sharing love with those I cherish and thriving as a village with those who follow me—that’s what I consider the best ending for me.
But occasionally, time creeps up on my thoughts. Even if her actions were wrong, it’s true I loved one person. Yet no matter how much I recall, I know nothing about time.
Naturally, I have no memories. So, I’m sympathetic but try not to be positive. Too many people have died, using love as an excuse. Perhaps that’s the due cost I have to bear.
Oh, my. Things are getting noisy outside. Plus, Cluna even came out to greet me. In fact… today is the day of the wedding. One groom and six brides; it’s quite the extravagant wedding!
Sometimes, I suddenly wonder if I could really make six people happy on my own. Should I just back out now? But every time, I recall the advice Beatrice gave me.
*If you’re afraid, just sit down for a moment and close your eyes.
In time, the fear will vanish.*
Then open your eyes and look around.
See? You’re not scared, right, with everyone beside you?
Beatrice left those words and went on her journey. She must want to capture everything she hasn’t seen or heard. Truly uncontainable. Because of that, she can’t even retire.
Now, it’s time to take my final bow on this stage. But don’t worry too much; our story isn’t over yet. Although I’ve still been inexperienced both initially and now, and made many mistakes,
I will absolutely not turn my head away but firmly look ahead and move forward.
So, thank you for accompanying me on this long journey.
Next time, when I can finally retire and rest comfortably, I’ll make sure to send a letter.
With gratitude and respect, this is Hans.
And…
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The Time Stop Breeding Uncle wants to retire. [The End]
