That afternoon, in a room on the third floor of the mansion.
After finishing a luxurious lunch, Geuse followed Shendu to a secluded room. She casually closed the door behind them.
"Lady Shendu, is there something you require of me?"
As the former Archbishop of Sloth, Geuse maintained a polite and humble demeanor as he asked.
"Roswaal is dead. Rem killed him personally."
Instead of answering directly, Shendu calmly delivered words that left him utterly stunned.
"What? For what reason?"
Geuse had never thought highly of Roswaal's character, but hearing that he had died so abruptly still filled him with confusion.
"It's simple. Roswaal destroyed Rem's homeland. Many of the troubles we encountered—including the earlier assassination attempt on Emilia—were orchestrated by that bastard."
Shendu stepped forward slowly and patted Geuse on the shoulder, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"You don't think I went too far, do you?"
After learning the full story, a trace of anger surfaced on Geuse's previously calm face. His disgust toward Roswaal deepened.
"No. Roswaal deserved to die. But why have you called for me, my lady? I would very much like to know."
Geuse asked in confusion, unable to grasp her intention.
"Very simple. Roswaal is dead, so someone must take his place. I can transfer his magical talent and knowledge to you, alter your appearance and voice."
Shendu's crimson eyes fixed on Geuse as he fell into thought.
"With this identity, wouldn't you be able to protect Emilia more effectively? And when the time comes to revive Fortuna, wouldn't you have greater assurance?"
Her reminder struck home. Geuse quickly came to a decision and nodded solemnly.
"Very well, Lady Shendu. I accept this task."
"Then let us begin. Roswaal's final legacy shall belong to you."
Shendu summoned Roswaal's soul. After using the Sheep Talisman to completely erase it, only fragments of memory remained in her palm.
Once the remnants were processed, she fused the memory fragments into Geuse's body and, with her immense magical power, transformed his constitution, elevating his magical talent.
...
Over the next three months, Shendu delivered the Great Rabbit's corpse to the Royal Capital, triggering yet another wave of shock.
Neither the nobles nor the common citizens of the Kingdom had expected that, only days after resolving one of the Three Great Witchbeasts, another powerful Witchbeast would be eradicated.
"Ding! Mission completion +15. Current completion: 80!"
As expected, the mission progress increased by another fifteen percent. Only the final twenty percent remained. Only by completing the final task would it be possible to leave this world.
Afterward, Shendu received the title of Silver-Haired Hero and was granted the position of Third Seat in the Royal Guard.
Naturally, such recognition would not have been possible without the involvement of the Council of Wise Men. Without their approval, she could never have obtained such status.
But Shendu paid it little mind.
Meanwhile, Geuse—having formally replaced Roswaal—handled all affairs efficiently. He informed the nobles of the surrounding territories that, in three days' time, a grand celebration would be held at the mansion.
The celebration would commemorate the elimination of two of the Three Great Witchbeasts and the coronation of the Silver-Haired Hero.
The announcement quickly drew attention from all sides. Merchants eagerly volunteered to contribute to the ceremony.
Geuse accepted every proposal without hesitation. Even the poor who wished to attend were welcomed without discrimination.
As the newly redeemed Geuse, he fully understood Emilia's character. The silver-haired half-elf hoped that people of all classes could coexist in harmony.
As her adoptive father, Geuse naturally intended to realize his daughter's vision.
The Divine Dragon Merchant Guild provided extensive support to ensure the event's success. Even its vice president, Akane, would attend the ceremony.
...
Three days later, Shendu appeared in a sleek black gown that wrapped around her figure with refined elegance.
The dress carried a high slit along one side, exposing a smooth stretch of pale thigh above black stockings that traced the curve of her shapely legs. Black high heels lifted her posture and added a striking allure to every step she took, while the calm smile on her lips gave her a naturally graceful presence.
Beside her, Akane was dressed in a beautiful red dress that accentuated her mature beauty. Even Elsa and Meili wore lavish attire suited for the grand occasion.
As for Emilia, she looked radiant. She wore a blue-and-white gown adorned with pearls at the neckline and cuffs, like an angel descended from the heavens.
Merchants and nobles filled the grounds. Even residents from the slums were present. The atmosphere was harmonious and joyful, and Emilia's blue-violet eyes sparkled even more brightly.
"Sister Shendu, you truly did it. My dream is beginning to come true."
Emilia was deeply moved. With the girl beside her, it felt as though she was always protected. The more she felt this, the deeper her emotions grew.
"Silly girl. Didn't I say I would help you realize your dream?"
Shendu gently stroked her hair and whispered by her ear, "You look beautiful today, Emilia."
"You too, Sister Shendu. As long as I'm with you—even forever—I would be willing."
Emilia took a deep breath. Her cheeks flushed red as she spoke.
The words sounded almost like a confession. Only after saying them did she realize it, lowering her head shyly.
"What a fool."
Shendu stroked her head again, her tone full of indulgence.
While the two flirted playfully, the surroundings buzzed with excitement. Akane seemed utterly immune to intoxication, drinking glass after glass without pause.
Elsa and Meili, along with the two maids of the former Roswaal household, sampled the rich assortment of dishes, chatting and laughing.
Seeing that the time had come, Geuse approached Shendu and glanced respectfully at Emilia.
"Lady Shendu, Lady Emilia, it is time to begin the coronation ceremony."
"Very well."
The two stepped onto the stage. Rem approached carrying a knight's insignia. A large crowd gathered below, all eyes fixed on Shendu.
For the silver-haired, red-eyed beauty before them, any remaining prejudice had long since vanished. After consecutively eliminating two Witchbeasts, silver hair had come to symbolize heroism.
Geuse began solemnly.
"Miss Shendu, thank you for your tremendous contributions to the Kingdom. You have eradicated the Witch Cult's threat, slain the White Whale, and destroyed the Great Rabbit."
The crowd's admiration intensified.
This was what a true hero looked like.
"Therefore, by order of the Council of Wise Men, Miss Shendu is hereby granted the title of Silver-Haired Hero, bestowed the rank of Baron, and awarded the position of Third Seat in the Royal Guard."
"Now, please allow Lady Emilia to perform the investiture."
Applause thundered through the crowd.
Emilia took the knight's insignia and personally pinned it onto Shendu's chest, her face growing redder with every passing second.
"It's wonderful... Sister Shendu, you've truly become a hero. I'm so happy for every moment I can spend with you."
Her eyes shone with pure joy.
"Thank you. Then shall we share a dance? Beneath the moonlight."
Shendu extended her hand with a gentle smile.
"Yes. I would love to."
Emilia accepted without hesitation. The instant their hands met, they vanished from the stage.
They reappeared atop the mansion roof.
Under the pure white moonlight, their figures intertwined as they danced. The movements were graceful and filled with emotion.
When the dance ended, Emilia suddenly wrapped her arms around Shendu and lowered her head, pressing her lips to hers in a kiss.
Feeling the girl's emotions, Shendu accepted without resistance.
At that moment, their relationship reached a new height.
—
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