The cleanup ended in a flash.

After all, the curse that Teruria used last already wiped out any living or undead monsters left over. To be specific, the only thing they had to clean up was the bodies of the goblins, which didn't disappear after death, and the 8 bandit corpses left over.

At first, they thought they should either bury them or cremate the bodies...

[Selling corpses through the shop is possible too, you know?]

Only for Navi's suggestion to pique Axel's interest.

With that option, he wasted no time in collecting all corpses into his inventory and sold them off without passing through his shop. After all, he wouldn't want to keep a pile of corpses on display over his "window."

To his surprise, corpses were in high demand and were bought quite expensively.

Each goblin corpse was priced at 1 million Colts, while the bandit corpses were at 100 to 500 million each, depending on the severity of their injuries before death!

"With this, we recouped the cost of the bullet Eve used, at least..." Axel sighed in relief.

In truth, he was split between using the rifle or the cannon to finish off the devil. After all, the cannon was a lot more cost-effective when compared to the rifle. However, there were no "holy cannonballs" for sale at all.

Thus, he had no choice but to use the rifle—each shot was roughly 10,000 times more expensive than the cannon!

Upon returning, Axel found that those who had headed back before him were already cheering, dancing around the campfire in celebration.

In particular, Eve was being swarmed by them, praised to the high heavens enough that she was starting to feel shy and awkward.

It was no doubt her sniper shot that finished off the devil.

Thus, she literally became a "hero" to the eyes of many.

"What a shabby celebration."

Upon arrival, he spouted with a hint of sarcasm.

Instantly, all eyes turned to him and Arianne, who arrived late, bringing silence to the venue.

"If we're talking about celebrations, there should be food and drinks!"

And as he shouted, he withdrew various things from his inventory—items he bought earlier, as they were walking back.

In moments, three long tables filled with various dishes and drinks appeared!

"YEAH!"

"As expected of Sir Axel, so generous!"

"Let's eat and drink till we drop tonight~!"

Instantly, the celebration's fervor doubled. The joy they radiated as they picked on foods and chugged drinks was enough to send a smile to Axel's lips.

This was a celebration not only for them beating the devil, but also for the founding of the Valkyrie Knight Order—the representation of Eve's will to become a future queen, worthy of everyone's loyalty and trust.

Casualties?

Nobody would feel burdened by, nor mourn those men's deaths.

Not even the bandits themselves.

Although they were still cursing, blaming Axel for some of their deaths, he wasn't one to be affected or become sentimental about such a minority either way. Instead, he just slammed them back to their prison, providing them with water and a few pieces of bread to survive the night.

"Hmm...?"

Just as he was looking around, he noticed that someone was missing from the celebration.

Curious, he pulled Angela, who was nearby, and asked, "Did you see Teruria?"

"Ah, if it's Princess Teruria..." Angela responded after a bit of thought. "She should be in her room. She said that using the Curse of Death took a toll on her vitality, so she needed rest."

"Is that so? Thanks for the info."

Axel smiled at the bowing Angela before turning to Arianne.

"Then, Arianne, please keep an eye on everyone. I'll go and check up on Teruria before going to sleep myself."

Arianne raised a brow, concerned at his words. "Sir Axel... wouldn't you join the festivities? I'm sure everyone would feel better if you were present."

Although her words were true in a way, Axel shook his head, showing a wry smile.

"I guess the battle took a toll on me. I feel sapped..." he said, shaking his head.

"Is that so..." Arianne nodded, despite looking disappointed. "Then, I'll let everyone know and celebrate Sir Axel's share as well."

"Please do."

After leaving a few more notes, Axel finally walked away from the festivities and headed to the tenement.

Teruria's room was on the second floor, right above his, being the leftmost room, so it didn't really take too long to reach it. He just walked up the stairs beside his room, connecting to the second floor, and instantly arrived at his destination.

Since she was down on vitality, Axel was sure she was in bed by now. Still, he knocked on her door three times before speaking up.

"Teruria? I'm coming in." He turned the doorknob and entered.

"...Ah."

"Ah!"

Only to see the witch with her body bare, a basin of warm water in front of her, still releasing bits of steam, and a wet cloth over her chest.

Axel's timing couldn't get any bett—I mean, any worse!

"Husba... Sir Hexel." Teruria quickly fixed the way she addressed him before showing a teasing grin. "I was just washing off my sweat. Do you perhaps like to join~?"

"..."

Axel wasn't really "starved." In fact, he technically did it with Maria just a few days ago.

However, for whatever reason, his gaze couldn't move away from Teruria's crouched figure.

Her plump thigh, thin arms, and sharp ears. Water droplets tracing down her shoulder, clavicle, and to the mysterious valley between. The flickering of her purple eyes—inviting, curious, and headstrong.

"I'll pass." But Axel's will was unwavering.

He knew that this wasn't gonna end well for him if he went through with it. He turned around, about to reach for the door to visit at a better time, but...

"Wait!"

Teruria called, rushing to stand up and pull the hem of his suit back.

"Is it... because I look like a little girl?" she asked, her voice no longer teasing, but more of reprimanding.

Slowly, she pulled Axel's body to turn him to face her. The towel she had before, covering her, was behind her, dropped in her rush. In short, nothing was hidden from sight anymore.

"But... I'm an adult already," she whispered, hugging Axel's waist tight. "Are you sure I don't look like an adult in your eyes...?"

"Teruria..."

Axel could see anxiousness and hope in her gaze.

A silent plea, a wish. And a stubborn pride that wouldn't accept no as an answer.

Axel closed his eyes...

"You silly little girl..." he whispered, sighing in resignation. "I'll help you wipe up, so hurry to bed and sleep," he added.

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