NOVEL WEB Chapter 159: Will You Marry Me? — Bavanzi
[With Beryl's death as the turning point, the war at last draws to a close—for now.]
[News spreads of how you single-handedly crushed the Allied armies at Norwich and then slew the Infernal Scourge Albion before it could ravage the land; your renown in Britain soars still higher.]
[Your monstrous slaughter upon the battlefield and your unassailable stance in its center inspire ever greater dread among the people.]
[Your fame in Britain reaches its zenith—and so does the terror you command.]
[Indeed, your legend has now eclipsed even that of Queen Morgan herself: your very name can still the cries of newborn fairykin.]
[Having defeated a millennia-frequent scourge in single combat, "Demon of Calamity" and "Great Scourge" feel insufficient; you are henceforth hailed as the "Peerless Ghost-Deity."]
[Your terror bonus has maxed out Britain's ledger—your Devil Form can no longer grow stronger.]
[Nonetheless, in Devil Form you still enjoy a "Massive All-Stats Bonus," granting a triple boost to every combat attribute.]
[Because the Allied forces committed nearly all their strength to seizing Norwich, you encountered little resistance reclaiming other cities after your victory.]
[But there was something far more pressing for you than reconquering urban centers.]
Artoria—curled like a child in Guinevere's arms—suddenly sat up, eyes shining.
"Guinevere, we've never gone traveling together!" she exclaimed.
"I've only ever flitted about by Water-Mirror Magic—I've never properly seen Britain on foot."
"After all, this is Mother's most precious realm, isn't it? Guinevere… will you walk back to New Darlington with me, at a leisurely pace?"
"…Of course."
Guinevere bowed his head and gave her a soft nod, gazing into her bright, hopeful eyes.
"Anything you wish to do, I shall accompany you."
[You abandon plans to reconquer further cities, ordering your remaining loyal troops to rebuild a postwar Norwich. You and Bavanzi set out together to return to New Darlington.]
[Though the journey need take but a day, you spend three days wandering at Bavanzi's pleasure—stopping wherever she wishes to rest, gaze, or explore.]
[At the end of that leisurely three-day trek you reach New Darlington, and on sight of you, the garrison surrenders without a fight; the city falls once more under your rule.]
[Bavanzi clearly delights in the journey. You propose extending the voyage still further.]
"Beyond New Darlington lie many more cities yet unconquered," Guinevere said gently.
"Shall we continue to wander, then? There are still so many places for us to see together."
Upon hearing this, Bavanzi leapt to her feet in joy.
"Wonderful!"
[Over the next ten days, you shepherd Bavanzi through every remaining city in Britain.]
[In each, your mere appearance at the gates sends commanders fleeing; even Gloucester, unconquered until now, lays down its arms.]
[At last only Edinburgh remains—yet as time passes, Bavanzi's health deteriorates, and she can no longer continue traveling.]
[You realize her life is drawing perilously short.]
[On the very day Bavanzi can no longer stand, you lead your army to storm Edinburgh.]
[Though the city's loyalty to Lady Nocknari is fierce, upon learning of your approach throngs of war refugees rise up, slaying the last holdouts of the Northern fairy-troops and surrendering Edinburgh to you.]
"All who took part in the assassinations of the refugees—slaughter them all," you tell your newly promoted Princess-Knights. "They sickened me."
[You order a massacre of Edinburgh's fairykin, sparing but a handful who themselves are then tested—and whittled down to almost none.]
[You never personally oversee the slaughter—your reputation alone compels your subordinates to carry it out without resistance.]
Queen's Year 2019, January
You and Bavanzi ride into Camelot, your fame preceding you so thoroughly that no voice dares oppose your coronation.
Bavanzi's wish is to be crowned in Salisbury's Great Cathedral—so you fulfill it.
But Bavanzi's frailty means she cannot stand; you must support her through the ceremony.
Rumor—fueled by overzealous whisperers—quickly spreads among the fairy-subjects that your act of holding her erect proves she is but your puppet, and that you, not Bavanzi, hold true power.
You bristle at the calumny and vow to stamp it out—but Bavanzi stops you.
"It's not so bad, is it?" she weakly smiles from her wheelchair.
"In any case, my time is short. Once I'm gone, Fairyland will need a steward."
"After all, this realm was Mother's most treasured legacy."
"But I have no one I trust more than you, Guinevere."
"So please—after I pass—take care of this kingdom for me, will you?"
Seeing her quiet plea, you fall silent long minutes before finally nodding.
"All right. I promise."
She smiles and drifts to gaze out the tall window—yet you, following her eyes, see only empty sky.
"What are you looking at?" you ask.
She murmurs, "I'd hoped one day to travel with you again…"
You pause, then steel yourself. "There is a more fitting way than spreading rumors of puppetry."
Bavanzi leans forward. "Oh? What do you mean?"
Without a word, you sink to one knee and take her hand. With a snap, a strangely shaped ring of dark metal—set with a ruby—grows upon your finger.
Bavanzi's breath catches. "That is…?"
"A genuine ruby ring, not mere garnet. For you are my most precious treasure," you say, voice soft as twilight.
Then, looking up into her eyes, you ask, "Bavanzi… will you marry me?"
Her tear-bright eyes widen, and for long beats she sits frozen—then she laughs and weeps at once, a breathless tangle of joy and relief.
"I never dreamed I'd hear those words from you."
And so, surrounded by the setting sun's glow and the echo of your solemn vow, your new life together begins—one built on shared journeys, shared burdens, and now, shared hearts.
…
[Queen's Year 2019, January]
You and Bavanzi are wed in Camelot's Holy City, with Liko presiding as your officiant.
Though Liko looked puzzled when asked to serve, after a long silence she graciously accepted.
Because Bavanzi's health is failing, the ceremony is held just two days later.
Within the royal palace walls, Liko blesses the union while every citizen of Camelot bears witness.
Your unrivaled renown and dread ensure the wedding proceeds unhindered—no one dares interrupt.
By right of this marriage you and Bavanzi ascend as King and Queen of Fairyland.
As Bavanzi bears the title "Blood Queen," you inherit the matching style.
Thus the people anoint you "Blood Sovereign."