Page 58 of Plaything of the Dark Elf

Etheron

Damn, that potion fucked me up.

I wake up and my body feels like it got mauled by a pack of hungry dripirs. At my bedside, I see my butler, Irzul, refilling my water glass. He flinches when he sees me move.

“Good morning, General. H-How are you?”

“I’m alright, I guess.” I stretch out, cracking a few of my bones. “I haven’t slept like that in ages. Is it normal for my head to hurt?”

“I’m not sure. Would you like me to get the healer?”

“Maybe later. I don’t want to be disturbed right now.” Grabbing the water cup, I chug down every last drop and slam the glass back upon the nightstand. Irzul stares at me with wide eyes. “What are you doing? Start filling it up again.”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

Meru was an idiot, but at least he was efficient. In time, I’m sure Irzul will reach his level.

When I look around the room, I don’t see any sign of Dalia. That’s strange. She’s the first person I wanted to see when I opened my eyes and she’s not here!

“Irzul.”

“Yes?”

“Can you tell Dalia that I’m alright? I don’t know why she’s not here. Why is she not here? I want to see her.”

Nearly dying made me realize a few things. In the brief moments where I was bleeding out on the ground, fully anticipating the second I died, I came to the conclusion that life is too short to wait around for what you want.

I should have figured this out ages ago, I know, but it takes a near-death experience to put everything in perspective. I want to be better, not only for myself, but for Dalia. I love her and I want to spend my life with her. I’m done meandering around, fucking random women in the hopes that they will cure the sickness I feel inside of me.

The only one who is able to do that is Dalia. She’s my cure. Who gives a fuck if she’s a human?

…Well, most of my comrades might, but they don’t matter to me. I don’t care what they think anymore. I’ve come a long way since the days where I anxiously awaited their approval and relished in their compliments. Fuck that. I’m a general now and I can do whatever I want.

Besides, I have enough heroic merits to get the king’s approval for a marriage between myself and Dalia. Everything is lining up perfectly. For many years, I have served my king and my race exceptionally. It’s about time I got a reward.

Dalia is all I ask for. She’s more than enough.

Whenever she’s around, I feel sane. No, I am sane. I don’t get the same thoughts that I used to, the ones filled with bloodlust and violence. I need her. She’s the one who makes me feel normal, despite the fucked up circumstances surrounding my life.

She loves me for who I am. What more could I want from a mate?

This is the work of true love. I never thought I would be able to experience this. I never believed I deserved it in the first place, but things have changed. Ever since she came into my life, things have been much better. I have a purpose now, and it’s to live for her. I love her.

Why the hell is Irzul still looking at me like that? His eyes are bulged and his mouth is somewhat open. He looks like an idiot. Maybe I shouldn’t have killed Meru.

“Did you not hear me the first time, Irzul?”

“Yes, sir, I heard you.” Irzul sets down the water pitcher with a sigh. His hands are shaking hard and he nearly tips over the damn thing. “Forgive me.”

“Then what the fuck are you still doing here? Find Dalia and tell her to come immediately! I want to speak with her.” Not only that, but it’s been too long since I’ve had her in my bed. I miss the warmth of her body. “Hurry up!”

“S-Sir, I…” Irzul hesitates. “I want to follow your orders, but–”

“What?” I fling the covers off my bed. My blood starts simmering underneath my skin. “Why aren’t you listening to me? It’s a simple request!”

“Do you not remember what happened last night?”

I blink. What the fuck kind of stupid of question is that?

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