[Raven's Point of View]

...

The quarrel lasted for a long time, but it was slowly coming to an end. Alex's level of skill was impressive, but in the end, I came out as the victor. The Reckless Fist was strong, too, but was defeated by my Extreme Blade. The Grand Archer by my side provided necessary support, but unfortunately, was eventually defeated as well. I was the last person standing, with wounds almost everywhere. I know I'll survive, though.

"Raven, you monster! You took Alex's life!" Seris cried. "Just take this back, I don't want it anymore!" she threw me my coat.

"I'm well aware of that. Do you feel pity for him? In case you've forgotten, he was the very person that brought suffering to me for years." I countered, catching my jacket and putting it on.

"W-What are you going to do now?" she looked at me with fear in her eyes.

"You brought suffering to Rena, did you not? I've confirmed my feelings and emotions. My apologies, I wouldn't think that it'd end this way. Ending with murdering my ex-fiancee, I mean." I coldly explained.

"F-Fine then! Do what you wish, I'll be in the afterlife with Alex, bringing you doom and despair!" Seris angrily shouted. "I actually had one of these magical potions, but there's no use now, hm?" she smiled, taking the vial out and tossing it onto the ground, as the glass shattered into a billion of tiny pieces, and the liquid contents were spilled, rendering it no longer usable.

Rena's last hope of regaining all her vanished recollections, it was literally smashed right in front of me. Out of fury, I unsheathed my blade, and Shadow-Stepped over to Seris, stabbing her in the stomach. I'm a terrible person, aren't I? It was all for Rena's sake.

Seris fell onto the ground bleeding out, as I removed my blade. I didn't have to hesitate to kill my ex-fiancee. I truly am a cold, heartless man. How will I atone for my sins? I don't know anymore. The once empty void was now a bloodbath, the dark liquid of the human body was splattered all over the place. But, as long as Rena was alive.

I approached her, slowly removing the handcuffs and picking her up bridal style. She was unconscious, as expected of someone who was just tortured by a whip.

"It's okay, Rena. I'm here now." I softly smiled, which was rare for a male such as myself.

I exited the space of nothingness, as I was immediately warped back to Ruben. For whatever reason, Ruben was not affected by the wintertime snow, it was still rather sunny.

...

Hagus noticed Rena and I, as he rushed over to us. "Youngsters! What on earth happened?!" he asked.

I explained everything to him in only several sentences.

"I see..!" he replied. "You two don't look well! Fortunately, Ann, our village merchant, knows how to treat you two!" the chief had taken us over to Ann's shop while explaining the entire story to the female merchant, too.

"Thank you, Sir." I expressed my gratitude.

"No problem! Haha, my back is feeling sore again, I really am growing old. I'll see you youngsters later!" he waved, then left.

"Oh my! Don't worry, you can trust me, I'm an expert at this stuff, believe it or not!" Ann smiled, as she started to treat both my wounds and Rena's, although the graceful elf was still unconscious, lying down on a spare bed.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Sir Raven!"

...

A few hours had passed, I was casually laying down on the couch with one of my eyes shut. Rena's face was suddenly in my field of vision.

"Raven! Ann told me everything! Thank you... thank you so much for saving me." she gave me a grin, as she wiped several tears from her eyes.

"The entire trip was a waste. The potion was destroyed, therefore your memories will never return." I stated the facts.

"I know, but... Can you do me a favour and stand for a moment?" she asked.

I wasn't sure what she was going to do, but I reluctantly followed her order.

Suddenly, Rena leaned in closer to me, as our lips touched for a long time before they were spread apart again.

She held her head in pain, letting out a small scream.

"Rena?! Are you okay?!" I was shocked by her reaction, but I could feel my cheeks warming.

The elf looked up at me after a few minutes, as if the pain disappeared. "I remember everything now...! It must have been from the... kiss. I l-love you, Raven." she blushed.

"Likewise." I slightly smiled, sharing another kiss with her.

"I'm glad to hear that." Rena grinned with beauty.

I got down on one knee and held her hand. "Will you take my hand in marriage, Rena?" I asked with confidence.

Her eyes widened. "Of course I will, Raven. It can take place in a few weeks time, so we can both rest and contact the rest of our friends to invite them, okay?"

I nodded. "Sounds fine by me."

"Then, it's settled, my beloved fiance."

...

---[CHAPTER 14 - PROPOSAL : END]---