Dancing on the golden ashes

"Start preparing the citizens for urgent relocation," I commanded. "I will face the monster alone. I will intercept it along its path and do everything in my power to delay its advance—even if I can't defeat it, I'll buy us time."

"Gaon, you can't!" Malrang's voice rose in protest. She had never questioned me before, but this time it was clear she no longer trusted my judgment completely.

"It's okay; I will not die," I declared firmly, turning to face them all. "Separate the citizens into ten equal groups. That way, if the monster follows the human aura, its path will be confused. You must begin the evacuation in three days—no complaints, no refusals. This is my home, and I will defend it!"

"This..." I could see the desperation in their faces and their refusal to submit. They had already sworn always to follow my decisions, so would they refuse or accept? I wanted to say that it was okay to be afraid right now. I wanted to tell them that I would not die, but I wasn't sure. This was very unlike me—even I didn't know why I was acting this way. I should run. I should just abandon all of them, but I can't... I... this is killing me. I should have never taken on the responsibility, because once I did, I couldn't bear to let people down. I wanted to stand at the front and protect them. I'm not a hero, but I'm not a villain either—well, I guess it depends on whether we're talking about an enemy or a friend.

"Big sis, I know you'll hate me for this, but on behalf of all of us, I say: we will not run if you stay. We will all fight to protect our home, and even those who are weak will fight. Everyone will support you from behind. Even if we're not as strong as you, we will not run. We won't just protect our home—we'll protect you as well. You are our empress, the most important person to us. You are the one who gave them a home and gave us a friend we can never forget. We will never leave you to fight alone again. Enough is enough—we're done running!"

Kim Seong-Hoon's voice cut through all the defenses I'd put up. I didn't know why, but his words—and the looks on my demon commanders' faces—touched me deeply. I could feel my heart trembling, beating wildly. Why... why did he have to say something that made me feel so hopeless? I could no longer see them the same way; they were already like family to me, but now I knew they were truly my family—a real family.

"Look at this damn idiot talking big. Are you sure you won't just pee yourself when you have to face that beast and start running away?" I taunted Seong-Hoon, and he gave me a devilish grin.

"I swear on my life that I will stay by your side and fight with you until my last breath, big sis." He dropped to his knees, bowing to me in a vow.

"I swear to be your shield, standing like a mountain until the very last second. Even if I fall in battle, I will not let the beast hurt you." Eun-Woo followed, dropping to his knees in a vow.

"I swear to be your strongest offense and support you until my last breath. After all, big sister Gaon gave me a reason to live, so I will repay you with my life if I have to." I hadn't expected to hear such mature words from Jieun; she was only nine years old, yet she had grown at a terrifying rate—wise beyond her years, forced to mature in this harsh environment. She, too, dropped to her knees.

"I may not have served you for long, but I have admired you from the very first day you challenged Kim Ha-Joon. You saved me, Empress, and so I will be your weapon in this fight. May my plants be both shield and bow for you until the very last breath I draw." Min-Jeong also knelt in her vow. I wanted to ask them all to stand, but it wasn't over yet—they hadn't given me a chance.

"Thank you for giving me a chance to be your weapon, Empress. I was just a nobody before you made me a king-level fighter. I don't know what you saw in me, but I will fight alongside you. I will not rest or die until the monster is dead, and if I die, I will die with the heart of a warrior." Min-Jae knelt, his violet eyes shining like a sharpened sword—I could feel his determination.

"I swear to be your assassin from the shadows and to protect you, Empress. If I can't assassinate the monster, then I will gladly take a hit for you if necessary." Ji-Hoon declared powerfully. Though his masked face concealed his lips, I knew every word was true as he too dropped to his knees.

"Empress, I am your servant, and I will freeze the world for you. Let me show you what I'm capable of in this battle—I will fight alongside you until my last breath." Seo-Yeon declared as she dropped to her knees. Her eyes were full of determination—and something else I'd rather not mention. Honestly, she's such a pervert.

"I know I swore never to use it, but in this battle, if I must, I will." Malrang leaped into my arms, her body trembling. Only the two of us knew exactly what she meant... I hadn't wanted to bring her into this, but she wouldn't listen anyway. That's why I had to be strong and win.

I looked at the seven people kneeling before me, each offering their vows. I didn't know what to do, what to say...
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"Just say that you'll fight with them as well, you idiot—you really need to work on yourself more." The eerie voice suddenly broke through my stupor.

Yeah... you're right. Thank you.

"Thank you. I will never forget this. I also vow to you, and to all the people in the empire: I will win this battle, even if it costs me my life."