Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

People treading through the streets of the market, greeting each other and wishing them well. The restaurant was filled with people as well as the travelers. The animals and birds living freely among them.

It was similar to how a fantasy world would feel like if one were to imagine it.

Rudy looked up at the castle and muttered, "Imagine normal people walking and then looking up at the castle, feeling anxious and reassured at the same time."

The streets and allies were filled with UnderBlades reviewing everything. They were busy doing their job, not paying attention to Rudy. But those who noticed Rudy gave him a nod and greeted him.

Of course, Rudy didn't mind whether or not they greeted him. They were too much in number and it was hard for all of them to greet Rudy, otherwise hours would pass.

Still, a sense of sadness passed through Rudy's heart when he remembered that they were not real people.

"One would think their creation was a blessing, but it's a curse for them. They have abilities that far surpass any humans, but they feel empty inside. They haven't experienced the joy of learning things from scratch."

While walking, Rudy reached a crossroads near the fountain, which also seemed like a tourist attraction to him.

He saw someone sitting on the other side of the fountain, so he called out to her.

"Lu Bela?"

However, it was Kim— Lu Bela's secretary.

"Why did you mistake me as Bella?" Kim asked calmly with a smile on her face.

'She seems rather happy about this…'

"I knew that the UnderBlades wouldn't slack on their job, so I assumed the only person would be the leader. But it turns out it's someone else," Rudy teased her with a playful remark.

"I am already done with my part." She pointed her gaze at the castle and said, "Look, the sunset looks beautiful, even from here."

To the observers, the sun appeared to be setting behind one of the castle's grand spires, but of course, it was only an appearance.

"This place is amazing…" Kim muttered without taking her eyes off the mesmerizing view.

"Lu Bela said she was created here. What about you?"

"I would prefer if you used the term 'Born' instead of 'created'."

"Sure."

"I think… rebuilding this dynasty was a bad idea…"

"Why? Didn't you just admire its beauty?"

"Not every beautiful thing is good for you… nor every beauty is an angel."

Rudy glanced up at the sky and leaned back slightly, letting the water droplets from the fountain fall on him.

"Are you worried about Lu Bela?"

Rudy understood why Kim felt anxious. Lu Bela had a connection with that place and Kim felt that Lu Bela would go into a depression down her memory lane.

"Of course, I am. She is my best friend."

Rudy got up and walked a few steps forward before turning around and looking at Kim.

"...what?"

"What you said is true. Not every beautiful thing is good, but they are beautiful regardless. If you keep worrying about getting pricked by the thorns, someone else will take the flowers away from you.

"Hah!" Kim chuckled softly as she covered her mouth to hide her smirk.

"Enjoy little things so they may be easy to remember."

"I would rather prefer no one plucks the flower, though."

"It will eventually wither away anyway," Rudy shrugged.

"I didn't take you to have a poetic side. I have to admit, I am captivated. No wonder you made those beautiful girls fall for you."

"Uh huh." Rudy shook his finger, followed by shaking his head.

"It's the other way around. They made me fall for them. They are my hope, my reason," he stated with a gentle smile.

"Reason for what? To live?" she grinned. "Why do you sound like 'us' UnderBlades now? Why would someone like you need a reason to exist?"

"Reason to… stay sane. Every being dies once, and I already died… or at least… experienced death."

He hovered in the air and spread his hands before soaring into the sky to find Lu Bela.

Kim placed her hands around her mouth and yelled, "You will find her at the edge of the northern side!"

Rudy found Lu Bela on the northern side, standing on top of one of the spires.

"No parachute, no jetpack, no jetboots… is this a suicide attempt I am witnessing?"

"I would choose a taller spot for that."

He perched on the spire and tugged Lu Bela's hand in an effort to get her to sit next to him.

They both looked at the castle and the city beneath.

"Everything is completed."

"Are rooms equipped with advanced gadgets?"

"Required, yes."

"Thank you for your help. I would have taken much longer if it were me."

"It's my pleasure." She glanced at Rudy and smiled before saying, "Besides, how could I miss a chance to owe a favor to you?"

"Out with it. What is it that you want? I promised you a wish and I shall fulfill it."

Rudy was prepared to grant Lu Bela's wish, no matter what it was. He had an inkling of what Lu Bela was going to wish for, which made him a bit forlorn, considering all she had done for him.

"I want you to…"

"..."

She pointed her finger in a certain direction at the castle and said, "I want you to give me a room in the castle."

"Huh?" Rudy was baffled to learn her wish.

"What?"

"Wait, are you serious?!"

"Of course I am."

"What the hell?" Rudy facepalmed himself and muttered, "And here I was thinking maybe you would ask me to kill you, as you always do."