The Imperial VIP quarters were overflowing with convenience, but compared to the Elf’s unique buildings—formed by planting parasitic plants on sturdy tree branches—they lacked a certain natural harmony. If there was any complaint, it was that.
Still, even though the gardens felt artificial, they had their own charm. But by Elven standards, and especially those of the Tribe of the Forest, something about it all felt rather unhealthy.
At least Geoffrey wasn’t as sensitive as some, the kind who’d scrunch up their nose at the slightest change in the air or even start gagging. So it was bearable enough.
Not that he’d admit it openly, but without having to worry about people constantly watching him, he could immerse himself in leisure and research, which wasn’t bad at all.
“Are you really okay with this? You’re still the Empress of this country, right? And yet you’re letting me stay here… Is that really alright?”
As Geoffrey pointed to his own brow, Magician Empress Melinos blinked her eyes brightly and nodded calmly.
“For that very reason, we’re making a contract, aren’t we?”
“…True, but…”
Among the High Elves, there were individuals gifted with special abilities—capable of discerning the color of souls. Some could even delve into the pasts of those souls through advanced techniques.
However, this ability fell under strict taboo. Even if used, severe restrictions applied, and misuse could result in extreme punishment: having both eyes and tongue torn out.
Thus, even for someone like Geoffrey, it wasn’t an easy decision. Especially since such actions required approval from higher-ups. Acting independently without clearance would inevitably lead to trouble.
Yet, the fact remained that those requiring this were part of the Empire’s core power structure. Their willingness to allow it made things possible.
Still, carelessly probing too far could have unintended consequences, hence the need for a contract to set boundaries. After all, weren’t contracts originally creations of the Demon Realm and demons?
Back in the Demon Realm, there had been only two Great Demon Kings throughout its 6,000-year history—recently three. The first established the concept of the “Demon King Tournament,” allowing anyone meeting the qualifications to become a Demon King, thereby laying the foundation for the hierarchy of the Demon Realm.
The second Great Demon King sought to reform the chaotic Demon Realm and introduced the “Absolute Compliance Contract” in collaboration with the Demon God.
This Absolute Compliance Contract was jointly managed by the Demon God, Neutral Deities, and Good Deities, ensuring no unfair terms could be imposed.
Of course, loopholes existed, and forced contracts weren’t unheard of, but such matters depended on individual circumstances.
In the Middle Realm, these magical contracts were once seen as tools of demons and daemons. However, with the rise of wizards and acceptance by priestesses, they entered a new phase.
Even the Edenlevan Legion, once invaders and demons, joined the Human Alliance through such Absolute Compliance Contracts.
“Check this.”
Geoffrey outlined glowing runes in mid-air, then transferred them onto paper before handing it over.
“First, I’ll only observe what you, Melinos, permit.
Second, I will focus solely on identifying any negative or malicious influences affecting your mind.
Third, I won’t disclose anything discovered unless directly to you, Melinos.
Fourth, my investigation will strictly remain within your memories.”
After scribbling the conditions, Geoffrey looked up expectantly.
“With all these limitations, I doubt we’ll find the answers we seek.”
“Then should I dig through everyone’s brains too? Based on absurd rumors and nonsense about cursed mushrooms?”
“…”
“If it makes you uncomfortable, Aleseius can proceed under similar conditions.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Melinos shook her head.
“It’s necessary.”
“At least for you, there’s no real need. Is something bothering you? Do you remember dreams you’ve forgotten?”
“…Yes.”
She seemed to have had a dream, one she couldn’t recall. Though not unprecedented, this time it carried an ominous feeling.
“Understood. When do we begin?”
“Is there any reason to hesitate?”
“Fair point.”
Geoffrey exhaled sharply, scanning the surroundings.
“Everyone out. You too.”
“Me too?”
When Hamren questioned, Geoffrey replied firmly.
“I can’t afford even slight interference.”
“As you wish.”
Hamren and the Empress’ maids exited quietly.
“Lie down there. Should we move to your bedroom? Is this bed uncomfortable?”
“No, I’ve always slept soundly on the floor with just some grass beneath me.”
“That’s reassuring. If you were obsessed with gold, silver, or copper, I might have started yelling already.”
All that wealth only rots the mind. Geoffrey’s sermon continued until Melinos lay down.
“Hmph. Alright. Let’s begin.”
Extending her small hand, Geoffrey touched Melinos’ forehead lightly.
Before long, she found herself standing in a desolate corridor.
“Ugh?”
It was unmistakably the palace hallway, yet something felt off. Familiar yet strange, the atmosphere differed drastically from what she knew.
Dark and gloomy, eerily silent. Not a soul stirred, and outside, thick clouds obscured everything. Even the lamps lining the corridor were extinguished, leaving the space oppressive despite being daytime.
“Managing something this vast must be backbreaking work.”
Though unfamiliar, she navigated confidently. Palaces came in different types, after all.
Why did this place feel familiar? Because it was the Second Palace, commonly known as the Empress Palace, where Melinos resided. She’d visited multiple times recently.
Was that why?
“Lalala~?”
Suddenly, she spotted a peculiar girl whistling and humming casually nearby. At first, Geoffrey paid little attention, preoccupied with her purpose here and connections to Melinos.
Why wasn’t the girl visible in Melinos’ memory? Was it imagination or a dream? Perspective mattered.
Was she observing imaginings through an omniscient viewpoint or merely witnessing dreamscapes as an observer?
She’d taught Melinos how to interpret precognitive dreams, after all.
Regardless of personal visibility or form within dreams, it was plausible.
Thus, this was likely a dreamscape.
“So, who is this Golden Girl popping up randomly? Why now? What’s her deal?”
There was something unsettling about the innocent-looking figure inspecting the corridor.
For reasons unknown, chills ran down her spine, causing her jaw to tremble involuntarily.
The Golden Girl passed by as if unaware of Geoffrey’s presence, leaving behind a lingering unease.
Finally relaxing when the presence faded, Geoffrey turned around—to find her face-to-face.
“Wha—?!”
A scream almost escaped, swallowed back by sheer shock.
“Oh dear, what a curious visitor.”
Floating mid-air, the Golden Girl grinned widely, closing in uncomfortably close—close enough to feel each other’s breath and nasal airflow.
Their faces were barely an inch apart.
“So, you’ve come snooping around. Curiosity got the better of you, huh?”
“Who are you? A demon?”
“Ouch, that hurts! Comparing me to trash? How disrespectful. Makes me sick.”
Laughing casually yet ominously, the Golden Girl continued.
“Once upon a time, some fool complained to His Majesty the Demon King, ‘Why can’t I defeat you? What’s the point of effort and will when faced with such absurd beings?’ Sound familiar? Care to guess His Majesty’s response?”
“…”
“To whom does this ‘Demon King’ refer?”
“Gold.”
“…”
“Gold.”
“…”
“I know who you are. I just don’t want to believe it.”
Her subconscious resisted awareness, freezing Geoffrey’s mind entirely.
“Back then, someone asked His Majesty, ‘Why can’t I surpass you? If someone destined as the sun exists, what meaning does our effort hold?’ Want to take a guess at His Majesty’s reply?”
“…”
“Alright, silence speaks volumes! Well, enlightening fools is also a king’s duty, so let me share. My life’s limits were decided back then anyway. Let’s see…”
Adjusting her voice dramatically, the Golden Girl began:
“He who is born of the sun can only ever be the sun.”
“Thus, he accepts the fate, destiny, and calling of the sun.”
“Therefore, he is bound to live a life that allows nothing but the sun.”
“And when the sun fades, despair engulfs the world. Those who embrace the sun’s fate understand this tragedy best.”
“But you, lowly weed, scattered across fields unnoticed—you can be anything. Don’t mourn your insignificance.”
“Therefore, your seemingly abandoned fate is yours alone to carve, free from coercion.”
“Only you can choose your path forward, backward, or stagnation.”
“How liberating, isn’t it?”
“…”
With exaggerated flair, the Golden Girl placed a hand on her chest, smiling radiantly.
“What wisdom fit for someone as grand as the sun, eh?”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Oh dear, stop being difficult. It’s time you realized. Do you know me, yet fail to recognize yourself?”
“…”
“Your sister once said, didn’t she?”
“If she had met me first instead of her, you too would have sworn allegiance willingly.”
“Never.”
Why? Why? WHY?!
“Why are you here?! Just because it’s a dream doesn’t explain why specifically YOU appear!”
“Woah, calm down! Sure, it’s a dream. Accurate! I sort of got dragged in too. This is more like residual thoughts, so questioning me serves little purpose. Mostly true, but slightly off. Anyway, you get the gist.”
“…”
“In front of you lies the Palace of Wisdom and Gold. I’m dead, gone, merely a repository of wisdom, archives, libraries now. Aren’t you curious why your sister pledged loyalty to me?”
“Another trickery perhaps?”
“Oh please! I’m uninterested in tricks and sorcery! That’s beyond my jurisdiction.”
“All I did was ask your sister simple truths—the truth about the world, your future, realities so ridiculous they make you sigh. That’s all.”
“…”
“Aren’t you curious? Really? Considering how close you two were? Blood sisters?”
Geoffrey firmly declined.
“I haven’t forgotten the advice you gave me.”
“Oh? Do tell. What was it?”
“You warned that the more knowledge one accumulates, the more desires grow, along with insatiable thirst.”
“Yes? Did I say that? Excellent counsel indeed. Spot on, wouldn’t you agree?”
“…And thus, you advised against excessive ambition.”
To a mage, invaluable wisdom akin to priceless treasure. Yet simultaneously, a curse rooted deeply in harsh realism.
Because this very advice was what drove most mages and magicians into despair and nightmares.
Obsessed with uncovering truths, losing themselves, forgetting humanity and original purposes, becoming monstrous.
Most seekers of truth pursued knowledge desperately, chased fleeting time, outrun by life itself.
Ultimately, whether great or insignificant, all mages met their end equally.
Even those opposing them faced no exception.
Certainly, the path wasn’t wrong—but most couldn’t help but falter.
Therefore…
“…You advised against ascending further.”
“Precisely. The limits of knowledge are obvious. Achieving truth through knowledge alone? Attempting what wisdom couldn’t accomplish? Sounds like wanting to live without heart or brain. Had you followed my advice, you’d be among the wisest of all mages. Guaranteed.”
“…I don’t understand how you can assert that so confidently.”
“While ignorance and anonymity may indeed be mankind’s greatest sins, they aren’t absolute ones. Stop blaming yourself, you dense fool.”
What you need to awaken to…
“Is simply admitting your own ignorance. Only then can new beginnings arise.”
“Save your philosophical nonsense. Tell me why you’re here.”
“Surprisingly, I’m extending goodwill!”
Golden Girl spread her arms wide.
“I’m generously giving you another chance to reconsider!”
“What?”
Suddenly, Geoffrey’s consciousness rapidly disconnected from reality.
No, wait. This sensation…
“I’m granting you time to think! Reflect carefully outside.”
Didn’t I say it’s goodwill?
“Even my benevolence might be perceived as nightmares or curses. Your choice entirely. Likewise, curses from me could be seen as blessings and favors.”
Entirely up to you.
“The method of absolute victory lies here.”
Either way, as long as I don’t lose, it’s fine.
“Desiring nothing means losing nothing!”
Kya-ha-ha-ha!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Deafening laughter echoed wildly through her mind. Childlike yet filled with something terrifying—
“Cough!”
“…Master?”
Rolling off the chair near the bed, Geoffrey suddenly gagged.
Awakening groggily, Melinos sensed the situation was far worse than anticipated upon seeing Geoffrey trembling on the floor.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
