Chapter 245

“Aceletra Eldregr,”

The Time of the Sun fades.

Before the Time of the Moon fully arrives.

Against the horizon split by Light and Darkness, that Kid stood with his hands behind his back, talking about her name.

His short blue hair grazed his neck, almost touching but not quite.

Meanwhile, his clothes were vivid green.

A green cape that only reached from his shoulders to his waist wrapped around him both front and rear.

Below it, his pants didn’t even reach his knees, yet his waist was adorned with all sorts of things.

On his left hip hung a small book that could fit in one’s palm.

On the right, vials of various colors.

Even on his thighs and shins hung leather straps, each bearing a knife… and a slingshot proudly dangling there too.

“Do you know who this name refers to?”

“…….”

Aiseus Endragen.

Is she the one they’re talking about?

The question is, why did her name come up out of his mouth of all places?

“Era. You….”

There he paused.

Kariel locked the conversation momentarily.

Then for a long while, silence reigned.

Until…

“What’s with the delay? If you’re gonna say something, just spit it out! Or don’t. You interrupted me, so at least give me something worth hearing.”

“You…….”

Finally, Kariel broke the silence.

“So you’ve finally decided to show your face before me.”

“Why? It’s not like we’re enemies who can’t look each other in the eye, right?”

“…….”

Kariel realized neither sighs nor hollow laughter escaped him as usual.

Moreover, right now… emotional control wasn’t as smooth as it used to be.

-Shouldn’t I kill her? Why am I holding back? She appeared right in front of me, and I’m not killing her?! How long do you plan to keep restraining yourself?

-Ah, what a fine opportunity. Let’s indulge in some bloodshed. We should raise our joyful cups with the rich taste of her deep crimson blood!

-What a beautiful creature. Wouldn’t it be rewarding to break her? Before that, let’s taste her soft flesh. Aren’t you curious about how it feels?

-Massacre! Massacre! Kill her! Stab her! Crush her! Boil her! Fry her! Just kill her however you want! Kill her! Kill her! Don’t kill her yet! I want to hear her screams! Make them long! Louder! Stronger! Make her scream curses loud enough to shake the world!

“…….”

As my resolve wavered, all the suppressed voices erupted.

And now, there’s one thing I have to thank the Golden Demon King for:

For making ‘me’ an utterly bland and emotionless human being.

If I hadn’t become such an unfeeling, dry person…

I would’ve lost everything at this moment, drowned in the torrent of malicious emotions, spiraling completely out of control.

Back then, I might’ve truly become the kind of Demon King the Empress foresaw in her premonition.

“Do you really wish to die?”

When anger reaches its peak, it feels like consciousness itself might snap.

Some may claim they become calm when extremely angry, but…

…when it surpasses even that, it inevitably bursts out or explodes, true to the essence of rage.

“I still don’t want to die.”

Regardless of my inner turmoil, he remained composed.

Whether it’s an act or not, I can’t tell.

Not that I care to consider or empathize with any of it anyway.

Neither understanding nor compassion holds any meaning here.

I refuse to understand him.

I don’t want to understand him.

Thus, whatever thoughts or ideas he harbors are none of my concern.

“…….”

The reason I listen to him at all, enduring this ordeal, is because if I lose control of my emotions and willpower now, I risk breaking or ruining myself entirely.

Had he shown up at another time instead of now, I might’ve acted differently.

Even though I knew this would happen, it’s come to this.

Following his advice, I twisted my path drastically to come to Faceulan.

If I hadn’t come here at this point, Reiman would’ve lost his remaining arm, rendering it useless.

The young king of Faceulan wouldn’t have lasted long either, eventually succumbing to poison and lying bedridden until death.

Afterward, the treacherous acts of the nobles selling their nation to the Empire would’ve escalated.

But the Empire would’ve maintained a strict boundary, retreating once the agreed-upon term ended.

In the end, the country would’ve been torn apart limb by limb by neighboring nations.

…And thus, the suffering would’ve fallen squarely on the commoners.

While the actual culprits destroying the nation would’ve scattered far and wide, continuing their lives undisturbed.

…Even as their own citizens and kin were thrown into living hells, they’d sip wine stained with blood, feast on well-seasoned meat dripping with oil, and fatten themselves with spongy bread.

[Back in the day… whenever we chased after them, we’d slaughter every last one.]

Delica mentioned this from her adult years, fighting in a previous life.

[Here too, they should be waiting with clean necks. Since I haven’t forgotten, and their nature hasn’t changed a bit.]

At that time, what did Kariel himself say?

“…….”

Your will be done.

Though their fates and blessings aren’t completely drained yet,

…due to the law of cause and effect, Delica’s existence aligns with reason, so even her desires represent a cycle and a natural order, becoming their destined fate.

And so, the wheel of causality and karma continues without stopping, climbing uphill and rolling downhill endlessly.

“Well, get to the point already. I don’t have time for nonsense.”

“That’s harsh. How long has it been since we last met?”

“And what good does it do to provoke me? Surely you don’t actually believe I won’t lay a hand on you?”

“It might not matter either way. I honestly don’t know.”

“…….”

Clearly.

…You’re insane.

I distinctly remember hearing that until shortly before leaving the Empire, you barely left your room, let alone went outside.

As far as visitors go, it was mostly Alesius.

Aside from servants, maybe Sylas… and the current Earl Eschina at most.

…Yet somehow, you got excommunicated and expelled from the country.

Alongside Alesius being cast into the north.

“My teacher commanded it. He needs Aceletra, so bring her back.”

“…Has something gone wrong with your royal lineage?”

“How’d you hear about that?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

To go through the trouble of retrieving someone they practically discarded?

No matter the reason, it’s unlikely to be due to sentiment.

After all, these are stubborn traditions and superficial dignity typical of royalty and noble bloodlines.

“There’s no point hiding it, so I’ll spill. Your side, all the heirs to the throne disappeared.”

“Are all her brothers dead?”

“Even the father passed away. In their terms, he ascended to the Paradise of Apple Island.”

“…….”

“Movements to dismantle the dynasty and establish a new monarchy were widespread, but everything remains in limbo. And nearby islands, surrounding islands, even archipelagos threaten immediate independence if civil war breaks out—complicating matters further.”

“…You seem well-informed.”

“My teacher returned to Rutania. You’ve probably heard of the Sage of Verdant Prophecies?”

“…Someone chasing prophecies.”

“That’s right!”

The Kid clapped his hands briefly near his face.

“So you intend to make her queen but ultimately aim to take over the entire country through her.”

“The issue lies in Lake Fairy not being recognized by anyone as legitimate. Rejecting the fairy’s expectations and claiming the crown would incite rebellion.”

“Aceles is cursed by the lake spirit for refusing their hopes. Yet now they regret letting her go and want her back?”

“Still, the Lake Fairy loved that bloodline. Isn’t that reason enough?”

“…….”

Kariel snorted derisively.

“It’s likely due to contracts, oaths, or vows.”

Or perhaps, having lived far too long,

the affection—or resentment—for the original contractor grew excessively strong.

“But why bother coming all the way here to chatter directly to me? Considering my wrath?”

Sending a letter or note would’ve allowed me to judge accordingly.

So ultimately…

“You want me to accompany her back to Rutania, don’t you? Seems you’re aware I’m heading toward the Empire. Are you, like your teacher, now capable of glimpsing the future, albeit clumsily?”

That would explain how you managed to track me down so skillfully.

“Knowing the future sure makes life convenient. Saves you the trouble of hurting your throat.”

“You mean you also know I wouldn’t do that?”

“So you’re trying to change it, huh?”

“For the better tomorrow of you, Alesius, and everyone else in the Empire?”

“I won’t deny it. And it’d be better for the entire Empire.”

“In that case, I must deliberately reject your request.”

“Really now?”

Huuuuh.

A long, dark breath escapes through the gaps in the shadowy helmet, swirling and lingering inside before dispersing.

“Was your excommunication unjust? How revolting it is for someone like you to speak of the entire Empire… Did you truly think I’d falter even slightly from such trifles?”

“Judging by your actions, you seem hell-bent on saving or sparing everyone. Isn’t that what you’ve always done? Consistently.”

“I merely didn’t want innocent people to suffer unnecessarily because of me.”

Taking on the burden of pain and hardship myself rather than passing it onto others.

If only everyone could do that, the world wouldn’t be called a living hell.

Just because others don’t care doesn’t mean I want to act as if nothing matters.

After all, I sought to grow stronger… precisely to escape absurdities.

Including situations where, as Gold once implied, my weakness forces me to kill someone or torment and curse others.

That kind of oppressive injustice I wanted to cast off willingly.

“…….”

But Era.

You don’t fall into that category.

The reason I’m not killing you now is that it might become a blessing for you.

Gold said this.

Mercilessly slaughtering someone outright is actually excessive consideration.

There’s no mercy like that.

“Kariel, it’s justified for you to resent me. But remember, I resent you too.”

In that sense,

The reckless betrayal you committed back then resurfaces before us again.

“You ultimately didn’t save me, right? To survive, I had to do whatever it took—even stabbing you in the back if necessary. And later, I paid the price, didn’t I? Then they slap me with excommunication as extra punishment. Come on! I shook most of it off! It’s all in the past! So what? You’ve been clinging to it all this time? Truly horrifying, Kariel.”

“…….”

“If you had realized it sooner and saved me earlier, there’d have been no need for me to make that decision, right? Why must we make each other suffer like this?”

“…….”

“Lord Alesius showed remarkable consideration in that regard, you know? Since he stepped in, the abuse from grandfather and within the family has completely stopped.”

But you?

“All you did was spout pleasant words. At first, it seemed great, but in the end, you turned out to be an empty treasure chest devoid of hope or anything worthwhile. That’s what you are, Kariel.”

“True. Expecting anything from me led to betrayal—it’s my fault in that sense.”

“You talk foul.”

“Yours is worse.”

You’re not rationalizing or justifying your logic.

You’ve simply chosen to believe and follow through with it.

Thus, we…

“…….”

One of us will die, or maybe both.

Until our last breath, we’ll never forgive each other.

Perhaps the grudges directed at me are utterly absurd and irrational.

But it seems you’ve sustained yourself by hating me all this time.

It’s ridiculous.

Likely, part of it stems from longing for the sister you admired, who always cherished and adored me.

You can never replace Sylas.

Which is why, at least in the aspects she cherished in me, you aimed to become a better person than him, right?

In the process, you ended up harboring excessive expectations.

Or maybe I inadvertently instilled those expectations by blowing smoke back then.

Either way, our relationship ended tragically.

It can’t be undone anymore.

“To me, my relationship with you was the greatest misfortune of my life.”

“…….”

“And to you, our connection must’ve been an unimaginable and absurd tragedy.”

Back then, I was a fool rushing ahead without thought.

Only after getting blindsided by you did I change completely.

Before realizing how painful it is to fall, we recklessly charge forward without pause.

That’s what lessons are.

You only understand pain after getting hurt.

“Haa… That’s right. I prepared myself, but seeing you again makes me hate you even more.”

The Kid tries to maintain a forced smile but eventually crumbles, glaring fiercely.

“Of course, it’s infuriating and frustrating to be exiled from the Empire and rejected by my sister! They stole all the skills and goods I gave to the family. Of course, I’m mad! And it’s all because of you!”

“…So you intend to seek revenge?”

“If I can! I will! Definitely!”

“Era, are you forgetting that I actually despise both you and Alesius?”

“…Then come at me. Bite me. Stop hesitating. Do you know what irritates me the most? Someone born into privilege with extraordinary talent and ability acting like the world has collapsed. Were your mom and dad absent like mine? Did grandpa ever break your arms or rip your skin apart? Have you ever been intimidated by retainers? Has some random maid—how dare she! How dare she—!”

“…….”

A child born blind might fare better.

But what happens when a child who once saw beauty loses their sight?

….

But even then.

Even so.

“Don’t drag others into the hell you dwell in.”

“Kariel!”

“Stay buried in your own pit. You don’t even deserve to sneer, you wretch.”

This person is ill.

A deeply afflicted patient.

“If Alesius can embrace you, why don’t you crawl to him and whine instead of vomiting here to me?”

I don’t respond properly.

Even if his words ignite anger within me,

I don’t reveal or show any signs of disturbance.

To him, I appear utterly bland and emotionless.

He probably thinks I’ve severed all ties of hatred connected to him.

…But ignoring, enduring, and turning a blind eye can never truly sever such karmic ties.

You and Alesius.

My parents, all of you.

And the countless bad connections between you and me, forming a web of malevolent karma.

“You’ve built a pointless tower. Until you tear it down, there will be no salvation in your life.”

Furthermore.

“…Unless you save yourself, you’ll find neither forgiveness from me nor redemption for yourself.”

It’d be faster to be destroyed instead.

“Yeah, how impressive you’ve become! Now you can confidently say such things! What a mess!”

“By the way…”

There’s one misunderstanding I’ll clarify.

“You’re extras, so stop cluttering my vision.”

“What?! Extras?! Say that again?! Extras?!”

“…My journey wasn’t about seeking revenge against you two.”

“No?! Then who?! If not you, then who?!”

“…….”

I suspected this when Delica told me about the other world.

This woman truly…

“Does my current state frighten you?”

“Scared?! Not a chance! That’s ridiculous! Have you grown up?!?”

She struggles desperately.

“Era, it’d be easier if you were scared.”

“For what reason?! Why should I?!”

“…….”

Because fear would prevent you from foolishly confronting me.

I don’t care which way it goes.

On one hand, it’s regrettable.

On the other, it brings immense joy.

“Aceles is… yeah. She’s in Abas.”

“…….”

“Wasn’t that information you were supposed to get anyway? Knowing it beforehand won’t change anything.”

He gives a derisive laugh and turns his back.

“Era, it’d be wise for you to think this through carefully. For a long time.”

“…Hey. Come along.”

What?

“…….”

I moved away happily, but his stupid comment dropped my mood to rock bottom.

“What nonsense is this?”

“It’s the same way anyway, right?”

“Does that give you a reason to come with me?”

“If it bothers you, just kill me or do something to stop me from following.”

“…….”

We just cursed each other moments ago.

Yet here she stands, grinning mischievously as if she’s forgotten everything, her radiant smile gleaming under the moonlight despite the darkness.

But it’s paradoxical and alien.

“…….”

So this is the answer you’ve arrived at, huh.

All I can do is shake my head.

“Do as you please.”

“So you won’t complain later?”

“…….”

Dealing with a sick person is exhausting.

Even if they were once pure, innocent, and untouched.

Because illness taints and corrupts that purity, that innocence.

It seems she found strength to confront life only by abandoning herself.

This must be proof of that.

I don’t want to understand this.

Whether it’s extreme acting or a demonstration of malice through poison and deceit, it doesn’t matter to me.

For me…

“…….”

It’s no longer any of my concern.

When the promised day comes, all you need to do is accept my presence unconditionally.

There will be no consideration, no mercy, no forgiveness, no permission.

It depends solely on my mood.

I will escape fate and destiny.

Only then.

Next, according to my will, I’ll be able to appropriately adjust the destinies and fates of myself and those I desire.

Pray to your gods.

That I remain beyond your reach.

---