Chapter 261

The death of the Emperor. And the ascension of a new one.

This shocking news spread rapidly.

“It’s not exactly shocking, given how many rumors were already floating around? Especially those about you.”

“True, but there weren’t any direct rumors about the Emperor’s death itself.”

It was just vague hearsay after all – rumors about the presumed-dead son of the former emperor.

But the fact that it was true… that he infiltrated the capital of Sirius alone and slaughtered the Emperor and his inner circle… This reality hit the commoners hard.

The very fact that the Emperor, who stood at the highest position, had been killed this way…

“There hasn’t been much chaos despite everything.”

“Well, there are various reasons for that… but we did prepare extensively.”

We really prepared a lot. Over three years of traveling, gathering allies among the lords, punishing those who oppressed the people, winning the hearts of the populace…

And then there was Vivienne, the Dragon Priestess, practically the saint of the Church of Life. Her presence helped calm things down significantly.

Since most people followed the faith of the Church of Life, having her on our side shifted public opinion in our favor.

And then there was the famine that struck Romania…

Around three years ago, when we emerged from the Deep Forest, signs of the famine began to appear. By blaming the current Emperor for the famine, we secured the support of the populace.

“Big brother seems busy again today.”

“He just became Emperor. Of course he’s busy.”

Even more so because his rise to power involved assassinating the previous Emperor. Though he received sufficient education, I trust he’ll handle things well.

“Why did you call me here, Master? I’m quite busy too, you know.”

Vivienne pouted slightly. Arthur’s busy, she’s busy… I can understand why she’d feel a little annoyed seeing me relax while they work nonstop.

But what can I do? Officially, my role as their teacher is a secret. I’m merely known as a companion who offers them occasional advice.

Those who know the truth understand, but officially… officially…

Watching her disgruntled face, I spoke up.

“I called you here for an important matter, so stop sulking. You’re making wrinkles on that cute face of yours?”

“When you become a Dragon Priestess, wrinkles and such minor issues disappear completely, remember Master?”

“Hmm, true enough.”

They won’t appear in the future either. She’ll likely maintain her youthful beauty until the end of her days unless she gives up being a priestess.

Seeing her grumble, I chuckled softly before continuing.

“This is truly important, so listen carefully.”

“Of course, Master! Your precious disciple will listen attentively no matter what story you tell!”

“Don’t joke around. This is serious.”

Her eyes changed slightly at that. It’s rare for me to speak so earnestly, so she must have realized how grave this matter is.

“What is it?”

“Vivienne… the time to part ways is approaching.”

“Huh?”

She looked genuinely confused.

“Part ways? With whom?”

“With me and the two of you. The time granted to this Divine Body is almost over.”

“But… aren’t you supposed to be immortal? Aren’t you like an unyielding rock?”

“Rock-like existence…”

Even rocks erode over time, no matter how solid they seem.

This body is no different.

“Do even rocks wear away with time?”

“Not exactly, but… Master has lived since ancient times, even when the Gods walked the land… Why now…?”

As she continued speaking, realization dawned on her face.

“Could leaving the forest with us be the cause?”

I remained silent.

“No! How could you… Did you know this would happen and still chose to follow us?! That’s why you initially refused to come, wasn’t it?!”

She raised her voice in anger. If this continues, it will leave a deep wound in her heart.

So let me help her understand.

It’s not her fault.

“Leaving the forest wasn’t the sole reason. Even if I had stayed there, this body’s end would have come eventually.”

“But couldn’t you have lived longer if you had stayed?”

“…”

Regret wells up inside me. I can’t stay by their side forever. I’ve helped them enough, taught them what they needed, fulfilled my purpose. Isn’t it right for an obstacle to step aside?

Besides, it’s true that this body has reached its limit.

“Could returning to the forest save you now?”

“It’s too late. This body would collapse before reaching the forest.”

“Why didn’t you tell us this sooner…?”

I shook my head wordlessly.

“It wasn’t important. From the moment we left the forest, helping you two achieve your goals became more important than this body’s remaining time.”

“But… but…”

“Vivienne.”

I gently wiped away the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

“Don’t cry, Vivienne. Where there is meeting, there must be parting; where there is life, there must be death. It’s something we all face eventually. Please don’t take it too hard.”

“But… Master…”

Whispering softly, her expression suddenly changed as if remembering something. Then she grabbed my hand.

“I… I’ve heard that Dragon Priestesses can revive the dead! If that’s true, couldn’t we bring you back even if you die?”

“Vivienne… that’s…”

“I AM a Dragon Priestess! Chosen by the Goddess of Life herself! If I can revive the dead, then why can’t I revive you?!”

“Vivienne… it’s not possible.”

I slowly shook my head.

“That power only works on beings with life force. But this body… it’s difficult to call it truly alive.”

Can this body, made of solid rock, without breath or flowing blood, truly be considered living? Just a puppet controlled by magical power.

“This body isn’t truly alive…”

“Then… surely there must be another way! Someone as remarkable as you shouldn’t die like this!”

“Vivienne.”

I gently stroked her hair as she cried uncontrollably.

“It’s alright, Vivienne. I accepted this when we left the forest.”

“But…”

“I thought I’d quietly fade away in the forest, unseen by anyone. Then you two came along and turned my peaceful forest into a bustling place.”

That forest, where no one ever visited, was supposed to become my final resting place.

But everything changed when two children appeared.

Isn’t this a better ending?

“Thank you for finding me when I intended to fade away quietly, Vivienne.”

“Master…”

“Being with you two reminded me of old memories. Times spent happily with many children… though they weren’t biologically mine, I raised them all.”

Like the time with seven children. Those were enjoyable days of teaching and watching them grow.

“Let me say it again. Thank you for finding me, Vivienne.”

“And I… I should be thanking you. For helping Arthur and me. Master… No, Mom… I want to call you Mom… You feel more like a mother to me than my biological one ever did…”

What a troublesome child.

Silently smiling, I just stroked her hair.

“Even if this body disappears, I won’t truly be gone. I’ll always be watching over you two.”

I never told Vivienne that I would “die.” I only mentioned this body disappearing.

“So it’s okay. My disappearance doesn’t mean I’m dying.”

“Then… could we meet again someday?”

“It might be difficult…”

Wiping away her tears, I continued stroking her hair.

“My teachings, my will, my voice… They all reside within you, Vivienne. As long as you remember me, I’ll never truly disappear.”

“Yes… I’ll keep that in mind, Mom…”

Hmm. If only I had allowed her to call me Mom earlier…

She’s so adorable.

“But Mom… No, Master…”

She finally calmed down somewhat, reverting to calling me Master.

She could have kept calling me Mom, you know.

“Have you told Brother yet?”

“Huh? No, I haven’t spoken to him about it yet.”

Her expression hardened upon hearing my words.

Why does she react this way? I didn’t plan to burden him with additional worries while he’s busy with imperial duties.

I intended to tell him once things settled down… but it seems this body might break apart sooner than expected.

Leaving without saying anything might happen after all…

Still… after spending time together, a proper farewell seems appropriate.