Chapter 302: Name (2)

Sophien fell asleep, and Keiron, in his knightly bearing, watched over her. Though she had clearly collapsed as if fainting, tormented by anguish, Sophien's face was more peaceful than ever before. Because of this, Keiron did not yet know if she had broken free from her restraints or been liberated from a destiny given by God.

However, to Keiron, the Empress's knight, his lord's face was, at least for now, peaceful—devoid of distress or apprehension and brimming with confidence—with the smile on her lips clearly defined.

"Your Majesty, that is a smile you have never once revealed," Keiron muttered.

Sophien's smile was subtle and radiated mere contentment, neither too intense nor too slight—a humble smile, as unadorned as any ordinary human on this continent and as beautiful as a wild flower swaying by the roadside...

“... Who is it?”

At that moment, a voice came from behind, prompting Keiron to turn and see Epherene, who had rushed back to the Sanctuary.

"

Oh?!

" Epherene murmured, her eyes widening as she looked at Keiron and Sophien on the floor.

"Epherene?" Keiron said, taking Sophien onto his back.

Epherene swallowed hard and nodded.

"You have done well," Keiron added, gesturing toward Yulie within the cylinder.

"

Oh

, about that..." Epherene mumbled, her fingers fumbling at her neck.

"Knight Yulie does deserve to live a better life."

Keiron's words were, at the very least, not empty words.

"... Yes," Epherene replied, giving a stiff nod.

"Well, see to Yulie's condition without delay, and for any future requirement arises, speak to me," Keiron said, drawing a miniature knight figure from his armor and placing it on the table.

“... Is that you, Knight Keiron?”

“That is correct.”

"But why did Her Majesty come here to this place?" Epherene asked with a nod, and then the most fundamental question surfaced.

"It was for the killing of Yulie."

“What?! Why?!”

"Given Yulie's hold upon Deculein's heart."

"What?!" Epherene said, her eyes widening as she rushed to look at Yulie inside the cylinder.

Fortunately, Yulie was in perfect condition.

"... But she looks fine?"

"Because Her Majesty changed her mind."

"Sorry? What does that mean..."

At that moment, the echo of demonic energy grazed Epherene's mind, and she felt the creeping presence of someone approaching.

“It’s Deculein!” Epherene yelled.

“... Deculein?”

"H-Hide! If he discovers you here, you’ll be in trouble too, won’t you?" Epherene said, digging a pit with magic.

Epherene shoved Keiron and Sophien into the pit, then covered it with a mana barrier, and this, too, was an application of nanotubes.

Thud—

Thud—

To the sound of approaching footsteps, Epherene cleared her throat and turned, finding a form of demonic energy shimmering in the darkness, knowing the demon had indeed been killed but that Deculein was submerged within that demonic energy.

“... Professor,” Epherene muttered.

Deculein is dangerous right now, having just fought the demon, and his eyes are stained violet,

Epherene muttered.

Deculein stood still, surveying his surroundings while silence weighed down the space. Epherene’s tension tightened to her jaw, and the pit where Sophien and Keiron were hidden continued to trouble her.

"Here you have been," Deculein said, demonic energy swirling like smoke from his lips.

"We are trying to save Knight Yulie," Epherene replied.

Regardless, Deculein maintained his composure, merely meeting Epherene's eyes directly and showing no response whatsoever.

"It's true. About the method we’re using to save her... I will explain all of that as well," Epherene continued, as if offering an excuse.

The very principle that would save Yulie was Epherene's distinct Time Magic, a blend of science, magic, and the medicinal herbs of nature. Epherene offered her explanation, yet the most important part still weighed heavily on her mind.

"Of course, if time were rewound, Knight Yulie would forget all memories."

There was no way Deculein would permit Yulie to forget his memories, as he loved her above all others, and could not bear the thought of fading from her mind.

"But!" Epherene continued, her nervousness betraying her as she snatched the diary from the table. "Knight Yulie wrote her diary here. The diary, written in her own handwriting, flows with her mana. Upon Knight Yulie’s awakening, she will remember everything again."

Thud—

Then, Deculein resumed his movement, stepping toward Epherene, his entire body pulsating with demonic energy, appearing as the most fearsome Yukline she had ever seen.

"What are you trying to do?" Epherene asked, placing herself before Deculein.

"... Such memories are merely false," Deculein replied.

“Sorry?”

"Then you would let her die with memories of you, Professor?" Epherene asked, furrowing her brow at Deculein's ambiguous words.

Without a word, Deculein stared down at Epherene, who felt a slight wave of anger.

"Professor, do you prefer her to die remembering you rather than live, as Knight Yulie does?"

"Even if she survives in such a manner, she will live with false memories, in an existence bereft of purpose or worth," Deculein replied.

“

... Wow.

”

Epherene's head suddenly grew hot.

Have I misjudged the Professor all this time? I never imagined this. Is he really wishing for Knight Yulie to die merely to remember him?

Epherene thought.

"Step aside," Deculein said.

"You cannot go. If you mean to, you must first break through me," Epherene replied, spreading her arms wide, blocking Deculein's advance with her own body.

“How arrogant, Epherene.”

"

Hmph!

I am actually strong now, you know—

argh!

"

Whooooosh—!

Deculein's immense mana pushed Epherene, sending her flying into the sky like a paper doll hit by an automobile, her body fluttering through the air before falling to the ground.

“

... Ugh, argh...

”

The overwhelming mass of

Telekinesis

caused Epherene’s entire body to ache, as though a wave of steel had crashed over her.

To think that it was a surprise attack... couldn’t he have given me time to put on my armor...?

Epherene thought.

As Epherene struggled with pain, Deculein had already made his way to Yulie.

“Wait!”

Epherene's cry was lightly brushed aside as Deculein turned to Yulie in the cylinder, his face bearing a look of bittersweet affection. Then with a single hand, he picked up the diary.

"What... are you doing...?!" Epherene said, forcing her tattered body back to her feet.

"Do not overstep your bounds," Deculein replied, glaring at Epherene.

“... What.”

"It means that it should not be turned back."

“No!”

At that moment, mana ignited in Deculein's grip, and the destructive flames, intermingled with demonic energy, were clearly destined to break something—or so it seemed to Epherene.

"No!" Epherene shouted, her hand outstretched.

Fwoooosh—!

Something burst into flames.

Then...

Epherene blinked in a daze, and the Sanctuary became steeped in silence.

“

... Oh.

”

Something had certainly burst into flames, but it was a different object from what Epherene had expected. What withered into fine black ash and flowed through Deculein's fingers, as the bewildered Epherene watched, was not Yulie's time cylinder in which she slept, but Yulie's diary.

"... But why?" Epherene asked, her eyes wide and uncomprehending.

Then, Deculein turned his body, causing Epherene's body to tremble.

“... The reason I released Yulie,” Deculein said, his voice resonating through the dim sanctuary as he approached Epherene, “was because I wanted her to live freely.”

Deculein knew, with certainty, that only by escaping from him—no, by having to escape from him—could Yulie attain true freedom.

"Because I desired Yulie to dedicate her remaining life entirely to herself."

Epherene's eyes trembled, and a moment too late, she understood Deculein's heart.

"... I commend your efforts to save Yulie's life," Deculein continued, his steps measured.

Thud, thud.

Perhaps it was only a feeling that Deculein's steps seemed unusually sorrowful.

"However... do not withhold Yulie’s opportunity to live freely."

Epherene looked up at Deculein.

"That second life must belong to her, and her alone," Deculein continued, extending a hand to Epherene, who lay upon the ground.

Epherene remained silent.

"And I must not be within it."

Looking at the hand Deculein extended, Epherene thought that she had, in truth, judged Deculein differently and seen him in a different light. Though this Professor was perhaps too fundamentalist a mage—sometimes arrogant and disdainful, easily disregarding and contemptuous of people—his capacity to love a single person was greater than anyone else's...

Tap—

Without warning, Deculein's eyes closed, and he gave way, remaining in the stance with his hand outstretched.

“

Oh?

”

... Under such clichéd circumstances, the falling direction was more often the issue.

“

Oh.

”

It was Deculein, collapsing onto Epherene as if into her arms, his body falling upon hers.

Snug—

With a soft snuggling sound as Deculein fell into Epherene's arms, she, now holding him in an unconscious hold, turned a vivid red, and Keiron, watching the scene, got to his feet.

Pleading for Keiron’s help, Epherene said, “Knight Keiron! P-Please, help me—”

“It appears you are satisfied,” Keiron interrupted.

"What could possibly be satisfying about this?! Take the Professor with you, Knight Keiron—"

Epherene frantically shook her head, but Keiron calmly stepped out of the Sanctuary.

***

... On the third day following the demon incident, a significant number of decisions were made.

The first matter was Bell's discharge and imprisonment—a strict retribution for attempting to hide the demon's outbreak.

The second matter was Empress Sophien’s return to the Empire. The demon’s threat to Sophien’s life—a major event following closely on the heels of the Imperial Palace attack, whose shock had not yet subsided—left Sophien no choice but to return.

"This is the design for the Grand Self-Destruction magic circle, Your Majesty," Idnik said.

As a result of this, I was now in negotiation with Idnik of the Desert, and Empress Sophien was holding formal discussions and reaching agreements.

“Deculein, our demand in exchange for this design is the desert’s autonomy. Whether the Empire incorporates the desert into its territory or establishes borders matters not. We merely seek the continued existence and proper preservation of the desert and its tribes,” Idnik added.

I looked upon the grand magic blueprint, modified by Idnik of her own accord, and recognized it, in its own way, as a strategic weapon.

"Your Majesty, is all well?" I questioned.

From the backroom behind us, concealed by a screen, Sophien, who had been observing the agreement, cleared her throat.

—

Very well. However, this is conditional upon your cooperation in the expedition to the Land of Destruction.

"By all means, Your Majesty. Our human network oversees the desert’s information, including spies within the Altar, and we will support Your Majesty’s every need," Idnik replied.

Then Idnik presented a document to me and added, “Moreover, while the desert can sustain itself to some extent, it remains dependent on external resources. Consequently, certain trade agreements will be required, Your Majesty.”

—

Trade, you say?

Sophien, using

Telekinesis

, took the documents and read them.

—

... There is little of note. I grant my assent. However, no Scarletborn shall partake in this entire process, as I am not yet prepared to face their kind.

"Yes, Your Majesty, we remain deeply honored by your favor," Idnik replied, bowing once more before broaching a somewhat uncomfortable topic. "However, though our readiness to collaborate with Your Majesty is complete, many desert tribes remain hostile to the Empire. Due to this recent tribal suppression incident—"

"I have someone prepared for such an eventuality," I interrupted.

Idnik showed no sign of recognition, but I spoke the name.

“Bell.”

Bell was now the one imprisoned in the underground prison, with his arm and leg severed.

"Take Bell with you, as he shall serve as a fitting outlet for their indignation, for it was he who directly executed the recent tribal suppression upon them."

At that moment, a smile played on Idnik’s lips before she composed herself, then said, “... Your Majesty, will this meet your approval?”

—

Take him. Keep him in a pigsty and raise him, or let him live his days as a plaything before you kill him. The choice is entirely yours.

Having finished speaking, Sophien presented two official letters—one was the Empress’s agreement to this negotiation, and the other was an order to transfer Bell from the underground prison to the desert.

"Your Majesty, did you conceive of this plan from the very moment Bell was first placed in authority?" Idnik asked, disbelief coloring her tone.

—

Hmph, that is more likely Deculein’s doing. Well, he is such a master at eliminating his enemies—that one. It explains his utter disinterest in the plight of the minority tribes.

Then, Idnik shifted her eyes to me once more, though I remained silent.

Sophien waved her hands in dismissal.

—

This concludes the agreement.

"... Yes, Your Majesty, I remain deeply honored by your favor," Idnik replied and then, with a glance at me, withdrew from the chamber.

Then I rose from my seat and said, “Your Majesty, I will inform the ministers about this matter—”

—

Deculein.

Sophien interrupted me, opening the screen.

Swish—

Sophien's face appeared through the rising screen, colored by an inexplicable shyness.

"... Wait. There is a gift for you," Sophien added.

"A gift, Your Majesty?"

"Indeed.

Ahem

," Sophien replied, clearing her throat. "This is my offering of reconciliation to you, and—"

"Your Majesty, such a heart as yours is a gift to me."

“You fucking,” Sophien muttered, her face contorting in annoyance.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will accept it," I stated, nodding reluctantly.

"... Very well. No further words are required, and as it holds little weight, let silence attend its acceptance," Sophien said, revealing an object from behind her back.

My thoughts, watching what Sophien held out, paused momentarily.

"... Why the silence?"

In her hand, Sophien held a tiny flowerpot.

"Is it too small and insignificant...?" Sophien asked, anxiety crossing her features as her voice trembled.

As Sophien had said, the flowerpot held only a small cactus, blossoming with a tiny flower.

"... Say something.”

The cactus was too tiny and humble, too unsightly to be called a flower, yet bearing the marks of Sophien's touch and care here and there, it had evidently grown with great affection. Thus, I looked upon it without a word.

I couldn't think of what to say, nor did I know how to respond, and for the first time in too long, I was taken aback. This was partly because it was so unexpected, but also because my old memories surfaced in an instant.

Receiving a gift of flowers like this is the first since I became Deculein... no, the first since her during my days as Kim Woo-Jin...

I thought.

“Deculein?”

"I remain deeply honored by your favor, Your Majesty," I replied with haste.

And my heart pounded with an unease that was surprising even to myself.

"I will take my leave now, Your Majesty."

I merely offered a quick bow and then hastened to make my way outside...

***

Creeeeeak—

With Deculein having fled, Sophien began to mutter immediately after the door closed, lost in a daze.

"... It has succeeded," Sophien muttered.

It had certainly worked on Deculein, and though Sophien’s physical senses seemed impaired due to the aftereffects of emotional injury, that was not the cause, as the real reason was plainly obvious.

"That singular heartbeat."

As Sophien handed him the cactus flower, a significant emotional disturbance was unmistakably felt in Deculein’s heart...

"Keiron! Bring me Ria!" Sophien shouted, her tone urgent as she sought out the very child whose advice had been indispensable.

—

Yes, Your Majesty.

Creeeeak—

No sooner had a moment passed than the door opened, and Ria entered, her face innocent as she asked, “Yes, Your Majesty. What is the matter?”

"It has succeeded!" Sophien replied, a childlike smile lighting her features.

"... What has succeeded, Your Majesty?" Ria asked, her eyes wide with confusion as she tilted her head at Sophien.

"What you spoke of has succeeded."

Ria remained silent.

"The flower I speak of—the flower!" Sophien continued, detailing her extraordinary achievement with evident pride. "With a single humble blossom, it made Deculein's heart tremble."

“

Oh...

”

Only at that point did a look of understanding cross Ria's face.

"Deculein’s heart pulsed with significant meaning, and I had heard its beat."

Though Sophien spoke with delight, Ria’s face was not altogether bright.

"... That is a relief, Your Majesty," Ria replied.

“Indeed. Then you may begin to list them now.”

However, Ria's condition held no importance to Sophien at that moment.

"What... what do you mean by that, Your Majesty?"

“There must be more, must there not? Speak of anything Deculein might like—anything at all.”

Of course, Sophien wished for Deculein’s happiness, and even if she were not part of it, she was willing to sacrifice her own happiness so long as Deculein was happy—for that was love.

However...

It was against Sophien’s nature not to attempt a challenge—indeed, a coward who refused to face a challenge held no right to be Empress.

“Upon each successful suggestion...”

Therefore, this time Sophien would approach Deculein in an honorable and straightforward manner, neither killing anyone nor resorting to stratagems, but relying solely on her heartfelt sincerity.

"I shall grant you any treasure you desire—the treasures of the Empire itself," Sophien declared, pounding her chest.

But no response came from Ria.

I know I'm supposed to be happy about it, but I feel dark inside, as if I’m rotting away...

Ria thought.

"Ria?" Sophien called, her head tilted slightly.

"... Yes, Your Majesty," Ria replied, gritting her teeth.

However, Ria had to keep business and personal matters separate because Deculein was not Kim Woo-Jin, and for the sake of clearing the main quest, protecting Sophien’s mental health, and acquiring the Imperial Palace’s treasures.

"I offer my assistance to you."

More than anything, this was something she had to do as Ria, not as Yoo Ah-Ra.

"... Very well. I shall place my trust in you," Sophien said, smiling brightly as she took Ria's hand in hers.