Chapter 363: If It’s Tangled, Just Cut It (1)

Keter had acted like he was going to accept them, but he had just refused again. Puga blinked as reality set in. Just as he was about to erupt in anger, Keter clicked his tongue.

“No matter how good your conditions are, no matter how much you play the pity card, Sefira cannot help you. Is it because we're afraid of the Samael Empire? No. It’s not the empire we're afraid of—it’s you.”

“...?!”

“Why so surprised? Humans don't even trust other humans they’ve just met, much less creatures with snake heads and flaming fur, or someone five times the size of a normal man. Is it just your looks that are different? No, your power is at least at the level of the seven-star Prime. On what basis are we supposed to trust you and let you live on the same land?”

“But Inara said...”

“If it were just Inara, I wouldn't care because I know her. I know that even if she plays some tricks, she’s within a manageable level. However, I don’t know you lot. Keep you by my side until I get to know you? That’s far too bothersome and incredibly dangerous.”

Keter had experienced something similar in his past life, but back then, they were at least related by blood; here, with these non-human races, even that link was missing.

“Even so...” Puga opened his mouth to argue or persuade, but Keter wasn't finished.

“Let's say we were stupid and kind enough to keep you close and protect you from the empire. Even if the war ends safely and peace arrives, that would actually be the start of a new war. You know it too, don't you?

“Humans fight because their skin, gender, or generation is different. They fight because they aren't from the same country. Even those from different villages fight against each other. Even elves and dwarves, who look the most like us, are discriminated against as non-human races. Of course, the people of Sefira aren't that maliciously discriminatory. But look at us. You’ve seen it—Sefira has become a multi-national family.”

Sefira had taken over the entire southern region of the Lillian Kingdom. There was no way Sefira could have claimed such vast territory alone. Even if Keter played a huge part, there was foundational support from other nations and powers behind the scenes—Baen, Adeus, Belferio, and finally, the Samael Empire. In truth, Sefira was a power receiving backing and support from practically every nation.

While the non-human races didn't know the specifics, they had eyes, ears, and noses. They knew Sefira was home to an incredibly diverse group of people. Because of that, they had harbored the optimistic hope that they, too, would be accepted. Keter shattered that optimism.

“I bet you haven't observed our daily lives. Do you have any idea how much we bicker? Our cultures, eating habits, and even our sleeping schedules are different. We’re like this even in the middle of a war where one slip-up could mean total annihilation. We only tolerate each other because we're currently at war. Throwing non-human races into that mix? The mere thought is horrific.”

“...Hearing you say it, it seems we were mistaken.”

Puga conceded immediately. The other non-human races understood Keter’s point as well.

In short, Sefira was in no position to take them in, not because of the Samael Empire, but because of the nature of humans. If he had blamed the empire, they would have protested. They would have suspected Keter was hiding another reason, but by pinning it on human nature, they couldn't help but understand.

Inara’s shoulders slumped as she said, “I'm sorry, Keter. I thought that if we just dealt with the empire, we could be with Sefira.”

“As long as you understand.”

“We'll leave immediately.”

“Where to?”

“Does it matter?” Inara’s voice was hollow.

However, with an unwavering tone, Keter replied, “It matters a great deal. It would be a disaster if you people went and settled on some vacant land belonging to Sefira.”

At Keter’s words, the non-human races' fur and tails stood on end. A thick, concentrated killing intent filled the hollow.

Everyone here hated humans. Humans were the ones who hunted non-human races the most; humans were the ones who led the discrimination. Until now, they had restrained themselves because they were the ones asking for a favor, but now that they were being told to leave, that power dynamic had vanished. Yet Keter remained relaxed, hands behind his back.

He even turned around and asked Daat, “Dork, where would it be most troublesome for these guys to set up camp?”

“If you go about ten kilometers northwest of here and cross one mountain, there’s a forest. It sits right along a winding river. There are plenty of edible plants and fruits, and plenty of game, so Sefira soldiers often go there to forage or hunt.”

“Is that so? That would be quite a problem. If someone were to occupy that place, where would we hunt and forage?”

“Indeed. Many rare herbs grow there, and it’s full of scenic spots, so it’s not a place we can give up easily.”

“If I recall, didn't we even lay down a road to make it easier to get there?”

“It’s not paved with bricks, just packed earth, but it is an area managed by us, Sefira.”

“That really is a problem.”

Keter scratched the back of his head, then turned back to Inara.

“Did you hear that? Do not! Under any circumstances! Create a second Liqueur or anything of the sort exactly ten kilometers northwest. We're already in the middle of a war and short-staffed just managing the prisoners who surrendered. We don't have the manpower to keep an eye on you.”

Daat chimed in, supporting Keter’s words, “He’s right. And even if a carriage happens to pass by that area by chance, please ignore it. It’ll be carrying various daily necessities and construction materials, and it would be a disaster if it were plundered by vicious bandits.”

“Wait, Dork, what if the empire takes issue with this?”

“Well, what could we possibly do about it? The fog of Liqueur is a barrier that even demigod-like beings can’t pierce. Unless the empire wants to step up and do something themselves, it would be shameless of them to tell us to handle it.”

“Right? If the empire has a conscience, they won't hold us responsible.”

Keter scanned Inara and the non-human races. Their expressions were so utterly dumbfounded that he couldn't help but chuckle.

“Because we never wanted to coexist with them. Those guys just illegally occupied Sefira's land on their own whim.”

Daat shook his head and let out a sigh.

“And they appeared so suddenly that Sefira didn't even have time to react, right?”

And just like that, the new home for the non-human races, including the Seven Cursed Species, was decided.

* * *

While the non-human races living in the tunnels of Sefira packed their belongings, Daat went to find Myle to explain everything that had happened. As the vice-patriarch, a new position that granted him the authority of the patriarch whenever Hissop was absent, Myle felt a sense of puzzlement over Keter’s decision. He sought out Keter directly to question him.

“Keter. I understood immediately that we cannot coexist with the non-human races right now. Why are you still giving them Sefira’s land? Even if we feign ignorance, aren’t we giving the empire a justification to strike?”

“Exiling them would actually result in a much greater calamity,” Keter replied.

“Do you mean they would retaliate?”

“They aren’t the type to go that far, but even if they didn’t intend to, they would end up damaging Sefira. We would become known as the family that rejected the non-human races.”

“... Ah!”

The realization washed over Myle.

“I’ve heard there are still beastfolk resisting the empire. Even the Seven Cursed Species, thought to be extinct, were alive in Liqueur... They would grow to hate us,” Myle added.

From Sefira’s perspective, they were turning them away because there was no logical reason to accept them. However, in the eyes of the beastfolk, it wouldn't look that way. They would see Sefira as just another Samael Empire and seek revenge, even if the Seven Cursed Species exiled from Sefira didn’t lead the charge.

“It’s a given that the empire and the emperor are powerful enough to rule this continent. However, we can’t afford to ignore the beastfolk either. They are races born with innate advantages. If Sefira becomes the axis of evil in that long-standing conflict, it might not matter now, but it will surely become a troublesome shadow in the future.”

“Whereas the empire might be annoyed with us, but they won’t see us as a threat,” Myle added.

“For now, yes. Who knows what will happen later, but that is a problem for the future versions of ourselves to handle.”

“Haha, I suppose I shouldn’t aim for a long life then. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.”

“Anyway, please explain it well to Big Brother Hissop.”

“Hissop will surely understand your intentions.”

Myle patted Keter on the shoulder, and Keter responded with a smile. As Myle departed, Daat, who had been standing nearby, nudged Keter in the ribs.

“Retaliation isn’t the only issue here. Why didn’t you mention the other reason?” Daat asked.

“Daat, ignorance is bliss.”

“Weren’t you the one who said knowledge is power, Big Brother?”

“As I live on, I’ve found it differs from person to person. For me, knowing is good; for Sefira, ignorance is bliss.”

“Knowing too much... How bothersome.”

“That’s why living while ignoring things is the best. Though, it’s also the hardest thing in the world to do.”

Keter looked up at the sky through the window. The sunset had nearly faded. The moon was already in the sky, waiting for the night. Just by observing that gesture, Daat knew what Keter meant.

“Are you heading straight to Liqueur? The alliance with Prince Rakan is about to be finalized. They’ll likely launch a surprise attack tonight or at dawn. Since it’s come to this, why don’t you go with them?”

“Daat, a weapon is most terrifying when it’s out of sight. Rukan will be more wary and fearful if I’m not visible on the battlefield.”

“Sometimes a direct approach is more effective. We’ve pacified the south, and we’ve formed alliances with the second prince and the king consort. All that’s left is the total assault; it feels wrong for you to be missing from such a festival.”

“You’re being strangely persistent. You... are you hiding something from me?”

“No, it’s just...”

Daat opened his mouth then closed it, raised a hand then lowered it, and finally let out a deep sigh.

“I’m just anxious... and I have a bad feeling. You know I don’t usually believe in intuition, but this time, my gut is telling me something. It’s saying that going to Liqueur right now is dangerous. And I’m persistent because I simply wanted to fight by your side again, like the old days.”

“You little...”

Keter ruffled Daat’s hair until it was a mess.

“You’ve still got a long way to go before you’re an adult.”

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

“I am an adult!”

“Not even close. And... why don’t you just come out now?”

When Keter spoke toward the empty air, Daat jumped.

“Is someone hiding? That shouldn’t be possible.”

A space-time wizard was particularly sensitive to stealth. Unless it was someone like the smallfolk, whose presence was naturally faint, they could always find people who were hiding. Yet, no matter how much Daat looked around, he sensed nothing.

Keter grabbed Daat’s face and physically turned his head to the side. There stood several flowerpots, the ones tended to by Jacques, Keter’s butler. Daat had seen them often.

Is it one of the smallfolk?

The pots weren't large enough for a person to hide in, but if it were the smallfolk, it would make sense—both the lack of detection by a space-time wizard and the ability to fit in a pot.

“So you’re going to keep pretending until the end, huh?”

Keter approached the pots. Daat expected a member of the smallfolk to pop out, but what Keter caught in his hand wasn't a smallfolk but the leaf of a plant.

“Ahh!”

A woman’s flirtatious voice rang out. The object they thought was a plant was engulfed in blue flames, and Inara revealed herself. She flushed red and covered her eyes with her hands.

“It... It’s been so long since I’ve been touched, I’m sensitive! If you’re going to do it, do it gently.”

Despite Inara acting like an abandoned cat, Keter remained unmoved.

“What do you want?”

When Keter asked curtly, Inara pouted and stood up.

“You’re planning to go to Liqueur, aren’t you?”

“You heard, so you know.”

“Don’t go.”

“Why?”

She, who always blushed just by looking at Keter, now wore a grave expression as she shook her head.

“We didn’t leave Liqueur just because the exits became free. Liqueur has... become a place worse than hell.”

Inara had seven tails. The Nine-Tailed Fox Tribe possessed innate Authority, and her strength grew with each tail; with seven, she was a powerful being bordering on the eight-star level. If someone like her described Liqueur as worse than hell, it was certain that even a Prime could not guarantee their survival there.

However, Keter simply shrugged.

“What’s new?”