Ch.19765. The Hour of Serpents and Vipers

“Your Majesty. I’m told Kariel is still staying in the sanctuary.”

The Queen, seated on her snow-white throne with her chin resting on her hand, blinked several times at Remira’s words before asking.

“How many days has it been now?”

“Today marks the 42nd day.”

The audience chamber was modest in size, barely able to accommodate thirty people even when packed.

Once, there had been a grand audience hall that could hold hundreds and still feel insufficient, but that was a space primarily used by the Light Clan, who had called themselves rulers of the Divine Tree before the Forest Clan.

For the Forest Clan, who stood in contrast and opposition to them, to ultimately walk the same path would mean reaching the same destination, wouldn’t it?

To some elders who still remembered those times, the attempt to excavate and adopt the relatively advanced facilities and forgotten culture left behind by the Light Clan seemed, at first glance, to directly betray the original spirit and will of the Forest Clan.

This led to the imposition of irrational and inefficient traditions, but… if this was inevitable, then so be it.

“He must have realized his path lies there.”

“I… I don’t know. But unlike us, humans cannot survive without food, can they?”

“That is not your concern.”

The Queen drew a firm line.

The matter of Kariel’s handling was known only to the Queen, the council members, the elders, and an extremely small number of others.

To prevent the ills of dictatorial monarchy, they had borrowed from human systems to establish a council, and the unanimous vote system was an absolute rule implemented because they believed their race to be more rational and wise than any other.

Some human once said:

Without rules and tolerance, we are no different from beasts.

If that’s the case, then we who have claimed to be superior must add one more virtue to distinguish ourselves.

And so they chose tradition.

The traditions of humans and those of the fairy folk would differ fundamentally in their depth.

And indeed they did.

Yet they could not match humans in the speed of civilization’s spread.

Once, there was a nation where a minority of humans ruled over the majority.

First, though few, they had power and were united.

Second, though the slaves and servants they ruled were many, they were weak and kept divided.

But they too eventually fell.

Unable to withstand the weight of time.

Though the minority was strong, their structure was precarious, becoming skeletal at the slightest harm.

If there was even one person who could unite the slaves and the weak.

They overlooked that even the weak could bare their teeth with determination.

The elves, called oddities though not all were such, studied this and passed it on to their descendants.

And those descendants never carelessly discarded what their ancestors had handed down.

“It is not the vast majority but the exceptional few who change the world.”

“……”

Why such words all of a sudden?

As Remira hesitated, the Queen continued.

“Humans were initially primitive beings who couldn’t even grasp the concept of building structures, nor properly make or use tools.”

But now they’ve completely changed.

However, that transformation was only possible because of countless years and flashes of inspiration like lightning from a clear sky.

And those who could turn that inspiration into reality.

They were not ordinary beings.

That’s why humans have praised such individuals as divinely sent, and over time, came to interpret this differently—as having received grace, protection, or blessing from the gods.

“Our ancestors were certainly not lacking… but being short-lived, their lives were always intense. And that intensity manifested as earnestness, sincerity, in reality.”

“……”

The Queen contemplates.

Kariel had, before reaching their territory, escaped death that should have been unavoidable, not once but three times.

In another sense, this meant he had overcome his own fate.

Once would be a miracle, but for it to happen repeatedly… that’s something beyond miracles.

But even miracles have their limits.

“If you would permit me, I could go check on him…”

“No need. He will manage on his own.”

The interior of the Divine Tree was a realm not just anyone could enter.

Even she, a council member and Queen, could only enter through proper procedures.

The elders were no exception.

Perhaps an elder had given him a hint.

If not that, then…

At least while he’s in there, he will be safe.

…Though what Remira worried about would likely be his greatest concern and trial.

But the Divine Tree is beyond mere mysticism—it is in itself unique, singular, and sacred.

Though it had voiced the command for his death.

If, having reached the sanctuary on his own, he could overcome fate once more…

Perhaps then, in a world set to become a sea of flames, another anomaly might occur.

====

Even after another 20 days had passed, Kariel still showed no intention of leaving the sanctuary.

While everyone who knew him worried, Kariel finally emerged on precisely the 70th day since entering.

He collapsed immediately upon exiting, severely weakened.

It wasn’t until the fifth day of unconsciousness that he finally opened his eyes.

“……”

“Awake, are you?”

Geornia looked down at Kariel, who was blankly staring at the ceiling, and remained that way for quite some time.

“How long… has it been?”

“Since you shut yourself in the World Tree? Quite a while.”

“…My throat is dry and I’m hungry.”

“For someone in your condition, you certainly have plenty to say.”

Though his body had become emaciated, that glib attitude remained unchanged.

In truth, his throat must be parched and his mouth so dry that speaking would be difficult.

“This is a tonic. Drink it.”

“…Don’t you know potions are supposed to come in vials?”

A thick blue liquid filled a wooden bowl.

And not a clean, clear liquid, but a viscous one.

While potions are typically diluted, if the raw extract isn’t toxic, this form would actually be more effective.

…Though judging by the smell, the taste was questionable at best.

Kariel drank it without further complaint.

If it had poured into his mouth all at once, he might have held his breath and downed it in one go, but its sticky, stretchy consistency made finishing it take quite some time.

“What an… exquisite taste.”

“That sounds like you’re asking for more.”

“I’ll pass.”

Strangely, his thirst and hunger vanished instantly.

Perhaps the tasteless concoction had driven back his survival instincts and appetite.

“So, what were you doing holed up in there for so long? I was beginning to think you’d been executed as a blood sacrifice.”

“Would the Forest Clan really perform the same rituals as the Light Clan?”

“The Forest Clan certainly did just that right after seizing the World Tree from the Light Clan. The elves of that time were, after all, the most powerful race on the continent.”

“…Then why are you relegated to the periphery now?”

“Because we tried not to go against the times.”

That was quite a pointed remark.

“The Elder said they didn’t force you. That means it was your own choice…”

“It’s not particularly something to hide… I simply had a consultation session with the World Tree. If there was any gain, it was learning about another version of my past, present, and future.”

“Another version of your… past, present, and even future?”

“It was a consensus point agreed upon by both the World Tree and the master of the world, they said.”

“The master of the world…”

Geornia crossed her arms while standing, then cupped her right cheek with her hand.

“Originally, El… Elhermina was supposed to be sent to a foreign country in my place, right?”

“That’s what I heard.”

“But then she died miserably, and ultimately, I began conquering the continent under the pretext of executing everyone connected to or associated with her death… and achieved quite significant results. That was the alternate past, present, and future I saw this time.”

“Not just a simple dream or illusion?”

“Had the circumstances and situation been different, I would certainly have done exactly that.”

And.

“I would have become the hero’s adversary, eventually destroying the world and inciting division as another tyrant… only to hand over my position to the next master who would unify the world.”

“The next master? Who would that be?”

“My younger brother.”

“Brother…?”

“Yes. Probably the one who will most resemble my father.”

Kariel acknowledged it.

“Come to think of it, I take after my mother.”

“What kind of… nonsensical future is that?”

“……”

While Geornia was confused,

Suddenly, Kariel felt as if the world had blurred.

And when he opened his eyes again, the same ceiling was above him.

“Awake, are you?”

“……”

It was Geornia.

The same woman he had been casually conversing with just moments ago.

“You have that disgusting tonic… don’t you?”

“…Did you smell it?”

She handed him a wooden bowl with a chuckle, as if she had been waiting.

“……”

Kariel couldn’t help but smile too.

Is this… a warning?

‘Of course.’

This makes more sense.

If Geornia were to learn what I know, what kind of ripples would that create?

“So, what happened? The Sixth Elder mentioned something, which is why I let it slide, but I thought you had helplessly become a blood sacrifice inside the World Tree.”

“……”

The words she spoke upon his awakening were similar.

Not identical, but the context was the same.

“I experienced something quite interesting.”

“…Oh?”

“I think I’m going to be a bit busy from now on.”

I’ve been backed into a corner.

And… the entity that pushed me there told me why I must die.

Whether to accept that fact and simply die,

Or to resist and find another breakthrough.

…I’ll rest properly and then make my choice.

I should be grateful for the opportunity to organize my thoughts and make plans.

The world hasn’t abandoned me yet.

More precisely, I haven’t abandoned myself yet.

====

After that day, Kariel shut himself in his house and didn’t move for days.

Except for right after he woke up, it was only four days later that Remira visited Kariel’s residence again.

His dwelling was a wooden house on the ground.

Though it had a ceiling, it was small enough to feel cramped with just two or three people inside.

However, upon entering, the place was filled with the smell of paper and ink, with sheets scattered everywhere—an unnaturally disorganized state for someone like Kariel who had always been so tidy.

“What’s this… Did an earthquake hit or something?”

“Your sense of humor has improved.”

Though his complexion and physical condition had reportedly improved over the past few days, traces of his emaciation remained clearly visible.

Moreover, dark circles under his eyes suggested he hadn’t been sleeping properly, yet his golden eyes displayed an unparalleled vitality.

“If you have nothing to do, you could at least pick up some of these scattered papers.”

“…Is that any way to treat a guest?”

Despite her grumbling, Remira naturally bent down.

“Geornia sometimes gets like this, but do you need to imitate her?”

“Really? I guess people who research or have a lot on their minds tend to have this trait.”

Indeed, everyone Kariel knew who was normally neat would shut themselves away for days like this when they had something to think about.

…In a way, he was just imitating that human behavior.

The way to do well at something you’re not good at is to imitate someone who is.

Not just their actions, but their way of thinking too.

And for someone like himself, who could divide his thoughts, objectively view himself, and claim to have two or three split personalities, this was quite easy.

If not me, pass it to the snake; if the snake can’t handle it, throw bait to the monster.

I am myself, but not singular.

The me who is sad and the me who is angry.

The me who is happy and the me who whispers love—all are one yet completely separate entities.

“So, have you resolved your concerns?”

“Did I say I had concerns?”

“When someone like you broods this intensely, what else would it be but concerns?”

“What’s this? Are you trying to seduce me now? Saying you want to marry me? Want to build a splendid home with me, have plenty of children, and live happily ever after?”

“…How did you reach that conclusion?”

As Remira looked dumbfounded, Kariel snickered.

“Don’t try to understand me too well. In this world, beings who can understand and respect someone else are extremely rare. And if such a being exists… one can’t help but develop desires.”

Remira reflexively asked.

“What desires?”

“To eat, or to be eaten?”

For all that build-up…

Perhaps it was because the answer was so anticlimactic after setting such a mood.

Remira released her tension and snorted indifferently.

“Aren’t those the same thing?”

“They’re completely different. Vastly different.”

Kariel stood up, stabbing his pen onto the desk like throwing a dart.

The metal nib beneath the feather pierced the paper on the desk like an arrow.

The ink on the nib began to stain the yellowish paper black.

“I think I’ve been cooped up too long. I’m hungry. Want to join me for something to eat… and then some archery practice?”

“Now? Suddenly?”

“Since you’re here already. Since you’re here.”

As Kariel headed for the door, Remira clicked her tongue and followed behind him.

This guy, from the beginning until now, is completely impossible to figure out.

He’s someone who has consistently lowered his presence, allowing others to guess and measure his existence and form only within the boundaries he permits.

But his essence must be something else entirely.

Most people don’t realize this, though.

Whether human or elf, when faced with ominous unknowns, they generally prefer not to look directly at them.

…Perhaps it’s something like instinct.