Ch.358Garden of Paradise. Hyuren Plains (2)

Strangely enough, the top floor of the hotel was made entirely of glass.

Thanks to this, one could take in the view of the plains at a glance, and indeed, looking down from such a height gave the feeling of being like a creator.

Of course, to the sun, the true creator of the world, this meant nothing at all.

“Is it a single sheet of glass?”

“It seems so.”

Whether due to technological limitations, upon closer inspection, the bottom of the glass was noticeably thicker. This often happens when making glass panels before they fully solidify, but doesn’t occur with modern technology.

In the distance, journalists could be seen waiting with cameras ready to secretly photograph the deity, but they had no chance. They lost their expensive cameras to the maces wielded by the Sun’s soldiers who had been waiting in advance, and now stood with dumbfounded expressions as their heads were put on the line.

Their crime was attempting to invade a god’s privacy.

“Serves them right.”

“Hmm-hmm-hmm.”

The Walker couple clinked their glasses at the sight, and before they knew it, morning had turned to night.

The night in Huren Plains was exceptionally peaceful. There were no forests glowing with phosphorescence or grass singing songs, but rather, it was this ordinary and serene aspect that greatly appealed to Victor.

Being no longer human, he couldn’t help but frequently witness supernatural sights, whether he liked it or not, but seeing such an ordinary landscape brought back memories of his human days.

Looking at the night view, the Walker couple could understand why the mayor’s son called other famous places “tourist attractions” while referring to Huren as a “resort.” They entered the bed and exchanged bodily fluids.

This one-sided exchange—where one side was sucked and the other became firm—continued throughout the night, and by the time they left their room for breakfast, the surface of the moon was gleaming as smoothly as if it had been polished.

*

The next morning.

The mayor of the city was kneeling before the Sun.

“It is an honor to behold the Sun. Your visit to this unremarkable place is the glory of my lifetime.”

“Your words please me. Rise, leader of this land. Do you know what I desire from you?”

“Of course, obedience and submission.”

“Excellent.”

Victor smiled slightly and extended the back of his hand.

The mayor moistened his lips with salt water before carefully kissing the back of Victor’s hand, completing the contract.

“Regrettably, we have neither mighty armies nor abundant resources. However, we can heal the Sun’s body and mind, weary from long travels. What we can contribute to the revival of the Empire may be very little, but we are content simply not to be a burden.”

“That is sufficient. I spoke with your son. He is a very intelligent young man. You have raised him admirably. If he continues to grow like this, he will surely become an excellent person to succeed you.”

“It is an honor that you think so highly of my inadequate son. I merely passed on what I learned from my father and grandfather. This is like the endless continuation of human wisdom.”

“Your words are truly fitting.”

The Sun smiled with satisfaction and helped the mayor to his feet.

They say a well-spoken word can repay a debt of a thousand nyang. It’s not for nothing that people say even if all you can do is talk, you can make a living if you talk well.

There’s a saying about those who imitate tigers, but ironically, in reality, there are far more who imitate the wealthy and powerful. When you think about it, it’s natural—children from well-off families are bound to be well-off themselves.

Judging by how the mayor mentioned his father and grandfather, this distinctive way of speaking must be something like a family inheritance.

“Bring it forth.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Satisfied, Victor decided to give him a gift.

When the honor guard presented an orichalcum sword sleeping in an elegant scabbard, the mayor’s eyes grew as round as marbles, and those around him began to cast envious glances.

“This sword is made from orichalcum that I created. Accept it with gratitude. I give this as a gift, impressed by the eloquence of you and your son. To refuse it would be to refuse my grace.”

“I-I am deeply honored. This is truly a family heirloom to be passed down for generations. Now I can boast to others that our family has received the Sun’s grace. Today, my family and I have once again received an immense blessing.”

“As it should be. Among countless politicians, you are the first to receive a sword from me. This is because your eloquence, humility, and loyalty have moved my heart. As you said, while Huren lacks power, it has become a home for diligent and honest people. I bestow this sword to protect such people. Can I trust that you will wield this sword to protect your citizens?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost not to disappoint you. This sword will fulfill its purpose only for those who elected me, for those who recommended others for this city, and finally for those who watched with trust and faith.”

The mayor satisfied the Sun with his eloquent speech.

His determination to protect those who voted for him, those who voted for his competitors, and even those who didn’t vote at all was pure, and his passion burned brightly.

It was a feeling similar to when Victor was deeply moved in the Orcran Swamp, and he watched as the mayor gratefully accepted the sword.

However, his smile almost faltered when he spotted the mayor’s son smiling in the distance.

Seeing his face suddenly reminded Victor of the curse that prevented him from having children with his wife.

Fortunately, Victor managed to maintain his composure, but he couldn’t shake off this melancholy feeling.

Even mere mortals can have children and build families, yet the undisputed gods are cursed with infertility. Isn’t it truly shameful?

They say the curse will be lifted once the pilgrimage is complete, but there was still a long way to go to reach Centrum, the final continent, and the Iron Walker party had only conquered the 8th continent so far.

*

A week passed.

During this time, the Sun’s forces diligently gathered supplies and loaded them onto the Sky Warden, while the Iron Walker couple spent three days confirming their love for each other.

Simon was invited by the city’s scholars to lecture at the university, and the dwarf brothers were invited by the city’s blacksmith guild to teach about the physical properties and processing methods of orichalcum.

Of course, given the city’s modest size, it was questionable whether this knowledge would truly be useful, but knowledge is something that should never be underestimated. If dismissed as useless, one might end up desperately searching through decades-old books when it’s actually needed. What harm could come from learning in advance?

The Walker couple also worked on various matters besides their intimate relations. Victor engaged in in-depth discussions with the mayor and city council members about Huren’s social issues and vulnerabilities, while Raisha, as her husband’s representative and the Moon’s incarnation, sought out followers of the Two Moons Order within the city to comfort them and strengthen their faith.

As a result, Huren achieved significant institutional improvements and legal enhancements, and with the Sun’s financial investment, modernized key infrastructure and established or expanded higher education institutions, including libraries.

Additionally, the scholarly guild and blacksmith guild made great academic achievements through the theology and metallurgy knowledge they received, and the number of Two Moons Order followers surpassed one-tenth of the city’s population, bringing about positive changes.

In truth, if they had wanted, they could have made Huren the hegemonic power in the region, but this was abandoned due to concerns that it would greatly inhibit mortals’ free competitive spirit and cause rapid deterioration in international relations.

Above all, Huren’s residents were attracted to the uniquely relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of the Huren Plains, so unlike other cities, they didn’t desire rapid growth. Recognizing this, the Sun didn’t force further development upon them.

This was somewhat of a reflection on his actions in Truth City, where the resentment of those deeply hurt by rapid and radical redevelopment against the residents’ wishes had flowed into his mind.

If the Sun merely shines on humans without consideration, humans will ultimately perish, burning in the solar heat and light.

While he wasn’t unaware of this, as with theology or philosophy, there were many difficulties in directly applying these principles to practical politics, leading to such trial and error.

If there is morning, there must be night; if there is development, there must also be decline.

Victor had now realized this, showing that the path to becoming an emperor is truly long and arduous.