Ch.3612. Sacred Site? Pilgrimage?(2)

“Is this the treasure vault?”

“Yes.”

“How unusual. Is it alright to bring an outsider to a place like this?”

“……”

Mellineos, renowned as the Mado Empress.

However, the fox-tribe girl below her gaze seemed completely unfazed by such titles and the authority they carried.

“It could be problematic for the nation… but you’re my teacher. Besides, how could I worry about such things when I’m the one asking for a favor?”

“Is that so? Well then, enjoy yourself. It’s quite a sight to behold.”

“Um, Teacher?”

“What?”

“…Why are you deliberately speaking in provincial dialect?”

“Does it bother you?”

She must be in a playful mood.

They say a fox-tribe’s appearance is determined by their mental maturity.

Not all of them are like that, but the girl before me certainly seemed to be a living example of this principle.

“I hear your Majesty is busy and can only come after sunset, but aren’t you busy yourself?”

“This is also part of my duties.”

“My, you’ve become quite flexible, haven’t you?”

The elf girl, Geornia, wiggled her fingers as if checking for dust and nodded her head.

The imperial palace is divided into different areas, and if one were to explore all of them, it would be like navigating an endless maze.

Unlike before, the number of imperial family members had decreased exponentially, leaving nearly half of the palace essentially an empty, unclaimed territory.

Even these spaces would eventually find owners, but Mellineos thought that would probably happen after Elhermina inherited the throne.

“Let’s see here.”

The treasure vault is organized by levels of value and rarity.

Among them were numerous treasures whose worth had yet to be proven.

Each area is separated differently—there are places filled with items that are nothing more than antiques to knights, while others contain treasures that would make one’s eyes pop out.

However, this particular area housed mysterious treasures whose value and rarity remained unproven, but were kept just in case.

“How shiny.”

“They’re spoils of war, but not quite.”

“Are there national treasures from fallen countries too?”

“……”

“Well, I suppose that has nothing to do with you or me.”

Smirking, Geornia surveyed the scattered gold and silver treasures with tourist-like interest, while Mellineos followed closely behind.

The reason there was no additional escort was likely because this matter was considered both important and in need of discreet investigation.

“It’ll take ages to find any trace of Kariel in here.”

“…I would have struggled, but you’re different, Teacher.”

“You’ll treat me to a feast but expect me to work? Tsk, tsk, tsk!”

Though she appeared to be sulking and clicking her tongue impudently on the surface,

Mellineos, who knew her true nature well, couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with her playacting.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

Tension seeps into her previously relaxed expression.

Her green eyes sharpen dramatically.

“𐤚𐤎𐤒”

She chants in an unknown language.

Blue light draws thick lines, swirling in all directions.

There are accounts of spirits appearing this way to those who cannot normally see them.

But this was something qualitatively different.

‘The fusion of spirits and mado.’

Magic fusion and mado fusion.

One of the three great masters of the Mado Fusion School.

Geornia Dei Adelweiss.

Beyond merely commanding spirits, she could convey specific instructions to them, communicating demands and directions more clearly than before.

She and her peers had elevated spirit arts—previously handled purely through empathy, affinity, and natural talent—to the realm of academic study.

“Watch carefully.”

Geornia gestured for Mellineos to approach, then touched her forehead with her tiny index finger.

All the colors of the world disappeared, leaving only a strange realm composed of bluish light.

There, Mellineos and Geornia could see Kariel arriving at this place, looking confused and conversing with someone.

“Do you know who he’s talking to?”

“…I wonder.”

“When he was with us, he communicated well with spirits, but here the energy and environment aren’t good… it shouldn’t be easy for him.”

“Was that so?”

“Why? Didn’t Kariel tell you about that?”

“……”

As their conversation paused, the two focused on the continuing scene.

Kariel, belatedly realizing why he had come here and trying to leave,

Suddenly stops, as if held back by something.

Then, his eyes widen as though he’s seen something.

[Who… are you?]

……

“Looks like he saw a ghost.”

Or perhaps,

“Something similar or related? What do you think?”

“I can’t tell for certain. Nothing is clear yet.”

“Then why not just call Kariel directly and ask him? It’s simple.”

“Well…”

“The engagement ceremony is tomorrow, right? But I noticed on my way here that you don’t seem to be planning anything grand? Keeping it modest?”

“……”

After looking around the treasure vault a bit more, Geornia suddenly asked,

“If you’re hiding something, confess now. If I start digging… this won’t be a matter to take lightly.”

“You already know, don’t you?”

“No. Not at all. I know nothing.”

Her playful tone and attitude remained the same.

But in Geornia’s eyes, which Mellineos happened to meet,

There was a clear anger settling in.

“Take the opportunity while I’m offering it.”

Geornia said as she walked out of the treasure vault on her own.

“It’s not appropriate to talk here, so let’s discuss it over a meal.”

Or perhaps,

“…Or should I go directly to your Emperor and ask him myself?”

====

“Are you alright?”

“Huh? What? What is it?”

Rueld blinked blankly at Patina’s question.

“You haven’t looked at a single document.”

“Oh, is that so.”

He couldn’t focus on his work.

This rarely happened to him, but this time was definitely different.

Even while wondering if this was the right thing to do,

He questioned what he was even doing it for.

Was he feeling disillusioned?

Or…

Whatever it was, his mind was unusually foggy and unfocused.

“It’s such a relief that Kariel finally came to his senses, even if it was late.”

“Uh, yes? Oh… right. That’s true.”

She doesn’t know.

No, most people wouldn’t know.

“……”

The day Kariel presumably left.

Conversely, that day was a day of unparalleled blessing for Rueld.

But…

“I’ve returned from greeting them.”

“…Your Highness?”

“Please speak comfortably. It’s just us here, there’s no need for formality.”

“……”

He had returned home, but everything felt empty.

He had arranged for Ermina to recover at the Grand Church rather than at home.

Coming back would only make her feel Kariel’s absence more acutely.

Yet coincidentally, Princess Elhermina had come to visit.

“I see. So, how was Kariel?”

“He’s grown impressively reliable.”

“……”

“But he won’t forgive you and Ermina. Nor the Empire.”

“That’s…”

“Still, it won’t lead to tragedy through vengeance. We should expect some venting of frustration, though.”

“……”

He felt like he was constantly shifting between dream and reality.

This sensation of ascending to heaven only to suddenly plummet to hell was something he couldn’t get used to.

Though he was accustomed to hardship, fatigue, and pain, having adapted long ago,

This particular situation was exceptionally difficult to endure.

“Are you alright?”

“…I’m sorry for showing such a pathetic side.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Ask anything, if I can answer it.”

Elhermina seemed to be organizing her thoughts.

In other words, she was wondering if it was appropriate to bring this up.

“Have you ever felt something off when dealing with Kariel?”

“…In what way?”

“Since Her Majesty has called for Geornia, we’ll know more when she arrives, but I wanted to ask just in case.”

“I’d appreciate if you could be more specific about your concerns.”

“I’ve watched Kariel for a long time. As such, I’m well-versed in all the circumstances surrounding him.”

But there’s something strange.

“People who interact with Kariel tend to change their approach toward him quite drastically.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“For example…”

The princess gestured self-deprecatingly at herself and Rueld.

“You and I show similar tendencies when dealing with Kariel.”

“In what way?”

“Blind faith. This applies to Father and Mother as well.”

“Blind faith? Not trust?”

“There’s a big difference.”

Elhermina’s lips moved slightly before continuing.

“And those who are hostile toward him also show reactions and attitudes that divide in various ways.”

Complete disregard.

Contempt and mockery.

Sometimes even hatred.

“And some go beyond merely harboring emotions to acting on them.”

A prime example was her brother, Alesius.

And several others.

“Normally, I would have intervened or tried to stop it in some way.”

If I had been my usual self.

“…But. Shortly after he left, as I reflected on myself, I felt something was off. I realized my behavior and attitude had significantly deviated from my normal self.”

“……”

“As if something had blinded me.”

And that,

“I believe Ermina was no exception.”

“Ermina?”

“It’s still speculation, but I wanted you to be aware. There might have been some malicious scheme at work that we don’t understand.”

“……”

Rueld thought to himself.

If that were the case, perhaps his own attitude would make a bit more sense.

So that he could direct his hatred and anger wholeheartedly,

…toward the malicious entity that had cast such a spell.

“What if your suspicion is just that—a suspicion?”

“Then I’d have to admit that I’m not just lacking in virtue, but truly despicable.”

Perhaps,

“That might be better. But if there are those who can manipulate us in ways we can’t even imagine,”

Isn’t Kariel in considerable danger right now?

====

“……”

Dusk was falling.

Rueld suddenly took out a letter from his inner pocket.

It was so crumpled that without unfolding it, the contents would be impossible to read.

He spread it out on his desk, smoothing it with his hands.

[I sincerely pray that no misfortune befalls Ermina during childbirth.

I sincerely pray that nothing happens to the child being born.

With that premise, I say this:

I sincerely thank you for the birth of Ermina and Rueld’s child.

With this, I can finally leave this place with peace of mind.

I will set aside the name Brendiar.

It was difficult being your son.

It was hard being your child.

I can’t bring myself to say I wish I had never been born…

But I may have repeated such thoughts dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands of times.

I prayed for a long time.

Nothing changed.

If my sincerity was lacking, if my effort was insufficient, if my desperation wasn’t enough,

Truly, what choice would I have but to die?

But what frightens me is whether I’ll remain in your hearts even after death.

No, that doesn’t frighten me.

Rather…

…I wish I had never existed.

If there were no trace of me left in this world,

All the memories that torment me wouldn’t feel so cruel.

If I have any regret, it’s that I became your disgrace and flaw.

So, I will say this:

I’m sorry for being born.

Please forget someone like me and live happily.

I will return someday.

But not for a reunion with you.

Please understand that.

Finally,

When we cross swords later, please don’t hold back or let your heart waver.

Please give it your all.

Of course, I will do the same.

But don’t worry.

As your son, I won’t hold back your life.

That’s why I’m setting aside the name Brendiar.

I tried to understand you.

I empathize with your pain.

I’ve seen many times, even as a child, how you couldn’t sleep at night due to past wounds and anxiety.

So, as much as I resent you, as much as I blame you,

I find I cannot truly hate you.

But that has nothing to do with the child, does it?

So please, treat this newborn child with love.

Pay attention, care for them, and be able to say you’re grateful they were born, both in everyday life and otherwise. I sincerely hope you can help with that.

Because that’s a duty no one else can fulfill for you.]

“……”

There was no postscript, no proper closing as one would expect in a letter.

But that couldn’t be helped.

There was no space left.

It didn’t feel like it was left unfinished, at least he had properly ended with a period.

But there was no more margin.

He wanted to see more.

Wanted to hear more.

How did it come to this?

He hadn’t yet shown this letter to Ermina.

No, he would never show it to her.

“Sorry for being born…”

What kind of words were those?

How could he say such a thing… to himself…

He wished this was all a dream.

No, something must be wrong.

He must be having a bad dream.

Perhaps the Demon King was still alive, and he was under some mental magic or illusion? A curse that prevented him from coming to his senses?

It wouldn’t be the first time.

Ermina herself had nearly never woken up because of something similar.

Even then, she had cried out in her illusion, refusing to let go of her child.

…Yet in the end, she accepted reality.

Sorrow is all too familiar to us.

There were so many instances that he couldn’t possibly count them all.

How had he been able to endure despite everything?

Because everyone was there.

But within all that…

…to make his own son write that he was sorry for being born.

How, in what way, by what means was he supposed to accept this?

“……”

Was this what sadness felt like?

They say when you’re too sad, tears won’t come, and you can’t think at all.

Despite experiencing this countless times,

This time, it felt like his soul was breaking, not just his bones.

“…But.”

He couldn’t stop.

Giving up and sitting down now would only be running away.

He had to find him and ask.

He had to confront this.

If his resentment was so extreme that killing Rueld wouldn’t resolve it…

…he couldn’t die for him, but he could try to persuade him, to reach a compromise.

No, that’s wrong.

This wasn’t about compromise or persuasion.

Apologize… say sorry…

Yes, that’s all.

But…

‘Where on earth did he go?’

He didn’t know the destination.

And even the Empire’s search network couldn’t locate him.

How was that possible?

“Pull yourself together.”

If he collapsed, Ermina would collapse too.

After that, the people of the Empire would falter, and even the Emperor, who was like a brother to him, would be in danger.

Weren’t they the ones who had to be mindful of the nobles’ scrutiny until very recently?

Those nobles shamelessly executed their dirty schemes, but Rueld and his allies couldn’t do the same.

No, more precisely, Rueld himself couldn’t.

All kinds of constraints bound his body like chains, weaving tightly around him.

Though he had resolved to bear it all,

…right now, he simply didn’t want to think about anything.

Just for a moment, just a very brief moment.

Give me a small amount of time to accept and endure all of this.

Father.

Heaven.

Our Lord.