Chapter 38 – Nothing Is Over

“El, are you certain?”

“About what?”

“The theory that Cariel’s… affliction… affected us. And your treatment of Teacher Geornia… it could weaken your position.”

The Emperor, Princess, Empress, and Chamberlain proceeded down a grand, quiet hallway, the light from mana lamps contrasting sharply with the windowless sections.

Optimal illumination, neither too bright nor too dim, a product of modern magic.

“My stance was necessary. Wounded beasts are easy targets.”

“And Cariel?”

“Someone’s interference? A curse? Or a deliberate attack?”

“…Too vague. Not convincing.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“So that’s how it is.”

The Emperor sighed, a weary sound.

“Father, the point isn’t
if
someone interfered. Our actions remain. I don’t care about the
why
. We must atone, regardless. But if there
was
outside influence… I’ll burn it all down. To ashes.”

And…

“Only then… can we hope for a chance… however small.”

For Cariel. For Luelde and Ermina. For all who’d wronged him. A gentle lie, masking a brutal truth.

“People see and hear what they want, anyway.”

“……”

The Emperor sighed again.

“And outsiders judging us… is unhelpful.”

The Empire’s problems were the Empire’s to solve. Atonement, judgment…

“We’ll handle it.”

Elhermina was resolute.

“Regrets are pointless. We must prevent further damage. For a better future.”

“…Can it be salvaged?”

“I…”

She hesitated.

“I don’t know. Not yet.”

If Luelde hadn’t shown her the letter… she’d still be clinging to hope, believing it was resolved. But the letter… revealed a devastating truth.

“I’m protecting both sides.”

The hero and the saint. And…

====

“When we find Cariel, bring him home.”

Geornia, picking at her ear, spoke casually. Hamerne frowned.

“Is that wise?”

“Luelde won’t risk war. Even your brilliant Emperor needs justification. And this…”

“Justification is easily manufactured.”

“That’s why Elhermina is the problem.”

Geornia had seen it, the overwhelming white light that filled the room. She shuddered.

“She’s mastered the Demon King’s legacy.”

“But
you
gave it to her.”

“She
claimed
it.”

Three pieces of the legacy, offered by defecting demons. But ownership wasn’t automatic. Elhermina had passed the trials.

“Poison, consumed out of necessity.”

They couldn’t refuse it. A ticking time bomb.

“Sealing it was the answer… We should have left it in the demon realm.”

“And risk someone else claiming it, becoming a Demon King?”

“At least the other claimants are… incompetent.”

Geornia sprawled on the sofa.

“They probably know where Cariel is.”

Infuriating.

“How will you report this?”

“I’ll wait.”

Unanswered questions remained. And if Elhermina’s theory was correct… there was a purpose.

“Did the demons offer him a deal he couldn’t refuse?”

Or was it simply human malice?

She didn’t know. But she would. They’d revealed their secrets for this very reason. To uncover the truth.

====

His head throbbed.

Creak… screech…

“Ugh!”

It’s going to break!

He struggled, then found himself in a strange place.

“Where…?”

Barren earth, crimson sky. No plants, only dead trees. Pale ground, like ash and bone. A desolate wasteland.

“What…?”

A faint light appeared. He moved towards it. A small, winged angel.

An angel?

It looked at him, then flew away, slowly, beckoning.

Creak…

“Ugh!”

Not a headache, something… else. He gasped, clutching his head.

“……”

Why am I here?

He followed the angel. It flew towards a chasm.

“……”

Unease gripped him. The angel hovered over the pit. He called, waved, pleaded.

It shook its head, weeping, hands clasped in prayer, wings drooping.

He hesitated.

Then, he stepped into the chasm.

……

Familiar.

“…?”

A chilling familiarity. He shivered.
A dream?
Had he dozed off? But why
here
?

His room. So familiar, it was terrifying. He trembled. Sitting at his desk.

Why… my room?

He’d left. Hadn’t he? Was it all a dream?

Panic surged. He steadied himself with deep breaths. Fear wouldn’t help.

It’s not too late.

He opened the window, as always…

“……”

So high.
He used to jump. Now, it was a fatal drop. His hands and feet were small. Not the world, but
him
.

“How…?”

No time for panic. Focus.

He had to leave.

The door. A barrier. He dreaded it, the unknown on the other side. The footsteps, the anxiety, the pretense of diligence.

But he had to.

He listened. Silence. He crept out, into a chilling stillness. Fear and relief warred within him. His legs trembled.

I was thirsty. No one answered.

Excuses ready.
And I needed the restroom.

He moved silently, senses heightened. He reached the front door, another barrier. He didn’t want to touch it.

But it was the only way. The windows were sealed. The door was slightly ajar. Unlocked.

He checked his surroundings, the stairs, the landing. He reached the door, slipped his hand in, pulled…

Thunk!

A hand clamped on his shoulder.

“Kal.”

A voice, close behind him.

“Where are you going?”

Panic. His vision blurred. His teeth chattered.

“Shouldn’t you be studying?”

“……”

A calm voice, with an undercurrent of… something.

“Why are you here? Answer me, Kal.”

“I… I…”

“Don’t stutter. Speak clearly.”

“I… I was thirsty…”

“Then you shouldn’t be here.”

“……”

“You lied?”

“No!”

“You lied, Kal. To your mother.”

“I… I…”

“Just tell the truth.”

I want to leave. I’m scared. I can’t breathe!

“You lied! To me! How dare you! Who taught you this?!”

“No! I’m sorry! I didn’t…!”

He turned, head bowed, but her voice pursued him, her breath cold against his ear.

“Kal. Did you think you could escape me?”

“?!”

“Give up. You belong here.”

You can’t escape.

“Because I’m your mother.”

Her hand tightened around his neck.

“Ugh!”

“If you want to leave, leave this body behind.”

Tired? Die, and sleep forever. Struggling? That’s the blessing of life.

“Don’t you want to live with me forever?”

“Ugh! Sor–!”

“Trust me, and live eternally! Even in heaven, we’ll be together! I don’t want to be separated! Why don’t you understand?! Atone! Atone! For this betrayal! Why won’t you grant me this simple wish, to be a happy family?! Why?!”

He choked, struggling, but his small body was helpless.

“I love you! Why don’t you understand, Kaaaaal!”

“Kuhk!”

His bones felt like they were breaking. Resistance was futile.

I’m… dying…

……

Gold. The world turned gold, a shower of golden leaves falling like rain. A massive tree, golden leaves shimmering, its trunk bent but unbowed. A river of golden leaves flowed beneath it, stretching beyond the horizon.

“…?”

Where?

–You begged for help! Why me?! Why must I suffer?!–

–Pathetic worm.–

A shadowy figure screamed. A golden figure sneered.

–You dare?! A mere specter!–

–Know your place, insect. I was once master of all demons. You’re nothing.–

–Kyahhhhhhh!–

–Quiet! You’re hurting my ears.–

The golden figure plugged its ears, then looked at Cariel, tilting its head.

“…And you are?”

――

“?!”

He opened his eyes.

“My handsome brother? Awake at last?”

A vast expanse of… maternal warmth. A woman’s chest, barely concealed by thin fabric. He knew that warmth…