episode_0049

If you were to ask for a symbol of the Karnan Kingdom, you would undoubtedly point to the main hall where national events are held.

Located at the top of the royal palace, the main hall is high and spacious enough to overlook the capital’s scenery at a glance. Rastali was thrilled with the unique sense of satisfaction that could only be found in such a hall.

“Heh… Ha…”

Not long ago, he had successfully adapted to the contaminant transferred into the shadows. Decades worth of dark magic roared within the shadows, and the excess dark magic overflowed into the world.

But that was just the beginning.

The guards who had saved the princess from a provocation were being consumed by the contaminant.

“It was close…”

At first, he thought he was going mad with the feeling of being confined in the contaminant. How could such a being come into existence? Just being trapped in the contaminant made him feel like his limbs were breaking.

But he persevered.

As part of that overflowing power circulated and returned to him, he was confident that he could dominate the world.

If this continued, the overthrow of the kingdom would not be an issue. It would be a dream to even rule the world.

“Haha, time is on my side. It’s so reassuring.”

If the tiresome Princess Lufentel and her entourage managed to escape from the simulacrum… it would be a missed opportunity.

A day?

No, a day is long.

After just half a day… even the emperor of the empire could be at his feet.

Rastali shivered with excitement just thinking about it.

“Thank you for being my nourishment, my guards.”

He affectionately stroked the shadows.

He wanted to kiss them, but kissing the ground was dirty.

“Ahaha…”

He chuckled happily.

Sitting on the throne in the main hall, he crossed his legs.

Then he looked down at the kingdom’s scenery below, nodding satisfactorily.

◇

“Ha… Ha…”

I desperately tried to control my rapid breathing.

I quickly prepared myself in case the fallen figure in front of me rose again. Fortunately, the figure that mimicked me soon disappeared like scattered dust.

“Experiencing all sorts of things…”

I never thought I would experience fighting myself. Well, technically, it was Princess Seriniel who fought, not me…

“Fighting a mirror match in reality.”

The only difference is the player, right?

The Seriniel who attacked me was exactly like the original Seriniel. It may sound disrespectful, but… her primitive features were quite prominent.

She must have had exceptional innate abilities, so she probably never had proper training.

On the other hand, I was a Taekwondo athlete, and after reincarnation, I occasionally fought with my father. The difference in accumulated experience and skills is significant.

Even so, since the base is Seriniel, it was tough. I exhausted my stamina to a level that couldn’t be compared to my younger self, Ruslet.

“Huff…”

In the thick mist world, I took a deep breath. Then, with a strained voice, I shouted.

“Mother!!!”

[… Your voice is loud, child.]

“Lian should grow up as big as I am.”

[Hoo.]

Mother appeared suddenly, exhaling a disappointed sigh.

I, on the other hand, took a deep breath at her appearance, which never seemed to become familiar.

‘How can a person look like that? Lian’s mother was so beautiful that compared to her… wow.’

Is that why Rahilt doesn’t attack me?

I grew up watching my mother, and yet, inside, there’s a mother like this?

I subtly signaled, but the male protagonist doesn’t show any signs of corruption.

“How blessed was the former emperor who married such a beauty?”

[Such a blessed individual. What an exaggerated expression.]

“… Did I just say that out loud?”

This is a big problem. I often make mistakes in front of Rahilt and try to correct them.

However, my mother-in-law’s lips indicate denial.

[Living through dark times has only sharpened my insight.]

“That’s a bit scary…”

[What’s truly frightening is that deep down, you refer to yourself as your mother-in-law…]

“…”

I quickly changed the subject and threw out a suitable topic.

“By the way, why was the former emperor so blessed? That’s amazing.”

[… It might not have been blessings, but rather curses. At least, that’s what I think.]

After a cryptic remark, my mother-in-law added,

“And above all… I couldn’t help but love him.”

“Why?”

“He was truly dazzling. Yes, incredibly.”

“…”

“The world he showed, the facets of life, the nobility and depravity of people. Everything.”

I couldn’t help but be amazed for the first time as I discovered a human side to my mother-in-law, who was usually filled with transcendent qualities.

With cheeks flushed like a girl in love, I stared at her absentmindedly.

“So, by loving him and the harmonious world he showed… I, too, came to love it.”

I have no idea what kind of life my mother-in-law led with the former emperor. Yet the dragon who descended to earth and became human wore an incredibly happy expression.

Enveloped in overwhelming happiness, I was drawn to her like a moth, inching closer within her sight.

Then, my mother-in-law took a step back and said to me,

“Although your gender, appearance, and personality are completely different… you resemble him in some way.”

“Me?”

She nodded in response to my question.

“Really?”

“Yes…”

Did the former emperor only have thoughts of overpowering my mother-in-law?

Pushing her to make various sinister requests.

Ruffling her hair wildly.

Sometimes, when angry, venting on my mother-in-law’s chest.

Or playfully pinching her body, stained with colorful marks, while sitting on her knees.

Spending time daydreaming about kissing my mother-in-law’s joints all day long.

Was he a man living with an exceptionally normal mindset like me?

“… It’s not a loss. My eyes have just grown dim with age.”

“This is strange, why do I feel bad?”

“Hmm.”

Ignoring my question cheerfully, my mother-in-law continued,

“Anyway, I hope you show many things to the child. So that they can love this world like I do…”

“Are you asking me to imitate the former emperor?”

“Yes.”

“Ugh.”

I directly rebelled against my mother-in-law’s wish.

“Is that so?”

Her confusion felt palpable.

I didn’t want to cause a major conflict now, but unfortunately, I found it difficult to follow her wish.

It’s only natural. Just as my mother-in-law and Rahilt are different, the former emperor and I are also different.

I confidently linked arms and left my final words.

“Mother-in-law is mother-in-law, and Lian is Lian. Regardless of how the former emperor influenced you, Lian and I will create our own story together.”

If imitating someone is the only way to save Rahilt, it doesn’t have to be me as the protagonist. Even if Rasherla were to perform the role instead, it would be suitable.

… But I don’t want that.

I hope that Rahilt, whom I will change, will appreciate my uniqueness. If he comes to love the harmony of the world, I hope he will love the harmonious world that suits me perfectly.

However, it is too embarrassing to declare such a wish with a heavy heart.

“I know you are anxious. Of course you would be. It’s all because of me that Lian ended up like this. I am painfully aware that I have no right to speak of what is right or wrong now.”

But I will not repeat the same mistake again.

It has been a long time since I made up my mind to pull him, who has strayed from the harmonious world, back into my world.

“However, I will only beg for your trust once. Please believe that I will save Lian no matter what happens.”

I still do not know the truth.

Why a kind and innocent man like a fool would bring about the destruction of the world.

How much despair he must have been crushed by.

I knew nothing at all.

Therefore, I declare here. To the black dragon who foresaw his future.

“I will refuse the proposal to take on the role of the former emperor. But it is me who will illuminate the world as seen by Lian. It is a promise I stake my life on.”

[More sincere than most proposals.]

“This is my last proposal in life.”

[… It’s quite impressive.]

Although her mother-in-law seemed bewildered, she did not seem upset. If it was not a misunderstanding, it seemed to be a good sign.

I boldly made a demand.

“Mother-in-law. I am confident that you can freely control this imaginary world, right?”

[At least for now.]

“Of course.”

Her autonomy was too high for it to be considered a world controlled by Rastali.

It was assumed that the triggering of the imaginary world was Rastali’s doing, but it was judged that her mother-in-law held the reins of the imaginary world that unfolded afterwards.

Her mother-in-law confirmed my judgment.

“I think it’s an opportunity to peek into the life Lian has experienced… But now it’s okay.”

[Is that sincere?]

“I’m not bothered by watching that… lalala-like woman. Definitely not…”

[Hmm…]

“It’s just a little bit true.”

Unable to withstand her mother-in-law’s heavy gaze, I confessed. Still, because it was somewhat sincere, I spoke with a heavy heart.

“… Time is running out.”

Today, he was acting strangely.

He complained of a low condition due to unknown symptoms. Moreover, he found himself in danger several times even during a simple battle. It was my mistake not to notice this discrepancy in advance.

The weakened Rahilt is probably still suffering in contamination.

“I think what matters is the present moment that I experience every moment, rather than the past that has become a thing of the past. It’s more important to have Lian waiting for help from outside rather than the welcoming Lian.”

There is probably no need to explore all the trivial past events.

If we just touch on the most important factor, that should be enough.

“So please show me right away. The reason why Lian has come to hate the world enough to destroy it…”

The woman fell silent for a long time.

The time for deliberation was tense. Whether she knew my feelings or not, she just wandered around in the mist.

Permission was granted very slowly.

[That should be… fine.]

“Thank you!”

[Well…]

Her appearance blurred.

The sight turned white, depriving me of my sense of direction.

In the chaotic world that followed, a clear voice resonated.

[Can I ask one last question?]

“Of course.”

Immediately after.

The content that was heard was quite trivial for a final question, so I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.

[Is there a reason why you call the child ‘Lian’? It’s a name that is completely different from both the real name and the alias.]

“Oh, that’s what you’re referring to.”

He has two names.

One was Fayjae’s child, Raihlt, and the other was Rihardt of the Windmill Knights.

It was only natural for Mother to have doubts. Perhaps others were curious as well.

In truth, it was a trivial reason.

To others, it might seem as insignificant as a speck of dust.

Nevertheless, it was the most important reason to me. So, it should be fine to tell Mother, if no one else.

And so.

I honestly revealed the precious secret I had kept hidden all along.

“If I may borrow Mother’s expression… it’s a name that he specially thought of just for me.”

The reaction was dramatic.

[Ah, I see…]

The woman’s ripe red lips curved with a faint breath.

“I see.”

She smiled.

Like the refreshing mountain breeze blowing after the rain.

Gradually, the fog lifted along with that mountain breeze.

Illuminating the final scene.