[Previous | Table of Contents | Next]
Chapter 126 Audience
After a night's sleep, Beato was completely back to her energetic self. As soon as she woke up, she snuggled up to me, nuzzling her head against me with a smile. I gently stroked Beato's head with a smile, but my heart remained dark. Despite seeming normal, this child was different from the Beato of yesterday. She only has a few years left to live.
"Hey, Beato..."
"…?"
"What would you do if I told you I only had a few years left to live?"
"!?"
...Maybe that wasn't the best way to phrase it. She quickly pulled out a parchment and started writing furiously with the pen.
『Kyrie-san, are you going to die!? I don't want that!』
"I'm not going to die, it's just a hypothetical scenario. I'm sorry for surprising you. I was just wondering what you would do."
"…!"
『Don't joke about things like that, please!』
She pouted for a moment, then her expression softened into relief.
『But I'm glad. If you were to die, I don't think I could go on living.』
I felt the same way, but I was too embarrassed to say it. Knowing we shared the same feelings makes me incredibly happy though.
"But back to the topic, what would you do, Beato? It's a difficult question, but let's say there's a way to avoid it."
"If there's a way, I'll definitely find it. No matter how difficult it may be, I don't want Kyrie-san to die."
"...Thank you. Let's forget about this weird conversation, okay?"
I see, that's what Beato would do. I also absolutely didn't want Beato to die. This fight to protect her, separate from my seeking revenge, had begun. The goal of this vague battle became clear.
("Killing God, huh... Alright, I'll do it. If they dare to interfere with me and Beato, I'll even kill God.")
It seems Empyrean's whereabouts are not in the holy land of Pileapolis. So where could he be? Even Joanna doesn't know. If anyone does, it would be the prophet Judas. He's my final enemy, currently with Taltus. I'll squeeze him for information and then kill him. When revenge is complete, it will be the first step toward killing God.
***
After discussions with senior officials and the clan, King Seatham has made up his mind overnight. He's prepared to fight his own son. In a few hours, an audience will be held where Kyrie-dono and others would be invited. Right now, he's gathering detailed information from Joanna-dono.
"All the vassals participating in the audience were just puppets controlled by Rugolf. It seems prudent to avoid making a big announcement given the circumstances. It would only unnecessarily instill fear in the people. It's best to keep it under wraps until we're ready to make a full move." Garp sat before me, arms crossed.
As per his expressed opinion, what King Seatham was concerned about was probably that. It wouldn't be wise to frivolously announce Taltus' rebellion at a time when the war has ended and life is beginning to prosper.
"However, it's also a fact that it's not something we can hide. In yesterday's battle, even the demons in the castle were manipulated, and the courtyard was in a state as you saw."
"It would be impossible to silence everyone down to the foot soldiers completely..."
"Yeah, that's why we need to move quickly and aim for an early resolution... But, Bute, could you step back a bit?"
"Aww, come on! There's no way my big sister's arms will get tired!"
When someone hugs you while you're having a serious conversation, it affects various things, you know? Like your concentration and your ability to think.
"Anyway, we're having a serious, earnest conversation here. If you're not going to participate, at least be quiet and listen."
"...Serious, huh? Well, it looks like someone is avoiding facing the reality of that person's betrayal. Right, Garp?"
"Bute, you..."
Even though we've been intentionally avoiding that topic...
"...It's fine, because it's the truth. It's true that I was avoiding talking about Mordo's situation, and it's also true that you were being considerate and not bringing it up, right?"
"There's no need for restraint or secrets between the three of us, right?"
"Both of you... I'm sorry, it seems I was being overly considerate."
Taltus's betrayal also meant that Mordo-san had sided with King Seatham. For Garp, Mordo-san was his benefactor who provided him with the opportunity to join the army. I didn't know what to say to Garp, who would now be facing off against such a person, but thanks to Bute, I realized something.
Garp wasn't weak who couldn't accept this reality.
"Let's face it head-on without looking away. Even if it means confronting that person."
"Yeah..."
"Yeah, that's the spirit, big sister!"
...However, still. That person was strong, really strong. Not only in combat skills and Renki techniques but also in mental strength to never falter and fight to the end. Moreover, if he can also use a Gift.
(If we were with Lady Kyrie, we might have a chance, but without her assistance, can we defeat them on our own?)
***
Led by Leah-san and the others, we entered the audience chamber together. Personally, I didn't have any good memories associated with the sound of being summoned by the king or the atmosphere of an audience chamber, but it seemed that perception would end today.
The audience chamber is quite spacious. However, there are no soldiers playing fanfare, and there are fewer people lined up on the sides. We walked on the red carpet and stopped in front of the throne, kneeling down on one knee below the short staircase. Leah-san and the other two did the same.
"Please raise your heads. There's no need to be stiff; feel free to relax."
We heard a very gentle voice. As I lifted my head as instructed, I saw a slightly thin, white-haired old man with wrinkles around his mouth sitting on the throne.
Is that King Seatham...? He's completely different from the image of a king in my mind. Maybe my reference point is too unique.
"You are Kyrie Minarett, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Rugolf's actions were truly a crisis for our country. Allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of everyone."
"Yes."
I was thanked. Actually, I'm a little surprised. I was worried because I thought that for the demons, a hero was just a killing weapon unleashed by Brutogyu, so honestly, I was a bit anxious, a little nervous.
"Now then, I've heard the details from Leah. Cooperation with Stige at the eastern end is something I desire as well."
But both King Seatham and the people here at this moment are not mentioning that I was the hero, and the conversation was heading towards dealing with Taltus.
"And so, I want you all to act as intermediaries between Corcut and Stige."
"W-We will...?"
Why? Wasn't that something that requires specialized diplomats...? Ah, I see. Is that how Joanna feels?
"Tokka, was it?"
"M-Me!? Eee!"
Suddenly called by name, Tokka's voice completely flipped. Mel-chan was now desperately holding back her laughter. Hang in there, it would be tough if you laugh.
"With the ability of the Gift Sphere [Mech], you can reach Stige from here in three days. That speed is more than enough to outmaneuver the enemy."
Certainly, speed was important. The longer it took, the higher the risk that Taltus would notice Rugolf's anomaly.
"I want you all to head to Stige and secure cooperation with our country. Of course, we will also send personnel from our side."
King Seatham scanned the audience chamber lightly, assessing the personnel.
"...Hmm. Everyone who is indispensable to the affairs of this country was manipulated by Rugolf. We want to proceed as secretly as possible and avoid appointing diplomats who know nothing. So, that means..."
The king's gaze falls on someone unexpected, or rather, expected after all, this person.
"Leah. Will you go as my representative?"
Comments
Post a Comment