Chapter 61: That Can't Be Reality

The Imperial Palace Guest Room was overflowing with convenience.

If there was any complaint, it was that it felt somewhat distant from the nature-friendly atmosphere of the buildings unique to Elves—those formed by planting parasitic trees atop the sturdy branches of great trees.

Even the garden was artificial, and while that had its own kind of charm, it couldn’t be helped that, from the perspective of the Clan of the Forest, it felt unhealthy in many ways.

Fortunately, Geornia wasn’t so sensitive that she would scowl or even gag just because the air changed slightly.

So, it was tolerable enough.

No, to be honest, since she didn’t have to worry about the attitudes of arrogant fools, it was actually quite nice to be able to immerse herself in relaxation and research.

“Are you sure about this? You are the Empress of this country, after all. Is it really alright to so easily allow me access to this place?”

When Geornia asked metaphorically, pointing to her own brow, Melineos—renowned as the Magic Empress—nodded calmly, her eyes shining.

“That is why we are signing a contract, isn’t it?”

“…Well, that’s true.”

Among High Elves, there were those possessed of special abilities.

It was a kind of ability to discern the color of a soul, which, if developed, could eventually allow one to glimpse the soul’s past.

However, this was strictly forbidden.

Even if used, it came with rigorous restrictions; those who utilized it recklessly faced the extreme punishment of having their eyes gouged out and their tongues ripped out.

Therefore, no matter how powerful Geornia was, this was not a matter she could decide lightly.

Above all, to handle this privately without reporting it to her superiors?

…If caught, things would inevitably become uncomfortable in many ways.

The only reason she could do this was that those who required such services were the core power players of the Empire.

Furthermore, it was possible because they had readily permitted it.

However, since a vague examination could lead to repercussions in unwanted directions, they used a contract to control the direction and progress.

…When you think about it, weren’t contracts the product of the Demon Realm and demons?

Long ago in the Demon Realm, there had been two Great Demon Kings—no, including the recent era, there had been three in its 6,000-year history.

If the first Great Demon King laid the foundation for the Demon Realm’s hierarchy by establishing the Demon King Tournament, where anyone could become a Demon King provided they met the qualifications and requirements…

The second Great Demon King, seeking to innovate the chaotic Demon Realm where order and discipline were still lacking, consulted with the Demon God to establish the [Absolute Compliance Contract].

And this Absolute Compliance Contract was designed to be managed jointly by three entities: the Demon God, the Neutral God, and the Good God.

Thus, it was structured so that the balance could not tilt nor could unfair terms be established.

Of course.

It wasn’t entirely impossible to abuse it, and forced, coerced contracts certainly existed.

But since that was a matter of reality, it was simply a circumstance of each individual.

In the Middle Realm, such contracts among mages were once regarded as the product of demons and the Demon Race, but with the rise in status of mages and the acceptance by clergy, the Absolute Compliance Contract entered a new phase.

Take the Edenlevan Regiment, for example. Even though they were legitimate members of the Demon Race and invaders only a dozen years ago…

The reason they were able to join the Human Alliance was precisely because they had signed such an Absolute Compliance Contract.

“Confirm this.

First. My examination shall be strictly limited to the parts permitted by you, Melineos.

Second. As per your request, I shall examine only the negative or malicious influences and effects that correspond to various conditions exerting external pressure or mental influence upon you.

Third. Whatever I observe shall not be leaked under any circumstances. The facts discovered shall be conveyed only to Melineos herself.

Fourth. My examination using my own abilities shall be strictly limited to a portion of Melineos’s memories.”

Geornia, who had carved the characters of light in the air as if transferring them onto paper, handed the contract over and requested re-confirmation with her gaze.

“…Even with such limitations and narrowing, will it be difficult to reach the answer we want?”

“Then what, should I just rummage through your brain and everyone else’s entirely? Just because you believe in some absurd, nonsensical nonsense about a curse or whatever, like some poisonous mushroom?”

“…….”

“You said Alessius, right? He will proceed under these same conditions, so if you’re anxious, just quit.”

“…No.”

Melineos shook her head.

“I believe it is necessary.”

“At the very least, you shouldn’t need this. There’s something bothering you, isn’t there? Perhaps a dream you can’t remember?”

“……Yes.”

She felt as though she had dreamed.

But she couldn’t remember it.

It wasn’t that this had never happened before.

But this time, it felt like something more than just a normal dream; she had a profoundly ominous premonition.

“Understood. Then when do we start?”

“Is there any need to hesitate?”

“True.”

Exhaling a long breath, Geornia looked around and spoke.

“Tell everyone to get out. You too.”

“Me as well?”

When Hamern, who had been waiting behind Geornia, questioned her.

“Because I cannot allow even the slightest distraction.”

“Understood.”

Including Hamern, the Empress’s maids naturally left the VIP Room.

“Lie down over there. Or should we go to your bedroom? If this bed is uncomfortable….”

“No. Then as now, I can sleep just fine with some grass spread on the floor.”

“I like that. If you had become intoxicated by gold, silver, or bronze and your mind had become flashy, I was thinking of giving you a piece of my mind.”

All those things only make the spirit rot.

The lecture-like rambling continued until Melineos lay down on the bed.

“Sigh. Fine. Let’s begin.”

A pale hand.

Extending a small hand fitting her stature, Geornia touched Melineos’s brow and temples.

Before long, she found herself in a desolate corridor.

“Hmm?”

She knew it was the Royal Palace Corridor.

The reason it felt both familiar and unfamiliar was that the atmosphere was completely different from what she had always seen.

It was merely bleak and dark.

No matter how vast the Imperial Palace was, not only was there no sign of any presence, but the outside looked incredibly gloomy, as if overcast with ink-black clouds….

Furthermore, even the lamps lighting the corridor were all extinguished, so despite it clearly being daytime, it felt beyond desolate—it felt barren.

It wasn’t simply because there were no people. Fundamentally, the management of the domain itself….

“If it’s this massive, management must be grueling labor.”

Though it was an unfamiliar corridor, she walked through the interior with familiarity.

Even though it was the Imperial Palace, there were different types of palaces.

And the reason this atmosphere looked familiar was likely because this was the Second Palace where Melineos resided, the space commonly referred to as the Empress’s Palace.

She had been here several times, and hadn’t she visited a few times recently?

Perhaps that was why.

“Lulu-lala~ah?”

When she saw a girl over there, humming a strange whistle and tune.

Geornia didn’t think much of it.

She was too busy thinking about the reason she had come here, or the connection.

This is the heart of Melineos’s memory, so why is she not visible?

Is it an imagination, or a dream?

She needed to determine the perspective.

Whether she was observing or conceptualizing the imagination from an omniscient perspective.

Or whether she was observing the dream scenery as an observer.

The one who had taught Melineos how to interpret her prophetic dream ability.

That had been Geornia herself.

Even if she wasn’t visible in the dream.

Or even if she had become a completely different person or form.

Since it was a dream, such things were possible.

Therefore, there was a high probability that this was currently a dream landscape.

So.

…What on earth is that Golden Girl?

Why did she suddenly appear?

What kind of person is she?

Look at her, innocently peering around the corridor.

…For some reason.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Her jaw began to tremble involuntarily.

The Golden Girl passed by her innocently, as if she couldn’t even see someone like Geornia.

Only after a long while, when she felt the girl’s presence had vanished.

Geornia breathed a sigh of relief.

And then, as she looked back.

She was right in front of her.

“—?!”

A scream almost burst out.

Perhaps because she was too surprised.

Even the scream retreated back inside.

“My, my. What a peculiar guest.”

The Golden Girl, with a smiling face, was floating in the air, thrusting her face right in front of her.

To the point where her breathing could be heard, and the air from her nostrils tickled Geornia’s skin and fine hairs.

The distance between the two was practically only the width of a finger joint.

“I can guess. You came to peek. Of course, you’d be curious.”

“…What kind of existence are you? A demon?”

“How hurtful. Why compare me to those born as trash? It makes me feel dirty.”

Letting out a scoff.

For words spoken with such an innocent smile.

It was chilling.

“A long time ago, some idiot was complaining while defying the Great Demon King. Would you like to hear it?”

“…….”

Who is she to mention the existence of a Great Demon King?

Gold.

…Who is she.

Gold.

“…….”

I know who that is.

I just don’t want to believe it.

As if telling her not to realize the fact, as if telling her not to even imagine the truth or reality.

Geornia’s mind was being frozen solid.

“‘Why can I not defeat you? When an absurd existence like you appears, what meaning do effort and will have for us~’ he questioned, almost wailing. At that time, can you guess what the Great Demon King said?”

“…….”

“The right to remain silent! Fine! Awakening a fool is also a virtue of a king, so I’ll tell you. Since the limit of my own life was decided then. Now, let’s see….”

After clearing her throat for a moment, the Golden Girl began.

“One born as the sun, therefore, can only be the sun.”

She started to speak.

“Therefore, that person has no choice but to accept the fate, the longing, the destiny of the sun.”

Thus, that person is the sun, and is forced into a life and existence where nothing other than the sun is permitted.

“And the moment the sun goes out, the world shall fall into ruin. And those who uphold the destiny of the sun are the ones who know that impending tragedy better than anyone.”

However.

“You weed, you common grass scattered in the field. You can become anything. Do not grieve that no one cares if you alone disappear.”

Therefore, only.

“Your fate, which seems neglected, abandoned, is something only you can carve out, and no one forces it upon you.”

Because only you can do it.

“You can move forward as you wish, retreat, or settle down.”

How!

What a free life!

……Ha.

That was it.

The Golden Girl, who had been speaking exaggeratedly like an actor in a play.

With her hand on her chest, she beamed a radiant smile and shared her own sort of reflection.

“…That is exactly something only someone who is the sun could say.”

“Why are you telling me that?”

“Oh, my. Oh, my. What a spoiled thing. You should realize it by now. I know you, but do you not know me?”

“…….”

“I heard your sister said something like this once?”

If.

“If the first one to witness me had been you instead of her, you too would have gladly pledged your loyalty to me.”

“……No way.”

Why.

Why.

Why—!

“Why are you here?! Because it’s a dream? Even if it’s a dream, why you of all people—?!”

“Whoa, whoa! Yes! It’s a dream. Everything is correct! I just happened to get sucked in too. And since this is like a residual thought of mine, there’s no point in arguing with me. Ah, not completely, it’s a liiittle bit different? But anyway, that’s how it is.”

“…….”

“In that sense, the Palace of Wisdom and Gold now stands before your eyes. I am dead, I have vanished, so now I am merely a treasury, a warehouse, and a library of wisdom. How is it? Aren’t you curious why your sister pledged loyalty to me?”

“…What kind of sinister trick are you trying to use now?”

“Goodness! You know well that I have no interest in tricks or Dark Arts! That’s not within the Realm of Wisdom.”

What I told your sister was really nothing much.

“I simply answered her questions and told her the truth of the world, your future. A reality so absurd it makes one sigh. I merely told her things like that.”

“…….”

“Aren’t you curious? Hmm? Really? You were so close. You were sisters sharing the same blood, weren’t you?”

Geornia.

Firmly expressed her refusal.

“I have not forgotten the advice you gave me.”

“Oh? Is that so? Tell me. What was it?”

“The more knowledge one harbors, the more things one wants to do. Only desire grows. Only thirst increases.”

“Really? Did I say that? That’s excellent advice. It’s true, isn’t it?”

“…So you told me to set aside excessive greed, didn’t you?”

For a mage, it was advice worth a thousand pieces of gold.

But at the same time, it was a curse, brutally realistic.

Because that advice was the very root that drove all mages and Magic Path Walkers into despair and nightmares.

Digging into the truth, they became buried in it and lost themselves, losing their humanity, their original purpose, and even their will.

Becoming a demon.

Most seekers of truth.

With the feeling of clutching at straws, they searched for, chased, and excavated knowledge.

Chased by insufficient time, overtaken by life.

And so.

Most mages and Magic Path Walkers.

Whether great, pathetic, or insignificant.

All met their end equally.

Even those who opposed it.

There would be no exception.

Clearly, that path was not wrong.

But because of that, most were bound to be wrong.

Therefore.

“…You told me to give up on climbing.”

“Exactly. Because the limit of knowledge is obvious. Achieving truth through knowledge? Trying to achieve with knowledge what even wisdom could not. That’s no different from saying you want to live without a heart or a brain. If you had followed my advice? You would be the wisest among the many, many mages. I guarantee that much.”

“……I do not know why you can assert that so confidently.”

“Ignorance and anonymity are certainly the greatest sins the living harbor. But that is not an unconditional Original Sin. Do not blame yourself so much, you idiot deafling.”

What you all must realize.

“Is simply admitting that you do not know. Only then can you start anew.”

“Stop this pathetic philosophical debate. So, why are you here?”

“Surprisingly.”

The Golden Girl spread her arms wide.

“I am currently showing you all goodwill!”

“What an absurd lie! How dare you!”

“No, no! It’s true! But whether you believe it or not is your problem to judge, not mine.”

I don’t care either way.

“Shall I tell you the truth? Or not? You’re curious about what Melineos saw, aren’t you? You dug in this far to peek at it, right? Then you’ve come to the right place.”

But you see.

“If you see this, you really won’t be able to handle it. It would be better to remain ignorant. You… can you really handle it?”

“…….”

Suddenly, she became afraid.

Geornia became terrifyingly afraid of that crazy Golden one’s rambling.

Though she had only seen her human form for the first time.

That unique presence.

Despite that small body, it was conveyed fully.

Normally, one wouldn’t know.

But she, who enjoyed the Demonic Path.

Knew how… deep-rooted that existence was.

How vast its scale was.

Even in the body of a mere girl.

…That thing still felt as if it could cover the entire world in gold.

How on earth did Lueld defeat that thing?

An existence so feared that people considered even its name a taboo and dared not mention it, for fear it might pop out again even in a nightmare.

Some called it the Golden Beast in a derogatory way.

…But that existence.

Was none other than the Demon King of Wisdom.

In the Demon Realm, no one had ever placed meaning in that.

Even if they did, knowledge.

Conspiracies. Deviations. Taboos were plentiful.

Yet, no one had willingly accepted wisdom as their fate and acquiesced to it.

Despite being a member of the Demon Race, mocking and despising demons, who were superior beings.

Though born with no relation to either the Demon Race or demons.

And yet, willingly throwing everything away.

Becoming a mere member of the Demon Race.

…The Ancient Spirit King.

“Ah! You don’t have to choose right now. I am merciful, so I’ll give you a chance to go back.”

“What?”

In an instant, Geornia’s consciousness rapidly distanced itself from reality.

No.

This is….

“I’ll give you time to think! Go out and think about it calmly.”

I told you.

It’s goodwill.

“Even if I show goodwill, it is up to you whether you perceive it as a nightmare, a curse, or a disaster. And even if I curse you, it is likewise up to you to view it as a blessing, a grace, or a favor.”

Since it will all be entirely up to you.

“That is how one ensures they never lose.”

No matter which side is chosen.

As long as I don’t suffer a loss, that’s all that matters.

“What if you desire nothing? Then you have nothing to lose!”

Kyahahaha!

Ahahaha!

A burst of laughter, sounding almost like a scream, boisterously shook the inside of her head.

That laughter was truly that of an innocent child, but.

The contents within were—.

“Gah!”

“…M-Master?”

By the bedside, Geornia suddenly retched and tumbled off her chair.

Melineos, forcing her blurred consciousness awake, looked at Geornia crouching there and trembling.

She instinctively sensed that things had become far more ominous than she had anticipated.