While investigating the manipulated truth, Olivia and I discovered new circumstances.
The people of Rajeurn, the capital of the Levaina Kingdom, had lost their sanity after experiencing the shocking situation of a demon attack.
Although the demons and the demon king disappeared without a trace, the demon king's assault still persists.
They could not understand why the demon king attacked Rajeurn, so they tried to find a reason. They did not believe the announcements from the royal family or the empire, and instead began to suspect their neighbors, who had always seemed suspicious, and labeled them as members of the demon cult.
The reasons they gave were usually trivial.
Always having a gloomy expression and speaking in incomprehensible words.
Not getting along with others and always staying at home.
Accusing someone of idolatry after seeing an unidentified statue in their house.
For such nonsensical reasons.
In extreme situations, those who are not ordinary are branded as unpleasant beings. People, not wanting to admit that they are simply unpleasant, try to turn the person they despise into someone deserving of hatred. Any reason will do.
They want someone to be a person who can be killed without consequence, and they create that person themselves.
Neither Olivia nor I intervened in that situation.
That scene was not under the jurisdiction of the empire. Although the empire is investigating the demon king's attack, that is the extent of their involvement. Therefore, Olivia's and my roles also only go that far.
If someone from the empire interferes with the affairs of the royal family, it would be considered internal interference. And I am neither confident nor obligated to handle such political issues. Moreover, since I carry the imperial crest, reckless actions would cause headaches not for me but for the imperial family.
To think that I, a commoner who entered the temple, would have to worry about the power balance between the imperial family and the kingdom's royal family. And on top of that, I am actually the demon king.
It couldn't help but be amusing.
We returned to the imperial capital, as soon as we had finished in Rajeurn. Epinhauser, Savolin Turner, and the others would have been informed that I was participating in special activities, so they wouldn't be worried about me.
No, rather, they might be worried, wondering if I went to do something dangerous.
"Anyway, the imperial crest is nice. You can use the warp gate right away. Should I ask for one since I'm the champion of Tu’an?"
Olivia found it so convenient to return to the imperial capital that she even said such a thing.
"Would you be okay with the Tu’an Order visiting you twenty times a day, telling you to return to the arms of the gods?"
"Ugh, you're right. I could tell the imperial family alone, but never mind. I hate being bothered even more."
As we headed to the main headquarters of the Merchants' Guild in the imperial capital, Olivia looked at me quietly.
"By the way, Reinhardt."
"Yes?"
"Do you remember? In the tournament finals, I fought against..."
Lydia Schmitt.
I almost couldn't maintain my composure at the sudden mention, but I managed not to make a strange expression.
"Yes, I remember. Lydia Schmitt."
"Have you seen her since that encounter?"
Lydia Schmitt, who used to spout nonsense at Olivia. I had scolded her and told her to leave Olivia alone.
After that, Lydia Schmitt followed me with the intent to kill, but Eleris subdued her. Thanks to the information we obtained from Lydia, we were able to save Adriana and Olivia.
"No, why? Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen her in the temple either."
At my words, Olivia's expression darkened.
"She went missing... after that day."
Although she was disillusioned with her faith and disdained those who imposed it on her, it seemed that in Olivia's heart, Lydia remained as a friend.
We both knew what that day referred to without having to say it.
"Was she... part of that group too?"
Olivia raised her head and looked at the sky.
"Maybe... I think so. Of course, I didn't see her there. But I still don't know exactly who was there. The list of casualties from the Holy Knights isn't accurate either... Maybe it happened there..."
Olivia seemed to think that Lydia Schmitt didn't go missing but was killed in the demon attack.
If that's the case, then the Demon King saved me and killed my friend.
"Lydia's body hasn't been found... so there's no certainty, but with no news like this..."
Olivia seemed to consider Lydia's chances of survival very low. It seemed that her need for certainty about the Demon King was not only because of the raid on Rajeurn.
Lydia Schmitt was a recent graduate of the temple but went missing before she could graduate. The temple might be searching for Lydia's whereabouts in places unknown to me and might have concluded that Lydia had already died in connection with the Holy Knights' raid.
What could Lydia Schmitt be doing in Epiaux?
I think Eleris will handle it well.
—---
-Whooooosh
In the high fortress of Epiaux.
Lydia sat in a corner of the kitchen, watching absentmindedly as chopped vegetables and meat sizzled in a greased pan, and a stew pot bubbled in another place.
"I've always thought this... but you're really good at cooking."
Despite not needing to eat, Lydia swallowed her words cautiously.
"You learn to do a bit of everything as you live longer, even if it's unnecessary for me."
While cooking, Eleris sat beside Lydia without lifting a finger. She simultaneously prepared three dishes using only her telekinesis. Lydia watched blankly as ingredients cut in midair went into the pot and the fire beneath the pan was magically controlled, allowing for precise heat adjustments.
Lydia didn't know how difficult it was, but she simply stared in wonder.
In the store where the prince of the demon world used to frequent, there had been no tools for preparing food. However, when Eleris took responsibility for Lydia's life in Epiaux, she brought in various cooking utensils.
And so, while it was lonely, she made sure that there was no inconvenience when it came to eating and sleeping.
Lydia didn't even glance at the cooking process and instead leaned her chin on her hand while gazing out the window, looking at the vampire.
They had spent several months together now.
Contrary to her first impression, Lydia knew that this vampire was surprisingly gentle.
She thought she would brainwash her, adjusting her mind to be compatible with the demon world's forces, but she never mentioned such a thing.
She simply took care of her and wanted nothing in return. Without asking for anything, they would occasionally exchange casual conversations, discussing her life at the temple, how she came to have her faith, and other personal stories.
Lydia Schmidt now admitted it.
She no longer felt any hostility towards this incredibly strong and gentle vampire.
No, even that last lingering sense of embarrassment and fear had vanished.
In this cold and desolate castle, a warm meal was always provided on time by the vampire. She watched her eat silently, not even touching the food herself, saying it would be lonely for her to eat alone.
If it seemed like she enjoyed the food, she would even show a warm smile.
This vampire was not a being to be wary of.
Especially if she could cook so well for others without even looking at the food, using only telekinesis.
If she could master a skill so well, not for himself but for others.
If she was a being that cared enough about her to only cook warm meals, knowing the cold environment was distressing.
Lydia had come to accept, almost unconsciously, that such a being could not be dangerous.
A warm stir-fry and a bowl of stew were given to her, and as always, Lydia carefully took a spoonful, savoring the warmth and care put into the taste.
"Eleris, why did you become a vampire?"
"Hmm. Why are you curious about that?"
"Just... curious."
Eleris looked at Lydia with a subtle smile.
"Because I didn't want to die."
There was no substance to her overly simplified explanation about the past.
"It was too frustrating, unfair, and sad to die like this."
However, there was some substance to the self-deprecating words that followed from Eleris.
"That's why I did it."
But in the end, Eleris didn't fully explain everything, and Lydia quietly observed his complicated expression.
"But you know, if you live too long, time dulls everything."
"…"
"Anger, sadness, hatred, desire – everything becomes numb. Eventually, you don't want anything anymore."
A being without yearning.
In the past, Lydia could not know the terrible hatred and resentment that had been held, but she sensed that Eleris had become a weathered being.
"So... why do you pledge loyalty to the Demon King...?"
"Hmm..."
The smile vanishes from Eleris's face, leaving only sadness behind.
"Because there's something I must do, even though I don't want to... because there's something I have to watch over... I suppose."
Eleris looks at Lydia.
"I apologize, it's not a past worth boasting about."
"No, no. Thank you... Thank you for telling me."
"I should be the one thanking you. You don't complain even though you must be lonely here..."
Eleris quietly watches the snow falling outside the window, while Lydia eats the food that Eleris has prepared.
Lydia never had a family.
Growing up in an orphanage, she displayed aptitude in divine power and joined the Als Order. Then, she decided to walk the path of a priestess, studying scriptures and sermons.
Lydia reflects on her life now, having strayed from her faith.
How did I come to serve Als and how did I come to believe?
I was convinced that I was a chosen being. I was treated specially because, unlike the other orphans, I showed talent in divine power.
Different food was served at the tables of the other children.
When I tried to share it, I was scolded.
The teachers and priests always told me that since God had marked my talent, it was natural for me, who had been chosen by God, to receive such special treatment, and that I should take it for granted.
Lydia believed that she was special and immersed herself in her faith to affirm that belief.
As it was natural for those less talented than herself to receive lesser treatment, she took it for granted that children with talents surpassing hers would receive more esteemed treatment. She thought that to receive better treatment, she simply had to work harder.
Talent, power, and reward.
These were natural things in Lydia's life.
Those who proved themselves received treatment accordingly. That was Lydia's truth, and so she had always thought it was only right that Olivia, who was more exceptional than anyone, would possess everything in the world. Lydia even thought that Olivia's refusal of this was sinful.
But now.
Olivia eats the warm meal prepared by someone who doesn't ask for anything from her. Someone who doesn't expect anything in return or force her to study or pray. Still, they always ask if she's alright and occasionally suggest leaving this cold place through spatial movement to walk in a place with better, refreshing weather.
They don't expect anything from me, but.
They're willing to do anything for me.
"..."
Lydia realizes.
Although she had never had a family.
Isn't this what a family is supposed to be like?
A relationship where neither expects anything from the other, but both are more devoted to each other than anyone else.
Maybe that's what a family is.
She knew that she wouldn't be considered family.
However, Lydia, who had never experienced such warmth before, was confused.
A lot was required in the process of coming to believe in a deity. A price had to be paid proportional to the level of belief. She had to live a better life, study the scriptures, and learn through prayer what the deity advocated and pursued.
To believe in the deity, she had to know the deity. And those around her demanded and compelled her to know the deity.
But now.
Lydia believes that Eleris is a harmless existence to her.
Yet, Lydia still does not know who Eleris is, and Eleris has not told her anything about herself.
She was merely by her side. Throughout their time together, it was the accumulation of Eleris's words, actions, and small gestures of care that eventually led Lydia Schmit to believe in Eleris.
A belief different from faith.
For the first time, Lydia felt this from a being that was not even human.
Lydia knew some things about Eleris.
There were Lord Vampires, and there were seven families of these Lord Vampires. This place was where they occasionally gathered.
And Eleris, the head of the Tuesday family.
There were no other vampires belonging to that family, with Eleris being the head.
Lydia knew at least that much by now.
A being that directly contradicted the teachings of the Five Great Religions, which had taught that all wrong beings were evil, was right before her eyes.
Lydia couldn't find even a hint of malice in any aspect of Eleris's appearance.
Had the deity.
Delivered false teachings?
If she couldn't believe in the goodness and kindness before her eyes, where on earth was there something to believe in?
Lydia Schmit's disbelief had been growing in her heart for a long time.
The deity might be wrong.
And so.
Lydia Schmit, experiencing this kind of warmth for the first time, felt something inside her crumble.
No, perhaps it's wrong to say it crumbled.
In such a cold place.
In this icy castle where everything froze solid.
Something might have just melted away.
—---
Imperial Capital, the headquarters of the Merchant Guild.
"The Guild Master is currently unavailable."
A predictable response to mine and Olivia's meeting request. There was every possibility that they had discussed it beforehand. Something along the lines of not meeting Olivia when she visits.
"When will he be back?"
"We don't know the exact schedule. We only know that he has been very busy recently due to major business issues within the guild. It might be a few days or even over a week before he returns..."
If Owen de Gatmora deliberately avoided meeting Olivia, she would never be able to meet him.
Of course, Olivia has no idea that this incident is a royal farce, and it's difficult to realize that information is being deliberately concealed, and that she's unable to meet the key figures involved in the case on purpose.
Olivia and I eventually had to leave the Merchants' Guild headquarters without meeting the important figure, Owen.
If he deliberately avoided meeting us, it was an excellent strategy. He could have made a perfect excuse if we met, but avoiding conversation altogether was even better. At this stage, we weren't even in a situation where we would be suspected.
"What a letdown..."
We had traveled all the way to the southern kingdom of Levaina and returned via the Royal Road, but we couldn't even meet the Guild Master.
"We have to choose between going back to Rajeurn and investigating further, or waiting here until the Guild Master returns," I said.
In a way, I was relieved that Owen wasn't around. If Olivia were to uncover the truth, she might go beyond her disillusionment with humanity and join the Demon King's side. Even if she only said it as a joke, she might have joined the Demon King if I hadn't been there.
Olivia said she needed certainty.
She didn't say what kind of certainty. Whether it was the certainty to hate the Demon King, or the certainty to hate humans.
If Olivia were to learn the truth about the incident, she would gain certainty to hate humans.
Even if my being the Demon King were to be discovered, Olivia siding with the Demon King in the current situation would be like willingly jumping into a pit of fire.
"Let's return to Rajeurn."
"Shall we?"
That's why I wanted to avoid any situation where Olivia might meet Owen.
—---
Although the distance itself was enormous, using the warp gates made leaving and arriving almost instantaneous.
Returning to the Royal Road and then back to Rajeurn was a quick process.
"I always wonder how people would live without warp gates..."
Olivia began to talk about the convenience of warp gates but suddenly closed her mouth.
I felt the same way.
Olivia narrowed her eyes and stared at a particular spot in the square where the warp gate was.
It took us about three hours to leave Rajeurn, visit the Merchants' Guild headquarters, and return. There was also the time it took to actually get to the Merchants' Guild headquarters even when using the warp gate.
So, we returned to Rajeurn in just three hours.
"What is...this?"
Olivia muttered with a trembling voice.
In just three hours.
"Burn them! Burn the heretics!"
People driven into the clutches of the Demon Religion were hanging dead on poles, set ablaze.
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