1012. Yeah, at night
“I will build my city here.”
She spoke to an ancient tree comparable in size to a vast expanse of land. Though it was the words of a mere fairy, she accomplished it. And so, she built a city. Decades later, she swore once again.
“I will become a barrier and block it.”
Her steadfast will was noble, and that nobility earned the respect of all. Time continued to flow.
She fought monsters and demons, and even fought a dragon that had lost its sense of self. She experienced many things worthy of being called legends or myths.
In the meantime, she forgot her name. She needed a new name.
“Flyra, you resemble a flower.”
These were the words of a human who had fallen for her. The fairy Fly nodded and continued what she was doing. She
fought, endured, and held on. The monsters were endless, and those who had become the lords of the Demon Realm were relentless. In the meantime, many of those who had fallen for her had died. Many of those she loved had also died.
Time had passed to the point where counting was futile. She simply fought. She fought to the very end to achieve what she desired.
It increased.
In an instant, they divided the area and expanded their territory. If things continue like this, all the land will eventually fall into the clutches of the Demon Realm.
All the efforts made to drive out the Demon Realm, build the city, and protect everyone will be in vain.
What should I do?
She agonized for a long time. She was a fairy. A species with a long lifespan.
She deliberated for a long time and made a decision. And so, she became subservient to her city.
“Therefore, I am immortal.”
Saying this, he announced the beginning of the Empire.
The first objective was to drive out the Demon Realm, and the subsequent objective was to protect those who remained.
Even after that, he lived for a very long time, giving new names to dozens of personalities such as Eva, Ruina, Porsena, Elaris, and Flyra.
The Demon Realm.
Her desire to erase that place and move forward into a new world remained the same. Yet,
the harsh punishment of time had worn her down. Her worn-out life continued.
What did I start fighting about again?
Even memories are fading. It was a side effect of my split personality.
Ah, that’s right.
The one I loved has died. He was human. He was a man of exceptional talent who caught up to my skills within a few years.
Of course, it was so long ago that I have forgotten his name and face. I have forgotten his emotions as well, leaving only fragments of memory behind.
I fight and fight again. Igniculus, the life of a fairy is long, so the moments when it burns like a spark are crucial. Because those moments determine the majority of the rest of one’s life, they were called the sparks of destiny.
I have passed through those periods of burning like flames time and time again. I have gone through so much and have finally reached the present.
If you ask me what my wish is, there is only one.
It is death. To some, it may be terror and fear, but to her, it is the name of rest. However, the vows piled upon layers did not allow her death. That
excessively long time was a curse in itself. The Emperor now hoped to be freed from the curse.
Krang glimpsed a part of her life. In the process, he also saw her revealing intimacy with the Sun Water.
The fact that she bit her own Sun Water was a request to step aside for a moment.
Was it a scam?
Even though I asked in my heart with my eyes closed, an answer came back.
“Fraud? I knew Taeyangsu first. I mean, we’re close enough to grant each other a favor.”
“And you made it look like you pushed him away by force?”
“Delusion is the prerogative of the delusional.”
Between a few words, Krang pulled out his memory. It was just a few days ago.
I’m really glad to see you.
It was the moment he perfectly understood, once again, why the Emperor had spoken the way he had when he first saw him.
Why? Because he was the final destination met at the end of a truly long and arduous time.
Therefore, he couldn’t help but be
glad to see him. The reason he had said it would be good if the other person were glad to see him was slightly different. It meant that since their intentions were the same, it was fine for them to be glad to see each other.
Krang knew just how much the Emperor had longed for him.
I intend to put an end to the Demon Realm.
She is a being bound by oaths. The problem is that there are too many enemies to deal with.
Even the slightest mistake would result in the empire being devoured instead. Her death is not merely rest, but the peace that will come after achieving her goal.
The Demon Realm is not one.
The Emperor’s voice was heard in his own voice. Krang opened his eyes. He didn’t know why, but a single tear rolled down the corner of his eye.
Raising his hand to wipe it away, Krang looked down. The composition of the doll the Emperor had made earlier looked different.
“The Empire is a barrier blocking the Demon Realm.”
Krang said.
That’s right.
The Emperor answered.
Krang turned around, went down a few steps, and spoke again.
“You won’t be able to attack the enemy with just the barrier.”
“That’s right.”
The shield had endured the attacks of time for a long time.
Krang looked at his knight and friend anew. Hadn’t he also been known as the Knight of the Wall?
So you wanted us to be a spear, not a barrier.
How should I put it? Krang felt that now was a turning point. It felt a bit late, but it was time for a change.
If, until now, you were preoccupied with blocking the Demon Realm’s attacks.
Isn’t it time to strike now?
No matter what the Emperor says, Krang has already made up his mind to do so. That is why he came here in person.
Not to fight the Empire, but to fight the Demon Realm.
Not to share power in both directions, but to completely erase the Demon Realm.
I have come this far with nothing but an upright heart, and the Emperor shared the same sentiment.
Therefore, it is time to force my knight and friend to take on something other than the title of “Fortress.”
The Empire is currently fighting the Demon Realm on the northern and eastern fronts. The Emperor’s goal is to eliminate them—those entrenched in the northern and eastern parts of the Empire.
If we fight them with determination, we will be devoured by those who have settled in the southern demon realm.
The demon lords located in the north and east are the anchors that keep her in this world, but even if she tried to eliminate them all, the back of her head felt cold.
Someone has to fight the South.
Someone is needed to fight wielding a sword of will as steadfast as oneself.
So, unifying the currency.
They unified the language.
Unifying the currency and language was not a move to rule the continent or reveal a lust for conquest.
It was a way of providing the minimum preparations so that they would stop their other antics and unite their strength to fight the Demon Realm.
It was a plea to join forces rather than fight over trivial reasons.
Furthermore, whenever the Southern Demon Realm was shaken, a knight from the Empire would fight in their place.
If the continent falls, the empire falls too.
A single fact shone like a star. The truth hidden in the moonlight was now visible and audible.
So I’m glad to see you.
For he must have waited a very long time for those who would erase the demonic landscape of the South.
At one time, he pinned his hopes on Azpen, and at another, on Lichsteinten, but they all walked different paths.
Rather than doing anything, the Emperor earnestly hoped for the time to come. And so he waited.
Connected to the massive ancient tree, yearning for rest.
This castle is an ancient fairy tree.
Krang realized the true nature of the castle. It is often called the World Tree, but in reality, it is just a large tree. Since the tree is filled with vital energy, the leaves that bloomed from it performed the miracle of saving human lives, so it is only natural that it is given all sorts of names.
It was no wonder Esther felt uncomfortable and displeased here. In a way, it was like standing on the palm of the Emperor’s hand.
Moreover, the Emperor had his body bound to this room as the price of immortality. This was the Emperor’s room, audience chamber, reception room, and bedroom.
A long time.
A being bound by oaths and bound by life itself—therefore, she is pitiful. That must be why tears welled up.
What was the reason for the Emperor’s choice? Stubbornness? Oath? Idealism?
It was none of those things. Now that I have glimpsed her past, I know. She simply
ended up like this as she protected the people behind her back, one by one. She has reached a point of no return.
So, if she were to go back to that time, would she make a different choice? She would not be able to. For that would mean she would have to watch those she cherish die.
Enki.
Krang called out to his friend. Deep blue eyes gazed at him. There was no answer, but he knew that whatever he said would be accepted and that the friend would stay with him.
It is our turn to hit.
Krang spoke. Although he had cut to the chase, Enkrid was still the same. He nodded.
“okay.”
That is how I answer.
Even if everything fails and I meet a pathetic end.
I will not regret it.
With the Emperor watching, Krang, having glimpsed the past and read her will, explained.
The Emperor presented a total of four dolls; one represented herself, one Krang, and the other two symbolized the existence of the Demon Mirror.
Two small wood golems turned black, revealing additional faces near their chests and thighs. There are multiple faces on a single body.
The principle is the same for both the Demon Realm and the Empire because they exist by someone’s will.
If the Emperor dies, the inner fortress where they are currently located will collapse. For the same reason, if all the rulers of the Demon Realm are killed, the core of the Demon Realm will disappear.
I was exhausted, but they weren’t. Maybe that’s the difference between us.
The Emperor’s personality changed during their conversation. This Emperor was weary. He seemed like someone who had lost, unable to fight against boredom and tedium.
In any case, as she said, the Emperor of the Empire and the Monarch of the Demon Realm were similar in a way. If one desired rest, the other…
They do not want to attain divinity.
It was the Emperor’s words. The sharp blade of accusation, hidden within her ennui, rose up. Her personality had changed once again. This time, she was filled with the desire to torture those damned demon bastards and kill them all. It was a personality formidable with murderous intent and jealousy.
In any case, demons believe that it is acceptable for everything living on this earth to die in order to attain divinity.
That is why she is different from the Emperor. She is a guardian.
Encreed listened carefully and grasped the meaning. From then on, she gazed only at one person.
“Stop looking at me, you bastard. Your face is going to wear out.”
Glare is the symbol of a frock. That was what Cahal said, his cheeks glistening with oil. He spoke in a mumbled tone, yet everyone here could hear him clearly. Despite his rough and unrefined manner, his words were imbued with goodwill. Encred, being someone who could read the heart behind words, gave a calm reply.
“I see it with my own eyes. Mind your own business.”
“You are looking at me, aren’t you? Then it does matter.”
“Is that so?”
“This guy is really mysteriously interesting. Emperor, may I leave now?”
Kahal has no interest in the Emperor’s will or her death. After all, Floch is inherently uninterested in matters that are not related to his own desires and wishes.
Go ahead.
The Emperor had lived for a long time and seen all kinds of people. She does not demand loyalty from everyone she embraces. If she did, the vessel called the Empire would become a mess.
She wanted them to live well even after her death.
“Krang.”
Encred also called the king.
“Alright, go ahead.”
Krang knows Encrid. He, too, had heard the Emperor’s words clearly. It is just that his attention is currently focused elsewhere.
In a way, it was a truly wise and amusing attitude.
Although he prioritizes things like eliminating the Demon Realm or protecting his back above all else.
Is that a reason to give up personal happiness?
It was a question that arose anew. Observing Encred’s attitude, Krang found the answer to a question he had pondered for a long time.
There is no need for that.
Encreed was a man who answered questions with his life. It is fine to have both goals and happiness.
I will escort you to the training grounds.
Enkrid said.
“Son, I’m the one who should be guiding you, not you.”
Kahal spoke in a demanding tone. Rem, Sinar, and Temares followed him out as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Even Saxony followed them out.
“You’re not protecting me?”
Krang asked Saxon as he was leaving.
I have heard the whole story and I understand.
Saxony answered without stopping. He was asking if there was any need to speak at length. Hearing it now, he realized that protecting the King was more important to the Emperor than to himself.
That’s true.
Krang muttered, looked at the Emperor, and spoke again.
“I have heard everything. Now that my stomach feels at ease, I feel like I wouldn’t get indigestion no matter what I eat, so aren’t you holding a banquet? If you ask when the Empire brings out its hidden wine or food, I would answer that it is now.”
The Emperor, who had been watching, burst into laughter. Although she wasn’t looking toward the future, she had long hoped for someone like this to appear.
Since he was even cheerful, she was simply delighted.
After all, no one knows what the future holds. The future is variable.
Therefore, one simply does one’s best in the present. That is the reason one must enjoy the moment.
A man named Enkrid did just that, and a king named Krang agreed with him. It was a truth the Emperor had realized as well. It was a fact she had briefly forgotten recently, but seeing them brought this concept to mind naturally. After all, they were truly amusing people.
“good night.”
The Emperor nodded vigorously. He was ready to offer precious wine.
If you’re late, there’s nothing left.
Rem hesitated for a moment at the words Krang threw at those leaving, then asked.
Is it true that we’re doing it later tonight?
He wanted to enjoy the sights of Dalian and try his hand at it, but he also didn’t want to give up the precious liquor just to do this. Since
Dunbakel, the alcoholic, wasn’t there, wasn’t this a chance to drink to his heart’s content?
Yeah, at night.
Krang nodded. It was only natural, since there was no need to discuss the banquet without them.
