Chapter 139 - 2-21 Louis's Perspective
When I returned to the Office with Theodore, Cyril was already prepared and waiting. The three of us talked until the sky outside the window shifted from black to deep blue, with the first hints of a red dawn peeking through.
I took a breath, sipping the tea Cyril had brewed.
Theodore groaned, looking at the papers in front of him.
"Miss Rachel contracted with the Dark Spirit King. And since the power of darkness, like light, governs time... the existence of two worlds must be due to the intervention of either the Dark Spirit King or the Spirit King of Light."
"So it comes back to that."
"Whether the starting point was three years ago or Miss Rachel's death is unclear, but it's the result of a massive manipulation of time."
"The world split. In that case... it might be the Dark Spirit King."
I thought as much. Theodore's conclusion matched my own suspicions.
The Spirit King of Light I had seen at the Spirit Summoning Ceremony had said he does not interfere with humans. It was hard to imagine him manipulating time of his own accord. In contrast, Rachel's impression of the Dark Spirit King was that he was cheerful and curious. If so, it was likely the power of the Dark Spirit King who had given Rachel his blessing.
"Now, about the other problem you were worried about, Louis."
"Yes. If I am here, what has happened to the 'me' of this world?"
"About that... my theory is that since your soul and the soul of the Louis here are the same, the Spirit King simply... swapped your consciousnesses?"
"...Which means the Louis of this world is currently by Rachel's side?"
"Yeah, that's likely it."
The 'me' from that world had fallen into a ravine in the forests of the Kingdom of Orta. Time moved at the same pace in both worlds. That meant he should be severely injured right now. But more than that, the thought of the 'me' from this world saying something strange to Rachel made me incredibly anxious. Furthermore, if such an abnormal situation was occurring, there was a high chance the Dark Spirit King was in contact with Rachel. Theodore seemed to share this view.
Still, I had to prioritize returning to my own world over the situation there. Losing my composure at any moment could lead to an irreversible disaster.
"How can we swap our consciousnesses back?"
"For you to return, the Spirit King will have to do something again."
"The Spirit King. ...A troublesome opponent."
The presence of the Spirit King of Light was still vivid in my memory. It was easy to see why he was worshipped as a god. Was there even a way to negotiate with such a being? My brow furrowed, and my grip on the teacup tightened. Theodore glanced at me and rubbed his eyes with a deep sigh.
"Forget meeting the Dark Spirit King; it's impossible for us to even make contact with a dark spirit here."
"Indeed. In this country, there are no dark spirits, let alone the Dark Spirit King," Cyril added.
"Cyril is right. Even if we went to the forest where dark spirits live in this world, we can't enter the Spirit Land, so we're stuck. Louis, do you have any ideas?"
That was true. In my world, the existence of dark spirits was recognized because Rachel had contracted with Kuro. In this world, no one knew of them or had a contract. Where was the path to the dark spirits?
"The Kingdom of Orta... their royalty possesses the power of darkness. But it would take too much time to contact them. Besides, I don't know what kind of relationship the 'me' of this world has built with anyone who might help."
"Which means..."
"Yes. There is only one way. But it's a gamble. The odds of it working are incredibly low."
"But it's not like we have any other choice, right?"
Theodore and I locked eyes. Without a word, our thoughts aligned. Theodore shrugged and let out a breath, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I figured you'd say that."
"Um, Your Highness, Theodore-sama... what is this 'way'?"
Cyril likely had a guess, but his expression was one of pure bewilderment, as if saying, 'Surely not.'
"There is only one other being with power equal to the Dark Spirit King."
"What! That is far too reckless!"
"Likely so. But there is no other way. No matter who the opponent is, I have no intention of backing down."
Cyril was right; it was reckless. I didn't truly think it would succeed. But is there any other way?
Where am I right now? Thrust into this chaotic world, the standard rules no longer applied. I would use anything and everything. I would use every hand available to me.
Even if that hand belonged to a god.
"Sigh... understood. In that case, I shall go and persuade our other collaborator."
"My apologies, Cyril."
As I looked at Cyril, my fists clenched, he let out a heavy sigh and stood up.
"No need. I am quite used to you causing me trouble."
"...I suppose you are. You have my thanks."
As Cyril headed for the door without hesitation, I called out to him. He shook his head exaggeratedly. "I should think so," he replied. Though his face was twisted in a look of utter annoyance, he seemed somehow refreshed.