Chapter 140 - 2-22
"Rachel, are you here again?"
"Nel-sama..."
"You're always here whenever you have a spare moment. I went out of my way to come get you, so show a little gratitude."
Nel-sama, the Dark Spirit King, spoke from directly behind me without making a sound, just as he always did. I sat in the chair by the bedside. He sat on the sofa with a sulky expression and let out a heavy sigh after glancing my way.
"You don't need to watch over him so anxiously every day. His wounds will heal eventually, so you might as well leave him be."
Nel-sama's gaze shifted toward the bed, where Louis-sama lay with his eyes tightly shut, showing no signs of waking. Since arriving in the Spirit Land, Louis-sama's complexion had improved rapidly thanks to the Dark Spirit King's power. According to Nel-sama, even his internal injuries were on the mend.
Despite that, there was no indication he would wake up. Though his breathing remained steady, he couldn't even move a fingertip on his own.
"Even so... I don't know when he'll wake. I want to be by his side as much as possible so he isn't confused when he finally opens his eyes."
"Hmph. I don't see what's so interesting about watching someone sleep for days on end."
Nel-sama gave a disinterested response as he took an apple from the basket on the table and took a crisp bite. He muttered while chewing, his voice nearly lost to the sound of the crunch. "Besides, there's no guarantee the person who wakes up will be the one you're waiting for."
When I tried to ask what he meant, Nel-sama hurriedly shook his head. "No, it's nothing," he said, stuffing another bite of apple into his mouth.
That day...
When the doctors and Prince Ricardo were at their wits' end and Louis-sama's life was about to flicker out, it was Nel-sama, the Dark Spirit King, who had reached out. I was the one who had taken his hand without hesitation, desperate to cling to even the thinnest of hopes.
He had given me a choice as I stood there, bewildered by the sudden appearance of the Dark Spirit King.
"Now then, my Saint has two choices. One, you can stay here and watch your fiancé die in silence. Or, you can come with me in exchange for his life."
He likely knew exactly how I would answer. Nel-sama's eyes sparkled with amusement when I begged for his help without a second thought.
"Ah, you really are wonderful! I knew you'd say that. Now then, I wonder what kind of game this prince should play?"
"A game... Um, excuse me! Will Louis-sama really be saved?!"
"Of course it's possible. But I'm not in the habit of saving people for free. You're only alive right now because you entertained me. That's why I've taken a special liking to you."
Nel-sama nodded proudly. He walked over to Louis-sama and narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, so this is the famous prince, is it?"
"I'll give him one chance. If the prince clears the game, he passes. He'll return to your side properly."
"Spirit King-sama... what exactly is this game?"
"It wouldn't be any fun if I told you. It's a secret."
Nel-sama spoke of it as if it were nothing. Saving my life had likely been a mere whim to him as well. To him, it was probably like testing a chess piece in an unexpected position. He likely didn't care if the game was lost. His only interest was seeing how the game changed because of the piece he moved. Winning or losing was just a result; winning was probably just a bonus.
His only real criterion was whether he was enjoying himself. Even so, I couldn't be grateful enough for the fact that we were here now because of it.
However, there was a chance I had simply been lucky. What about Louis-sama?
The difference in our perspectives filled me with dread, and my hands tightened into fists. I forced my trembling lips to move and looked toward Nel-sama.
"W-what if... he fails this game?"
"Well, I wonder. Usually, I'd take someone's mana like I did with you and see what happens, but I can't use that trick here. Then again, you're about the only one who's ever survived that. Most people can't live without mana."
Nel-sama laughed playfully, and I had to force my legs not to retreat. I realized once again just how fortunate I had been.
"But for now, all I can say is... well, no matter the game, 'Game Over' always means annihilation."
Annihilation... did he mean...?
A sickening throb echoed in my chest at his words.
Still, I had no choice but to take his hand. If Nel-sama changed his mind and decided to stop, I would be helpless. I gently squeezed Louis-sama's hand, but there was no response. His pale face was devoid of life. My eyes grew hot, and my vision blurred.
Louis-sama... please, please forgive my selfishness. If there is even a slight chance of saving you, I will do anything... no matter who the opponent is...
I took a deep breath, though it felt shallow. I wiped my eyes and looked straight up at Nel-sama.
"W-what must I do?"
My voice cracked slightly, but Nel-sama didn't seem to mind. He grinned, his eyes shining with delight.
"You just have to come with me."
"Where to?"
"You'll find out as soon as we arrive."
Nel-sama snapped his fingers, and a staff taller than he was appeared. He gave it a spin, and the crystal at the top began to glow with a brilliant purple light. The beauty of the radiance stole my breath. He raised the staff and struck the floor, plunging the room into darkness. Another sharp tap followed, and a blinding light overwhelmed me. I squeezed my eyes shut against the glare.
"Well, we've arrived."
I opened my eyes slowly and gasped at the sight before me. The scenery had completely transformed. The only sound I could hear was the sharp intake of my own breath.
The bed and Louis-sama were gone. I was speechless, unable to comprehend where I was. All I knew was that I was standing in a magnificent room that looked like a royal throne room. And there, sitting on a large chair atop a short flight of stairs, was Nel-sama.
I apologize for the long delay. Starting from this chapter, we will see things from Rachel's perspective for a bit.
Also, the third volume of the light novel is on sale today! Please check out the book and the manga adaptation as well.