Chapter 151 - 2-33 Louis's Perspective
After a brief explanation to Theodore and the others, we left Torsova Academy. Back at the palace, Theodore and I sat across from each other in the Office to discuss our next move.
"I understand the situation now," Theodore said. "So, what’s the plan? Do you have any leads?"
"Yes. According to Rachel, she is currently in the Dark Spirit King’s temple."
"The Spirit King’s temple... That’s a problem. You and I both have strong light mana; we can't enter the Spirit Land where dark spirits dwell."
That was the primary obstacle. Our mana possessed properties diametrically opposed to darkness. Because of this, sensing dark power was difficult. While someone of Theodore’s caliber might manage to sense it, actually entering that realm was another matter entirely.
However, meeting Rachel had jogged another memory—one that might be the key to reaching her.
"Theodore, you must promise never to speak of what I’m about to show you."
"Fine, but what is it? Are you hiding something dangerous?"
Theodore grimaced, and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "It’s not exactly dangerous, but follow me."
I stood up and channeled mana into a specific book on the office shelves. The bookshelf slid aside with a low rumble.
"A hidden passage?"
"I assumed you’d noticed it already. You were eyeing this shelf quite curiously a while back."
"Well, I had a hunch. But I didn't try to break the seal."
A corridor appeared where the bookshelf had been—one of the many secret paths within the palace. This particular path didn't lead anywhere vital on its own, but the Office held many more secrets. These passages utilized specialized techniques; entering without knowing the full layout could leave one lost forever.
I navigated the branching paths without hesitation. Stopping before a single door, I produced a key from my pocket and entered. I glanced back to ensure Theodore was following before walking straight to my destination.
"What is this place? I never knew this room existed."
"It’s a storage room for art and artifacts."
"There’s light magic woven into the air here. From a quick glance, it looks like many of these items are related to light spirits."
"Correct. With exceptions like yourself, light magic is a secret known only to the royal family."
Theodore’s eyes sparkled with interest as he examined the paintings and sculptures. "The security is quite tight."
"Naturally. Only the King and the Crown Prince hold the keys to this room."
"Hey, are you sure it’s okay for me to be in here?"
"It’s a bit late for that. You already know more royal secrets than anyone else."
I sighed, and Theodore simply shrugged.
"Ah, here it is. This is the painting I wanted you to see."
I stopped before a small, unassuming painting tucked away in the back of the room. I hadn't visited this room in a long time and had forgotten the painting's existence until I returned to the palace.
Theodore stood beside me and gasped. "No way..."
"Yes. I believe the place the Dark Spirit King took me—the place where Rachel is—is depicted right here."
I rubbed my chin, staring intently at the canvas. When I had met Rachel, the joy of seeing her and the pressure of the time limit had prevented me from observing my surroundings closely. But looking back, the area beyond the glass box looked remarkably like this painting.
"The title is... 'Room of Space-Time'? Who painted this?"
"The details are unknown."
"And the origin of the title?"
"I don't know that either. When Rachel contracted with Kuro, I went through every forbidden text available to the royal family to research dark spirits. There was no mention of a 'Room of Space-Time.' I have no way of knowing where it is, or if it even truly exists."
"But the figure in the center isn't the Dark Spirit King. It’s the Spirit King of Light, isn't it?"
I looked back at the painting. It showed the Spirit King of Light holding his hands over brilliant, shimmering stars, as if commanding a vast galaxy.
"If this painting depicts the Room of Space-Time, then is the place where Rachel is—the place the Dark Spirit King sent me—actually this room? No, she said it was the Dark Spirit King’s temple."
As I muttered my thoughts aloud, Theodore stepped forward, peering at the painting with intense focus. "Wait. There’s a possibility."
"A possibility? That this painting and the place Rachel is are the same?"
"If it truly is a 'Room of Space-Time,' then is the room itself the essence of light and dark power? No, let’s set aside the reason for its existence for now."
Theodore seemed too absorbed to hear my question. He fell into deep thought for a moment before turning back to me, a look of realization on his face.
"I see! Light and darkness both possess the property of manipulating time. That means there might be two Rooms of Space-Time... or perhaps they are connected."
A room that directly connects light and darkness?
I whispered the thought, echoing his words. "If they are connected... then there’s hope?"
"Even if they are, what then? The Spirit King of Light didn't respond to our call. Do you want to try the ceremony again?"
"No, he won't appear even if we try again."
"That look on your face suggests you have another plan."
"Yes. I think I’ll use this."
I reached for my collar and pulled a chain from beneath my shirt. I always kept it hidden, never letting it leave my person. A silver pendant engraved with the royal crest caught the faint light of the room. It was a locket; when I clicked the silver cover open, a yellow magic stone sat nestled inside.
"I figured as much. You’re going to call him, aren't you? Your contract spirit."
"He’s been asleep for a long time. I just hope he’s in a good mood."
I gently stroked the hawk emblem carved into the stone. A smile touched my lips as I thought of the contract spirit I hadn't seen in years. "Come now, it’s time to wake up."
I spoke softly, channeling power into the stone. A brilliant light erupted, forming a large mass that circled around Theodore and me.
"Screee!"
"Good boy. Come here."
The light let out a high-pitched cry that echoed through the room before settling on my outstretched arm. The radiance was absorbed back into the spirit, revealing its true form. My contract spirit, Van, stood there in the shape of a hawk.