Chapter 153 - 2-35 Louis's Perspective
I was walking through the palace corridors toward the courtyard, sword in hand, when I saw Theodore approaching from the opposite direction. He gave me a casual wave. "Oh, heading for practice?"
"Yes. I haven't had a chance to swing a sword in a while. Count Milicier happens to be free, so I thought I’d have him train me."
When I’m lost or troubled, I like to clear my mind by swinging a sword. Immersing myself in the movement helps me organize my thoughts. Since arriving in this world, I had been too desperate to find the time, but now that a glimmer of possibility had appeared, I felt the urge to move my body.
"I see. Your sword master was my uncle, wasn't he?"
Theodore grimaced. Count Milicier, the Knight Commander, was the father of Theodore’s cousin, Leonie. "In that case, I’m heading back to the Order of Mages before he finds me."
"Still running away from him, I see."
"That muscle-brained family put me through hell when I was a kid. My uncle doesn't know the meaning of the word 'restraint.'"
Theodore let out a heavy sigh. "I understand. The Count is a good man, but he becomes a different person when it comes to the sword."
"The whole Milicier family is like that."
I nodded with a wry smile as Theodore spoke with an exasperated expression. Then, as if remembering something, he spoke up. "Oh, right. About the departure. I’m thinking a week from now, at nine in the evening."
"I see. So it’s impossible to go immediately."
"Yeah. I have preparations to make, and more importantly, the Room of Space-Time is managed by the Spirit King of Light. You can't just walk in there through the front door."
The "departure" referred to our journey to the Land of Light Spirits to find the place depicted in the painting. After summoning Van, Theodore had extracted a wealth of information from him regarding the Spirit Land and the Room of Space-Time. Van confirmed that the room existed within the Land of Light Spirits. However, the problem was that even Van had never entered it.
The Room of Space-Time is exactly what it sounds like—a place that manages time and dimensions. But all I know is that it looks like a sky full of stars.
"Is it possible the Room of Space-Time connects the light and dark spirit lands?"
It’s highly likely. Light and darkness are two sides of the same coin. Even if the worlds they see are different, they are connected.
"Then—!"
But I don't know if the Spirit King will cooperate.
The Spirit King of Light that Van described matched my own image of him: a being overflowing with mercy, a lover of nature, always calm, and a leader to all spirits. Yet, he was also someone who maintained a clear boundary between humans and spirits. He taught the spirits that while cooperation and trust with humans were necessary, they had to be careful not to become too deeply involved. I suspect he fears something about deep human involvement, but I don't know the details, Van had said.
Because of that nature, it was unthinkable that he would allow a human into the Room of Space-Time—a place even spirits rarely entered. "So even if we reach the Spirit Land, we can't enter the room?"
There might be a way.
"Van, what do you mean?"
I’ve never entered because I never had a reason to. But... it’s not that I can't.
I had listened intently as Theodore translated Van’s words, my heart pounding with a faint spark of hope. Recalling that conversation, I let out a breath and tightened my grip on my sword. Theodore looked at me with concern. "What’s wrong?"
"Aiming for the Spirit King of Light’s absence... I wonder if it will work."
"You’re being unusually timid. Well, I suppose it’s natural when the opponent is a Spirit King."
"With you and Van, I feel we can manage to enter the Spirit Land. But after that, there’s no room for error. Still, we have to assume that day is our only chance."
"Yeah. The Spirit King almost never leaves the Spirit Land, except for the centennial gathering of Spirit Kings. The timing is almost too perfect, isn't it?"
The image of the Dark Spirit King’s amused face flickered in my mind. Given how he enjoyed using words like game and hint, he likely anticipated my actions. It was frustrating to think he was watching from above, but it was also true that I might not have survived without his intervention. I bit my lip unconsciously.
"I don't know much about the Dark Spirit King, but he likely planned this. It’s as if he’s telling me it’s 'game over' if I don't make it back."
"You’re going to win, right?"
Theodore grinned, and I returned the smile. "Of course."
"Then I’ll spend the next week making sure we’re perfectly prepared."
"I’m counting on you."
Theodore patted my shoulder twice and walked past me. I looked back to see him waving a hand dismissively. "Give my regards to my uncle!"
Thank you as always for the bookmarks and reviews. Your warm words and support make me very happy.
Also, Volume 4 of the light novel version of 'The Reincarnated Villainess...' was released on March 10th! This volume features Rachel’s dress changes, beautiful illustrations, and new written content. I hope you enjoy it. Please continue to support the manga and web versions as well.