Chapter 239 - 3−43
“Lute Calria is the Dragonewt with the ability of memory manipulation.”
My mind refused to process the Emperor’s words.
“That can’t be... because Lute-sama...”
He cooperated with me to restore Theodore-sama’s memories. And that book...
“T-that’s right. The book in the Emperor’s Archive. It said there was a power to counter a Dragonewt’s ability. That’s why I...”
“Do you still not understand? First, the First Prince is already dead. Second, it was Lute who erased Nana’s memories. And finally, Lute’s appearance of cooperating with you was all an act.”
“...An act?”
“In the first place, it is impossible to nullify a Dragonewt’s ability. There are no exceptions.”
The Emperor smirked and crouched down to look into my face as I knelt on the ground.
“Oh, and one more thing. I was the one who prepared that book in the Archive.”
I stared at him, my eyes wide with shock.
“It was a trap to make you create the Pure Magic Stone of your own accord. I went to great lengths to make sure you noticed it just in time, but you created such a perfect stone. My efforts have been rewarded.”
Being able to enter the Archive, finding that book... the book itself was something the Emperor prepared.
No...
Where did the lies begin? How long have I been deceived?
“...Everything was a lie?”
The terror increased as I whispered the words. My whole body trembled, and the color drained from my face. Where did I go wrong?
I slumped to the ground, my hands losing their strength. I didn't even feel the pain of the gravel digging into my palms as I collapsed. In contrast to my despair, the Emperor stood up, his eyes glinting with excitement.
“Ah, power is surging... So this is the power of spirits.”
He clenched his fists and raised them toward the sky, a powerful mana enveloping his body. The magic stone embedded in his chest glowed in resonance with his mana.
“T-this can’t be...”
“It was just as the Progenitor said. It seems that thanks to the Saint’s magic stone, I have obtained the same power as the Progenitor. And with that, the bothersome Progenitor within me has been completely absorbed.”
The Emperor let out a long breath and stretched his shoulders.
“Now, I am the strongest dragon.”
The Emperor reclaimed the power of the Progenitor Dragon?
I couldn't stop shaking, and a sudden chill washed over me.
“...It seems it will take some time for this body to master the Progenitor’s power. But... G-ghhh!”
The Emperor placed a hand over the magic stone in his chest, letting out a groan that made the ground rumble as he poured mana into it. In response, his back made a creaking sound.
Rrip!
The Emperor hunched over, trembling as if enduring something, and then massive black wings sprouted from his back. The bat-like wings that suddenly appeared were as large as his impressive physique, and a single flutter created a powerful gust of wind.
“These wings seem useful.”
As I sat speechless at the sight, the Emperor reached out a hand to me.
“Now, my destined Saint who made me the strongest. You shall continue to work for me from now on.”
“W-what are you...”
The Emperor grabbed me with one hand as I lay there and began walking toward the entrance of the cave. I struggled to escape his grip, but his arm was like iron and didn't budge.
“Let me go!”
“No, I cannot do that. From now on, you must watch the end of this world by my side as my Empress. Rachel... you are the one who completed me as the true Demon King.”
I was speechless as the Emperor’s smile deepened with satisfaction.
“According to the Progenitor, you still have value.”
Stepping out of the cave, the Emperor stood at the edge of a cliff overlooking the entire forest. Below, the lush greenery stretched out like a sea. A river flowing through the trees sparkled in the sunlight.
The cries of animals sensing something wrong echoed through the forest, and flocks of birds took flight to escape.
“Once I become a complete dragon, I will be able to fly even further and higher. Now, shall we go?”
With those words, the Emperor began to slowly move his large wings. The sound of the wings flapping was immense, creating enough wind pressure to seem like a tornado.
“S-stop!”
The Emperor jumped off the cliff while carrying me.
“Kyaa!”
I’m falling!
I squeezed my eyes shut. Just after my heart felt like it had shriveled, I felt a sudden sensation of floating and cautiously opened my eyes.
“I-I’m floating...”
“Yes. We are flying.”
If the Emperor loosened his grip, I would fall straight down the cliff. “Relax,” he said to me as I stiffened in fear.
“I truly am a dragon. To fly through the sky as I wish... I never knew it could be this free and liberating.”
The Emperor’s eyes sparkled like a child’s as he spun in the air, playing with the wind.
“Where are you going?!”
“Where? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be bad to just fly wherever I want.”
The Emperor’s answer didn't really address my question. He looked happy, yet his eyes narrowed with a hint of sadness.
“Is it because you are the Saint chosen by the Spirit King? Being near you isn't bothersome. If I had met you before I decided to destroy this world, perhaps I might have considered a future where the two of us lived quietly together.”
The Emperor’s voice, muttering as if to himself, sounded somewhat lonely. But whether his words were sincere or a lie didn't matter to me.
“That would be impossible.”
I glared at him, and he gave a self-deprecating laugh as if mocking himself.
“Yes, that is a fleeting dream that will never come true. But the fact that I am thinking such uncharacteristic things means I have grown quite fond of you.”
The Emperor muttered that and then fell silent. I didn't know where we were going or how long we would be in the air. That anxiety vanished the moment I saw the Imperial Castle in the distance. He was planning to go to the castle all along.
The Emperor landed on a balcony of one of the rooms in the castle and set me down. As I collapsed onto the floor, the glass door to the balcony was thrown open.
“Your Majesty... Your Majesty! That form... you succeeded!”
Lute-sama appeared, his voice trembling with emotion as he saw the wings on the Emperor’s back.
The person who took Theodore-sama’s memories... and continued to act like an ally.
Looking at Lute-sama’s face, anger and regret welled up within me. But he didn't seem to notice my gaze, or perhaps he just didn't care. Lute-sama didn't even glance at me, his eyes fixed solely on the Emperor as if looking at something dazzling.
“Lute, good work. ...Where is Nana?”
The Emperor patted Lute-sama’s shoulder and entered the room from the balcony.
“...I haven't seen him yet today. Shall I go call him?”
“No, it’s fine. He is no longer of any use. Dispose of him immediately.”
“Understood.”
Dispose of him? What?
I was stunned for a moment by their conversation. But I quickly regained my senses and shouted, “What are you saying?!”
“I have to find Theodore-sama right now...”
I tried to lift my weakened body. I put my hands on the floor to stand up, but as I struggled, the Emperor turned and crouched in front of me.
“Unfortunately, that is impossible. I told you, didn't I? From now on, your role is to slowly enjoy the end of this world by my side.”
I glared at the smirking Emperor. But my attitude only seemed to entertain him more, and his smile deepened.
He stood up again and entered the room without looking back.
“Now then, first, shall I eliminate the remaining royalty and nobles? No, wait. It might be faster to just tear down this castle.”
“Tear down the castle? Your Majesty, why would you do such a thing?”
Lute-sama followed the Emperor into the room, looking confused.
“I am creating a new world. It would be easier to just erase this old castle along with the vermin.”
“I see! Your Majesty’s ideas are always wonderful. Instead of the glory of the past Tratia Empire, Your Majesty Alec will become the new Progenitor and create a new country!”
Lute-sama nodded with a bright, expectant voice.
“...He has no intention of doing that.”
The Emperor has no intention of creating a new country for the sake of the Tratia Empire. He only intends to destroy everything for himself.
The Emperor stopped in his tracks at my murmur. He looked back with eyes that told me not to say anything unnecessary. But he quickly smirked and pointed at me.
“Ah, that’s right. You were here.”
“Lute-sama, you are being deceived. What the Emperor is thinking of isn't the prosperity of Tratia or a new country. It’s for his own desires!”
“...Are you trying to break the bond between me and His Majesty because I deceived you? How shallow.”
My desperate cry didn't seem to reach Lute-sama at all. The Emperor patted Lute-sama’s shoulder with satisfaction.
“Lute, this woman is just confused after learning the truth. Don't mind her.”
“Yes, of course. I only follow Your Majesty Alec’s words.”
“Good. But if we leave this woman here, she might get caught up in the destruction of the castle. Put her somewhere safe for now.”
Lute-sama put a hand to his chin and thought for a moment at the Emperor’s words.
“...In that case, her original room won't work. It would take too much time to move her to my mansion... For now, I will take her to the dungeon, where there is no danger of her escaping or dying.”
Lute-sama crouched in front of me and smiled as our eyes met.
“No! I won't do as you say!”
“Resistance is futile against me. Look into my eyes. Yes, let’s take a slow, deep breath.”
The moment my eyes met Lute-sama’s gray ones, I became unable to look away, regardless of my will.
I can’t speak!
I tried to protest, but my mouth only moved without making a sound.
“Now, follow me.”
Lute-sama snapped his fingers in front of my face. At that signal, my body, which had been powerless until a moment ago, stood up as if it were a lie. And as if following Lute-sama’s finger, my legs began to move on their own.
Why? Why won't my body listen to me?!
It was as if it weren't my own body. My body, moving on its own, followed Lute-sama obediently.