Chapter 376 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (6)
Chwaaaak!
Blood soared from the heavenly demon's heart which received a cross-shaped cut. The blood that was blacker than ink soaked the land around the heavenly demon, and weeds started to mutate into a weird form. It was blood that turned normal plants and animals into monsters in a matter of seconds!
The phenomenon proved that the wound was a fatal injury. Blood was concentrated in the heart, but the pollution wouldn't normally occur to this degree. This meant there was great damage dealt in an area that even the heavenly demon's regenerating ability couldn't intervene in.
"You, you, you will regret this…!" The body of the heavenly demon fell to the ground while letting out curses.
Kung.
Light disappeared from his red eyes, and the presence that could crush the heavens gradually faded. This was the moment when the heavenly demon, the demon king born from Lust, died. Simultaneously, Theodore coughed up blood. "Weeeeeek!"
However, it wasn't dead blood. Red blood, the blood of life, overflowed from his lips. There was something strange about the appearance of the winner who defeated the enemy. Theodore's knees collapsed because of a lack of blood, and he sat on nearby rocks.
'I-I almost died… It is self-destruction. It isn't something that can be used as a joke.'
Grand Cross, the transcendent technique which had been used as the last trump card, was a problem. At that moment, Theodore had looked at an area that went beyond Lee Yoonsung, the one who had delivered the martial arts to him. It wasn't a purely off-limits area, but it was a power he couldn't endure right now. In any case, the force, which shouldn't have been allowed, had lent him strength in the name of the guardian of the world. Despite being a transcendent, the two ultimate things shouldn't be used as one. Their combination produced a fearsome reaction.
Clang! Two of Theodore's clones broke like glass while the artifact cracked.
It wasn't due to a direct hit; the tremendous treasure broke in reaction to the technique. Moreover, this was despite the fact that he had handed more than half of the burden over to the Eight Jade Magatamas. In the case of the Heavenly Sword he had used directly with Grand Cross, the sword's tip fell off the blade.
"…Still."
He had won. Theodore was relieved as he straightened his back.
'The circles are a bit creaky, but it isn't bad. They can recover in a month or so.'
Since he had been prepared to die together with the heavenly demon, this result was sensational. There would be no future for the material world if Theodore had been defeated in this fight. Theodore had seen this and prepared a trap. It had been from the moment he negotiated a hostage with Lust.
"Mutual Destruction, release."
Needless to say, it had been implanted in the 'seed' that Lust had taken. If he hadn't won the battle, he had intended to use Mutual Destruction in order for both of them to die together. No matter how great a vitality they had, there was no way to stop the suicide spell that was contained in the soul.
At that moment…
"······■■■■■." There was a growl that couldn't be understood.
Then the body of the dying heavenly demon turned to black mist.
"What?" Theodore put up a shield faster than the black fog's movement and was immediately amazed. It was because his left arm was being eroded by something black.
It wasn't physical. 'If this… this erosion―no way.'
"Coming back through the path of the suicide magic that I planted…!"
It was ridiculous. The heavenly demon turned his body from physical reality to information and jumped on the suicide spell that had targeted him. In fact, the heavenly demon lost 80% of his existence during the course of the reversal. Nevertheless, the erosion was indeed a threat to Theodore.
「 Pause! 」
The speed dropped remarkably once this order was applied, but the erosion didn't stop due to the magic resistance inherent in the heavenly demon. If this continued, Theodore would become another heavenly demon. It was inevitable. Theodore decided and pulled out Soul Calibre using his right hand. He was going to stop the erosion, even if it meant cutting off his left arm.
[Wait.]
If Seimei hadn't intervened, he certainly would've done so.
"Seimei? When did you come back?"
[It has been quite a while. My soul, which was removed from the Eight Jade Magatamas, belongs to the grimoire. Once removed from Suzuka's body, I returned.]
"No, I don't need an explanation for that! Why are you stopping me?" Theodore asked in an urgent voice.
Seimei replied with a laugh, [Well, you sure have a temper. Since you have released my regret, I'm just giving you a reasonable reward.]
"What is this situation…?"
[It doesn't look good if the main character of the victory loses an arm,] Seimei spoke lightly of the reward like it was a joke.
[Object name 'Abe no Seimei' has requested to complete his quest. Reviewing the achievements of the target, the progress and the surrounding situation…]
[The request of object name 'Abe no Seimei' has been accepted.]
[Verified the completion of the quest. After 30 seconds from the present time, the Transmission of Abe no Seimei will begin―changed. Verified that your current capacity is close to saturation. Confirming a separate compensation…]
[In conclusion, it has been left to object name 'Abe no Seimei's discretion.]
After compromising with the system, Seimei explained, [You should know it already, but if you accept my power with a body that has already become transcendent, it will only burst. Therefore, I will give you my power in a different way.]
The soul dispersed. Mana was another concept. The innate power of onmyōdō wasn't studied in magic. The soul split into small particles, interfering with the astral dimension. The ultimate magic which controlled the spirit transformed Seimei's soul into a string and weaved it around Theodore's left arm, which had turned black. Theodore felt the erosion, which had swallowed his arm, come to a stop, and sensation returned to his arm.
[Yes, it is now time to say goodbye,] Seimei said goodbye in a hollow voice. [I will take my little brother away. There will be some impact on you, but you can handle it well. Eat and live well for a long time. We will meet again on the other side.]
"Wait, Seimei…! You are leaving this way as well?! Why are all the great people like you?"
[Hahaha! I have nothing to say. I've heard many things since I was alive!] Despite the increasingly blurred voice, Seimei laughed pleasantly.
Abe no Seimei—this was the end of the onmyōdō master, who had been born between a youkai and a Seven Sins' grimoire, and was the savior of Japan. As Seimei's soul burned up, he left a final message, [When the day comes and you stand at a crossroads, remember yourself.]
Before Theodore could ask what Seimei meant, he realized that Abe no Seimei's soul had already completely disappeared.
"…Tsk." He replayed it several times in his mind before muttering, "I will see you again, Seimei."
If an afterlife really existed, they would one day meet again at the end of a long and distant time. Theodore turned his gaze from the empty space and looked down at his left arm. The erosion ran from his shoulder to below his elbow, but the consciousness of the heavenly demon no longer remained. Then Theodore discovered why Seimei had said that there would be some impact.
"…30%—no, 20%?"
In response to Theodore's confusing words, a voice replied, -To be precise, it is 18%. That is the portion of the heavenly demon's database that was implanted.
"Gluttony."
-You can't force a load that doesn't fit your body…
However, it was still a big profit. Maybe he could use some of the methods. The power to absorb the spirituality of others was a force that had raised an immature heavenly demon to the level of a demon king. It wasn't unreasonable that Gluttony would drool after indirectly obtaining it. However, Theodore didn't talk anymore about his arm. He moved to finish what was left.
"You would know. What is the location?"
-Yes.
Theodore read the space coordinates from Gluttony and took a step. Simultaneously, a light flashed, and nothing remained.
* * *
Kukukung…
The collapse of Hwang Mountain, which had started due to the collision of two transcendent beings, was still ongoing.
Dozens of mountain peaks were falling, and the ground was overturned. The dirt rose up like a volcano and seemed to reach the moon and stars, while darkness covered the place. The mountain was shattered by magic, and the slope collapsed again as the axis shook.
"…Hoh." In the middle of the hellish landscape, an unrealistic beauty was sitting there.
Her lower half was torn apart by heat and an explosion, while her beautiful appearance was distorted by ugly burns. Even so, it was the existence of someone who could take away a person's reason. It was the Seven Sins' grimoire, Lust. In contrast to her dying voice, she spoke in a lively voice, "You knocked that child down, Gluttony."
The rumbling footsteps were like an answer to her words. Of course, it was Theodore who was making the footsteps. "Did you know this would happen?"
"Perhaps."
Despite knowing that the heavenly demon died, there was no chance in her complexion. The reason was obvious. Lust didn't have any sentiments of a mother. Her children were conceived and born for the purpose of her existence. She didn't care about them after giving birth. They were just trials and failures, cornerstones of the ultimate creature that would someday be born. The fearsome heavenly demon didn't escape these standards.
"Your arm… Yes, that's what happened. How interesting. I got satisfactory data. Isn't that right, Gluttony?"
"Shut up."
Theodore pointed a finger at her. Ping!
Despite the light from his fingertip piercing Lust's abdomen, she just stared at Theodore without moving an eyebrow. "Why are you angry? Well, it doesn't matter. This terminal will die soon, even if you don't do anything. It will take 10,000 years for me to show up again, so you will never see me again."
"…"
"Yes. Should I say congratulations before I disappear? Now there is no threat to this planet."
It was as she said. After the heavenly demon was defeated, there wasn't a threat left to Theodore in this material world. An ancient dragon? He could now fight three by himself. A senior demon? If it wasn't a demon king, he could defeat them one-sidedly. Furthermore, Sloth's banishment thickened the walls of the dimension system. A demon-king class existence could no longer step foot into this material world. There would be no one stronger born in this material world.
"So?"
However, Theodore could feel it…
"What do you want to say?"
…The sexual desire, ridicule, and mocking of Lust, a Seven Sins' grimoire. Lust smiled and licked her lips at the question, but no sound came from the friction. "―Why should I tell you when I am dying? Ask Gluttony after I am gone."
"What?"
Lust ignored Theodore's question and smiled ominously. "I mourn the destruction that will come…"
That was her last action.
Jjeok.
Lust's body became like plaster, with her skin falling off as her body collapsed. She had no fighting ability like the other Seven Sins, so her end was futile. Theodore stood in front of the debris of Lust and frowned. "Glu…"
"…Theo!" Before he could talk to Gluttony, he heard a voice calling him from far away.
"Sigh."
It was up to here for today. Theodore finished his thoughts and turned to look at the destroyed Hwang Mountain area. He had annihilated the terrible monster and eradicated its source. It wouldn't be too late to think of the next thing tomorrow. Theodore wrapped his left arm with a torn robe and turned in the direction of his colleagues' voices.
This was a victorious return after stopping the disaster.
Chapter 377 – Through Adversity and Towards the Stars (1)
At dawn on the Baekun Mountains, the wind flowing down to the foothills was quite cool, and there were a few dew drops. The altitude of the surrounding mountain range was so high that the morning sun reached it late, and the clouds caused the mountain peak to be swallowed by fog.
The fog was like a tide of calmly flowing waves. It covered the window frames of the Fairy Dance Lee Family home a few meters above the ground.
"…Um."
The wind blew through the window and hit the eyelids of the man sleeping serenely on the bed. He had a young face, but it contained a lot of weight. His black hair, white skin, and balanced facial features created an intellectual atmosphere like that of a scholar. Theodore Miller—he was the world's strongest magician and only transcendent. He was a great magician at the peak of the magic kingdom.
'It is morning.'
Theodore opened his eyes and slowly raised his body.
"Ah."
His heart was throbbing. He was almost recovered, but the aftereffects of the fight still remained. Theodore looked down at his hands with a bitter smile.
The Eight Jade Magatamas was broken, the Heavenly Sword had lost its sharp blade, and two artifacts had been used as consumable items. He had also almost lost one arm. If he had fought the heavenly demon with nothing, the winner and loser might've changed.
Suddenly, a thought came to Theodore's mind, and he called out to Gluttony, "Hey Gluttony."
-What is it?
"I forgot that I had something to ask you."
As soon as he had been about to lose his left arm to the heavenly demon, Theodore had tried to cut off his arm as a last resort. The situation had been so urgent that he hadn't thought about it, but what if he had cut off his left arm which contained Gluttony?
Gluttony heard Theodore���s question and responded concisely, -The question is sillier than I expected, User.
-If the contract is canceled because the connection is cut off, how many people in this world would be afraid of grimoires? If this was the case, I would take one eye and one arm.
"Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. You are right."
-I have a contract with User, not User's left arm. It is just convenient to set the connection point at that location. If you had cut off your left hand, I would just set the connection point on your right arm instead, Gluttony said in a slightly rough voice.
Theodore nodded. "I'm glad."
-Um?
"If this is the case, then I don't have to put a gauntlet on my left arm?"
-…That's right.
Theodore received Gluttony's assurance and looked at his left arm with a lighter expression. The skin that had been blackened down to his elbow had returned to its original appearance apart from a few places. Seimei had also left a Sanskrit word there carved in black.
The strength of the heavenly demon…
After the suicide magic, the heavenly demon had lost more than 80% of his strength, but the force was still considerable.
'Seven types of sacred creature abilities, five types of different powers. There were more than 100 types of magic, shamanism, and so on… It is hard to believe this is only 20%. It will take me 100 years to consume it all.'
There were a few tricks beyond Theodore's eyes after he became a transcendent, but there was room to expand his current magic knowledge. This was a fairly large gain, but there was a separate power left by the heavenly demon—the Absorption Star Method. It was the ability to disassemble all entities he made contact with into the smallest form and then absorb that power. This had been the power which raised the just born heavenly demon to the level of a demon king.
"…There is room for me to become a demon king if I make a mistake, but it isn't a useless ability.
In particular, Theodore needed to be alert. There was a possibility that the management authority of the material world and the Absorption Star Method would collide with each other in his body because it was a power that could make him the enemy of the world. He would explode on the spot, even though he was a transcendent.
"Damn, I have bad luck this morning."
Theodore shook off his imagination and changed his clothes. Then he felt someone approaching the door.
"Taishang, you are awake." (Taishang= title of respect) It was the number two person in the Fairy Dance Lee Family, Lee Joonyoung. He was renowned as a genius and had worked hard to become a master using Theodore's teachings in the past.
Theodore arranged his clothes and replied after opening the door, "You can send a subordinate rather than coming yourself."
"I wanted to see to Taishang directly. I can't neglect you."
"Isn't it too much for someone who is almost a lord in name?" He playfully asked Lee Joonyoung, who shook his head with a stiff expression.
"Nobody in the family would think so." Lee Joonyoung didn't have a joking nature.
Theodore knew this from past experiences and laughed without saying anything else. It was because Lee Joonyoung was such a person that Theodore could entrust Lee Seol to him. He knew grace and didn't hesitate to be polite. The East Continent didn't have knights, but his chivalrous nature was no different to a knight's.
"Thank you for your words. Now, let me guide you."
Theodore knew the structure of the mansion but he didn't say it. Lee Joonyoung smiled and bowed deeply. It was time to meet the leaders of this war.
* * *
"Theo!"
As soon as he entered the dining room, a woman called out, and the heads of everyone present turned toward him.
Theodore Miller was the person who had overthrown the catastrophe that had been about to hit the East Continent by himself and who exercised the greatest rights in the empty territories. He was a person who couldn't help attracting attention.
"Did you sleep well, Becky? And…" Theodore held Veronica in his arms and looked around.
White Tower Master Orta was wearing a white mask as usual. Lee Seol was sitting on a chair and swinging her palms. There were also the two representatives of Japan, Suzuka and Nobutsuna. Then finally, he saw a miserable looking woman whose body was bandaged.
"A-Aquilo?"
"…Boy."
A bandage was wrapped around her body, and her right arm was in a splint. Who would imagine seeing the evil dragon of the sea like this?
Her beautiful face looked no different than before, but the paleness in her complexion meant that the injury was pretty serious. It was a serious injury that couldn't be repaired with her natural recovery power. Considering that it had been a long time since the injury, she must've been at risk immediately afterward.
"How did you get hurt?" Theodore couldn't help being angry on her behalf.
Meanwhile, Veronica answered for Aquilo, ��Theo killed it."
"Huh?"
"The tiger that came after me. He attacked her. It was a serious injury since she was in a human body."
King Hodae had been the variant who rode the wind and fought with Veronica in her draconic state. No matter how strong she was, Aquilo hadn't been able to stand against him in a human body. She had received a surprise attack from King Hodae on the way to Hyungkang Castle.
'…Moving while avoiding the eyes of the variants. I should've told her to fly in the distant sky.'
It was also fortunate in some ways. Encountering King Hodae and suffering a serious injury meant she hadn't been able to meet with Lust. Aquilo would've suffered quite a bit if she had been there. Theodore felt sorry for the evil dragon and reached out a hand.
「 Full Recovery. 」 White light shone.
The light coming from Theodore touched Aquilo a few times. Soon after, Theodore pulled the bandage off Aquilo's finger.
"Ah, wait…"
The bandages were removed before the confused Aquilo could stop him.
"Ohh, it is fine? As expected of Theo. You fixed her."
"What?" Aquilo stopped at Veronica's words and conjured a water mirror in the air. She saw that her smooth skin and color had returned and immediately rushed to Theodore. The shock of her defeat and the pain of her wounds were removed at once.
"Boy, I love you!"
Veronica's eyes burst into flames. "Hey, this woman! Who is in front of you right now?"
"Oh, my. Can't you sense the atmosphere, halfling?"
"You are the one who can't read the atmosphere!"
"How many days do you want me to say thanks? Do you have no conscience? You would've been in big trouble if it wasn't for me!"
"Have you forgotten that I saved you? You are the one who needed defending!"
As soon as they got better, they started fighting. It seemed like they were half joking and were unlikely to get to throwing blows, so Theodore sat down in the right spot for him. The meal began, and the story unfolded with the sound of tableware. It was White Tower Master Orta who started it.
"I'll report first," Orta said as he organized the documents. "The number of variants is declining every day. It is estimated that 15% of the total population of the empire is still alive. Our troops and those of Japan have cleaned up three areas… The empire has already collapsed."
"It is an ownerless territory?"
"Yes. The north and south still haven't figured out the situation and are defending their borders, but Western Xia is already showing signs of moving a large army. They will soon cross the western border."
Theodore ate a spoonful of eggs and asked, "The variants in the west of the empire haven't been cleaned up yet?"
"That is why I would like to make one suggestion."
"I will give you permission to delay the subjugation of the variants in the west. Focus on protecting the survivors of that area. You don't need to do the job of Western Xia."
"Yes, I will do as Chief Tower Master says."
It was obvious what would happen to the East Continent once the supreme empire disappeared.
The greatest nation on the East Continent was gone!
This would be an era where a war to occupy the territory and resources would occur. It was clear that the countries who had been suppressed by the empire—the Bukhae Kingdom (North Sea) where there was almost no agricultural land, the people of Western Xia who held a long grudge due to the tributes, and so on—would gather their soldiers to take possession of the land.
It wasn't a big deal for Theodore, but the majority of refugees were likely to be slaughtered or become slaves.
'I didn't defeat Lust to see this happen.'
Even if he couldn't completely replace the empty seat of the empire, he needed an organization to fill the gap. That organization had been planned for since a long time ago.
"Sir Nobutsuna."
"Yes, Lord Savior."
In this situation, Nobutsuna was more suitable for dialogue than Suzuka, who had no experience with politics. He soon understood Theodore's intent and opened his mouth, "Japan will treat the refugees of the former empire as if they are our own people. We will consolidate 20~30% of the old territory at the border."
"I will give you time to discuss it with the officials. Choose someone appropriate to deal with it and send them to me."
"As you wish! I will make sure they aren't too greedy."
Theodore received Nobutsuna and Suzuka's words and looked back at Orta. Japan couldn't miss the chaos that would come to this land. Power was needed. Theodore needed the strength of a nation, rather than the power of a transcendent. Meltor, which had a large number of troops and space gates, would be able to suppress three countries alone.
"White Tower Master. Our Meltor base will be in the Baekun Mountains, and we will follow the laws of the Fairy Dance Lee Family as they are the rulers of this area. It will work much better than the words of foreigners from another continent."
"I will keep that in mind."
They would need to talk over the details in a few weeks, but he said all he could say here. In the meantime, Theodore put down his empty bowl and turned his eyes to appreciate the scenery outside the window. No, the moment he turned his head…
"Chief Tower Master." Despite finishing the story, Orta had something else to say.
"Why are you calling me?"
"His Majesty asked me to deliver a message to you."
"His Majesty?" Theodore was surprised by Orta's words.
Orta smiled through his mask. "In the East Continent, Meltor managed to occupy territory that is almost the size of a country. There was no need to wage a full-scale war, and we acquired land with a lot of resources and farmland. Most of this achievement is due to Chief Tower Master."
"…I had no choice about it. What do you have to say?" Theodore frowned as there was no need to repeat the story.
Then Orta cut to the chase. "It is a simple evaluation of a meritorious deed. His Majesty made a suggestion."
"Suggestion?"
"Chief Tower Master has a position with a land. This means you have the right to have a manor. However, His Majesty can't make Chief Tower Master a duke when you deserve more than a dukedom. Therefore, he had a good idea."
The conclusion could easily be reached if he connected it with the words mentioned above.
As Orta spoke of the idea, Theodore realized what it was. "A royal duke."
Orta disregarded Theodore's stiff expression and kept talking, "Chief Tower Master, His Majesty has said that he will raise you to the position of royal duke. If you wish, you can be called a royal duke, and the Miller family will be raised to a royal household." (TL Note: Literal translation is duke king. So someone who is more than a duke and is considered royalty, but below the actual king)
Chapter 378 – Through Adversity and Towards the Stars (2)
It was a truly shocking offer.
Royal duke! The title belonged to the same level as a grand duke, but the handling was very different. A grand duke was a noble with great authority while a royal duke was literally a king.
He wouldn't be bound to the Meltor Kingdom but would wear the crown as the master of an independent state in a hierarchical relationship with Meltor. Moreover, since all the territories in the East Continent would be recognized as his, it would be possible to build a kingdom that was larger than the Meltor Kingdom.
It was a temptation that ordinary people couldn't turn away from.
"Hrmm."
However, Theodore thought about it without shaking.
'His Majesty knows… This isn't an offer he would've thought of. Then the appointment of royal duke must be something that the nobles gathered together and petitioned for.'
The loyalists in his home country would have a fit, but it was Meltor that would lose out if he became a royal duke.
Theodore hadn't lost his magic abilities, but he had a lot to deal with as Chief Tower Master. If he vacated his position, the work would accumulate in seconds and the necessary budget would have to increase. Additionally, compared to making a manor, the amount of money and labor required to establish a new kingdom was a totally different story.
Meltor had just overcome a war and would be disturbed by financial difficulties again. The only ones to gain from a weakened kingdom were the corrupt officials.
'…Well, it might be a suggestion for His Majesty to try and control me. He is a man who would weigh the gains and losses. Even if I accept the offer, he would've already prepared a backup method.'
The stupid nobles didn't know it. Kurt III was certainly a wise king, but he didn't have a meek mentality. Rather, he was a king who could be ruthless when needed. Since his youth, he had walked a bloody path. Kurt III was a monarch who knew how to draw a sword at any time.
If Theodore accepted the offer, it was obvious that Orta would squash all the relevant nobles when he returned.
"Hahat." Theodore thought this and looked ahead with a laugh. "You don't need to listen to my answer, White Tower Master."
"…"
"Do you need a pledge? I won't become a royal duke. So, please speak with ease."
"Sigh, of course. I will deliver it to His Majesty," Orta sighed and smiled after releasing his anxiety. In retrospect, he shouldn't have acted on the spur of the moment. Theodore was a 9th circle magician, a transcendent located in legends.
'Ah…!'
As one of the few magicians who understood Theodore's position, Orta realized that it was meaningless for him to seek wealth and power. This didn't mean that a transcendent was abstinent. It was just that the laws of society or providence of the human world weren't valid for Theodore.
'What does a magician long for after achieving the 9th circle?'
If he wanted wealth, he could snatch it with force. If he wanted power, he could show off his strength.
Orta was able to see it because he had fought a few times with transcendental existences. To Theodore, a nation and its army were just a bunch of weeds that could be wiped out at once. Another transcendent would be needed to fight against him.
However, in the modern age, there was no longer anyone who could stop Theodore.
"…Chief Tower Master," Orta asked as a mortal, not a tower master, "What are you going to do now?"
He wasn't simply asking about tomorrow's schedule. Theodore felt the weight of Orta's words and looked up at the sky outside the window before replying, "I'm not sure."
The boy who had shed sweat and tears in the academy's library, wishing for a good reputation… He had dreamt of finding a beautiful girl and becoming a respectable magician. However, once all those wishes were fulfilled, the wish that remained was simple.
"I will love those who love me, use my strength to fulfill my responsibilities, live today like it is yesterday, and seek the truth as a magician."
Some people might say that this conclusion was stupid. Why should he do nothing when he had the power to do anything? It was human nature to attain the things one desired with their own abilities. However, Theodore would laugh at their stupidity.
A person who wielded their power just because they could was simply an idiot. There was no need for shallow and offensive desires. His desire was to pursue infinite wisdom by exploring the laws of the world, as well as to love his family and lovers and to keep his friends alive.
"Isn't it luxurious enough?" Theodore kept looking outside the window.
Once he heard Theodore's wishes, Orta stood stiffly like his whole body had been struck by lightning.
Theodore could put the whole world under his feet but didn't covet any power. He valued his own bonds and didn't want to be higher than anyone else. Instead, he smiled comfortably in the morning sun, which would be the same today and tomorrow.
'I see.' Orta seemed to know why Kurt III wasn't very worried about Theodore's choice.
The man in front of Orta, Theodore Miller, was such a hero.
"Once again, I salute you. Chief Tower Master," Orta said politely with a sincere heart.
He was someone with a quiet character, and the sincerity of a transcendent stirred him. Theodore unintentionally settled the atmosphere and looked over with a strange expression. '…?'
This day in the Baekun Mountains started with silence.
* * *
"Theo!" After breakfast, Veronica laughed from where she was lying on Theodore's bed. "I'm really impressed. I knew you wouldn't accept the proposal, but your words were so cool!"
"Eh? What?"
"I will love those who love me, use my strength to fulfill my responsibilities, live today like it is yesterday, and seek the truth as a magician? I should one day publish a book of Theodore's sayings!"
"T-That…" Theodore's face turned red, and he waved his hand. He hadn't felt it when he said those words, but he became a bit embarrassed hearing them from someone else's mouth. A quotation in a book? How would he endure the embarrassment if he later saw a book like 'Theodore Miller's Book of Sayings' in a bookstore?
"I can't do this?"
"No."
"Tch," Veronica clicked her tongue at Theodore's stubborn attitude and switched to another topic. "By the way, Theo, putting aside Orta's story, what is the schedule after returning home? Do you intend to return to the central tower where work has piled up as usual?"
"Well, I would like to take a break. Would you like to take a vacation for one month?"
"Really?" Veronica blushed at the thought of going with him and couldn't hide her joy. If any red tower magician was present, they would deny the reality. They couldn't imagine her gentle expression and trembling voice.
'Ah, that reminds me.' Theodore was reminded of something he had wanted to talk about but had forgotten after becoming too busy.
"Becky."
"Huh?"
"It might be a bit unexpected, but I've made you wait too long. When is the best time to schedule a wedding?"
"…" Veronica's eyes widened at the words.
Some people might complain about Theodore not being able to read the atmosphere since he talked about a wedding so casually. However, Veronica's reaction was more violent than his imagination.
Hwaruruk!
Her red hair started burning, and the room filled with heat.
"Uwah, Becky! Becky? Veronica! Wake up!"
"―Ah." Fortunately, Veronica regained her spirit and put out the flames. However, some black soot remained in a corner of the room. It was proof that the heat she emitted was attack magic. The red-faced Veronica remained silent as Theodore erased the traces with a restoration spell.
"――――――!!!"
The meaning of the unknown words was as followed:
Marriage, marriage! Now she wouldn't be an old spinster! Some people might call her a thief, but who cared! Theodore asked her to marry him! If anyone interfered, she would burn them! Ah, how should she answer? She couldn't speak or breathe. Ah, too embarrassing!
This continued until Theodore put a hand on her shoulder. She barely regained her complexion, but there was still slight red stains on her cheeks. Veronica cited high-level magic formulas repeatedly and barely managed to calm herself down. "W-We! Where should we go on our honeymoon?"
No, she just looked okay outwardly. She was still panicking.
Veronica finally burst out and stood up. "Waaaaah! I'm embarrassed! Why am I taking it so seriously at this age? Theo, I'm sorry but talk to me later! I'm not rejecting you. At any time, the wedding date will be good…"
"W-Wait a minute. Becky?"
"N-Next time! The next time! I need my heart to be prepared!��
Before Theodore could nod, Veronica quickly flew out of the room.
'Why is the topic of a wedding so stimulating?'
He didn't know despite being a 9th circle magician. Theodore was still in his mid-20s and didn't understand everything in the world. Looking at Veronica's empty space where the blankets were still crumpled, he couldn't say anything for now.
「 Silence. 」
It was enough. The world killed all sound according to his will, and only Theodore's breathing was heard in the room. All sound was blocked from going in and out of the invisible wall.
"Gluttony."
It was a bit late due to his chat with Veronica, but Theodore had originally returned to the room to have this conversation. His foresight was warning him that the moment he asked this question, an irreversible flow would be created. This wasn't unhappiness or bad luck; it was the inevitable law of causality. Even if he didn't know this, it wouldn't pass him by.
'To be unaware…'
This feeling was a bit different. He felt that ignorance wouldn't be good this time. It would not be much different from trying to cover the sky with his palm. If he ignored what was going to happen, he would delay the despair. However, it wasn't a fundamental solution. Following that, Gluttony was woken up by Theodore's call.
-…Kung.
It seemed that Gluttony was unwilling to answer the question it knew Theodore would ask.
"Gluttony."
Theodore had no choice but to ask one question.
"Explain what Lust said. What is my destruction that will come soon?"
-...
Gluttony was silent for a moment. It rarely expressed that it didn't want to answer something. Nevertheless, Theodore kept waiting. The nerves of the two beings filled the wall of silence before Gluttony eventually spoke.
-Maybe she was talking about Wrath, Gluttony said, with its voice sounding resigned and helpless. -She is talking about that damn chunk of metal that receives a signal when the majority of Seven Sins are evicted.
"Chunk of metal?"
-That's right. I have been banned from talking about it until Wrath is activated, and it is impossible to reveal its existence. To be precise, I had forgotten about it until this point. I only remembered when Lust was destroyed.
The only Seven Sins remaining in this material world, Wrath… It was good to know about its existence, but that still didn't answer Theodore's question.
Why were the conditions regarding Wrath so restrictive?
-User, Gluttony didn't answer the question directly, -How much do you know about astronomy?
"What? What are you suddenly saying?"
-Do you know what a comet is?
The concept of asteroids and meteorites were learned after reading Paracelsus' books.
Gluttony saw Theodore's curiosity and started to explain with a long sigh, -Humans might not know it, but there is a comet that circles the world at an observable point every 120 years. In the Age of Mythology, this comet was called Deus, and there were a few religious groups who worshipped it as a destructive god with infinite power.
"So?"
-…That comet is Wrath.
As Theodore froze with an ominous hunch, Gluttony's words penetrated his flesh like a sharp blade.
-It's a weapon that waits on the outskirts of the stars to destroy the planet when the signal comes.
This was the Seven Sins whose purpose of existence was focused on 'destruction.' Gluttony's voice was rather dull as it added to its terrible explanation, -We call it Planet Buster.
Chapter 379 – Through Adversity and Towards the Stars (3)
"…!"
Shocked by the unexpected truth, Theodore was at a loss for words.
Planet Buster—he was able to understand the fearsomeness of Wrath just by its absurd alias. Anyone with a little bit of knowledge about astronomy would agree.
Magicians exploring the laws of this world had already known for centuries that this world was just one celestial body, and it could be deduced that every star shining in the night sky was tremendously huge. As the study about celestial bodies continued, the magicians came to understand the greatness of the stars.
「 The ground we live on is just the shell of a star! 」
The ground surface with an altitude of 0 meters and the bottom of the deepest sea were just the skin of a star. A mountain falling? Breaking the sea into two rivers?
For a mortal, it might seem like the wrath of a god. However, the transcendental people with cosmic vision would merely sneer at this. The same was true for creating typhoons that would sweep over the whole world, destroying the crust of the continent and exploding all volcanoes.
"A grimoire that can destroy stars exist?" Theodore muttered in a disbelieving voice. "No way."
The thickness of the crust that humans and other creatures lived on ranged from several to hundreds of kilometers. Beyond the perception that the mantle was thousands of kilometers in thickness, there was the outer core and inner core of enormous energy.
Let's calculate based on the laser that Fafnir fired in the past. This laser had penetrated through a few kilometers of sea and overturned the mantle as it pierced through the crust at the bottom of the deep sea. It reached a depth of at least a few hundred kilometers. However, the depth of this material world was at least 6,000 kilometers.
'It is nothing other than a cat scratch.'
If the laser were swung horizontally, it would burn several countries. However, it couldn't go through more than 2% of the world.
The laser needed to be 60 times more powerful to destroy a star, and even that wasn't certain. The durability of a planet became stronger as the depth increased. Putting aside the thousands of kilometers of mantle, the rotating core emitted an enormous magnetic force, blocking almost any energy interference. It couldn't be broken with 600 times the power, let alone 60.
-I know that User can't accept this easily. However, my words are true. Wrath is a weapon used to destroy any world that threatens our Seven Sins. Even the Dragon's Paradise, which was dozens of times larger than this star, couldn't bear the power.
"Dragon's Paradise?"
-It was the dimension where dragons lived and where the dragon god, Bahamut, and his kin nurtured and managed the dragons of every dimension. That was also a dimension where the dragons gathered in the millions.
Theodore's eyebrows raised slightly at the interesting story.
-Maybe if Bahamut and his kin had gathered their strength at the same time, they could've prevented it. But the moment the dragon god left to manage another dimension, Wrath fell and the planet shattered.
"…Gluttony, I want to ask one thing."
-What?
It was hard to be more surprised than this. Theodore's expression calmed, and he opened his mouth, "Wrath is referred to as a comet? What the hell is its size that it can exert such a ridiculous destructive power?"
He was well aware of the destructive power of a meteorite. No, he thought he was well aware. The ultimate magic of the summoning type was to call an asteroid from outer space. The remains of the Grand Canyon had been caused by a few pieces of meteorites dropping in the Age of Mythology.
Nevertheless, the destructive power of Wrath was beyond these specifications. Even if all life in this material world were extinguished, the power to collapse the star itself couldn't even be imagined.
-Three kilometers.
Now, Theodore could imagine it and feel despair.
-It is three kilometers in diameter and made of a special metal. Wrath ignores the laws of physics, and space-time magic doesn't work against it either. It accelerates using a built-in engine and increases the penetrating power by rotation. Once it reaches the core of the planet, it absorbs and amplifies its power, becoming a supernova.
"…"
-The special material isn't present on this planet and has been altered to not respond to any solvent. It collects information on the technology and resistance of the civilizations remaining on the planet from the Seven Sins and then pushes forward with more power.
That was truly a metal star. Studies showed that a stone-like meteorite around one kilometer in diameter could reset civilization once. What about a meteorite three kilometers in diameter, made out of a special metal and had various powers? It was hard to picture because the numbers were so huge, but Theodore paled.
'This… It can't be blocked, even if there are transcendents gathered in three digits.'
It would be Doomsday.
-Cough! Well, don't despair. I have thought about a way out.
"What?!" Theodore raised his head as he was about to despair.
-It isn't possible to stop the fall of Wrath itself, but it is possible to affect the timing and power of the 'fall.' I will delay the fall by using the purpose of my existence as an excuse and reduce its power to the point of only reducing civilization. If you make a shelter prior to the arrival and evacuate your people, there won't be a problem.
"My people? Who else?"
-If you design a large shelter, you can protect as many as you want. However, I wouldn't recommend it. As the number of people who know about the threat of Wrath grows, Wrath will recognize it as an increase in resistance and increase its destructive power. I can't do anything about it either.
Theodore understood Gluttony's words and gritted his teeth instead of asking a question. Sometimes he forgot that Gluttony was also a grimoire. It didn't care if humanity was destroyed or if a star was damaged. As long as it fulfilled its purpose of existence, it didn't care if the world fell tomorrow. For Gluttony, the value of the whole human race wasn't worth a single grimoire.
'…No, wait a minute.'
At that moment, a flash went through Theodore's head.
"Gluttony! Wrath exerts its power on the basis of the world's technology or resistance?"
-That's right.
"Then if only I am aware of the approach, will it remove most of the power to reset civilization?"
-…User, what are you thinking? Gluttony responded with confusion, but its subtle attitude meant 'yes.'
Of course, it was too difficult and close to impossible, but…
"Listen to me."
Theodore didn't speak for long. It was because the idea that emerged spontaneously hadn't been organized yet. However, the meaning was clearly conveyed. After listening to Theodore speak for 10 minutes, Gluttony gave its opinion, -I have to ask something. User, are you sane?
"I am sane. More than ever."
-User's plan is a gamble and pure foolishness. I would rather you be crazy.
"So, what is the prospect of it? Is it possible or not?"
This time, a few minutes passed before Gluttony responded heavily, -It is possible, though the odds are low enough to be meaningless.
"That is enough."
If it wasn't a dead end, it could be overcome. Theodore had always opened the way with that belief. Subsequently, he sighed and said, "Did you say you can slow down the fall time? What is the maximum time?"
-Considering the location at the present time and the movement speed… Four months. 3,048 hours. The error range is 8 hours and 13 minutes.
Theodore nodded and muttered, "…It isn't easy. I have to hurry."
There were four months before the world was destroyed. It wasn't a long time. Still, there was a lot he could do. After finishing up the arrangement, he opened his two clenched fists. Long shadows stretched out in the sunshine outside the window. Theodore was silent as he stared at the shimmering shadows of the willow leaves.
* * *
After three days of adjustment, the first round of negotiations was completed. Japan wanted farmland, which was scarce compared to its population, while the remnants of the empire, centered on the Fairy Dance Lee family, wanted a fortress area that was easy to protect from foreign invasion.
Meltor would preempt some gold mines, land, and so on in exchange for strength.
'Time is already flowing like this.'
Once both sides finished a satisfactory consultation, Theodore realized it was time to return. Finally, he spoke with Lee Seol before leaving, "The secondary and tertiary groups will assist with the cleanup. Do you understand?"
Lee Seol held a scroll with his signature on it and answered with a bright smile, "Yes, Theo! Leave it to me!"
Despite having lost her country, the Fairy Dance Lee family could be said to have gained the greatest benefit from this catastrophe. Theodore had started a large-scale magician force here, and the power of the combat unit led by Lee Joonyoung was stronger and more trustworthy than any refugee group. They were an organization that was temporarily taking on the role of a 'country,' so they could perform the task of gathering refugees well.
"Yes, I believe in you." Theodore patted Lee Seol's head a few times before turning toward the space gate.
The personnel who were to accompany him had already been arranged. Theodore saw one of them and said softly, "White Tower Master, who are you putting in charge of this base?"
"Elder Hesel of the Red Tower and Elder Ole of the Blue Tower are co-heads. There are some differences in personality, but I gave them the same permissions. They should coordinate well."
"I understand."
Orta knew the members of each tower and how to put the personnel in the right place, making him extremely competent in this area. Theodore nodded without saying anything more. Orta wouldn't be leaving for long anyway. After reporting to Kurt, Orta would return to the East Continent to be in charge here.
Then Theodore handled the last issue. "Suzuka."
"Yes, descendant of the founder," Suzuka politely replied to his call.
"Shuten-doji won't break his promise with me, but I don't know about the rest of the youkai. In case of an emergency, you should place onmyōjis around the mountains where they are isolated."
"I will do as you say."
"Ah, and…" Theodore pulled out a mirror. "Take back the Eight Mirrors and keep it in Seimei's shrine. It is something that has no relationship with me."
"T-Thank you."
"The Eight Jade Magatamas were shattered without leaving one behind, and I have a place to use the Heavenly Sword. I'm sorry I can't give them back."
It wasn't entirely as he said. He possessed foresight and could see it. The Eight Mirrors wasn't necessary in the fight against Wrath but the Heavenly Sword was. However, there was nothing to say about the Eight Jade Magatamas that had broken in the fight with the heavenly demon.
Rather than being saddened, Suzuka just bowed deeper. "No. We aren't blind to the wisdom of Founder Seimei, and he entrusted the three artifacts to you. Please give me whatever you want."
"I'm thankful for your words. Give my well wishes to Nobutsuna."
"…Be well."
After the conversation with Suzuka, Theodore approached his colleagues in front of the space gate. Veronica and Orta could open it, but only Theodore could jump between continents without any after effects. Theodore touched the magic crystal attached to the space gate and opened his mouth, 「 Central Tower, Opening Warp Gate No. 1. 」
Simultaneously, there was a dazzling light in every direction.
Hwaaak!
Beyond the glare, a familiar landscape could be seen. The research tower of the central tower, the facility designed and built by Theodore, was waiting for its owner's return. Theodore took one step ahead of everyone else and entered the space gate.
"Let's go back."
…To the magic kingdom of Meltor.
Chapter 380 – The Marriage of the Century (1)
Wuuuong…!
The space gate connected to the Baekun Mountains shone, and people started to emerge. Starting with Theodore in the front, Veronica, Aquilo, and the others traveled over thousands of kilometers back to Meltor. Once the last person emerged, Theodore cut off the supply of magic power that was being consumed with every second.
「 Close. 」
It was scary to see the space gate close immediately.
"Eh? It takes a bit of time when I do it." Veronica was surprised when she saw the space gate close in a matter of seconds.
Theodore answered with a smile, "It is due to the priority of the command authority. If users other than me use it, the power is reduced by a few percent. To be exact, I am the user with the 'key'."
When designing the structure of the central tower, including the space gates, Theodore had created 'keys' and designated several people as the sub-masters.
There was a ring of pure silver on his right hand. It was the prohibited book, Lemegeton, that controlled all facilities in the central magic tower. Despite having lost close to 80% of his function, he was the prohibited book that been made personally by King Solomon. There was no way to break through the security system.
[Ahem! I am a precious body!]
Theodore smiled at Goetia and spoke to the people nearby, "Now! Let's disband. We have traveled a long way. Rest, or move if you have any work to do."
The people gathered around him started to disperse. Randolph and Titania were tired from the battle and moved toward a room to rest. Theodore hadn't healed Aquilo completely, so she moved to the infirmary as he recommended. Only three people were left behind in the research laboratory.
"White Tower Master, please give your report to His Majesty first. I will visit you in the afternoon."
"Yes, Chief Tower Master. I will do so."
"Sorry to bother you, but I have a lot of work to do. I will leave it up to you."
"It is nothing." Orta was already accustomed to being overworked and left at the same pace as usual.
Theodore looked at his back with a bittersweet expression and opened his mouth, "Goetia, please call the Blue Tower and contact Sylvia.
[Yes, Master. What business do you have?]
"Just a private matter. Is it so uncommon?"
[Yes… I have called her. She said she is coming.]
"Well done."
Veronica watched him from the side and asked, "Theo, why Sylvia? I am also here… Do you have a story for us?"
"Yes. Please wait a bit." He could only talk about it once Sylvia came.
Veronica understood this and stepped back.
A few minutes passed by.
[Identifying visitor. Blue Tower Master Sylvia Adruncus. Opening door E-5.]
There was a machine sound, and the entrance to the research laboratory was opened.
"Theo!" A woman with beautiful shining silver hair and feminine curves entered. It was Sylvia Adruncus, the master of the Blue Tower and one of the axes of the magic tower. She was about to plunge into Theodore's arms but hesitated when she saw Veronica. However, Veronica just laughed and pulled Sylvia down.
"Aye, don't be like that. What are you doing? Come here!"
"W-Wait a minute…!"
Without magic, Veronica's strength couldn't be blocked.
Ah! The three people's nose struck each other as they became much closer together. Their warm, moist breaths mingled together. Sylvia's face was red because she didn't have much immunity to skin-ship. Furthermore, the place where she and Theodore shared love had been a dark room. Yet, in a bright place right now, their noses were now close enough to touch.
"Are you a bit more relaxed?"
"H-Huh? Ah, yes…"
It was counterproductive in a way. Sylvia returned to being a teenage girl and shook her head. Veronica saw her face but didn't release her. Theodore realized this was the right atmosphere to talk and looked between the two of them.
"―Veronica, Sylvia. I have something to say."
He had decided on what to do after hearing the reality of Wrath from Gluttony. It was so he could leave with no regrets. However, it was also something necessary to solidify his will.
"I'm sorry. Thank you. I love you."
Theodore hadn't spoken these words because he hadn't been ready until now. It was really adorable as both women's eyes widened due to the sudden confusion. He was relieved to see the eyes fill with delight a few minutes later. Then he blamed himself for waiting until now.
After a few deep breaths, he said, "Veronica, Sylvia Adruncus."
Theodore grasped the hands of the two women and barely spoke in a trembling voice, "Will you marry me?"
* * *
It was unknown to others, but there was another reason why Theodore didn't accept the offer to be a royal duke.
The kingdom of Meltor was now in its second golden period. It might suffer financial difficulties building the Miller Grand Duchy, but it would be able to grow into a superpower in one or two generations. In fact, it might become better than Andras and the greatest empire in the East Continent.
'In 300 years, it will be a nation with no opposition in the whole world… I can't leave it alone if it blocks the development of all humanity.'
A number of wars had killed many masters. In a world where mana had started to diminish, it would be more difficult for masters to emerge. Let's assume that both sword masters and great magicians had disappeared. Then what would dominate the flow of a war? It was a magician who could destroy dozens or hundreds of enemy troops in a single attack. In such a situation, the Meltor Kingdom had large-scale magic units and developed magic further than any other nation. So, they would have absolute power.
It was the birth of a nation that would place the whole world under its feet.
'Well, it is still okay.'
There was no concept of good and evil in human history. It didn't matter if a hegemonic nation was born. The thing Theodore was worried about was a setback in civilization. If Meltor became a hegemonic nation as he predicted, all nations would be swept into a single magic civilization, and a magic civilization was confirmed to decline after centuries.
'As long as I stay as the chief tower master, I can thoroughly prepare for this.'
It would be better if he could study magic engineering, which linked magic and science, or spread out into disciplines that could develop without magic. This was a blueprint that would cover almost a thousand years, but it wasn't impossible for a transcendent who had overcome the frame of life. It was hard to separate what he could do and couldn't do from one another.
Theodore drew the future and let out a deep sigh.
"Chief Tower Master, we've arrived." A few steps ahead of him, a palace servant awakened Theodore from his thoughts.
They had come all the way to the audience room where Kurt III was waiting.
"From here on, I will go alone." Theodore opened the door without any hesitation. The king's room wasn't bright or dark. It was adjusted to the proper lighting with magic, and the light from the chandelier created faint shadows.
Theodore walked down the red carpet past the sculptures and arrived before the throne. "The Chief Tower Master, Theodore Miller. I am reporting that the eastern expedition has finished today, and I have returned to Capital Mana-vil."
Kurt III nodded at the formal words. "Yes! I have heard about Chief Tower Master's efforts from the White Tower Master earlier. I am relieved that you have come back without any problems."
"Thank you for your concern."
"Haha, I should be thankful. I didn't do anything for Chief Tower Master."
It made sense. The following group led by Orta had a great deal of success against the variants, but Theodore was the main protagonist who had ended the disaster. Without him, all of the group members would've been lost. The value of the mines and land obtained in the East Continent was so large that the people of Meltor wouldn't have to pay taxes for the next 50 years.
"Do you really think so, Your Majesty?"
However, Theodore had a strange look, and Kurt III played along.
"Of course. I am even willing to bring out national treasures. However, I don't think there is anything to help you now that you are a transcendent."
"It seems so. Therefore, I would like to ask for help regarding something else. Can you please do me a favor?"
"Hoh, the Chief Tower Master wants something? It is rare."
Theodore had refused even the position of royal duke, yet he now wanted a favor. As such, Kurt III waited to find out what it was with an excited expression.
…However, it was completely different from his expectations.
"What?" Kurt's mouth gaped open with amazement as he heard the story from Theodore.
"I am going to marry the Red Tower Master and Blue Tower Master. I will do it in secret and want to ask for your cooperation."
"…I know about Veronica, but since when have you been in a relationship with the Blue Tower Master? Did something happen in the East Continent?"
"Well, let's say that."
"Young people these days, your progress is very fast… I didn't realize it, but I have become quite old." Kurt III stared into the air due to this shocking news, but he soon recovered.
Theodore said to keep it confidential. Now that there was a nonaggression treaty with Andras and the enemies had disappeared, why did he want to keep it a secret from the outside? The world's greatest magician stood firmly as the king questioned it.
"We're keeping it a secret from everyone except Your Majesty, the tower masters, and a few guests."
If he wanted to be luxurious, he could raise the scale as much as he liked. However, neither Theodore nor his two lovers wanted this. The guests were just his family, Vince, Randolph, and a few others. Sylvia and Veronica would also want to invite a few people too. Including them, the number of guests wouldn't exceed 30.
Kurt III thought about it and asked, "…Don't you need a holiday? How long would you like?"
Theodore answered with a smile. "It doesn't need to be long."
"I'll give you three months. If the three tower masters are absent for more than that, the national projects will be shaken."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"By the way, the marriage of a 9th circle great magician and two tower masters… Looking at the brides and groom, it will be a bold stroke in the continent's history."
The half-resigned Kurt and Theodore faced each other, and the two people filled the room with laughter. Kurt was the first to stop laughing. "But you are marrying two women at the same time. Didn't Veronica say anything?"
"She didn't…?" Theodore smiled bitterly and opened up the front of his robe. His abdomen clearly showed a fist mark where Veronica had punched him. There had been no killing intent in it, but the blow had contained her criticism. After the proposal and acceptance, the groom had been hit.
"Veronica's jealous punch, it is eerie just imagining it."
"No, it wasn't jealousy."
It was blaming him for his insensitivity in suggesting a three-person marriage in front of Sylvia without any consultation. Unlike Veronica who had been willing to accept Sylvia, Sylvia hadn't been prepared for this situation. It was also part of his reflection that he couldn't use healing magic.
"Then I am asking this favor of you, Your Majesty."
"Well, leave it to me. I will do my best."
After finishing the story, Theodore was about to leave the room when he remembered something and came back. He looked up at the throne and said, "Your Majesty."
"What is it?"
"Can I take some jewelry from the royal treasury? I wish to find a gift for both of them."
"…I will allow it." The king maintained his steadfast expression and barely refrained from revealing his smile. It was true that he had gotten a bit nervous after Theodore became a transcendent. If a monster without any human emotions was born, the mortals would have to obey him.
However, Kurt III was no longer worried. A person who would ask for gifts for his lovers… Such a man couldn't be non-human.
Chapter 381 – The Marriage of the Century (2)
―Kung.
The door of the treasury closed behind Theodore. As the golden light pouring through the crack in the door was cut off, there was only one man holding a small pouch left in the hallway of the royal palace. It was good up to when he got the permission of the king to enter the treasury.
The glow of precious metals and the treasures piled higher than the height of some men caused even Theodore to feel in awe.
"Hah, it will take me around three hours to look through everything."
However, this impression only lasted for a moment. Theodore was upset about having to spend hours searching through the mountains of gold. He couldn't neglect a wedding gift, but he didn't know anything about women's decorations. Thus, he was forced to lean on someone's advice.
[Please believe in me, Master! There might be a difference in trends between generations, but the aesthetics of the human species can't be that different from how they were during the Age of Mythology! Magic King Solomon also entrusted the election of his brides' gifts to me!]
Lemegeton's ego, Ars Goetia, emerged like he had been waiting for this time. Theodore was a bit nervous since Goetia was more than 3,000 years old. However, he couldn't ask the great people sleeping in Gluttony's Hall of Fame. Of course, if he had foreseen what would happen next, he might've thought about it a bit longer.
'I didn't know I would dig up more than half of the treasure piles.'
If the level of discernment was proportional to the fuss, Geotic must be a very high-level appraiser. There was a necklace with an awkward color combination and a ring made of low purity precious metal. As a result of searching through the ornaments in the treasure piles while using Theodore��s analysis magic, only half a dozen jewelry passed Goetia's standards.
[Believe in me! I'll sure the two of them will love it!]
"Well, it looks good to me."
If there weren't any gains in three hours, trusting Goetia would be a waste. Theodore thought this and pulled out two rings from his pocket—a ruby ring with a border of gold and a sapphire ring with a platinum border. He was satisfied because the colors reminded him of the eyes and hair of the two women—Veronica and Sylvia.
[Isn't that right? Do you like it? I told you it would all be okay if you trust this Goetia! Let me take care of the dates and honeymoon too!]
"…Ars Goetia, stay silent until I say otherwise."
[Oof oof!]
However, apart from having that moment of satisfaction, Theodore's patience had reached its limit. Theodore silenced Lemegeton with a few words of command and quickly left the treasury. It wouldn't be a big disadvantage if someone saw him, but it wouldn't be good to create rumors.
��Oh, I saw stop by my family.'
It would be strange to proceed with marriage without saying anything to his family. Theodore set the destination and moved a finger.
Ttaak!
There was a distinctive sound, and space movement was used.
* * *
The Marquis Miller manor, located near the capital, was an unusual manor in the Meltor Kingdom.
It was a land that contained considerable power and authority but wasn't subordinate to the nobles. Even if there was fighting against an enemy, they would never invade the Miller Manor. There was a tendency to even avoid an argument with the Miller family.
However, there was no need to explain why.
It was due to the presence of Chief Tower Master, Theodore Miller. He was a war hero who had ended the long war with Andras, the magician who had brought about the second golden period of Meltor. How could the nobles, already oppressed by the king and the magic towers, go against his authority? Their future would collapse if they made the slightest misstep.
Robinson, a knight of the Miller territory, thought so. "Today is peaceful. I hope these days will continue."
"I agree. I didn't know if I could continue being a knight."
"Haha, I agree. I wanted to know what would happen when the northern war ended and a nonaggression treaty was signed with Andras…"
Once the age of war was over, there were people of certain occupations, the magicians and knights, that would lose a place to go. However, unlike magicians who had a lot to do besides combat, the knights only had places in armed forces. Even so, was it so easy to abandon the land of their birth and migrate? Despite the fear of the future, there were still a few knights left in Meltor. Fortunately, unlike their predictions, there were many ways to survive.
"This is thanks to Theodore."
"Mm, yes."
If they wanted peace, they had to prepare for war. Theodore had said that the end of the war didn't mean peace for the whole world. As such, he thoroughly took care of the knights and soldiers who lost their jobs. Despite the end of the war, there was a lot of need for armed forces as security guards, border guards, and pioneers. Those who wanted to retire would receive a retirement payment corresponding to their merits. The rest were placed in each region according to their wishes. The same was true for the two knights guarding the door of the manor.
It was at this moment that…
Flash! Suddenly, there was a bright light.
Robinson and Gruber stared at the center of the flash. Their instincts from long periods of experience told them they would die if they went against the new arrival. However, they didn't back down at all. The dazzling light was quickly lifted, and the figure of the person moving through space was revealed.
"Your reaction is good. It looks like you have been trained well."
The knights' eyes widened as they saw black hair, blue eyes, and an intricately embroidered robe. Unless they were seeing the same hallucinations, this person was…
"Knight Robinson Pater! I greet Chief Tower Master Theodore!"
"Knight Gruber Levian! I greet Chief Tower Master Theodore!"
The two knights quickly put away their swords and kneeled down. Setting aside his career as a war hero, Theodore was the core of Meltor's power.
He wasn't a person they could raise their heads to.
Theodore received their greeting, "You've worked hard. Is it okay if I go in?"
"O-Of course! Ah, if you need a guide…!"
"No, it is okay. This isn't my first time here."
The faces of the two knights were sullen for some reason. Theodore opened the silver gate of the mansion and stepped into the courtyard. It was made with mithril, so it made almost no sound.
'Hmm?'
No, he heard a metal sound. He took a few steps and grasped the epicenter of the noise. It was coming from an empty space in the garden. Theodore was interested and glided there. He used a combination of Grease, Slide, and other magic. As he slid over like a raft drifting down a river, he soon faced an interesting sight.
Kakang! Kang! Kakang!
It was the sound of two swords colliding. As the two blades met each other, the leaves around them vibrated. This was a level of swordsmanship that didn't seem perfect.
'Hrmm, it is Leo's lesson.'
Leonardo Miller, Theodore's younger brother, was in the midst of fencing with Rebecca. Additionally, there was haze around his blade. It was definitely aura.
'He is only 15 years old. Is he growing so quickly because he met a good teacher?
Of course, the shape was still unclear, like a fog. However, it was still aura. Several years of training were required to reach this level. However, this wasn't the case when he had been training with Rebecca who, like Leo, had the talent of a genius.
Kaaang! Leo's sword bounced up with a single upswing, and the spar between the two ended.
"Ha! Hah! Hah! I-I lost."
"Good work, Young Master."
Unlike the sweaty Leo, Rebecca didn't have a hair out of place or rough breathing. Theodore watched them before taking a step forward. Rebecca grasped Theodore's position and cried out, "M-My Lord!"
She bent down onto one knee with an astonished expression. Theodore lightly waved his hand at her greeting and said hello to Rebecca and Leo.
"It has been a while, Rebecca and Leo."
"Eh, Brother?! How long have you been here?"
"I just arrived. You have really improved. Learning how to use aura at this age… You might become a sword master before your ceremony of adulthood."
"R-Really? Heheh, Sister Rebecca has taught me well."
"No, it is thanks to Young Master's talent and passion."
Theodore smiled and held out his right hand to Rebecca. It was to see if his intuition was right.
"Rebecca, raise your sword. I'll give you five blows."
"…I understand."
Before Leo could interrupt, Theodore and Rebecca moved.
Kakiing.
Rebecca attacked with a sword that struck without hesitation. She believed in Theodore's strength more than anyone else, so she used all her strength. However, despite using all her strength, she couldn't touch a single strand of his hair. It was a knight's duty to devote themselves to their lord.
Blue aura flew like flames and formed at the edge of the sword. This was a technique of the Clovis family that specialized in stabbing, unlike Randolph's swordsmanship.
'Fast. Randolph's double swords are sharper.'
However, Theodore struggled with her speed. He deflected the incoming sword and struck the next two strikes with his fists. Theodore was already close to being a master in martial arts. The power of ether, which got thicker after becoming a transcendent, exceeded the aura blade. Rebecca had yet to become a sword master, so she had a hard time receiving the power. However…
Chaaeng!
Rebecca was pushed back, with her feet creating two troughs on the ground. She was obviously pushed back with power, yet the sword that stood up to the blow wasn't shaky nor did she lose her center of gravity. It was a feat that wouldn't be possible if she didn't have master-level aura.
"Congratulations, Rebecca. Did you find the clue to the next level?"
"It is a shameful achievement that hasn't woken up yet."
"There is just one step left. I was worried that you wouldn't reach it while teaching my brother."
"Rather, I learned many things while teaching Young Master."
It wasn't uncommon for a teacher to realize what they were lacking when they raised a student. Now, Rebecca said it was the same for her. Perhaps it was a desire not to pass on blame to her master's kin, but Theodore believed her. That's why he spread out his left hand without hesitation. "This is a sword from the east. It is a gift."
He took out the Wugou Sword and handed it to Rebecca. It was a curved blade in the form of a crescent moon. Rebecca instantly realized its value. "M-My Lord. I don't think this is suitable for me. Thank you for your grace, but I can���t accept it."
"There is no need to worry. It isn't enough now, but you can use it after you have achieved your full potential. I think it is a good reward for teaching my brother and looking after my family."
"My Lord…"
Theodore tapped the shoulders of the touched Rebecca and then hugged Leo, who was looking at them.
"This guy, you have grown a lot in a few months."
"B-Brother! Put me down!"
"Didn't you want me to do this every day when you were a child?"
"Sister Reb is watching! It is embarrassing!"
Theodore's little brother blushed as he was carried on Theodore's shoulder into the mansion. His parents were waiting. It was quite different from the humble and poor Miller Barony, but what difference was there when his whole family was gathered together? Theodore smiled brightly and walked with Leo and Rebecca.
He was thinking about how his family would soon grow.
Chapter 382 – The Marriage of the Century (3)
It was less than 10 minutes later.
Theodore had carried Leo on one shoulder and entered the mansion with Rebecca. It was a house that he hadn't been to in almost three months since the work of a Chief Tower Master overlapped with him going to the east. However, the Miller Mansion had now become a mess due to Theodore's words which were like a bomb.
His mother, Isabella Miller, regained her spirit first and asked, "Just now… what did you say? Say it again, a bit more slowly?"
Looking at his father who shrugged, Theodore said indifferently, "I am getting married."
"It isn't a joke?"
By default, a senior magician was good at hiding their feelings. It wasn't something he wanted to hide, but he didn't want to show his turbulent mind. His parents thought it was a joke due to his expression, but Theodore was serious. Dennis, his father, took a few deep breaths before asking, "M-Married? You aren't in a position to be dragged into an arranged marriage, but this is too sudden."
"It is a normal love marriage. I'm just rushing because I don't want to wait too long."
"You should've given us some time…" It was a one-sided notice, making Isabella complain a bit. Even so, it was nice to see that her adult son had found a bride. Since childhood, Theodore had always acted older than his age. If he was planning this wedding, then he must feel affection for the bride.
"So, when is our son going to introduce us to the bride? Do we know her? Please tell us everything from now on."
"Yes, your mother is right. Our family is in a very special position, so shouldn't there be a meeting?"
The surprised faces of the couple filled with laughter. Their son was good looking and capable. However, he was so talented that it was hard to find him a bride. They had been watching him for years, hoping he would find someone to take care of him. They wouldn't object if he chose a non-marriage, but they wanted a daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
"Hmm, this is the real deal."
His parents could tell without having to use foresight. Theodore coughed as he anticipated the reaction of the two people. Dennis' and Isabella's eyes shone with curiosity. Eventually, a second bomb was dropped from Theodore's mouth, "She is the Red Tower Master, Veronica…"
"Oh! The rumor that you have a good relationship with her is true."
"―And the master of the Blue Tower, Sylvia."
"…"
"…"
The couple's mouths dropped open as they were at a loss for words. It was a marriage involving two brides, and all three people were tower masters? This was an event that would receive great attention from all the kingdoms on the continent. If Theodore had ulterior motives, the Meltor Kingdom would one day be turned into the Miller Kingdom!
"Ah, you don't need to worry about attention. I have already requested for it to be confidential."
"R-Really? I'm glad. No, isn't there another problem?"
Unlike the confused Isabella, Theodore's response was calm. "I understand what you are concerned about, but it is okay. The magic towers are the pillars of the Meltor Kingdom, not a group of soldiers to be used at their disposal."
"Umm, your words are true, but…"
"Well, if that happens, I can just give up the position of Chief Tower Master."
Someone might laugh when hearing this, but there was no chance that the situation would flow this way. Other people might not know it, but Kurt III knew. For the 9th circle transcendent, the crown was just a piece of scrap metal to Theodore. However, his parents didn't know this and could only think he had great determination.
"…Sigh, I get it. Your will is firm, so we won't go against it anymore."
"Father?"
Dennis patted Theodore's shoulder with a friendly face, and Theodore stepped back with surprise from the warm atmosphere. However, his left arm was grabbed before he could move.
"I was worried because you were precocious as a child, but our Theodore is also a man. I am surprised and impressed. Did you politely ask the two women for permission?"
"Huh? Ah, well…"
"Surely you didn't hurt the two of them? I didn't raise my son like that."
It was a coincidence that he had been hit just after proposing marriage. Theodore couldn't help sweating nervously as he struggled to answer the question. He thought it would be better to fight the heavenly demon one more time. Having finally escaped his parents' questioning, an unexpected person appeared just as Theodore was heading to his room.
"Brother Theo!" Suddenly, Leonardo appeared and grabbed Theodore's collar. "Brother! I heard from Mother! You are getting married to multiple people?"
"Leo, this…" Theodore tried to say it was only two people but then shut up. It was because there was one woman who was promised to him, but he couldn't hold a wedding ceremony in the style of human society for her. However, Leo took the silence was acceptance and held Theodore's waist. "No matter what, you can't have Sister Reb!"
"…What?" Theodore looked down at Leo. "Sister Reb. Are you talking about Rebecca Clovis?"
"Huh? Is there another person in the house with that name?"
"…Pfft! Puhuhu!" Theodore couldn't help laughing as he realized the situation. Then he whispered, "You… Do you like Rebecca?"
"Ah! Brother, I-I..!" Leo's face turned red as he was held in Theodore's arms. He was quite shy for someone who had yet to have the coming of age ceremony. "W-Why not? Sister said she would wait until I am older. That's why Brother can't take her!"
"Hahahaha! My little brother is already grown up. You don't have to worry about me taking your beloved."
"Really? Brother, really?"
Theodore ruffled his brother's hair that was just as black as his own. Perhaps Rebecca had promised him without thinking, but Leo's eyes were serious. Maybe his relationship with her might be quite interesting in ten years' time. What would Randolph's reaction be if he found out?
Theodore foresaw that he wouldn't be bored for at least a decade and laughed. It was a good day.
* * *
After a cheerful dinner, Theodore returned to a room and stared out the window.
Was it because the mansion was built on a hill…? The view of the Miller territory was visible with one glance. At the outskirts of the estate, abundantly growing wheat fields were rustling, and warm light leaked from the homes of people who had finished their work today. There were no strays scattered around the streets, and the guards were patrolling the alleys.
"Even if it isn't luxurious, everyone is living well. Well, the people weren't starving even when we were in a barony."
His rustic peace-loving father, Dennis Miller, wasn't an outstanding leader, but he was a good lord. He might not have the ability to make money or command troops, but he wasn't lacking the ability to rule a territory. In fact, the expressions on the faces of the people wandering around the streets at night were bright.
"Times of peace."
The warring history of the Northern Continent had come to an end. Andras and Meltor forgot their old grudges and were starting a new era. The scars left behind by the war were great, but the resilience of life went beyond them. Even if there were severe injuries, new flesh would grow. People returned to the devastated cities, built new homes, and grew crops in the devastated fields. It wasn't possible to immediately erase a long history, but it would fade as generations flowed. The role of 'fighters' could be said to have ended.
-Not yet, a voice bluntly interrupted Theodore's thoughts. -An existence that destroys civilization… There is a possibility that 99% of the human race will be annihilated if Wrath falls. If you can't stop it, this village will disappear.
Theodore frowned at the unlucky words. "…Why are you mentioning the situation again?"
-Hmm, User seems to be too easygoing. I have to say it in case you have forgotten. Don't forget.
"How can I forget? Why are you complaining?" He grunted in a dull voice.
Glutton's mouth moved on the palm of Theodore's left hand, -It isn't enough to reserve magic power and prepare countermeasures. Don't you realize the seriousness of this time? Yet you are planning a wedding? Are you going to throw it all away and enjoy the end of your life?
"Hey, didn't you say that you are sending my data in real time to Wrath? Why do I have to prepare more than I already have?"
-Umm.
Theodore's point was correct, which caused Gluttony to groan and fall silent. It was because there wasn't much of an answer to Wrath.
'It is something that can't be defeated using common strategies.'
Gluttony weakened the power that would destroy the planet and reset civilization, but it was a super destructive weapon which would perform its own reinforcement and crush any creature that resisted. Additionally, Theodore was registered as a user of the Seven Sins. So, Gluttony's and his data was being transmitted in real time. Whatever Theodore prepared, there was no way to hide it from Wrath as Gluttony was in his body.
Thus, he decided not to prepare anything. If he stored magic power, Wrath would increase its magic power. If he obtained artifacts, it would add more power to its output.
-…I acknowledge that you can't act in a reasonable way. However, the strategy that User has set up as a countermeasure is 'crazy.'
"I already know that. The problem is that no other method comes to mind. If you have a method that is more successful than my strategy, I will take that gamble straight away."
There were no odds of success to be found even after he calculated it a few times. Strategies and preparations were pointless before a violent weapon that increased in strength in response to the opponent's strength. It was a numbers game where the result couldn't be reversed, even if he added or subtracted any variables.
In the end, Theodore had to accept those odds of 0%.
'It will never miss whatever I prepared or any magic I develop. It is a weapon that grasps my limits thanks to the data it receives from Gluttony.'
The reasoning of a magician had already confirmed his death. There was no chance. Even if a god descended and even if he used Fafnir, Theodore Miller still had no power or means to block this destructive existence. Thus, Theodore chose madness. He abandoned the duty of a magician to maintain reason until any circumstances. Forgetting about resistance, he just looked at the future.
"What I need now isn't preparations or research. If there is a grain of potential left, I will bet on it in the last moment."
If he could awaken at that moment and go beyond the limitations that Wrath knew, there would be a light in the future.
"I need an instrument to help me jump over myself. Family, lovers, friends. It doesn't matter. In preparation for the moment I clash with Wrath, I have to build up more bonds that allow me to go beyond the limits of Theodore Miller."
He didn't resign himself to it. He didn't give up. He was in a hurry not to keep his fears away but to not leave behind any regrets. It was the context that hastened the wedding with the two people. Thus, he would love them more and dream of a future with them. In order to not give up and to overcome his limitations, Theodore decided to be faithful to his own life.
He was interested to see how Leonardo and Rebecca would progress, and he felt a sense of responsibility toward his parents. Everyone would live. This was for the tomorrow that he hadn't seen. It was for a future that hadn't arrived.
Even Theodore, who had cast off the bonds of cause and effect, couldn't be freed from the cycle of life. No, he chose to be entangled. He was a transcendent who could escape to another dimension, but he refused to turn his back on this dimension and decided to fight against the destruction.
"I will smash Wrath."
It was in order to protect the world where everyone lived and to live with the people who loved him. Theodore Miller clenched his fists while looking at the destruction that was still far away in the universe.
"―Definitely," he vowed.
Chapter 383 – The Marriage of the Century (4)
A few days later, Meltor Palace was submerged in a strange atmosphere.
In the early morning, the officials of each department and the nobles in the vicinity of the capital were given a decree they didn't understand. Furthermore, the information was really short.
『 For today, any entrance to the palace is prohibited. 』
Regardless of title or position, no one was allowed to cross the threshold of the palace without the king's permission. However, this was Kurt III, the best king in Meltor's history who had succeeded in growing the kingdom. As such, although there were a few nobles who questioned the sudden command, no one was dumb enough to oppose the edict. The central tower magic tower, which shared the duties of the palace officials, was exceptionally silent. Meanwhile, the palace corridors were empty.
Thump, thump.
However, there was the sound of footsteps in the corridor. There was no disturbance in the half-tempo as the sounds which were like those of a musical instrument arrived at a gorgeous door. The master of the footsteps pushed open the door without hesitation.
Kkiiik.
Was the door lacking a bit of oil? The door creaked open, and the people in the room turned to look at it. The middle-aged wife, Isabella Miller, raised her voice first, "Wow, you're well dressed! I don't know whose son you are but you are very handsome. Isn't that right?"
"Hahaha! How do you not know? It is our son."
"Mother, Father." Dressed in a tailcoat made of luxurious materials, Theodore laughed. He had expected these reactions, but knowing it in his mind was different from experiencing it. There was perfume dispersed all over the place, and the makeup on several faces was also unfamiliar. It was uncomfortable to wear the layered, tailored clothes, but it was a courtesy to endure such inconveniences on such days.
"Wait, your tie is a bit crooked." Isabella, who was appreciating the appearance of her great son, stepped toward Theodore and adjusted his collar. She straightened his slightly torn tie and then stepped back as she couldn't see his face unless she raised her head. Theodore had been one handspan shorter than Isabella when he left for magic school, yet her little child was already getting married now. Somehow, she felt a lump in her throat.
"Mother?"
"Oh, my."
As Isabella's tears fell involuntarily, Theodore wiped them with his thumb and looked at her with his pair of eyes that had been clear since childhood. There was the depth of a lake in them, and Isabella had to admit that her son had grown up. He was no longer a child to be pitied but one to be proud of.
Soon afterward, Isabella grabbed Theodore and whispered into his chest, "…Shouldn't you live well? Be happy. Understood?"
"Yes, Mother."
"I know that my son is very busy, but keep in mind that you shouldn't be half-hearted toward your family."
"Yes, I definitely won't forget."
After Isabella finished speaking, Dennis hugged Theodore and patted him on the back. The span of his father's arms, which had seemed so wide when he was a child, was now narrow. It wasn't only Isabella who became sentimental. Theodore too struggled not to shed any tears.
Dennis felt Theodore tremble and said in a calm voice, "From a long time ago, you were a very precocious child. I still remember your small body helping with the housework. You studied hard enough to pass the academy's entrance exam despite no one teaching you. You also persevered for a few years until your talent woke up. You were such a good child."
"Father, I…"
"You don't need to say it. I know. I believe in you. I believe you will do well if you don't worry. Still, you should often show your face to us. Think about a parent's mind."
"…Yes, I will visit often."
Dennis gave Theodore one more firm hug before standing side by side with Isabella. The atmosphere was joyous but bitter. Their last job as parents was letting go of their grown child.
Knock knock.
At this moment, there came a knock like someone had just arrived outside the door.
"It seems like the ladies have arrived. Theo, open the door for them."
"Yes."
Generally, a bride and groom wouldn't see each other until the ceremony. However, this wedding ceremony was a bit different. Theodore slowly approached the door and pulled it open.
"Ah." He froze as he saw the appearances of the two brides.
Veronica and Sylvia, the beauties with unique colored eyes and hair, greeted him in pure white wedding dresses. Was it due to the skill of the palace maids…?
Veronica's neck contrasted with her crimson hair and presented a bewitching beauty, while Sylvia had wintery, fairy-like white skin and moistened lips. Despite the abundant amount of lace, the feminine lines of the two women weren't concealed, creating a tempting atmosphere.
"What, did you fall in love with us again?"
"Huhuhut, Theo. You have a funny expression."
The two beauties seemed satisfied with his response as they grabbed Theodore's arms with smiling faces. The thin lace didn't obstruct the soft and warm texture, making him dizzy. Dennis and Isabella chuckled as they saw the three lovely people. For those who had no family, the parents-in-law were like new family members. So, the brides approached the Miller family, and they talked for a few minutes.
Then a servant entered the room. "Everything is ready, Chief Tower Master."
The people in the room became pale and tense. They looked at their clothes and looked in the mirror to check their makeup. The reason why Kurt III had forbidden access to the palace at once was that it was now time for the wedding of Theodore Miller and his two brides.
* * *
Truth be told, Meltor's palace wasn't that gorgeous. The absence of luxuries was influenced by the practical nature of magicians, but the main reason was the war with Andras which had lasted for hundreds of years. They had needed funds to expand the armaments and raise soldiers, so their civilization had only advanced one or two steps. If they had spent money on the luxuries of the royal palace, Meltor would be ruined. However, today, they lay off on the frugality for a while.
"Ohh, His Majesty did quite well? The decorations of the palace are more attractive than those of the magic tower."
Theodore and Sylvia nodded at Veronica's surprised words.
The clean, white palace, which didn't have great merit, had been transformed by the presence of a variety of statues and garlands which had come from an unknown place. Kurt III must've instructed workers to come to the palace today without anyone knowing.
Thump, thump, thump.
The three people walked leisurely inside the palace toward a special room in the palace where people were waiting.
One step and another step…
As if to enjoy this moment in life that they wouldn't experience twice, the three of them walked without speaking. They could feel their body temperatures coming from the palms of their hands, and they could hear each other's breaths as they were wrapped in calmness.
Finally, they looked at the door of the wedding hall.
"…Go?" Theodore asked his two brides without looking back. Sylvia's silver hair shook on Theodore's left side, while Veronica was warm on his right side. There was no need to speak, and their intentions were clear.
Kuoooong―
There was no need to use their hands. Telekinesis magic, the power that obeyed Theodore's will, pushed at the pair of big doors. Then there was a massive noise, and the guests turned to look at the three people. There were only familiar faces present. After all, they had only invited people close to them.
There was Vince, the middle-aged magician who had a busy schedule, Randolph, the swordsman who changed from casual clothing into formalwear, and Titania, the high elf who had waited without returning to Elvenheim. The members of Quattro who had dissolved after the war in the north, William and Paragranum in the female avatar, were also present.
'No, wait a minute. I thought Paragranum wasn't invited?'
Theodore looked at her blankly, and she just shrugged. She had used her own method to be in this position. So, he ignored Para and carried on looking ahead. Theodore, Veronica, and Sylvia passed by the guests and family members, arriving at the podium.
"…Haha." When Theodore saw it, he couldn't help laughing. It wasn't a sound that should be made at this place, but the two brides and other guests were laughing like they understood his reaction. After all, his reaction was natural.
"You look good, Chief Tower Master."
It was because Kurt III, who wasn't wearing his usual crown, was standing in the palace to officiate the wedding. Veronica snorted while Sylvia was just embarrassed because she didn't know what was going on. Theodore thought the king's appearance was absurd and asked, "Your Majesty, don't tell me…?"
"If you don't mind, I would like to officiate this marriage. What are the thoughts of the three tower masters?"
The groom and brides looked at each other, but Kurt didn't seem willing to step down unless he was outright refused. In retrospect, it wasn't like there was no precedent to this. The last time a marriage was officiated by a king had been several hundred years ago. The three people laughed and made their decision.
"Please look after us."
"Yes! Of course."
Pleased that he wasn't refused, Kurt III laid his left hand on the book of laws with an excited expression. He placed one hand on the book of laws and one hand on his heart. It signified a sincere pledge to the laws and to the heart.
Kurt started to speak with a serious expression, "As time flows eternally, today we know that the fates of three people have flowed into one stream. They were born with different names, lived in different times, and met with different meanings. May their ends one day come together, so that they may be beautifully completed in their own way."
This was the officiating so far.
After completing the words of blessing, Kurt III turned to the three people and said, "You are the hero who stepped onto the path of magic and elevated your name. Will you swear to love and cherish your brides for the rest of your life?"
Theodore placed his right hand on his chest and answered firmly, "Yes, I swear."
"You are the one with a dragon's bloodline who has decided to live among humans. Will you swear to love and cherish your groom for the rest of your life?"
"Yes, I swear," Veronica replied in an unusually polite voice.
"You who have been loved and raised as the family of a wise man—will you swear to love and cherish your groom for the rest of your life?"
There was no need to mention who the wise man was. Sylvia's eyes were slightly red as she replied one beat late, "…Yes, I swear."
Once the brides' and groom's vows were over, Kurt spread his hands over the open book of laws. It was time for the expected ritual at a wedding.
"Then can the brides and groom please give each other the kiss of oath."
The ceremony was based on the idea of sharing the weight of the words with each other, but it didn't have much weight. It was an event where the guests enjoyed seeing the shy bride and groom. Kurt and the guests smirked. Sylvia, who still wasn't immune to skinship, was busy cooling down her red skin. However, there was someone with a 'passionate' pedigree in this place.
���Theo."
"Huh? Ah―"
She released their held hands and tugged on his waist. The force was strong, but the momentum was so great that Theodore couldn't reject and was dragged into Veronica's arms. In a flash, the lips of the two people touched each other, with their breaths and tongues entangling. It wasn't a ceremonial act but a kiss that would be done by those in a relationship.
"Oh, my! It is really genuine!" Isabella laughed and clapped as she saw Veronica's unbelievable kiss.
The partnerless male guests sighed and cleared their throats, while Dennis was relieved that he hadn't brought Leo to the wedding. After nearly 10 seconds, the two mouths separated.
"Huhu, I ate well," Veronica said, licking her lips like she had eaten something delicious. Then she whispered, "If you aren't in a hurry, shall we do it once more?"
"T-That!"
"If you keep hesitating, I will continue eating. Isn't it good?"
From the beginning, it was a provocation. Theodore realized the meaning of Veronica's words, while Sylvia barely maintained her courage as she stood before Theodore. This was Sylvia's limit. Theodore smiled, held Sylvia's cheeks, and kissed her.
Chu.
He didn't use his tongue like Veronica, but the kiss lasted a long time. That alone caused Sylvia to stop breathing, then she flushed red for other reasons. Once the kiss was over, the silent guests raised their hands and started to clap.
Clap clap clap clap clap! The sound of applause filled the palace.
The three people stood next to each other and bowed to the people who had come to the wedding. The wedding ceremony was completed. Theodore held his brides' hands again and walked down the red carpet.
"Veronica, Sylvia."
The two people turned at his call. He laughed and pulled them toward him by the waist.
"Aing."
"Ah, what?"
Veronica was playful while Sylvia was embarrassed. With the two beautiful brides in his arms, the mightiest magician of the material world proclaimed proudly, "Now, we can go anywhere and do anything. I will give you anything you want."
He would show them all the scenery of the world and give them all the treasures of this world. The man with the power to do so moved with self-interest for the first time. Theodore laughed as the eyes of his wives' widened.
"Now, let's go on our honeymoon."
It was time to enjoy the springtime which wouldn't come again.