Chapter 48.2: Prelude of the End
"I have the strangest dream of they come to visit me."
"I have told you, that isn't a dream. They have helped me with this work since yesterday. You know that I am not that mentally capable of that care of these in a night."
The intricate debate surrounding the nature of my existence, whether it be a mere dream or a tangible reality, is undeniably captivating. It presents a perplexing quandary, yet the answer may lie within the very realm they inhabit. The price I have paid for this uncertainty is the absence of even fleeting moments of respite. At times, it feels suffocating, yet I cannot bring myself to abandon all, for fear that such abandonment may hold the key to the correct answer. I yearn to step back and reconstruct my surroundings to perfection, but time seems to conspire against my desires.
Fear has gripped me tightly, despite my better judgment, throughout countless cycles of the moon. I fear the imminent unraveling of my world, its essence torn away from its very core. These relentless apprehensions have yet to dissipate. Ultimately, there is no paradise to be found, only the infernal battlefield in which I must engage.
"The fascinating nature of dreams reveals one's desires and inherent character through their themes and subjects. However, the individual standing before you today is not a mere figment of a dream but my true self. Flawed and lacking in dignity, though I may be," I declare, albeit with an entrance that may seem incongruous, yet it successfully captures their attention.
Andromalius think of naught but to embrace me wholely. The squeeze is suffocating, the falling tears are poisonously salty; the wholesome scene turns into an attempt. It's lucky that I have grown an immunity to his poison, otherwise, this would send me to another early death.
"I never thought I would witness the day of your return. It is truly a miraculous occurrence that I have not lost the last glimmer of hope in my eternal existence," Andromalius continues to weep, seemingly overwhelmed by emotion. It takes nearly half an hour for him to regain composure completely.
"You have undoubtedly shattered the sanity of your faithful chancellor. Although you did promise to awaken me before the evening repast, it appears that a new day has dawned," Ragnorr complains, his appearance improved with a change of clothing. A good night's rest has evidently rejuvenated him, restoring his vitality.
Andromalius enters the pantry to prepare three cups of aromatic masala chai, serving as a pleasant transition for our conversation. The scent of herbs and hot milk disperses the lingering mead aroma from my previous night's indulgence. It acts as a palate cleanser, eradicating the lingering sweetness of the honeyed babble.
"I completed those tasks last night, or rather in the midst of midnight, hence I thought it appropriate to arrange breakfast upon awakening," I explain, eliciting a chuckle from Ragnorr, while Andromalius appears slightly perplexed by my response.
"Why did you not inform me of your awakening, Your Majesty? I was deeply concerned upon discovering your empty coffin," Andromalius expresses his worry. Based on previous conversations between them, I surmise that they may have believed these visits to be mere dreams. I comprehend the significance of Furcas's notion of a ghost messiah.
"I deemed it necessary for you to continue dreaming, thus I refrained from disturbing you further. The same can be said for Ragnorr over there, who seemed to be prostrating himself on the floor," I jest, prompting a nervous laugh from Andromalius.
"I presumed it to be nothing more than a dream. As the overseer of dreams, shouldn't I be able to act as I please within their realm? Your Majesty, you are rather stringent when it comes to comportment," Ragnorr retorts, his tone laced with playful rebellion.
"No, I would dare not against the prince of the sleeping land. Isn't that a breach in our alliance?" I refute it also. The time for breakfast has only come as the conversational mood dies down.
The breakfast today is specially made with pancakes and butter. The cook is quite surprised when she appears in the room with only two plates, with her smile and continuous apologies. Another plate is brought out for me, a pound cake with powdered sugar as the topping.
The cake is overly sweet just I like it, a light lemon jest inside makes the cake the more tasteful. As I enjoy the personal breakfast, they are just staring as the difference in the portion size is quite significant.
"I have never seen someone eats sweet to this extent, does your metabolism just different from other that make you consume this much sugar?" Ragnorr concerns with my plate laced with a ridiculous amount of sugar. I have never thought about my appetite but besides alcohol, I have never tried something other spectrums of flavor.
"Sweet is just what I favor from other flavors, it needn't be important now. I need to gather everyone this morning so it will be quite tiresome." Thinking of meeting each and every one of them, would be tiresome some may react without much retaliation like the dark priest others may act as Andromalius here.
"About that you needn't worry, Gabriel has made an artifact for us to communicate more easily." Andromalius show a wrist device and he clicks a few manual ones before a strange light is sent throughout the place.
Adorned with intricate designs, this remarkable wrist artifact appears to harness the mystic power of mana. It is said to enable communication across vast distances, carrying messages and facilitating occasional calls.
Given out as a necessity by Gabriel, I can only surmise that its wearer must tap into their inner wellspring of mana, infusing it into the enigmatic mechanisms of the device. It remains a coveted treasure, blending ancient magic with the art of communication.
"At high noon, they shall arrive," declared Andromalius, his eyes scanning my attire disapprovingly. "Your majesty, it would be wise to be prepared rather than donning those white robes alone."
It was then that I noticed the mismatched and casual clothes I wore. I could only blame my successful guise as the enigmatic Baphomet for the oversight. The transformation had been executed flawlessly, but now I stood as a sovereign in an outfit far too informal for the occasion. How could I have allowed such a lapse in my appearance?
'illusio' The ensemble changes to my official outfit which comprised a white caped garment, complemented by a finely tailored silver shirt and pants. To commemorate the occasion of my transformation, my boots were now adorned in black, deviating from their customary white hue. I couldn't help but feel that my appearance exuded a sense of playfulness, bordering on childishness.
"That is also a wise choice," he concurred. "Although a bath and normal dressing would be more fitting." With those words, he left the room, granting me the solitude needed to arrange myself for the impending meeting.
As I made my way back to my quarters, I decided to summon the servants to reorganize the room, ensuring everything was in place while I prepared myself for the forthcoming encounter.
Word of the gathering had spread, likely due to the chef's propensity for gossip. Consequently, those entering the office seemed less surprised, displaying a heightened sense of anticipation compared to the previous day. The hallway bustled with energy as they returned with increased enthusiasm.
Returning to my chamber, the velvet drapes still adorned the windows, and my wardrobe remained intact. I discarded the white robes, opting instead for the elegant white attire that Blood Claw had bestowed upon me. Though somewhat embarrassing, those garments provided respite from the burdens of royalty.
As the sun ascended to its zenith, I gathered the scattered papers, clumsily collecting them upon my arrival at the office. It served as a humbling reminder of my first encounter, a testament to my growth as a sovereign.
"Say whatever you want, I am still working myself off after the demanding reach its peak."
"Speaking as if others weren't busy, I have to conduct trade with other kingdoms for weaponry."
"I hope that this will end soon enough, I have to get back training."
Amidst the chaotic cacophony that filled the office, each individual had their own excuses for hesitating to attend the meeting. However, they all found themselves drawn by the summons of Andromalius. Gabriel lost in his world of overthinking, seemed absorbed by his own thoughts, while Ragnorr and Andromalius appeared preoccupied, scanning the room instead of focusing on the forthcoming gathering.
Growing frustrated by the disarray, I raised my voice, infusing the soundwave with a touch of mana. The reverberation swept through the room, causing a momentary hush to settle over everyone present. "Enough! The constant commotion only adds to the headache. If anyone wishes to leave, they may do so. I do not require forced attention from those who neglect their duties and responsibilities," I declared firmly, attempting to make my way to the chair positioned at the head of the room.
Addressing the assembled individuals, I continued with a commanding tone. "We shall retaliate against the angelic forces that have inflicted harm upon Saudade. Each of you will have a role to play in this endeavor." Displaying a map of the Paradiso castle, I pointed out its weak points and vulnerabilities, hidden details carefully marked.
Though the castle possessed airborne capabilities, I outlined my plan to construct a mana device that would restore its gravitational pull, causing it to crash into the hill below.
"Furcas, Jeremiel, Blood Claw, you shall take the forefront and create discord, preventing the archangels from receiving reinforcements," I instructed. The front line, a sarcastic misnomer, consisted of second-tier angels transformed into relentless killing machines by misguided zealots. With meticulous preparation, I knew the bloodlust of demons would overcome the angels' will to fight.
"Finally the one that I am most talent with, you can leave the fighting to me," Jeremiel, eager and spirited, expressed her enthusiasm, claiming her expertise in battle tactics. I eagerly anticipated witnessing how her strategies would benefit our troops.
"Sigh another day of destruction, I can live that still." Furcas, on the other hand, sighed wearily, acknowledging the impending destruction but ultimately showcasing unwavering resolve. I knew that when the time came, he would annihilate our enemies without the slightest hesitation.
"Can I bring my lord with me, your majesty?" Interrupting the flow, Blood Claw spoke out of turn, seeking permission to bring his lord, Kryos.
Reflecting on our previous encounter with Andromalius, I had reservations regarding Kryos's recklessness, despite his stamina to endure long battles. His charm magic held no power over those unaffected, making it a potential weakness.
"...The prince's frailty in prolonged battles is undeniable, but bring him along to bolster our troops' morale, ensuring his safety," I responded with unwavering conviction. Keeping him at a safe distance, his mere presence would serve as a unifying force, rallying both loyalists of the old reign and supporters of the new era, transforming the upcoming battle into a collective endeavor rather than a daunting struggle that spanned centuries.
Blood Claw bowed in gratitude, understanding my decision. "I comprehend, your majesty," he acknowledged, his voice filled with appreciation. With that, the three of them departed their mission to sever the outside support from mortals now completed. Innocent bystanders should be spared from the senseless conflicts of immortal beings.
"Uriel, Ash, Ragnorr, the three of you are our best counter against Kushiel. Uriel, you know what to do when he wields his authority," I instructed, addressing the trio with a tone of certainty. Kushiel drew power from the sins that tainted the hearts of our enemies. As long as their hearts were steeped in sin, his strength would only grow.
Thus, Uriel would utilize her own authority to counter and nullify his, while Ragnorr would cleanse their hearts, eradicating the influences of sin. Ash's ability to inflict a symbolic "plague" by binding the concept of "absorbing sins" would prevent Kushiel from draining the life force of others. It was a formidable strategy, unsettling that one could create a "plague" out of such an abstract notion.
"To confine him with my authority, I will undertake the unspeakable, now that I have perfected it," Uriel declared eagerly, pulling Ragnorr along, who seemed less enthused. "Wait, Lady Uriel. Give me a moment to collect some of my research," Ragnorr interjected before disappearing in a blink. They were undoubtedly a troublesome pair, yet their collaboration as research partners had proven effective in the past.
"Turning the dagger against me, you are quite cruel, your majesty. I believed our connection last night was something special," Ash retorted, his tone laced with a hint of hurt. Last night's encounter had been filled with empty promises and deceitful sweet nothings. I had no desire for that charade to prolong unless...
"Ash, you are being melodramatic. I was contemplating utilizing the librarian's authority of hypnosis, but I couldn't find a suitable justification. Perhaps you can turn the tables on our adversary?" I suggested, offering an alternative. In truth, the librarian's power was unnecessary, but its strategic value increased exponentially when combined with Ragnorr's abilities.
"I understand, your majesty. How mischievous of you," Ash responded with a chuckle. "I shall persuade him to diminish his interference with my work, prompting an early retirement." With laughter that dispersed into a cloud of ash, he vanished from sight.
My expectations had already been shattered by Andromalius's peculiar adoration, but now they were further trampled upon by the distinct personalities of Caim and Stolas.
"Andromalius, Shin, Gabriel," I addressed the three individuals standing before me, each bearing their own burdens and responsibilities. "Andromalius and Shin, your task is to weaken Camael with your poison, providing an opportunity for Gabriel to deliver the final blow. It may not be the honorable death she desired, but I have no choice but to extinguish her flame and sever her current authority."
As the words left my lips, a pang of regret coursed through me, unexpectedly tugging at my heart. Knowing the bond between Gabriel and Camael, my decision felt heavy, lacking in mercy and compatibility. Perhaps in times of war, kindness towards our enemies must be set aside to minimize our own losses. But still, why does it pain me so deeply?
Shin followed Andromalius's lead, bowing with a sense of purpose and determination. Their thoughts remained a mystery to me, as their sudden withdrawal from the room set them apart from the others who dutifully stayed by my side.
"To the ministers of Agriculture and Commerce, I entrust you with the same responsibilities as before. Guide those who are lost amidst this chaos," I instructed, addressing them with a mix of gratitude and expectation.
The Minister of Agriculture chuckled, though hidden behind the facade were tears betraying his emotions. "Little sovereign, I shall heed your words as best I can. Return safely, for the prosperity of our crops eagerly awaits the modifications only you can provide."
The Minister of Commerce, accompanied by his colleague, closed the door with a finality that echoed throughout the room. "This kingdom relies on your leadership, Your Majesty," he confessed, his voice filled with a blend of admiration and dependency. "I am impressed by how much I have come to depend on you, my sovereign."
My gaze then turned towards Gabriel, my own sibling, who stood beside me, his form shifting between that of an adult and a smaller, more vulnerable figure. "Will you face this alone once again?" Gabriel's voice trembled with concern. "You know how our father holds control over this plane, watching our every move with God's gifts."
His tears flowed, transforming into sheepish baas, a peculiar habit of his when overwhelmed with emotion. Usually, it brought a smile to my face, but today was different, for no matter how lighthearted one's performance was, today was a day devoid of laughter.
"You possess such keen insight, delving into my memories. What you say is true; this matter should concern only him and me. I do not wish to drag you into this," I replied, asserting my decision.
"Why?" Gabriel cried, his sorrowful performance tugging at my heart. "Why are you leaving all alone again?" His tears fell, and he clung to me with a desperate embrace.
"Not again. I promise you, this time I will return. Don't you trust me on that?" I reciprocated the tight hug. Why do these encounters always involve such painful embraces? Despite leaving no lasting marks, each passionate embrace still inflicted a lingering pain upon me.
His watery eyes gazed at me, his trust not fully convinced by my words. Perhaps a little more evidence would foster greater trust in me.
"If you don't trust your elder brother, then trust in God. These horns serve as a symbol of the contract bestowed upon me to bring an end to Sariel's reign," I jestingly pointed at my horns.
His face lit up, a flicker of amusement and a chuckle escaping his lips, eventually transforming into a radiant smile.
"You are quite silly, relying on horns as a contract binder. What purpose do they serve? To pierce through a few sheets of paper?" Gabriel playfully remarked.
As night fell, I found solace in the solitude of my office, immersing myself in the study while awaiting the arrival of the eighth moon. Time was on our side, as the immortals grew increasingly unfavorable in the eyes of mortals. The more I could mitigate harm to the innocent, the better. Tonight, I would carefully contemplate the future—one that I would not come to regret.
The end
Onward, marching soldier brave,
Through the fields of war you pave,
Death and destruction left in your wake,
Only victory ahead to take.