294th Episode
The gazes of the two men collided.
Though Ernst did not outwardly display it, he felt a sense of bewilderment.
Right or wrong aside, his current demeanor was far from the usual Ray.
He was overly emotional and aggressive.
Ernst quietly observed Ray before stepping back first.
“I…”
With his posture relaxed, Ernst straightened up and began to speak.
“I trust the path you have walked so far. Of course, people change.”
As one approaches the end of their life, there may be shifts in perspective or a growing urgency in the heart.
One might become more impulsive or aggressive than before.
“But… I believe that one’s nature and core do not easily corrupt.”
Ray had always lived close to death since the past.
Time and again, he prepared for death, sacrificing his lifespan for the sake of others.
Even now, with a stronger attachment to life, it wouldn’t override what he originally sought to protect.
“Do not misunderstand me. I am not pressuring you. However, I am confident that you would not wish for confusion. You are not the type to gamble with the safety of those you care about just because you have lingering attachments to life.”
“…”
“Even if I were to ask, you wouldn’t make such a choice.”
Ray was a person who could willingly lay down their life for the ones they loved and the values they pursued.
Such nature and principles couldn’t change overnight.
“That is why I believe you will handle this wisely. If you need assistance from the South, I trust that you will achieve your goals while maintaining balance.”
“…”
“However, politics cannot be resolved by trust alone.”
Politics is a place where, even if one doesn’t intend to, a single misstep can lead to being swept away by the tides.
“You know this as well. It seems you think your death will solve most political issues… Yes, I agree.”
“…”
“However, I personally do not wish for your death on an emotional level. Moreover, death does not solve all problems. Hence, my caution. The South…”
Ernst paused for thought before nodding.
“You’re right. If the opponent intends to make contact, it’s better to take the initiative and seize the upper hand.”
It wasn’t good to be dragged along.
If possible, it was better to push back.
If the South also decided to push back, that was something Ernst could certainly suppress.
“I will convey your request to the Order. Of course, I will also inform His Majesty the Emperor.”
“…Thank you.”
“Ray.”
Ernst sighed briefly before continuing.
“Haste makes waste. This was something you pointed out to me in the past. Be cautious, especially during times like these.”
“…I will take heed.”
“Yes, I believe you’ll do well.”
Ernst concluded the conversation by releasing the Absolute Domain.
*
Luna received the Dragon Heart of the royal family from Ray.
It was covered with tracking magic and various stabilizing devices, making it impossible to stealthily abscond with it immediately.
She needed to implant it into Lea and disguise it similarly to how Ray’s heart had been enhanced.
Valerius’ Dragon Heart would be used for Ray’s heart surgery.
While not a simple task overall, it was not impossible with proper preparation.
The real issue was that none of this could significantly extend Ray’s lifespan.
“…”
As Luna stood silently on the streets of the Imperial Capital, she sensed someone approaching.
Turning her head, she saw Johanna walking cheerfully with Delun.
“Luna!”
Johanna ran over happily and embraced Luna with open arms.
Holding Luna tightly, Johanna looked around and asked,
“Where’s Ray?”
“…He suddenly had an important schedule today and couldn’t come. He asked me to tell you to wait a few more days.”
“Ah…?”
Johanna momentarily showed disappointment but soon brightened up.
After all, it was a long-awaited meeting with Luna, and she would see Ray again within a few days.
“Luna, do you want to go eat something delicious?”
“Yeah. But… Johanna.”
“Hmm?”
“One spray of perfume is enough.”
The scent was subtle and pleasant from afar, but when Johanna hugged her, it was a bit overwhelming.
Luna’s remark made Johanna blush.
She had sprayed too much, trying to be extra careful compared to usual.
Embarrassed, Johanna pinched Luna’s cheeks playfully before stepping back.
*
Anthonyus was somewhat polarizing within the Order.
His tendency to avoid collaboration and mingling often sparked gossip behind his back.
Nevertheless, despite this, he had earned the position of High Templar at a young age solely through his exceptional abilities, which everyone acknowledged.
Even at the lowest estimate, Anthonyus was considered among the top-tier talents among the clerics of his era.
Recently, Anthonyus’ reputation soared significantly after his heroic performance in a battle in the Imperial Capital.
The royal family played down the fact that the capital had been invaded and promoted Anthonyus as a hero.
Indeed, Anthonyus’ contributions in the battle were extraordinary.
That day, Anthonyus had performed the role of an entire army, leading them to victory.
Subsequently, Anthonyus traveled to the southern papal headquarters and briefly participated in the front lines against the Demonic Realm.
Now, Anthonyus had become one of the representatives of the Order recognized externally.
However, despite his rising fame, Anthonyus returned to the Imperial Capital upon another’s summons.
Anthonyus initially hesitated to accept the Order’s request to visit the capital but agreed once he learned it was Ray who had called him.
“It’s good to see you again.”
Anthonyus greeted warmly, unusually talkative for a cleric who served the divine and only occasionally acted arrogantly toward anyone other than the emperor.
Ray chuckled softly and nodded.
“Yeah, thanks for coming.”
“I’ve heard about your kin.”
Anthonyus cut straight to the point.
Ray didn’t feel like engaging in idle chatter either.
“What exactly did you hear?”
“They said you’re struggling due to the lack of a proper way to resolve the curse inflicted by the evil deity.”
“That’s correct.”
“The Order wishes for you and your kin to accompany them to the papal headquarters. They wish to formally invite you.”
“Is there a possibility of permanently resolving the curse?”
“No definite answer. For curses of the same tier, the weaker ones are usually harder to dispel, but I’ve heard the curse on your kin isn’t very strong.”
“Hmm…”
“Even if complete removal is difficult, we can counteract its effects entirely. With the help of the Sacred Maiden, we can imbue even a small piece of jewelry with such functionality.”
“So, I’d have to carry the sacred item then?”
“It can also be implanted directly into the affected area. It’s a thoroughly tested procedure, so it’s quite safe. However…”
Anthonyus lowered his shield and sat down before continuing.
“Only a select few can dispel high-level curses or create artifacts capable of neutralizing their influence. You’ll need the Order’s assistance.”
“Wow, you seemed detached earlier, but here you subtly pressure me to behave well towards the Order?”
“I merely stated the facts.”
“Joke, joke.”
As Ray laughed and waved his hand dismissively, Anthonyus questioned,
“My guess is that this isn’t urgent, right?”
“Yeah, correct. It’s not a short-term lethal curse, so it’s not pressing enough to cling to the Order desperately.”
Ray scratched the back of his head and looked up at Anthonyus.
“In truth, the story about my aunt was just an excuse to bring you here. I wanted to talk to you about something else.”
“What is it?”
“First, I have a question. What kind of person is the Marquis of the Southern Frontier, known as the Shield of the Empire?”
“He pretends to be a benevolent person.”
Listening to Anthonyus’ highly cynical response, Ray burst out laughing again.
“Haha, he pretends to be?”
“There’s no need to overinterpret. Does anyone truly show their inside and outside equally?”
“Haa… Anthonyus, you lack faith in humanity. Always hostile.”
He was an unbeliever.
Anthonyus simply disliked people and thus never formed emotional bonds.
His inherent nature, combined with childhood experiences, shaped him into this person.
“Did you call me here just to mock me, Ray?”
Saying this, Anthonyus’ tone remained calm.
Since Anthonyus kept his heart closed to everyone except his sister, he hardly reacted emotionally to others’ unpleasant words or actions.
Looking at such Anthonyus, Ray sighed inwardly.
There was no substantial bond built between Ray and Anthonyus. They were essentially strangers.
Ironically, however, Ray trusted Anthonyus more than others with whom he shared deeper ties.
Ray knew roughly the path Anthonyus had walked until the end and thus could extend his hand first.
“I want to make a deal with you. That’s why I called you.”
“A deal?”
“Miracles come with a price. You know that, right?”
Without hesitation, Anthonyus slowly nodded at the abrupt question.
“…Yes, I know.”
No.
Anthonyus had no idea what the cost of miracles truly entailed.
Ray forced himself to mutter the words swirling in his mouth.
Then, he calmed his breathing and pointed to his chest.
“I’ve performed countless miracles and paid their price.”
“…”
“I don’t have much time left.”
Ray confessed calmly.
“My body is broken beyond repair. Even with treatment, I probably won’t last more than a few years.”
After contemplating the truth and implications of Ray’s words, Anthonyus asked,
“Do you seek a deal with the Order to extend your lifespan?”
“Anthonyus, I said I want to make a deal with you.”
Leaning back on the sofa, Ray sighed.
“And I don’t intend to live long.”
Ray could already feel his role coming to an end.
Once his role was fulfilled, Ray had to step off the stage.
Being an irregular who shouldn’t exist in the first place, Ray had to leave when it was time.
That was the way to benefit this world and the people living in it.
Farewells might be sad and painful, but they don’t always have to be tragedies.
Thus, Ray vowed not to be greedy.
Instead, he resolved to ensure that his remaining time wouldn’t make parting with the people he loved too sorrowful.
“So… let’s make a deal.”
“What kind of deal do you want?”
“Anthonyus, I will make you the sole owner of the unparalleled Sacred Sword of this era.”
“…?”
Momentarily taken aback, Anthonyus shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Ray continued explaining the deal in his usual calm manner.
“What I can give you is inviolable symbolism and power comparable to the peak.”
“…”
“In return, you must act as a mediator to suppress the conflicts and divisions of the empire after I’m gone, for your sister and my people, and for all the ordinary people who will continue to live in this world.”
Ray looked at Anthonyus with eyes filled with resolute will.
Transaction (4)
