The Demon Realm is hell.
Even though Ray had only indirectly experienced it through the illusions left by Resina, he was certain of this fact.
It was a land soaked in the influence of an evil deity for thousands of years.
For those who follow the evil deity, it’s a place of infinite blessings; but for those who oppose it, it’s a land flowing with endless curses.
It was difficult to calculate what kind of variables might exist within the Demon Realm, untouched by invasion for hundreds of years.
One clear point was that Preches, who intentionally exposed his own presence, wouldn’t have done so without any preparation.
The situation was dire.
Surviving long-term inside the Demon Realm was impossible unless one was a Devil Worshipper.
Forming battle lines in the Demon Realm and engaging in months-long struggles while gradually breaking through traps was essentially collective suicide.
“However detailed the tactics may be…”
What was clear was that the main force needed to swiftly penetrate and reach the ‘target’ location.
The longer the movement delayed, the higher the probability of losing retreat routes and being trapped to die.
To push forward while breaking through the traps prepared by enemies under such harsh conditions required multiple Lords at minimum.
But…
“Ernst Prislan… The Empire’s Swordmaster will remain in the Imperial Capital.”
Ray was sure of this.
This was the same principle as the elves leaving one Guardian beside the World Tree.
Who could guarantee that the demon worshippers wouldn’t attempt to loot an empty house?
Someone had to protect the Emperor of the Empire and preserve the Imperial Capital.
Therefore, even if most of the Royal Guards joined the expeditionary force, Ernst would stay by the Emperor’s side.
Thus, Alexander had to participate in the war and perform actively on the front lines.
“The ambiguity of the risks is the problem…”
If Preches isn’t eliminated, humanity will definitely face extinction.
Though it’s a terrifying assumption, if the situation were like this, persuasion would be easier.
However, with the current strength of humanity, despite many sacrifices, enduring a war akin to the Hundred Years’ War seemed feasible.
There was no way the highest echelons of the Empire couldn’t make these calculations, and therefore consolidating opinions wouldn’t be easy.
Of course, the elves would warn.
“We will perish within a thousand years!”
But to humans, a millennium is not a tangible timeframe.
“Even if we’re doomed within ten years, most people fail to grasp the reality and end up talking nonsense. What can you do?”
Ray frowned, recalling memories from his past life.
Ten years feels long, yet asking people to contribute their efforts to prevent a disaster expected within a thousand years? That wouldn’t convince anyone.
“Even His Majesty the Emperor would find it politically burdensome to forcefully order a war.”
Here, the role of Alexander, Marquis of the Southern Border, became crucial.
If Preches revives, almost all of the Empire’s southern region will be wiped out.
This means the destruction of Alexander’s hometown and base.
“Still, this doesn’t mean he’ll lose everything. If he gathers his people and retreats along with the Church, abandoning the south, he could preserve his power to some extent.”
If Alexander were a calculating and self-centered individual devoid of patriotism, there’d be little reason for him to strongly advocate attacking the Demon Realm first without a clear and substantial benefit.
He wouldn’t take the initiative otherwise.
“So, it leads to failure.”
To gather public opinion…
Alexander, the focal point of the southern empire, must strongly argue beforehand that preparations are underway for a desperate defense of the south.
You should know, if you don’t help us, we’ll dive headfirst into the Demon Realm alone—almost to that extent, he needs to assert quickly.
Without this condition, it would be impossible for humanity to consolidate opinions and invade the Demon Realm within half a year.
How can public opinion be moved when even the southern powers, whose territories are about to be completely lost, are negative about the war?
“If only we had enough time to negotiate quietly, perhaps we could strike political deals with Alexander or the Holy Church and reach an acceptable agreement…”
There was no time for proper behind-the-scenes negotiations.
At best, verbal contracts might be possible.
If Alexander strongly supports the invasion of the Demon Realm, the royal family will provide convenience regarding certain issues after the war concludes…
That was the limit of verbal agreements.
“Ultimately, Alexander has to risk betrayal and endure losses.”
Of course, this matter could also be a decisive opportunity for Alexander to enhance his fame and influence.
However, at the very least, some sense of patriotism, goodwill, and trust in the royal family would be necessary for such a choice.
Ray hoped that Alexander’s accumulated achievements weren’t entirely hypocritical as he spoke again.
“Well… Since His Eminence won’t readily reveal his true thoughts, I hope he retains a warm heart.”
To Alexander, it sounded like a nonsensical statement.
Yet, Ray said something even more absurd.
“I’ll send my aunt to the Vatican immediately after returning to the Imperial Capital. Please resolve the curse issue.”
“…The Vatican invited both of you. While we’re at it…”
“Alexander, don’t you owe me something?”
“…”
It was an odd statement, but its intent wasn’t unclear.
Ray shrugged and continued.
“When you tried to meddle with the succession of the throne, you got tangled up with those demon bastards, nearly causing all of us to perish. You know who it was that tore their limbs apart and hastily covered it up before things escalated further?”
“…”
“There are a few more things to nitpick about, but regardless, the help I gave you subtly wasn’t insignificant. I won’t boast about it in front of others, so please take good care of my aunt’s treatment.”
Alexander struggled to understand how to respond to Ray’s sudden change in attitude.
With a Lord-level presence nearby, assessing the situation was quite challenging.
As Alexander hesitated, Ray sighed deeply, showing signs of fatigue.
“It’s not that I’m trying to disrespect the Church, but simply because we don’t have time to waste going back and forth. You can hear the details on the way from the elves. You’ll understand.”
“…Is it a serious matter?”
“Just keep one thing in mind. There’s no time for political maneuvering and opinion adjustments. If you intend to defend the south, please voice your strong opinion publicly. Only then can I assist you. I’m definitely on the side of those who intend to charge in.”
Ray pointed toward the envoy and elves preparing to leave.
With this motion signaling the end of their conversation, Alexander attempted to release his Absolute Domain but asked,
“Could you briefly explain what the matter is?”
“In five years, half the continent is scheduled to be destroyed. You have two choices: abandon the south and start anew with your close followers, or step forward for a seemingly grand cause and plunge your head into the Demon Realm.”
*
Ray returned to the Imperial Capital.
After giving a brief report to the Emperor, Ray withdrew from the palace.
Explaining and convincing the Emperor and high-ranking nobles about the matter concerning Preches was the responsibility of the elves who accompanied Ray.
Alexander returned to the south, and a small group of elves went directly to the Vatican with him to explain the situation.
Also, elven envoys visited various nations across the continent.
The prediction that nearly half the continent would be contaminated and a hundred-year war would begin would surely shock everyone.
Nevertheless, advocating for a full-scale assault on the Demon Realm wouldn’t be easily accepted.
If everyone had witnessed the festering despair and frustration under the red sky like Ray did, minds might have changed, but human nature tends to be complacent about matters they haven’t personally experienced.
“At most, we can’t hold out for a month.”
If consensus isn’t reached within a month and the Emperor doesn’t take a very strong stance, it would be safe to assume the plan is doomed.
Discussions about invading the Demon Realm would fizzle out, and deliberations on how to prepare for the hundred-year war would begin.
If that happens, Ray intended to stop insisting and follow Luna’s advice as seen in the vision.
“…”
Rather than hoping for success, Ray unconsciously wished the invasion plan would fall through due to poor circumstances.
His troubled state deepened as he recalled the intense resentment and anger he saw in Luna’s silver eyes a few days ago.
Still, Ray had no other options.
In the future shown in the vision, Ray didn’t live long and eventually died.
Even though it wasn’t due to overworking himself blocking the red sky, it was still an inevitable future.
When Ray confirmed his absence in that future, he momentarily lost his composure.
Yes, human nature tends to be complacent about matters they haven’t personally experienced. Even facing the expected outcome, Ray wavered.
Regardless.
Ray didn’t have much time left.
He couldn’t protect those he cared about forever under the red sky.
Thus, Ray couldn’t afford to give up and stop now.
“Haa.”
To shake off unpleasant thoughts, Ray sighed deeply and stood up.
Just then, Johanna and Delun were seen approaching on the main road.
They had stayed in the capital temporarily during their vacation, just in case Ray returned early, and thus managed to meet him.
After exchanging cheerful greetings,
Delun asked Ray, looking at him,
“Brother, why is one of your eyes so red?”
“Ah… It’s not injured. I was trying to enhance my vision by manipulating mana in different ways, and it turned out like this for a moment.”
“Oh, did you gain the ability to bind enemies just by staring at them, or can you see auras now?”
“Do you even remember that?”
Back when they were kids, Ray used to make up stories and tell them a few times since there weren’t enough fairy tale books. Apparently, Delun still remembered those tales.
Recalling the old days, Delun chuckled softly.
“Didn’t I get scolded for trying to open my third eye after hearing Brother’s story back then?”
“After staring at a bonfire for over two hours, I burned my hair and suffered eye burns…”
Ray giggled with Delun and then turned to Johanna.
“Johanna, do you still wear the necklace I gave you in the Osiris Countdom? The aquanics one.”
“?!”
Johanna, who had been smiling happily upon seeing Ray, was startled by the unexpected question and her expression stiffened.
Well, Johanna had indeed kept the necklace carefully so she wouldn’t lose it, but she didn’t particularly want Ray to know that fact.
It was a piece of jewelry Ray had casually picked out and tossed her way.
Afterward, he hardly ever showed interest in whether Johanna wore it or not.
Out of pride, Johanna didn’t want Ray to think she cherished something he had carelessly given her.
“Why are you asking about that all of a sudden…? Wait a moment… I think I misplaced it somewhere… But I haven’t lost it!”
She added hastily, making a somewhat sheepish expression.
Finding it wouldn’t be too hard.
While saying this, Johanna watched Ray scratch the back of his neck.
“Johanna, do you know how much I care for and love you as family?”
Johanna’s expression grew even more sheepish at this unexpected reproach.
Did he really need to add “as family”? Was he drawing a line?
Of course, Ray’s addition was intended to draw that line.
“Thinking about it now, I felt sorry for you. Back then, I just grabbed something from a drawer and handed it over.”
“…Did I? I don’t exactly remember feeling hurt or anything… Not really.”
It was an outright lie.
She remembered that hurtful feeling vividly even now.
What frustrated Johanna was that this resentment hadn’t diluted over time.
Long ago, when Ray returned from a trip, he gave Karen a necklace as a gift but gave Johanna a sword.
Karen often wore the necklace she received from Ray. Everything was fine until then.
The problem arose when Ray would casually ask where her necklace was whenever Karen took it off for a day.
It became routine.
Seeing this frequently, Johanna tried wearing the necklace Ray gave her whenever she had the chance, hoping for a similar reaction.
“Where did you leave your necklace today?”
If Ray had said that once, she could’ve cherished it as a good memory without any resentment.
However, Ray never reacted whether Johanna wore it or not.
Slightly hurt, Johanna kept changing the frequency of wearing the necklace.
Sometimes she wore it daily, sometimes she skipped a day…
No matter how she adjusted, Ray never mentioned the necklace.
Instead, he made comments like how sweat suited her better than perfume.
In the end, Johanna carried the necklace in her pocket for over a month, seething silently.
Wasn’t it reasonable to ask “Did you lose your necklace?” after a month?
Finally, on the 40th day of carrying the necklace in her pocket, Johanna managed to overhear Ray asking Karen, who was sitting next to her, where her necklace was.
After that!
Johanna decided to store her necklace away.
She occasionally witnessed light-hearted conversations between Ray and Karen about necklaces, which rekindled her resentment every time she tried to forget.
Now, it was questionable whether this deeply ingrained resentment would ever fade with time.
Still, pointing it out would make her look petty, wouldn’t it?
Emotionally hurt or not, Johanna knew Ray cared for her in many ways.
The necklace might have been something Ray gave without much thought.
But he always thoroughly checked the artifacts he gifted her, ensuring they functioned properly.
That was enough.
Despite wanting to appear nonchalant, Johanna tried to maintain her composure, and Ray spoke as calmly as possible.
“I suddenly feel a bit sorry.”
“What do you mean? Now?”
Johanna replied curtly as usual, and Ray pulled out a case containing a newly purchased necklace.
“I made a mistake, so I figured I should make amends. If it upset you back then, I’m sorry.”
“…”
It was a case adorned with sparkling small gems.
Regardless of whether the necklace inside was expensive or cheap, the case itself conveyed sufficient sincerity as a gift.
Johanna took the case with a slightly protruding lip.
“Why are you doing this all of a sudden?”
“Don’t you like it?”
“No, yes, thank you.”
Johanna stuffed the case into her bosom without even opening it.
Opening the case and checking the contents might unnecessarily stir up emotions.
Suppressing the urge to sniffle, Johanna forced herself to smile casually.
However, her eyes were already brimming with tears.
“Uh?”
There was no hint of teasing in Ray’s voice as he asked.
Johanna lightly punched Ray’s shoulder with a weak fist.
If only he would pretend not to notice and let it slide.
Trying to suppress it because it would look embarrassing in front of others…
Eventually, tears spilled down her cheeks and dropped onto the ground.
With her head bowed, Johanna lightly tapped Ray’s chest, expressing her grievances filled with resentment.
Ray quietly accepted her silent complaints.
