Chapter 272
Chapter: 272
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 272
>Chapter Title: In the Dream Path (1)
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The day they were modifying the ice bears in the elder's workshop.
Dexter, who had been diligently analyzing the ice hearts with the homunculus source editor, suddenly jumped in surprise and called out to Seongjin.
"Hey, what's this?"
"Pardon?"
"There's something weird mixed in here."
Dexter showed Seongjin the screen he had been adjusting.
What? It's hard to tell just by looking at it like this.
"This one here. It's really different from the others, isn't it? Hasn't there been anything off about it before?"
Ah, Bingsoo No. 3, right?
Seongjin tilted his head.
Come to think of it, compared to the others, it did feel a bit dim-witted. Always a beat slow, tripping on flat ground and such.
And Dexter's response to that was astonishing.
"It has artificial intelligence installed."
"Artificial intelligence?"
"Ah, it's a familiar concept on Earth, but it might be a bit unfamiliar to you. It's called AI. A kind of electronic intellect created by humans."
Dexter, who at that point still firmly believed Seongjin was a dragon hatchling, cautiously explained artificial intelligence in detail.
"Sometimes, when you recklessly pull in sources from other worlds using the homunculus engine, cases like this happen. Something unexpected gets dragged in and mixed together."
Then, after analyzing Bingsoo No. 3 a bit more closely, Dexter said it seemed to be a nanny and learning program installed in a household robot.
"Then shouldn't it be way more advanced than the other ice bears?"
It's supposed to be AI with a ton of features, right? So why did it turn out like such a klutz?
"The computations are too complex, so it kept malfunctioning in unsuitable situations. The autonomous judgment was clashing with the commands."
Anyway, it's useless for the modifications. Should I just delete it like this?
Dexter asked while manipulating the editing board.
"Uh, hold on a second."
Seongjin suddenly felt a flash of inspiration and stared intently at the screen.
*Artificial intelligence, huh? Sounds super impressive. Maybe it's fine to keep it?*
At first, he had just planned to make cute, cool-to-the-touch ice bear dolls that were straightforward and adorable.
*But wouldn't a waddling teddy bear be even cuter and more endearing?*
And Dexter's reaction was positive.
"That much isn't too hard."
That was how the walking little teddy bear was born.
But contrary to expectations that removing the conflicting parts would make it work properly, Bingsoo No. 3 still wobbled awkwardly and rolled on the floor repeatedly.
To the thoroughly disappointed Seongjin, Dexter added words of comfort.
"The body shape and size have completely changed, haven't they? It'll take some time to adapt."
"Hmm."
"Plus, it'll gradually learn about its surroundings. Won't it get more skilled over time?"
Just as he said, the little teddy bear, which had initially toddled clumsily, began to walk more convincingly as time passed.
Seongjin smiled in satisfaction while watching Bingsoo No. 3 scampering all around the workshop.
"Good! You're learning fast."
Then, it suddenly occurred to him.
But isn't it a waste to use such advanced AI just for walking?
"By the way, is it possible to add a speaking function?"
Dexter frowned at that.
"That doll doesn't have the structure for vocal cords or respiratory organs to begin with, right? But simple recorded speech might be doable."
And so, the little ice bear ended up toddling around shouting "Allabue!"
"Ooh, so cute. Alright, since it's talking anyway, how about singing and dancing too..."
"...Pardon?"
A little while later, thanks to Dexter's tinkering, the bear could perform some mysterious butt dance.
But even then, Seongjin's requests didn't end.
"But you said this was originally a childcare nanny, right? So, how about adding a function to protect against anyone trying to harm a child..."
"To properly wield weapons, it'd need to be much bigger. How about adding a size transformation function..."
Finally, unable to endure the endless demands, Dexter threw his goggles to the floor and exploded in anger.
"What the hell do you want to make, anyway! Is this really a gift for a child?!"
* * *
"...So, a gift. The kind everyone wanted as a kid..."
Muttering to himself, Seongjin suddenly opened his eyes wide.
"Huh?"
And his eyes met Logan's, who was staring at him blankly.
"You finally woke up? The sleeping tonic still knocks you out cold like a log, huh? I thought since you've learned aura now, a bit of alcohol would be fine."
"...Logan? Why are you here?"
I slept without sensing someone right next to me?
As Seongjin panicked and got up, he noticed Marquis Masin dozing off in the armchair beside him.
What's this guy doing sleeping here looking so shabby?
"I just switched shifts with Brother Masin. He was really worried about you."
Huh? What was there to worry about? I just passed out from the booze.
Seongjin looked puzzled, and Logan silently pointed behind him.
"How could I rest leaving you two alone with that thing?"
As he said, on the opposite side of the bed stood a massive teddy bear, baring its vicious spines and staring blankly.
As its eyes met Seongjin's, the bear tilted its head and emitted its signature electronic tone.
[Al~la~bue!]
"......"
Only then did yesterday's memories start flooding back vividly.
What the hell did I do while drunk?
A sudden throbbing headache made him clutch his head, and Logan asked cautiously.
"You're taking that thing to the capital as is?"
"Yeah. It's a gift, after all. Why?"
"The people in the capital might be a bit startled."
Logan was being tactful, but Seongjin understood what he meant right away.
Strictly speaking, the original Bingsoo was a glacier troll. A proper magic beast. He was worried it might raise the Orthodox Church's suspicions.
But Seongjin had his own plan.
They'd already accepted the "Knight of Grace" as a holy relic. Adding one more similar thing would be easier to convince them of as a second one.
"It's fine. I properly engraved the emblem here too."
Seongjin confidently pointed to Bingsoo No. 3's chest.
Sure enough, just like on the Knight of Grace, a small emblem of the Lord God was engraved on the bear's chest.
In the Holy Empire, a single such emblem could turn a magic beast into a miracle of the Lord God overnight.
"And if you're worried about people's eyes, I can shrink it down."
As Seongjin manipulated the ice heart—
Psssh.
With a sound like air leaking out, the teddy bear shrank small.
Logan silently watched the little bear toddling across the inn floor, then finally let out a hollow chuckle.
"Well, alright. It does look kinda cute like this?"
"Now you finally appreciate the true value of Bingsoo!"
Everyone pretends not to like it but ends up loving teddy bears.
Just you wait. Soon there'll be a teddy bear craze in the capital too. Everyone will fall for the charm of the teddy bear that's loved worldwide.
Seongjin was wearing a confident expression when Logan stood up and said.
"If you're okay, let's get ready to leave. We're already a bit behind schedule."
Then he added a little hesitantly.
"...We need to get home soon."
* * *
Just before entering the capital.
As the group entered the range of [Grace], they paused on the road, immersed in deep emotion.
Even ordinary people felt it, but the holy knights' expressions changed dramatically. Overwhelmed by the immense, sacred divinity beyond human comprehension, everyone was deeply moved. Some shed endless tears.
In particular, Lady Sharon had an utterly overwhelmed look. She, who usually grinned with a crazed expression, rarely made the sign of the cross with a calm face.
Even Lady Valerie, that wild one, was quietly murmuring prayers with a moved expression.
Even Bruno, the leader with no holy power at all, clearly sensed the difference.
"Getting close to the capital really feels different. Kalmen seems much more subdued."
Relief appeared on his face, always anxious about when his anger-management-issue disciple might cause trouble.
Of course, unfortunately, there was one who didn't appreciate this change.
[Ugh. It's suffocating! I'm gonna die!]
The Demon King groaned, trapped inside the flame crystal.
The guy who had been freely roaming outside Grace was once again confined to Seongjin's head.
[Man, I don't know how I endured this pressure before.]
He seemed pretty pitiful. While importing salmon, maybe get some bear meat from the north too.
And then came the splendid triumphal procession.
Seongjin gazed at the streets adorned with blooming flowers and colorful ribbons with a somewhat peculiar sentiment.
*Last time, I was watching Logan enter the palace like this...*
But this time, the atmosphere was a bit different.
"Long live Prince Logan! Long live Prince Mores!"
"May the Lord God bless the Holy Imperial Family, who always protects the subjects from magic beasts!"
"Glory to the mercy of the Lord God who bestowed the Knight of Grace for the subjects!"
The capital's subjects were cheering even for Prince Mores, whom they had never acclaimed before, waving handkerchiefs.
"......"
The Lilium detachment, led by Logan as always, advanced in majestic form.
Especially Otto, Eli, and Duchess behind him riding side by side—they exuded such solemn dignity that anyone who knew their usual behavior couldn't even imagine it.
"No matter what, the greatest hero of this magic beast assault is Prince Mores. It would've been great if he rode at the front like the Lilium detachment. So everyone could see His Highness's cool figure."
As Lady Claudia said regretfully, Lady Maria beside her shook her head.
"His Highness doesn't like receiving flattery in front of others. Plus, there's that wolf pup, right?"
"Ah, true..."
Lady Claudia glanced back with a slightly disappointed face. At the massive wolf dog energetically wagging its tail beside the palace carriage.
Originally, Prince Mores was supposed to enter on horseback with Prince Logan. But they soon hit an unexpected snag.
-Woof woof woof! Wooowooo!
The wolf dog started howling mournfully upon seeing Prince Mores on horseback.
-Waaahhh!
How could you do this? Leaving me behind right now?
Even without the kin mark, everyone could understand the meaning of that pitiful howl.
"Yeah, yeah. I get it, you cute thing."
*'Not cute at all!'*
Everyone screamed inwardly.
Prince Mores casually gave the wolf dog a treat with an unperturbed face, then hopped into the carriage carefree.
And so, they arrived at the palace amid the cheers, where Amelia noona stepped forward to greet them personally.
She stood calmly, exuding a somewhat unfamiliar aura compared to her usual self.
She wore a light, flowing dress, yet her composed demeanor carried the boldness of a general leading a great army.
But Amelia was still Amelia. Seongjin could clearly sense the bright gray eyes of the prim princess sparkling with irrepressible joy.
The princess walked lightly to stand before Seongjin and Logan.
Soon, a radiant smile bloomed like roses in full display.
"Welcome home, Mores."
"Uh..."
Seongjin suddenly froze.
He had planned to toss out a casual greeting. Boast about the things from Sigismund Territory, mention the cool gift he prepared for her.
But the moment he faced Amelia, for some reason, Seongjin's words stuck in his throat.
Eyes gazing at him with gentle warmth.
Thinking about it, Amelia had always been consistently kind to him from the start.
-You've already apologized to me.
She had forgiven Mores's long history of misdeeds like an angel.
-I'll protect you from now on, Mores.
No matter what he did, she had shown unconditional support.
And now, that Amelia was looking at him with the same profound affection as always.
"I've waited so long for you."
"......"
But Seongjin was different now.
He knew now. That the name she called with that tender voice referred to no one else but his complete self.
"Sisle and I prayed every day while watching little brother Aurelion. Begging for your safe return."
That what she had eagerly awaited was not another Mores, but him.
"......"
Amelia looked at Seongjin's frozen, silent face, momentarily spotting something and faltering. Then she smiled softly and took his hand. The small warmth from her slender hand pierced his heart so deeply.
"Welcome back to the palace."
Plop.
And soon, Logan's white knight uniform draped over Seongjin's head.
"Let's go inside, Mores."
Pat pat.
A considerate hand patted his shoulder in comfort.
Probably only Logan could truly understand the complex emotions Seongjin was feeling right now.
"Don't just stand here. You need to see Sisle, the twins, and Father too."
Seongjin, throat tight, could only slowly nod without a word.
Yeah.
Right.