Raha Gazes from the Jade Throne
Raha was gazing at Ludenberg from atop the jade throne. He seemed to be enjoying a rather pleasant life alongside Ashytara. Naturally, a smile tugged at Raha's lips.
"Good to see you're having fun."
The words slipped out unbidden. Was it because she'd spent so long alone? The time was drawing near. For the second trial.
"I wonder if you can endure it. Are you prepared to witness the death of someone precious?"
Raha murmured to herself. The second trial. The memory of when Liberatus Ahad lost his wife, Amora. That memory would strike Ludenberg directly. Because... the second trial would recreate the exact situation Liberatus endured, from Ludenberg's perspective.
In other words, in his dreams, Ludenberg would repeatedly witness Ashytara's death. In the trial's world, he would become Liberatus. Amora would be replaced by the most precious person buried in his heart.
Until the trial ended, Ludenberg would have no choice but to see Ashytara die over and over. It would become a truly horrific memory for him. It was meant to further strengthen his mind, but there was a risk it could shatter his spirit if mishandled.
"...You shouldn't worry too much, right? The second trial isn't that long. Besides, Ashytara's still alive."
But Raha's expression wasn't particularly bright. The trial's progress was lagging. She should have advanced it as much as possible while shielding it from Prisper's gaze. Ludenberg was exceeding expectations, but it still wasn't enough. In Raha's eyes, the evil fate continued to tighten around him.
The enemy hadn't noticed Ludenberg yet, thanks to her barrier. But the more active the Salvation Cult became, the longer it took root in the world, the more it would unravel her veil. If that happened... it would pour everything into claiming Ludenberg.
"I hope you can overcome all these trials, Ludenberg."
As Raha wished silently, a voice spoke from beside her.
"He'll manage. Don't worry, Raha."
At the voice, Raha—bound in chains—turned her gaze.
"...Leven?"
Where her eyes landed stood a knight in black armor, helmeted, with a massive greatsword strapped to his back.
"Yeah."
"My god."
Raha seemed unusually flustered, out of character.
"How... already? The seal?"
"It's broken. I don't fully understand it myself... but it could be a positive variable."
Even Leven seemed unsure of the details.
"Before the second trial has even begun?"
"Exactly. Probably because his growth is faster than we anticipated."
"Ludenberg's..."
"Even with your support, he's already handling convictions in reality. Far ahead of our initial projections. The trial progress is slow, though."
"That's a relief. And... it's been a while."
Her initial shock faded quickly, and Raha smiled warmly at Leven. An affectionate, tender smile. Hidden by her mask, but Leven could see it.
"Yeah. Oh, Raha."
Leven smiled back.
"Yeah?"
"How's Prisper's status? I don't have details since the seal just broke."
"It's looking for a vessel now. Its minions will keep supplying them."
"...A vessel, huh. Has it sensed Ludenberg?"
"I've veiled it. It won't notice him until its power grows beyond a certain point."
"Good."
"Yeah. Now that your seal's broken, we can tweak the plan a bit."
"Use me however you want. I'm bound to you anyway, aren't I?"
"Hehe. True. Alright, then. There's something for you to do. Guide Ludenberg's swordsmanship. He's improved leaps and bounds through Liberatus's body in the trials... but it'll be much faster with you teaching directly."
"Fine. I'll step in after the second trial."
"That works."
"I'll rest a bit more. The seal's aftereffects linger..."
"Okay."
Raha watched Leven vanish into the shadows with a rare serene expression. Not everything had to be bad, she thought with a smile.
After hearing Eve was coming, Ashytara started sticking even closer to Ludenberg. Everyone already knew they were inseparable, but lately, it was more intense. She'd even closed the physical distance.
Grabbing his hand casually was nothing; sometimes she even tugged his arm. As if she didn't want anyone taking him away. And they spent even more time together. She used to do her own thing during his training, but now she stuck by him from the moment he left the dorm until he returned.
Those around them had all but accepted they were dating. Ludenberg, though, was visibly flustered by her proximity.
Why, when she'd declared she'd stay glued to him because of Eve? Eve hasn't even arrived yet... No, more than that, she's too close.
Eve hadn't shown up.
"Tara."
"Yeah?"
"Aren't you... a bit too close?"
"Close?"
"Yeah. Like, physically. That kind of distance."
Ludenberg stammered. His heart raced whenever she was near lately; this closeness made it worse. It felt like it might stop.
Outwardly, he showed nothing. His face didn't change easily. Unaware, Ashytara just tilted her head.
"I told you, Eve's coming soon. She'll probably target you because of me."
Her tone was too casual.
"Target me? Why?"
"She hates me, so she'll try to drive a wedge between us. That woman's got filthy intentions."
"...Tara, I get what you're worried about, but don't overdo it. Have I ever put anyone else's words above yours?"
"No, but... I just keep feeling anxious."
"I'm fine, so don't worry. You warned me. I won't fall for Eve's tricks."
"Really?"
"Yeah. So, uh, this..."
Awkwardly, Ludenberg disentangled her arm lock. His expression eased. Ashytara felt a strange pang of regret.
Eve was just an excuse. She wanted to shatter the wall between them—the "friends" wall. Watching Ludenberg shine even in Ortara had worn on her. She couldn't ignore the changing gazes, especially from women.
Ortara's female students were a prime example. After he soloed that high-grade erosion beast, it was infamous how they eyed him. She'd overheard their chats about approaching him outright, more than once.
Her rivals were multiplying. And Eve nagged at her too. She wanted to avoid her, but a bad premonition lingered. Like they were fated to tangle.
So she wanted to close the gap before Eve arrived... but it wasn't easy. Should I just confess outright? She felt cornered. If she stayed passive, some nameless girl might snag him. She was closest now, but...
Maybe I'm too familiar, and he doesn't see me as a woman.
"Sigh."
"...What's wrong?"
But even that, she hesitated. Success would be ideal, failure... unthinkable. She didn't want awkwardness.
"Nothing."
A hint of resentment crept into her gaze. Caught by her sudden glare, Ludenberg broke into a cold sweat for no reason.
The holy knight's words that arrival was imminent echoed in Eve's ears as she sat alone in the carriage.
"King Herhata must be in quite a hurry. Pushing things this urgently is almost pitiful."
Her low mutter followed. Complaining to herself had become habit.
"To expand the exchange event between two nations to four, on a grand scale, to ease the people's unrest."
She smiled faintly.
"Whatever. As long as I have fun. A friendly competition, huh. Can't wait to see how our holy knights perform."
It was called an exchange, but really just a festival uniting four nations. Watching each nation's people amid the festivities would be entertaining. Perfect diversion.
Her saintess title afforded comfort, but life grew stifling. This situation thrilled her.
"Solenute's there too, right? Wonder if that clumsy, timid princess will show. Would be fun to mess with her again."
Recalling Ashytara from two years ago, Eve couldn't help thinking so. Back then, she seemed like a small, fragile animal—flinching at words, wary yet not.
"How to torment her? Or maybe tease Istaltin's siblings too."
A wicked smile curved her lips. Upon arriving in Ortara, Eve spotted a boy glued to the Solenute princess she'd vowed to torment—and reeled in shock.