Chapter 196
As the two had predicted, the Star Tower was quiet. There were a few other student council members around, of course, but even factoring that in, it was utterly deserted compared to the Wisdom Pavilion—the perfect setup for focusing on their assignments.
“Phew. Thank goodness.”
Ashytara let out a sigh of relief.
“Then let's get started. Every moment counts.”
“Yeah.”
The two sat down and immediately threw themselves into their work, sharing knowledge as they slowly chipped away at the assignments. Erosion studies, history, theology, literature... they crossed subject after subject until, at last, the end was in sight.
“Ahh, it's almost done.”
“Yeah. Just gotta wrap it up nicely.”
Ashytara stretched as she spoke, and Ludenberg Lavante replied with a smile.
“Yeah. Hey, Rud.”
“Hm?”
“Getting hungry yet? Wanna finish up after dinner?”
“Sounds good. But we've still got a little time before the deadline, and we've knocked out a massive amount today, so we could probably wrap it tonight.”
“Hmm. Yeah, that's probably best. Coming back to the Star Tower means taking the Wind Path again...”
“Then let's call it here for today.”
“Yeah.”
Just as the two began packing up to leave...
“Hey, what? You guys are here too?”
A shining bald head and hollow eyes—Nadan Tes's voice rang in their ears. His complexion was ghostly pale, as if death were imminent.
His eyes flashed as he turned to Ludenberg. “Hey, ash pile.”
“What.”
“Got a minute?”
“...If it won't take long.”
“That'll do. Just a sec. Ashytara, lemme borrow your boyfriend for a bit.”
“Huh? Uh... sure...”
Ashytara seemed a bit thrown by Nadan's sudden appearance. Ludenberg nodded at the uncharacteristically serious look on his face—Nadan rarely showed this side without reason.
“Can't Tara hear it?”
“It's about the Starting Knight.”
“No need to worry. I've already told Tara.”
“...You have?”
“Yeah.”
“Tch, then we could've talked together.”
“Well... I'll fill her in separately.”
“Fine. Anyway, reason I stopped you is simple.”
“What is it?”
“This.”
Nadan shoved a book toward Ludenberg.
History's Forgotten Existence.
Research on the Starting Knight.
“What's this?”
“My research for the upcoming Istaltin academic conference.”
“...Research?”
“Yeah. On the Starting Knight.”
Ludenberg examined the book Nadan had thrust at him. The moment he saw the title, he shot back at Nadan.
“Professor Nah mentioned last time—the Setra Church side said they wouldn't release any info on the Starting Knight, right?”
“Correct. That's what they said.”
Nadan nodded readily.
“Then why suddenly announce it at the conference?”
“I petitioned the archbishop.”
“...Why?”
“Burying knowledge like that is unacceptable as Setra's saint. And to let others know you've shouldered fate.”
Ludenberg's expression hardened as he fixed Nadan with a stare.
“You nuts? What do you plan if word gets out to everyone? Me shouldering fate doesn't give you reason to drag others in. This is my problem.”
If Nadan hadn't helped him all this time, he'd have grabbed him by the collar right then. Ludenberg's aura was that menacing, but Nadan brushed it off.
“So you're gonna live the rest of your life treated like the cursed guy? You like Princess Ashytara, right? You're practically lovers already. Think people will buy a cursed lover for the princess? Rumors will fly—nasty ones. Public opinion on you ain't great outside the capital, Solemnute Adem, and Lavante.”
The mention of Ashytara silenced Ludenberg. It was something he'd considered too.
“...Even so, it's my proof to make. Not borrowing someone else's hands.”
He scowled at Nadan.
“So rigid. Sometimes you gotta accept help. Going it alone blindly? You'll crash eventually. Reveal you're chosen, not cursed—suddenly you've got allies. Breakwaters to shield you from incoming waves.”
“Then those people get swept up in my fate. That's what I don't want.”
Nadan smiled at Ludenberg's words.
'As expected—this guy has no clue what fate really means.'
“Listen, friend. In our church, 'fate-bearer' means someone who'll revolutionize the world itself in the coming future. No point saying you don't wanna sweep others up.”
“...What?”
“Might look calm now, but eventually you'll stand at fate's crossroads. Everyone gets swept up in your choice. So yeah—we who'll be swept up can help the fate-bearer make the right one, right?”
Nadan, whom Ludenberg watched, gazed into the distance. He withdrew his eyes, patted Ludenberg's shoulder, and said,
“Of course, wasn't gonna just announce it. Would've scrapped if you said no.”
Ludenberg knew the grueling research Nadan had poured into it. He pondered briefly before replying,
“Can I put off answering?”
“Conference is still ways off, but sooner the better. Give me your call before then if you can.”
“...Got it.”
“Go on. Eat with your girlfriend.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Right after leaving the Star Tower and finishing dinner, Ludenberg confided Nadan's words to Ashytara.
“...That's what Nadan said. What do you think, Tara?”
Ashytara mulled it over before replying.
“I don't think it's bad.”
“Why?”
“Like Nadan said, there's limits to what one person can do alone. Especially something as grand as your situation. The more helpers, the more strength to push forward...”
“Could breed more envy and jealousy. And few'll believe it.”
“True. Probably. But Rud.”
Ashytara smiled softly.
“I see it as an opportunity. Say you win the Glory Festival, then the conference reveals you're the Starting Knight—Liberatus Ahad's heir. Mockers in your path? Gone. You're the successor to the Six Heroes' teacher.”
“I'd rather not.”
Ludenberg told her, face somewhat stiff.
“...Yeah?”
“Yeah. People who called me cursed suddenly flipping attitudes? Not welcome. Plus, they'll pin expectations on me again, judge me on their terms. Like before. Once is enough.”
“I see.”
“I appreciate the concern, Tara. But... the more I think, the less I like it. I just wanna prove myself with my own strength. Fate isn't my achievement—just a miracle tied to past bonds. Sure, it got me here, but I don't wanna drown in it.”
“...Yeah. Got it. If that's your choice, I'll follow it.”
“Deadline's still open, so I'll think more.”
“Yeah.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah. Night, Rud.”
Back in his dorm, Ludenberg sank into thought. He recalled a time when Raha had acted out a false voice.
'What meaning in praise from those who flip attitudes?'
'What I want isn't sweet talk from scum like you or divine power handed out cheap—it's advancing on my own pure strength.'
He remembered replying that way. It formed the bedrock of his conviction.
The belief he had no limits stemmed from the will to advance on his own power alone.
But Nadan and Ashytara urged him to accept others' help. Reveal his fate, draw aid from those captivated by it.
Wouldn't that shatter his conviction? Admit limits if he couldn't do it solo.
'No.'
Ludenberg shook his head.
'I've always relied on others' help.'
Parents' aid in seclusion. Professor Nah and Nadan after entering Solemnute Adem. Ashytara after that.
Through countless helps, he'd reached here. Yet he'd forged his conviction into sword and flesh.
'...Why? How'd I uphold conviction despite the help?'
He kept thinking until he reached a conclusion.
'I never stopped walking myself.'
Deeper reflection:
'Advancing on own power means unwavering will. Rely on others, but not to the bitter end. Yeah—that's the core of my conviction.'
His mind cleared. He reconsidered Nadan's proposal.
'No need to reject help. As long as I carry through my own actions atop it.'
No need to overcomplicate. Announcing at conference would rock Solemnute and Istaltin. Admirers of his fate, enviers and haters alike.
So what? Just advance as always. Toward the ideal he pursued.
Of course, accept help along the way. Fall into envy traps? Fine.
If helped, advance straighter on that base. If trapped by jealousy, grow stronger from it.
Thoughts sorted, Ludenberg had one last step. He addressed Liberra.
“Raha.”
[...Yeah.]
“Got a question.”
[Figured.]
“Knew it.”
[Yep.]
“If I accept Nadan's proposal, what happens?”
[Prisper notices you faster.]
“Then?”
[They'll pull out all stops to kidnap you.]
“...All bad stuff.”
[Not entirely.]
“Why?”
[Most in Solemnute Empire support you—makes kidnapping harder.]
“...Envy and jealousy still pop up?”
[Sure. But... more supporters, more helpers too.]
“I see.”
[Yeah. I don't know how fate unfolds. But one thing's certain.]
“What?”
[You'll be seen as chosen boy, not cursed.]
“...Not by my power.”
[What isn't? You broke those trials with your power. Weak heart couldn't. You faced horrors, never quit. Rightly inherited Liberatus's fate.]
“That count?”
[Yes. Don't overthink. Gaining Liberra, learning of Liberatus—all from your actions. Calling it not your power? Wrongheaded. Don't view world so rigidly.]
“...Yeah. Got it.”
[Decided now?]
“Yeah. Raha, I'll accept Nadan's proposal.”
[Good call. Though it'll make me busier.]
“Thanks for everything.”
[Yeah.]
The reply, laced with amusement, echoed in Ludenberg's ears like a lullaby, drawing him into sleep.