Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Dream's Labyrinth (1)
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"Hospitality like this is more than I deserve. Thank you very much, Sir Silvanus."
Upon arriving at Darion's mansion—or more precisely, the Silvanus family estate—I received a welcome far beyond what I merited. Word of my passing the 'Rite of Proof' must have already spread, as Darion's father, Sir Silvanus, greeted me with utmost cordiality.
"If Darion sees you as a little brother, then to me, you're like a son."
"It is an honor."
"Make yourself at home."
Though not an elder, Sir Silvanus had the prestigious background of being the queen's 'nephew.' Staying here would prove advantageous in many ways for the time being. I politely expressed my gratitude.
Afterward, I was escorted to the annex where my companions were staying.
-Woof! Woof woof!
Ayla must have caught my scent already, as she came bounding toward me from afar. She leaped with all her might, crashing her massive body into me in an embrace. Naturally, I couldn't withstand her weight and toppled backward.
"Master!"
Elle arrived late, extending a hand. I took her assistance and rose to my feet.
"You seem to have been well, Elle."
"Yes. Lord Darion provided us with every convenience. Though he did treat us like squires..."
"Haha. Can't be helped when you're elves."
I stroked Elle's head before walking with her to the lodging. Out front, Lloyd was tending to his sword.
"Mr. Lloyd."
"You're back."
"Yes. Nothing much to report, but just so you know—everything was fine."
"Good to hear."
His response was curt to a fault. Still, it was far preferable to Darion's theatrics.
"There shouldn't be any great danger in staying here."
"..."
"But we should still stay vigilant. Keep on your guard."
"Understood."
"Of course, I'm not leaving it all to you. I'll keep an eye out too."
The elders regarded me with astonishment and mystery, but it wasn't exactly friendly. In the end, while residing in Lüset, we'd be under a kind of surveillance. If they deemed me a threat, they might even try to eliminate me within Lüset...
It was wise to prepare countermeasures in advance.
'Whether the Guardian Tree's full bloom is a blessing or a curse...'
No use dwelling on it now, but I couldn't help worrying.
"By the way, have you eaten? Darion has invited us to dine."
"..."
"..."
Neither Lloyd nor Elle looked pleased. Why?
"Well, he did take good care of us..."
"And?"
"It was overwhelming. He kept asking questions nonstop, leaving no time to eat. Honestly, it felt like indigestion. Right?"
Elle sought Lloyd's agreement, and he nodded faintly.
I see...
"Hmm, then I'll go alone. I can bring Ayla."
-Whine...
"Eh? You don't want to go either, Ayla?"
"Oh, it's just... he was constantly petting Ayla..."
So that's how it is...
-Peep?
Pippy fluttered down to land dejectedly on my head. Fine, looks like you're the only one I can bring. You won't be much help, but...
"No choice, then. I'll head to dinner alone tonight. Darion did help me out, so I can't exactly refuse."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
Without Elle and Lloyd, the Silvanus father and son might open up more freely—could even work in my favor.
I unpacked in my room and checked the items the elder council had returned. Subspace ring: intact. Totems: intact. The most crucial 'tattered book'...
Intact.
-Flip, flip...
I leafed through the pages one by one, confirming the contents. Being in Hangul, they couldn't read it. And since the book itself didn't seem magical, it probably didn't raise suspicions.
'...The Dimakushel scroll wasn't discovered either.'
As long as I didn't open the Dimensional Garden, there's no way they could detect such an item. Anyway, my belongings passed without issue.
'Whew, what a relief.'
This was a positive outcome. I tidied my things, reequipped my totems, tucked the tattered book into my bosom, and slipped the subspace ring back onto my index finger. Ah, finally feels normal again. Losing even the totems had left me feeling utterly exposed.
After catching my breath, evening arrived. A servant sent by Darion came to escort me from the annex. I perched Pippy on one shoulder and followed.
The Silvanus estate was arguably the most beautiful continental architecture I'd seen yet. It exuded the quintessential elven aesthetic—beauty incarnate, one might say.
Of course, even it paled against the distant, starlit splendor of the Lüset palace.
'Wonder if I'll ever get in there.'
Gazing at the palace twinkling like stars beyond the great mountain, I entered the mansion. Darion greeted me warmly.
"You look well. Good to see."
"All thanks to you."
"Come, Father is waiting."
I walked the long corridor with Darion. The walls bore portraits of past family heads—elves so lifelike in their detail, it was eerie. They all resembled Darion, sending chills down my spine.
From what I'd heard, the elf queen had no direct descendants. Instead, her siblings had established their own houses... The Silvanus family was one such. Without direct heirs, even collateral lines held immense authority...
'Though their internal politics are a headache.'
Passing the corridor, we reached the dining hall where Darion's father, Paton Silvanus, and his wife awaited us.
"Thank you for the invitation."
"I hope the meal suits your taste."
Only four of us dined, yet over twenty servants attended. Impressive. No wonder Elle avoided coming here. I sat in the chair a servant pulled out, offering an awkward smile.
Appetizers were white bread and green soup. The bread was so fragrant and soft it melted in the mouth—barely qualifying as 'bread.'
'No idea what the soup's made of.'
Not peas, not broccoli. What could it be...? As trivial thoughts flitted by, Paton Silvanus addressed me.
"I hear you passed the Rite of Proof splendidly."
"Oh, that's... too kind."
"Holy water washes away all impurity."
He phrased burning alive so elegantly. I smiled nonchalantly.
"Quite the opposite—it felt refreshing. Like being reborn pure in body and soul."
"The pure gain enlightenment through the rite. Seems you did as well."
"Hahaha. Thank you."
"And not just that—the Guardian Tree burst into full bloom, they say?"
"Yes. I can't explain it... but it was beautiful."
Paton's eyes gleamed subtly. I averted my gaze and popped another piece of bread into my mouth.
"That's exceedingly rare. Most elves bloom but one or two flowers at their coming-of-age. The entire Guardian Tree in full bloom... that's..."
"I heard it last happened at Her Majesty's coronation."
"Indeed. You knew already? No ordinary matter."
"A coincidence, I think..."
Paton shook his head. Ah, this guy, don't tell me...
"Darion told me everything. You even knew of the ancient elf myths."
"Well..."
"Whoever told you, your knowledge was spot on."
Of course—I've pored over the game lore. I'm the obsessive type, and it was my 'job.'
'Feels like ancient history now, sadly.'
Should I correct this misunderstanding? I pondered, slowly stirring my soup.
'Denying it vehemently would seem suspicious. Might even think I'm hiding my origins.'
Among ancient elves, some were 'exiled' from Lüset. Most fled to the Dark Forest, but...
Being mistaken for a descendant of those 'exiled' ancient elves could be dangerous.
Better to stick with plausible deniability, like before.
"Yes, but I don't recall from whom. Most of my childhood memories are gone."
Not a lie. I didn't actually spend my youth in this damned otherworld.
"Perhaps I heard it in a dream."
"Not impossible."
Paton Silvanus's wife, who had been silent, spoke up.
"There's soul inheritance, after all."
"...Soul inheritance?"
"If an ancestor sacrificed part of their soul for a 'soul inheritance' spell, it all fits."
Ah, I hadn't thought that far, but it makes sense?
I let it slide, but Paton and Darion looked fully convinced.
"Outside Lüset is no different from the wilds, so using such magic to hide origins is plausible."
I nodded as if intrigued. Convenient how they convinced themselves...
"Ah, if Her Majesty could see you herself, the truth would come out..."
"Pardon?"
"She's closest to the ancient elves."
"Ah, um, but she's busy, so that's unlikely, no?"
Silence fell abruptly. What was this atmosphere...? Bewildered, I glanced at Darion. He peeked awkwardly at his parents before speaking.
"Her Majesty..."
"Darion."
Paton cut him off, concerned about a slip. Another lengthy silence followed, then Paton spoke.
"Truth be told, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor... from me?"
Not unexpected. Pure goodwill without strings doesn't exist anywhere. I waited calmly, unsurprised.
"You could enter the 'Dream's Labyrinth.'"
Dream's... Labyrinth?