New Destination
"Your Majesty! Important news!"
The messenger burst in, shouting as if he couldn't even see the chaos around him. His face was drenched in sweat, flushed red from gasping for breath.
Important news? Your castle's already falling apart— what could be bigger than that?
I glanced around, struck anew by just how much destruction I'd caused. Marble pillars were cracked everywhere, some completely toppled. My black roots still jutted from the floor, shattered remnants of the castle's ornate decorations scattered between them. It looked exactly like the aftermath of a typhoon.
"What now?" the king asked, rubbing his forehead with a finger. His face had gone pale, exhaustion and fear etched around his eyes. The way he looked at me was filled with terror and wariness. His dignity was already in tatters.
I might've gone a bit overboard. But I was just talking reasonably— it was that noble soul making everything sound so scary! I never meant to threaten him that harshly!
"At the meeting point between the Heshet Empire and the Dians Empire... the rulers of the great labyrinths from legend have appeared!"
The messenger's voice trembled. His every word pierced my chest like arrows.
What? Rulers of the great labyrinths? No way!
"Nis appeared and completely devastated the southern region of the meeting point. Everything it touched is rotting away... And even worse, the dead are rising and moving! Undead are rampant, and the surviving residents are all fleeing."
Joy surged through me like a tidal wave at the messenger's words.
Nis! You've awakened! Does that mean Master has too!?
I felt a smile spread across my lips. Humans recoiled in horror at the gruesome news of the dead rising and the land laid waste, but to me, it was simply proof of Nis's power.
Miel fluttered from the king's head back to me, circling excitedly. As if sensing my feelings, her wingbeats grew even more vigorous. Tiny sparks dripped from Cecilia's three pairs of wings, and even Glessia, lying in the corner, rose and spread her wings wide. Lote, however, slowed her orbit, seemingly afraid.
Yeah... I'll protect you if we meet Nis again, Lote...
"And... Frostia appeared as well. She froze the entire northern region of the meeting point! The empire's army is all turned to ice sculptures, and there's no sign of life anywhere..."
Master! The moment I heard Master's name, tears nearly spilled from my eyes. Turning an entire imperial army into ice sculptures— so fitting for Master's majesty!
Finally! Master has awakened at last!
"Such joy! Master has finally awakened and descended upon the world!"
My elation burst out uncontrollably. The noble soul made me sound like some cult leader, but my emotions were genuine and heartfelt. The people around me grew even paler, but I couldn't care less.
Still, the meeting point between the Heshet Empire and Dians Empire... That was right in the center of the continent on the map Liandel showed me. Why go there? What's the plan?
I suddenly wondered why Master and Nis had headed to the continent's heart— of all places, the meeting point. Some deeper purpose?
Flutter flutter! Lost in thought, I barely noticed Miel flapping furiously at me. Her blue ice wings sparkled in the sunlight, tracing beautiful arcs. Miel flew small circles in front of me, trying desperately to communicate with her tiny legs.
What? You know something?
Miel gestured even more emphatically. She pointed toward Sia Kalt with her little legs, then at me, repeating the motions. Then she mimed searching, followed by flapping her wings in apparent anger.
Hmm... So, Master came home to find me gone and got furious enough to destroy the world...? Is that it!?
Flutter flutter! Miel wriggled in frustration, explaining more urgently. Anxiety filled her tiny eyes.
I tried to interpret her gestures, but it was hard to grasp exactly. Still, Miel didn't give up, moving even harder. This time, she acted like she was shouting, pretending to search for something invisible.
Ah! Master can't find me, so this huge event is to draw me out! It'll spread across the world!
I finally got it. Master and Nis were searching for me! By making such a massive spectacle, they'd let the whole world know they were back, drawing me to them!
My heart swelled.
Master's staging this whole operation just to find me...
"Master... is surely calling for me..."
My voice trembled slightly. My heart was already with Master.
I whipped my head around to look at Liandel and Levy. They'd backed away quite a distance since meeting the king, as if they weren't part of our group anymore. Now they were far behind. Both stared at me with pale faces— sweat beading on Liandel's forehead, Levy fidgeting with her bow.
When did they get all the way over there! And now I'm embarrassed!
I understood why they were acting like that. I'd just wrecked the castle, and the news the messenger brought was terrifying. But I had no time to worry about that now.
Master's looking for me!
Liandel, Levy! Let's go to Master right now!
"Liandel, Levy! We shall head straight to the continent's center at once! The time has come to return to Master's gracious embrace!"
I stared at them with eyes full of resolve. No more delays. We leave now!
Liandel and Levy hesitated but nodded reluctantly. It looked like they would follow, though fear showed in their expressions— eyes filled with unease, lips quivering.
Huh? Are they scared of Master? Well, yeah, Master's out there killing everyone right now. But I'll explain everything— they'll be fine!
And Brian, Edgar! See you later! Thanks for the great rest!
"Count, Edgar, I thank you for your hospitality. Now I must depart. The time has come to serve eternally at Master's side."
Even though it was just a day, the count's family had treated me so well— soft beds, delicious food... They were truly kind.
Looking at the count and Edgar, I saw worry in their eyes, but also relief.
"Lady Ricoris, safe travels."
The count spoke in a deep voice, bowing alongside Edgar. Their sincere farewell touched me.
Yeah yeah! I'll come back once the lair's done!
Gotta get that lair built fast!
"King, heed this well. If the lair isn't complete within a month, your kingdom shall become a new sea— one dyed in blood."
Why is this soul so vicious today! I don't want to kill everyone! I just wanted a cool lair for Master... This soul keeps making me say scary stuff.
'A blood-red sea'? Isn't that overkill? Still, the king's terrified face was kinda funny.
As we walked down the central corridor of the castle, knights recovering from paralysis pressed against the walls to let us pass. The clatter of their trembling armor echoed through the hall. Every one of them had eyes wide with fear, but none dared stop me.
At the main gate, servants clung to each other, shaking. When they saw me, they bowed deeply, their trembling hands flinging the doors wide. The moment our group passed, the gates slammed shut with a boom.
Outside the castle, I headed for Count Haind's carriage to climb aboard again— but it was gone. No trace of that luxurious ride anywhere.
What the heck? It wasn't as good as Silverbrook's, but it was super comfy...
"Where's my carriage?!"
My voice rose in confusion. I suddenly realized my normal speech was back.
"Oh! My voice is finally back!"
I clapped in delight.
That was so uncomfortable earlier!
"Probably because the castle was getting wrecked and screams were coming from inside... They must've left."
Levy said cautiously. Her voice was tentative, her eyes still uneasy, but she seemed more relaxed than before.
Yeah... The coachman probably freaked out and bolted. After all the smashing I did... Still, kinda disappointing. He could've just waited a bit away!
"The meeting point between the Heshet Empire and Dians Empire is quite far. Even with the count's carriage, there are limits, so we should procure a new one..."
Before Liandel could finish, I was already striding back toward the castle.
"Eh, Lady Ricoris? Where are you going?"
"Back into the castle to take the best carriage they have!"
"What? But just now..."
I didn't even hear Levy's words. My mind was fixed on one thing: Get to Master fast. So I need the best carriage!
The gates swung open again, and the guards' faces filled with shock. Knights freshly freed from paralysis screamed at the sight of me.
King! Where are you? It's urgent!
"Guide me to your king at once! Delay is irreverence— do it swiftly!"
My voice boomed through the entire castle. Chandeliers rattled on the walls, and a few officials fled down the corridor.
I just got free of that noble soul... Hurry up and get the carriage so I can leave!
Moments later, the king appeared, face ashen. His legs visibly shook.
"Wh-what is it? The lair construction just started..."
Gimme a carriage!
"Surrender the greatest carriage in your kingdom immediately!"
The king's eyes bulged.
"A... carriage?"
Yeah! You're the king, so you've gotta have the best one!
"Indeed. The finest in this kingdom must be yours— I demand it."
The king stood dazed for a moment, then nodded frantically.
"Of... of course! I'll prepare the best carriage right away! With the royal stable's swiftest horses!"
Hurry!
"Make haste! Delay will bring disaster upon your kingdom."
Within minutes, a lavish royal carriage adorned with gold fittings was ready. Eight sturdy horses stood harnessed, though the coachman's face was pure terror.
Is this the best one?
"Is this the pride of your kingdom?"
"Yes, the kingdom's fastest horses and crafted by our finest artisans. Do you need an escort?"
Hmm... Not bad at all. Exactly what I wanted!
Perfect! This is mine now! No escort needed!
"This carriage now belongs to me. Do you think I require an escort before my majesty?"
I headed gleefully to the carriage. It was spacious enough for Glessia too. The king seemed about to say more, but my attention was fully on the ride.
Liandel, Levy! Hop on! We're leaving right now!
"Liandel, Levy! Board at once! Our journey begins now!"
The two still looked bewildered but climbed in soon after. As expected, the interior was incredibly luxurious— soft leather seats, curtains embroidered with gold thread, even a small table studded with jewels.
This is way better than I thought!
"How long till we reach Master?"
With the carriage rolling and the noble soul quiet, I asked Liandel excitedly.
"By normal carriage... about two months. But with eight horses, roughly a month and a half."
Liandel said, a hint of apology on his face.
"A month and a half!? And normally two months!?"
My voice rose involuntarily. A month and a half! I can't wait that long!
"Then the news the messenger brought was from two months ago!?"
I asked in a panic. If so, Master might've gone somewhere else by now. I'd chase forever and never catch up!
"No, that's not it. News like this travels via communication magic tools, so Frostia and Nis appeared quite recently."
Liandel answered quickly. I relaxed a bit, but a month and a half was still too long.
"Communication magic tools? Those exist?"
Like phones in this world? Maybe I can use one to contact Master!
"Yes. Simply put, magical devices for sending messages without physical travel. Rare artifacts used by high mages and nations for swift, vital information."
Pride in his knowledge colored his voice, as always.
So the messenger just got a phone call and ran here? His face looked like he'd run a marathon... Whatever, not important.
"Then can't I tell Master I'm here via communication magic?"
My eyes sparkled. This could get word to Master without the month-long trip! Cecilia's wings glowed brighter with anticipation. Miel circled me rapidly, eyes full of curiosity. Lote orbited silently, and Glessia slept peacefully on the plush sofa, clearly loving it.
"Even if we had a communication tool, who would take it to them— or even relay the message...?"
Levy asked carefully. My hopes crashed instantly.
Hmm... Yeah, no one would. Considering Master's and Nis's current states, no one could get near them. Who'd approach beings turning armies to ice and raising the dead?
I have no choice but to go myself.
"But it's the king's carriage, so we'll take the high road all the way, right!?"
"High road...?"
"You know, like HOV lanes!"
Master, just wait a little! I'm coming via the fast lane!