Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Alexios remained confined in the cave even after Oz left. That was, of course, natural.
He was caught in the act, so regardless of any misunderstanding, he was guilty.
However, he might be released depending on the scope of negotiation. And the negotiation process was handled by his assigned agent, Ulla Stylena.
"Ahahaha, you left me behind like that, and now what are you doing here? You foolish Alexios."
"They just keep appearing, one after another. What are you here for again?"
Alexios muttered, looking at Ulla with narrowed eyes.
She truly was persistent. He had forcibly separated from her to keep her safe, but she stubbornly reappeared before him.
At this point, it was an obsession. Alexios asked with a nonchalant attitude.
"Do you perhaps like me?"
"Are you crazy?!"
Alexios covered his ears at Ulla's vehement rejection.
She had shouted so loudly that he thought his eardrums would burst.
Ulla hurled insults at Alexios for a while, then spoke with a calm demeanor.
"Hah! Honestly… Do you think I'm just trotting after you because I like you? I'm helping because it's my mission!"
"What good does it do you to be so loyal to the Empire?"
That was what he couldn't understand.
Even if it was a mission, there was no reason to take care of him to this extent.
Moreover, to Alexios, Ulla didn't seem that loyal to the Empire.
"Well, it's a kind of networking. I'm a noble, but I don't have any real power or faction to speak of."
"Annoying political talk. I'm not curious, so never mind."
"Listen! You've come all this way, why are you being so bothered?!"
"Ah, fine."
Alexios sighed impatiently and then leaned in to listen.
Since it had come to this, he couldn't ignore her.
Even if he ignored her, she'd just chatter annoyingly, so it was better to pretend to listen.
"The Empire is quite chaotic right now. Of course. Not only has His Imperial Majesty designated Stacia as his successor, but he also said he'll hand over the throne soon."
"What's the problem with handing over the throne to the successor? It's natural."
Ulla frowned at Alexios's question and said.
"But Princess Stacia hasn't gained any trust from the nobles."
"Isn't that a problem that will resolve itself with time?"
At least Alexios thought so.
His classmates, who had looked at him with suspicion upon arriving in a foreign land, eventually accepted Alexios.
'Though I messed that up too…'
Alexios clicked his tongue. He hadn't yet achieved his goal of apologizing to his classmates because he was busy trying to meet Lena.
"Well, you have a point. Time will resolve it. But Alexios, this is on a different scale."
"Because it's the Empire?"
"Yes, because it's the Empire. Princess Stacia is pressed for time to ascend the throne, but she still hasn't understood human emotions. Sending her to Scientia was her last chance."
Alexios narrowed his eyes and observed Ulla. The words about to come out of her mouth would surely be classified information.
"What do you think is the simplest way for such a monstrous human, who boasts absolute power on the Emperor's throne, to deal with those who oppose her?"
And that, the Emperor's true intention, was something even [Tenebris] couldn't fully grasp.
"Purge."
Ulla shivered, rubbing her shoulders.
"You're foolish, but quick-witted, so you've probably figured it out by now, haven't you?"
What Ulla was saying was unusual. For a mere agent, she knew too much about the Emperor's true intentions.
"Were you a spy?"
"That's right. I am a member of [Eclipse], an intelligence agency directly under His Imperial Majesty. This is also a path I chose to survive, though."
The spy within [Tenebris] that Discreet suspected.
"If such a purge begins, the first two to face extermination will be."
Those of impure and sinister origin.
"Our 'Stylena' family, who were the Emperor's assassins, and the 'Punisher' family, who were the executioners."
Lucia and Ulla were in similar situations.
That's why both of them became members of [Tenebris] to show loyalty to the Empire.
But Ulla was a little different.
She was a member of [Tenebris] and, at the same time, of [Eclipse], the Emperor's exclusive intelligence agency. She had become someone who could be called a traitor or a spy.
Everything was to protect.
She merely chose to do something someone would have had to do anyway.
From the start, the reason she sold information about Lucia during the last incident was because she was confident she could juggle both sides and manage the situation well.
'I never imagined Eleanor would mess things up, though…'
If it hadn't been Ulla, the next one chosen would have been Lucia. If someone had to bear the burden anyway, she was better.
At least she had lived a happier life than Lucia.
"The situation is changing rapidly. Alexios, if I help you, to what extent can you cooperate with me?"
"Whether to let me out or not, it's in your hands. Is that it?"
"I'm glad you're quick to understand."
Ulla was a spy and a double agent. The Emperor would have long since realized Ulla's true feelings.
Nevertheless, Ulla continued her precarious tightrope walk, mediating between the two factions.
She must have been anxious.
No matter how optimistic one was, in a situation like this, with a noose around their neck, they couldn't remain optimistic.
That's why it was necessary.
For the protection of someone with overwhelming military might, in case of an emergency.
A simple, yet great physical force.
'Well, what will happen… Please, Alexios. This situation is starting to become suffocating now.'
The fact that she was walking a tightrope was a secret even her family didn't know. It was the source of a fear she had internalized alone her entire life.
A double-edged sword. If trust in the other side wasn't returned, Ulla and the Stylena family would be annihilated.
And then, the Emperor's hand would reach the Punisher family as well.
Everything depended on her choice.
But the situation was too overwhelming for her to handle alone.
So Ulla, for the first time in her life, confided her fear to another person.
It was the gamble of a lifetime.
"You should have said that in the first place. Why beat around the bush? In short, you're asking for help, aren't you?"
And Alexios replied.
Without a moment's hesitation, as if it were obvious, he said to her fear.
"I can help a friend. I even promised to help a guy I hate, so why wouldn't I help you?"
"Ahahaha…"
Ulla let out a hearty laugh as usual and placed a bundle and a key in front of Alexios.
"Here, this is a bribe for our future relationship. And you can come out now. I've already gotten permission."
"You bastard? Wouldn't it have been better if you'd released me first and then talked?"
Ulla smiled sweetly and prevaricated.
There was no room for excuses, as it was a means of negotiation.
"Seriously… I'm counting on you, partner. My life is pretty much in your hands from now on."
"What ridiculous nonsense."
Alexios burst out of the prison by forcefully bending the iron bars, as if he didn't care about keys.
From the start, simple iron bars were far from enough to hold him, just as they were for Oz.
After escaping from prison, Alexios first examined the bundle.
It was a greave in the form of a magic tool, identical to the one shattered in the fight with Janus… No, it seemed to have even more improved power.
"Hah…! I was going to ask for one anyway, so this worked out well."
"Right? I figured you'd break it, so I prepared it, and I'm glad. It must be quite expensive since I even invested family assets to make it."
"It's nothing but a burden."
"Wouldn't having a burden give you more reason to help me?"
Ulla made a gesture of forming money with her fingers and winked.
"Something quite interesting seems to be happening in the Goblin Forest right now, too. What do you want to do? We can still quietly slip away now."
"No, I promised to help even the guy I hate, so I'll stay."
"Well, I suppose so."
Ulla shrugged.
If he weren't of such a nature, Ulla wouldn't have chosen him in the first place.
A reliable friend with excellent character and strength that she could trust.
"I'm glad the chain between you and me looks strong."
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"It's just something."
Ulla smiled faintly, recalling the silver-haired girl who taught her to believe in connections.
The chain of connection she had forged this time seemed quite robust.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Baekyang's cooking was delicious.
Her smug expression was annoying, but I don't lie for such trivial reasons.
Staying there was also quite comfortable.
But I'm not on vacation. I need to take care of things as quickly as possible.
And fortunately…
"Ba, Baekyang-"
"What's the matter, so early in the morning?"
"The Chieftain has summoned all Imemangryang."
Events unfolded rapidly.
Honestly, much faster than I expected.
"How unusual."
"And that…"
"He called me too, didn't he?"
"Ah, yes… He said to bring the one who looks most like a playboy… It seems correct."
"You guys need to learn how to manage your mouths before you blend in with people."
"You're right, you know…"
I feel Baekyang's struggles.
Didn't she say that no matter how hard she tried, it would be difficult to erase the impression as long as other goblins were around?
Looking at the situation, it's more serious than I thought. They knew that many goblins had their limbs broken by me a few days ago, and they're still like this.
The fundamental difference in perception between them is definitely a problem.
"More importantly, what are you plotting again, Oz?"
"I'm trying to save the world."
"Ahahahahaha."
Well, it's the reaction I expected, but just laughing without saying anything else is annoying again.
Is it that funny?
"Shall we go?"
“……”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
After laughing for a long time, Baekyang guided the way as if nothing had happened.
Normally, I would have gone alone, but since [Goblin Forest] is her territory, I had no choice but to follow.
This is another strange feeling.
Isn't this the first time I've moved with her like this?
Other than selling the drinks Eleanor had forced on me during midterms, we'd never been alone together.
Moreover, with yesterday's incident, I feel a subtle mix of guilt and awkwardness, or something similar.
She's moving as if it doesn't concern her at all, but…
"It's noisy."
"Ah, yeah. It has to be."
"So? What trouble have you caused? If it becomes troublesome for me too, I'll kick you out of the house."
"I've invited the Miko of Samdo River."
Actually, it wasn't an invitation, but…
Anyway, I did tell her we would meet again.
I said it because I know what's coming, but others might think differently.
"Regardless of the purpose, it's probably not a good thing for the Miko to be wandering outside the Samdo River."
"Considering what's happened in the Federation, isn't the Miko wandering around an understandable matter?"
"Well. Since many people thought this was the work of the Death King, wouldn't it be more troublesome?"
Baekyang narrowed her eyes and muttered dismissively.
It's understandable.
If it were the work of the [Death King], it would be no different from a natural disaster.
Then it would be acceptable.
But if it's not, it means an unknown situation.
I know the cause and all the subsequent results, but for them, it would be an unavoidable matter.
As I looked at the murmuring crowd of goblins, a giant goblin walked out from among them.
It was [Goblin King] Bihyeong.
"You've finally arrived. Let's greet her first. Since she's the Miko who came out of the Samdo River this time."
"Ah… It really is good to see you again. That… Come to think of it, didn't I ask for your name back then?"
"I am Oz Quabadis. Soyeon. It's been a while."
"Haha… It's only been about 3 days, I think. I'm embarrassed that we're seeing each other this quickly."
Soyeon scratched her head, seemingly embarrassed. Well, I understand.
Unlike me, who had an infinitely light heart, her words back then must have felt heavy.
Did she ever imagine she would come out of the Samdo River so easily?
"And that… Hello?"
“……”
After a brief reunion with me, Soyeon greeted Baekyang with an even more awkward expression than before.
Baekyang didn't answer. She simply nodded expressionlessly.
But it was different.
“I thought she'd become more sociable since she brought friends from outside… Hahaha! I apologize, Miko. It seems Baekyang is just shy."
Regret and guilt. Relief and despair.
Suspicion and fear.
Baekyang, observed through [Contemplation], was barely maintaining a poker face, with various emotions intertwined.
This confirmed it. The puzzle of my speculation was complete.
"Baekyang?"
“……”
Her regret was none other than Soyeon, right before her eyes. Was she unusually lacking in presence in the game's episodes?
It's understandable.
You wouldn't have been able to know Baekyang's feelings in a game where dialogue simply flowed as scripts.
Her, who was utterly overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions, unable to say a word.
How could anyone have known?
She had merely given up her role as an actress and fled to a corner in shock.
"Baekyang, could you come with me for a moment?"
"Ah…"
I grabbed Baekyang's wrist, who was trying her best to escape her emotions with an expressionless face, and led her into the forest.
"You…"
There were many pieces to the puzzle.
She constantly pushes herself to understand humans.
The day he escaped from prison.
Bihyeong said that Baekyang hadn't come to find me because she was going back and forth to the Samdo River every day, looking for something.
Soyeon's reaction when she saw Baekyang at the Samdo River.
And the way a Miko is born.
"Was Soyeon the fragment of regret you were searching for so desperately?"
I asked directly. I have no intention of beating around the bush.
"No… No."
"Then?"
"The name is different."
"Right…"
Indeed, she wouldn't be a fool either.
Her regret is right before her eyes, an opportune moment to correct everything. The reason for her hesitation must be because she can't be certain.
If it were merely someone who resembled her, the sense of loss she would feel would be unimaginable.
It's only natural. She's been going back and forth to the Samdo River every day.
Moreover, even if it were true, there's still a problem. The fact that Soyeon pretended not to know Baekyang.
If Soyeon still hasn't forgiven Baekyang, and as a result, she utters harsh words like daggers, Baekyang wouldn't be able to bear it.
It must have been like grasping at straws. If she thought the straw she grasped could turn into a dagger that would pierce her heart, then that…
It must be frightening.
"Shall I ask for you?"
"Please don't."
Baekyang shook her head with a pale expression and grabbed my sleeve. I felt a tremor.
"Please… don't do that."
She's turning away, refusing to understand. The fear consuming her wants to maintain the status quo.
She thinks it's better to live her whole life in regret, not knowing.
"…Alright."
For now, that's all I can say.
If I were to act on my own, claiming to help her, and if it were confirmed that Soyeon truly wasn't the person Baekyang thought she was.
If she hasn't forgiven Baekyang and is hiding her hatred and resentment towards her. I would have to live with that lie my whole life. That lie could never be light.
There's a limit to meddling.
Still, I know that it's not good for their relationship to remain stalled. That much is certain.
"Let's go back."
So I will willingly become a liar.