The Prophet's Warning
Olsidra.
“Yes, Lord Urshus.”
At Urshus’s call, Olsidra dropped to one knee. His already skeletal face had grown even more gaunt over the past few days.
-The time has come. That old, foolish witch has begun her march toward the grave.
A cruel smile spread across Olsidra’s face. Beneath it burned a fierce mixture of rage, hatred, and ecstasy so intense it looked almost blood-red.
-Have you finished your preparations, Olsidra?
“Yes. Everything has been arranged exactly as you commanded, Great Urshus. The other priests are all waiting for that day and—”
-I already know that. That is not what I asked.
Olsidra understood the true meaning behind Urshus’s words. He could no longer continue speaking. Overwhelmed by emotion and joy, he simply stared at the crystal for a long moment before bowing his head deeply.
“Great Urshus. I am forever grateful for the grace you have shown me. Everything I am exists for your sake. If I can follow your will, that alone is an honor. And now that you have granted my wish, how could I possibly harbor any other thoughts?”
-Good, Olsidra. Depart at once.
“Yes.”
As Olsidra turned to leave the room, a man in crimson robes who had been waiting outside approached him.
“Are we leaving now?”
Olsidra smiled at the question.
“Yes. The time has finally come.”
The man looked as though he wanted to say more, but the complicated emotions on Olsidra’s face stopped him. He simply bowed his head once more in deep respect.
“Then I leave the other priests in your care.”
After giving that instruction, Olsidra bowed once more toward the room containing Urshus’s crystal before walking away.
“…See you again.”
Olsidra, who had been heading outside, stopped at the heavy words that came from behind. Standing right at the threshold—one step away from crossing it—he answered quietly without turning around.
“Yes. In the end, we will all meet again.”
“Thank you so much, Lord Anak.”
“Not at all. I’m just glad I could be of help.”
I barely managed to suppress a yawn as I shook the hand offered to me. But before I could even let go, more people crowded around.
“Thank you for saving Lord Dinok.”
“As expected of the heroes who saved the world.”
I tried my best to smile and respond naturally, but I was certain part of my expression had stiffened.
I understood that Dinok and the island leaders had prepared this gathering to express their gratitude, and I appreciated it. Still, after spending nearly the entire night with Lady Ropena until morning and then being summoned again early, I couldn’t help but feel a little tired.
At any rate, everything was over now. After a brief conversation, I could head back. There was still some time before the ship departed, so I planned to return and get some sleep.
“Could you not stay a little longer? If you give us just one day, we could prepare a grand banquet for you.”
Even after most of the others had left, Neikalsin remained right beside me, continuing to make such suggestions.
As expected, he had come to the temple with his brothers in place of his father, Mayor Nukulagi, whose legs were not in good condition. Though he still wore continental-style clothing that seemed somewhat stifling in this climate, the cold first impression from before had vanished. Instead, he wore a smile full of goodwill and showered me with praise.
“Yes. I really need to match the ship’s schedule.”
Ah, I had forgotten to contact Rowell and Senior. Since we could now receive the notarization here, there was no need to use bribes or go through unnecessary trouble. I needed to let them know. Once this gathering ended, I would ask to connect from the ship. I also needed to inform Lord Medrup about what happened yesterday.
“If it is because of the Grand Council, we can escort you separately on our ship later. Since it is smaller than a merchant vessel, it is faster, so we can arrive on time.”
Whether it was because of my fatigue or not, the offer did not sound bad. Not only would I not have to rush for the ship’s departure, but it would also give me a few extra days of freedom to move around.
“What do you think?”
Neikalsin pressed the invitation persistently. While his gratitude for saving both himself and Dinok was genuine, he probably found it difficult to openly express his affection for Dinok in public, so he was trying to convey it this way instead.
Though he maintained formalities because of the watching eyes, his gaze toward Dinok was filled with unwavering affection, along with guilt and tenderness.
“It certainly does not sound like a bad idea.”
Even if his push for connecting with the continent and encouraging competition among the trading companies was not receiving much support right now, building some rapport with him could indirectly benefit Julian.
Besides, while I was not particularly fond of banquets, I was a little curious about how the Parerin Archipelago held their feasts and festivals. As long as it was not like the one in the Tumbel Plateau, where women dragged men they fancied into their tents.
During the war, before we met Orcan, we had attended a festival of the Ilin tribe in the Tumbel Plateau. It had been exactly that kind of event.
…As anyone could guess, being the last one left behind was a complicated and rather dark experience in many ways. Of course, Rowell and Aegina had been with me at the time, but that was only because Aegina had stuck so close to Rowell, radiating such a beautiful yet threatening aura that no other women dared approach.
So in reality, I was the only one truly left alone in the original spirit of the festival.
Haah. Back then, it felt like… if I had to compare, it would have been better not to attend a banquet or ball at all because I could not find a partner.
Come to think of it, the barbecue we ate that day had been really delicious. As the people around me gradually dwindled, that barbecue had been a great help. By the time I had eaten about four plates, the situation had more or less ended.
“Then will you stay a little longer?”
“Yes, I will.”
At my answer, Neikalsin finally looked satisfied. He bowed and left my side, then approached his waiting brothers to discuss the banquet preparations. Once he too had gone, a middle-aged soldier in a splendid uniform approached as if he had been waiting. During the earlier gathering, he had simply sat quietly without saying much, but I recognized him.
He was definitely one of the men who had boarded the ship when we first arrived at the island. I remembered him because of his brown beard and because Rowell and Aegina had praised his skill. His name was… yes, his name was…
“Greetings, Lord Anak. My name is Sinebletu.”
Right, Sinebletu. I shook the hand he offered.
“Yes, we met once on the ship last time.”
“I was unable to properly greet you then. My apologies.”
“No, if anything, I was the one who failed to give a proper introduction. Besides, you were on duty at the time.”
At my words, Sinebletu’s expression suddenly darkened slightly.
“Yes. Even though an intruder had entered the island and Lord Savio was in danger, I failed to notice it.”
Ah, this was bad. My words had unintentionally sounded like a rebuke.
“As the one responsible for the island’s safety, I have incurred a great debt to you because of my own shortcomings, Lord Anak.”
“You do not have to think of it that way…”
“No. It was my negligence. I have realized once again that simply controlling the ships is not enough.”
His firm and strict tone carried a sense of ruthless self-discipline. Being strict with oneself, acknowledging one’s shortcomings, and striving to improve—these were certainly virtues worthy of an excellent warrior.
“I thank you once again for your help, Lord Anak.”
He brought both hands together respectfully and bowed at the waist, offering a formal salute. It was the continental style of etiquette. Whether he had done so out of consideration for me or because this island used the same custom, I was not sure, but I felt a slight sense of respect toward someone who bowed without hesitation to someone much younger than himself.
It was not respect for my achievements or reputation from the war, but pure gratitude directed at me. I also bowed my head in return.
“Then I will take my leave.”
Once Sinebletu had gone as well, I was finally able to leave the temple. It would still take a while to reach the bottom of the mountain, but it was the same as when I had arrived. I just needed to summon a familiar and ride down…
“Lord Anak?”
Why again…?
“Yes, what is it?”
At the cautious call, I turned around to find a girl standing there, her body slightly hunched as if nervous. Behind her stood two warriors wearing feather-decorated armor, seemingly acting as her guards.
“Ah, greetings. My name is Inhilt. I come from the village on the other side of the island.”
Come to think of it, one of the people I had seen in the room earlier had eyes similar to hers. He had been one of the chieftains of the smaller villages—perhaps her father?
She seemed shy, almost as if she were afraid of me.
“Yes, but why did you call for me, young lady?”
Even though I had tried to speak gently, my tone must have come across as somewhat stiff, because she took half a step back. I was not particularly used to dealing with children even at the best of times, and right now I was indeed tired.
This time, I consciously put on a bright smile for her. She seemed to relax a little and carefully opened her mouth.
“Ah, Lord Anak… red bones and green bubbles are drifting toward you.”
“……?”
I could not understand what the girl was saying. I stared at her blankly, wondering what she meant, and at my reaction she closed her mouth again, looking anxious. Then one of the warriors who had been watching from behind stepped forward.
“Lady Inhilt sometimes sees the near future.”
Ah, I see. A prophet. I had not encountered one since the war. Had that much time really passed?
“Red bones and green bubbles?”
Even among prophets, their methods and abilities varied. Some predicted the future through divination in their own way. Others received revelations by contacting other beings. And some directly glimpsed fragments of the future through dreams or visions. However, no matter the method, the visions were often expressed through vague symbols. Even so, they were never something that could simply be ignored.
“Y-yes. The green bubbles are gathering. And mixed among them are red bones. Both are heading straight toward you, Lord Anak.”
Red bones and green bubbles. I had no idea what they meant, but the imagery did not feel friendly or auspicious at all, leaving me uneasy.
“Is it in the near future?”
The girl nodded again at my question.
It was not the first time I wished prophets would speak more clearly, but this was really something.
“Understood. I will be careful. Thank you for telling me.”
“N-not at all.”
After greeting her, I quickly formed a spell in the air, worried that someone else might call out to me again. I needed to prepare for the prophecy, but I also had to contact Rowell and Lord Medrup and get some rest, so I needed to hurry a little.