Chapter 255: A God...? Me?? (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 255: A God...? Me?? (2)
From Alon’s perspective, Magrina’s choice wasn’t necessarily a bad one.
The Divinity of the Primordial Elf he had newly acquired—or more accurately, finally fully claimed—was reassuring for Alon in many ways.
If Magrina were to declare Alon as the Primordial Elf, it would likely be a significant help.
However, the reason a question mark still lingered in Alon’s mind was due to one incomprehensible detail.
“…Magrina?”
“Yes, Brother?”
“First of all, I’m sure you already know this… but I am human.”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t it a bit strange for a human to be the Primordial Elf?”
Of course, he had heard from Evan. He knew that when the rumors spread after Alon first used his divinity, the Elves’ reactions hadn't been entirely negative.
But that was only the reaction of a few Elves.
To be honest, he couldn't predict what the general reaction would be if he, a human, were declared the Primordial Elf. For better or worse, Elves had always been deeply exclusionary toward other races, both in the past and the present.
Yet, contrary to Alon’s concerns, Magrina simply tilted her head as if it were nothing.
“Hmm, is it strange?”
“…It would seem a bit odd, wouldn't it?”
“Then couldn't we just explain it as reincarnation? There aren't any Elves left who remember ‘that time’ anyway.”
“I suppose that might work, but—”
“Then shall we proceed with that?”
Alon pondered for a moment.
Having Magrina declare him the Primordial Elf would certainly be beneficial. However, he possessed another divinity: Kalanon’s Divinity.
‘If the word about the Divinity of the Primordial Elf spreads, will Kalanon’s Divinity remain unaffected?’
Since they had coexisted unknowingly until now, it might not be an issue. But that was merely a guess. Both divinities were incredibly helpful to him, and he wanted to avoid any problems arising with either of them.
As Alon’s silence stretched on, Magrina asked tentatively, “Umm… is it too much of a problem?”
“It’s not that it’s a problem, but I have a lot to consider.”
“Then shall we postpone the public announcement for a bit?”
“…I’d appreciate that. There are a few things I need to verify.”
“I understand.”
Magrina nodded, thought for a moment, and then offered another suggestion.
“Then shall we hold a coronation instead?”
“A coronation?”
“Yes. Since announcing you as a god is the issue, why don't we just announce you as royalty?”
“…But I’m not royalty.”
“Don’t worry. We can easily make it work as something like Honorary Royalty.”
Internally, Alon wondered if that was really necessary, but he felt it would be awkward to refuse this as well.
“If it’s just that, there shouldn't be much of an issue.”
“Then I’ll start the preparations immediately.”
“How long will it take?”
“It won't take that long. About five months?”
“…Five months?”
“Yes. That’s not very long, is it?”
Alon was momentarily puzzled but soon understood. To Magrina, five months was a blink of an eye compared to other Elves.
“I see.”
As Alon nodded, Magrina watched him and suddenly let out a small giggle.
“Pfft.”
“Why are you laughing…?”
“No, it’s just that I can see exactly what you’re thinking, Brother. You were thinking, ‘Five months is a long time, but Magrina must think it’s short because she lives so long,’ weren't you?”
“…”
When Alon fell silent at her hitting the mark, she gave a light smile.
“That’s not it, Brother. Five months is a long time for me too.”
“…Is it?”
“Of course. Time flows the same for everyone. Whether it’s the Elves whose lifespans are still halved by the Cursed Bloodline, or me.”
For a fleeting moment, Magrina wore a tender, almost wistful expression, but she quickly changed her look.
“Anyway, since it will take about that long, feel free to go elsewhere in the meantime. Honestly, my heart wants to stay here and talk with you forever, but—”
‘I know that would be hard on you, Brother,’ Magrina added softly. Alon gave a light nod.
“Thank you for being so considerate.”
“It’s nothing.”
Then, a question occurred to Alon.
“By the way, may I ask you something?”
“Yes, Brother. Anything, anytime.”
He wondered if he could get even a small piece of information from her.
“Do you happen to know anything about the god of the Lizardmen?”
“…The god of the Lizardmen?”
“Yes.”
She thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Of course I know. He’s probably someone you know well too, Marquis.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, though I don’t particularly like him…”
Magrina frowned slightly. Alon was curious about her reaction but continued his questioning.
“Who exactly is it?”
“Hmm, rather than me telling you, it would be better for you to see for yourself since you’re going there anyway.”
“I see.”
“Yes. Honestly, since you’re going, I want to follow you, but I’ll have a lot to prepare from now on.”
With a hint of lingering regret, the meeting with Magrina came to an end.
The next day, Alon set out toward the Lizardman territory.
* * *
Not long after leaving Greinif.
“Marquis.”
“What?”
“Did you happen to meet a dragon in the past too?”
“…Where did that come from?”
Evan asked out of the blue.
“No, it’s just that seeing the Elf Queen call you ‘Brother’ after you went to the past makes me feel strange in many ways. I’m just asking because I’m curious about who else you might have seduced and where.”
At the specific suspicion, Alon let out a dry cough.
“…I don’t believe I seduced anyone in the past.”
“An Elf calls you ‘Brother’ and you didn't seduce her?”
“It wasn't seduction, it was more like… that.”
“That?”
“A connection—a spiritual communion, so to speak.”
Evan looked at Alon with a dubious expression. Then, a look of deep regret washed over his face.
“I should have been the one to go to the past…”
“…Suddenly?”
“If I had gone to the past, I could have at least filmed a poignant romance with a beautiful Elf.”
[You’re talking nonsense.]
[Kyu!]
Basiliora interjected as if he had been waiting for the chance. This time, even Blackie actively joined in.
“Man—if I had gone to the past, I would have saved an Elf girl in her moment of crisis, just like that! And then—”
However, Evan had also grown accustomed to Basiliora’s attacks. He lightly ignored most of the jabs and began to indulge in his own fantasies.
Amidst the usual atmosphere, Alon’s party arrived at the Lizardman territory without any issues.
Alon’s curiosity only grew.
‘Who exactly became their god?’
From Alon’s perspective, it was difficult to guess the identity of the being the Lizardmen called ‘Hazard.’ He hadn't saved any specific Lizardman figures. While he had saved soldiers a few times, it was only to that extent. He had no memory of deep interaction like he had with Magrina or the other children, so his curiosity deepened as they went.
And then.
“Wow, it’s huge.”
They arrived in front of a building that looked like a pyramid. Following Evan’s exclamation, Alon also let out a breath of admiration.
The pyramid was unimaginably massive.
After being momentarily overwhelmed by its size, a guide spoke.
“Please, enter.”
Guided by a Lizardman whose face was covered by a veil, Alon stepped inside. Immediately, he saw a long staircase that seemed to have no end.
Just as Alon was about to marvel again—
[You have come, my friend!]
A voice echoed in his ears. Alon looked up toward the source of the sound. When his gaze reached the top of the distant stairs, he saw someone.
It was a Lizardman.
Alon was puzzled. In his memory, there was no Lizardman who called him ‘friend.’
When Alon didn't respond to Hazard’s words, Hazard grinned and began to move down the stairs. The moment he took a step, he was suddenly at the bottom of the staircase.
He had a bright smile, looking genuinely happy to see Alon.
And then.
[Do you not recognize me?]
As the Lizardman drew closer, Alon realized something. He had seen that face somewhere before. Similarly, he had heard that voice many times.
As Alon frantically searched his memories—
“…Huh?”
He soon remembered something. At the Lizardman’s subsequent question—
[Do you remember?]
Alon uttered a name.
“…Riosh?”
The name of the ‘Lizardman King’ he had met when he was in the past.
At that call—
[Yes, it has been a long time.]
The Lizardman god Hazard—no, Riosh—curled his lips into a smile and nodded.
* * *
At the same time Alon encountered Riosh.
“Your Majesty, the basic preparations are all complete.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Now we only need to obtain a few important items, including the materials.”
Myu, the loyal vassal serving the Elf Queen, reported to her lord. Magrina gave a faint smile and praised her.
“Good work, Myu.”
“It was nothing. More than that… congratulations, Your Majesty.”
“Congratulations?”
“Yes. Have you not wanted to hold a coronation for a long time now?”
“I suppose I have.”
“It is also a relief that the reactions from the Council of Elders and others are not bad. Mirmal and Philianian, who were expected to be part of the opposition, also passed away recently.”
At Myu’s lighthearted words, Magrina paused for a moment.
However.
“I suppose so.”
She soon relaxed her stiffened face and spoke in a leisurely tone.
A brief silence followed.
Then, her lips, still wearing a smile, opened once more.
“But Myu.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Actually, you don't really need to worry so much about the reactions of the Council or anyone else.”
“…My apologies, Your Majesty. I only meant to say—”
Myu hurried to bow her head. But Magrina shook her head slightly, as if to say it was fine.
“I know. You were trying to say it’s good that things are working out peacefully and harmoniously without any major conflict of opinion, right?”
“That is correct.”
“I know. So—”
As Magrina was about to continue, Alon’s voice echoed in her mind.
‘You will be able to lead the Elves well.’
A very short sentence.
However, it was a command Magrina could never break.
Magrina looked down at Myu, armed with a smile. Did the vassal even know? Why peace and harmony, the virtues Magrina emphasized, had become absolute requirements for her to uphold?
Why Magrina, even after being treated the way she was by the Elves, still tried to protect them?
Why she hadn't killed those loathsome Elves the moment she obtained all her power?
…She probably didn't know. And she likely never would.
Now that her brother was alive, Magrina wanted to remain a good girl.
A good girl who listened to her brother’s words.
Therefore.
“—You don't have to be so sorry.”
Magrina wore her smile.
“Because I understand everything.”
The same smile she always wore.