In the Elarion Skyhold Kingdom, inside the Adventurers' Guild, a heavy silence hung in the air. Adventurers ate quietly, voices hushed, as if something terrible had occurred.
The door creaked open. Five figures stepped inside.
Selvia led the group, statuesque and composed. Silver-gray hair fell like silk down her back, framing a face of quiet nobility. Her sharp eyes scanned the hall, unwavering. She wore a white-and-blue uniform with silver accents, black gloves, and a sword at her side, its dark hilt and faintly glowing purple blade catching the light.
Azel followed, slender and poised. Shoulder-length black hair framed his pale face, and a sly smile hinted at hidden power. His black-and-gray robes shimmered with silver patterns, a red sash tied at his waist—a mix of elegance and quiet menace.
"Didn't the kingdom's defenses seem weaker?" Selvia asked, voice calm but probing.
"I noticed that too," Azel replied, red-and-black eyes scanning the room. He ran a hand through his hair, jaw tightening.
Luneth floated forward, cloaked in layered blue-and-white garments. Midnight-blue waves of hair framed star-like pale eyes. Her golden staff glimmered faintly, a soft pulse of magic radiating from its intricate carvings.
"Maybe they're doing special training?" she suggested softly.
"I doubt it," Camille said, adjusting her grip on her sleek spear. Pale-blonde hair shifted as she moved, halo-like ornament hovering behind her head. Lean and athletic, she radiated calm authority.
Gareth's deep voice cut through the silence. "We should ask the guild master." The knight's armor gleamed silver with crimson accents. A red cape trailed behind him. A massive sword rested on his back, a sturdy shield at his side.
Perched on Selvia's shoulder, a small dragon-like creature blinked at the room. White fur shimmered softly; tiny black horns curled from its head. Angelic wings glowed faintly, and gold ribbons adorned its limbs, giving it an elegant, if adorable, presence.
They approached the counter, where Aeris hesitated, eyes yellow-and-green flicking nervously.
"Hey, Aeris. What's been happening with security?" Gareth asked, frowning.
Aeris swallowed. "Well… while you were on your four-month mission, something troubling happened."
Before she could continue, the guild master—an elf with white hair and icy-blue eyes—stepped forward. "Follow me."
In his office, Celiane, Selvia, and Luneth sat on the couch. Gareth and Azel lingered behind them, tense.
"So, what happened?" Celiane asked.
"I'll get straight to the point," the guild master said, voice heavy. "Our kingdom went to war with a new nation. We lost."
A shiver ran down their spines. Their hearts skipped a beat.
Shock froze the group.
"How is that possible?" Azel asked, voice tight. His hands curled into fists, knuckles white.
"They were cunning," the guild master continued. "They took down four capitals in a single day. All communication was blocked. Every soldier was killed, leaving zero reinforcements. The king led the fight himself… and perished."
Silence.
Their breaths caught. Eyes wide, they could barely move.
Selvia's hand clenched at her side. "The king… died?"
"Did they kill the civilians too?" Gareth demanded, jaw tight. He planted a hand on his sword hilt, bracing himself.
"The western capital was destroyed. Half the people in the south perished. The remaining capitals? Only the soldiers were killed. Civilians survived."
"How horrible! But why attack only the south and west?" Luneth whispered, fingers tightening around her staff.
The guild master shook his head. "We don't know. Speaking of which, they're coming to sign a peace treaty."
"Huh? Why?" Azel's eyes narrowed, tension lingering in his posture.
"The two nations are making peace," the guild master said.
"Why not take the country?" Celiane asked, brow furrowed.
"You'll have to ask about the new rules," he replied, eyes scanning the group carefully.
"Is Ronóva taking over?" Azel asked, his stance stiff but controlled.
"Yes, of course. You should visit her, since you're friends," the guild master added.
Selvia stood. "We were on our way there."
"You should go now," he said, a small smile breaking his serious tone.
The group left the office, walking down the hallway. Shoulders relaxed slightly as the weight of the news settled.
Celiane smirked at Azel, nudging him gently with her elbow. "It's a shame, isn't it?"
Azel frowned. "A… shame?"
"You know," Celiane said playfully, "now that Princess Ronóva rules, there's no way you can confess your feelings."
Azel's face burned red. "W-what are you talking about? I don't have feelings for her!"
"Are you sure?" Selvia teased, tilting her head.
"You too, Selvia!" Azel groaned.
"Princess Ronóva is beautiful and smart. She wouldn't pick someone like you," Luneth said softly.
"If even Luneth says you're stupid, then it's true," Gareth added, chuckling.
Their laughter echoed down the hallway, bright and lively, bouncing off the stone walls. Celiane nudged Azel again, and he couldn't help but join in, his embarrassment melting into humor.
The carriage rolled slowly through the main street, its white-and-gold design gleaming under the pale sun. Two massive black horses pulled it forward, hooves clacking against the cobblestones. At the front rode a white knight in black armor, reins in hand, guiding the beasts with rigid precision.
Their laughter echoed down the stone hallway, fading as the group stepped outside. The sunlight warmed their shoulders, carrying the distant scent of the marketplace, a reminder that life went on even after the kingdom's trials. Meanwhile, in the city streets, a white-and-gold carriage rolled forward
Inside the carriage, Haruto rested his chin on his hand, eyes drifting to the passing crowd. The warmth of the sun filtered through the window, brushing his face, while the carriage swayed gently with each step of the horses.
Just the reaction you'd expect from humans… he thought, letting out a quiet sigh.
"You shouldn't trouble yourself with them, my lord," Liora said, seated across from him, a faint scent of jasmine drifting from her hair.
"I'm not," Haruto replied simply, voice calm. He leaned back slightly, letting the tension in his shoulders ease, though a faint crease at his brow betrayed his concern.
Her gaze flickered, a shadow of suppressed emotion passing over her features.
"Liora," he asked softly, leaning forward, "how many people died at the site where I sent Lunara?"
She hesitated, fingers pressing together in her lap. "Well… since you gave her permission to kill everyone there—because it was Raiven's domain, tied to her past—she didn't hold back. The count… is three hundred thousand."
Haruto murmured, voice low. "I see… And did she find her people?"
Liora closed her eyes, shaking her head. "No. But reports indicate they were sold into slavery on the black market."
A frown tugged at Haruto's lips. "What's wrong with humans…" He glanced at her, then out the window again. "Do we need more hands at home?"
"Yes… we're short on people who can clean and cook. Why do you ask?" Liora replied cautiously.
"I thought we could go save them," he said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. "And any other slaves we find… we'll give them a home. I'll let Chloe locate them."
"Why Chloe?" she tilted her head, curiosity flickering.
"She's better suited. She hates that sort of thing," he replied.
"I'll inform her immediately—by your order, of course," Liora said.
"Not now," Haruto interrupted, shaking his head. "They're likely exhausted from the previous war."
A pause lingered, filled by the rhythmic clop of the horses. Liora shifted, hands twisting slightly in her lap. "Yes… my lord… may I ask something?"
Haruto turned, eyebrow slightly raised. "Yeah?"
"Well… as you know, spiders have an incredible sense of smell. I couldn't help but notice…" She looked down briefly, then back at him, eyes darting nervously. "…you've got another woman's scent on you."
Haruto's mind raced. Don't tell me she noticed…
"It isn't anyone at home," Liora added, narrowing her gaze subtly.
Haruto's lips pressed together. He leaned back, silent.
"Hmm…"
"It's obvious you've been seeing someone outside the nation," she said seriously. "But who?"
He remained silent. Lying would only make things worse.
"Guess even smart people can be careless sometimes," Liora murmured softly, fingers fidgeting.
"Huh?" Haruto blinked.
"You're a king—still young—but why someone outside the nation?" she pressed, voice steady but tinged with frustration.
Haruto's eyes sharpened. "What do you mean by that?"
"You have beautiful women serving you," she said flatly. "Women who would do anything—even share your bed."
Haruto froze, heart tightening. His eyes widened.
"You didn't just say that…"
"My lord, you won't continue seeing someone outside the nation. When we return, I'll make it an official law," Liora declared, voice firm.
"Wait! What?! You can't do that!" he exclaimed.
"Just watch me," she snapped.
"Why?"
"How can you ask why?" Her voice cracked, composure slipping into anger and sorrow. "I'm your Empress. Supposed to be your wife. It breaks my heart to see you with someone else when I've given you my body and soul."
Haruto shifted closer, posture softening, gaze steady. "I know, Liora. And I truly like you… but not romantically. I can't give you a one-sided relationship," he said gently.
Liora lowered her head, tears brimming. "I… I wouldn't mind if it's one-sided," she whispered.
He rose, moving beside her, and lifted her chin gently with a fingertip. Her eyes met his, trembling, lips parting slightly. The carriage rocked softly, and Haruto could feel her pulse quicken under his touch. He hesitated, heart tightening, then leaned in slowly.
Their lips met. Liora froze for a heartbeat, then melted into the kiss, eyes closing as the world outside the carriage faded into nothing.
If this is what it takes to make you happy… fine. Just don't look at me with those eyes again. I can't bear to see any of you sad because of me… Haruto thought, holding her gently.
The kiss broke slowly, like a lingering note fading into silence. A gentle warmth hung between them as Haruto drew back, their breaths still mingling. Liora's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, glowing softly against the cool interior of the carriage. Sunlight spilled through the curtains, brushing their skin as the wheels swayed beneath them.
Then—the carriage jolted to a stop.
Outside, hooves stamped against cobblestones. The driver's voice carried through the door, respectful and steady:
"Lord, we have arrived."
The door creaked open, letting in a rush of city air laced with distant chatter and the scent of stone and horses. Liora stepped out first, sunlight catching the soft shimmer of her dark—ink hair. Haruto followed, his smooth gradient hair—indigo at the roots fading to luminous blue—gleaming beneath the pale sky.
His gaze lifted.
Ronóva stood ahead, framed by Selvia's party. Her expression was serious, her posture poised. As Haruto approached, she stepped forward with silk-like grace and stopped a few paces away, lowering herself in an elegant bow.
"It's an honor to meet you. I am Ronóva," she said with practiced elegance, as if greeting him for the first time.
Haruto returned the gesture with a composed, almost rare smile.
"The same to you. I'm Haruto Satoru. I hope you're in good health."
As he spoke, a faint, unfamiliar scent brushed against Liora's nose—Ronóva's perfume, subtle but distinct. Her eyes narrowed.
(So it's her… the woman Lord Haruto has been meeting. That explains how he knows their every move…) Liora thought, shock prickling beneath her composed mask.
"That's him?" Celiane whispered. "I thought he'd be some kind of monster."
Selvia's gaze remained fixed, her expression unreadable.
"Yeah… he seems human," she murmured. Then, under her breath: "Luneth, use Identity Lens."
---
『Identity Lens: Active』
A luminous circle flared in Luneth's right eye—then shattered, scattering shards of magical light into the air. Her eyes widened.
『Identity Lens failed: Target can't be identified.』
The emotionless voice echoed in her mind—not Seraphina's, but something colder.
Shock rippled through the group.
"What happened, Luneth?" Gareth asked, worry creasing his brow.
"It… failed," Luneth stammered. "Identity Lens—failed."
"That's impossible!" Azel exclaimed.
"No," Luneth murmured, disbelief tightening his voice. "The Divine Voice doesn't make mistakes."
Azel frowned, his usual confidence faltering.
"Identity Lens works even on beings stronger than the caster. If it failed, then… either he's immune, or far beyond its reach."
The party fell silent, unease thickening. Ronóva turned back to them with a warm smile.
"They're close friends of mine," she said. "Also, the kingdom's strongest S-Rank Adventurers."
The adventurers bowed nervously.
"Guess it's my turn," Haruto said lightly, glancing at Liora. "This is Liora—my second-in-command and secretary."
Liora offered a curt nod, her expression cool.
"Then please, follow me," she said, gesturing toward the colossal castle looming behind her. Sunlight caught the stone walls, painting them pale gold.
A few minutes later, their footsteps echoed through a long hallway. A golden-crimson carpet stretched beneath their feet, and sunlight poured through tall windows, filling the air with warmth. Haruto and Ronóva walked ahead, their voices low and presence commanding. Liora trailed behind, while Selvia's party followed at a distance.
"Luneth," Gareth whispered. "Try Identity Lens on Liora."
"Alright," Luneth replied softly.
『Identity Lens: Active』
A translucent screen appeared in front of Luneth's eyes.
Name: Liora
Age: Unknown
EP: 1,000,000,000
Threat Level: Catastro—
The data abruptly blurred, then disintegrated, leaving Luneth stunned.
『Full Identity Failed: Negated by an Outside Force.』
"It got… negated," Luneth whispered, shock trembling in his voice.
Haruto's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
(Divine Voice… what was that?) he thought.
Golden symbols flared briefly in his vision as Seraphina's calm voice echoed in his mind:
『The Divine Voice—also called the Divine System—is an omniscient construct. Its interaction with any being is exceedingly rare. It manifests only during major events within the multiverse: evolution, skill allocation, reincarnation cycles, and other monumental phenomena. Its level is far above mine.』
Haruto's eyes narrowed. (No way…)
"Why's that?" he asked mentally.
『The Divine System and I share similar principles, yet its influence surpasses mine.
I am omniscient within the Prime Continuum. Its reach extends beyond. It has access to the Skill Tree, from Common to Ultimate—including infinite constructs. Even beings unbound by systems are, to some degree, constrained by it.』
Seraphina's voice faded, leaving Haruto deep in thought as they walked down the sunlit hall.
Haruto and Ronóva entered a quiet, elegantly furnished room. Liora and the others remained stationed outside, standing guard by the double doors.
Ronóva walked over to a plush couch and sat gracefully, crossing one leg over the other. Haruto took the opposite seat, a polished tea table between them.
Without a word, Ronóva slid a single sheet of parchment across the table toward him.
"This is the paper you'll have to sign for the peace treaty and alliance," she said.
Haruto picked it up, his gaze lowering to read.
"It seems your evolution was successful," he remarked, eyes still fixed on the document.
"Yeah, it was," Ronóva replied simply.
"Are you going to bring back the people I killed?" Haruto asked, voice calm, almost casual.
Ronóva leaned back, crossing her legs more comfortably.
"That's the plan," she answered.
"Then you shouldn't waste time. Their souls will drift too far, and it'll become harder to bring them back," Haruto advised, matter-of-fact.
Ronóva gave him a small, knowing smile.
"You don't need to worry about that. So… what about you?" she asked lightly.
Haruto placed the paper back on the table.
"About me, huh…" He exhaled softly, a faint detachment in his tone. "There's nothing interesting to tell you about me."
He signed the document with a black-and-gold pen, the ink gleaming faintly in the light.
Ronóva's expression faltered, a brief shadow of disappointment passing over her features.
Then—without warning—she moved.
In a single fluid motion, Ronóva sat down on Haruto's lap, straddling him, her arms sliding over his shoulders. Her forehead pressed gently against his, breaths mingling in the narrow space between them. Her eyes locked onto his with unsettling intensity.
"I love you, Haruto…" she whispered, her voice low and fervent. "Tell me—do you love me?"
Her tone was serious, her gaze burning with obsessive emotion, as if the entire room had narrowed down to just the two of them.