The King spoke calmly. He recognized that the Lion King's method was, in its own way, a valid solution for survival. The connection between their souls grew soft. If Air wished it, she could go to the Goddess in an instant.
(…Air.)
Fou said nothing. He didn't say "don't go," nor did he say "you can't." He would not bend Air's path with his own ego. Hence—the silence.
Under their watch, Air finally looked up.
—So that's what it was. Lion King.
What filled Air's heart was 'Understanding' and 'Resolve.'
That Goddess… surely, she gathered those righteous souls to preserve the value of humanity forever, protecting them from an inevitable destruction. To protect them, to carry them into the next era, she built that Holy City.
It was the best possible move in the worst possible situation. A feat by the Lion King to preserve the 'seed' from a guaranteed end.
…But for what purpose?
Air cast aside the 'preconceived notions' her Master disliked and sought the essence—the Goddess's true intent. Though she was a god, why do this? Why would a Goddess, who maintained her absolute nature even amidst ruin, offer such protection?
What was the 'emotion' at the core of preserving human bodies and souls for eternity?
Was it hatred? No. If so, she would have simply destroyed them. Was it greed? No. If so, there would be no need for the Holy Selection. She wouldn't even need the Knights of the Round Table; she could have simply ravaged the land and taken what she wanted.
…Air knew. She had found the answer on her journey.
This was—'Love.'
She wants humanity to remain. She loves humanity. She wants humanity to have existed as something eternal…
Driven by this feeling, the Goddess descended, built the city, and selected the righteous. The root of her actions was the preservation of the species. It was the conclusion she had reached after considering humanity in her own way.
—It was all for the sake of humans. …My King.
"Where has that question led you? Let me hear it, Air."
Air spoke. She gave form to the answer of her soul.
—This battle… this war over the Human Order.
The conclusion Air reached was one of total tolerance.
—'No one is in the wrong,' are they?
The mountain people protecting their faith. The Sun King protecting all within his reach. The Lion King, rising to save humanity from incineration by preserving them. The King of Heroes, believing in and judging human potential. The Demon King, determined to overcome human death.
Everyone was following their own resolve and mission, sticking to their beliefs. There was no superior or inferior, no clear-cut good or evil. There were only differences in ideology.
…And that is exactly why they cannot yield. That is why they fight. For the sake of their own wishes and feelings.
—We continue to move forward, don't we?
No one is wrong. There are no true "enemies." Because no one can back down, everyone must fight. Those actions, that resolve—they are all equally precious. Everyone fights for the 'preciousness' they believe in.
—Yes. I understand now, Fou.
Having found her answer, the princess spoke to her best friend.
(—Can I ask?)
I understand. Through the Lion King's plan, I feel like I've found my own 'answer.' The meaning of life… no, the meaning of a human living… I think I've found it.
"Have you found the answer you will give that Lion King? Air."
Air nodded back to the King of Heroes. The Goddess wasn't 'evil.' Her 'protection' was born from thinking of someone, loving someone, and wanting to guard them. It wasn't something that could be simply dismissed as villainy.
—And because I understand her, I will fight.
Yes. They would fight. Just because she wasn't wrong, or because she was a god, didn't mean they could stop walking. The Goddess desired 'protection' and 'shelter,' while they desired 'progress' and 'reclamation.'
If so, there was no choice but to clash. Because they understood each other—because the truth was clear—conflict was inevitable.
Therefore—not out of rejection or misunderstanding, but with 'respect' and the intent to 'oppose,' Air would go to deliver her answer to the Lion King. To the love of a 'Goddess' who had ascended to the throne of divinity.
And—
(…I'll throw the answer I found at Goetia. So… until then.)
She hugged Fou gently.
—Stay by my side, Fou.
(…Yes. I'm looking forward to it, Air.)
They exchanged looks and nodded. Then, she turned back to the King.
—I will not surrender to the Lion King. I have no intention of turning my back on the King of Heroes, who allowed me to stay by his side.
That was her unchanging resolve. No matter what god or what existence stood before her, her 'number one' would never change.
With this King who watched over, supported, and stayed with my unreliable soul… forever and ever.
Even if her strength failed and she shattered into pieces—she didn't need a 'next time.' With these memories and this pride in her heart, she would welcome the void.
I don't need another reincarnation. Because I want the home for my soul… to be right here.
—So… from now on, too.
Air bowed her head.
—I look forward to being in your care. My one and only King of Heroes—
The King observed her form, her way of being. And then—
"Wh—Wha?!"
With his right arm, he pulled Air's soul close to him.
"K—King?!"
"I shall not hand you over."
"—!"
"—To anyone."
A brief, final judgment passed upon Air. To the soul that didn't waver even after learning the Lion King's goal. To the soul that recognized the value in all things yet refused to stop standing against them. To the 'Princess' who chose him even when shown an ideal world and an ideal city.
The King had truly decided to shelter and protect this soul—one that had repelled even divine mercy to swear an oath to stay with him. No matter what future awaited.
"Hmph. It is as I once said. …To challenge the gods is the ultimate height of humanity. —That soul of yours is worthy of being my greatest treasure."
He declared it proudly: no matter what hardships awaited, he would never grow tired of her journey, nor would he ever abandon her.
—I… I am honored…!
Held close by the King, Air turned beet red with bashful joy.
"Keep your eyes on me. Continue to gaze upon my glory. If you do, I shall witness your joy and your journey from your side forever. Until the end of this world. You may trust the word of your King, Air."
The King spoke… with a rare gentleness.
—Yes! Gil!
(Hmph. You finally understand 'preciousness,' do you? Then—it's okay for us to face the Lion King!)
—Of course!
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