They rode for several days before reaching the Royal Capital.
Eliya grumbled about how annoying it was.
“With a teleport, it would be over in the blink of an eye,” she sighed.
But teleportation wasn’t an option.
During the founding festival, a massive magical interference field was set up around the Royal Capital to prevent magical terrorism, which thrived in crowds.
Likewise, a wizard like Eliya leading her private soldiers in a group teleport wouldn’t be welcomed in the Empire.
Anyway, after passing through various gates, they arrived at the Helios Empire’s Royal Capital.
They reached Wigrdrasil, likely the most luxurious and peaceful city on the continent.
The scenery matched its reputation.
Neatly maintained roads and perfectly divided districts showcased a meticulously planned city.
Every building looked spotless.
One day before the founding festival.
The streets were already brimming with lively people.
In the distance, along the straight road,
a structure towered higher than any other building.
The coliseum, Judeca, loomed over the city.
“That place is….”
Before Eliya got there, it was where I once stayed.
Seeing it in person was beyond majestic.
How in the world did people build that?
As we approached Judeca, the crowd grew thicker.
The atmosphere was almost electrifying.
There were also armed individuals around.
Palace knights stood guard to maintain order for the festival.
And there were people who looked like soldiers from other places.
Mercenaries, knights, soldiers, you name it.
During the founding festival, battles would be held relentlessly at Judeca.
It marked the day when humans defeated monsters and established the first nation on this land.
To commemorate that day, they reenacted battles against monsters.
They’d pit criminals set for execution against each other or have skilled knights slaughter criminals.
Sometimes, they’d even release captured monsters from the demon realm to fight against the knights.
Nobles also brought their private soldiers to Judeca.
By showing off their strength, they communicated indirectly.
“Since we have this much power, let’s try not to fight.”
“I need to stick close to Eliya, so I can’t fight, but my crew will handle it just fine.”
Elegantly dressed ladies waved handkerchiefs or tied them to those who seemed to be fighters.
This, too, was part of Judeca’s festivities.
Going into battle with a lady’s handkerchief would ensure a safe return, and it might lead to a good relationship with that lady… it was a sort of superstition for enjoyment.
Not everyone truly believed in it; it was more like a half-hearted amusement.
It was a festival, after all.
“But what about the monsters that will be released from Judeca….”
I wanted to stop that if possible.
No grand cause behind it.
Honestly, it just didn’t sit right knowing innocent people could die while I stood by.
“But I can’t leave Eliya’s side….”
That incident wouldn’t happen today, at least.
I’d follow Eliya around and wait for my chance.
If I couldn’t act, I could always give someone a heads-up.
The carriage stopped in front of a large gate.
The gate’s wrought iron designs were as fancy as embroidery.
Beyond it lay a garden.
A grand fountain sprayed water, and the trimmed grass and trees looked vibrant.
Behind the garden stood a large mansion resembling a palace.
It was where nobles would stay during the founding festival.
I got off first, then Ria followed.
Finally, Eliya grabbed my hand as she stepped down.
A butler came out to greet us.
“It’s an honor to meet the princess. I shall guide you to refresh after your journey.”
With a polite greeting, the gate was opened.
Taking a quick glance back, I saw companions from the royal guard standing at attention.
“Oh… they look impressive all lined up like that.”
But the Royal Capital was fascinating, and curiosity was unavoidable.
My eyes occasionally wandered.
Eliya and I led the way inside the mansion.
The soldiers, placed elsewhere, split from us for a bit.
The mansion was far larger than Eliya’s home.
Passing the fountain, when we entered through the front door, a massive hall awaited.
Eliya asked,
“Who else is here with us right now?”
“I’m not in charge of all the guests, so I’m not exactly sure….”
Then the butler began to name various noble families.
I recognized some names but not all.
And finally,
“The Emperor has also arrived early to welcome the guests.”
Emperor Johan.
“The Duke Balak and his children arrived two days ago.”
Balak de Bevel and his family.
Those who aimed to assassinate Eliya.
She gave no response.
Her face was expressionless, as usual.
Eliya’s room was extravagantly comfortable.
Across from it was my room, but it was modest compared to Eliya’s.
I really didn’t care.
I just needed a bed.
After the butler’s rough tour of the mansion, Eliya said,
“I’m going to see the Emperor. I have something to discuss, so wait outside for a moment.”
“Understood… but are you sure it’s okay?”
If Eliya was right, the Emperor wanted to kill her.
Is it really okay to let her go alone to such a person?
Eliya stared at me intently and asked,
“Do you think the Emperor could just kill me in broad daylight?”
…Oh.
I worried for nothing.
After all, if he really wanted to, he wouldn’t go through all this trouble of gathering forces just to utilize a complicated method.
“I’ll be back soon.”
*
Eliya faced the Emperor one-on-one.
No one else was in the room.
She had to confirm something.
Did the Emperor know she had caught on to their true intentions?
“Greetings to the light of the Empire.”
“It is my great honor to meet the one who is called the reincarnation of the myth age.”
The Emperor, Johan, said with a generous smile.
He tossed a light joke to ease the tension.
“I can’t express how thankful I am for your attendance to the founding festival.”
It wasn’t sarcastic.
Just an empty congratulatory remark.
Eliya responded in kind.
An equally meaningless greeting exchanged without any real implication.
“I too am deeply grateful for your precious time to meet me.”
“To call this a meeting is overstating it.”
Unlike his usual solemnity and restraint, Johan appeared amiable.
He displayed a more relaxed demeanor than expected for the Emperor of such a large Empire.
But he wasn’t someone to be underestimated.
The air of ease also carried a weight.
The two engaged in casual conversation.
Mostly about the founding festival.
Initial impressions.
How long she planned to stay.
What she looked forward to in the festivities?
Trivial matters with no clues for either side.
Any other topic would be just the same.
Balance between the demon realm and the human realm.
Humility and encouragement as a leader governing a region.
These were words any noble could speak, not just the Emperor and Eliya.
“Is your escort participating in the Judeca tournament as well?”
“Yes. Since it’s their first time attending, we plan to enjoy all it has to offer.”
“I hope you have a delightful festival.”
They concluded their conversation with smiles.
As Eliya gracefully bowed and checked Johan’s right hand,
a silver ring caught her eye.
She noticed it for a split second, so Johan remained unaware.
Eliya left without probing further.
Dark magic. Molsin Church. Balak. Eliya’s assassination. Sun Symbol Temple.
She avoided the topics she needed to bring up.
By not asking anything, she gained no information.
Therefore, she had learned everything.
‘…So that’s how it was.’
*
As soon as Eliya left, Johan’s expression hardened.
A stiff, impassive look.
It was less about being serious and more like he had merely removed a mask.
“Huh….”
Between a laugh and a sigh.
Johan brushed back his hair.
A habit that surfaced when he felt frustrated.
“Does that mean she caught on to everything…?”
He muttered to himself.
It was that surprising and remarkable to him.
He had known she was an extraordinary woman.
But to surprise him this much?
Through their earlier conversation, the Emperor felt assured.
Eliya had nearly grasped their plans.
But not the entire truth.
If she knew everything at this point, it wouldn’t be that she was extraordinary — it would mean she was a god.
And at the same time, she couldn’t afford to act as casually as she did moments ago.
When one intends to completely reform the world,
‘She likely figured out the dark magic and Molsin Church. But how much does she know about killing Bevel…?’
She was a subject he couldn’t provoke lightly.
The same went for Eliya.
‘She’s probably gathering evidence to reveal this truth and organizing her paperwork. She’ll need allies too.’
There was no room for hastiness.
The plan was nearing completion.
He just had to bide his time until the opportunity arose.
However, one question nagged at Johan.
‘At this point, she should have figured out who he is. So why is she keeping him close?’
*
Eliya figured out nothing.
Nor did she seek anything.
Neither did the Emperor.
Their dialogue was entirely inconsequential.
A volatile chatter lacking substance.
Since neither asked anything, Eliya was convinced.
‘He knows I’ve caught onto something.’
Simply knowing a connection to dark magic was enough to shake the Empire’s prestige.
From the Emperor’s perspective, he would naturally be curious about what Eliya had discovered.
How much had she learned?
However, the Emperor showed no interest.
In other words, he didn’t find it necessary to know.
‘Just as I don’t know everything, he won’t know all about me either. And yet, the fact that he shows no sign of probing means that the critical issues fall within the range of his current deductions.’
Probing into her could end up leaking information.
He didn’t risk that because it was unnecessary.
‘Dark magic, Molsin Church, and watching wars — all confirmed. The only thing left is a connection with the Bevel family…’
An exhausting battle of justifications.
Eliya pressed her temples and reined in her thoughts.
There remained a long way to go for a sure victory.
Even if everyone else perished, she had to survive to witness the outcome.
She would stand proudly before her mother’s grave, watching the fall of her enemies.
One must win the war before it begins.
Holding onto this truth, she returned to Judah…
“Oh my, look at you. Are you participating in this Judeca duel?”
“If you haven’t found anyone yet, here’s my handkerchief….”
“Excuse me! I got here first!”
A group of noble girls flocked around Judah.
‘……’
I planned to keep him outside until the end of the founding festival.
I hadn’t even picked a nearby mountain yet.
‘…Maybe I should at least scout a nearby mountain.’
Eliya, holding her throbbing head, approached them.
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