95 – The Last Solar Festival
The emperor officially has three children.
1st Prince, Cain Barba.
2nd Princess, Serena Barba.
3rd Princess, Yulia Barba.
The relationship between the prince and princesses is known to be cordial.
There’s a significant age gap, and the prince himself has a fiercely blunt and straightforward personality. It is only natural, in a way.
But the 2nd Princess, and the 3rd princess, Serena and Yulia.
Their relationship, anyone with a slight interest in the royal family would know.
“Oh, the 2nd Princess and the 3rd Princess? Their relationship is terribly bad.”
They portrayed an image to the outside world, yet they unabashedly stomped on each other’s feet during official banquets ever since they staged a certain performance.
Attendants used to refer to them this way.
＜Amethyst and Platinum with a bad relationship＞.
“How is it? The current Count of Ascal Erendale is the most successful person in the empire, right? It’s like having a golden goose. Wow, when did you start aiming for this, our opportunist sister?”
Serena stood at an angle, forming a cold smile.
Interpretation: You deliberately flirted when you saw Askel’s political value, didn’t you?
Hidden Meaning: Unlike you, I adore Askel for his artistic sensibility. Therefore, my love is purer.
“It’s exactly the type of thing you’d do. From the very beginning, when Askel was low status, I have been by his side, always. That’s right, even when he was green and naive. He was particularly adorable back then.”
Yulia responded with a businesslike smile.
Interpretation: Jealous, are you? We’ve known each other from the time we had nothing. Do you understand platonic love?
Hidden Meaning: Yep. I raised Askel. I know everything about him that you don’t. Have you ever seen how cute he is when he’s asleep?
Serena’s jugular vein protruded prominently.
This is a losing battle from the start.
Because Yulia is already dating Askel.
No matter what’s said, this fact won’t change.
“I wonder if he knows about your wicked personality. You’re obsessive, paranoid — if he lasts a week with you, it’ll be
Serena would forever float under the title ‘girl who had her love stolen by her younger sister’, soaking her pillow with tears every night.
“Askel people love when I touch my hand. He liked the cool sensation, always grabbing my hand tightly with his warm, reassuring hand.”
Yulia began to add insult to injury.
Serena’s HP plummeted.
A heavy straight punch, one after another.
Yet Serena couldn’t back down.
Now, she didn’t care about the crown. But her first love, she couldn’t let that go.
He was the first one who understood her art, her self.
She couldn’t lose him.
Could not.
But when did the two start dating?
Why so soon……
Didn’t I think about it?
Even when I’m here, darling is.
“Uh, uh….”
Seeing Serena start to cry, Yulia was a little taken aback.
Serena, who maintained the mask of being more mature than her younger sister no matter what happened, was weak in front of herself for the first time.
“Why… I’m… I expressed so much love, why didn’t he accept it? We’re from the same blood. Why does it work for you and not for me?”
Yulia considered her two options.
1. End it firmly.
2. Give some comfort.
In the past, it would certainly have been option 1, but after the incident in the north, Yulia changed a bit.
“Serena. This time I was just a little faster. A good fate will come to you too.”
Serena’s face smudged with tears.
Yulia thought.
How could this woman show such a weak side?
At the same time, she felt a strange pleasure.
So, Ascal has finally become mine, she thought.
That moment.
“Don’t mock me.”
Serena lifted her face.
Her face distorted slightly due to smeared makeup from tears.
She wiped her face with the hem of her dress.
It was a face she didn’t want to show.
Yet, despite it all.
“I won’t give up. I am Serena Barba, the daughter of Empress Elenia.”
“Don’t mention her name in front of me…”
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“Move aside.”
Serena opened the door to the office.
Inside, Ascal was engrossed in his work.
So focused that he hadn’t noticed what was happening outside.
Click, click.
Serena approached Ascal.
“Hello, darling.”
“…Princess Serena? Your face.”
“Mm. I cried a little earlier.”
Ascal lifted his head to look at Serena’s face.
Among the tear-smudged features, Serena was smiling broadly.
“Seeing you again is nice.”
“Was there a problem?”
“You’re going out with Julia?”
Askal hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes, that’s how it is.”
“Hmm, I see. It doesn’t matter.”
“…?”
Serena leaned on Askal’s desk and unfastened one of her earrings.
And then,
“It’s the upcoming fairy tale festival. You know that if a girl gives you a piece of jewelry, you have to return it at the festival? I’ll expect you to bring it back.”
Askal nervously accepted Serena’s earring.
It was a beautiful purple.
“The place is where we first met.”
She felt relieved.
It didn’t matter what was waiting at the end.
Serena walked out without waiting for Askal’s reply.
Both Lia and Askal were at a loss for what had just happened.
‘It seems the storm has passed…’
However, Askal didn’t know.
That storms hit twice.
“Sir Gardener! I have something to give you!”
It was Sushia.
As Sushia approached Askal, he started fidgeting with his ear and neck in a strange manner.
“Gosh, you’re not wearing anything today.”
Earrings are scary because you have to pierce your ears. Didn’t bring any.
Necklaces sometimes feel like they’re suffocating. Didn’t bring any.
Bracelets are cumbersome. Didn’t bring any.
‘Even though it’s the fairy tale festival, I should give him something…I cannot miss this opportunity.’
After some contemplation, Sushia eventually took off one of her shoes and extended it towards Askal.
“Come and return it!”
She then awkwardly walked out of the office.
“…”
Soon after.
Askal stared at his desk.
One earring and a shoe.
He still didn’t understand what was going on.
Thud.
Something was added to the desk.
It was Lia’s hair tie.
“Explain everything, Askal.”
Askal raised his head.
At the moment, Yulia’s face was much scarier than the tyrant Yulia he had seen in his dreams.
Would she imprison him?
The obsidian necklace glittered.
“It’s not fair, it’s really not.”
Sometimes, even the truth was not enough.
– Victory, score three!
– Break down. Break down.
A snake and a cat were playing card games during recess. Until then, Unryong had won three consecutive games.
Unryong bit a card and suddenly looked outside the window. The sacred tree had grown more today than yesterday.
-“I might soon be able to return as the Guardian Dragon.
The current Cloud Dragon extended its agreement as the Imperial Guardian Dragon, but it has not officially shown itself in the empire yet. This is because it was still lacking in power. However, it did make diligent preparations by appearing in the dreams of the empire’s officials.
-Don’t you have to return to the Kingdom of Kelly?
While the Cloud Dragon is the Guardian Dragon of the empire, the White Dragon was closer to being the true master of the Kingdom of Kelly. Because the words of trust from the White Dragon could change the king overnight.
– A tremendous play is unfolding.
-What are you talking about?
-Then you’ll either stick to the protagonist or stick to a passing supporting character, right?
-Obviously, the protagonist. Hmm. I’m convinced.
-Also, there’s a snack here, it’s delicious. It’s delicious.
The White Dragon devoured the cake left on Ascal’s desk. It got cream smeared on the corner of his mouth.
Such a feast.
The heavenly sea turtle is happily swimming in the tank and made a comment.
-“Sacred tree… good… power… keep… rising… like this… I could become… a full sea turtle.”
Especially Ascal’s office was a wonderful place.
It had good sunlight, good ventilation, and the sacred tree was right in front of your eyes.
Don’t worship, don’t need offerings.
Just by staying still, can’t you see that divine power is being copied?
Lately… different… beings… are felt… they seem to… covet… our… place. The empire has a long history. Along with it came legendary entities and tales that have been buried here and there from ancient times. Among them were beings worshipped by the people of the past, but most have been forgotten. Even the few that were left.
‘The state religion of the empire is now the Star Cult!’
The current emperor declared so, and they were forced into a dormant state. Leaving behind only a few words.
‘＜The emperor, you, bastard＞’
‘＜Has the young brat received money from the Star Cult＞’
‘＜My body… my body… is disappearing…ahhhhh＞’
Yet, they also had a chance.
They were supposed to forever be forgotten and disappear but, the Star Cult had fallen. Moreover, as new trees sprouted, divine powers were distributed here and there, like free samples at supermarket corners. Thanks to this, minor gods with little influence were awakened.
And these spirits headed to the place where the divine power overflowed, right towards where the new tree was, in the appraisal department.
-In my prime, I received ten sacrifices each, you see, huh?
The ancient Locust God’s spirit crawled into the appraisal department with a brimming aura.
-I raised those sacrifices. You brat.
The Dragon gulp down, swallowing the spirit of the Locust God.
The Locust God disappeared.
The power of Yunryong increased slightly.
– It was my turn today, Yunryong. It’s unfair, it’s unfair.
– Stop being arrogant just because you’re young. You can have it next time. Indeed, Baekryong and Yunryong, Cheon Haegyeopuk weren’t just idly sitting in the evaluation room, rather, they took upon the role of preventing the bad guys from entering the evaluation room.
– It’s a shame knowing this life will end soon.
– We’re going to catch it, right? The first dragon, Karnax.
– What do you think? Can the contractor defeat Karnax?
– If it’s not in its prime and is currently weakened, no matter what, it’ll be defeated by a mortal.
– It’s not the era of gods, it’s the era of humans… so it’s normal for humans to win, right? Huh.
Yunryong sets the scene.
Wake Karnax from his slumber and surprise him.
Not a bad plan at all.
– Wait a minute, doesn’t Karnax who’s in a dormant state not absorb the surrounding energy?
– Yeah. In about two years, it should have gathered enough to at least perform the minimum activity.
– Is that before or after the divine tree standard?
– ……It’s before.
Karnax, who fell asleep in Windmoor Plain, is expected to wake up in a very hungry state in a few years.
And if history goes as originally, it is stimulated by the battle between the imperial army and the rebels, and it wakes up much earlier.
Karnax, whose day and night are reversed, is hungry, and has a low blood sugar level, eventually goes crazy from floor noise and gets caught by humans.
– Here’s a history question, where in the Empire is the most filled with idols and ancient artifacts?
– Windmoor Plain.
– Where did the dragon fall asleep?
– Windmoor Plain…
Following Yunryong, Baekryong also realized.
The reverence toward the sacred tree wasn’t solely for them.
-Wasn’t it part of your plan to recover Karnac’s power, cloud dragon?
– Will you run away?
– You?
The cloud dragon flicked its tongue, as though dumbstruck.
– Say my name, White Dragon.
– 🝲🝪🝨🝠.
– Yes, I am 🝲🝪🝨🝠, the one who brings rain and clouds. The guardian dragon of this empire.
The serpent’s scales twinkled like clouds.
As it sprouted legs, the snake began to transform into a dragon.
– If I don’t protect the empire, who will!
– The royal family, Ascal, Lion Tribe, allied countries, knights, soldiers, and …
– Ignore the trivial parts.
Clouds hang in the sky.
It has not completely recovered yet.
But there was no time to spare.
The cloud dragon was preparing to reveal itself as the official guardian dragon of the empire.
‘I’ll have about three days left…’
The Windmoon Plain.
Kane and Devan, the heads of the appraisal department, were on a critical mission.
“Making us check if the dragon is asleep, what an absurd task isn’t it? The Night’s Staff?”
“If he says dig, then we dig, why the chatter? Night’s Watch.”
It was a secret order from the crown prince.
After hearing Ascal’s story, the crown prince trusted him but simultaneously desired clear proof. It would be easier to command the army that way.
“But even if you were to verify it, how would that be done? I can’t just go and ask, ‘Excuse me, is there a dragon over there?'”
“In the end, isn’t it our job to ‘evaluate’? We need to assess the likelihood of a dragon sleeping in the Windwol plains.”
“So far, it’s zero.”
Deban, who had been operating the magic detector continuously, sighed. It was an unplanned hike. Mountain climbing is a tough activity, especially with the low stamina of office work.
“Isn’t there a legend that dragons are the masters of magic? If that’s the case, there should be an overflow of magic, but even local monsters have more magic than this.”
“It is odd.”
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There’s no way that the magic detector created by Bornstein could be wrong. Then, could it be that there really isn’t a dragon in the Windwol plains?
But they were mistaken.
When Bornstein gave them the magic detector, he mentioned this.
-“Different types of magic coexist in one place. This detector reads the flow of these magic forces and indicates where the strongest magic is flowing. However.”
-“However?”
-“On a very rare occasion, if there is only one type of magic in that place, this detector will not function. But this scenario would only happen in a magic tower’s lab.”
-“Hmm. I’ll keep that in mind.”
It’s an extremely rare exception.
It’s an unbelievable story that only one type of magic exists in such a large region.
Unless a dragon woke up and consumed them all.
Eerie.
“…why is that, Deban?”
“Slowly, descend the mountain. Cain. And as quickly as possible, go to the crown prince, no, to Minister Ascal.”
“Deban?”
“In Windwol, there was a dragon, an active one.”
But it was too late.
-I’m in a good mood.
From a certain point, a massive dragon with red scales was looking down upon them. As though it had been watching them just like a mouse running in a wheel. Windwall was already his. Since a very long time ago.
-Just for a moment, it feels like wanting to enjoy slight exhilaration. Dragon’s eyes. The yellow pupils shine hair-raisingly. Cain thought. It’s a common story. The story that once you meet an overwhelming existence, your body freezes like a mouse in front of a cat. Every time it happens, Cain secretly mocked it.
‘Shouldn’t the mouth be able to move?’
It’s hard.
“Uh, uhk. N-Nice to meet you,” just opening the mouth a little seems to drain all energy from the body. It brings to mind reflexively. It’s going to be tough to survive, it says.
-He’s a big fan of stories and riddles.
Cain bit his lip hard.
He could taste blood.
Thanks to that, he came to his senses.
“That’s a relief. Because stories and riddles are what I’m best at.”
How long could he hold on?
On the day of the mythology festival. Everyone heads to the festival grounds with their own resolution.
“What are you talking about, Seri? You’re quitting acting?”
“Thank you for everything so far, theater owner.”
“The theater will collapse without you! Wait, Seri!”
Her heart is heavy as a mountain, her steps reluctant to fall.
But Serena is determined.
The earring with only one pair fluttered in the wind.
“I, I don’t know. Something will work out, right? Yeah, it’ll sort itself out.”
Sushia put force into her shoulders.
“Ugh, it’s cold!”
But she instantly hunched over as the chilly wind blew.
“The wind is cold, miss.”
The housekeeper covered her with a coat. Sushia, who passed on a word of thanks, looked at the sky. It was clear, yet somehow.
“I feel like something will happen today …”
The biggest talk of the festival was that Saint Aileen would give a speech.
To celebrate the birth of Warrior Ascal – and the Golden Pegasus.
Aileen, tense, looked again at the crumpled speech that she had read dozens of times.
“I can’t mess up. If I mess up.”
She took a deep breath.
The person that came to mind at times like this, was indeed Ascal.
-So what if you mess up.
“…You’re right. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Aileen regained her calm.
By the way, Ascal had never said such a thing.
-Pull it out.
“I refuse.”
– It’s all a misunderstanding. You must believe me.
“It’s annoying.”
Count Ascal Erendale, the sleeping dragon of the empire.
The Minister of the Evaluation Department, soon to be a formal Dragon Knight.
He, the main subject of interest in this current grand tale, said now,
“When the time comes, I’ll release you.”
He was trapped in a necklace.
Julia caressed the obsidian necklace with her finger. As if she found it extremely endearing.
‘Hold on. Being trapped in a necklace might not be that bad.’
No need to work.
Food is served when it’s time.
Is this, by any chance, heaven?
Ascal thought.
The dragon has flown.