"Ma–Maschenny?"
When Maschenny forcefully pushed away, I was honestly a little shocked—but at the sa ti, I also thought it was only natural.
She is a Zahard Princess, for whom love is forbidden, and to begin with, Maschenny has a battle-crazed side that shows interest in nothing but the Tower's chaos and war.
Yeah. Maschenny shouldn't end up like the many Zahard Princesses who broke the rules.
Holding it in for so long and then confessing by riding the mood like that… I really was being a nuisance.
…That's what I thought, but then—what is this situation?
She suddenly told to bend down, so I did.
The height difference of about five centiters closed in an instant, and Maschenny and I t at eye level.
Then, her outstretched hands touched my face.
The distance between us beca incredibly close.
I could feel Maschenny's irregular, rough breathing as she exhaled—her warm breath.
Could she feel my breath too?
"…This much of a deviation should be okay, right."
Pull—
Before the words had even fully ended, Maschenny suddenly pulled toward her.
I was dragged without resistance, and just like that, her lips overlapped with mine.
All kinds of thoughts crossed my mind, and I was so flustered I couldn't even comprehend the situation—but Maschenny had already closed her eyes.
Taking in that lovely sight, I let go of all thoughts for a mont and closed my eyes as well, savoring this blissful feeling.
Ah… I wish this mont could last forever.
How long was it? One minute? Ten minutes?
After sharing that bliss with our lips pressed together for a while, we naturally pulled our faces apart, neither of us needing to say anything.
"..."
Maschenny looked at quietly, her face slightly flushed.
She didn't say anything, but her breathing was still rough.
Only then did I feel as if my brain, which had been stopped, had started working again.
In an instant, my mind was flooded with worries.
I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on Maschenny, feeling tens of thousands of emotions—anticipation, joy, concern, fear, anxiety, tension…
Then, Maschenny finally spoke to .
"Hoaquin."
"Hm?"
"I'm the worst kind of greedy."
"…?"
At her sudden self-criticism, I tilted my head slightly in confusion, but she continued calmly.
"There's sothing I want to do… sothing I can't tell you yet. And for that, I need my position as a Zahard Princess."
"I won't give up what I want to do, and I won't give up my place as a Zahard Princess either. I'm greedy. No matter how much I have, I want more, and I have no intention of giving up anything."
"..."
I looked at her silently with a faint smile.
Yeah. That's just like you.
But the next words she spoke still caught off guard. I could feel myself flinch.
Ah—she's really too cute.
"I'm on your side. I'll wait as long as it takes, so don't worry."
At my words, Maschenny slowly lifted her head and looked at .
Her expression was far more relaxed than before, when she'd looked almost desperate, and with that eased expression, she stared at blankly.
I just returned a small smile.
Then Maschenny broke into a bright grin.
It was an even brighter and more beautiful smile than the one she'd worn back then, when I accepted her proposal to climb the Tower together.
"…Thank you."
"No problem. Then shall we… head to the fireworks viewing platform now? The others should be waiting."
"Yeah."
Without either of us needing to say it, Maschenny and I tightly held hands and walked toward the fireworks viewing platform where our family and friends were waiting.
"Wow, there are really a lot of people."
"…So annoying."
The fireworks viewing platform had co into view.
I'd expected it, but the crowd gathered there far exceeded my expectations.
Just the number of people already gathered here seed enough to surpass the total population of a decent-sized city—and even more people were still pouring in.
I was amazed by the overwhelming scale of the crowd, and by the size of this platform capable of accommodating so many people.
"Hey… aren't you Hoaquin? And isn't that Maschenny next to you?"
"Ah, Hwarang. So you were there."
At that mont, a voice ca from above, and when I looked up, Hwarang and the others were gathered together.
Standing on the deck of a wide floating ship, they were free from the swarming crowd below.
"Heh, hahahah! I don't know when you two swapped families, but hurry up and co up here. It's about to start."
At Hwarang's words, I quickly picked Maschenny up onto my back, spread my wings, and flew upward, landing lightly on the floating ship's deck.
Using shinsu, we easily washed away the effects of the various beauty products and items that had transford us, removed our lenses, and returned to our original appearances. Then we looked around the deck.
There were more people gathered there than I'd expected.
"…You even brought little Ar. How cute."
"Kiiiii."
Not only my family and friends, but most of the people I'd ford connections with so far were gathered on this deck, chatting happily.
Nayu-hyung, whom I'd t back when I lived in the floating castle, Orca-noona and Arin-noona.
Dickel, Uncle Schmitt, and even Lucas, who had helped us last ti.
Seeing so many people gathered together like this made the corners of my mouth lift naturally.
"Hey, Hoaquin. Eat so delimanju. Luf bought them. Share with Maschenny."
Yura suddenly popped out and tossed two bags of delimanju at .
I'd already eaten so earlier… guess I'll save these.
"Yura, by the way, I didn't know you were traveling with Hwarang. And about you becoming the sacrifice in that trial last ti… I guess, thanks."
At my words, she shrugged.
"Well, after resting for a year, I was looking to team up with the strongest group on that floor, and it just turned out that way. It's a team I really like—though I don't like that blue guy."
"Hah, like I care whether you like or not? This is why I told Hwarang we shouldn't take in people from the Ha family."
"You Khun family punk—want to go one round?"
"You think I can't?"
Asensio and Yura lunged at each other with angry expressions, then suddenly turned their heads away and responded with indifference instead.
Are these guys close…?
The original mbers all seem to get along well, but maybe the newer mbers don't get along with each other.
"It's fine. I watched them the whole way here—those two always ss around like that."
"Oppa, this is a present."
"Ah, Albelda. And Anna… what's this?"
At so point, Albelda and Anna had co over, and Anna suddenly handed a small gift bundle.
Haha, what a cute little sister.
But what is this?
"Earlier, Yura-unnie said that the best gifts are things you don't use anymore!"
"Haha… really?"
That's just getting rid of leftovers, isn't it, Anna…
What did Yura even teach you?
Sothing Anna doesn't use anymore.
When I opened the gift bundle to see what it was, there was a red jar inside containing so unidentified sauce.
Next to it was a small note, written in crooked handwriting, describing what the gift was.
— A red jar containing a sauce that lts souls —
"..."
Ah, right. Anna was originally a spellcaster.
I quickly closed the box, sealed it tightly, and stored it in the deepest and safest place in my pocket inventory.
They say the scariest thing is innocence, and now I get why.
"If there's soone you don't like… you can pour that on them…!"
"…Anna, you shouldn't do that…"
Did you ever pour it on soone when Vicente and I weren't looking?
"Haha, anyway, thanks for the present, Anna. I'll keep it safe."
"Anna seems really cute, right, hyung? What was the present? She wouldn't show ."
This ti, Luf tilted his head toward , curious about what Anna had given .
I quickly switched my pocket inventory to non-visible mode and protected Anna's secret.
"…It's better not knowing."
"…? Ah, okay…"
"Shh, it's starting."
In the anti, perhaps because he used fire shinsu and sensed sothing, Hwarang raised a finger to his lips, signaling everyone to be quiet.
At first, there were no signs at all, but as if by magic, the atmosphere began to change in an instant.
Fwoosh—
Shuuuu— Bang!
Shuuuu— Bang!
A single multicolored firework soared high into the air, then burst with a lively sound, scattering beautiful colors.
Then the next firework, and the next, and the next followed, sprinkling firework light across the ceiling of the Tower.
Before long, dozens—hundreds—of fireworks traced arcs through the sky and exploded beautifully, drawing flowers of light.
Except for the occasional sound of Luf's cara shutter, all of us who had been chatting excitedly just monts before now watched the fireworks in silence, as if by unspoken agreent.
....
Baekhwa Sword Palace, top-floor balcony
Bang—! Bang—!
Fireworks burst outward in a single direction with cheerful sounds.
Watching the quite beautiful fireworks, I was reminded of long ago—of the fireworks Hana once showed us on V's birthday, back when we were Regulars.
Compared to that, this was really nothing, but the old mories still made the corners of my mouth lift.
"…This year's Festival of the Sword seems especially beautiful."
"Have the rewards I ordered last ti been delivered?"
"Yes. Everything has been delivered, and the child accepted them. However, great Father, I still have doubts."
"What do you doubt?"
Without turning my head, I gazed at the exploding fireworks and looked into my child's heart.
Doubt.
Not of —but of that child.
"He is a child who was all but discarded by the family once. These days, the number of irreverent children who do not follow Father is increasing. Is it not possible that he, too, will swallow all the rewards Father bestowed upon him and then turn his back on the family?"
"Is it not possible…"
Yes, it is possible.
Though I am worshipped by the commoners as omniscient and omnipotent, there is still much about this Tower that even I do not know.
It is simply that those commoners are foolish and inferior, knowing nothing at all—while we, being superior, know many things, and our very perspective on the world is different.
"Yes, it is possible. But whether he turns his back on the family or does sothing else, that choice will be his."
To begin with, the reason I gave that child so much was simply to increase the number of paths he could choose from—for my own amusent. Whether your concern turns out to be true or not is aningless, so do not harbor doubts."
"If Father says so… then this one will no longer question it."
Whether he will turn his back on the family… even I do not know, haha.
I can read the paths around that child, yet I cannot read the child's own path—how amusing is that?
And to think he even uses Shinwonryu… interesting, very interesting.
Is he not extrely similar to us?
That perfect yet fragile lifeform—my child who truly feels like my child—what path will he walk? I am simply curious and interested.
Whenever I look at that child, my mind—soiled by power, factional strife, profit, and other such things—feels cleansed.
My child who resembles us, then what about you?
After a long passage of ti, will you too beco like us?
What stains will the truths and trials that child will face leave upon that white, pearl-like being?
Watching that unfold is itself a form of curiosity and amusent.
But still… I would like that white pearl to remain a white pearl.
To continue without ever losing its beautiful luster.
"Haha… how ridiculous."
To think I would harbor such sentintal thoughts…
I almost feel like I understand Gustang and Blossom now…
"Yure, bring a concubine into my bedchamber at once. It is about ti to create a new Princess of Zahard. Should we not quickly fill the vacuum of power and profit left by the elders' absence?"
"As you command."
I watched the fireworks a little longer, then closed the balcony doors and walked toward my bedchamber.
Ah—almost forgot.
I paused mid-step and spoke to Yure.
"Deliver the following words to my son."
"Understood."
.....
"It ended faster than I expected."
"Still, I think we saw enough. More importantly, it was insane—those photos were unbelievable."
"Maschenny, shall we head back soon?"
"Yeah. There's nothing else to see."
The multicolored fireworks that had illuminated the night ceiling of the 100th Floor were gone, leaving only the faint scent of gunpowder filling the viewing platform.
The massive crowd began to disperse like a receding tide, and we too, having enjoyed ourselves fully, started preparing to leave.
At that mont, Lucas—resting a small lightning bird on his shoulder—approached .
"Yo, kid."
"Ah, Lucas… hyung? What's up?"
"You got a spare room at your place?"
"…I think one's free."
Ah—no way.
Reading my expression, Lucas nodded with a mischievous grin.
"Yep. That 'no way' is exactly what you're thinking. I want to crash at your place for one night. Is that okay?"
"You're not going ho?"
"I want to, but Ar's drunk. If I ride Ar like this, I feel like I'd end up in the afterlife instead of ho."
"Kiiiiiing."
"…Is it okay to let your pet drink alcohol?"
Lucas shrugged as if he didn't know either.
"Even if I don't give it to him, he drinks on his own just fine. A lifeform like a lightning bird won't get health issues from that. Anyway, it's too far to fly myself. Do a favor."
Maschenny looked thoroughly annoyed, but since both Ar and Lucas were my lifesavers, it felt a bit wrong to refuse…
Might as well repay the favor—letting them stay one night wasn't a big deal.
With Lucas and the lightning bird added to our group heading ho, I said goodbye to Schmitt, Dickel, and the distant relatives of the Arie family.
"I'll stop by once more before heading to the 101st Floor."
"That would be appreciated. It was short, but enjoyable today, Hoaquin."
"Haha, sa here. Stay safe, everyone."
After the farewells, I boarded the floating ship where my family and companions were already waiting, and it flew swiftly toward our villa.
Not long after arriving, we couldn't handle the fatigue that had built up from all the excitent, and one by one, everyone headed to bed.
"Haah… I'm tired… I'm sleeping first…"
"Elder sister… I'll turn in as well today…"
"Uuung… Albelda-unnie, Anna's sleepy…"
" too. Want to sleep together, unnie?"
"Hwarang-hyung, Hoaquin-hyung, Maschenny-noona… I'll head in first too… yawn—"
Starting with Yura, everyone went to their respective rooms and fell into deep sleep, and the lights that had turned on when we returned went dark again in less than ten minutes.
While I guided Lucas to the empty room, even Hwarang had already gone to sleep, leaving only Maschenny and in the living room.
"…Hoaquin, I'll head in too."
"Yeah, Maschenny. Good night."
Honestly, I was exhausted too.
Maybe because of what happened with Maschenny today… I was really tired.
I went upstairs to my room on the second floor, changed clothes as soon as I entered, and collapsed onto the bed as if I'd passed out.
Thud—
Ah, so soft.
I should sleep now…
My vision gradually darkened, and I surrendered myself to the fading consciousness as I drifted into sleep.
It struck anew just how pleasant sleep could feel.
As my consciousness sank deeper and deeper, endlessly downward, it eventually reached the very bottom.
There was nowhere left to fall.
I had reached the deepest part of my inner self.
…What?
These sensations—none of them were unfamiliar.
Because I had experienced them once before.
This was all during the Revolution—
"Finally, we et again… '.'"
"Your body is flawless—exceptionally sturdy and perfect."
"Right…! But then what—"
"But your soul is not."
At those words, I froze, and it continued speaking without pause.
"Your soul was originally so weak that you would have died around the age of sixty. The only reason you've managed to endure this long is because, upon entering the Tower, your soul happened to possess near-perfect Shinsu affinity, and you obtained a good body."
"But that, too, is reaching its limit. Power, body, and soul—these are the three major components of a human's essence. They are ant to be organically connected. But you are not."
"Because your soul is too weak, it cannot withstand the amplification of your power each ti it increases."
"Zahard and the Ten Family Heads never had such concerns because their souls were of a high rank from the beginning… and ordinary Tower beings have predefined limits at birth, so they also do not face this problem. But you—whose power far exceeds your fragile soul—are different."
"To grow stronger only to die faster… is that not rather tragic?"
"…How much longer can I last?"
"Oh, don't worry too much about that. I already have a solution."
At its reassuring words telling not to worry, I felt the tension in my face slowly ease.
As I began to regain so composure, it snapped its fingers, and the navy-blue orb that had been inside my body erged outward.
Had it noticed and taken asures in advance…? There was no way for to know, and I couldn't help but be surprised.
I was grateful that my lifespan had been extended from fifty years to five hundred… and for such an inhuman Ten Family Head—what a surprise.
My inner 'self,' my true power, looked at quietly and let out a small laugh.
"But you don't plan on living only five hundred years, do you?"
Naturally, I nodded.
"Then there is only one thod. Strengthen the soul itself."
"And how do you do that?"
"Haa… why so many questions? I'm starting to get tired. It's botherso, so I'll explain quickly and simply."
…If I die, you die too, you know. You're awfully prickly.
"There is no way to strengthen a soul on its own. You can't exactly feed protein to a soul, can you?"
"So—"
It licked its lips and pointed at my soul.
"Mix it. Fuse your soul with another strong soul. That alone will be sufficient."
"…I appreciate you giving a thod, but how exactly do I do that? I don't know any soul-related sorcery, I don't have any routes, and I don't even know where to obtain another soul."
At my counterquestion, it tilted its head.
"Hm? You didn't know? You already have one."
"…?"
"The thing hanging at your waist—the sword you cherish most. That is the key."
Baekya…? This sword?
I knew it wasn't ordinary, but…
"That is an ignition weapon—a sword containing a powerful soul. Mix it with your soul. Don't ask how. I don't know either. The one who forged that sword probably does."
"..."
Kugugugung—
"Hm?"
Suddenly, the sound of sothing collapsing echoed.
Startled, I looked up, and the darkness that had filled the ceiling began to recede as bright light seeped through.
My inner 'self,' watching this, clicked its tongue.
"Tsk, it seems ti is already up. It's ti for us to part."
"Co visit again soti. As long as you create an environnt similar to a rice cooker, eting won't be difficult. You should spend the next five hundred years climbing the Tower while searching for the creator of that sword."
"Won't the soul of another ignition weapon work?"
"It would, but—"
It grinned so widely that its fangs showed.
"Unless it's on the level of a Month Series weapon, finding a soul comparable to Baekya will be difficult. And more importantly, isn't it your beloved sword? Just use Baekya and be done with it."
"This is truly farewell now. I may have spoken too much, but next ti, let's have a more balanced conversation."
"Do not forget. I am you—and your true power."
Flash—
The light that had shattered the ceiling engulfed in an instant, and the figure, smiling to the very end, vanished from my sight.
The light grew even stronger, and unable to bear the brightness, I closed my eyes.
Then—
Flash—!
"…Ah."
When I opened my eyes again, instead of the abyss-like inner world, I saw a ceiling bathed in bright sunlight.
I had awakened.
The chirping of birds outside sounded pleasant, and the scent of morning air brushed my face along with strands of blue hair—
…?
Blue hair?
"…Huh?"
When I turned my head slightly, I nearly stopped breathing in shock.
Maschenny?
Why is she sleeping in my bed?
"Mm…"
Seeing signs that she was about to wake up, I hurriedly got out of bed and looked down at her.
Soon, she fully woke up, rubbing her eyes, and I couldn't help but ask:
"…Why are you sleeping in my bed?"
She paused briefly, frowned, and replied:
"That thunderbird… it barged into my room and suddenly grew huge before falling asleep. The static electricity it gave off hurt, so I got chased out."
"…What about the living room?"
"It's cold."
"…Ah, I see. Good morning, Maschenny."
Perhaps we had slept in quite late—outside already looked busy.
While Maschenny went to wash up, I went downstairs and found Luf and Asensio hard at work cooking, with the others also busily preparing breakfast.
…Feels like only Maschenny and I slept well. Sorry about that.
"Hwarang, anything I can help with?"
"Oh, Hoaquin, you're up? Nothing in particular—just get ready to eat. It's almost done."
"Sorry…"
The sll of breakfast was nice. It looked delicious.
"Haha, let's eat together. But regarding the Sword of the Arie—"
"Arie Yure. He's governing the family in place of the Elders. He ordered to relay this ssage to you."
After taking a breath, Dickel looked straight at and spoke.
"I convey Father's words. If you wish to be freed from the illness gnawing at you, seek out the Tower's greatest blacksmith alongside the Undying Sun."
After delivering the ssage, Dickel shrugged.
"I don't really know what that ans, but… I do get the sense that you're hiding so kind of secret. Sotis, it's fine to loosen up and reveal things."
"Haha… I'll keep that in mind."
So Father knew as well.
The Undying Sun likely refers to my sword—Baekya.
The fact that my inner 'self' and Father reached the sa conclusion ans… this truly is the only way.
To find the creator and fuse Baekya with my soul.
But then… who exactly is this 'greatest blacksmith of the Tower'?
"Dickel, do you know who the greatest blacksmith in the Tower is?"
At my question, Schmitt looked at incredulously.
Maxes? The Workshop's Grandmaster? One of the Three Lords, the Magician?
As I pondered, Schmitt spoke.
"Hah, you've been enjoying a fine sword so casually that you don't even know who the greatest blacksmith is. Isn't it obvious?"
"…Who is it?"
"Ashul Edwaru—the master craftsman of the Thirteen Months and the greatest blacksmith in the Tower. That's who it refers to."
Ah—right. The blacksmith who created the Thirteen Months.
I had forgotten.
It's decided.
The destination of my next journey—Ashul Edwaru.
I have to find him.
"Hoaquin-hyung! The food's ready! Co quickly—you two as well!"
"Ah, Luf. I'm coming right now."
At the large round dining table sat Dickel and Schmitt, who had visited today, Lucas, who said he would stay the night, and Maschenny, who had co down from the second floor at so point—everyone was seated there.
All of us gathered around and enjoyed breakfast together. Luf really is an excellent cook.
After finishing the al, in the front yard of the villa.
Sohow, we had all gathered to see off Lucas, Dickel, and Schmitt.
"Little sister, did you sleep well last night?"
"…Shut up."
"Kiing."
While Maschenny and Lucas continued to show their still-affectionate… dynamic, I saw off Dickel and Schmitt.
"It's a bit of a sha that you're leaving after just having breakfast."
"I feel the sa. But Schmitt and I have been given an assignnt."
"Yeah. Peaceful but boring days co to an end as of today."
Just as Lucas mounted the sturdy back of Ar, whose hangover had worn off, and Dickel and Schmitt were about to board the floating ship, Luf suddenly ca running toward us in a hurry.
"Luf?"
"Huff… good, I'm not too late. I thought everyone had already left, so I rushed over… Before you go, would you like to take a photo? A group photo. It's been quite a while since we took one together."
The first to respond was Lucas.
"Oh, a photo? Sounds good. Kid, you seem to know what you're doing?"
"Haha… a little… I guess?"
"Schmitt, co down for a mont. Let's take a picture, then head off."
"Hah… what's with the photo all of a sudden."
There were those who were pleased and those who complained, but sohow, everyone at the villa ended up gathering closely together in the front yard.
Luf floated the observer in the air and hurried over to us, striking a pose.
"Alright, everyone. It'll take the picture in ten seconds, so get ready."
With less than three seconds left before the cara activated, even those who had been fidgeting or talking stopped moving and stared at the observer.
With one second left, I briefly looked around.
Maschenny stood beside , along with Hwarang, Luf, Albelda, Anna, Asensio, Yura, Dickel, Schmitt—and beyond them, many mbers of the Arie family with whom I had ford bonds. Everyone was here with .
I tightly held Maschenny's hand as the photo was taken.
A Princess of Zahard must not love. That is the rule.
And for a Princess of Zahard, breaking that rule ans—
Death. A miserable end.
I have no intention of letting that happen.
From Maschenny, whom I love, to the family and friends standing here with now.
I intend to protect them all with my own strength.
To do that, I have no choice but to grow stronger.
Much stronger than I am now.
They say you can never have enough strength, no matter how much you have—and that saying fits perfectly.
So I'll obtain enough that it will never be lacking.
I refuse the fate that befell Anak Zahard.
Click—
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