I processed her words carefully.
I think I finally understand exactly why the boy turned toward such profound darkness.
He was a tragic victim of the classic ’stolen fiancée for political gain’ cliché!
To think I would encounter such a glaring trope even in this entirely new world.
Sigh, I guess I can only blame by luck.
’That is exactly why he harbors an absolute hatred for Alverra, especially that specific kingdom,’ Caelia continued, her tone filled with certainty. ’However, he also despises both of our royal factions. After all, they forced that exact outcome upon him. And... Although he undoubtedly knows the conqueror faction plans to use him as a figurehead, he remains completely indifferent to their schemes.’
I nodded slowly.
A shattered heart easily drives a person to extremes. That was exactly what lost love could do to someone.
Then, a highly specific connection sparked in my mind, prompting an urgent question.
’Was that human kingdom perhaps called... Orlan?’
’...Yes,’ Caelia replied. Then, her crimson eyes widened briefly in profound shock. ’Are you... from that kingdom?’
’Mm. You can think of it that way,’ I confirmed. ’In fact, I found Cathiel’s egg inside that very kingdom as well.’
’Huh?’ Caelia transmitted, her confusion completely evident. ’H-How is that possible? She vanished in an entirely different location...’
She furrowed her brows, diving deep into her own thoughts to solve the spatial discrepancy.
I also took a moment to sort out my racing thoughts. After all, I had just stumbled upon an incredibly valuable piece of information, a massive secret that tied everything together.
That... Bane was that woman’s child.
It served as the sole logical explanation. Every single clue aligned perfectly and pointed directly at him. The transformation, that mark on his forehead, half human and half something race, and so on.
This also meant that Bane possessed a terrifyingly impressive status even by the strict standards of this nightmare dimension. He stood as the living, breathing proof of that forced political marriage.
A chaotic, highly volatile scenario immediately played out in my mind.
...How exactly would Xeron react if he ever crossed paths with Bane and learned the absolute truth?
He probably held an ocean of hatred for the Orlan Kingdom, and Bane represented the ultimate physical manifestation of his stolen love.
Such an encounter promised either disaster or drama.
And if I remember right, Bane probably wanted to come here. But even if he succeeded... would they welcome him? Even if they did... would they treat him equally? After all, he was a half-breed.
’...Nah, let’s not overthink it again.’
I forcefully pushed those distant, catastrophic hypotheticals aside. The present situation demanded my complete attention, prompting me to focus on the remaining mysteries instead.
’What happened to that woman afterward?’ I asked, steering the conversation back to the immediate past.
Caelia looked up and shook her head gently. ’My exile occurred right around that time. I remain entirely unaware of the events following my departure. I only know Xeron went into deep seclusion to break through to the Emperor Realm.’
’Emperor Realm?’ I echoed, genuinely surprised by the new yet somewhat familiar term.
’Um,’ she affirmed with a small nod. ’It stands as a rank directly below the Sovereign Realm, the absolute apex of Nemure.’
’So, he’s not the strongest then?’ I deduced. The Emperor Realm probably equaled Tier 8 in our world. ’Then how did he defeat so many Emperor-like figures?’
’Yes,’ Caelia transmitted. ’However, his bloodline possesses an incredibly high purity, second only to Cathiel. That specific trait allowed him to easily suppress the others back at the Spire.’
’Oh, so he used pure bloodline suppression!’
Come to think of it, Nemo found himself completely paralyzed against Bane back then for this exact reason! Bane simply utilized his innate royal bloodline suppression!
...Wait.
We...
We completely forgot Nemo!
’Crap!’ I exclaimed inwardly.
A wry smile quickly formed on my lips as I imagined Nemo’s pitiful state, completely left behind in that crumbling tower.
However, knowing his personality, I think he won’t be mad if he learns exactly what we are dealing with right now. Yeah. In fact, considering Nemo’s nature, he might feel completely grateful he didn’t get dragged into this castle as well.
After all, he hated the royals of this world to the core. He was even prepared to die back then when Bane offered him the choice between death and becoming his servant.
But still. I couldn’t just abandon him forever.
I looked toward Caelia again. ’Um... Can you travel back to the Spire?’
She nodded, tilting her head slightly in confusion. ’Yes. Why?’
’Well... my dog... I mean, my partner was left behind,’ I explained, correcting myself mid-sentence. We had already shared so much, meaning there was no need to hide anything from her any longer.
She just nodded quietly at the revelation. ’Should I summon it right now?’
I shook my head. ’No, there is no need for now. Let’s wait ti-’
Just then, a sudden, sharp knock echoed from the heavy bedroom door, making me stop mid-sentence.
A calm, youthful voice slipped through the door, completely shattering the quiet atmosphere.
"Auntie, may I come in?"
That calm, youthful tone belonged unmistakably to Xeron.
I exchanged a swift, meaningful glance with Caelia. We reached a rapid, tacit understanding. We absolutely had to continue our act as a married couple.
"Yes, you may enter," Caelia replied smoothly.
Simultaneously, she raised her pale hand, casting a shimmering, transparent sound barrier around the large bed to protect little Cathiel’s peaceful sleep.
The heavy wooden doors creaked open. Xeron stepped inside, offering a small, polite bow to excuse his sudden intrusion.
Caelia gestured toward the ornate round table in the center of the room, offering him a seat. The three of us sat down across from each other, forming a highly tense triangle.
I forced my racing heart to calm down in the sheer, overwhelming presence of this terrifying man.
As we settled into our chairs, sensing her discomfort radiating quietly from Caelia through our lingering mental link, I suddenly pondered a strange question.
Was he... always like this?
Like a kid, I mean?