The ceiling of the temple, made of marble, was designed to let light pour in freely.
The light that burst forth from the marble rose beyond the altar, climbing all the way into the sky.
Because of that, not only those near the imperial palace but even people far outside could witness it.
No one knew what it meant.
Everyone in the empire stopped whatever they were doing and turned their eyes to the light.
After some time, a lavish carriage came to a halt in front of the imperial palace.
It looked like a scene from a sunny day’s parade, but the people stepping out of the carriage weren’t dressed like partygoers.
Some emerged hastily, their hats askew and their hands still clutching personal belongings. All of them rushed toward the palace’s conference room.
Inside, the noble houses who had inherited power for generations were already gathered.
From aged elders to young men barely out of boyhood, a wide range of people had assembled. A tense atmosphere hung heavily in the room.
The doors opened, and a tall man with broad shoulders stepped inside.
He turned to face the gathered crowd and parted his lips to speak.
“The time has come.”
Everyone in the room rose from their seats.
“We greet His Majesty, the Emperor.”
The emperor gave a faint smile and motioned for them to sit.
“Be at ease. The signs are clear, how vivid the omens are.”
As everyone took their seats, the emperor leaned back and spoke in a steady voice.
“You probably already know, but it seems the prophecy has been fulfilled once again.”
As the emperor’s words ended, people murmured quietly among themselves.
The emperor turned to look at the man sitting beside him.
With firm steps, the man with emerald eyes rose to his feet, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spoke.
“I will now review the contents of the prophecy and outline what lies ahead.”
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Noelle turned his gaze toward the seated audience before continuing.
“You are all aware that when the marble emits light, it signifies the breaking of the Demon King’s seal.”
A few nods rippled through the room.
Then, Noelle’s lips began to recite the words of the prophecy.
The prophecy foretold that when the chosen one entered the empire and the marble responded to their presence, the seal—already weakened by three prior breakings—would finally collapse upon the fourth.
“So, is this the time when all our problems will be solved? Our territory is already overrun by monsters, we may no longer be able to grow crops.”
As Count Rakin, his pale face marked with scars, voiced his concern, Noelle offered a gentle smile, as if in understanding.
“It is true that the seal left behind by the previous chosen one has weakened and can no longer be considered stable.”
Silence fell over the room until Noelle spoke again, his voice firm.
“However, the new chosen one has appeared much sooner than we anticipated. Since everything is unfolding ahead of schedule, the empire’s response is now merely a matter of timing.”
“Then what exactly is this chosen one doing? Aren’t they the one responsible for triggering the unsealing of the Demon King?”
A hand was raised, and a voice called out from afar. Noelle paused for a moment and turned his eyes toward the emperor.
Staring straight ahead with a serious expression, the emperor gave a slight nod, and Noelle responded in a hushed voice.
“It hasn’t been disclosed until now, out of fear it might cause chaos.”
“What do you mean?”
“The only way to completely seal the Demon King… is through that person’s sacrifice.”
In an instant, shock swept through the room.
They had all believed that the Chosen One’s appearance would simply suppress the Demon King.
Now, caught off guard, the nobles exchanged uncertain, uneasy glances.
“Then if that person leaves again, won’t it be a disaster?”
“Agreed. Shouldn’t we confine them until the Demon King is sealed?”
As murmurs spread through the room, Noelle raised his hand and responded firmly.
“No. The seal requires a voluntary and sacrificial offering. That is precisely why we’ve kept this matter secret, until now.”
Marquess Tyrion, seated near the emperor, clenched his fist and spoke with a frown.
“I see. Because some fool might try to harm that person first?”
“Would that person willingly sacrifice themselves just because we want them to?”
Someone else asked. To that, Marquess Tyrion replied coldly,
“Then we must ensure they do. We cannot allow a repeat of what happened last time.”
Sitting upright and rigid, Marquess Tyrion’s gaze briefly shifted, then returned to the figure seated across the room.
Following his eyes, everyone turned toward the same direction.
There, leaning lazily against the back of the chair with arms draped over the armrests, sat a figure.
His skin was so pale it appeared almost translucent.
Unkempt black hair fell messily across his shoulders.
Beneath long lashes, light violet eyes shimmered with a weary glow.
One of them is hidden behind a dark eye patch.
Despite his carefully groomed appearance, the indifference in his gaze and the cold gleam in his eyes suggested a complete detachment from the world. His aloof demeanor made it seem as though he had no connection to the tension that filled the room.
“Are you talking to me?”
His tone was lazy.
Marquess Tyrion’s expression didn’t change in the slightest as he replied coldly,
“Grand Duke Lephrix, is that how it sounded to you? I merely voiced a general concern.”
Annoyance flickered across the Grand Duke’s face.
Then, a sharp voice cut through the room.
“The magic stone’s light shines, just like you all wanted. So if the Demon King, or whatever it is, reappears… I’ll kill it. Then what’s even the point?”
The atmosphere in the chamber instantly turned icy.
Some cast wary glances toward the emperor, but the monarch remained unmoved by the Grand Duke’s outburst.
Among the imperial nobles, Grand Duke Lephrix’s rebellious attitude was already infamous.
The Grand Duke of Lephrix had been granted his title as Grand Duke after protecting the empire by sealing the Demon King, so no one dared to reprimand his actions.
Just then, Baron Melbourne, who had failed to read the mood, spoke up.
“Then, Your Highness, why don’t you go see them yourself?”
Grand Duke Lephrix snapped the fingers resting on the table.
“Why me?”
Baron Melbourne looked almost giddy to have received a response. He replied with a sheepish smile.
“Well, you are the Grand Duke, the empire’s representative. If you had gone last time, that person from the prophecy might not have left…”
Silence crushed the room in an instant.
Everyone who had been whispering moments before went mute. Baron Melbourne bit his lip, overwhelmed by the weight of what he’d just said aloud.
The man slowly turned his gaze and looked at Marquess Tyrion.
Grand Duke Lephrix gave a mocking smile and turned his gaze toward Marquess Tyrion as well.
“Sounds like something a man fond of scheming would say.”
“It might be better not to speak so carelessly.”
“Consider your own words returned.”
A vein pulsed on Marquess Tyrion’s forehead. The atmosphere thickened with menace.
As the two men, each powerful enough to be called a pillar of the empire, squared off, the rest of the nobles didn’t dare whisper, too afraid to even meet their eyes.
“Noelle.”
The emperor, who had been watching the two with interest, finally spoke. Noelle bowed slightly and opened his mouth to respond.
“Why are you arguing? We didn’t gather here to fight, did we?”
Lifting his head, Noelle spoke in a gentle voice.
Despite the faint smile on his lips, a firm determination burned in his green eyes.
“This time, we must seal the Demon King completely and bring lasting prosperity to the empire. Should we not unite all our strength for that cause?”
“That is correct.”
As the tension eased, a softened mood spread through the chamber. Several nobles let out quiet sighs of relief.
Grand Duke Lephrix pushed back his chair and stood from his seat.
“Well, let’s hope that precious figure doesn’t run off again and ruin everything.”
“Tch…”
Some nobles clenched their teeth in frustration as they watched Grand Duke Lephrix stride out without a hint of hesitation.
But none had the courage to stop him.
Noel waved his hand lightly, steering the mood once more.
“Grand Duke Lephrix is simply doing his best as a Grand Duke, so we must do the best we can as well.”
The chilled air began to warm again.
“Where is Count Whedon now?”
“They say he was on his way to inspect the troops but encountered monsters. He’ll be a little delayed.”
“The person from the prophecy is likely at Count Whedon’s estate now, correct?”
“Yes.”
“We should strive to ensure their comfort. Are all preparations complete?”
“Yes. We’ve already sent some supplies and personnel to Count Whedon’s manor.”
Noelle nodded and glanced around the table..
“I’m sure you’re all aware, but even if their behavior seems strange, pretend not to notice. Regardless of manners or sensibilities, we need them.”
The nobles around the table all nodded as Noelle continued,
“A banquet hosted by me will soon be held at the palace. Please ensure everything proceeds according to plan. That will be all for today.”
The emperor rose first, and the nobles followed him out.
In the now-empty conference room, Noelle sat alone, gazing off to the side. Then, the young master of Count Heidel, who had been waiting quietly outside, stepped in.
As Noelle lifted his head, he asked the young master of Heidel,
“Are Lady Carlart and Lady Erylleon in the drawing room?”
“…No. Neither of them has arrived yet.”
Noelle, who had been about to rise in anticipation of a positive answer, froze mid-motion.
“Why? Didn’t you reach out to them?”
“I personally delivered the letter and visited…”
“And?”
“They were aware of the contents and said they were going out.”
“Both of them?”
“Yes.”
Noelle held his head for a moment, then murmured through clenched teeth,
“They sure know how to time their rebellion well. Request their return as quickly as possible.”
“Yes.”
Noelle carefully lifted the hem of his robe and rose from his seat.
Chirp, chirp…
Birds sound rang in my ears.
When I moved my fingers slightly, I felt a soft sensation at my fingertips.
That meant I had transmigrated properly.
Wait… transmigrated properly?
‘What?! None of my memories are gone!’
‘Can I actually sue them for this?’
Nothing had gone right, what if I couldn’t go home at this rate?
Was that Transmigrator Hotel even properly licensed? Is this really how they do business?!
Panicking, I hurriedly opened the guidebook that had been placed in my hands.
‘This can’t disappear…!’
As I flipped to the first page, bold letters immediately caught my eye.
‘Were you surprised because your memory wasn’t erased?’
Startled, I shot up from my seat with a jolt.
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