For an eternal peace (3)

This world has always wronged me. And you are the personification of the will of God. Thus you will never agree with me.

Melchiors tone was still calm, but immense anger could be felt seething under it. Kleio controlled his desire to jump through the window and sprint away as he replied,

The unpredictable events of God have given me some truth about a world, but would such a grand plan be given to those who are mere creatures?

Melchior suddenly slowed as he realized that he had raised his voice.

I have no intention of exerting power on you now. But next time, if we are to award the medal of capital defense again, we can make sure to include the [Covenant] in the process. Its all thanks to the human virtue of learning through experience.

The medal he had been awarded was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Saying that statement was Melchiors way to declare the next life. Hearing him say it was even scarier than Kleio had thought.

No, theres no such thing as the next life!

Kleio wiped his cold sweaty palms on his pants. Now, Separation was at its limit. It wasnt even because of resisting a unique skill, but due to Kleios psychological shock.

Then, I will tell you later how to fulfill your knights duty. Go back.

Then, Arthur

Havent you heard? Ill send him back right away. So, are you going to be Arthurs keeper?

If there are no flaws in the procedure, I will do that.

Whatever you want.

Melchior, a clerical smile now covering his face, called the council servant to usher Kleio out of the office. To welcome Arthur, he had to move from the council chambers to the palace.

He had been through the connecting passage before, but today it felt like a thousand miles long. The servants steps werent particularly quick, but Kleios legs trembled after him, his palms and his back coated in a cold sweat. The meeting felt like it had taken twenty hours, not two.

Still, Arthur was released.

Kleio cheered himself up as his mind and body began to sag with mental and emotional fatigue.

.

.

.

Kleio stood in the same place where Gideon Asel had awaited him a few days ago. As he gazed at the portrait of Phillipe hung over the fireplace, he seemed to sense what Gideon Asel had felt. It felt inappropriate to make any expression as his heart went from cold to hot. He couldnt guess what kind of torment Arthur mustve suffered.

Hes strong, so the damage may not be severe, but he came close to death.

The ring had grown too warm, so he turned off Separation. It hadnt brought him much calm anyway. Ether circulated through his body as he prepared to heal any wounds Arthur had.

Ah.

He had so many things to say, but upon seeing Arthur, Kleios jaw simply dropped. Arthur, his hands stowed in his pockets, was okay at first glance. He had a beard that had been roughly shaven and was wearing clothes that seemed a size too small for his height, but his limbs were unmarred.

Then, Arthur took a step closer to the frozen Kleio.

Lei, Im glad youre safe. Im surprised youre the one to greet me. I cant tell you how crazy the things Vesna told me about you.

Vesnas speech mustve been vicious, as Arthurs eyes were deeply afflicted. With both arms outstretched, Kleio tried to reassure Arthur.

I dont know what youve heard, but its all a lie. Im completely fine; I was just trapped. I was released in less than three days. The bail cost a lot, but that doesnt matter. I know whose son I am.

After hearing Kleios answer, Arthur let out a deep sigh, his broad shoulders drooping like a deflated balloon.

Really, nothing happened. Haah, I thought I was going crazy from worry. So, you know what happened to the others? Are they okay?

Cel is in a similar position to me, and Isiel is being protected by her mothers side of the family. The twins are with their aunt. They mustve been released by now. Youre the one who struggled, so is now the time to start worrying about others?

Arthur protested with a cheeky tone.

Ah! Before I left, I shaved, washed my hair, and changed clothes. Am I still dirty?

Thats not the problem Youre hurt.

The princes eyes turned wide.

Wow, howd you know? She healed them with magic.

No, I felt the healing magic activated under the north gate earlier. Who else do I complain to? Are you okay? Where the hell have you been hurt? You need to be healed quickly and properly.

Arthur reflexively moved as Kleios hand reached out to him. The strength of the trained swordsman quickly batted away the wizards wrist. More surprised than Kleio by his own actions, Arthur inhaled sharply.

Lei, are you okay? No, that

Kleio pressed the back of his hand, obscuring Arthurs sight from the swelling.

Tell me, what did Vesna Driscoll do to you?

At a glance, it seemed that blood was oozing from Arthurs fingertips. He quickly hid his hands back in his pockets.

She didnt do much. Just I was exhausted from using ether, and I wasnt allowed to sleep.

His forehead was slick with sweat, and he looked parched. Even with his terribly shaky look, Arthur tried to maintain his open-minded attitude. It was Arthurs way. After applying [Soundproof][Shield] to the entire reception room, Kleio turned to Arthur.

Then, show me your hand.

Ah, what is it? It isnt a basic school health test.

Arthur.

Arthur, avoiding Kleios gaze, was almost pushed back to the mantlepiece before revealing his hands. The sight was terrible. Of his ten fingers, only four nails remained. They had been healed quickly, but the round and uneven shapes looked painful. Even the remaining fingernails had been worn down and crushed. Kleio quickly produced his wand, but Arthur hurriedly held back the wizard.

You have the sound blocked now. Dont use a double load. Youll collapse.

What?!

Arthur was well aware of Kleios limits; it had been essential to grasp in order to fight together. Kleios ether was abundant, close to that of an average level 6 wizard. Healing the wound of a person standing intact shouldnt lead to him collapsing, which meant that the injuries were deeper than they looked.

I know that Vesna forced you to make a [Covenant]. Since youve been held for more than a week, its a miracle that you walked out on your own two feet. Tell me what happened, show me your injuries. That way, I can adjust it to the magic.

Ive already healed, so Ill just take some rest.

He just needed a little rest. That didnt fit at all with the subject that he could use a double load due to the depletion of ether. Kleio grabbed Arthurs arm, and Arthur released him.

Ouch!

Arthur flinched, even though Kleios weak grip barely touched him. Despite his desperation to pretend to be calm, Arthurs physical condition wasnt normal.

I saw the formula activated earlier. She is trying to hide the traces of torture, but it still hurts.

Its not the first time Ive been injured.

Doesnt it still hurt? I have to erase it right away if you dont want them to scar. Show me quickly; it grows more difficult as time passes.

Ah, what is a wound or two on my body? They wont be noticeable.

Whenever you see the scars, youll think of your time underground. That time cant be turned back.

Arthurs time couldnt be edited even with Editors Authority. The impossibility angered Kleio. Rather than regretting what happened to him, Arthur opened his mouth with a childish expression that didnt match his grown-up face.

Right. Even with the miracle of the skill, time is irreversible. Somehow, I feel like Ive become a great person.

Arthur hadnt mentioned Kleios skill since the Amphitheater, but he hadnt forgotten about it.

You know, Lei, Im much better off not getting rid of the wounds or turning back time. Im proud of the proof of my faith. Its a scar I have as proof that I didnt betray anyone. Huh?

Arthur was still himself, despite his injuries. Kleio couldnt laugh or cry as he merely frowned at his messy friend. Promise flashed out as he felt conflicted.

[Users narrative involvement has increased.

Cumulative rate: 54.3%]

In this situation, damn it.

He wanted to scatter the golden letters, but he couldnt. If his destiny all belonged to Gods plan, what was the reason for this torment? Is it to shape a better personality from the test of pain? But Kleio didnt care.

Lei.

A good and strong protagonist stood before Kleio. His friend, anxiety in his turquoise eyes, was soaked in fatigue.

No. Your fidelity doesnt have to be proved that way. Its just evidence of their unjust persecution.

Arthur would never open up about the days and nights he went through, and he wouldnt make his colleagues feel guilty. He would cover up the truth in jokes, not wanting his friend to know a terrible truth. So, Kleio triggered his skill.

[Unique skill: Uses Editor Authority. (1/3)]

[Remaining time/time limit:

00:04:59 / 00:05:00]

A bunch of papers appeared between Kleio and Arthur, alongside a pen with blue and gold ink. After a year or so, the condition of the manuscript had grown worse than before. Even under Kleios careful touch, the remaining life of the Palimpsest didnt seem long. Arthur also recognized the old sheet of paper.

Thats prediction. Why are you bringing it out?

Even now that he was a full-fledged young adult, there were times when Arthur showed the senseless attitude of a child.

The prediction happens based on the past. Here, not only the future but also the past.

What?! Thats foul play!

Its because you wont talk!

The wizard shouted as he read the manuscript. Arthur tried to snatch it, but the Palimpsest rejected his touch. Even with his ether, the damned paper couldnt be reached.

Several minutes passed like a hundred years. When he finally found the text he was looking for, Kleios expression was filled with horror.