Chapter 4

Alvis hurried to the cathedral and was led to a certain place by the archbishop. It was a place Alvis had visited before.

It was around the time before the National Foundation Day, when he was about to set out on an expedition. Alvis had brought Rex and others to visit the library in the cathedral. The place he was led to was precisely that library. The moment he stepped into the place, he immediately understood what had happened. In one corner, a bookshelf was glowing.

"What is this...?"

"This library has been undergoing a review since the prince's last visit. The bishop and I have been organizing it. We didn't visit here yesterday because it was the start of the new year. When we checked this morning, it was already like this..."

"So it was already in this state?"

"Yes."

The archbishop had already approached the glowing bookshelf, but nothing happened when he did. The light didn't fade, and they couldn't just leave it as it was. Recalling the phenomenon that occurred when Alvis visited last time, the archbishop decided to call him. While it might not be right to seek help from the prince, the cathedral is a place visited by many people. They didn't want to cause unnecessary worry, especially at the beginning of the new year. The cathedral is temporarily closed due to the unclear situation, but the archbishop and others hope to reopen it as soon as possible.

Understanding the situation, Alvis looked around the library again. The anomaly was in one place only. Alvis was almost certain that the anomaly was related to a certain book. Whether it was his intuition or the protection he had, he couldn't tell. Nevertheless,

"Given my past, I can't approach it recklessly."

Leaving it as it was also posed a risk. The risk of something similar happening as before. Alvis turned his head to Dain, who had accompanied him.

"Dain."

"Yes."

"In case of an emergency, I leave it to you."

"...Understood."

A situation that couldn't be ignored. The fact that Alvis was the only one who could handle it. People visit the cathedral at the beginning of the new year every year. Interrupting this could spread unease among the people. Knowing this, Dain had no choice but to accept. After confirming Dain's firm nod, Alvis approached the problematic bookshelf and extended his hand.

"!"

He probably touched it. The moment he thought he touched the problematic book, Alvis felt everything turn white before his eyes. He closed his eyes involuntarily but opened them again when the light dimmed. He found himself in a completely white space, with no tables or walls in sight. It was a space that was white no matter how far he looked.

"Wh-Where am I...?"

"Are you the Redeemer of the present world?"

"!"

A voice reached him in the white space. Alvis turned to the source of the voice. There stood a girl with silver hair and large, crimson eyes.

"Who are you...?"

"Nice to meet you. I am Lentiars of the Holy Kingdom of Suvania, the one who will eventually succeed as the queen of Suvania."

"...So, you are the successor to Queen Cisletia?"

"Yes. Please remember me. I am Alvis, the next king of Rubelia and the current crown prince."

The successor to the Holy Kingdom of Suvania. The successor of Suvania is not determined by bloodline but by the designation of the previous ruler. So, this girl, Lentiars, might not be Cisletia's child. However, she bears a striking resemblance to her, in both hair color and facial features. More than that, she exudes a presence even stronger than Cisletia's. A presence that is not just authority but something more, like the aura he felt when facing the goddess Luciora.

As Alvis thought this, Lentiars smiled.

"It seems you possess a power closer to the Redeemers of the past. This situation required someone like you."

"...What are you talking about?"

"Perhaps you are unconsciously sensing my power? It's not surprising. I have more power than the queen."

She probably looks the same age as Elina or younger, but her demeanor is beyond that of a girl. She already possesses the presence of someone who leads others.

"The book you touched is one of the paths left by those who became gods in the past. I intended to invite a girl from the empire, but it seems she didn't come quietly. I'll have to think of another way."

"The empire... Miss Termia?"

"Yes. Both you and she are beacons left for the future world."

Lentiars looked up. Of course, there was no sky in this space, only whiteness.

"It's time."

"Time?"

"We'll meet again. Next time, with her. I'll take my leave now, Prince Alvis."

"Wait—"

Lentiars bowed to end the encounter. Alvis tried to question the current situation, but his voice didn't reach her, and the space disappeared.

"Prince Alvis?!"

"!"

When he came to, Alvis was back in the library, his hand still extended.