Chapter 78

Sitting on the fine bed, I rested my chin in my hand and let my thoughts wander.

The current situation is bad. Very bad. The clothes on my shoulders felt like a heavy burden, pressing down on my chest.

I have always used my knowledge of past travels and history to plant seeds that would benefit me. Whether it was the matter with Karia, or the matter with Fiaruto, or the matter of the Holy War, that’s what I’ve been doing.

But now, what is the situation? To be honest, in this place, the Hanging Gardens of Gazaria, there are only a few places where my knowledge seems to apply. There are quite a few differences from what I had imagined. I can’t grasp the intentions of that Elven princess, Eldis.

Despite this, I spoke out of emotion, letting the words swirl in my chest. I couldn’t help but hold down my bangs.

"It’s too late to regret it now. If you don’t want to be involved, I’ll force you in, even if I have to suppress you. No, if you’re not giving up, that’s the only thing I can do."

Really, what a foolish thing to do. People can easily break even the decisions they make themselves.

Eldis’s words echoed strangely in my ears. I swallowed and let out a voice.

Come to think of it, it might have been a while since I faced someone alone. Lately, there have been too many people around. But this suits me better.

"I’m not sure whether to call you 'Princess' or 'Eldis.' I want to hear what you’re trying to do and what’s happening here."

The female elf who called herself Variann had long since left the room, probably to fulfill Eldis’s orders.

I crossed my legs and searched for the tobacco in my chest pocket. But I remembered it had been confiscated.

"I’m not sure where to start. It’s a common story. I often hear that in human countries, it’s a never-ending tale, and it’s tiring."

Indeed, it must be so. It’s a common story.

There was a great Elven king. A king with benevolent rule, compassion, and great virtue. For a human king, there could be nothing better. Wonderful. His reign would surely be praised by future generations. Even the wicked would live in hiding during his time.

The problem is that Elves have a lifespan far beyond our human comprehension.

His reign lasted for several hundred years. When that happens, everyone gets tired of the era. Things that wouldn’t normally cause dissatisfaction start to do so. Small cracks turn into large fissures.

Being too competent was the problem. I don’t know how the Elven throne is usually passed on, but he should have abdicated earlier.

Even the wicked, who nurture their vices in their hearts, can’t wait for several hundred years. So they prop up someone more convenient.

In this case, the king’s younger brother. That is, Eldis’s uncle.

His name is Fin Largias. He was a king who once ruled the Elven kingdom. Indeed, nothing has changed in that regard. The same path has been followed this time.

It’s an interesting story. Humans and Elves, everyone is tormented by emotions, yet they keep making choices. In that flow, history has been woven.

Thus, the former king, who was labeled as wicked, was overthrown, and a new era began. It should have started smoothly, whether good or bad.

However, a problem emerged afterward.

The late king’s only surviving child, the Elven princess, Eldis.

She was truly a being favored by the spirits.

Even the phenomenon that appeared before us while we were in the tower was evidence of this. It was clearly different from other Elves.

This might be a unique Elven value. Killing someone favored by the spirits is taboo, even if they are the daughter of a wicked king.

Therefore, she was confined to the tower. She would remain there until her mind or body broke down, until a reason to take her life was found.

Thinking about it, the reason Eldis was allowed to travel with us during our previous journey was probably because she was no longer in her right mind.

At least during our previous journey, I don’t recall having a serious conversation with Eldis as we do now. We could understand each other’s words, but it felt like there was no mutual understanding.

Indeed, what happened is a vulgar story. It’s not something I should know, and there’s no way to find out now. It’s all just a story from the past.

"So, this matter you mentioned is about overturning this moldy bread-like situation, right?"

The current situation is far from good. The Elven princess is certain to be confined to the tower until she goes mad, and I will be finished when the Garalist soldiers arrive. As for Karia and the others, their whereabouts are unknown. The hourglass of life continues to pour sand.

If so, I need to do something to turn things around. Ah, I’m good at that. Those who lack talent and strength in their hands can only keep struggling to find a way to turn the board upside down.

"There are a few people in Gazaria who support me. Some, like Variann, follow out of loyalty, and others for their own interests."

In that regard, it seems to be no different from humans. Profit and loss, loyalists and traitors. The world is a chaotic mix of these. It’s the same in the Elven palace, a den of demons.

"The point is, we need to rewrite this Hanging Garden from end to end, just as your uncle, Largias, did in the past."

Eldis’s words seemed to waver slightly with emotion.

Her usually detached, elusive blue eyes sparkled. It was as if she was pulling back something she had thrown away.

"I want you to hold one end of the lever to overturn this, Lougis. How about it, cellmate? This will make us co-conspirators. If you haven’t given up, will you join hands with me?"

I listened slowly to the content of her words. Most of it was smooth and seamless. Probably, while rejecting this plan, Eldis had been carrying it deep in her heart all along.

Before bedtime, right after waking up, and at random moments. She had embraced it over and over again.

Dreaming of the moment when she would behead those who set the palace on fire and killed her father.

How to use the troops, the best route to the palace after escaping, which Elves would join her.

Eldis spoke without hesitation. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her sculpted face showed excitement. It was a somewhat childlike expression.

"How about it? I don’t think it’s bad. I believe this path will lead to everyone’s happiness. You’ll join me, won’t you, Lougis?"

It wasn’t a question. It was a request for agreement, as if it was a given.

No, really, what a ridiculous thing to say, this princess. I clicked my heels, stroked my chin slightly, and spoke.

"---Unfortunately, I must decline. I can’t entrust my life to the pleasant fantasies of a princess raised in a hothouse. I told you, I have no intention of dying."