Chapter 73

For now, I think I'll go with a compromise between Plan A and Plan C.

It was an event that took place on the fourth and fifth days of the so-called One Week War.

The army that had been at war with the Kingdom of Faldaem suddenly changed direction and surged into the Kingdom of Domorgal in one swift move.

The Kingdom of Domorgal, with no means to resist the 30,000 cavalry and 60,000 infantry, was ravaged, and a large part of its northern territory was seized.

---

"Exactly as you predicted, Merlin. I didn't think it would go this smoothly," King Rosel muttered.

Merlin responded to him.

"Thanks to the dragons. These little ones allowed us to easily gather information on the situation."

Merlin stroked the small dragon perched on her shoulder.

These small flying dragons, capable of flying at over 500 kilometers per hour, made it easy to monitor the battle situation in real time.

Yesterday, they learned that the army had moved from the northern border to rescue the Domorgal forces, who had been defeated by the Rosais army.

Upon immediately learning this, Merlin advised King Rosel to move the army.

This is how they successfully reduced the territory significantly.

"The Domorgal army, which invaded the Kingdom of Rosais, suffered a major blow and is now incapable of recovery. They are exhausted and no longer useful. Maintaining the current border will be difficult enough for them. They lack the strength to reclaim both the south and the north."

This meant that one of the three major powers in the northern part of the South Adelnia Peninsula had collapsed.

"Should we attack the Kingdom of Domorgal now?"

"No, we should wait for the right moment. The commander of the southern campaign is the first prince, Carlo. But he has failed. His status as crown prince will likely be stripped. A succession struggle for the next crown prince will surely ensue. We should take advantage of that. However, the signs of internal conflict have not yet surfaced. A cornered rat will bite the cat. For now, let's continue to seize territory from the Kingdom of Faldaem and focus on enriching and strengthening our country. ... Besides, the unification of Gallaia is not yet complete."

The Kingdom of Rosel only controls the southern part of Gallaia.

There are thirty-two tribes in Gallaia, and the Kingdom of Rosel has conquered twenty. Twelve tribes remain rebellious.

It would be more desirable to fully dominate the Adelnia Peninsula after pacifying Gallaia.

"I see. As expected of you, Merlin. Our country is always relying on you."

"Hehe, I am the foster parent and first vassal of the first king. To me, this country is like a grandchild."

Merlin smiled wryly.

She looked like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, but her expression was that of a witch who had lived for hundreds of years.

"Well, Your Majesty, I'll be heading home now. I have research to do."

Merlin flipped her black cloak and walked away.

Many soldiers watched her back with a mix of respect and fear.

---

Merlin's house looked very small from the outside.

But beneath it was a vast basement.

Inside, complex geometric patterns were drawn, and various unidentifiable chemicals were placed on the shelves.

Merlin slumped onto the sofa.

"Hey, are you there?"

--- Yes, I'm here ---

A childlike voice answered Merlin's call.

This voice could only be heard by Merlin. To others, it would look like she was conversing with a demon.

"I've always wanted to see your form."

--- No way. It would be embarrassing. Even just letting you hear my voice is embarrassing ---

The mocking reply came.

--- By the way, how's your research coming along? ---

"Yes, it's about ninety percent complete."

--- It was worth the five hundred years. It was worth the blessing I gave you ---

"Ah, this 'blessing of immortality.'"

Merlin said this and then cut off her finger with a nearby knife to demonstrate.

Fresh blood flowed, but it quickly stopped, the cut swelled, and the finger regenerated.

"Rather than immortality, it's more about maintaining the body in its optimal state. Dead cells regenerate instantly. But if the head is crushed and the body separates from the soul, it's over. In other words, instant death is unavoidable. It's not eternal life..."

Merlin sighed.

Living a long life is a good thing, but when it's time to die, you will die.

Moreover, she has suffered greatly because of this blessing.

Her fear of death has become much stronger than that of ordinary people due to her extended lifespan.

Perhaps it would have been better to die sooner.

--- There's no help for it. We can turn one into a hundred, but we can't turn one into nothing, nor can we turn a hundred into infinity ---

All living things have life and death.

They are two sides of the same coin.

Living means that one will eventually die.

Eternal life is a contradictory existence, like a card with only one side.

It is impossible and a taboo that should not be broken.

"Well, my research is about eternal life... beyond sorcery. Twisting and rewriting the laws of the world. Rebellion against the gods. The realization of magic."

--- I'm looking forward to it. Being able to do what was once impossible. I want to see it soon. Magic. What will really happen? A utopia where no one dies? Or... ---

A hell where no one can die.

Or perhaps the world itself will collapse and be destroyed.

"I don't want to die. Not like Etzel. I will survive, even if I have to crawl."

Merlin laughed.

--- By the way, they're trying to interfere again. This time, they seem to be putting in a serious effort. Be careful ---

"This is the tenth time I've heard this. Most of them can't match the Kingdom of Rosel, which I control. Who is it? The Emperor of Persis? That old man wouldn't come this far."

--- They're transferers. But their bodies are from this world. Only their souls are from another world. Whether it was intentional or an accident, it doesn't matter. Their name is... ---

--- Almus, I think? ---

"Hmm... interesting."

Merlin made and drank tea.

It was green tea imported from the East.

Compared to the tea from her homeland, it was not as good, but she still preferred it to wine.

--- They're such boring people. Being afraid of being able to do what was once impossible. The unknown is the most exciting ---

"Only you and your kind enjoy the thrill of possibly dying."

--- Is that so? Well, I don't really care about the others. I'm looking forward to it... ---

---

--- Kurosaki Mari ---

The voice disappeared.

Merlin—Mari placed the empty cup on the table and stretched.

"Almus, huh... I should see him with my own eyes, I suppose."

What exactly is Merlin...