Chapter 84

Tiararose and Akari, who had been teleported by the magic circle, found themselves in a circular room about ten tatami mats in size.

The walls and everything else were made of crystal, enveloped in a translucent light. There seemed to be no other path or room to proceed to, but there was a pedestal in the center. However, nothing was placed on it.

"What is this room...?"

Tiararose looked around, but there was nothing unusual except for the pedestal. Akari, looking at the pedestal, tilted her head and asked, "What is it for?"

Akari touched the pedestal to see if anything would happen, but nothing did.

"Hmm... I think Lady Tiararose should touch the pedestal to progress the event, right?"

"Yes, that's right..."

Thinking it was pointless to just stand there, Tiararose went to the pedestal. Like the room, the pedestal was made of crystal and was circular. It emitted a faint light, making it easy to imagine it was a key point.

—I hope the event progresses and Lady Aqua's troubles are resolved.

With this thought, Tiararose, despite her tension, touched the pedestal. This action seemed to be correct. A strong light emitted from the ring, and Tiararose and Akari closed their eyes due to the brightness. The excitement of wondering what would happen was undeniable. However, the voice that came next made Tiararose catch her breath.

"...What is it, Tiararose?"

"Um... Lady Aqua?"

When the light stopped and Tiararose opened her eyes, Aquasteed was there.

"We're here too."

"!!"

Tiararose heard Keith's voice from behind her and turned around hurriedly. Aquasteed, Keith, Clayre, and Ferres were all there.

"You did something on your own again..."

Keith chuckled and looked around the room. Clayre sighed and followed suit.

"This place is nostalgic. It's been a while since I've been here."

"I didn't expect to come back in this way."

—Do they all know the situation?

Aquasteed gently embraced the bewildered Tiararose, but his expression showed anger. He was undoubtedly angry that she had acted on her own. No matter how carefully she had slipped away, it was impossible to avoid being teleported with Aquasteed and the others.

"I'm sorry... It said that no one should know."

"I was worried when I woke up and you weren't beside me."

"...Yes."

Seeing Tiararose's sincere apology, Ferres, who had been silent, spoke up.

"Well, it's been a while since we played this game. The Sea Fairy King is sleeping, but everyone understands, right?"

"..."

Hearing Ferres's words, everyone's expressions became serious. The strength with which Aquasteed embraced Tiararose increased, indicating he understood what was about to happen. Only Tiararose and Akari were in the dark.

"Since Tiararose doesn't understand, let me explain. This is the starting point where the kings obtain their territories."

"Territories...?"

"Yes."

The event triggered by Tiararose's prayer was a forced 'Fairy King Territory Claim.' The first time this happened was when Marin Forest was founded. The Fairy Kings determined their territories through a strategic battle. If any disputes arose, they would resolve them through a territory claim, to avoid damaging the land.

"When I founded Marin Forest, the three Fairy Kings blessed it. But the question was, who would bless which part of Marin Forest. So, I thought it would be best to claim the land to be blessed."

"Is obtaining a territory a way to show one's power, then?"

"Exactly, Tiararose. And I fought for a territory to show that I was worthy of being the king of this country."

Hearing Ferres's explanation, Tiararose nodded in understanding.

—So, the purpose of this Fairy King Territory Claim is... Ah!

"Prince Ferres, this is...?"

"It seems you've figured it out."

"..."

The first Fairy King Territory Claim was when Marin Forest was founded. In other words, it was when Ferres became the King of the Stars.

And this time, it's because Aquasteed is becoming the King of the Stars.

Tiararose's prayer had declared the start of the territory claim for Aquasteed to truly become a king.

"Lady Aqua, I..."

"It's okay, Tiararose. I'll be fine. After all, you're here with me."

Just that alone gives me the strength to do it, he said.

"Aquasteed, do you understand the rules?"

"...Yes."

Hearing Ferres's question, Aquasteed nodded firmly.

Marin Forest's territory is filled with blessings that are invisible to humans but visible to fairies. These blessings take the form of gems, corals, flowers, and the like. Obtaining them means that the land becomes your territory.

This is what 'claiming a territory' means.

The territory is divided into square grids within Marin Forest. Each grid contains a blessing to claim the territory. Therefore, participants must claim each territory one by one. However, it is also possible to steal territories.

For example, if Keith claims a territory, and Clayre claims the territories on both sides, Keith's territory will become Clayre's.

It's similar to the game Reversi.

After explaining everything, Ferres continued, "Shall we begin, Tiararose? The opening declaration."

"Me?"

"Of course. Normally, if a king starts the game, their ring is enough. But for a third party to force the start, all the rings are needed."

"!"

Realizing this, Tiararose gasped. She had undoubtedly done something unnecessary. Ferres, the Fairy Kings, and Aquasteed knew how to start the game themselves.

"I've done something unnecessary..."

"No, that's not true. It's a good turning point. Sometimes, it's better for someone to force the progress rather than let time pass idly. Tiararose, place your hand on the pedestal and make the declaration."

"...Yes."

Following Ferres's instructions, Tiararose touched the pedestal. She was trembling slightly, either from tension or from the uncertainty of what would happen. But Aquasteed, standing right next to her, smiled gently and said, "It's okay."

—Lady Aqua told me she would become the King of the Stars.

It was probably the answer she had struggled to reach.

"Lady Aqua. I'll pray for you. I'm always acting on my own, I'm sorry."

"If you say that, I'm the same. I've been causing you worry, I'm sorry."

The two apologized to each other, which made them both laugh a little.

"Then, the declaration...!"

'Three rings united can stabilize this land. The time limit is three hours.'

"Tiararose?"

"Didn't you hear a voice just now?"

"No...?"

"But I definitely did..."

The voice that Tiararose heard was not heard by Aquasteed, Akari, or Ferres. However, Tiararose heard it clearly, a powerful voice that echoed in the room.

'—By doing so, the immense power will no longer erode human bodies.'

"..."

Hearing the words again, Tiararose's eyes widened. This meant that the immense power that had caused Ferres's death and Liliage's transformation into a monster would not affect Aquasteed. No matter what happened, Aquasteed would not be overwhelmed by his own power.

Therefore, the path Tiararose chose was clear.

To unite the power of the rings and create a Marin Forest where no one would suffer. That was the only way.

Immediately, information on what to do flowed into Tiararose's mind.

"—Declaration! I hereby declare the start of the Fairy King Territory Claim!"

Tiararose announced this and quickly moved away from the pedestal. Surprised by her sudden action, Aquasteed looked at her, wondering what she was doing.

"Lady Aqua, I'm sorry. I'll do what I can!"

"Tiararose?"

Tiararose went to the wall of the room and held up her ring. A door appeared in the wall, and Clayre, who understood what was happening, reacted immediately.

"! Tiararose, what are you planning to do?"

Clayre couldn't let her go without knowing the reason.

"Lord Clayre, it's okay. I'll do my best to support Lady Aqua..."

"What do you mean—wait!"

Tiararose disappeared through the door, and Clayre chased after her.

Left in the room were Aquasteed, Ferres, Keith, and Akari. Ferres chuckled, "They're energetic," and then turned to Aquasteed, who was still at the pedestal.

"Shouldn't you go after Tiararose?"

"Tiararose said she would do what she can. So, I'll believe in her and do what I can."

In truth, he really wanted to chase after Tiararose. The fact that Clayre had chased after her was also a source of unease, and he wanted to know everything she was thinking.

"I will... become the King of the Stars."

Hearing Aquasteed's determination, Ferres smiled warmly.