Chapter 22 Three-in-One "I don't think this outfit is wearable..."

"I don't think this outfit is suitable for wearing out in public..."

"It looks great, why can't you wear it out?"

"Xiaobai, *we* think Xiaodan is right, you shouldn't help others pick out clothes next time..."

I could hear a commotion outside while I was in the fitting room; it seemed that the boys had also entered the VIP room.

You frowned and quickened your pace, but the robe had too many ties. Some were too far back to reach, and others you couldn't find the buttons at all. It was much more difficult than your usual casual clothes that you could just slip on and go. It took you a long time and a lot of sweat to finally get it properly dressed.

You looked at yourself in the mirror. The girl in the mirror frowned slightly, clearly not used to the new clothes, and a small patch of her bangs was damp with sweat. To ensure ease of movement while bathing, the robe was more fitted, but the material was light and airy. Pulling up the belt at the waist made it look like a cloud being tied up.

As I lifted the curtain and stepped out of the changing room, the commotion suddenly stopped.

The sudden light made you squint for a moment to adjust. You looked up at the entrance of the VIP room and saw Bai E and Wan Di flanking a... uh, a... peacock?

The peacock turned around. You saw Danheng's face.

You, dressed normally: ...

Wearing a brightly colored fluorescent outfit with several inexplicable ribbons flowing behind her, as if she were cosplaying a peacock goddess: ...

He turned to push open the door and leave, leaving you behind, reaching out your hand and weakly pleading with him to stay, "Actually, it's not so bad..."

"Hey, don't go!" Bai E quickly stopped him. Turning back, she praised his outfit and then confidently asked the others, "Doesn't it look good? I picked it out."

He genuinely didn't intend to prank Danheng; he genuinely thought the swaying peacock was beautiful.

Danheng's composed black hair contrasted sharply with his brightly lit fluorescent clothes. Before you came out, Bai'er had fooled him into thinking this was the normal Ohmama style of dress. Danheng, who thought he didn't understand Onpharos culture enough, was completely fooled—poor little blue dragon, he suffered from being too cultured.

He felt several veins on his forehead about to bulge. "Isn't this the style of all bathhouses...? Oh well, if you like it, you can wear it to the bathhouse yourself."

His tone remained indifferent, but everyone present knew that if Bai E said another word, Ji Yun would confront him directly.

"...Hmph." Wan Di added fuel to the fire, "That's why I said my choice was better."

"Uh, actually..."

Feng Jin hesitated, glancing at the so-called "yukata" that Wan Di had chosen on the table—a pitiful pair of shorts—yes, that's right, there was really nothing there except the shorts. Who could imagine Dan Heng shirtless?

"...Actually, I don't think Danbao is very suitable for either of these styles."

Tibo, Tian, ​​and Tining exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, like three little red mushrooms that suddenly sprouted in a forest after the rain.

"Then we have to fight to a draw, right?"

Bai E and Wan Di's gazes both turned to you in an instant.

"I feel..." you really want to say, "Aren't there any normal clothes here?"

But faced with Bai E's expectant gaze and Wan Di's seemingly indifferent but secretly glancing this way, he hesitated for a moment before choosing a more tactful approach.

"I think...why don't we ask Aglaia?"

Aglaia, who was suddenly called out, simply took another elegant sip of her honey wine.

With everyone's eyes on her, how will Aglaia choose? As a [Romantic] Goldenborn and former tailor shop owner, whose opinion will she favor?

Okay, she opened her mouth. Was it Wan Di or Bai E? Was it the more revealing Crown Prince Xuanfeng or the savior-like Peacock Goddess...?

She put down her wine glass, smiled, and said:

"Put them further away."

*

As your body finally immersed in the warm pool water, you let out a comfortable sigh.

Aglaia dozed off by another pool, while Feng Jin played fetch with Tibo and the others not far away. Every now and then, a breeze carrying laughter would brush past their ears, bringing the sweet scent of fresh fruit and rippling the water in the pool.

With the fire-chasing journey proceeding smoothly, these few days of leisure have become all the more precious.

The Golden Descendants take good care of you.

Aglaia may not say it, but she arranged the bathhouse and meals for you in perfect order. She always reminds you of Kaffa; when you go out with her to pick out clothes, the samples are handed to you along with her captivating, cool fragrance.

As a leader, although there are many complaints in the city, it is undeniable that Ohmma would not be any better without Aglaia.

Tibby and her two friends now consider you a trustworthy playmate. Whenever Tian pulls your hand and begs to play games, Tibby and Tinning watch with smiles, only to be pulled along by you, each holding one of your hands, and the four of them form two teams to play competitive games.

Then the innocent Tian would have her thoughts read by Tibao, and would angrily call them bad guys, and roll around with them.

Needless to say, Kaze Sumire is so gentle that she seems never to get angry. Even when faced with crying children or aggressive family members of patients, she can use clever words to confuse them and make them obediently quiet down. The last time we went out and encountered the Black Tide, her arm was cut by shrapnel from the explosion amidst the monster's roars, but she was still smiling and comforting you.

Golden blood flowed down, like the morning sun kissing her wounds and her resolute profile.

And there's Xia Die, she...

"Your Mightiness."

Suddenly, I heard the sound of rushing water and the soft rustling of fabric.

When you look up, you see a butterfly.

Even though her face was slightly flushed from the steam and her long, pale purple hair was a little damp, she was still dressed warmly and stood by the pool, calling your name softly.

"Is Xia Die here for a bath too?" you replied. "Why are you standing by the pool instead of coming in?"

She gently shook her head. "My constitution... isn't suited to being too close to others. Besides, I don't plan to take a bath today, so I won't disturb you."

Xia Die paused. A faint aura of death surrounded her, which, combined with her expressionless face, made her seem somewhat cold and unapproachable.

"Recently... the brewing season is almost here."

The girl, who seemed unapproachable, stammered and seemed a little nervous. Her voice was low and soft, as if she was embarrassed to say these words. Her pale face even turned slightly rosy.

"I wonder if you're free lately...? I'd like to invite you to join me for the city's brewing event..."

You recall that glass of honey in Aglaia's hand in the VIP room today.

It has a bright color and a rich aroma, with an intoxicating scent of alcohol. I wonder what it tastes like?

You are somewhat surprised to see Xia Die voluntarily going to crowded places, but you are also gratified that her inner knot is gradually opening up.

"Since Xia Die has said so, I definitely have to go and see."

Xia Die visibly relaxed, revealing a faint smile. "Then I won't bother you any longer..."

"partner!"

Before she could finish speaking, a white figure flashed towards you at lightning speed.

Xia Die instinctively summoned her weapon, wanting to shield you from the sudden attack.

However, the figure was quite far away from her. The scythe brushed against the other person's clothes, and their auras met. She did not sense any malice from the other person. As she hesitated, the scythe scraped across the ground with a "crack," making a harsh scraping sound.

"Splash—"

The figure jumped into the pool, splashing water everywhere in an instant.

You feel something gripping your arm tightly.

Looking down, a wet, white head emerged from the water.

"HKS, if you're so capable, come out and fight me one-on-one!" Wan Di's cursing voice came from afar.

The commotion earlier was quite significant. Not only Xia Die, but also the Golden Blood members who were currently in the Hero Bath—Aglaia, who had been dozing, opened her eyes, and Feng Jin, Ti Bao, Tian, ​​and Tian Ning, who had been playing around, all stopped what they were doing and looked over at the same time.

For a moment, all that could be heard was the gentle murmur of flowing water... oh, and the flapping of little Ika's wings.

Little Pegasus tilted its head, puzzled, and had just started to sing a tune, "Toot..." when Feng Jin pulled it over and hugged it.

"partner--"

Bai, who had suddenly attacked, drew out his voice and poked his head out from underwater. His eyelashes and bangs were wet, and his hair was sticking to his face. His blue eyes looked pitiful, and he looked utterly pathetic and aggrieved.

He grabbed your arm and wouldn't let go, shamelessly.

"Hey partner, look at him! All he did was splash a few handfuls of water while I was taking a bath, and he's so mean—"

Wan Di, who had just been splashed with water by Bai E's sneak attack and rushed over to seek revenge: ?

Xia Die paused, then sheathed her scythe: "Lord Bai'e and Lord Wan Di must have their reasons for doing this..."

Aglaia, watching the fire with a smile: ...Heh, that's quite spirited.

The three little ones, Feng Jin and Ti Bao: ...

Take a deep breath.

"That takes real courage," you commented.

"...What nonsense are you spouting?" Wan Di was shocked by his shamelessness. "You attacked me and Dan Heng first, and you still have the nerve to talk back? Get off them right now, if you want to fight, go outside..."

"You even ambushed Danheng?" Your expression was very strange. "You ambushed...Danheng with water?"

Bai E's smug expression froze.

"Uh, well..." he stammered, "I didn't expect it either... I always see him using a long spear..."

"...I knew it! Your clothes were soaking wet before you jumped. You were so cheeky, you got your comeuppance."

You sighed. You felt that Teacher Danheng was also taking the opportunity to get revenge for the peacock costume he had worn.

Seeing that he didn't plan to come out anytime soon, Wan Di casually tossed out a "You'll see tomorrow morning" before nodding slightly to Aglaia and the others and turning to leave.

Bai E let go of you.

He moved to the side, his bathrobe, soaked with water, churning the pool and causing the water on your side to slosh and create ripples.

Turning around, she greeted everyone, and they all continued playing around as if nothing was amiss. Seeing there was no danger, the butterfly by the pond placed its right hand to its heart, said goodbye, and left.

You ask him, "What made you think of splashing Wan Di and Dan Heng water? Weren't you taking a bath?... What were you planning to do?"

Bai E smiled, pursing his lips. "I knew I couldn't hide it from you. It's nothing serious, but everyone's been quite worried about the [Conflict] Seed lately... I was thinking of trying to lighten the mood. It worked pretty well, didn't it?"

You recall Wan Di's helpless upturned lips as he left, Aglaia's relaxed brows, and the indulgent expressions on Feng Jin and Ti Bao's faces:

"Xiao Bai and Xiao Di are really something... always bickering and fighting, there's just no way to deal with them."

"But this also proves that they have a good relationship... Hey, Tibo, take this!"

"—Wow! Tian and Xiaofengjin are so naughty! Tinning, come help them—"

...

I haven't told you yet.

Bai E tossed her hair, carefully making sure the flying water droplets didn't splash on you, and then smiled, revealing a set of big white teeth.

"You look beautiful in this yukata. It suits you perfectly!"

He paused for a moment, as if he was a little unsure of himself, then said, "Well... of course, I look good all the time. It's just that today it's Ohma-style good looks, while usually it's [Pioneer]-style good looks."

...He was very good at debating, and Aglaia often took him to negotiate with the Senate. He was usually so eloquent that he could turn black into white, but this was the first time he had ever uttered such words of praise. He was awkward and clumsy.

It seems I'll have to learn from the bards in the city.

As you watch him toss his hair, it inappropriately reminds you of the cute pet videos you often see on the train.

The puppy in the video also shakes its fur dry after taking a bath.

A seemingly robust puppy will become flat and limp after getting wet. If, unfortunately, its owner has overfed it into a huge truck, netizens in the comments section will maliciously remark:

"We saw the semi-trailer, but where's the puppy?"

"Baby, you are a cute little puppy/pig."

"The upstairs neighbor's words were so rude. Won't the puppy be sad if it sees them? This is clearly the owner's problem. The owner doesn't know how to feed a dog. I suggest sending it to my house, and I'll help it get better..."

At this point, when the favoritism has reached its limit, the owner will start deceiving themselves:

"What are you saying? My child isn't fat at all! This is the breed! This is the breed!!!"

You looked down at his bathrobe clinging to his body.

Hmm... this puppy is solid. But it's not puffy.

This puppy could practically be a fitness instructor!

Poor Bai Er had no idea that in just a few seconds, in your eyes, he had transformed from a vibrant, youthful man into a fluffy little beagle.

He tilted his head in confusion, watching the smile gradually appear on your face, then looked at his soaked yukata, and belatedly felt a little embarrassed, pulling the yukata, which was slightly open at the chest, back up.

The puppy pretends to play around to make everyone happy, even though it might not be understood, it still silently dedicates itself. Good puppy.

"...So it's understandable to target Wan Di. But why target Dan Heng?"

"Uh, well... would you believe me if I said it was an accident?"

*

I've heard Tibo mention before that honey-infused beverage is [Ocean] Fagina's favorite drink.

Wherever she was, there was always laughter and intoxication; banquets and singing and dancing never stopped. During that time, a kind of honey wine called "[Exclusive Heart Brew]" was also popular, supposedly allowing everyone to experience the most cherished and beloved flavors.

After the passing of Fajina and the [ocean] demigod Heather, the honey brew in the city has never been as rich as it used to be.

But thanks to people's hard work and improvements, it's now, while not quite replicating the original taste, it's certainly a local delicacy. I just wonder how it compares to Sulfa?

The market was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

The streets are decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, and you sit idly on a street corner, holding your phone, waiting for Xia Die.

To avoid causing harm to others, you won't be going to the busiest city center today. Instead, you'll stroll around the streets before returning to the Bathing Palace to observe the brewing process of the honey brew specially prepared for the Golden Descendants. These brewers are carefully selected and professionally trained, and their expertise will better suit Xia Die's unique constitution, reducing the possibility of accidents.

In fact, among the Golden Clan, only Aglaia has a particular fondness for mead. The mead she prefers is the strongest; an ordinary person would be completely drunk after just one sip. Tibo and Fengjin are even less likely to drink; Wan Di only drinks a few cups with his people before going to war, and Bai E is completely incapable of drinking.

"Beep beep beep."

Xia Die didn't arrive, but her phone rang instead.

When you pick it up, another red dot appears in "Raise a White Monster Simulator".

[Hey sissies, how have you been lately?]

It's Sambo. You breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Sambo is more unfathomable than Hanabi, he's at least much easier to get along with on the surface. Besides, you two have a life-or-death bond; Sambo was the first character you encountered when you first left the space station and entered your first world.

...I wonder what trump card he's hiding? Tsk, this is tricky.

[fine. ]

[I saw the message Hanabi sent you. She might be a bit cheeky, but her last sentence was right; that kid Bai'er is indeed very important…not just to Onpharos.]

[Oh, by the way, did you receive the gift that the hacker and I sent you?]

You wonder: [What gift?]

[Hey, really? You haven't triggered the relevant plot yet? Let me think... That hacker said he broke into the company's system and changed the card pool and team composition program...]

……!

You remembered the issue of Bai E inexplicably joining the team before.

[...How did you and her get connected? And why was only "Bai Er" changed, while the other characters remained the same?]

—Mom, I've got the hacked version!

[What's there to be unreachable about? I, Old Sangbo, may not boast about anything else, but when it comes to connections, I'm second to none, right? He's been busy for a few days without going online, secretly off to do something big.]

[Remember the Starflower you spent on the simulator before? Fireworks said they were useful, and we weren't kidding. Hacking into the company's program isn't hard, but doing something this big requires a small price to pay... Think of it as drawing cards early, how about that?]

...He's saying that the negligible amount of Star Crystals you spent, less than thirty draws in total, is enough to guarantee you'll get the version's chosen one early without any mishaps...?

You've never found Silver Wolf so reliable. And is there even a follow-up to the fuel incident from last time?!

Wolf Gate!!!

[I suddenly realized you're really handsome.]

[Oh, I wouldn't dare accept that. If you really feel bad about it, how about you take a look at the new merchandise I, Old Sambo, have recently received? It's all top-notch stuff. When you get back from that awful place, I'll save it all for you, at a friendly 20% discount...]

You laughed. That Sambo guy…

You typed quickly:

[roll. ]

...

Let's rewind to a few weeks ago.

In a tavern on an unknown, remote asteroid, Silver Wolf stood behind the black-haired man and the silver-haired girl, frowning slightly.

A gentle breeze swept across her fur-trimmed jacket and her pockets, where she felt the rough texture of cardboard inside.

"What's wrong?" Liu Ying and Ren walked to the door, and the girl said softly, "Are you still thinking about that Masked Fool? It's okay, we'll definitely catch him next time. Don't think about it too much this time. I brought you a cake in the car."

"oh."

Silver Wolf turned around and subtly nudged the contents of his pocket.

Back at the base, after closing the door and making sure no one was around, she opened the piece of paper with the inexplicable graffiti.

[Ta-da! Fireworks makes a dazzling entrance~ Are you confused, little hacker? Don't worry, this has nothing to do with your [script], but it will definitely make her journey much smoother...]

[If you're interested, check out the signal on the back! You can even trick your company a little, why not?]

...

"Ta-la-ta-la-ta-ta—"

On a small planet, in the dead of night, a girl in a red dress hummed a song and skipped across the street. She passed through an empty alley, hugged a telephone pole, and spun around as if she were waltzing with it.

A moment later, she pouted and let go, "...No fun! Not fun at all! Without Little Gray, Lady Hanabi has lost a lot of her fun—"

A car sped past her. The horn beeped, creating a gust of wind that made her black braids fly straight back.

Suddenly, she looked up and smiled inexplicably at the sky.

"Hmm, you mean Sambo going to that asteroid wasn't an accident?...Silly boy, before the truth comes out, of course you can only see what the director wants you to see~ Just like your [switching perspectives], right?" "Hurry up and save the world and come back to play with me—Hanabi-sama is so bored, so bored."

*

As soon as the butterfly gets close, it's like you standing at the alley entrance, unable to stop laughing.

"Hahaha!!!"

The last time I was this happy was when the respected Professor Ladio, determined to spread knowledge throughout the world, sneaked into your email inbox.

Getting things for free is so awesome! I wish I could get everything for free from now on, okay?

Xia Die was puzzled. But she still came closer and asked what had happened.

"It must be something very interesting to make you so happy," she said with a smile. "In any case, may this happiness always be with you."

"Xia Die, you're so kind," you exclaimed. "It would be even better if you could jump out of the gacha pool on your own."

Is that some kind of extraterrestrial term?

Xia Die always felt that this promise was not so easy to keep, and a strange force was forcing her to shut her mouth. So what slipped out was "Okay" and it turned into "...Let's go for a walk first".

If you knew how she was feeling right now, you'd probably just gape and exclaim:

—Wow, what a terrible plan.

The alleyway is in a secluded spot, with few pedestrians. Sunlight shines through the eaves, creating a small shadow here.

"Hurry up! If you're late, you won't be able to get any honey wine!"

"Jeniseli, you've been drinking it again! Didn't Mom and Dad say we're not allowed to drink that stuff—and you're running so fast! What if you bump into someone?!"

"Hehe, Cecilia's a serious little old lady—if Mom and Dad say we can't drink, then we just don't drink. That would be so boring—"

"...You, you idiot!"

Several children ran past you noisily, startling Xia Die. You quickly shielded her behind you to prevent the children from accidentally bumping into her.

"Kids," you said sternly, stopping their roughhousing, "Don't run, or you'll bump into someone."

The children stopped and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Seeing your serious expression, and then glancing at Xia Die behind you who was pursing her lips and remaining silent, they knew that after accidentally offending a member of the Golden Clan and almost causing a fatality, no one dared to speak.

After about three seconds of silence, one of the girls, who had two braids and big brown eyes, stepped forward and bowed to you.

"I'm so sorry...it was our fault. I know you were worried about us too," she said sincerely. "I'm sorry. And to all of you—"

She turned around, hands on her hips, and urged her companion behind her, who was looking down, "Apologize quickly! I told you not to run so fast!"

So she was Cecilia.

You didn't intend to linger, as you just wanted to teach the brat a lesson. After exchanging glances with Xia Die, you nodded and prepared to leave.

Who knew that you would run into acquaintances one after another today. Before you could even react, a tall shadow loomed over you, and in the instant you looked up, Xia Die's greeting had already slipped out, "...Lord Wan Di."

"..." The muscular blond man with red eyes approached you. The blazing sunlight made his hair appear even lighter, and coupled with his grumpy face, he looked even more frightening.

He simply replied with a "hmm".

You saw him frown, his gaze sweeping inquisitively over the group of children huddled up like quails in front of him. "Why are you blocking this way?"

Cessie looked utterly astonished. She seemed very excited, her freckles on her nose turning bright red. "Prince...!"

The other children behind her began to chatter excitedly, jumping up and stretching out their hands to clap above their heads, their mouths wide open like baby birds waiting to be fed, shouting joyfully, "Prince! It's a prince!"

You were a little confused about the current situation and blinked in bewilderment.

Xia Die tugged at your sleeve from behind and whispered, "Your Excellency, shouldn't we make some way out? Lord Wan Di, he..."

"Need not."

Wan Di overheard your conversation. But he simply said, "You can stay here. It's no secret."

Xia Die was surprised. She had thought that Wan Di's lack of special attention to you and Dan Heng over the past few days was a sign that he hadn't yet placed his trust in you... By proactively dissecting his past in front of "outsiders," wasn't that indirectly proving that he had already placed you on the same side...?

She recalled the scene from yesterday when she went to see you, only to be told that you had gone to take a bath with Aglaia and the others.

...But it's fine this way.

Wan Di turned to look at Cecilia, his expression softening slightly. "You are the Suspended Peak people?"

But soon his lips curled downwards, and his eyes became even sharper than before, "...Don't you know it's dangerous to run and jump like that on the road?"

The children lowered their heads apologetically, nervously tugging at each other's clothes, and stopped talking.

Wan Di sighed.

He's not usually one to talk too much; he only mentioned it casually because these children were from the Suspended Peak faction. If they were ordinary kids, they wouldn't have said anything more after you'd already pointed it out.

But Cecilia and her group are from the Peak. It is his responsibility to provide necessary guidance to the children of the Peak… especially these growing children.

"Why would Wan Di come here?" you asked.

"...We're about to set off to find the spark of [conflict]," he said. "And it just so happens to be the brewing season for honey, so a little alcohol before the expedition will help keep my head clear."

He glanced at you, frowning. "Are you also planning to go find honey wine? Drinking alcohol is bad for your health, so drink less. If necessary, I can make you pomegranate juice next time we have the chance... it's delicious too."

...Wan Di, is he really this meticulous type?

You nodded.

"that……"

A child's innocent voice came from the side.

You turned to look to the side and realized that Cecilia hadn't left with her friends; instead, she was standing there, nervously twisting her fingers.

Her face turned completely red. Her hair, already a reddish-brown, was now so red that it was hard to tell which was redder than her blush.

Under your watchful eyes, she mustered her courage.

"Um...! I'm so sorry to hear what you said! I... I have some honey wine that my parents have been saving for a long time! They always say they want to share it with the family of Xuanfeng... Prince and sisters, if you don't mind..."

*

People always have reservations about groups that are different from their own.

There's a term in Xianzhou called "excluding outsiders." Humans are social animals, naturally situated in different camps. Eggplants gather together, tomatoes huddle together, influenced by different lifestyles and cultures. It's very difficult to fully integrate into another group.

Like the Ohmans and the Suspended Peaks.

...Moreover, these two city-states were once enemies.

Cecily's house was tucked away in a corner of Ohmma, appearing somewhat cramped compared to the opulent and bright houses elsewhere.

It wasn't entirely the fault of the Ohma people. Under Aglaia's rule and with the promotion of democracy, this ancient city-state was much more peaceful and friendly than it had been years ago—at least on the surface. But after all, the Suspended Peak people were an outsider, adrift in a chaotic world, and their foundation was naturally not as rich as that of the native Ohma families.

In contrast, Cecilia's family was in a much better situation; the rooms weren't large, but they were clean and tidy.

Xia Die was waiting for you at the door. As you and Wan Di walked in, a neatly dressed middle-aged man stood up and hugged Cecilia, who was rushing towards him, with surprise and nervousness. "...Cecilia, this is...?"

Wan Di began to regret his impulsiveness. The little girl's expression was so full of expectation; he couldn't bear to see such an innocent face turn despair and desolation, so he subconsciously agreed...

He stopped in his tracks. "...Excuse me, I am..." He paused again, as if considering how to introduce himself.

I wonder what Cecilia's father thinks of her. Some members of the Suspended Peak Clan do want to return to their homeland and disagree with his decision. If they start arguing, it won't be good for either Cecilia or you.

“…I know.” But Cecilia’s father just stood there quietly.

His eyes were filled with tears, but he didn't call out that name. "...I know, I know everything. Don't worry."

The tall, imposing man, with a full beard and an aura of menace, was the kind of man who could silence a weeping servant in the night. Yet, he turned his back, feigning to fetch wine, while secretly wiping away tears from the corner of his eye with his thumb.

Cecilia stood obediently beside her father. The little girl could already vaguely sense the sadness in the air, but she didn't quite understand why.

Nostalgia, nostalgia. Youth knows no sorrow.

You finally got to taste the honey brew. Unfortunately, after just one sip, the bitterness made you wince, and you began to wonder if this thing could really be called "honey" brew? How did Aglaia manage to swallow it?

His gaze swept around to Wan Di, but he didn't speak. He clinked glasses with Cecilia's father and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

"...I heard you're about to go on another expedition."

"That is true. Don't worry about it; war is commonplace for me. Besides, Senatos refused my death."

"Please be careful in everything you do. I've heard some criticism lately, but you don't need to pay it any mind. I believe most of the tribespeople feel the same way I do—"

"I see."

"But [death] sounds painful." Cecilia, usually so sensible, was unusually frightened. "...Doesn't the prince feel pain?"

“…Hmph.” Wan Di wanted to say “It doesn’t hurt,” but he found he couldn’t lie to a child. So he silently took another sip of wine.

...How could it not hurt? It's just that he's gotten used to it.

You looked at Wan Di.

I haven't had a deep conversation with him since our first meeting when I arrived in Ohmma. My first impression of him leans more towards fearlessness, and I rarely see him in such a vulnerable state—referring, of course, to emotional vulnerability.

But he didn't answer, and you didn't say anything either.

"Drinking alcohol is bad for your health, so drink less."

You're just saying that.

Wan Di looked up at you. There was no pity, no sadness in your eyes, only concern. It seemed you were genuinely concerned about his health, or perhaps you were simply using his previous words to tease yourself, making a joke, or trying to lighten the mood.

...But you all know that the last thing needed at a time like this is pity and sympathy. Warriors don't need that; for those who fight, dying in battle is an honor.

His lips curved upwards slightly, and his voice was muffled, "...Now I know why the savior likes you so much."

...

That day, Wan Di spent a long time chatting with the father and daughter.

You and Xia Die had other plans, so you left after a short while. After walking around the market, seeing that you were still thinking about what had just happened, Xia Die spoke up, taking the initiative to bring it up in a soft voice.

"Thanks to Lord Wan Di's efforts, the Suspended Man is gradually becoming more integrated into Ohma. I believe he himself would be very pleased to see this."

You kicked a pebble on the street. The pebble rolled around and into a pothole. "...This is the first time I've seen such a...unspeakable people. Most of them fear death...perhaps for the Suspended Peak people, embracing death is in their nature? Just to follow in Nicardoli's footsteps? During wartime, this nature may be advantageous, but the price of disobedience is heavy...Wan Di is truly a remarkable monarch."

"From a certain perspective, this kind of faith is crazy and humble. Their pursuit is fruitless, and the gods will not care about the existence of these ants... But perhaps it also shows that exchanging one's own life for the glory of the tribe, for a tiny, insignificant word in history... It is truly the sharpest and most deafening mockery of the gods who created mankind, and of those cold-blooded people who only treat life as experimental data."

“[Death]…” Xiaodie murmured to herself.

She paused for a moment, then said in a soft but firm voice, “Everyone is trying their best to fulfill their responsibilities, and so am I. Everything is so precious because it is possible to ‘lose’.”

She smiled. "But not all those who roam the Peak are so fanatical. Like the time I spent with you, Your Excellency. Even if one day I fulfill my duty and finally embrace my destiny, I will forever remember the sweetness and joy of this day and this time. I think, perhaps Ceci's father felt the same way? Not for the gods, but simply for the people... to use all his strength to light up the darkness, even if only for a second..."

“I will do it. At the end of the River Styx, at the end of life—I will give all the dead the sweetest and most peaceful [death].