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Chapter 9: The World is Colorful (3)
In the end, since the world always restores, circulates, and finds its rightful place, new life will eventually be born. “Those guys’ goal is to swap the light and the shadow. So all of us in the light must have become obstacles.” The dragon’s gaze turned toward Bell, who was trapped between Ethan’s palms. “Targeting the lineage of the stars first is also to make their work smoother.” “Then they’ll try to kill her before her power properly awakens.” Ethan muttered grimly. The dragon did not bother to deny his words. “I can block it with my own power a time or two. ” Back then, she had been caught by surprise in an instant without knowing anything, but the situation was different now. “However, I have lived for too long. My power is waning, and whether the guardian of the stars will be able to use her power sufficiently when I am attacked…” He trailed off vaguely. Then, as if irritation welled up, Ethan’s expression twisted viciously. “So what should we do? Is there a way or not?” “Wasn’t there someone who killed a dragon when the disaster struck?” Ignoring Ethan, the dragon looked at the Emperor. However, the Emperor turned his eyes toward Ethan with an awkward expression. “I killed it. So what.” Ethan declared, lifting his chin arrogantly. Is there another human besides Ethan who could say so daringly in front of a dragon, “I’m the one who killed your kin”? …If there is, that person is a disaster itself. “……Hah. To think someone praised as a hero has such a personality.” The dragon rubbed his face dry and heaved heavy sighs. “What’s wrong with my personality?” For reference, there was one fact he didn’t know yet. “I’m kind to my standards.” Ethan was a man who didn’t know his own personality had a problem. “Oh my. I must pretend I didn’t hear that.” “Ugh.” The Emperor quickly dug into his ears while Aspe complained of nausea. “When Those Who Live in the Dark Night attack, bind the feet of the ‘greatest disaster’ they bring along. Just for a very brief moment.” The dragon said, waving his hand in a resigned tone. “Then I’ll somehow manage the rest.” Their strategy meeting came to a haphazard end. It was now time to head to the Ice Duchy.
There was a single gaze looking down indifferently at the white carriage crossing the expansive garden. [Did you see?] “Yes. The last star has truly awakened.” An ominous aura overflowed from his squinted, curved eyes. Leaving the sunlit hallway behind, he hid in a shadow barely a span wide and parted his lips. “Go and confirm.” At his low voice, the shadow rippled. “Whether that thing can become the master of the disaster or not.” It was the child they had searched for so desperately. The last link of the stars. A double-edged sword that would determine the direction of the revolution they would spark. A child left alone, receiving the blessing of all stars. Whether to take it into his hands or snuff it out before it grows. He had to verify it for himself. “Ah! Were you here?” At that moment, a cheerful voice flew in from the end of the hallway. The one hiding in the shadow skillfully erased the ominous aura. “Everyone attending the state council has arrived. Let’s go.” “Yes, let’s do that.” The ruler leading Those Who Live in the Dark Night. He smiled warmly and moved his steps.
Toot-toot—flower petals fluttered softly through the air. “Welcome!” “Welcome, Bell. We’ve been waiting for you.” Celia, dressed in a tea party dress, squatted down in front of Bell. Bell stared intently at Celia’s face as she welcomed her. (……Clouds.) The black fog covering Celia’s face was very faint. Thanks to that, her expression was visible, albeit faintly. Blink, blink. After staring at Celia for a long time, Bell rubbed her eyes. Just in case, she glanced at Ethan once, then looked at Aspe behind him, and then looked back at Celia. The faces of the people who were within the imperial palace grounds yesterday were now visible. Very clearly. But the people of the ducal estate? (Can’t see them.) The faces of everyone in the ducal estate were overlaid with fog. Even Celia had a faint fog clinging to her, so Bell hadn’t seen wrong. Then is it a case similar to Ethan? … If you ask that, no, it wasn’t. Celia’s fog was faint because she had almost no ether. And Bell knew what this meant. Ether is the balance of the world and the source of life. If that disappears, that life vanishes. In other words, it meant Celia didn’t have much time left to live. (……Verdia……!) I need help! But the spirit wasn’t by Bell’s side. (Sigh.) Realizing that her side was completely empty, Bell grew dejected. Seeing her small shoulders slump, Celia panicked. “Why are you suddenly like this? Did you not like the welcome party?” Fidgeting anxiously, she held out a cake right in front of Bell’s eyes. “Look at this, Bell. I prepared it for you.” However, Bell’s expression upon seeing the cake became even more tearful. “D-do you not like it?” “It’s not because of you, so don’t be upset.” Unable to watch any longer, Ethan stepped in. “It’s because the ether is contaminated.” He guessed the reason why Bell had turned dejected. Then, shaking a fairy tale book in front of Bell’s eyes like shaking a toy for a puppy, he said, “Look, there’s a fairy tale book here, a fairy tale book. What color is this?” “……” Bell narrowed her eyes and glared at Ethan. It was a look that said, ‘My goodness, you really have no tact.’ Realizing that the child was looking at him with disrespect, Ethan’s eyebrows crooked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “……Mister.” “……What? Mis-, mister?” “Fool.” Bell threw a remark at Ethan, who let out a dry laugh. (Like a fool. Not knowing my feelings at all!) “I’m really losing my mind. Why am I a mister? ” Irritated by the title “mister,” Ethan’s gaze instantly turned fierce. “Didn’t you decide to become the Young Lady of Ice starting yesterday, or not?” “No.” “You said you’d come when I told you to go together.” He ended up starting to argue with a child who was barely two years old and had lived for only about 20 months. “Did I give you bread or not? You gobbled all of that up.” “Yup!” That’s why I followed you! Bell raised her eyes to express her dissatisfaction. Her large, round eyes changed into a triangular shape, taking on a fairly sharp look. Seeing that sight, Ethan let out another dry laugh. “This is truly absurd. Hey. You followed me, so I signed the documents and got them notarized… You’re the Young Lady of Ice now. Do you understand?” “Nooo!” “I’m your dad. Am I a mister?” “Yup!” Bell nodded her head confidently. She even thrust out her plump belly proudly. Ethan lost for words, and Celia, watching that scene, burst into laughter. “Don’t fight with a child, Ethan. How childish.” At her dissuasion, Ethan’s fierce expression softened. Celia drew Bell’s attention back. “My name is Celia. From today, I’ve become your mother. Welcome to the Ice Ducal House.” Greeting her gently, Celia pulled Bell into a tight embrace. Bell felt her heart grow warm and fuzzy. It felt a little tickling and a little aching, too. Being hugged by Celia felt just like—(……Verdia……) It reminded her of the spirit. The warmth of being held preciously in fragile, transparent arms that had just formed, or the voice speaking to her affectionately.
[In place of your mother, I will always watch by your side.] [Baby star.]
What is a mother? Someone who stays by your side? Then was Verdia Bell’s mother? (Gone.) But the spirit wasn’t by her side right now. And this person calling herself a mother would also eventually leave Bell’s side. After everyone leaves, by Bell’s side will be—the child’s gaze landed on Ethan. “……” Do we live just as the two of us? Bell made up her mind. To summon the spirit back quickly. To do that, she had to eat first. “Yum yum!” Bell pointed directly at the cake giving off a sweet scent. “Hm? Do you want to eat cake?” “Yup.” “Shall we go and eat it with juice?” Celia’s expression brightened considerably. Looking at Celia, who acted affectionately like the director and Sister Lily, Bell thought to herself. (Wait just a little bit.) Because I’ll summon the spirit back quickly to help. “Here, ah—” …Eat a little bit first.
“Aah.” “Oh, you eat so well.” Bell, who had accepted the cake like a baby bird, opened her mouth wide again right away. “How is it? Is it delicious?” Seeing Bell eat so well, a smile lingered on Celia’s face over and over again.
