
Arunika picked up, back to shine the dark sky, morning arrived. The air was so fresh, a small leaf landed on his nose that it made a realization from his deep enough sleep. He thought about last night, lasting so long than expected. Minutes, maybe hours passed as they did.
They were naked, only blankets keeping their bodies from being exposed entirely. Letting the skin exchange warmth, tenderness and taste. She looked at the beautiful girl sleeping by her side while hugging her, letting something on her chest cling to her.
Maybe it'll be like this? Is it like building a house??
—Rigel started having thoughts of ignoring everything and starting a new life with it. He will certainly be happy. Living an ordinary life, repairing the roof of the house, drying and giving birth to children. It was certainly achievable, only if he chose to leave everything behind. Including letting go of the people he wanted to protect.
Yet unfortunate. I'm not the type of person who chooses the easy way to go.
Sylph's beauty is second to none, but she believes her heart still hasn't chosen anyone among the girls close to her. His own heart was unstable, not knowing which one he would be left with.
'Let's think about it another time.' he murmured.
Gently stroking the cheek of the girl who played with him all night, he quickly got out of bed and dressed and went to the lake where he was doing the wedding.
It took him some time to reach his place, but thanks to the elves and spirit monsters that guided him, he was able to reach the lake without any problems. The sun is still not fully rising, because the sky still looks a little dark.
Even so, the view of the super clear lake is stunning to the eye. It is a very pleasant sight to see in the morning. In the middle, a wave of water formed and realized the figure of a beautiful fairy girl.
"Good morning Fairy King, Hero Rigel...., or should I call you, Hero??"
He had too many titles that could not be ignored. Hero, even now the fairy king. Naturally people would become confused as to which one to call him.
Considering that he will only be a temporary King, it is not a wise choice to call him King. Because he didn't want this to be widespread. However, a Hero might not be the right choice. He had never brought up, but it was certain that he threw away that ridiculous title.
Yeah, well, I guess I should let that title stick to me...
"Call it, Hero or something. The fairy king is too conspicuous, perhaps you are too discreet to call me King in front of other Heroes." he said indifferently.
"Alright, then Hero Rigel. So, what made you come to my mediocre place??"
He slightly thought, looking at the beautiful lake before him in a gasp. Until finally expressing his wish.
"The plan is I intend to wash the body in this lake to refresh the body..., may I?"
To his stupid question, Undine quite smiled kindly and seemed to hear something a little funny about it. Although Rigel himself did not know which part was funny.
"You are the current King of fairies. Everything in the spirit forest, your home, belongs to you. Then there is no need for permission to use this ordinary lake to cleanse the body."
In short, one does not need to ask for permission to use items that are indeed his. So, this lake is already like Rigel's, because he's a fairy king who has the same position as the Queen of fairies.
At first he thought that the lake was a place that should not be tarnished, even for bathing.
"In addition, I realized that your body still has fatigue and deep wounds. The lake is good enough to heal wounds, though not everything can heal."
Great enough to know the invisible wounds from his body. However, knowing the fact that the lake could heal his injuries was even more shocking to him.
"Then be well. I'll wash my body there.., you won't peek, will you?" although it sounded like a joke, he actually asked. Since she was a water fairy who inhabited this lake, it was not impossible for her to do such a thing.
"If you ask for it, then I will do it with pleasure.." the reply was unexpected and Rigel waved as a form of rejection.
"Ah, tell the other little elf to stay away while I wash away.." The thing she dislikes the most is being bullied when washing herself.
"As you wish..." Undine bowed respectfully and left the lake to give Rigel time alone.
Without wasting any longer, Rigel undresses and lets ***************** remain in use. Slowly entering the unexpectedly warm water, he drowned his entire body and drifted away in comfort.
His tired body felt refreshed once exposed to super clear water that was very comfortable.
"Huh? It seems true that this water has the property to heal wounds. Slowly the highest pain in my body disappeared.." he looked at the water and washed his face with it.
Although Undine said that this water could not heal every wound she had, the truth was that most of her injuries had recovered. The pain that burdened him had disappeared, then it was not in vain to come to this place.
Is it possible because where nature abounds or this place becomes a fairy nest? Until making treatment like this, there must be something.
Out of curiosity, in the end he was interested in diving into the middle of the lake and hoped to find something interesting. Maybe he needed to create an oxygen cylinder, but it was too heavy and troublesome to move. In addition, he himself has no diving experience, may be at risk of using it, even if only a little.
"Yeah, I can use the wind element anyway."
With its all-purpose capabilities, Creator Skill in the form of Imagination Creator, all complex problems can be solved easily. Before starting the dive, he collected the air in his hand and made it revolve around him.
Once inside, the air surrounding it looks like a giant bubble protecting it from water. With this, he did not have to worry about the water pressure.
"Hm. Maybe because the water is so clear, I can see very clearly. It's almost no different than on the surface." he muttered while looking around.
There was nothing special, other than fish and green plants like seaweed and green leaves that he did not know what it was. There was only water and of course tears as far as the eye could see.
"It was supposed to be the home of the Undine. Is there some kind of door or some other place where the water fairies live?" free to rack his brain, not a single answer appeared.
Bored of having nothing interesting, she decided to go back to the surface and end this really refreshing morning shower.
He returned to the surface, stored the clothes he had used before as they were dirty and created a new, similar suit. His own strength provided a certain comfort that meant a lot to him.
As if realizing that Rigel had finished washing himself, Undine appeared and walked up to him and saluted him sincerely.
"Hero Rigel, Her Majesty Queen Sylph is waiting for you near the spirit tree to eat a typical breakfast of the spirit forest." he said without losing a hint of respect for Rigel.
Although he intended to reject it, it was unfortunate that he himself was interested in the typical food in question. After all, it was still very early in the morning, there was no harm in him spending a little longer in the fairy forest.
"alright. Take me to his place." he said as he let Undine guide him.
While walking in silence, Rigel remembered the words that Undine had spoken when she first met him. It bothered him a little, until now.
"Can I ask you one thing?"
"Please ask me whatever you want, Hero Rigel..." Undine answered gently and smiled.
"I don't care if you answer or not. Regarding the words you said the other day, what do you mean by being tainted?" Rigel tries to find out the reaction Undine has, but unfortunately his face cannot be seen.
"..."
No answer came from him. Maybe it was something he never wanted to say. It seems clear that Rigel intends to reveal his old wounds without mercy. Although she did not care much about him, but she was interested in knowing the identity of this elf named Undine.
"What's wrong? If you don't want to answer it, then it's okay." he said.
"..., sorry for my daydreaming. I'll answer it, even if you don't oblige me to answer it." he said, trembling in a slightly sad voice. "This is a story that happened a thousand years ago. A sin I committed and will not forgive."
Again a thousand years ago. What happened at that time?? his war.
So far, the stories he's heard are connected a thousand years ago. If there were a tool or a book that could tell everything in a known time of 'clutter' then without a doubt Rigel would look for it.
Finally, he almost found a book known as the book of Wisdom. A book that records events that have happened in this world. Encyclopedia containing all the knowledge that is always sought by most people.
"A thousand years ago, when the first greatest chaos. The time when Tortoise got out of his sleep, there was someone playing happily in the midst of chaos. He did everything that made things difficult at the time. Adding to the destruction in the midst of destruction, scattering the thorns towards the path of victory. Man— is the worst villain of all time."
"At that critical time, he made a terrible plan that made me have to make difficult choices. As a result, I had to let go of my body being stained a few times by the villain."
His anger was engraved clearly, as his aura that was as calm as water began to boil burning with anger. Rigel just stared, guessing how far the criminal was doing in question.
"Did you remember the name of the person who did those things??"
Undine shook her head in disappointment, deeply upset that she could not remember her name or her appearance.
"I'm sorry, I can't remember. I don't know since when, the memory of him went gray. I certainly feel very angry because I can't remember anything about the person who stained this body." he said, clenching his hands. "I should no longer be allowed to live in the spirit forest. But thanks to Queen Sylph who ignored that and chose to still accept me."
Although faint, Rigel could guess who that person was. Perhaps only he had the most possibility and was the most mysterious one he had ever known. Yeah, let's put aside a discussion about a guy he'll never know who he really is.
"so. You seem to have been through a hard time huh. I'm amazed that you can survive all the trials that exist.." the praise is sincere, not only intended to entertain him. Yet he truly acknowledged the fortitude of Undine overcame the deep-rooted hatred towards him.
If it was Rigel who forgot the man he hated. It is not surprising that he will direct his hatred to others who may be suitable for impingement.
"Thank you for your praise..," she smiled softly. "We've arrived, Hero Rigel."
Instead of breakfast, it is more like a banquet or a big party. In front of him, there were fruits and other foods that he had never seen served on a table. So much so, the table itself was full of food.
Rigel realizes Sylph's whereabouts, finds himself smiling wryly and signaling that it wasn't his doing. Then, his attention turned to the little elves and spirit monsters that surrounded him cheerfully.
"So it's you guys personally..." Rigel sighed tiredly, pulling his hair bangs. He had not expected, with the birth of a King they would become a noisier like this.
"I know you're trying to cheer me up. But this is too much. How could I possibly finish this all by myself??"
Hearing his words, they looked disappointed and regretful for their selfish actions. They might expect some kind of praise and another welcome, but it is a pity that the one who becomes King is Rigel. People who will not easily welcome something in peace.
"They seem to want to get your attention as their new King. Since you're a human, nutritional intake is definitely necessary. So, they are eager to race for fruit and food from the spirit forest." said Sylph, smiling happily as if the current situation looks funny to her.
"Huh, it seems so..."
How else. He had to eat as much as he could because they had bothered to find these foods for him.
He started from a fruit that looked like a green apple. As soon as he took the first bite, he was surprised at the taste.
"It's just a regular apple."
So far he has not found many of the same fruits that exist on earth. In addition to the world's strowberries and blueberries that have a unique taste, apples are the only ones that taste exactly the same as those on earth.
"It doesn't feel bad. Thank you.." hearing the thank you from his King, they jumped in excitement and spun, dancing furiously in the air.
The scenery that does look tickling, as well as a heart-warming sight.
[***]
A few minutes after breakfast and saying goodbye, Rigel finally returned to the Region. Everything is now busy preparing everything for the upcoming Raid. The second largest raid in the world after Tortoise. But for the veteran military in the Region, this was the third time.
Starting from the Dwarves who were now deployed to make various combat equipment from the remnants of Hydra and White Tiger. They also used the Phoenix feathers, which were few in number, to make fireproof robes and fireproof armor.
Depending on how much can be made, perhaps Rigel will only give fire-resistant robes and armor to those who serve as protectors.
Regarding Asoka, Natalia and other executives were deployed to educate as well as select those with the ability to participate in Raid. However, Rigel did not ask them to ban the non-capable from practicing. Perhaps with this training they become capable and qualified in Raid.
Regarding Tirith and the king's slaves, they returned to Britannia to do the same, which was to gather an army and form a combat unit consisting of an elite army of four great nations.
"Raid is still far away, but this heart is eagerly awaiting the fight." murmured Rigel, holding his chest and listening to the beat of his heart.
The big battle that was almost in plain sight had approached slowly. His own condition is almost at its peak, then there will be no burden and pain that haunts his body.
While feeling her heartbeat continue to thump, she walked over and looked for Asoka in her room. There are some arrangements to be made.
"Yo, your job is getting more and more huh. Even the pile of garbage there is more and more piled up." mocked Rigel when he met Asoka busy taking care of documents.
Whether it was Tirith who worked too fast or Asoka who was slow, he did not know which one was right. Last time when Tirith took his place, the pile of papers settled down quickly. It's like it's lost in the earth.
"Not only is the treaty request non-aggression, but now comes multilateral agreements from small countries. Not to mention, there are many letters from the Adventurers Association that send documents about veteran adventurers from all over the country listed." he said, while reading the documents and agreeing or not the contents of the document.
"Yeah, it looks troublesome indeed. But it's good that a small country that has so far not involved has begun to take steps to get involved. Although there was no meaningful information from the Imperial country."
Rigel had instructed the Heavenly Emperor Candidates not to say things that could leak their true purpose. Rigel also commemorates Natalia to tell the nobles who can be controlled and trusted only. It is almost impossible to get information from inside.
However, the movements performed were very striking. Especially on the special Quest that bothered the Heroes. When they observed the movements of the major countries and the Adventurers Association, it was no surprise that they were guessing that something big was going on.
Perhaps it encouraged them to quickly establish a relationship with the Region. A new country they have not yet signed a treaty with.
"Since Britannia and the other two have long stood, it is only natural that they are not as busy as you..." Rigel took out a piece of paper containing the identity of the adventurer he thought was weak and immediately threw it away, as a form of assistance to Asoka.
"Yeah, that's inevitable." he said, leaning languidly on the throne. "So, what needs are you here for, Rigel?"
"You quickly understand. I want you to send some people to the Eastern Empire to train the weak there using firearms. Since Marcel is still in the Region, ask him to deliver the people who will be sent there."
Not only Marcel, but the remaining Heroes still settled in the Region, with the reason of seeking a new and refreshing atmosphere.
They were too relaxed, while Rigel and the others worked hard to prepare for the Raid to fight the Dragon of calamity. Yeah, even so, Rigel has no right to revile them. Because he has six days left to pamper himself with a woman as beautiful as Sylph.
Although he could make Tirith do it as well, yet he did not want to be too greedy in relationships.
Marrying two or three women is not a problem.
"Is that all? Alright. I'll call Fang and ask him to pick some people to send there..." Asoka started writing other documents to finish the pile.
"I leave that to you. Now, I'd better see how the fools are doing." he said as he left Asoka in silence with a pile of papers.
"See you, Asoka. Keep your health in check."
"Yeah. Same with you."
After saying a short farewell, they went back to doing what was worth doing. Rigel does not sense the presence of other Heroes in the kingdom, so he goes to the city to find them.
Sure enough, they were in the capital and were having fun by colonizing food stalls to reminisce about tasting food and even using cars and motorcycles without his permission. Once aware of Rigel's whereabouts, the Hero idiots gathered and surrounded him.
He finds no whereabouts of Ray, Merial or Ozaru. It seemed that they had left together and were about to prepare for the fight seriously. Not like the people who are left.
"Good morning Rigel! What brings you here?" petra asked while chewing the gulali that has long been present in the Region as the main attraction of sweet foods.
"What brought me here? Surely this is my country and it should be for me to expel foreign objects like you. Forgive me, while me and the others are busy, you guys are just playing around.." he sighed tiredly and pulled his bangs as usual.
"Even though you say so, we are currently restoring strength by seeking a new atmosphere. Unlike you who can somehow reclaim and recuperate, we can only rely on the index..." Marcel expressed his very reasonable opinion.
Rigel rarely discusses the index. He no longer used it in battle. At most he uses the index only when storing and removing items from the infetory only.
"From that, can't you make something great like a video game, Rigel??" aland asked excitedly. Followed by another idiot who was just as excited.
"Do you think magic can design a program?! Video games exist because there are programs that make them run. Then I don't know what the program is like and what it's related to."
Even if he tried to make it, without complete knowledge such an object would never materialize. Even if they did, the results would be much different than expected.
"Huh, as long as you keep paying and don't make a mess I don't care. Don't forget that the upcoming Raid won't go easy."
Whether they would hear his warning or not, he did not know. However, the atmosphere of the Heroes became silent once he discussed it.
"What's wrong?" Rigel asked.
"I almost forgot about this." said Takumi, scratching his head. "From the previous Raid, we realized that our cohesiveness was not yet intertwined. Therefore, we plan to train together to improve the cooperation of the team. Hows it? Wanna join??"
He misjudged. It was unexpected that they were also worried about that Raid.
"alright. When will it be done??"
"Tomorrow afternoon. We plan to do it tomorrow."
If so, the tomorrow thing he had to do was already determined. For the rest of the day, Rigel spent his ascetic life until night was near. There's nothing special to tell you, other than what Rigel will do tonight.