The Throne Room of Chancellor Aid’s origin, Viaisia Castle.
Located near the summit of the castle, the Throne Room.
Unlike those in other countries, this room is characteristically decorated with many plants. These plants range from ornamental ones to those used in actual magic.
Several open windows line the sides of the room, with simple chairs arranged beneath them. The floor plan is unchanged from past memories, but what’s slightly different is the addition of work desks behind the thick pillars that now stand there.
And, as always, a deep red carpet extends across the floor in the center, and on the wall above the uppermost seat—the throne—the familiar crest of Viais sways in the wind.
Currently, in the space overseeing the Northern Alliance, only three people are present. Moreover, all three of them are monsters that can barely be called sane, making the countries participating in the Northern Alliance pitiable.
A quiet, black-haired girl sits on the throne, attended by a lovely blonde girl beside her. However, describing the black-haired girl as quiet might be a mistake. The same could be said for describing the blonde girl as lovely.
Currently, the black-haired girl is “asleep,” and the blonde girl is “possessed.” They are afflicted by unusually abnormal “status ailments.”
The same applies to myself, standing by the desk behind the pillars.
Just like those two, I, too, am already—
Having finished the communication magic, “Trees Contact,” I clench my fist and pound the desk. I don’t care that the country documents piled on the desk fall from the vibration, and I place a hand on my forehead, lamenting the King’s madness.
“The Ruling King… Why…”
After ending communication with Shiso Uzunami and the others in the Second Labyrinth City Daryl from the Throne Room, I look up at the ceiling and ask.
Why is the Ruling King still with the traitor Shiso Uzunami?
Why won’t he approve the plan I propose?
“I don’t understand…”
I say these words as if to convince myself.
If I don’t say them, I feel I might retract them.
—Lying that I don’t understand. I should actually know.
Such words flicker through my mind.
But if I admit that, the Ruling King will disappear from this world. Naturally, the Chancellor by his side will also vanish.
Therefore, I have no choice but to pretend I don’t understand.
I am the Chancellor. If the Chancellor disappears, nothing will remain.
Even if I have to feign madness, I must continue… Otherwise, it will all be meaningless. It would be the same as dying—no, it would become a more terrifying “meaninglessness” than death.
I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
So, I will continue to strive. I desperately cling on, trying to be like the Chancellor in the history book about a thousand years ago, that book that just fell to the floor.
Amidst this effort, a voice calls from afar.
“—Teacher! Teacher Aid!”
It’s a voice calling me “Teacher.”
My immediate thought was, “That’s wrong.”
The only self I am proud of is the Chancellor.
“…”
So, without even turning around, I fall silent.
Rather than responding to the voice, I am too busy contemplating the Chancellor from a thousand years ago.
The Chancellor who attended the Ruling King back then.
There was no sight more magnificent.
There was no life more magnificent.
There was no self more magnificent.
The foolish younger brother who admired being called “Teacher” is no longer here.
I am not a younger brother; I have become the Chancellor of Viaisia. Therefore—
“—T-Teacher?! Your face is pale! Breathe! Please breathe!”
Breathe…?
While I couldn’t accept the word “Teacher,” hearing the rest of the words, I hastily move my lungs and take a deep breath.
“Hah!”
Fresh air fills my lungs, and the previous breathlessness slightly eases.
It seems I had stopped breathing for some reason.
Was I overthinking? Am I nervous about the approaching duel with Shiso Uzunami? Or is it something else…?
“Hah, hah, hah…!”
Placing my hand on my chest, which was on my head, I repeatedly take deep breaths, and questions repeat in my mind.
Then, raising my face, which had been lowered, I look around.
By some turn of events, one of the Magic Stone Humans is standing behind me. This makes four people in this empty Throne Room.
She is a girl with faint blue undertones in her hair and eyes, wearing the Viaisia military uniform despite her small body. I believe she is a Magic Stone Human who has finished her treatment and volunteered to help the civil officials in the castle. Her name is… let’s see…—
“—Ah, you are, um… I’m sorry. I’ve forgotten your name…”
Her name doesn’t come to mind.
I might remember it if I thought hard, but I don’t feel like doing so, so I ask directly.
“I am Quest, from Magic Stone Human Number Proto-Ex. There’s no need to apologize, Teacher. This castle has many family members with similar appearances, so it can’t be helped. More importantly, you, Teacher…”
Quest…?
This girl with faint blue hues is named Quest.
No, it doesn’t matter.
I’ll probably forget it again, so it’s useless to try and remember.
There are more important things now.
“I’m sorry, Quest. Please call me Chancellor Aid, not Teacher.”
As I pick up the documents that fell from the desk to the floor, I correct her mistake.
Then, I pick up the most important book among them and grip it tightly.
It is “My Book.”
No, is it “The Book of Myself and the Ruling King”?
It’s a historical account of the war between the North and the South a thousand years ago. It focuses on the battles of the Northern Ruling King, and consequently, there are many descriptions of the Chancellor.
It was the proof of my existence.
The proof that I can confidently say who I am.
With the book safely tucked in my sash, I face the Magic Stone Human girl. She nods with a slightly disappointed expression.
“U-Understood… Chancellor Aid…”
“Thank you.”
I express my gratitude for the correction from the Magic Stone Human.
At the same time, I am grateful for the historical book in my sash.
A year ago, after witnessing the resolution of the fated encounter between Apostle Legacy and Shiso Uzunami in the center of “Shaka Hōkan Jin,” and after receiving Lord Hidaki, who would become the Ruling King’s successor, the “Thief of the Principles of Water”—I found this book.
Since being summoned to this world a thousand years later, I had begun to forget that I was the Chancellor. However, this book contained everything about the Chancellor that I had begun to forget.
I remembered it for sure.
I was destined to be the “Chancellor”.
Due to gaps in my memories of the Summoning, I realized this late, but I won’t make the wrong path anymore.
I am the “Chancellor”. It is because I am the “Chancellor” that I was able to come this far.
Above all, my body reacts.
Every time I am called “Chancellor,” my body tenses up.
The sense of tension is completely different. The concentration is completely different. The passage of time is completely different. As long as I am the “Chancellor,” I have a definite sense of being alive.
Carefully tucking the book deep within my body, I reconfirmed my wish and apologized for my previous rudeness to the “Magic Stone Human,” adding a supplementary remark.
“I am sorry. I feel more motivated when I am called Chancellor Aid.”
In front of the bewildered blue “Magic Stone Human,” I straightened my chest.
I can feel strength entering my body by calling myself “Chancellor” and being called “Chancellor.”
Ah, as expected…
I was born with this nature.
This is not a matter of how to fight or magic.
My way of life, my soul, has this nature.
My attribute is Wood.
Magic Power is specialized in nurturing others.
My personality also tends to uplift others, and I never fight alone.
Aid, the “Demon,” cannot live alone.
I can finally breathe once I prove myself to be the “Chancellor” with the “Ruling King,” and only then can I breathe. If I am not the “Chancellor,” it is the same as not being alive.
Ah, I can remember it clearly now.
That’s right.
To become the “Chancellor,” I became the “Thief of the Laws of Wood”—
“Became the ‘Thief of the Laws of Wood’?”
The answer I reached myself made a voice of doubt emerge from my own mouth.
It was unconscious. When I thought about the “Thief of the Laws of Wood,” I glimpsed a white world for a moment. It was a blink of an eye, but I definitely saw a much larger place, not the Throne Room of Viaisia Castle.
Where was that just now…? Was that a grassland…?
Is that whiteness “White Cherry”…?
It feels very nostalgic…
But, somewhere, my chest aches… like this…
I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere, but I can’t remember where.
My memories are too vague.
This must be due to the “Thief of the Laws of Wood” a thousand years ago and the memory loss from the “Summon” a thousand years later. I calmly analyze the deterioration in my mind.
I am the last “Thief of the Laws of Wood,” and the “Thief of the Laws of Wood” with the lowest aptitude. Unlike the others, I had time to prepare myself for what would happen after receiving a detailed explanation from the Apostle just before falling into the state of a “Thief of the Laws of Wood.”
Therefore, even if I can’t remember where it is, I have an idea of where it is. I already have an idea…
“Se-, Sensei… Chancellor Aid, what’s wrong…?”
Before I knew it, the “Magic Stone Human” was beside me, peering into my face. However, this time, perhaps because he called me “Chancellor,” I was able to return to myself at once.
“…No, there’s no problem. I’m fine.”
I force a smile and shake my head slightly.
The pure white world I just glimpsed is no longer remembered even in fragments.
Like flowing water, it slipped from my palms. The fallen memories drifted away from me, like pebbles rolling down a slope.
I calmly watched them go.
It’s not something to make a fuss about.
I know the name of those falling pebbles. I also know that I protected them as precious treasures in the past.
It’s just that the feeling is gone now…
That’s probably how disappearing memories are.
It would be strange to remember everything and recall it as if it were yesterday.
Although my body looks young, I am now over a hundred years old. Simply counting from birth, I am over a thousand years old.
There is no way I can remember my childhood memories.
Even the memories of living in that orphanage are hardly left.
All I can remember are the memories of being the “Chancellor.”
Yes… memories from when I was the “Chancellor.” That’s all that’s left now.
That’s the only thing I can remember as if it were yesterday.
Outside the Throne Room where I am now, as I walk down the grand corridor, I hear voices from afar. Not whispers, but voices clearly intended to be heard by me as I walk.
The voices of subordinates who vowed to protect the country together with me a thousand years ago, now despise me.
Only those voices are clear—
“—That guy called ‘Chancellor’? That pathetic man?” “Yeah. I heard he’s from the same land as that King, but it’s unbearable.” “He’s no one we know the origins of. There must be many who can’t accept why he was chosen as ‘Chancellor’.” “He’s not even a good-for-nothing tag-along for the ‘Ruling King,’ but rather a heavy burden—”
—Only those painful times can be clearly remembered.
Only those voices, as if to harass me, are not diminished in memory at all—
“A man called Aid is not fit to be the ‘Chancellor’ of the ‘Ruling King’.” “Indeed. We must harden our hearts and remove the burden from the ‘Ruling King’.”
—Voices that do not acknowledge me as “Chancellor.”
I have heard them many times within earshot. If you include the whispers, it would be impossible to count them all. To that extent, I have been told by many that I am unfit.
When was that time…
Was it around the time the “Ruling King” succeeded in his revolution, unified the northern countries, and began to push back the south…?
Back then, there was less room for error, and things were desperate.
Even if I can’t remember my childhood, I can remember that time.
For some reason, it’s as clear as if it were yesterday—
◆◆◆◆◆
—A thousand years ago.
The “Ruling King” had successfully repelled the southern invasion and regained peace in the north, which was on the verge of ruin. He then became a dignified King recognized by other countries to maintain that peace.
From then on, the battles were not centered on war but on politics. While advancing diplomacy, he devoted himself to strengthening the country’s power. As a result, the “Ruling King” appointed the most trustworthy person as “Chancellor,” but this caused discord within the country.
Everyone said in unison, “—That young man whose name we don’t even know is the ‘Chancellor.’ He’s not sane.”
The “Ruling King” told me that he chose me as “Chancellor” based on my abilities, but they couldn’t believe it.
I was simply too weak.
Compared to the “Ruling King,” there was a world of difference in everything. And I understood that better than anyone.
So, while accepting the criticism from those around me, I worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep. I did everything I could, as a “Chancellor” who people could rely on, with the limited talent I possessed.
At one point, I tried to strengthen myself by training my body. Although my position meant I wouldn’t be sent to the battlefield, there was a prevailing sentiment that one needed at least a minimum level of strength to avoid being looked down upon. In a world a thousand years later, that might not have been the case, but during the dark ages a thousand years ago, martial prowess was paramount. However, ironically, my efforts to become stronger lasted only a year before—
“As expected, swords aren’t suited for you, Aid.”
—that single sentence ended it all.
“I can still do it! General Volz!!”
In the courtyard of Viaisia Castle, I called back while kneeling. The training I had undergone, for which I was taking up the valuable time of the seasoned general, was met with Reinand Volz shaking his head with a pained expression.
“You’re too clumsy, and it’s actually dangerous for you to handle a blade. If you still wish to learn martial arts, your only option is unarmed combat. However, using fists on the battlefield is quite… Ideally, I’d like you to learn a different way of fighting…”
I immediately understood that he was indirectly telling me to give up. He wanted me to discard the sword and deal only with people and books. He was showing concern, telling me not to attempt things beyond my capabilities. I was accustomed to being looked down upon and scorned, but I wasn’t used to being worried about. I lowered my face and, as if fleeing, offered my thanks.
“I-is that so… I’m sorry, General Volz. Thank you for your valuable time…”
“…Even if martial arts are impossible, please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything else I can do for you. I owe you and your sister an unpayable debt.”
His words didn’t truly register with me. I could only clench my fists until blood flowed and return to the castle.
I knew it, but fighting was beyond me. The only way I could contribute to the country was through knowledge. I had to use my mind to find my strengths…
“Therefore…!”
Even if I wanted to improve my knowledge, time was insufficient. As someone from a remote village, the education I received was vastly inferior compared to others working in this castle. The aristocrats in the capital city were drilled in etiquette and manners from childhood and received specialized education from renowned scholars. Catching up to them would be no easy feat. No, even if I did catch up, the absolute difference in family status could never be bridged. The connections they would have built since childhood were something I could never overcome in a lifetime. Being equal wasn’t enough.
I needed far, far more strength. The strength to silence everything—my birth, my knowledge, my connections. The overwhelming power like my sister’s—!
“I am my sister’s younger brother… Why do I not possess the same talent as my sister…?”
However, the harshness of reality made me inevitably hang my head. I don’t even ask for the power of a “Thief of Principles.” If I had just a tenth of my sister’s talent, my options would have expanded dramatically. I could have managed to remain a “Chancellor” by her side.
“…No, it’s no use yearning for what I don’t have. For now, I just have to do what I can.”
I shook my head firmly and looked up. Thus, Aid, the “Chancellor” at the time of the country’s founding, did not break and continued to strive forward.
He tackled the work of a “Chancellor” with his immaturity. There was only one thing he could do. He did his utmost, being careful to avoid any mistakes. Without succumbing to despair, he continuously made the best choices available to him. If he showed even the slightest weakness, those who sought his downfall would undoubtedly swarm, trying to drag him down from his position as “Chancellor.” If that happened, he would no longer be the “Chancellor.” He would no longer be able to stand beside the “Ruling King.” That would mean he would cease to be Aid and return to being an unnamed “Demon.”
—That, I could not allow.
It was the end if I didn’t continue to be the “Chancellor.” With that thought, filled with fear of everything, the days of being absorbed in state affairs began, year after year.
From the season of pink blossoms to the season of yellow flowers. From the season of red flowers to the season of white flowers. The unstable seasons unique to the north repeated. Perhaps due to the favor of the “Ruling King,” I somehow managed to cling to my position as “Chancellor.”
And then, my body gradually grew, and I eventually surpassed the “Ruling King” in height. My eyes became deeply sunken, and my appearance deteriorated. It was likely because I had maintained my power as “Chancellor” through underhanded tactics. I had become a far cry from the admirable “Chancellor” I had envisioned. Yet, I continued to be the “Chancellor.” I strove to be a “Chancellor” worthy of standing beside the “Ruling King.” However, beyond the efforts of this ordinary person lay a cruel reality. When the “Ruling King” had pacified the northern continent and many countries began to stabilize, she started to focus particularly on education. The “Ruling King” stated that education was necessary to produce good successors, as it wasn’t possible for the same individuals to serve as generals indefinitely. I agreed wholeheartedly. At the same time, I felt that she was referring to me. If this policy succeeded and time passed, it would not be long before a more suitable “Chancellor” than myself appeared. Unlike the “Ruling King,” who had become close to immortal through the power of a “Thief of Principles,” I would age. Eventually, I would have to be replaced by someone else. I would have to step down from the position of “Chancellor” beside the “Ruling King” and witness it while growing old. The thought of such a terrifying prospect made me sick. It was only when the topic of educational policies arose that I realized this, something I hadn’t considered despite working so hard. I became preoccupied with how long I could remain the “Chancellor.” How much longer could I stand beside the “Ruling King?” So disturbed that it affected my work as “Chancellor,” I realized I was troubling the country and had no choice but to seek counsel.
To the person I trusted most— but then—
“—You need not worry. Aid,”
“R-Ruling King!”
After taking some personal time and finding myself alone in the Ruling King’s private room, I was clearly told that my worries were unfounded.
At that moment, I thought I had been freed from my long-standing anxieties. I was so devoted that if the Ruling King said so, it had to be true.
However, the words that followed from the Ruling King’s mouth were… a little different from what I desired.
“I will guarantee your lifestyle. You may do as you wish. You need not worry about us at all.”
I felt that what I wanted to convey had not gotten across, and that something was being distorted.
I had intended to express my anxiety about whether I could continue as Chancellor. The Ruling King had then told me not to worry. Therefore, I thought there must be a brilliant plan for me to remain Chancellor indefinitely, but what I’m hearing now…
“…That’s right. For the remaining time, how about running an orphanage?”
“—Huh?”
—My breath caught.
With a very pleasant smile, the Ruling King proposed a job other than Chancellor as if it were a brilliant idea.
It felt as though I was being told clearly that I was not needed in Viais, and I couldn’t breathe. It was difficult to breathe as usual, and my lungs and throat—my face—froze and wouldn’t move.
“Yes, I think it’s a good idea myself. If Aid cannot keep up with the work in this country, how about being the director of an orphanage? You would surely make an excellent director. You can prepare a wonderful ‘place to belong,’ like the orphanage where we spent our time. There, for your final moments—”
Perhaps because I couldn’t breathe, my chest felt tight. At the same time, my consciousness blurred, and the world seemed to recede. The Ruling King’s words naturally grew distant.
I couldn’t understand what they were saying. No, I didn’t want to understand.
“—Aid. If possible, please prepare a place for us to return to—”
If I continued to listen, I felt that it would be the end.
Only the book of my story had entered its epilogue, with only a few pages left to life. While my sister’s story continued endlessly, my younger brother’s name would never be called by anyone again.
Such an image flashed through my mind, and I instinctively reached for an answer.
“Yes. That might be good too… However, please let me think about it a little longer…”
Not figuratively, but I felt that I was losing myself, dying. I was overcome with the urge to hang myself.
I rushed out of the room, as if escaping from the Ruling King.
“Ah, is that so… You should take your time to think. No matter what choice you make, I will always support you…”
Even that final word from the Ruling King was too painful for me at the moment.
Stumbling, I left the room and walked through the castle corridors.
People passing by looked at my face and spoke to me with concern. But I didn’t care about any of it. I had no desire to curry favor with those around me to remain Chancellor.
No, it’s perhaps more accurate to say that I didn’t know how to respond, having been told I would no longer be Chancellor…
Unable to retort, I ignored everyone who spoke to me and returned to my own room.
Upon reaching my room, I was stunned.
I could not accept the fact that I would no longer be Chancellor.
What allowed me to continue until now, regardless of what others said, was that the Ruling King had told me it was alright for me to be Chancellor.
I was the “Chancellor Aid” because of the Ruling King.
This body is dedicated to the Ruling King, and I am specialized for the Ruling King.
At this point, I can’t possibly do anything else.
I don’t know any other way to live.
Just like when I passed people in the corridor earlier, I would become unable to speak a single word, not knowing what kind of person I am. I am not as strong as the Ruling King thinks.
Without the role of Chancellor, I am a weak person who doesn’t even know how to live.
And yet, an orphanage…?
Me, its director…?
It’s impossible!
No, even if I could, I wouldn’t want to! Absolutely not!!
I feared a future where the Ruling King would move forward with someone other than me.
Who could it be? Another Thief of Principles?
Someone strong and talented like the Ruling King?
A man stronger and wiser than me, more suited to be Chancellor…?
To see those two off alone from behind—that would still be acceptable.
The appearance of a powerful young person to aid the Ruling King is a welcome thing.
That’s fine. It’s fine, but… at that time, what will my appearance be like…?
Will I, an old man, be watching over a young and beautiful Ruling King…?
—No, that’s impossible.
If that’s the case, I won’t be able to fulfill that promise.
I have come this far solely for that ‘promise’—and yet—
“Ah, ahhh… Ahhhhhh…”
—I groan.
I am at my limit.
My body, which has been working hard to be a great Chancellor, is crying out in pain. It’s precisely because I am an ordinary person that I have always been acutely aware of my limits.
In a little while, I will no longer be Chancellor. There is no doubt about it.
From now on, my abilities will only decline. Someone better than me will quickly appear, and the Ruling King will appoint them as Chancellor.
With that future playing in my mind, I wander and groan.
Wandering through the castle—through the castle of Viais—I continue to groan—
“—Is there… someone… who can…?”
I want to continue our previous conversation.
What I need to do to remain Chancellor.
I want to discuss this with someone.
But now, I have no one I can trust.
Most of my former companions from the orphanage have already left the castle. Besides myself, only the Ruling King and Seldra-sama remain.
However, I cannot consult either of them.
Both are too strong. They could never understand the worries of a weak person. In fact, the Ruling King didn’t understand.
So I search.
For someone who understands the feelings of this weak self.
For someone suitable to consult with at this moment—
—And then, I arrive.
I end up at…
With the information I have gathered as Chancellor until today, meeting that person was easy.
It didn’t take long to bring him into my own room, where the two of us were alone.
In my own room, I faced a small child with brown hair. The child, exuding a dignity that didn’t match their small stature and attire, spoke to me.
They told me the answer to my question: “How can I continue to be the ‘Chancellor’?”
“—I have a message from Apostle Diplakla. They said they’re sorry. They are inflicting suffering upon you and your siblings due to their own rash actions. They repeatedly apologized,” the child said.
The child bowed their head, apologizing on behalf of their colleague.
Yes, colleague.
This ordinary-looking boy with short hair was one of those legendary Apostles.
He was the third Apostle, Apostle Legacy.
I knew.
I knew that this Apostle was the one who chose who could become a “Thief of Principles.”
I knew that the one who made my sister a “One who steals the logic of the wind” was the being known as Apostle Diplakla, and that the boy before me also held that authority—
“Apostle Legacy… I want to become like my sister too…”
So, I didn’t think about anything else and just wished.
Before meeting him, I had thought of various conditions for exchange, but the moment I faced him, all of it dissipated like mist.
I was at my limit.
To overcome that limit, I desperately craved the power of ‘Magic’ that one finds in fairy tales. That’s why I desperately clung to a child who was less than half my height.
“Please. I don’t need anything else. If necessary, I will become your slave. I will even lick your shoes. I’ll do anything. I will do it. So—!”
This was my true beginning.
The beginning of the legendary ‘Chancellor Aid’ who would be told of for generations to come.
“—So, please… Please, make me a ‘Thief of Principles’ too…”
I craved power.
I craved the right to walk beside the ‘Ruling King’ forever.
“I understand what you, Aid, are trying to say, older brother. Don’t worry. In fact, you already meet the conditions. The ‘World’ has seen you and acknowledged you. That’s why I’m here.”
Then, the child—Apostle Legacy—gave a troubled look, and quickly nodded.
However, I, who could no longer easily believe anyone’s words, continued to beseech him. No matter what, I desperately tried to sell myself, thinking I must not displease this Apostle.
“Of course, I am prepared to offer my life! You can do as you please with this body. I don’t mind selling my soul to the world. Yes, take it all! —I can even offer myself as the ‘Price’ of being ‘myself’!!”
I knew that a ‘Contract’ required a ‘Price.’
I knew that the ‘Price’ would be great, and I would likely lose even myself.
When I conveyed this, the Apostle showed a slightly surprised look.
“…As expected of the last ‘Thief of Principles.’ Unlike others, you understand well. …Were you investigating this on your own for your sister? No, it doesn’t matter either way. In any case, your ‘Price’ is already decided. —You just need to place what you are losing now in the same place as your sister.”
The ‘Price’ is already decided…? To place it in the same place as my sister…? No, if it’s the same as my sister, it doesn’t matter… In fact, it’s exactly what I want.
“I don’t think an ‘explanation’ of ‘Thief of Principles’ is necessary, but I’ll give one anyway. It seems to be my job.”
“Then… Will I, um, be able to become one…?”
“You will. It seems the world has yielded to your eagerness.”
“Ah, ah…”
I wanted to hear those words. I felt as if the breath that had been stopped for so long had started flowing again, and I beamed. However, the Apostle cautioned me.
“But first, I will ask. You can still turn back now. …Aid, older brother, are you really okay with this? To be blunt, I don’t recommend it. Unlike the other two Apostles, I don’t care much about my job, so I’ll say it frankly: being a ‘Thief of Principles’ is like a deception. Besides, everyone who becomes one ends up unhappy. So far, it’s laughably 100% unhappiness.”
“Even so, I beg you.”
I answered immediately. Knowing the admonition was correct, I pushed forward. Even if it meant unhappiness, I would still be ‘myself’ there. If I was with the ‘Ruling King,’ even unhappiness would be fine. That was all of me.
“…Amazing. Even so.”
The Apostle seemed genuinely surprised by my immediate answer, and suddenly withered, taking a step back from me. Then, looking at me as if I were too bright, he resumed the conversation from a short distance away.
“I have expectations for you. So, let’s see if you can reach it, even with this, Legacy’s most spiteful ‘Price’ ever… I want to test you.”
Even when told it was the most spiteful ‘Price’ ever, I remained unmoved. I had expected as much from the supposedly unserious Apostle Legacy.
However, I was also surprised that Apostle Legacy didn’t seem as wicked as the rumors suggested. If I looked closely, I felt he was looking at me with a favorable gaze. It almost seemed as if he, an ‘Apostle’ in a superior position, was beginning to admire ‘Thief of Principles.’
But that look of admiration quickly vanished, replaced by the expression of a serious professional. And I responded with equal seriousness.
“I will not retract my previous words, Your Excellency the Apostle.”
“Understood, Aid, older brother. I will definitely make you a ‘Thief of Principles.’ From now on, you will, unfortunately, become the ‘Thief of the Laws of Wood’ chosen by Apostle Legacy. So first, I must crush that heart of yours—”
—Thus, that day, I committed suicide.
I crushed my own heart.
The ‘Contract’ was fulfilled.
Under the watchful eye of the Apostle, I became a ‘Thief of the Laws of Wood,’ like my sister.
This was the beginning of Chancellor Aid as the ‘Thief of the Laws of Wood,’ and the end of Aid as a younger brother.
And from that moment on, I completely lost a certain precious period of time, and at the same time, forgot a certain precious ‘promise.’
I was thrown into the ‘Ordeal of the Apostles,’ which all ‘Thieves of Principles’ face.
However, not only was I there, but the ‘Ruling King’ was also there.
With that alone, I had no fear or anxiety.
This is the beginning of Chancellor Aid’s story.
Or rather, it should be the beginning—
