The one I met in the cell was Anakura, the fortune teller who was supposed to be dead.
We had to go meet someone important called Lord Nephilim, leaving Anakura who had suddenly appeared behind. I recall that Dragonkin were serving as escorts.
We were brought back to that distinctive castle again. A white rose was shining brightly overhead.
“This way, we’ll enter through the back entrance.”
We went around the building to its rear and were allowed inside through a small door, unlike the magnificent gate on the front. Only the clicking of footsteps echoed in the quiet, dark hallway.
“What kind of person is this Lord Nephilim?”
“He is one who inherits the blood of God. An ancient being created by God as the ruler of this world.”
“But I heard that this place was created long ago by mages with great power.”
The captain walking in front stopped.
“How much do you know?”
“Huh? How much? That this place was originally a place where sinners washed ashore, and that mages who were banished from their countries reshaped the island. And that the people here now are their descendants, right?”
“That’s right, don’t speak of it outside.”
Do the inhabitants here not know their ancestors? I can’t believe they managed to keep it hidden for so long.
“Though, some seem to have a vague idea already.”
“As expected. Um, excuse me, are you also one of those descendants?”
“We are not. We are told our ancestors were the mages who created this place.”
Ah, I see, that’s why they can grow so large. Does that mean the Dragonkin are the same? They must have also been members of the first mage guild.
Although we entered through the back, the interior was beautiful, with a white motif. Surely Lord Nephilim is at the summit of this castle. I’m happy to meet him, but I wonder how long it will take to get there by stairs.
“This way, get on.”
Just as I was thinking that, I was led to an elevator. You might think, “An elevator?” but I just assumed it was powered by magic or something. I decided to stop thinking too deeply about it.
The elevator we boarded ascended quietly. Everyone seemed uneasy about this unfamiliar device.
“Here we are, we’ve arrived. Make sure there are no slips.”
I’ve heard that line before. I have to somehow persuade them to release Anakura from the cage.
As we got off the elevator, two Dragonkin, who were the direct escorts, approached. A male and a female, as expected of Dragonkin, they were large. They carried an imposing presence, looking down from their high perch.
“Third Squad, Captain Applettea. I’ve brought outsiders.”
“Good work, you may stand down.”
The captain’s ears flattened significantly backward. I could tell he was suppressing his irritation. The male Dragonkin looked me up and down with a scrutinizing gaze.
“Hmph, so this is him. How impudent of a human to step foot in such a sacred place.”
“Leave it, we’re making Lord Nephilim wait. Follow me.”
Told off by the female, the male shook his large wings and moved away. This must be near the summit of the castle. Unlike the lower floors, all I could see was a single door at the end of the hallway. The female reached for the large door.
With a slight creak, the door opened. White light spilled through the gap.
The room, like an observation deck, was almost entirely made of glass. And from it, the country spread out in a panoramic view. It was so clear, without a single cloud, it looked like a painted picture hung up.
In the center of the spacious room, with nothing else, stood a figure. A small child, and a man standing beside them. The man was a Treasure Beastman. His ears and tail were covered in golden fur. The child, no, it wasn’t a child. This must be Lord Nephilim.
My first impression was white. A glimpse of wings could be seen through his light, lace-like thin clothing. You could say his appearance was utterly pure white and undefiled. Indeed, beautiful and pure, like a white rose.
“It is an honor to meet you. My name is Arisugawa Hiroaki.”
As I bowed, Lord Nephilim’s lips curved slightly into a smile.
“Thank you, I have heard. My companion has done something regrettable.”
His voice was like the babbling of a clear stream, seeping into my heart.
“Um, there’s someone else who’s been captured. They’re not our companion, but they are an acquaintance, so could you please let them go?”
The gaze of the Treasure Beastman standing next to him pierced me sharply. It felt like he was telling me to shut my dirty mouth.
“Ah, is that so? That’s wonderful, he had a friend too. He seemed to be wandering aimlessly.”
Lord Nephilim instructed the two Dragonkin waiting behind him to release Anakura. With reluctant faces, they left the room.
“Everyone, how is the outside world?”
Lord Nephilim slowly walked to the window and looked down at the town spread out below.
“My apologies for the suddenness. I have been here since birth.”
“In the outside world… sweets don’t just grow everywhere.”
She let out a small laugh.
“Is that so? You have come a long way. Now, what is your wish?”
