I. The Gilded Trap
"So, that's the list of families. Right then, let's get to work—"
"Wait a moment, Olga Marie," Romani interjected, his voice uncharacteristically firm. "We shouldn't be the ones to lay a hand on them directly."
"What?"
"Don't worry, I'm sure everything would be fine, but let's call it a matter of 'habit.' If the families of Chaldea staff were to suddenly vanish into thin air, it would look far too suspicious, wouldn't it? It leaves a trail that's too easy to follow. No, we should use a subcontractor—a 'talented individual' to handle the protection for us."
"I see... We gather them under the guise of a party for Chaldea affiliates?" Olga Marie mused, catching on.
"Exactly. And it's better if we invite them here through an 'abduction.' It serves as the perfect deterrent—we can simply say 'The families of Chaldea were caught in a tragic accident.' If we shift the public perception from us being the perpetrators to us being the victims, few busybodies will bother to dig deeper. And as for those who do go looking..."
"We shall simply pray they don't meet a 'tragic accident' of their own," Olga Marie finished, a cold smirk playing on her lips.
"Hahaha! Honestly, Olga Marie! There's no way such scary accidents happen in modern society! ...Right?"
"Right... And I believe we have just the right man for the job."
"He has enough wealth to buy Chaldea several times over. He'll do nicely. Alright! Time to start enthusiastically planning the route!"
Olga Marie's grin grew sharp. "Goredolf Musik."
II. The Recruitment of the Phoenix
The Musik Estate
[Forgive me for meeting you in this fashion, Mr. Musik.]
"Wh-Who goes there?! Show yourself!"
[You may call me... Freesia.]
"F-Freesia...?"
[I have evaluated your extraordinary vitality, your luck, and the human spirit that earned you the title 'Phoenix Musik.' I wish to establish a... friendly relationship with you.]
"With me? Personally?"
[Yes. I have need of you.]
"Hmph! Very well! I suppose I can hear you out. What is it you desire?"
[I wish for you to gather a certain group of people at your estate. Consider it the first step in ensuring the name of your noble house remains eternal.]
"Eternal...!"
[If this succeeds... I shall invite you to 'Paradise.' A supreme heaven that surpasses everything in this world.]
"A supreme... paradise..."
[A simple task is all it takes. In exchange, your name and the name of your house shall live forever. No one will mock you. No one will look down on you. Now... Goredolf Musik.]
"..."
[I am asking nicely. There is no reason to hesitate... is there?]
"I... I understand. Leave it to me."
[I will send further instructions soon. I look forward to working with you.]
"Has my chance finally come...?" Goredolf whispered to the empty air, his eyes glazed with the promise of glory.
III. The King's Bath and the Soul's Song
Chaldea: The King's Private Quarters. The most brilliant, gorgeous heart of this burgeoning paradise.
A soft, melodic hum drifted through the air. In the lavish bathing chamber—which was less a bathroom and more a sprawling aquatic palace—Ea sang beside the King. Though she was a soul without a physical form, her joy resonated through the very steam.
The King of Heroes sat amidst the hot waters, his expression one of supreme contentment as he sipped a vintage of the Sky Gods. "Though it was a bit meager for a feast in a Princess's honor," he chuckled.
(Did you have fun, Ea?) Fou asked, showing off a clumsy doggy-paddle as he enjoyed the soak.
Ea nodded vigorously. —I was able to talk with everyone to my heart's content! It was so fun, I'm so happy!
They had spent the previous night in a whirlwind of laughter and song. They had caught up on everything—what they felt during their travels, the thoughts they carried into battle, and whether they were truly glad to have come to Chaldea. Ea cherished every moment of confirming those bonds.
—To think I can spend time with everyone again... just the thought makes my heart race! Gil, Fou! I am truly happy right now!
Ea's smile was constant. Because she was a soul, her emotions were laid bare, unshielded. The beauty of conversation, of recognizing one another—she savored these irreplaceable things over and over.
—I want to tell Shiki-chan and the others, too! I'm only this happy because of all of them!
(Yes, yes. If you're happy, I'm happy. Stay that way forever, Ea.)
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"