[ SHENGESIA ]
It had been a while since I last checked up on Demharugh and her Fairy troop she was leading in Siegesia last, on their way to find the history of Faekin out once and for all... Since the last time I talked with her, Gaizar's bombardment commenced, and things had heated up surrounding global tensions. I knew Eikn would be looking over her at all times, but still, I was worried.
I felt her in Shengesia now. She had crossed from Siegesia into the Imperial World, which was not good... Her search was taking her to so many places, gathering so many Fairies. There must have been over a thousand following her by now. It was going to draw attention, sooner or later.
So I set out that way, in the hopes of finding her and ensuring she was safe.
...
But, when I arrived, and found her... found where she had led her troop to in Shengesia, I could not be more startled by what I saw.
In the midst of a bamboo clearing, I saw her troop all gathered in a line like an exodus behind her. Fairies on their knees bowing heads. Faekin fluttering around like balls of tiny lights. Demharugh herself was standing at the front of them all, staring into an immaculate pillar of radiance at the heart of the clearing.
[REFINED VOICE] "You have done well to return to me, Demharugh."
My heart sunk.
[REFINED VOICE] "Long ago, I abandoned you because I foresaw that your future was one steeped in uselessness and sin. But now I have opened my eyes to that error. You were not failures after all, but successes. Now I can take you back at last."
[DEMHARUGH] "Y-Y... Y-You... a-are... t... the old m-m-man.... M-My old m... ma.... mah... aster...!"
[EMPEROR] "Indeed. It was none other than I, the Milky Way's very ruler. I am ashamed of myself for letting Faekin go. But now, you can come back."
[DEMHARUGH] "C...Come back...?"
[EMPEROR] "Of course you can. In these trying times, I must save all in the Milky Way. None shall be left behind by the Great Rebirth. That is the promise of a benevolent ruler and loving creator. You deserve to be with your maker again."
[DEMHARUGH] "....."
BGM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDTNnS8Xsd0And even though I was hidden behind the stalks of bamboo, invisible to all sight, HE looked at me... singled me out!
[EMPEROR] "And I must thank 'you' indeed as well... for bringing my dear Demharugh back to me, along with a great deal many of Faekin. Truly, you are the Redeemer, as you have redeemed my desire to have my loyal subjects again!"
'...'
[MAJORDOMO] "T-T-There's no way that's actually him in the flesh... aha... r... right?!"
[ELA-RE] "I... I thought he was in Heaven... how can Lord Huangdi be here now?!"
One by one, my inner voices receded until Ela was alone, trembling.
[EMPEROR] "For this, you can surely be rewarded..."
I raised my eyebrow as I stepped out into sight, becoming visible. Demharugh didn't even glance at me however, still captivated by his presence.