In the vast throne room, a lone figure sat upon a golden throne. One arm rested lazily on the armrest, his head tilted, cheek propped against his hand.
Shadows cloaked the chamber, swallowing the gleam of gold and obsidian that lined the walls. Only his eyes—glowing, golden-yellow—pierced through the dark like twin suns behind storm clouds.
He wore an ornate white-and-gold ceremonial robe traced with delicate geometric patterns and jeweled accents. Emerald and crimson gems shimmered faintly along his collar and cuffs. A tall, regal hat crowned his figure, completing the image of solemn divinity.
"My life," he murmured, voice low but clear in the silence, "is already being poured out like a drink offering. The time of my departure is near."
Beside him stood Twilight. Her posture was composed, yet her gaze wavered under the weight of his words. She wore a sleek black dress slit high along the leg, gold trim catching the faint light. Maroon belts crossed her waist, a sapphire emblem rested against her chest, and her white thigh-high boots glimmered with each flicker of the throne's glow.
Twilight turned toward him, lips parting—but she hesitated. Her eyes softened, sorrow trembling just beneath the surface.
"I have fought the good fight," he said, gaze distant, voice calm and unwavering. "I have kept my faith. And now… there is laid up for me the absolute death—the end which the Holy Maiden, the righteous judge, shall grant me on that day."
He smiled faintly, the expression light yet heavy with meaning. "I leave this world not in defeat, but in pursuit of peace. My battle is done. My death… is victory."
"Master…" Twilight's voice wavered, quiet as a sigh. "Why would you truly sacrifice yourself? You could easily fake it."
The man's smile deepened, soft yet unshakable. "Remember, C.C.," he said. "The narrative will never allow me to truly die."
Twilight's eyes widened, then dimmed. Her throat tightened, and her voice came out as a whisper. "…That's true, Master."
"When I'm gone, move forward. Find a new master — or something you want to do," he said, quiet and steady.
Twilight's eyes widened. Shock cut her breath. She started to speak, but he went on.
"That's what I would've said." He let out a humorless half-smile. "But you wouldn't. After all… I named you C.C., from Code Geass."
"I won't," Twilight said, voice small. Her fingers trembled at her cloak's hem. "Not for an eternity."
He looked past her, distant. "I'll live again. I returned to this world."
Twilight touched the pendant at her throat. "I'll wait," she promised.
He stepped closer, tone low. "One last order. It must succeed. You must find me twenty thousand years in the future."
Twilight's brow creased. "An order… to find you?"
"Yes." His gaze burned. "When you find the Emperor reborn, I'll send you my raw knowledge and memories. Give them to the future Emperor."
Twilight's questions tumbled out. "What? Why? How—?"
"So he knows them in time." His voice tightened. "I will die. The Emperor must not. When I reclaim my memories, I will kill them all."
The shadows peeled back like ink. Haruto sat on a throne, still and cold. His eyes were chips of stone. The room held its breath. Twilight's grip on the pendant went white.
Back in Haruto's nation, he walked along a small hill blanketed in green grass and vibrant flowers. The wind brushed through his hair — a smooth gradient from deep indigo at the roots to a luminous light blue at the tips.
He wore a light gray oversized jacket with a high collar, layered over a black shirt and harness-style straps. His cropped black pants were accented with red buckle straps, giving a sharp, tactical look. White high-top sneakers and fingerless gloves completed his casual yet commanding appearance.
"W… what are they doing?" Haruto muttered, glancing down the slope.
In the distance, five humanoid wolves stood in perfect formation.
"They're training, if I'm correct," said Tsukasa, standing elegantly beside him in her maid uniform.
(Right… I never finished linking the outside to the training realm. It's still isolated.) Haruto thought, exhaling softly.
"If that's so," he said flatly, "why are they so incredibly weak?"
Tsukasa's expression faltered slightly. She looked up at him with a hesitant smile. "From my lord's perspective… they are."
"So you're saying—"
Before he could finish, someone bumped into his shoulder.
"Hey, kid, you shouldn't stand in the middle of the path," said a humanoid wolf with white hair and cold black eyes.
"Yeah! Apologize to him," added another, this one with green hair and bright blue eyes.
Tsukasa's eyes narrowed. She stepped in front of Haruto, her voice sharp. "You should be the ones apologizing. You bumped into him."
The white-haired wolf smirked, mocking. "Huh? Why should I apologize to someone weaker than me?"
(Wait… did this dog just call me weak?) Haruto blinked in disbelief.
The green-haired wolf laughed. "He doesn't even have mana!"
(Oh… I see. My mana count's infinitely higher — he can't even sense it.)
Haruto placed a hand on Tsukasa's shoulder. "Let's go. No need to make a scene."
"But… my lord—"
The wolves burst into laughter. One clutched his stomach, sneering. "Yeah, run to your mommy! Maybe that's why you're so weak!"
The air changed.
Tsukasa suddenly dropped to her knees, crushed under invisible weight. Her breath hitched; veins strained along her neck. "M… my lord… you're—"
She looked over her shoulder.
Haruto stood behind her, shrouded in a black aura. White, hollow eyes burned through the darkness, staring straight into their souls.
The two wolves fell backward, trembling violently, their fur bristling in sheer terror.
"Y… you're a monster," the green-haired one stammered.
"How dare you speak of her," Haruto said, voice deep and distorted. His hand rose toward them, dark energy spiraling around his fingers.
Then—warmth.
A pair of arms wrapped tightly around him from behind.
"Haruto!" a soft voice gasped. "I… I don't know what made you so angry, my lord, but please—calm down. We'll all die if you don't."
Haruto froze. He turned slightly, seeing the silver-white hair and wolf ears pressed against his back.
"Die…?" His voice trembled, still tinged with that demonic echo.
Slowly, the black aura sank back into his skin. His breathing steadied. The light returned to his eyes.
Chloe's eyes were still shut, her grip trembling. Haruto gently rested his hand atop her head, between her snowy wolf ears.
Her eyes flew open in shock as he murmured, "Sorry… about what just happened."
(How embarrassing. I never lose control like that.) The thought stung.
Tsukasa rose, clutching her shoulder. "Don't be. It was their fault."
Chloe blinked, still confused. "Who…?"
She looked past Haruto — the two wolves lay unconscious on the ground.
"Why are they even here?" she asked quietly.
"You know these fools," Haruto said, looking down at the two sprawled figures.
Chloe nodded once, small and matter-of-fact. "They're in my army."
"What did they do?" Chloe asked, curiosity bright in her voice.
Haruto sighed, an almost pitying sound as he regarded them. He glanced at their chests rising and falling, then back to Chloe. "It's nothing. When they wake, tell them I said if they act like that again I'll tear their souls apart." His voice was cold and flat.
Chloe's face paled. "Will… it seems it wasn't something light," she said, voice thin.
Haruto shook his head. "Enough about them. How are you these days?" He smiled — small, soft.
Chloe brightened. "Everything's… better because of you. I'm stronger. I have people who care. Countless more." Her smile was shy, proud.
Haruto turned his back to them, eyes on the rolling hill. "That makes me happy." His voice was quiet.
They shared a brief smile.
"Don't you have duties to attend to, Chloe?" Haruto asked, shifting as if remembering schedules.
Chloe blinked. "I forgot." She rose, stamping dust from her skirt. "I—" She looked at him, then bowed lightly. "See you later." She vanished down the path.
"Let's go, Tsukasa." Haruto readied himself to leave.
"And them?" Tsukasa asked.
Haruto stopped. He walked to the two wolves and crouched. He studied their unconscious forms, the light catching on fur and mud. For a long beat he did nothing.
Then he straightened. "I changed my mind." He extended his hands.
"—Abyssal Assimilation." The words left him like a tolling bell. It was a sub-skill of Deus Penumbra.
Black mist peeled from the wolves' bodies. It coiled in the air like smoke, then slammed into Haruto's open palms. The mist vanished into him as if swallowed. The grass where the wolves lay trembled and bent away, scorched by some hunger that had nothing to do with fire.
"Nothing useful about either of them," Haruto said, watching his hands. "But the black mist… that's different."
"What did you do, my lord?" Tsukasa asked, shock lacing her tone.
Haruto met her eyes. "It's complex. To put it simply: I killed them." He said it as if reciting a fact.
Tsukasa's face crumpled. Fear flickered there — small, honest. "J-just like that?"
Haruto noticed the fear. A small, prickling satisfaction ran through him and he frowned at himself. (Does she fear me now?)
He looked down at his hands. Black residue clung to his skin, sliding into the lines of his palm like ink. "Yes," he said softly. "These hands have been dirty for a long time, Tsukasa."
Her eyes widened, and for the first time the smile she wore was thin.
"To be honest," Haruto added, voice flat as a verdict, "I deserve to die. Those who kill should be prepared to be killed."
Haruto walked past Tsukasa but stopped a few steps away.
"You don't need to fear me," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "I'll never lay a hand on you. After all… you belong to me."
Tsukasa lifted her gaze, expression calm and unwavering. "Yes, my lord. My body and soul belong to you alone." She pressed a hand against her chest, voice steady.
Haruto smiled faintly.
Tsukasa thought. (I'll put my emotions aside.)
Haruto started walking again. "Let's go."
Tsukasa nodded, falling into step beside him.
(Yes… it's kill or be killed.) Haruto's thoughts came cold and quiet.
"Where are we heading, my lord?" Tsukasa asked.
"I'm going back to my room," Haruto said, his voice softer now. "I just want to lie down… clear my mind."
Tsukasa's eyes widened, a flicker of concern passing through her calm. "Are you feeling ill, my lord?"
Haruto turned slightly, a small smile curving his lips. "Ill? Hmm… I don't have organs, Tsukasa. I can't get sick." His tone was amused — a rare warmth breaking through the cold.
Tsukasa flushed, realizing her mistake. "How foolish of me," she murmured, embarrassed.
A few moments later, golden light streamed through the tall window of Haruto's chamber. He lay on the bed, one arm draped across his forehead, his expression unreadable.
"Tsukasa," he said quietly, "what do you think of me as a king?" His tone was gentle — not because her answer mattered, but because he wanted to hear it anyway.
Tsukasa stood by the white wall, posture straight. "I think of my lord as a great leader — one who truly cares for his people, even if he doesn't always show it."
Haruto turned his head slightly to glance at her, then looked back at the ceiling. "You still think that? Even after I killed those two?"
"They were rude to you," Tsukasa said simply. "They deserved to die."
Haruto gave a short nod. "Yeah."
Silence fell. The golden light softened, wrapping the room in warmth.
(I wonder how my child is doing…) Haruto thought, eyes drifting shut.
(Maybe I should go see them… no. Someone might use them against me if they ever find out.)
He frowned slightly. (But who? I don't have enemies yet…)
He exhaled, turning onto his side. "Ugh… forget about that idea," he muttered.
The light dimmed as the sun dipped below the horizon, and the quiet of his room pressed in — heavy, thoughtful, and still.
Tsukasa's face changed as if remembering something.
"My lord, I should get going now." She bowed.
"Go? Where?" Haruto asked, curiosity flickering in his voice.
"Lady Liora instructed me to meet her at this hour," Tsukasa said, formal and calm.
"Oh. I see. You may leave, then." Haruto nodded.
"Thank you." Tsukasa bowed again and stepped out. The door closed softly behind her.
She walked to a brown door and knocked twice.
"You may enter," came Liora's voice from inside.
Tsukasa opened the door. It closed behind her of its own accord. Liora sat behind a heavy desk, leaning back, eyes sharp. "Yes or no — you were with Lord Haruto all day, right?" she asked, voice flat.
"Yes." Tsukasa replied.
"Then tell me: why did he get angry?" Liora stood and circled the desk, stopping in front of Tsukasa.
"Two humanoid wolves insulted Lord Haruto's mother," Tsukasa answered. "They mocked her. That's why he snapped."
Liora's hand hit Tsukasa's cheek with a sharp clap.
"How could you let that happen? Have you forgotten your purpose?" Liora's words cut. Her tone was ice.
Tsukasa's right cheek flushed red, but her expression did not change.
"No, Lady Liora." Another slap landed against her left cheek. Both sides marked in red.
"Do you know what happens if his anger grows?" Liora asked, voice low. "People die by his presence. Not only that—you let it happen."
Tsukasa bowed her head. "I'm sorry, my lady," she whispered.
Liora pointed to the table. "Spread your fingers."
Tsukasa set both hands on the wood and obeyed. Liora gripped one finger and snapped it back. Pain flared; Tsukasa stifled a cry.
The sound of bone breaking echoed too many times. Tsukasa clenched her jaw, tears stinging at the corners of her eyes. She watched, white-knuckled, as ten fingers were broken — one by one — until her hands trembled with shock.
A soft green light pulsed from Liora's palm. The glow washed over Tsukasa's hands. Bones knit, flesh smoothed. The pain vanished as if it had been a bad dream.
Tsukasa blinked. Relief and fresh shame warred on her face.
"Lord Haruto is still young," Liora said as she sat back down, voice silk and steel. "Use your body to please him. Keep him calm. That is your purpose."
"U… understood." Tsukasa's voice was small.
---
Back in Haruto's chamber, he sat at the edge of his bed, attention half-drawn to the door as it opened.
"Oh — you're back quickly." Haruto's tone was casual, though his eyes watched her closely.
Tsukasa stopped between his knees. She did not look away.
She adjusted the ribbons at her waist and let the outer layers of her uniform fall away. The motion was purposeful, leaving her body revealed in a way that demanded attention, her posture unwavering despite the tension
Haruto blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? What—"
"My lord," Tsukasa said, voice steady and low, "please remove your clothes. I will do my best." She spoke the words like a vow
"No…" said Haruto as he stood up, creating distance between them.
"Take a nap," he commanded, invoking Vox Ordinis.
Tsukasa immediately fell asleep, her body landing softly in the middle of the bed.
Haruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head in annoyance.
"Why does this always happen to me…" he muttered, frustration lacing his tone.
He let his hand drop with a quiet sigh. "Seems I'm gonna have to put Liora straight."
In the blink of an eye, his figure vanished.
---
Liora sat at her desk, quietly signing papers. The rustle of parchment and the faint scratch of her quill filled the room.
Suddenly, a warm hand rested on her shoulder from behind.
She froze. Turning her head slightly, her expression shifted to confusion—then shock—as she saw Haruto standing there.
(How did he bypass my spider senses?) she thought, suppressing her surprise.
(No… it's not suppression. He's the Emperor.)
"Is something wrong, Haruto?" she asked carefully.
Without answering, Haruto pressed her against the wall, leaving her momentarily breathless.
"I don't know what you said to Tsukasa," he said calmly, his tone carrying quiet authority, "but don't ever do that again."
"But—"
Haruto raised a finger and touched it to her soft pink lips, silencing her.
He tilted her chin upward until her eyes met his—golden and unyielding.
"No buts. As my wife… I expect you to obey," he said, his voice low and close to her ear.
Liora's cheeks flushed red. Her composure wavered; she nodded without thinking.
Haruto brushed his hand along her cheek, a faint smile forming.
"Good girl," he said softly.
Liora lowered her gaze, a shadow of sadness flickering in her eyes.
"You only call me your wife to make me vulnerable to your commands…" she murmured.
"Yes," Haruto admitted, his tone quiet but honest. "But I can't deny it—you are my wife by nature."
He patted her head gently, then walked to the couch and sat down. Liora followed, taking a seat beside him.
"Everyone's doing their jobs well," Haruto said, leaning back. "Everything's moving fast."
Liora turned toward him, her black eyes glimmering with a depth that seemed to swallow light itself.
"They're doing their best to make your life easier," she replied softly.
"Is that so…" Haruto murmured, resting his head back against the couch.
"Oh, right," Liora continued, crossing her long legs smoothly. "How are your students progressing?"
Haruto's eyes narrowed slightly, the shadow of his lashes sharp against his skin.
"Amazingly. They've all evolved into High Humans—with seven elemental affinities each."
"That's not much," Liora said with a faint smirk, "but it's something, given their origins."
Haruto turned his head toward her. She was sitting close—too close. Close enough that her presence made the air feel heavier.
"Y–yeah…" Haruto replied quietly, aware of the small distance between them.
Then, a familiar voice echoed through his mind.
『Master… an unknown spider is actively praying for your assistance. It appears to be urgent.』
Haruto's eyes slightly widened.
> Decision Required:
Accept the request — Yes / No