Miklotov's Monologue
I have witnessed enough generational changes to understand the essence of humanity and the course of its injustices. I have seen systems and structures fall and rise, power and oppression intertwined, always under the shadow of an unseen hand guiding fate.
I have known the pain of loss: the royal family, victims of the witch's cult, and my dear nephew, who succumbed to the same cause. These tragedies are not mere coincidences; they are reflections of a deeper truth.
Humans possess a unique ability, a quality that sets them apart from the animal kingdom: the ability to defy their own instincts. While animals follow a path predestined by nature, humans have the power to divert their course, and in that deviation, we often fall into greed, envy, and corruption.
Humanity, in its essence, is born in duality: corruption and goodness are two sides of the same coin. The balance between these two poles, the corrupt and the virtuous, defines our existence.
Although we are impulsive beings by nature, endowed with instincts that often govern our actions, we also possess the ability to exercise our will and overcome those instincts. Reason, our greatest distinction from beasts, is both an instrument of great power and a source of great responsibility.
It is a force that can build or destroy, uplift or tear down.
From the beginning, I understood that my efforts were insufficient without a solid alliance. The council of sages, created with the intent of saving the kingdom, quickly became corrupted into a mere display of power.
That's why I decided to act.
The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica needs a deep transformation to thrive. My choice is based on the belief that the camp of that girl holds the balance I seek: a blend of power and goodness. They have the ability to wield their will with wisdom, and the kindness to do so without abusing their strength.
This war, though painful, was inevitable. The lives that have been lost will not be in vain; they are the price of true will. I won't be mistaken in saying that this sacrifice will be the last necessary to achieve our goal.
I am willing to risk everything, my life, and my name, to support those who share this vision. For them, I will give everything I have.
It is a deep and sincere commitment, born from the understanding that only through this decisive battle can we achieve the balance we long for.
There is no turning back, only the future we will build with our actions.
Prologue
A Kingdom in Decline
To heal a kingdom in decline, one must first eradicate the roots of its malaise, like a doctor seeking to remove the poison that threatens to consume a body. If we let the poison settle, it will undoubtedly lead to destruction. So, the kingdom must be tended to with the same diligence as one cares for their own life.
The kingdom's economic problems have been on a weak balance, sustained by policies that were once adequate. However, now we face the serious challenge of unchecked population growth and the deterioration of public infrastructure.
The shadow of the demihuman war still lingers, and the kingdom stands on the brink of a crisis that could become irreversible if decisive action is not taken.
At this critical moment, the future of the kingdom depends on who takes the throne. The ability to eradicate the cult and corruption becomes crucial.
As I stroke my beard, observing the changes that have occurred in my absence, I feel the growing weight of my body and the wear of the years. Even the simple act of holding my pen seems like a burden.
'How difficult it is to be old,' I reflect as I gaze at my cup of tea and the steam that dissipates into the air. Dipping the pen in ink, I continue writing with the certainty that events are about to change drastically.
One of the allies we expected has actually become our adversary. Someone I deeply respected for the history of their family and their own achievements. The Mathers family, and in particular...
"Roswaal L. Mathers," I murmur, letting my voice dissolve into the stillness of this lonely office.
His actions were not in my expectations, though a part of me suspected his true inclination. I always wondered why Marco Luz never sought help in his investigations or spells. His resentment towards those who are supposed to act for good troubled me, and now, that unease becomes a bitter reality.
The kingdom has lost one of its most fundamental pillars. The most powerful mage has turned against us, allied with a new enemy, whose identity we do not know but must fear.
I close my notebook, the last testament of my hopes, though I may not live to see the fruits of my labor. I leave a final mark as Sage Miklotov, with the hope that it serves a greater purpose.
Miss Emilia has exposed the truth clearly. To fill the void left, we must elevate Marco Luz to the status of marquis. His capital still holds much potential; with the third steam engine he has implemented, I trust it will improve significantly.
His military power and potential are clear, but he lacks the economic and political power that other cities possess. With the marquis's properties transferred to his name, we have a chance to fight, though some losses are inevitable.
Roswaal L. Mathers's letter is revealing:
"In this letter, I renounce my noble title and desert as marquis of the Kingdom of Lugunica. I cede my lands to Count Marco Luz in their entirety."
The money he once had has disappeared, leaving only uncertainty. The capital he once had is now an enigma, and the current situation adds more pressure to our struggle.
"Erick Costuul..." The only card we have to dismantle his father Harald Costuul's machinations.
The trap he set was effective, affecting those we did not expect. The Irlam army suffered great losses, and their inability to prove their innocence is concerning. Only Erick Costuul could clarify the situation.
The people doubt, and the absence of Lugunica's hero increases uncertainty. Roswaal's disappearance cannot yet be announced, and we lost many opportunities with his favor. The recent massacre has generated resentment, with groups marching for demihuman rights in the capital.
'Of course, it's not as simple as that.'
With Bordeaux revealed as part of the cult, the list of allies has been reduced to two: the head of the knights, Marcos Gildark, and the sage Tristan. Marcos trusts his imperial knights, and though I have seen much grow, at this moment I only trust those who follow the candidates, not the candidates themselves.
"Frey Karsten..." I have known him since childhood, admiring his parents for their achievements. It pains me to doubt them, but I fear Frey Karsten may be an even greater threat than Bordeaux.
His strength is considerable, and his mind, sharp and strategic, is a formidable challenge. I know his abilities well, and I fear that his ambition may be our downfall.
The support received from him was not with good intentions. He sought recognition for capturing Flynn, probably to hide evidence against him.
'That indicates he does not fear being in the eye of the storm.'
Marco Luz's plan is still a mystery to me. When he woke up two days ago, he was in a deplorable state. He is recovering, and I must update myself when I reach the capital. However, his arrogance could unleash his worst side.
Time is crucial, and the kingdom is on the brink of the abyss. The truth about the candidate for the throne, Felt, is a ray of hope in the midst of darkness. Her plans remain hidden, even from someone of my experience, and I can only recognize one immutable truth:
"Marco Luz is ready to change the kingdom's destiny."
The Day Before Departure
I slowly open my eyes, feeling a warm weight on my chest. I hold her gently, letting her rest fully. Even after two days of rest, I still haven't gotten used to seeing the ceiling of my room.
I missed it a lot.
I haven't fully talked with Emilia yet; in fact, I think I don't even want to. I know I should, but honestly, I'm a little scared—scared that she'll tell me everything, that I'll have to know in detail what I did.
'I won't fall for it, but I also don't need to know.'
I killed María; that's never going to change. I killed her, just as I killed the one, she carried in her womb. However, it's not something I can change. I just realized that I had been working with lagmite crystals, only now understanding that I was already exposed to the miasma.
'Since the day I was born, I was destined to come to this world.'
Maybe that's why I have more resistance to it than the protagonist; after suffering its effects for a long time and then escaping from them, my body became more resilient. My parents knew my destiny wasn't in their world.
'In some way, it comforts me, though my father will never know.'
The reason Satella desires me, the reason I came to this world.
'There are two souls in my body.'
I don't know exactly what a soul is, but if I try to put it into words, I can only think it's my consciousness. More than just DNA, the soul is what connects our door to mana.
That's why I can use two elements, and that's why I was pursued.
That person controlling it all, along with the question Emilia asked me earlier: "What does it mean to return?" I don't need any more clues; that's enough for me to recognize who it is.
Subaru Natsuki, I'm sure of it.
He escaped before, matching the dates with the date I was transported. That means one of two things: He's someone capable of traveling through time and space, or he transferred his soul into the Subaru of my reality.
Either way, I have to find out.
What I did isn't going to change, all the things I destroyed in my world aren't coming back. I caused irreparable damage by being controlled by someone else.
'And I will be punished for eternity.'
Since I'll be punished for eternity, I have no choice but to enjoy the now. I'm not a hero, but if I already destroyed one world, then I must try to save this one. Not to atone for my sin, but because the people here need it.
But for that, I must ask myself one question:
'What are Subaru Natsuki's motives?'
I can't wrap my head around the idea that he's the same person I read about; besides, this meticulousness isn't something that can be achieved just by being a little older. From what Emilia told me, he seems more intelligent than expected.
From what I remember, he helped me with the improvements to the machine, so he also has technical knowledge.
'There's no standard for knowledge when you have the power to return from death.'
He's probably died thousands of times; he might even be able to control the return by death. His actions tell me he's failed at something, and that this soul has something to do with it.
Just because I have the return by death now doesn't mean he wasn't a carrier. From my point of view, realities seem to be connected to each other. Just as my memories are planted in my past self, perhaps he developed something similar.
'I must uncover his past; I'll talk to Echidna.'
I extend my hand, brushing my fingers through her silky silver hair, my heart beating calmly but also with sadness. Betty doesn't have much time, so I have to act to save her.
I know I can do it, so I'll trust in the future.
I listen to Emilia's soft breathing while I look at the palms of my hands.
I managed to destroy the witch's book, but I couldn't escape the predictions of the future. Now that I know someone is controlling everything from the shadows, now that I know everything I did was part of their plans...
"I have no choice but to laugh." I sigh, smiling at the world. It doesn't matter if my future is written; I'll make sure my will is conducted no matter what. It doesn't matter if I'm limited, no matter what.
'I'll take control of my destiny and skate over the uncontrollable future.'
Emilia starts to wake up, stretching her arms, and after a long yawn, she lifts her head slightly, looking at me with her beautiful sleepy eyes.
"Good morning~~" she murmurs as she rubs her eyes. I smile at her, seeing that she slept well.
Her mana still seems to be growing, but this time I notice its flow is calmer. I've acquired new abilities that I want to explore to take advantage of.
"Good morning, Lia." I close my eyes, hugging her and placing her to the side. I get up, seeing that my physical strength has fully recovered.
'Looks like my body is fine.'
I've never had such defined muscles, not even during my time in the army. My body fat percentage must be below 10%; no doubt, magic really works miracles.
I can't say it's just from training since the diet I follow isn't strict. Mana training enhances my muscles, and along with fighting and the miasma, it strengthens my body and requires energy to function.
Although I really don't like my muscles growing too much because overall, it decreases the body's mobility.
I look at Emilia, who watches me curiously as I play with my muscles. I stretch my arms downward, then raise them and flex them, making them look bigger.
"Don't you like my muscles?" I ask with a smile, and she stares at me. She smiles and gets up without saying a word until she's standing in front of me. With a calm look, she lifts her arm, placing her hand on my biceps.
"Wh-What the...? Hey!" I clench my fists, feeling a jolt of electricity shoot through my arm. My arm cramps up, and I look at her, squinting one eye to hold back the pain.
She smiles, laughing softly and mimicking my stance.
"Hehe, I'm still stronger." She grins, staring at me with arrogance.
"I'm just a poor human; that's cheating." I stare at her for a few seconds before making a serious expression. She looks surprised, and I take the opportunity to step forward and wrap my arm around her waist.
I pull her close, looking deeply into her eyes.
"And now?" I ask, watching as her ears turn slightly red.
Her eyes widen in surprise as she stares at me. Her cheeks and ears blush a soft pink. Her lips tremble, and after a few seconds, she closes her eyes and grabs my cheeks, pulling them apart.
"I'm not afraid of you."
I still can't believe how much she's changed. I can't say Emilia is the same Emilia I once knew, but I don't care. This Emilia is the one who pulled me out of the abyss I was living in.
'The one who gave me another chance.'
The one who truly brought me into this world.
If my arrival in this world was already planned, then everything I do is already written, but honestly, I don't care.
'I'll reach the future I want. Right now, nothing is holding me back.'
I no longer know what's going to happen; those chains are finally gone, leaving me free.
"Who would've thought the future queen would be so bold?" I kiss her forehead, making her close her eyes. Pulling me closer, she plants a big kiss on my cheek.
She slips out of my arms, walking toward the door, and after leaning over, she sticks her tongue out at me.
"I'm going to take a bath, and don't forget about the meeting today." Emilia opens the door and leaves the room.
I close my eyes, holding the pendant in my hands. I try to connect with my daughter, but there's no response. To help her, I need to go to Gusteko, but for that, I need to see Hermod.
The event for the third steam engine was postponed due to the trial, which also delays my meeting with him. I need to have a deep conversation with Echidna, and I need to plot the course to follow.
My hands tremble, remembering that battle.
Roswaal is too strong, even if I'd been with Beatrice, I doubt we could have won. I need to improve the weapons, upgrade the current technology.
We need to be stronger.
I clench my fists, turning that fear I feel into strength.
'Now that I'm here, with the people I care about, everything's going to be fine.'
"I guess I'll have breakfast. Emilia will probably have breakfast in Irlam." I make my way to the kitchen. We have servants to cook, but I really feel more comfortable preparing my own food.
'How annoying that this place is so big.' It's such a hassle to walk for several minutes just to cook something for yourself; it's simply ridiculous.
Most of the rooms are empty, just for the show.
I look out the window, where I can see the sun just beginning to light up this world. The birds start to sing, signaling the start of a new day. 'Getting up early to see the sunrise fills my heart.'
I arrive at the kitchen and see that Rem is there too, so I raise my hand to greet her.
"Good morning." I smile at her, and she responds with the same expression.
"Good morning, Marco." Rem finishes serving soup into a bowl, places it on a tray, and starts walking. "Are your wounds all healed?"
"Yeah, at least physically," I reply, glancing at the soup. "How's Ram?"
Her gaze drops a little, looking out the window as the delicate steam from the soup drifts through the air.
"Emilia healed her, but her body is still recovering," she replies, then lets out a long sigh.
I look at Rem, recognizing the guilt in her situation. Though I can't do anything, it saddens me.
Ram was the one who suffered the most damage; her abdomen was pierced, and only by luck was her spine spared. Emilia said that if it had been a little later, she would have died. If it weren't for Rem being able to connect with her and give her mana, she really wouldn't be alive now.
Even so, she's been in a coma for two days.
The physical damage to her body has mostly been repaired, but not her mind. The damage to her soul was greater. Rem turns around and walks away, but something inside me makes me follow her. I know I have many things to do, but I promised not to ignore the people I care about just because of my duty.
"I'll go with you." I smile, seeing that Rem keeps a warm smile.
"Thank you."
We walk side by side, without saying a word, because it isn't necessary; what matters is that we survived. For Rem, it must also be painful to realize everything that happened. I'm sure Otto has already told her everything he knows about Roswaal.
While I was recovering, everything kept moving, everyone doing what they could.
Rem is fine now; I can see that her mana has fully recovered; after all, she is a demon. We reach the room, and what I see is nothing more than Ram covered by a blanket up to her neck, with only her hands slightly sticking out.
Her body and face are pale, her hands have lost flesh, and she certainly looks quite malnourished despite being well-fed. I slowly approach, noticing that her face looks even worse, with slight hollows in her cheeks.
She's being supplied with mana, but only Emilia's is capable of keeping her stable, probably due to the amount and quality.
I haven't tried yet, maybe my mana, being mixed with that of a spirit, would be better. The problem is that I haven't learned to do that because I've been recovering.
"It doesn't look like she's going to wake up." I analyze her body again, but the mana in her is so scarce it's terrifying. I search for sources of turbulence, like those caused by miasma, but I certainly don't see anything like that. "At least she's alive."
Unlike Roswaal, she seems to be clean.
'What a relief...' I sigh, lifting Ram from behind and adjusting her in the bed to sit her up. It's best to position her as if she's in a chair so she can eat and digest well.
"If my dear sister were awake, she'd appreciate your help," Rem comments, and I can only look at her in disbelief.
I smile slightly, unsure if it's a joke or her true thoughts.
"If your sister were awake and I lifted her like this, she would have beaten me to a pulp." I gently stroke Ram's head before closing my eyes.
It doesn't seem like she'll recover easily; I guess we have to give her time.
"It saddens me to see her like this." I look at Ram, thinking about the times we've fought.
My heart feels a slight pang, the regret of not having forged a better relationship with her because of my hatred for Roswaal. Now that she's in this state, it hurts. I wish I could see her and support her in any way I can.
But first, there's a step I need to take.
'I'll free you… No, we'll get you out of your prison called Roswaal L. Mathers.'
"I think I'm moving," Rem says, catching me off guard. She looks into my eyes, having just finished giving Ram her soup. "I bought a house in Irlam, and I'm moving tonight. It's not as big as the more expensive ones, but we'll be better off there. I can keep the company going and be closer to her."
Indeed, since Rem doesn't plan to travel due to Ram's condition, the best thing she can do is go to Irlam. There are also doctors there trained by Emilia, so even if she's not around, there will be people a bit more skilled than Rem in healing.
She moves to stand next to her sister, then gently strokes her hair.
"I don't think the mansion is the right environment for her recovery," Rem says, and I nod. "When she wakes up, I want her to see beyond what she saw before. That way, she can start healing the wound in her heart."
'So, they're leaving…'
"The mansion…"
"It doesn't bring me good feelings to be in the same place as the man who tried to kill my sister." I can feel Rem's hostility, a heavy bloodlust seeping from her gaze. "This place doesn't make me happy anymore; I've lived here since I was a child. I lived and grew up following and admiring him."
Her gaze looks downcast, but deep inside, a spark of hope seems to keep her steady.
"I had good memories here; I can't say it's an easy decision." She looks at me, smiling faintly. "But it's time to leave a place I no longer belong to."
If I had told her everything before, if I had trusted her, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
"The real Roswaal wouldn't have tried to kill her like this." The reason Roswaal killed her is because he was ordered to. It's not about my hatred or the horrors he committed. This Roswaal was manipulated into becoming a madman with no chance of being human again. "Someone turned him into what he is now."
The reason he killed her in Subaru's loops was that she was going to kill herself. Roswaal depended on both of them, more on Ram than Rem, which is why I couldn't predict how insane he would become.
'I don't think this Roswaal is the real one.'
In fact, I have to accept it.
'This is the real Roswaal, while the other is just a written story.'
"The person who manipulated his mind is the enemy we need to find." I look at her with determination, but her eyes surprise me; a murderous look that seeks only revenge.
"I'm going to kill him." Rem's eyes are nothing but hate, a hate so pure that her tears won't stop flowing.
I gather my strength and hug her, trying to support her, trying to reach her. I hug her tightly, and she responds, embracing me with intensity. I feel my tears wanting to flow, but they don't.
I smile, seeing that, despite everything, I'm still myself.
'And that makes me happy.'
"Now you have to support your sister, don't focus on Roswaal." I stroke her head, and she nods slightly. "I know it's hard, but you're strong. Your sister will wake up, and both of you will have to face everything together. The best thing you can do is live your life; the best revenge is being happy, not living for vengeance."
I don't see her involvement necessary. I don't know what secrets their powers hold or if they'll be needed in the future. Regardless, the best thing for both of them is to live their lives, to explore everything this world has to offer.
"I'll always be there for you two whenever you need something; after all, you're my dear friends." I smile, pulling away from the hug and holding her by the shoulders. "Besides, maybe it's time for me to move to Irlam too; check if the house next door is for sale, we could be neighbors, ha-ha."
I grin from ear to ear, giving her a thumbs up in approval.
This mansion is wasted space. I'll move all the books Roswaal left before he left for the military base, keep some, and use them in my new home. I've been thinking about it, and Rem's actions made me realize that decision was already in my heart.
'Emilia had once told me she wanted to move to Irlam.'
"This mansion should be renovated to be used in a way that helps us overcome what happened." I stand up, and Rem smiles again. "So that instead of hate, it brings joy."
Rem smiles, looking at Ram and then turning her back to me.
"Thank you, Marco." Those are her only words, and that's enough for me. I leave the room, giving Ram one last glance.
'I guess I'll grab something to eat on the way.' I look at the magnificence of the mansion, it's big, spacious, and yet I feel trapped.
Emilia already knows, but I guess I wasn't considering it until now. It's time, I'm sure she'll accept it with a smile.
If we both buy a house, we'll definitely get to experience more. Maybe that's what my heart's been waiting for. Luckily, houses in Irlam have four bedrooms by rule, and there are even bigger ones, but for now, it seems unnecessary.
Having a home in Irlam will be much better than living in the mansion, after all:
"It'll be the first place in this world I can call home." I look up at the sky, happy to say those words.