Green-tinted eyes gazed at me endlessly. That warm gaze hadn’t changed at all from when he first promised to protect me. Despite feeling somewhat awkward, this was undoubtedly Hyperion.

“I see you can… take this form too…”

[It feels a bit strange, but I thought this might be more comfortable for you.]

I nodded slowly, then my gaze drifted downward. Perhaps because he had hurriedly tried to imitate human clothing, small branches were sprouting from his shoes and trouser hems. When I looked surprised, tiny flowers bloomed at the tips of those branches. This was truly befitting a magical creature beloved by nature.

“Isn’t it difficult to maintain this form?”

[I’ve accumulated enough magical power now that this much is manageable.]

“I’m glad your condition has improved. Have you been well?”

[Thanks to you, I’ve rested comfortably.]

Seeing his lips curve gently upward made me feel at ease too. But soon Hyperion furrowed his brow and lowered the ends of his eyebrows dejectedly.

[More importantly, I’m sorry I couldn’t come when you called for me before.]

“Oh, no, don’t worry. I didn’t have enough magical power then either…”

There was no way I could have summoned a Level 1 dangerous magical creature with just a single flower in the library. I waved both hands frantically, but Hyperion’s guilt didn’t easily fade. His hand, rough like tree bark, gently caressed my cheek with incredible tenderness.

[Was it an urgent matter?]

“It’s fine now. Thanks to your seeds that responded to my call and helped me.”

[That puts my mind at ease. Now that I’m better, please call me anytime.]

Hyperion didn’t know that I wasn’t avoiding calling him out of dislike, but because I lacked the magical power to do so. To summon Hyperion on my own, I’d probably need to consume all the Sarracenia plants in the herb garden. Just thinking about it made my mouth taste bitter, so I could only offer an awkward smile.

“Hahaha… I’ll try my best.”

Unaware of my predicament, Hyperion smiled back and said:

[But spring hasn’t arrived yet. What brings you to this land?]

“I came to show Nur around Kune Forest.”

Nur, who had been clinging quietly to my foot, slowly raised its head. Soon, kind green eyes turned toward Nur. Hyperion bent one knee to match Nur’s eye level.

[You’re still a young sapling.]

Perhaps thanks to his friendly attitude, Nur, who hadn’t spoken in front of Asrein, politely greeted him first.

[Hello.]

[Hello there. Where has your pack gone, leaving a young one to wander alone?]

[My family… returned to the soil.]

Its fluffy ears drooped downward. I was wondering how to salvage the suddenly solemn atmosphere, but Hyperion responded calmly without any hesitation.

[Then you’re just like me.]

[Are you alone too, grandfather?]

[I’ve spent a very long time alone. If not for Tae-oh, I probably still would be.]

The ears that had been drooping perked up. By now, those black eyes were sparkling brightly as they gazed at Hyperion.

[I thought all strong magical creatures had enormous numbers of followers around them.]

[Strong magical creatures?]

[I can see essences. Your essence is both warm and powerful.]

[Hahaha, thank you. But naturally, the more powerful one becomes, the more likely they are to end up alone.]

[I see… Being strong isn’t always good then.]

This was the first time Nur had let down its guard so easily. It was all thanks to Hyperion’s natural disposition. Nur’s tail, which had been swaying gently, soon became vigorous enough to sweep up the fallen leaves on the ground. Stepping back to watch them becoming fast friends, I felt a lump in my throat.

Hyperion stroked Nur with his hand, which had small sprouts growing sparsely on it, and said:

[If you don’t mind, would you play with my children? This old man can’t keep up with those energetic youngsters, you see.]

[Me?]

[Would you please grant this old man’s request?]

[Well, since you’re asking so nicely, I suppose I have no choice.]

With a sniff, Nur bounded energetically into the undergrowth. The seeds, which had been quietly observing until now, promptly flew after Nur. A game of tag began, using the vast Kune Forest as their playground. Nur, who had awkwardly batted at the leaf butterflies at first, quickly adapted and ran back and forth through the undergrowth. Seeing this confirmed my belief that Nur belonged in the forest, not in a greenhouse.

While I was watching Nur and the leaf butterflies with a contented smile, Hyperion called to me gently.

[My dear friend.]

“…Yes?”

[I sense the scent of the vast ocean on you.]

After pondering his poetic expression briefly, I let out a short exclamation.

“I met Oceanos recently. That must be why.”

[Ah, yes. That was his name.]

“So you do know each other.”

His green eyes, gazing into the distance, gradually became lost in memories.

[From long, long ago… When I hadn’t even spread my roots deeply yet. The memories are hazy now, but I still miss those times occasionally.]

“Were you friends with Oceanos?”

[I’ve always considered him a friend, but he would probably deny it. He always threatened to spray seawater on my territory when things didn’t go his way. It makes me laugh thinking about it now.]

Spraying salt-laden water on greenery… that’s practically attempted murder. Yet Hyperion’s lips spread into a gentle smile. It seemed they had been close enough to play pranks on each other, despite Oceanos’s famous capriciousness.

“Sounds like you two had your squabbles.”

[We couldn’t help it. We both wanted to impress Him…]

“Him?”

There was only one magical creature that Hyperion, who had lived through countless ages, would refer to with such respect.

[The golden magical creature who illuminated this world.]

Hyperion, like Oceanos, was longing for ‘That Magical Creature.’ But as a human who had committed sins, I could only remain silent whenever that creature was mentioned. I pressed my lips together and simply nodded, prompting Hyperion to remark:

[It seems humans know of Him too.]

“Of course. Stories about That Magical Creature are famous among humans as well.”

It was impossible not to know, since it appeared in the Empire’s most famous founding myth. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly, recalling the play I had seen in the town square. While I was lost in reminiscence, Hyperion murmured almost to himself:

[Actually, I have concerns regarding Him.]

“What is it?”

[It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard any news of Him. While I hope He has laid down His burdens to rest, He hasn’t visited the forest for so long that… I find myself longing to see Him.]

His deep sigh, filled with sincerity, made my heart sting. Hyperion apparently didn’t know that That Magical Creature had died at Jupiter’s hands, its horns cut off. He simply thought that the creature had withdrawn from the world to rest.

My lips opened and closed several times. But in the end, unable to find the right moment, I could only swallow dryly. There was no way I could tell him. I didn’t yet have the courage to extinguish even the faint candle of hope that remained.

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Hyperion simply looked at my complexion with a kind smile.

[You seem quite drained.]

“It’s nothing…”

[If it’s about that child, don’t worry. I’ll protect it until it safely completes its short life and returns to its family.]

“…Thank you.”

When I hung my head, Hyperion gently patted it. Feeling like I had betrayed his kindness that expected nothing in return, my heart grew unbearably heavy.

It was then, as a quiet breeze stirred my guilt, that Nur came running from the distance, its fur covered in leaves. Stopping in front of Hyperion rather than me, Nur stuck out its tongue and said:

[Grandfather! Come see this!]

[…Me? You mean me?]

[Yes!! There’s a really pretty flower over there!]

I nodded to the visibly surprised Hyperion, urging him to go see. Hyperion then awkwardly followed, like a grandfather being led by his cute grandchild. I smiled brightly as I watched them gradually disappear into the undergrowth.

But happiness vanished in an instant, like a flower that blooms and withers in a single season.

[Now you tell lies without even blinking.]

I instinctively squeezed my eyes shut at the melodious voice coming from under the shade of a tree. I knew who it was without turning around.

“What do you want now, Oceanos?”

[Aren’t you being too harsh to someone who shares everything you see and hear?]

Oceanos was already sitting beside the gardenia tree. I couldn’t help but resent him for appearing at will and disappearing when most needed. So I found myself responding sarcastically:

“Why don’t you go say hello to Hyperion? He misses you a lot.”

[Hehe, you know as well as I do that he wouldn’t be able to see me…]

There was no shadow behind him as he caressed the leaves with his pale hand. Since even Nur with its ma-an couldn’t see him, it was now certain. This formless being was a fragment separated from Oceanos, a residue that had absorbed all my unnecessary emotions and memories. His smiling face, after casually peering into others’ hidden depths, was incredibly unpleasant.

“Why are you here?”

[I’ve personally come to give you some advice.]

I had no chance to refuse. In an instant, Oceanos stepped forward and pointed to where Nur had run off.

[You know why that young magical creature became alone, don’t you?]

“Because its pack was slaughtered by poachers.”

[Yes. Humans.]

Humans. His voice emphasizing that short word pierced my ears. A flash of red madness briefly clouded his water-colored eyes, veiled by a thin curtain.

[Do you think that child alone suffered at human hands? How many incidents that you don’t know about… are happening while you sleep, while you’re happy? Even now, some magical creatures might be howling in traps set by humans.]

“…Are you telling me to feel guilty?”

Guilt was an emotion I constantly embraced, along with helplessness. But Oceanos frowned and shook his head firmly.

[No, no. That’s precisely the problem.]

His long finger tapped my chest.

[I don’t understand why you’re trying to take responsibility for this.]

“Because someone has to do it.”

[No one cares about your actions. No one appreciates your efforts.]

“…That doesn’t matter.”

[How long will that noble sentiment last, I wonder.]

When I glared at him with hostility, Oceanos simply shrugged nonchalantly.

[It’s sad. While you work so hard, the one who should act does nothing.]

“Who are you talking about…?”

[The descendants of the vile Jupiter who killed Him.]

When Oceanos spread his hand, an eagle made of water appeared in the air. It was the symbol representing the Evgenia Imperial Family, the undisputed rulers of the continent. The eagle, soaring through the sky in search of prey, displayed a truly majestic appearance.

Oceanos spoke while following the magnificent wings with his eyes:

[A king should protect his domain for his people, even if it means creating storms. Yet your master has been silent despite this situation.]

“The Empire is vast. There must be difficulties I don’t understand. Besides, I immediately reported the Bivrint Forest incident to the Imperial Court. And the incident at Oceanos Coast…”

[And so.]

His blatant mockery cut off my words.

[What has actually changed?]

My lips, which had been offering excuses, came to an abrupt halt. Oceanos was right.

Every time an incident ended, I sent a letter to the Imperial Court, but no clear answer ever came back. All potentially problematic matters were hushed up. When pus forms, the wound needs treatment, but they’re only concerned with hiding the festering injury. Even Asrein doesn’t comment, so I increasingly lose my right to speak.

They say there’s no choice because in the Empire, the Emperor’s word is law, but Sezan once told me that the Emperor doesn’t show himself except at official events. Then who is covering up these incidents? Who is standing by while the ship sinks?

[Judging by your expression, it seems you’ve finally realized many things.]

“……”

[Ah, that’s right. You haven’t realized anything new—you’ve simply acknowledged what you’ve been desperately denying.]

At Oceanos’s gesture, the eagle crossing the sky suddenly began to falter. Eventually, the bird called emperor fell powerlessly to the ground. After futilely flapping its wings on the dry leaves, the eagle turned to vapor and vanished without a trace.

[Tae-oh. There’s no absolute truth in this world. Someone is being deceived, and someone else is being deceived while knowing it.]

Oceanos, who had somehow approached me, gently gripped my shoulder and whispered:

[So if you truly want to protect what’s yours, question everything ceaselessly.]