성황의 아이들 [1]

139

Seongjin couldn't help but ask again.

"...Did I really say that?"

To believe me just because I've become stronger?

When did I ever?

Could it be, the old reckless Morres?

His mind was baffled, but the Holy Emperor nodded.

"Yes, you did. And you also mentioned there was something to be found there."

Something to be found.

Seongjin had a guess about what that might be.

But, that's not what's important right now.

"When did I ever say such a thing? Are you referring to before I fell ill with the fever?"

At that, the Holy Emperor closed his lips and cast his gaze down to the teacup before him.

The faint smile that had been playing on his lips disappeared, and the somewhat buoyant air settled into calm.

"......."

Seongjin was beginning to understand.

When the Holy Emperor is sparing with his words, it involves the future. That means it's something that hasn't happened yet, but why does he seem to dwell on the past like this?

Could it be that the occasional phrases from Sister Amelia are influenced by the Holy Emperor?

"...So, did you find what you were looking for?"

After a while, the Holy Emperor, breaking the silence, asked an unexpected question.

Seongjin, giving up on getting any more answers, silently pulled out two small accessories from his pocket.

The summoning amulet from Nebraska.

And a small pendant with a broken jewel, found in the dungeon.

* * *

Right after obtaining the amulet in the labyrinth.

A selection window popped up before Seongjin's eyes.

〚List of Souls Available for Summoning 2/4〛

〚1. □□□□ (Inactive)〛

〚2. □□□ □□ (Inactive)〛

〚3. Hayes Martin (Active)〛

〚4. Red (Active)〛

〚Would you like to select a soul?〛

〚Accept / Decline〛

Faced with the unexpected text, Seongjin couldn't even think about making a choice and just stared blankly at the words.

'Summoning a soul?'

If this was a game world, such an item wouldn't be incomprehensible.

But wait, it makes sense for the demon lord to be listed, but why is this one on the list too?

Hayes Martin.

A remnant of the dark cult that had wreaked havoc on the Heresy Tribunal before meeting his demise.

[Why? What is it? What's going on? Huh?]

As Seongjin stared blankly into space, the demon lord grew curious and urged for an answer.

'...Can't this guy see it?'

But then again, a Demon King as a summon?

I understand the concept, but I can't quite predict the outcome.