Gacha Kingdom Building-Chapter 219: Terith’s Fall (03)

Edmond was taken by surprise by my words.

He stopped his attack and dropped his guard.

His eyes looked at me with shock and suspicion, clearly in disbelief that Isabella and I were willing to let Sabrina go.

Edmond: "What are you playing at?"

Miwen: "As I said... If you want, I can release Sabrina. I have no use for her anymore, and I already have my hands full dealing with other Saints."

I don't mind one of them, but the other requires too much attention, even if she seems to be following my orders right now...

Having another one under such circumstances is just asking for trouble...

Miwen: "So? How about it? You can live a quiet life with her somewhere. Isabella will guarantee your safety. We'd be happy if you two disappeared."

Edmond: "...What about the kingdom?"

Miwen: "Hm? That's obvious, right? It will be Isabella's."

Edmond: "I cannot allow that."

Oh...

I wasn't expecting him to react like this.

Because of the brainwashing, I imagined Sabrina's safety would be his highest priority... Maybe it is losing effect?

Miwen: "I don't get why you are so opposed to the idea."

Edmond: "Why else? She's a calamity incarnate. She'll use and destroy whatever she gets her hands on. Nothing good will happen to those around her."

Miwen: "Is that so? Then why is it that you're the one alone now?"

Edmond: "...Huh?"

it's impossible for him not to have realized this...

He's just ignoring it because accepting that Isabella is not a bad person breaks his worldview and reason to oppose her.

Because of this, even if he sees who she truly is, it's in his best interest to pretend like he doesn't.

Miwen: "You know... I don't think you believe this bullshit even for a moment."

I'm a little tired of his facade.

This is already over so... There's no reason for me to hold back.

Miwen: "While you were enjoying everything life gave you, Isabella desperately struggled to conquer something to call her own. Thanks to her efforts, she quickly surpassed you, and if you ask me, I think she'll make a better ruler than you could ever hope to be. That's why... I think you should accept the offer. After all... It's the only way for you to have a happy marriage with Sabrina."

Edmond: "...You're wrong!"

Hah!

So this is what ticks him off, huh?

Miwen: "Am I? What were you hoping for? Saints are a highly valuable commodity. The other nations wouldn't stand by with Terith's king monopolizing one like this, or am I wrong?"

Edmond: "What others think doesn't matter-"

Miwen: "Ah, yeah... How foolish I am to expect a king to care about foreign politics. Stop playing dumb with me. You realize it. Sooner or later, you would've had to decide. Either her or the throne. All I am doing is pushing the question you've avoided. And hey. I'm offering you the best alternative here. You can pursue your love without worries if Isabella is the-"

.....!

Suddenly, his grip on the sword tightened, and with a swing, a wave of flames came in my direction.

Miwen: "...Did he get stronger?"

Cassandra: "...He was blessed. Again. It's less than before, but this world's God seems intent on his investment."

Miwen: "I can't afford to play around too much then..."

Edmond raised his guard again.

His eyes looked full of determination.

Edmond: "You've forgotten something. Julie, the Goddess of the hunt has blessed me. If she wants me to be with Sabrina, who among men will oppose her will? What's more... As long as you are against the Gods... You cannot be trusted!"

Cassandra: "Ugh... He reminded me of Lazo. If you don't finish this soon I'll cut him in half myself."

Miwen: "Well... I've tried. Sorry, Isa. I don't think I'm as forgiving as you."

In response to him, I lifted Cassandra.

As much as I hate to admit it, after the second blessing, the only ones who could put up a fight against him on their own were Elizabeth and Nissa.

His lack of control and experience meant nothing. Even with all my bonuses to speed, he was quick to approach me, and disengaging was incredibly hard, especially since all of his attacks carried with them a golden flame that seemed to chase after me a little.

Miwen: "...I don't this Goddess you speak of. However, if she's on your side, why did she use Divinity on you, instead of giving it for you to use? Could it be that she doesn't trust-"

Edmond: "What difference does it make? I-"

Miwen: "Right... I should show you then."

On his next attack, as he swung his sword at me from above, I released Cassandra, who fell to the ground.

This lowered my stats instantly, but I stayed calm and intently locked my eyes to his sword.

Before it could touch me, I lifted my hand, clad in water and darkness, and grabbed the edge of his sword, pulling it to my side.

Edmond: "...You-"

With my right hand clad in the same magic, I punched him away while he was still surprised by how easily I stopped him.

His body rolled until it reached the gate of the palace, but I couldn't allow him to enter, so, before he hit the door, I kicked his back, sending him back to the street.

Edmond: "What is this? What have you done?"

Miwen: "It's more like what you have done."

Edmond: "...!? Ack!"

When our stats were close enough I could see how weak his swordplay was.

Frankly, it wasn't even entertaining.

There was nothing of value there to see. Nothing impressive.

This man's grandeur... It's always so disappointing.

Cassandra came flying to my hands when I needed her, and after I dodged another attack, I stabbed his arm using her.

Edmond: "Where did you get this power? ...It can't be. Did the Gods also-"

Miwen: "Hahaha! Ah... Sorry, this time, it's not your fault. There's no way you could know about Demonic Power since Nissa got rid of all demons in this land."

Edmond: "Demonic Power...?"

Miwen: "Yeah. Think about it. The Gods harness the power of good thoughts, emotions, deeds, and prayers from the people to gain Divinity. But if that's the case, there should be a contrary force, right? That's what Demonic Power is."

It's a bit self-explanatory and calling them contrary forces, as I've learned from Elizabeth, is not exactly correct, but... It's the easiest way to explain it for someone who never came across it before.

Edmond: "...So Rodky's prophecy was right. A demon, a dragon, and a monster. The three calamities brought forth by the Umbral Queen... Will be this world's end..."

Miwen: "...Nissa."

I've heard she was hailed as a prophet before founding Rodky, and I believe it was thanks to a glimpse into the future that she founded Rodky to stop the North Dragon, although this story, with time, fell into the realm of a legend...

Edmond: "How can you claim to not be evil, with a power such as this?"

Miwen: "Oh... Do you think this power is evil? What does that make you, then?"

He lost his confidence, he could barely look at me in the eyes, and I felt he was starting to fear what might happen.

However, my words sent him into a further spiral.

He couldn't see why a power born out of negative thoughts and feelings would have any relation to him.

Miwen: "...When I came to this world, I met a girl. It was like the world was against her. She was the target of the most vile schemes. She was alone, her heart completely lost in darkness. She lost sight of herself. She lost confidence in her own sanity. All the rumors. All the things said about her. An entire country hated her... She couldn't even trust her own family... All that despair... All that negativity... And the hopelessness of being abandoned by anyone who could extend a hand... For years and years... More than a decade... All the unjustified hate... You can imagine my surprise when I saw she had more Demonic Power than an entire horde of monsters."

Considering her Gift, we decided that, for her safety, it would be better to take away this power.

After all... Even without Demonic Power, [The Darkest Star] was already more powerful than necessary.

Edmond: "I have nothing to do with that. It was not my responsibility to-"

Miwen: "Sure. You can tell yourself that. But it won't matter. You were among the few who could save her, but you chose not to do it. If I'm able to stand against you now... It's all because of your decision. You think you are good and right because of the Gods' decision and the Divinity they invested in you, but at the same time, this Demonic Power only exists because of you. So tell me... Do you still believe yourself to be on the side of justice? Even though you could have prevented such evil power from being born?"

In other words...

Miwen: "If evil wins today, it's all because of you. So... Thank you."

As if a man so worried about his position could call himself good.

It's disgusting, even to me.

And what's worse... This is the same for everyone in this world.

They chose to sacrifice Isabella simply because it would be a little inconvenient for them to do otherwise.

Fear, pride, greed, and enviousness.

They were all responsible for Isabella becoming like this, and now...

Now the people who directed those at her. Those who refused to extend a hand, and those who tried to use her...

Now that they face the weight of the things they've done, they cry for justice.

Seriously... I wouldn't care if this world disappeared...

It's what they deserve.

Miwen: "As for the difference between possessing Divinity or being blessed by someone with it... Allow me to show you."

Even though Isabella had a lot of Demonic Power, it was still not enough to compare to what a God could offer, however...

Was Edmond worth the investment?

Especially since I only needed a tenth of his Divinity to overpower him as the Divinity used on him boosted all of his stats at once, while my Demonic Power...

Edmond: "It doesn't make sense... How can you-"

Miwen: "...You are being used. I am using. It's a matter of control."

Unlike him, I possess the Demonic Power.

Which means... I control when and how I use it.

The power to challenge other powers. Reality itself.

Truly, a miraculous power.

Enabling even the weakest to become the strongest.

But... If two people have the same power... All one needs to do is use it better.

In the end... One who receives from life can't compare to one who conquers from it.

But that requires effort and sacrifice. Something someone like him was never willing to do.

With Cassandra equipped, Edmond stood no chance.

The moment he raised his sword, I focused my Demonic Power to boost my speed, spending it in the process, but also seeing him move in slow motion.

Once I had a big enough opening, I transferred the power into my strength, making him bleed profusely from every hit.

The truth is that I'm not good enough to focus on two stats at the same time yet.

This power is incredibly difficult to master, taking even long-lived beings like demons and gods most of their lives to reach a good enough level with it.

Perhaps this is why this world's Goddess didn't give him the Divinity directly.

How could he ever be trusted to put in the necessary effort to learn...

Miwen: "...This is the end."

After clashing against me a few times, Edmond had his sword broken by Cassandra, as a retribution for what he did to Anna's.

His swordsmanship was bad enough, but his fists... They were pathetic.

It was like beating up a kid. His cries and accusations became simply annoying.

Even his magic was no use.

It took too much time for him to cast it, I could see it coming a mile away, and he had absolutely no control over the amount of power he had.

With his sentiments getting in the way, it was easy to shut it off completely.

The man who once used his authority to solve everything, unwilling to ever do anything to sacrifice it...

Found himself in such a deplorable, humiliating state, that even the crowd watching began to laugh as he fell to his knees and my sword pointed at his neck...

Isabella: "Enough."

Edmond: "Isabella..."

Isabella: "Don't speak my name."

Edmond: "...You can still do the right thing. He is using you..."

...I handcuffed his hands with the magic handcuffs.

We couldn't do anything about his blessing, but his stats had decreased a lot as the Divinity in his body was spent during our fight and Elizabeth should be able to take the rest away once we get him into the Kingdom.

While he was still dangerous, as long as I stood by Isabella's side, he could not hurt her.

At least, not physically.

Isabella: "And what would the right thing be?"

Edmond: "Surrender... I won't let you be executed, and you will save your reputation..."

Isabella: "My reputation... I see. So you will save me with your authority?"

Edmond: "Yes..."

Isabella: "And suppose it is not enough? I did kidnap the Saint. I doubt the other nations will stay quiet."

Edmond: "T-That's..."

Isabella: "You can't do anything, right? Because you lack the authority, and that's all you ever had."

.....

Isabella: "Never again claim anything about my friends' intentions... I will not forgive you for that. However... I appreciate your attempt at mercifulness. You can't do anything for me, but... I'll remember this when sentencing you and your family."

Edmond: "...!"

...Not only physically, but even his words did not affect Isabella anymore.

Since he hit a nerve, I thought she might've wavered a little, but... Her eyes were filled with the cold, yet determined stare she has shown as the Umbral Duchess.

Hero or Saint, it didn't matter. No one in this world could hurt Isabella now.

No one could make her doubt herself, or those who were by her side.

She didn't need anyone but herself.

She was worth every single second I spent on her...

My darkest star, cold as she may be, grew beautifully.

Isabella: "...Why are you looking at me like that?"

Miwen: "...Good job."

I gave her a pat on the back on our way back to the palace.

Miwen: "Oh, yeah. Thanks for the help."

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Isabella: "Hrm... I'm glad I could do something for you... Whenever you need to, you can just ask. I'm a walking Demonic Power generator after all..."

Yes... No matter what we do, her reputation never gets fixed.

But we learned how to make the best of it.

And now that she has risen to the top of the world...

Miwen: "Actually, I spent almost everything, so..."

Isabella: "What? Didn't you say I had thousands of it?"

Miwen: "Uh-huh. But it should be easy for you to recover it."

Isabella: "...I'm not doing anything bad."

Miwen: "I know. But now we get to do some theatrics, so..."

Isabella: "Ah... Right!"

She seemed quite excited for it.

As for me...

I would only celebrate after dealing with Hamperlon.