Chapter 323 – The Collapse of the Cradle (8)

“Say it again.”

Bang!

Lemon slammed the desk forcefully, casting an icy glare around the room.

“Right now, we must reinforce the Cradle’s defenses and gather all the S-class hunters.”

The Golden Knight Commander. A golden lion emblem adorning her chest symbolizes her position.

One of the seven knights serving directly under the Pope. Ostensibly, her power is on par with an archbishop. If deemed heretical, summary judgment is possible.

“How could that be? Do you think Flower knew where this place was and infiltrated it?”
“The circumstances must have already been exposed to some extent.”
“It’s only one or two spies at most. We should consider the possibility of deception by Flower.”

Amidst escalating hostilities, concentrating military forces on the peaceful Cradle would be unable to withstand the force of public opinion.

“Moreover, I understand that mutual respect is fundamental given our location.”
“What?”

To the very end, he was the Pope’s representative. Although Lemon held a higher position, his power was merely superficial.

It couldn’t be helped.

The Golden Knights experienced a rapid decline following the Heavenly Demon Subjugation. Lemon, their leader, still bore the injuries from that time.

– Throbbing.

A pain pounding in his heart. Lemon furrowed his brow.

“I repeat, this is the Pope’s will. Should you defy it without just cause, you shall be held strictly accountable.”

The Archbishop had a point, but this was the Cradle. It was a place that must never be invaded.

One of the reasons the World Tree had been able to maintain its divinity and remain as a god was its emphasis on sanctity. If even the slightest breath of the Flower touched it, they had to be vigilant.

‘Damn that old hag.’

Lemon gritted his teeth inwardly.

All the sacred grounds of the trees, excluding the Cradle, heightened their defenses. There was a reason for everything, and it must not be violated.

As the saying goes, the more intense the battle, the greater the need.

He was quite different from the Heavenly Demon of the past. From his first campaign against the lesser demons until now, his magical power had been utterly shattered, gradually diminishing his combat prowess. However, he had regained his rationality, casting aside his childish emotions, and had become far more mature than before.

“Captain Heavenly Demon, you sometimes display contempt for humans,” one character remarked.
“What?” he replied.
“Since Priest Aaron and I are of human origin, aren’t you disregarding our opinions too much?”
“Wordplay.”

The more they conversed, the more his rigid attitude became disconcerting. It was maddening to wonder how such a person could have ascended to the rank of archbishop.

But the reason was clear. The Heavenly Demon lowered his gaze calmly before issuing a chilling warning.

“Archbishop Mark.”
“Yes?”

Noticing the change in his voice, Mark’s eyelids flickered slightly.

“The Pope is well aware of Sir Bin Marc’s accomplishments. He has eradicated numerous Flowers. He has gained significant trust from the surrounding priests and bishops.”
“What are you saying all of a sudden?”
“Do you still not comprehend the meaning of my words?”

Performance manipulation.
It’s quite a common occurrence.

“The Church’s faith is unable to see the light. Even the highest-ranking figures in the world cannot help but lament. Where are you bastards sitting, feasting on brains that are worth less than the head of a cock?”
“What… what absurdity!”

The atmosphere grows tense.
As Lemon advances, the escorting priests who had been watching are at a loss for what to do.

– Thud.

A man blocks Lemon’s path.
Aaron gazes down at her with an emotionless expression.

Lemon laughs, as if incredulous, and fixes her gaze on Archbishop Mark, who stands behind Aaron.

“The reason we do not hold a trial is because there’s still some use left for you.”
“……”
“Just, quietly, let it go. Do you still not understand?”

A crescendo of voices.
Breath catches in my throat.

“Did you truly believe the World Tree would be ignorant of everything? Or that we must forever educate those like you, addled by dementia, within the temple?”

A toothless tiger, perhaps, but a Knight Captain nonetheless.
He’s not one to display incompetence in a place like this.

“Sir Aaron.”
“Yes.”
“Following is admirable, but overstepping invites calamity.”
“I apologize.”

The Archbishop, his face drained of color, stammered and hastily babbled.

“Ah, such baseless drivel. Speak responsibly!”
“If you are so confident, why do you stutter?”

Lemon turned away.

“It’s fair to say that the present situation has been brought about by the likes of you. Be aware of this and act accordingly. Please.”

Discrimination against humans.
Corruption and defense scandals.

Even within the realm of religion, discrimination against humans is undeniably present.
It cannot be eradicated in merely a day or two.

Lemon, the leader of the knights, was acutely aware of this fact.

‘These were not the ones I sought to protect by killing those I didn’t even wish for.’

Mission and duty.
He knew them bone-deep, yet anger surged within him.

“Immediately arm the remaining priests and be on guard. Not even a few seconds’ respite is permitted.”
“…”
“Can you not even respond? You once spoke with eloquence that belied your behavior.”

The Archbishop closed his mouth, bowing his head in silence.
Lemon, turning outward, forcefully shut the door with an audible slam.

– Bang.

Through the window, cadets and national guards could be seen training.

For several years, he had been so consumed with diligence and work that he had not engaged with any matters outside of religious affairs.
There was also the considerable time spent on rehabilitation after the battle against the Heavenly Demon.

After all, his dantian, which stored mana, and all the blood vessels through which mana flowed, had been utterly shattered.

‘Please, let this pass without any issues.’

He found himself having to return after leaving a few knights as the Pope’s escort, yet he could still manage to pray.

* * * * * * * *

Accept the will of the sage and assume his role.

Marronnier, burdened with the excessive position and duties as the national tree, could not avoid feeling overwhelmed.

His mind had been scattered due to brainwashing once before, but that was a tale from long ago. Having regained his daily life, Marronnier grappled with how to fulfill the sage’s expectations, inevitably feeling lost and disoriented.

“This is the anticipated path of the Flower invasion.”

It had been decades since the system was restructured; however, considering the time prior, it spanned back to the cradle of the World Tree dating from B.C.

Ancient magic and artifacts were seamlessly woven within, yet there were also great dangers held at bay.

Marronnier was the only one capable of predicting the path of the Flower, which had been prepared for such a long time.

“Because there could be traitors within the church as well, we must not disclose this information to anyone.”

She observed the Cradle’s system.

The Sage’s assistance was essential, and her studies in Eden were beneficial. At this moment, Marronnier’s knowledge was overwhelmingly superior.

As she was merely preparing, Marronnier was entrusted with a tremendous responsibility.

As a result of the Sage’s occasional visits and advice,

“…This is my plan for now.”

A tactically competent operation was born.

“It seems good.”

“With this level… instead of merely escaping, could we completely block it?”

The result took into account the considerable number of personnel remaining in the Cradle. Overconfidence was not allowed.

Even Marronnier, as skilled as she was, had no experience in this matter. She had considered thousands of variables.

The atmosphere was amicable, thanks to Marronnier’s well-reasoned explanation.

‘I need to speak up.’

There’s no way things can continue like this. Yet, I can’t bring myself to break the mood. I’ll wait until the atmosphere settles down a bit before saying anything.

As this thought crossed his mind, Lee Si-heon opened his mouth.

“We’re not done yet; there are a few more things to explain.”

When plans crumble for unfathomable reasons, one must consider the unique characteristics of each nation and decide on a course of action.

Some prioritize saving lives, while others provide magical support.

The sage’s spatial magic is more potent than the magic used by others, but it’s susceptible to being shattered. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep the magicians approaching her side in check.

At the same time, cadets have also joined the group—personnel to indicate the direction of escape. Their presence is, of course, necessary.

The primary goal of this group is ‘rescuing lives’—not entirely obstructing the Flower.

“Everyone, keep in mind what we’ve covered up until now. Starting today, don’t dwell on it too much. After returning to your respective positions, contact me immediately if anything unusual occurs.”

Lee Si-heon looks at her after providing explanations and dividing responsibilities. Marronnier unconsciously turns her head.

‘…’

He is indeed competent.

It’s hard to say if he’s a charismatic leader, but he always takes the initiative to speak up when no one else can.

He doesn’t hesitate to face criticism when presenting risky or challenging plans.

‘A good person.’

However, it’s still just as awkward as it was a few days ago.

After disbanding, they review the plan.

Once again, a cold ice bottle is placed above Marronnier’s head as she pulls an all-nighter.

“Kind and intelligent people are often called pushovers.”
“…What does that mean?”
“It means you’re working hard.”

Now that they frequently exchange ideas about the plan, they can engage in casual conversations.

“There was someone like you among the people I knew. I wonder if they’re doing well now.”
“…Like me?”
“Yes.”

Siheon chuckled as he took a sip of water.

“There was this person, terribly kind and always taking on all sorts of tasks. They genuinely cared for those around them.”
“Friend? Lover?”

Unsure why he said that, Siheon shook his head at Marronnier’s words.

“I’m not certain. We didn’t know each other for very long. A friend…? Perhaps a colleague.”

This story wasn’t crucial.
Nonchalantly brushing it off, Siheon relaxed his shoulders and refocused on his work.

His eyes intently reading the documents.
At times, one could become unknowingly captivated by his gaze.
He possessed that much charm.

‘He’s always working too.’

Marronnier stood up from his seat, blinking his sleepy eyes.

Working is good, but sometimes a break is necessary.
For three days, Marronnier hadn’t slept a wink, aside from the occasional nap.

“Rest well. I’ll inform you immediately if anything comes up.”

Although there were still many aspects of the plan requiring adjustments and several areas needing improvement, Marronnier nodded in agreement.

Her mind wouldn’t function any further. Moreover, being around this person sometimes made her head feel hot.

It would be better to concentrate alone in her room.

*Squeak. Thump!*

Marronnier opened and closed the door, staggering as she moved.

As she was about to reach her room, a man was loitering nearby.

“Hey there, shorty.”
“Bell?”
“You’ve seemed rather busy lately. Did you pass the ordeal?”

The national tree of the United Kingdom, Bell, chuckled and tapped Marronnier’s shoulder. Her body swayed.

She was about to fall but barely managed to regain her balance.

“…What’s going on? Why are you so weak?”

Bell asked in confusion. Marronnier frowned and glared at him.

England, France, and Germany. These three nations have forged diplomatic ties and maintain rather amicable relations among themselves. Initially, the plan was to involve them as well.

‘…A.B.’

The German noble lineage.

The man’s behavior is suspicious. Although I find it hard to believe that someone I’ve trained with since childhood would betray me, Bell and A.B. were kept at arm’s length to prevent any personal feelings from interfering.

“Are you alright? Your eyes are trembling.”

“Shut up, Bell. I’m tired, so just go inside. Why are you worrying unnecessarily?”

“Look at your tone. You’re so irritable, one might think you’re not French.”

Bell’s usual play on words has become tiresome by now.

Sighing, Marronnier attempts to walk past Bell.

“I’m going.”

Behind the softly uttered words, the sound of footsteps.

-Jerbuck.

Bell reacts to the sound echoing in the hallway behind her.

“A.B.?”

The man.

Lee Si-heon was someone Marronnier had been somewhat cautious of, a friend in the world of fantasy.
Under normal circumstances, this would have been an unremarkable situation, yet a question had already blossomed in Marronnier’s mind.

1:30 in the morning.

The representatives of the three nations had gathered here, in a place closest to their own chambers.

Marronnier couldn’t dismiss this mysterious occurrence as mere coincidence. The chilling sensation banished any drowsiness. Marronnier glanced once ahead and once behind.

“Marronnier.”

A.B approached one step at a time. Bell still murmured softly. They appeared exactly as they had two months prior. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t have even doubted them.

Could it be due to heightened sensitivity?

In the midst of an ominous atmosphere, Marronnier’s eyes took on a vivid blue hue.

‘…’

– Ugh!

She read the thoughts.

From a corner of her deeply spread consciousness, she heard Bell’s voice.

– Flinch!

Marronnier’s hand, attempting to remove the wand lodged in his trousers, was effortlessly thwarted by Bell.

“Take a quiet breath.”

*Thud!*

Pain seared through his lungs, expelling all the oxygen from his body.

The voice that reached Marronnier’s ears as he clenched his eyes shut was much darker than before. Bell disdainfully wiped away a droplet of saliva before hoisting Marronnier onto her shoulder.

“I told you, get some exercise.”
“…Crazy, bastard.”

A single word echoed in his fading consciousness.

“You’re too weak.”

* * * * * * *

He had anticipated the possibility of such an event occurring.

One of them would be attacked. However, he hadn’t expected it to happen inside the hotel.

‘It was unforeseen, but it’s not like there were no contingency plans at all.’

I attached a spirit to Marronnier.
It’s Lucy, the one with the most exceptional combat prowess.

I had instructed her to use her power immediately if Marronnier’s life was in danger, but it seems she doesn’t intend to kill him. Marronnier’s power is valuable, whether on the Flower side or the World Tree side. It’s not like he can be easily killed.

Right now, I’m reading his movements as he swiftly escapes the cradle. Unintentionally, I’ve used Marronnier as bait. But there’s no other choice.

It’s a situation where, even if I try to save him now, I can’t.

-Whack!

“Kheop, Kahak.”

We’re under attack. It’s not just Marronnier who’s affected.

A woman lies with her face half-buried, unable to even scream.

“Hey.”
“…Cough, cough.”
“Answer.”

-Whack!

Flesh is crushed, and blood sticks to my knuckles.

“Stop, stop…”

The pain is unbearable, and now she even cries.

If there had been more time, perhaps there would be an opportunity for brainwashing. But not now.
Silently, I moved my fist once more.

– Kwak!

Blood splattered beautifully across the floor.

True to the name Flower, it took the shape of petals.