Chapter 175: The Impeccable Abyss
Givia’s coronation was a success. Despite the unsettling interruption, her courage and resilience within the dream, defying the Lord of Nightmares’ attempt to harvest fear, had deeply impressed the nobles, showcasing her strength as their new ruler.
The Lord of Nightmares hadn’t anticipated Givia’s defiance. After learning of Abyss’s true nature as a necromancer, she had placed her trust in him, believing in his ability to resurrect her—such unwavering faith was rare. Even the Lord of Nightmares, in his long existence, had rarely encountered such strong-willed mortals. Those who had, had quickly crumbled under his influence.
His plan had backfired spectacularly. Givia’s actions had even inspired Abyss, leading him to uncover the Lord of Nightmares’ hidden agents, disrupting his plans.
But the cost of this victory was Abyss’s memory. He now followed Flora, his face adorned with a vacant smile, listening to the girls explain the events he had forgotten.
The coronation was followed by a day-long feast. The royal wine flowed freely, easing the nobles’ anxieties, their boisterous laughter and singing filling the palace hall. They clustered around the former king, knowing Givia’s devotion to him. The orchestra played cheerful tunes, and platters of roasted meats, smoked fish, honeyed fruits, and rich pastries were brought forth, their aromas mingling in the air.
After delivering her speech and toasting the assembled nobles, Givia finally had a moment to herself.
She approached Abyss and his companions, her voice low. “Mr. Abyss, some people in the palace suddenly lost their memories. Did you find more of the Lord of Nightmares’ followers?”
“Um… yes,” Abyss replied, blinking, his smile innocent and childlike. “Flora said so.”
“I didn’t expect him to attack again… Thank you for using your magic to help me in that dream, Mr. Abyss. It allowed me to protect my father.”
Givia didn’t know about his amnesia. She was still shaken by the dream, the Lord of Nightmares’ terrifying illusion, but she had maintained her composure for the sake of her guests. She had learned a valuable lesson from Abyss—not to panic in the face of adversity, but to find a solution.
“Are you Queen Givia? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I believe we’ve met before,” Abyss said, bowing politely.
Givia, confused by his sudden formality, asked, “Did I… Did I do something to offend you, Mr. Abyss?”
“No, Your Majesty, you misunderstand. He’s not offended. He erased his own memories. He doesn’t remember anything,” Rebecca quickly explained.
“Is Abyss my nickname? Isn’t my name ABC?” Abyss asked. He trusted the message carved on his arm more than Givia’s words. Leona’s “ABC” seemed more reliable.
Givia’s eyes widened. “Why would you do that? Did the Lord of Nightmares force you?”
Rebecca briefly explained what had happened, emphasizing that it was Givia’s own willpower, not Abyss’s magic, that had saved her. Givia listened intently, then her face lit up with understanding.
“I see… Mr. Abyss went to such lengths to defeat the Lord of Nightmares… His intelligence and courage are truly remarkable. So, the threat he posed to Hai-Teweru has been completely eliminated?”
“It seems so,” Rebecca said, sighing with relief. “I’ve lived for seventeen years, always attracting trouble, facing countless enemies. But the Lord of Nightmares, with his cunning and his endless tricks, was unlike any foe I’ve encountered before.”
“But I still want to be sure. I want to see if there’s anything else we can do,” Abyss said. “I don’t remember my conflict with the Lord of Nightmares, but Leona told me I despise him. It seems we have unfinished business.”
“Unfinished business?” Givia asked, frowning. “Is that safe?”
“I’m as safe as I’ll ever be. Please excuse me, Your Majesty. I have some matters to attend to regarding the Lord of Nightmares,” Abyss said, spreading his hands. “I shouldn’t delay. The fewer memories I have, the less power he has over me.”
He was right. He was naturally fearless. His only weakness was his followers. And now, with his memories gone, although he trusted the three girls, he hadn’t had time to develop deep emotional bonds with them. His weakness was gone. He might have amnesia, but his mind was still sharp. The girls simply needed to explain the situation, and he could act accordingly.
“I’ll have someone escort you back to your accommodations,” Givia said. “Is there anything else I can do to help? Now that my kingdom is at peace, defeating this Outer God is my top priority. I’ll assist you in any way I can.”
“If the Lord of Nightmares attacks you, Your Majesty, maintain your resolve,” Abyss said, smiling. “Rebecca told me that your unwavering spirit saved us all. That’s all I ask.”
“I will never abandon my beliefs,” Givia said, nodding firmly.
“Then I have no worries,” Abyss said, nodding. “I’ll take my leave now.”
“Guards, escort these heroes back to their accommodations!” Givia ordered. Remembering that they hadn’t eaten yet, she called out to a few eunuchs carrying platters of food. “Take a barrel of our finest mead and a portion of every dish to the heroes’ accommodations! They haven’t eaten yet!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Leona, watching this, her eyes sparkling, said, “Givia really gets me!”
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