Chapter 9: A Promise to the People
“What are you doing?!” Leona, her chivalrous facade crumbling, exclaimed. “Are you recruiting more girls right in front of us?!”
“No, I just want to ask the people who made this book what it’s about,” Abyss said, holding up the book made of human skin, his voice slightly hurt. “I’m not collecting girls. I’ll send their souls to rest after they tell me their stories.”
“Oh…” Leona realized her outburst had revealed her jealousy. She stammered, trying to cover it up. “I-I… I was just worried about you disturbing their rest. It’s not very ethical. But if that’s all… I-I’m relieved.”
“So, it’s okay then,” Abyss said, smiling, then glanced at the others. Seeing no objections, he began chanting, directing the spell at the book.
Faint wisps of wind gathered around the book, swirling gently, but nothing else happened.
After a while, Abyss sighed, setting down the book. “It seems their souls are trapped somewhere, and I can’t locate them. Forcibly summoning them could damage their souls, causing them immense pain. They’ve suffered enough in life. I don’t want to harm them further.”
“That’s a wicked book,” Flora said, frowning. “What kind of forbidden knowledge does it contain?”
“Perhaps we can decipher its secrets,” Rebecca said, taking the book and examining it closely. “Ancient artifacts are always fascinating. This book might contain something extraordinary.”
After a brief examination, she handed it back to Abyss, who stored it in his magical catfish.
“We’ve chosen our souvenirs. Thank you, Givia,” Abyss said, and the girls nodded their thanks.
“Could you stay one more night? I’d like to see you off tomorrow, if your other obligations aren’t too pressing,” Givia said, her voice pleading.
She had given up on keeping them there indefinitely, but they couldn’t refuse this last request. She trusted them implicitly, having revealed her vulnerabilities before them. Abyss, looking into her eyes, sensed her sincerity.
“Alright, we’ll stay one more night,” he said, nodding. “I don’t remember anything, but I’m sure my followers have much to discuss with you.”
“Yes!” Givia exclaimed, her face lighting up. She had many things to discuss with Leona, Flora, and Rebecca, and plans to make.
…
The next morning, they departed.
Givia, having consumed Rebecca’s fatigue-eliminating potion, had stayed up all night, chatting with the three girls. Abyss didn’t know what they talked about, but it seemed to be a girls’ night, filled with laughter and whispered secrets. Once she became queen, she might not have such opportunities again.
Ossi’s historians were already recording their story, although, at Abyss’s request, their names and origins were omitted.
Abyss, finding a burping tree in the palace gardens, retrieved Maggie, her stomach still full from her feast, and they set off.
Givia had informed the people of their departure. As they left the palace, heading towards the city gates, crowds of people emerged from their homes, sprinkling fragrant liquor on the road before them, an Ossi tradition for honoring departing heroes. Givia knew that the grateful citizens of Ossi wouldn’t need a royal decree to show their appreciation.
Their send-off was a grand affair, the most elaborate procession ever seen in the capital, even surpassing those for visiting emperors, according to the locals. The royal orchestra played a majestic tune, and elite soldiers, clad in full armor, marched alongside and behind their carriage, a magnificent four-horse-drawn vehicle, carrying Abyss and his companions, along with Givia. Maggie, transformed into a parrot, perched on Abyss’s shoulder, chirping excitedly.
“This ring is for you, Givia. You can wear it or carry it with you,” Abyss said, as they approached the city gates, retrieving a ring from his pocket and placing it in her hand. “Flora suggested I give it to you. I tested it last night. If you channel your mana into it while rubbing it, you can communicate with me telepathically. If you encounter any problems, or if another Outer God appears, contact me. I should have recovered my memories by then.”
Givia took the ring, her expression solemn, and placed it on her little finger. “Can I contact you if I simply miss you?”
“Of course. I’m always available,” Abyss said, smiling.
“I’ll keep you updated on the kingdom’s progress. I’ll make it a better place,” Givia said, her voice filled with a newfound confidence.
As the orchestra reached a crescendo, the city gates opened, revealing a wide, sunlit road. Leona’s familiar, the East Wind, and Abyss’s undead horses, disguised as ordinary steeds, were waiting for them. Abyss and Rebecca, Leona and Flora, mounted their horses. Givia remained in the carriage, waving goodbye.
“Farewell, my friends. May we meet again soon!” she called out.
Abyss and his companions waved back, then turned their horses and rode away, leaving behind Ossi City, the capital of a kingdom reclaimed by its people’s faith, a kingdom free from the Lord of Nightmares’ grasp.
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