Chapter 203
[After obtaining Kalpas's stigma, the first thing Mei did upon returning to the hall was complain to Elysia: "That man, what's his deal? I thought fusion warriors who chose to preserve their memories would at least know how to communicate with people."
"Well... to be precise, he didn't have a choice back then, but that's not the point."
As she spoke, Elysia scooted closer to Mei: "You see, in our era, there were no Herrschers as beautiful, gentle, and kind as you, Mei."
"For us, this is also a completely new experience. Everyone is making friends with a Herrscher for the first time."
"And Kalpas... he's actually quite an introverted person, so let's give him some more time."
Instead of clearing her confusion, Elysia's explanation made Mei even more puzzled: "Introverted? He doesn't act like this with others?"
"...Seems about the same?"]
[Silver Wolf]: "Introverted? This is what you call introverted? You're telling me this is introverted!?"
[March 7th]: "Maybe. This appearance of his might be a disguise, and he's actually very gentle and delicate inside."
[Stelle]: "We are going to redefine what 'introverted' means."
[Kiana]: "You call this gentle and introverted? He almost started a fight with Mei right away!"
[Pardofelis]: "But they didn't actually fight, right? Brother Kalpas was actually restraining his anger quite a bit back then."
[Mei looked speechlessly at the playful Elysia: "Alright. But in a way, he does match my impression of the Previous Era civilization."
"Ah, that's troubling... leaving you with a bad impression."
"So you do know it's a 'bad impression'."
Mei replied somewhat exasperatedly.
Elysia had somehow made her way next to Mei, mysteriously holding a book: "Well, anyway... this is for you. You might need this book."
Mei took the book with confusion: "...'One Hundred Questions About Kalpas's Mask: From Beginner to Master'?...Author, Elysia?"
"A guidebook that teaches you how to get along friendly with Kalpas from scratch. Easy to understand, anyone can pick it up immediately."
"In MOTH, this is essential reading material, just like a survival guide."
"With this, you can confidently strike up a conversation with him. If it fails... don't worry, I also provide [after-sales service]."]
[Raiden Mei]: "? What the hell, is this book actually useful?"
[Pardofelis]: "Of course it's useful! Sister Elysia's book is part of the same series as 'The Silent Youth'."
[Stelle]: "'Survival Guide', 'After-Death Service'... the real name of this book should be 'One Hundred Questions About Kalpas's Mask: From Beginner to Grave'."
[March 7th]: "Speaking of which... why does Kalpas wear a mask anyway? What does he really look like? Do any of you know?"
[Pardofelis]: "Huh? This, this... I don't think I've ever seen it at all..."
[Eden]: "I have never seen Kalpas remove his mask."
[Sakura]: "Even on the battlefield, Kalpas always wears his mask. Even if it gets damaged, he... seems to cover his face with something else."
[Elysia]: "I haven't seen it either~ Even when he wasn't wearing his mask, various accidents would always prevent me from seeing Kalpas's face♪"
[Silver Wolf]: "The way you all say it makes it sound like Kalpas not showing his true face is a fundamental setting of this world."
[As they were chatting, a captivating singing voice could be heard, and Mei was drawn to it. Seeing Mei's interest in the singing, Elysia briefly introduced her friend—Eden! "Ah, even someone as eloquent as me can't fully convey how wonderful she is.Why don't you go see for yourself?"
"...I will."
"Be careful, she possesses beauty that rivals yours and mine... don't get too enchanted, okay?"
Mei directly stepped into the transmission gate. Clear, crisp notes danced between the piano keys, melodious and graceful, like a morning salute to the sunrise, like an elegy for the sunset. "When the stars dim and the wine cups run dry, my king, why do you remain in this desolate kingdom?"
"To await the triumphant song, to seek the truth."
Under the twilight tree, Eden held a golden wine glass in one hand while resting the other on the piano, gently stroking her wine-red hair. "Ah, hello there, visitor~"
"Apologies, I was slightly distracted just now."
"It's fine, I hope I'm not disturbing you. My name is Raiden Mei."
Eden also introduced herself to Mei according to etiquette: "Hello, Miss Mei. I am the fourth Flame-Chaser—Eden, inscribed as [Gold]."
"Indeed, that's what Elysia named me. I suppose she was referring to the wealth I possess."
"Although I've lived in palace-like splendor in the Palace of a Thousand Windows, tasted peerless fine wines and delicacies... I wouldn't describe myself that way."
"I am merely a singer on stage, a glimmer of starlight shining for the audience."
"Whether it's the endless wealth or this [Gold] inscription, they are merely external things generously given to me by others."]
[March 7th]: "Is she really serious with that mindset? But... Eden's singing is truly beautiful!"
[Robin]: "Sometimes I exchange artistic insights with Miss Eden as well. I must say, Eden's artistic cultivation is among the finest in the universe."
[Elysia]: "Right, right? Eden would definitely be a superstar even in the universe!!"
[Stelle]: "I get it now, I completely understand! Eden... she's totally a rich lady! Rich lady, hungry hungry, food food!"
[March 7th]: "When did your dignity disappear again?"
[Qingque]: "Did Stelle's dignity ever exist to begin with?"
[March 7th]: "True."
[After chatting with Eden for a while, Eden generously gave her stigma to Mei, and Mei returned to the hall. Mei didn't expect that Eden had already arrived in the hall before her.
She was holding a wine glass, leaning slightly against a chair. "Eden..."
Elysia quickly hushed Mei: "Shh! Come over here, over here~!"
"Eden gets very cute when she's drunk."
Afraid that Mei wouldn't believe her, Elysia went forward to demonstrate: "Eden~"
"Ah, Elysia, hello."
"Eden, my dear Eden~ I heard from Pardofelis that you gave her another very beautiful gemstone."
The drunk Eden's golden eyes looked dazed as she thought for a moment: "Hmm, was it the one the chairman gave me when I performed for the regional council members at the Tuckle National Theater? I remember."
"Ah, it must be very beautiful!"
"Elysia, you can go see it at Pardofelis's place later. How about I show you this one instead—"
Like performing magic, Eden took out a gemstone and handed it to Elysia: "This aquamarine has many impurities, but the creator seemed to be challenging nature itself—they invented this rose cut method to make the gem shine brighter."
"This is one of the world's first gemstones made using the rose cut method. If you like it, I'll give it to you."]
[Stelle]: "Drunk Eden is just too adorable!!"
[March 7th]: "You just have your eyes on her gems, don't you?"
[Eden]: "Elysia, if there are any gems you like in the future, just tell me directly. No need to go about it like this."
[Qingque]: "I want a 'billionaire-close' friend like this too!"
[Guinaifen]: "I, little Guizi, don't want to work hard anymore either..."