"Ever since I can remember, I was taken in by a wealthy man who saved me when my family home burned down. The Contributor never spoke of my biological parents, but during that time I learned dancing, table manners, and experienced a different life through a well-supported education. I received both love and expectations.
Selith tore a piece of bread, savoring its scent and the buttery taste.
"In the end, I had to face my own mistakes… I accidentally killed someone. But it wasn't entirely my fault… I was hurt by… no, I was just too weak. Since then, I have no memories to hold onto and had to endure solitude and guilt that could never be atoned for. I worked for the Contributor to prove that I was not worthless."
"I… I'm sorry."
Selith looked up, surprised.
"Huh? Why?"
"I shouldn't have forced you to do what you didn't want to."
"Wasn't it necessary? If you hadn't done that, a selfish child like me would have made you face…"
She lowered her gaze, as if the meal was too bitter to swallow. Emotional restraint pressed so heavily it was nauseating, mingled with dizziness and confusion.
"Don't blame yourself. My decision was despicable. Let's leave it in the past and move forward—that is appropriate."
He wiped his mouth with a clean cloth and met her eyes with a smile.
"Now, let me tell you about myself. I come from a distant land, entirely different from here in every aspect. I feared losing my memories but was able to recover some.
"In the past, I…"
The sound of military vehicles passing nearby made Victor dim the lamps, leaving their surroundings shrouded in shadow.
They stared at each other in the cold darkness.
"I am a wicked man you should never have known."
"But I've always seen you act kindly toward me."
"And if one day I were to kill you?"
The dining table fell silent. Her face trembled with countless thoughts clashing, leaving her unable to find a proper response.
"…If that happens, I will accept it."
'If that moment comes, I will fear myself for a long time.'
Victor smirked inwardly.
"But it seems you are frightened. My apologies, I was merely teasing to lighten the atmosphere."
"In truth, I once worked behind the scenes in governance—writing speeches, explanations, and neutral dialogues to create a dignified mask for those in power. I deceived the public with misleading actions, engineered false perceptions, and achieved victories regardless of means. No court ever sentenced me because I never killed anyone carelessly."
"But everything ended when I awoke in the Republic of Ven. I was cursed by the Miracle of the Stars, immune to any supernatural power affecting the mind, though not the body. Certainly, I cannot be controlled by anyone."
He smiled confidently at the end of his story, blending in his emotions.
Yet the tales of memory loss and being cursed by the Miracle of the Stars, grand as they sounded, painted a dangerous backdrop for Victor.
If the one watching was not just Oliver, but someone higher, every step he took would require extreme caution. Yet he also confronted Oliver directly, showing fearlessness and readiness to oppose.
Having faced so much, he lacked only money, power, and supernatural ability. If he could acquire them all, the path to uncovering the truth would not be impossible. Yet the visions of that time left no clue of origin or understanding—perhaps heralding a great change in the world.
After finishing their meal, the journey began. Victor checked his gun, loaded it, and adjusted his attire meticulously before turning to ask Selith about their destination, ensuring the travel plan was precise.
"Do you know the direction to the capital district?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Victor pondered briefly.
"We'll travel to a nearby district to board carriage number four and await assistance from the Contributor. Any objections?"
"I think I can move faster."
"There's no need to rush this journey, and I'd like to see you in a beautiful dress a while longer."
"Victor… are you considering courting me?"
Her face flushed as she looked around, distracted, unable to meet his gaze. Her bright lips smiled unconsciously, and her eyes averted, refusing direct contact.
Victor's eyes narrowed in discomfort. The prior exhaustion, mixed emotions, and scattered thoughts blurred his perception, prompting him to strive for correctness in his actions.
'Do not forget your duty… do not forget you have become a person of power.'
He reflected on what he must do. Extending his hand, he invited her to follow. Their journey began under the night sky, glittering with stars.
"I feel we've never properly introduced ourselves."
Selith fidgeted.
"I'm terribly sorry! I only learned your name while I was trapped inside the metallic structure."
"I know your name through the Contributor. Let's properly get to know each other. I am Victor Weber."
"I am Selith Dengart"
Though they exchanged names, Victor's true intention was not to form a bond with her. He was not a man who lingered on details, yet clarity in his presence sparked suspicion.
When she emerged from the metallic structure, she appeared unconscious, yet the reality that she retained awareness suggested a deliberate act.
'She used that time to separate herself.'
The streets were wide, littered with paper and debris blown by the wind.
Stray cats shivered at the sound of passing vehicles.
They passed crumbling roads, evidence of government negligence over time.
Beyond the suburbs, citizens were meticulously screened, their bodies and documents checked—likely for occupation, finance, or residence—revealing the truth of those aligned with the Revolution.
Military presence was strict. Around the city's divided districts, armed vehicles patrolled rigorously.
The pair approached the crowd for external inspection. Officers acted seriously, almost intrusive toward both men and women.
When their hands neared the firearms, Victor glared fiercely.
Soon, Victor's name was cleared for relocation to another district without Revolutionary involvement, alongside Selith.
He decided to undergo inspection directly, testing Oliver's surveillance. Little did he expect that even a seemingly foolish maneuver was cunningly anticipated.
'How did this man construct such a robust system?'
Looking around, he saw only empty skies—no crows or other creatures. If control extended to both animals and humans, uncovering the truth would be like searching the ocean blindly.
After hailing a carriage, they traveled through various districts to the massive walls surrounding the city, filled with castles and mansions.
The capital district.
Wide streets were bisected by trams. Electric poles and lanterns replaced gaslights. Most buildings were uniformly tall, with widths vast as modern structures, making the cityscape grander than many other districts.
Carriages were scarce, replaced by motorized vehicles, a clear sign of rapid development.
Other districts resembled World War-era cities, with horse-drawn transport and gas-lit streets, akin to Victorian times.
The capital had leapt forward, comparable to Europe during the World War era.
Remote castles towered above the city on high hills, surrounded by massive metal elevators and industrial machinery transporting key resources beneath them.
Cranes worked tirelessly, and trucks carried sand, stone, iron, coal, and oil in designated lanes.
The Republic of Ven, as claimed by the emissary of the Crimson Empire, thrived.
Though lacking magical development, advanced industry and technology compensated, favoring the Crimson Empire.
Republic flags waved over every building.
This mission could prove too difficult to handle.
Bradwin Vemhel, an elderly silk magnate of high society, was likely a careless traitor if Oliver's surveillance was accurate.
This mission could very well become a declaration of true war.