ALL NOVEL Chapter 178
178. A Noble Way Of Life Deserves Support, Isn’t It?
The place was breathtakingly quiet.
The place was filled with crisp, clean air.
The place was strikingly simple.
The place radiated elegance.
And.
The place was sacred.
When we approached the general’s residence, we were informed that, as planned, an audience with the living god, Muten, had been granted.
Initially, it was only supposed to be Kyle, but apparently, Muten took an interest in me, and I was told to accompany him.
I’d really like to decline!
However, considering Persia’s persistent opposition to letting Kyle go alone, I suppose I should be glad I could at least accompany him.
Guided by Shingen, we climbed the approach path behind the general’s residence, walking through a well-maintained forest.
Passing through a vermilion wooden gate called a tori, the atmosphere around us began to change. I couldn’t quite describe it, but the air seemed to shift, making me instinctively stand taller.
Yet strangely, I didn’t find this sensation unpleasant.
With my instincts as a former adventurer and alchemist, I could tell it wasn’t due to curses or hallucinations.
Emerging from the refreshingly cool woods, we arrived at the residence of the living god.
Though this was supposed to be the dwelling of the most important person in the country, it lacked any excessive decoration. No, not quite—it was overwhelmingly unpretentious, yet there was an unparalleled level of craftsmanship employed in its understated design.
Since arriving in the Mizuho Divine Kingdom, Leafan had been deeply enamored with Mizuho-style architecture, so even I had begun to understand it somewhat. This place undoubtedly embodied the pinnacle of that style.
And yet, it was all condensed into simplicity.
Both Kyle and I instantly realized that the person awaiting us beyond was no ordinary individual.
With the air tense and upright, we proceeded down the corridor leading to the residence.
The audience chamber was made entirely of plain wood.
I found myself unconsciously holding my breath.
We were shown to two chairs, and Kyle and I took our seats.
A bamboo screen hung before us, with two women bowing on either side, completely motionless.
In a resonant voice, Shingen began to speak.
“From the era of the gods, the sole lineage spun through time—an audience with His Majesty Muten Ingram, the living god, has been granted.”
As the women on either side, still bowing, slowly pulled the cords, the bamboo screen rose little by little.
Seated there was a young man, not much older than Kyle.
But the air around him was utterly clear and striking.
The most prominent figure I had met before this was Van, but there was no comparison. Without reasoning, I instinctively knew Muten was on a different level.
Muten wasn’t even looking at us.
He had his eyes closed.
Then, a voice rang out, clear like the sound of a bell, from Muten.
“Thank you both for coming all this way from afar.”
Without changing his expression, he continued.
“As you can see, I lost my sight due to illness in my childhood. I apologize if this causes any inconvenience and ask for your understanding.”
Since Kyle said nothing, I remained silent as well.
“In this Mizuho Divine Kingdom, I am the one who bears all responsibility. I am Muten Ingram.”
As prearranged, Kyle and I stood.
“I am Kyle Golden Dawn von Elixir, the Pioneer Count, entrusted as the envoy of the Maugaria Kingdom. It is an honor to have this audience. The one beside me is Craft Walken, an alchemist from the production guild, accompanying the diplomatic delegation. We are grateful to make your acquaintance.”
I simply bowed silently. Kyle was dependable as always!
“Please, be seated.”
With none of his usual boldness, Shingen solemnly facilitated the audience as Muten slowly opened his mouth.
“Regarding the proposals for establishing diplomatic relations and trade submitted by your country, all matters approved by the Three Great Houses will now be ratified by me, Muten Ingram.”
At this, Kyle bowed for the first time.
“Thank you.”
According to the plan, this concluded the audience. Internally, I heaved a huge sigh of relief, having made no major blunders. But my relief was premature.
Muten called out to the general.
“Shingen.”
“Yes.”
“Leave Kyle-san and Craft-san here and withdraw.”
“Yes… yes?”
“I wish to speak with the two of them.”
“But…!”
“I trust you, Shingen, and those you bring.”
Though Muten kept his eyes closed, he turned his face firmly toward Shingen.
Shingen opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, repeating this a few times before finally replying, “Understood.”
Huh!? You’re just agreeing to this!?
Ignoring my shock, Shingen gestured, and the two women by the bamboo screen exited the room, still bowing.
Once they were gone, Shingen also slowly made his way to the door.
“I’ll be just outside, so call if you need me.”
“My gratitude to you.”
With Shingen gone, only Muten, Kyle, and I remained in the room.
Ugh, the air feels heavy!
I couldn’t stand or speak when suddenly the tension eased.
“Ah… Shingen can be quite difficult sometimes.”
“Huh?”
Muten sighed lightly, looking genuinely troubled. Gone was the sacred figure from moments ago; he now appeared as a polite boy of his age.
“Oh, please relax, both of you. My position requires me to act like that, but…”
“Um…”
“It’s all right. I simply wanted to have a personal conversation with you guys, Kyle-san and Craft-san. Right now, I am not the living god descended from divine blood but just Muten, a fellow human.”
Though his eyes remained closed, I could feel his gaze piercing through us.
“But…”
Kyle, ever mindful of his status, likely didn’t notice, but I did.
Muten’s hands were trembling ever so slightly.
He probably wasn’t supposed to act this way. Those words earlier weren’t from the living god but a cry from Muten, the individual.
“Isn’t that fine? If that’s what he says.”
“Craft-san, what are you doing!?”
“!?”
Shrugging, I responded nonchalantly, and Kyle turned pale as he stared at me.
Muten, though outwardly expressionless, slightly quivered his lips. I recognized this—it was… hope.
It reminded me of the children at the orphanage in my youth.
Children were abandoned and brought there, not just from abuse but from being treated as objects rather than individuals.
The eyes of such children held fear, resignation… and hope.
Of course, Muten wasn’t mistreated or unloved.
In fact, because he was cherished, being denied individuality must have been cruel.
So I resolved to treat him just as I had treated those orphaned children.
“Why are you so scared, Kyle? He said to treat him as an individual! To me, Muten is younger—a little brother!”
Though I tried to sound casual, I could hear my voice quivering.
This would usually be a capital offense. Fortunately, Muten couldn’t see my sweat-drenched face.
…No, he probably already noticed my nervousness.
“Okay, Muten! Feel free to call me brother!”
Sweat poured down my face like a waterfall.
Kyle, don’t worry. Even if Muten flips out and Shingen barges in, I’ll make sure you escape!
Time seemed frozen, though only a few seconds passed.
“Heh. Craft-san, you truly are just as I imagined.”
Internally, I was cheering wildly.
“May I really call you Aniue?”
“Of course! Go for it! …But only when it’s just the three of us.”
“Understood, Aniue.”
I stood and moved next to Muten, ruffling his hair vigorously.
…It seemed like something no one had ever done for him.
“Craft-niisama…”
Kyle sighed in relief but then puffed his cheeks and glared at me slightly.
“Ha! Kyle, you’re more of a softie than I thought! Here!”
I ruffled Kyle’s hair next.
“H-hey! Stop that! It’s not like…”
“You’re blushing!”
“I-it’s not what you think!”
Yeah, seeing you act your age is reassuring, Kyle.
I took Kyle’s and Muten’s hands, forcing them into a handshake.
“From today, Kyle and Muten are brothers! Get along!”
Kyle stared at their clasped hands in shock.
“Muten-sama—”
“Kyle. Brothers don’t need honorifics. Call him by his name!”
Surely, that’s what Muten wanted.
I believed Kyle would understand.
“…Fine. Muten. From today, we’re brothers. A secret, just between the three of us.”
“Thank you, Kyle… Aniue.”
“Huh?”
“Let me call you that.”
Kyle hesitated, then strengthened his grip.
“Very well, Muten. From today, I’m your Nii-sama. If you ever need help, come to me.”
“I will, Kyle-aniue.”
Muten smiled softly.
Seeing that, I felt proud of my recklessness for the first time in a while.
“Nii-sama, we can’t let Leafan-san find out.”
“Yeah! This stays between us!”
Kyle and Muten burst into genuine laughter together.
…
Seriously, we can’t let this slip. Otherwise, sitting in seiza won’t be enough to save us.