I stayed in the Azure Dream for the rest of the evening and the night that followed, slowly closing the rift between it and Terra. Because I replaced the Kargereich with it, my Azure Dream was now linked to the Terra, and while this situation had its benefits, there were also some downsides.
There were three main benefits. The growth, due to the feedback loop, Azure Dream will benefit from Terra. The materialization, if before Azure Dream was primarily a mental scape, now it was a real plane, allowing objects and people to enter. Lastly, the anchoring, as Azure Dream was now linked to Terra, it can be located using this connection, allowing it to be the target of teleportation.
But the disadvantages also came from the same sources. While the Azure Dream will grow thanks to Terra, it will also be affected if Terra suffers some catastrophic damage. In similar nature, the possibility of entry for others made it possible for them to damage Azure Dream, and as it's still my inner world, it can cause quite serious damage to me, and the ability to target Azure Dream from outside further elevates this danger.
I quickly analyzed that while the benefits were substantial, they were outweighed by the downsides, so now I needed to weaken this link as much as it was possible, severing it altogether if given the chance, while retaining what remained from the benefits of absorbing the remains of the Kargereich. I severed the connections one by one, acting carefully not to cause destruction in either Terra or Azure Dream.
I considered leaving a slight connection with Terra, but thinking about how destroyed this world was, I decided against it. Without the direct connection, the Azure Dream returned to being purely my inner world, but it retained part of its physical properties due to the ashes of Kargereich. This was a good outcome for me, so I was quite happy with it.
After I finished dealing with it, I returned to Terra, where others were already waiting for me. As it was already the next morning, most of the urgent matters had been dealt with; now the priority shifted to dealing with the aftermath. And the biggest aftermath was the agreement between Laterano and Leithanien.
The destruction of Kargereich changed our deal slightly, but we came to an agreement rather quickly after some negotiations. As previously agreed, Laterano will prosecute the nobles responsible for the incident, secretly helping the Empresses to centralize power, but we will also be given the right to evangelize in Leithanien. I will be given the title of Kurfürst and the part of Güldenesgesatz, but the restrictions as discussed before still apply. Our cooperation on researching Kargereich fell through for obvious reasons, but we decided to form cooperation on researching Arts and miracles instead.
While Empress Hildegard was not happy about the destruction of Kargereich, she didn't say much as it resolved the threat of Collapsals for Leithanien once and for all. After ending the meeting with the Empresses, I planned to return to my mansion, but I was stopped by Viviana. She handed me her father's last letter, silently leading me to his Spire. I read it, sighing at the stubbornness of that man. When we arrived at the Spire, I looked at Werner's body with some complicated feelings.
-"In the end, all the prophecies came true."-Promulgator appeared by my side.-"The fate isn't something mortal can overcome."
-"Indeed, defeating fate is beyond mortal reach, but it doesn't mean we are at its mercy."-I smiled, approaching the body.
-"What do you mean?"
I knelt by the body's side and took out a crystal that hung around Werner's neck. This was something I gave him as insurance; this crystal could preserve a person's soul and spirit for some time after death. With it in my hands, I took Werner's body into Azure Dream, using druidic ritual there to revive him. Viviana remained by my side this whole time, not speaking the whole time.
After I confirmed Werner was breathing again, I turned to Promulgator, who was watching my actions.
-"Mortals can't defeat fate, but they can cheat it. That's why I'll never treat it as anything more than a lie, a lie of omission."
-"You convinced me this time, Eno."-Promulgator smiled, truly happy that the monster she always believed to be infallible was just proven to be a fool.
I turned to Viviana, who was standing on the side.
-"Your father will be alright, but due to the side effects of revival, he'll be weak for some time. He should wake up from the coma in a week at most."
-"Thank you."
-"This is something I promised you."-I shook my head.
-"Then I hope you can also keep your second promise."-She knelt in front of me.
-"Are you sure?"
-"Yes. I gained the recognition I once sought, but during this incident, I confirmed something. I can't accept the noble way of life. I can't stand the ever-present intrigues and profit-seeking, not to mention the false façade behind which everyone hides all day long. The idea of existing in such environment sickens me."
She spoke with genuine disgust.
-"I wish to uphold my values, fight for what I think is right. And I believe that following you, Son, will allow me to do those things."
-"I'm not a hero who saves the world nor a saint who helps everyone. I will take part in wars, killing enemies that aren't evil villains. I will act in a way that grants me the greatest profits and advantage. I'm not a righteous person."
-"But you'll never trample my honor or betray me. That's why I wish to follow you. "
I looked at her in silence for a while before nodding.
-"I accept your service. I'll talk with the Empresses and your father after he wakes up to decide where the knighting ceremony will take place."
She nodded and stood up. We called for medics to help with the unconscious Werner, leaving him in their hands. We walked through the streets, attracting the attention of all passersby. The combination of two 'heroes' of the recent incident was hard to ignore. But we ignored the commotion, returning to my mansion where others from my entourage were waiting.
-"Eno."-Lemuen greeted me.-"We've arranged most minor matters, leaving only some important things that need your personal involvement."
-"Thank you for your hard work. You can leave the documents to me, I'll deal with them later. But I'll need you to do some more work for me in the coming days."
-"I'm happy to be of use to you, Son."-She bowed to me elegantly, joking slightly while waiting for my orders.
-"I hope you can talk with the Empresses about Viviana. She decided to join us as my Knight, so we need to arrange the ceremony. Aside from that, I'll need you to buy materials for me, as I plan to build a Spire in Azure Dream."
-"The materials shouldn't be a problem, your finances are quite healthy due to our recent spoils. As for Viviana's matter, I'll talk with the Empresses, but this will most likely turn into a political event."
-"Just try to keep the ceremony true to its original intention."
-"We need to plan our next moves."-Cellinia spoke up.
-"We'll stay in Leithanien for some more time, most likely until the end of all the trials. Lemuen and Margaret will coordinate with the Empresses, acting as the face of our court appearances. Cellinia, take Alexandria and Lappland to look for more proof against our targets. Viviana, you'll be busy with the matter of knighthood, so I'm not arranging tasks for you now. Shining, you'll be my escort."
The girls nodded, not objecting to my arrangements.
-"Uncle, I'll leave the Lateran forces under your command. I hope you can get them to help in the city with repairs, getting some groundwork on building up Lateran reputation in preparation for evangelizing."
-"Leave them to me, Son."
This was a rather simple plan of action, but now we were no longer facing a hidden enemy, so we could allow ourselves much more room to improvise. After talking about some other matter, I decided to visit the Ludwigs-Universität.
I arrived there without any issue, moving through the busy corridors to enter Fremont's classroom. He was there, but there was no usual research happening, only methodical packing. I walked to his side and started to help organize the notes into the correct binders.
-"Packing so quickly?"
-"No need to waste time."-He answered, not raising his head.-"The world is starting to change, I want to do my part."
-"Just don't overwork yourself. Leave the hard work to the young who want to prove themselves."
-"Good advice."-He smiled slightly, knowing that I showed concern through my joking.-"Don't worry, you know I never get involved in the political minefield."
-"Just know that no matter what, I will stand by your side. Laterano will always have its doors open to you."
-"I don't know if you are best or worst Holy Son."-He laughed.
-"Both. I'm the only Holy Son."-I shrugged.-"Here, it's a gift so that we can keep in touch."
I handed him a stone box and a small silver bell.
-"I believe you'll be able to understand how to use it."
He took it from me, looking at it with surprise.
-"Isn't it that technique of yours? Ashes, if I remember correctly. Don't tell me, it's that bird?"
-"Spectral Hawk."-I nodded.
-"I won't be polite then."-He took it, interested in my Ashes from long ago.
-"Good."
-"I'll be leaving tomorrow. The rest of the Liches will follow in the following weeks. Laqeramaline will also be going back to her Convallis."
-"Sigh. Expected this to happen, but I thought there would be more time."
-"We'll keep in touch."-He walked to one of the boxes, taking out something from it.-"This is my gift, I took yours, so don't dare to reject mine."
I took it, looking at what was inside. It was a partly finished amulet, covered in exquisite carvings. It took me a moment to understand what it was.
-"Phylactery?"-I looked at Fremont.
-"Yes. Still ownerless. It might be helpful in your pursuit to uncover the secrets of your bloodline."
-"On the subject, I wanted to ask you something. Do you remember that golden sea I saw in that prophecy?"
-"Yes, I still can't find anything similar."
-"I entered that place. It isn't a physical space, something closer to a mental one."
-"This is understandable, but it complicates things. I'll continue looking for information about it."
-"Also, I heard a strange title, a Child of Originium. Ringing any bells?"
Fremont thought for a moment, then shook his head.
I sighed, not knowing where to start looking for information about that person.
-"You should go and see Laqeramaline. She also wanted to bid farewell and tell you some things."
-"I'll go see her then. I'll see you tomorrow."
I walked out of the classroom, heading to a building next to the Ludwigs-Universität. It was the first time I visited her place. It was a rather cozy tenement, Laqeramaline renting one apartment on the second floor. I climbed the old wooden stairs and knocked on the door. A short while later, the doors opened.
-"Oh? Eno, it's good to see you."-Laqeramaline smiled her usual peaceful smile.-"Please come inside."
I entered and followed her into the living room. I sat on the sofa, watching Laqeramaline working in the small kitchenette, preparing some tea and biscuits. After bringing them to the small table, she sat on the armchair in front of me.
-"I guess you heard from Fremont about our departure."
-"Yes."-I nodded.-"I doubt asking you to stay would work, so I can only bid you farewell properly."
-"Indeed, I need to return to my sisters. But I believe they would be very happy to meet you. How about making a visit?"
-"I'll definitely do so, but not now. I have some matters needing my attention, not to mention a certain deadline approaching."
-"I see."-She sighed, feeling a slight pity.-"I have something I'd like to ask you, Eno."
-"Feel free to ask."
-"I hope you can allow Banshees to enter your realm."-She bowed her head to me.
-"May I know why?"
-"Your world has a strong connection to death and spirits, something we Banshees also possess. While I know that establishing permanent residence is too much, I hope you can allow us to enter to understand our powers and purposes better."
-"This..."
-"Is this impossible?"
-"No, I don't mind."-I quickly explained the issue.-"I severed the connection between my Azure Dream and Terra. I can definitely make it possible to enter, but it'll require some time and preparations."
-"Ah? I'm sorry, I put you in an awkward position. Plea..."-She wanted to back down.
-"I'll do it. I already planned to leave an entrance in Laterano, so creating one more passage isn't impossible, but you'll have to wait for it few months."-I interrupted her.-"At least, now I have a reason to visit your Convallis."
Laqeramaline laughed at my forceful ending of the subject, standing up to bring something to the table. She returned with a headpiece unique to Banshees, the so-called Banshee's Crown, but rather than usual black, the one in her hands was white. She walked to me, standing behind me, and placed it on my head. As she arranged my hair so that it could lie comfortably, she continued talking.
-"I'm truly happy that I met you here, Eno. You're the third person I've met who could make me so relaxed, allowing me to enjoy my time fully. This crown is something I wanted to give you as a recognition. We Banshees always upheld the duties of the Elegiac Court, but since meeting you, I finally saw a way forward for my tribe."
She moved to my front, continuing to arrange my hairstyle.
-"I hope you can help Aefanyl and Banshees as a whole. Create a path where we aren't only mourning, but where we are truly the guardians of the dead."
-"I don't mind sharing my techniques with you, but I don't know if they can be utilized by you."-I didn't mind agreeing.
-"Thank you."-She held both sides of my face, lowering her head to kiss my forehead.
She then stepped away, admiring her finished work.
While my hairstyle remained a high ponytail, the Banshee's Crown that enveloped back of my head like a pair of small wings made me appear much more solemn. Due to its white color, I didn't appear as gloomy as most banshees, but a pensive aura was certainly present. My slightly pointed ears complemented my appearance, so if one ignored the LEDs behind my back and over my head, I could pass as a Banshee.
After that, we stopped talking about serious or gloomy topics, enjoying a pleasant teatime in our company. Before leaving, I gave Laqeramaline a gift of my own, a seed of the crystal wisteria trees from Azure Dream. That way, some of Azure Dream could exist in the Convallis of the Banshees.