Chapter 79
Deep beneath the Satoria Federation, far below the cities and people living above, stood a place almost none of them knew existed: the Satoria Federation Prison.
It was an immense, seemingly bottomless structure carved into the earth, so vast that anyone standing at one end and looking across to the other could barely make out the far wall through the darkness.
Everything was built from ink-black stone. Countless prison cells had been carved directly into the walls along the enormous spiraling staircase that descended into the depths, illuminated only by scattered white spotlights.
Prisoners crowded behind magical iron bars. Many sat in silence, their exhausted faces suggesting that every trace of energy and hope had already been drained from them.
"As my Lord can see, there isn't enough space for all of them," Lunara said near the entrance to the spiraling staircase. Her voice was smooth and almost conversational, as though she were giving a tour rather than overseeing a pit of criminals. "We needed to place most of the prisoners in the same cell."
"I expected this," Haruto said calmly, standing beside Lunara with Vhalzareth at his side. His gaze traveled down the endless staircase, his expression growing colder with every distant cell he passed. "The prison is full, the criminals are consuming resources, and the system has no room left to expand. There is only one practical solution."
"Hm?" Lunara turned toward him, one hand resting against her hip. "And what solution would that be, my Lord?"
"Execution."
The word fell into the darkness with absolute finality.
Lunara's eyes widened for a brief moment. Then her lips curved into a pleased smile.
"At last," she murmured. "I should have proposed it long ago. The only reason I refrained was that my Lord had not yet established execution as a lawful punishment."
"Then I will establish it now," Haruto replied. "This nation has grown beyond the laws I created for it. Those who commit the deepest crimes—murder, rape, mass slaughter, and other unforgivable acts—will be executed. There will be no mercy for them."
Vhalzareth's grin sharpened. "My Lord, grant me the honor of carrying it out. I can burn them alive."
He extended one hand. A crimson flame rose from his palm, its blackened core swallowing the surrounding light.
Haruto glanced at him. "You sound eager."
"I am eager," Vhalzareth said without shame. "But eagerness does not make me careless. I will follow your judgment precisely."
Haruto turned to Lunara. "You are still responsible for this prison. Do you approve of Vhalzareth handling the executions?"
Lunara met his eyes, her smile barely restrained. "Do as you wish, my Lord. They are condemned either way. The only question is who has the privilege of delivering them to their end."
(Isn't she the sadistic one?) Haruto thought, looking ahead into the darkness, where glowing rainbow crystals provided the only color against the black stone walls.
He raised one hand toward Vhalzareth.
Vhalzareth bowed his head. "With pleasure."
"Merciless Fire."
The flames spread toward their chosen targets. Crimson fire seized them one by one, burning without smoke, fading, or mercy.
The bottomless prison soon filled with screams. Those selected for execution writhed as the flames consumed them, trapped in agony for ten straight minutes before the fire finally ceased, having devoured everything it could.
The prisoners who remained reacted with immediate panic. Some kicked their burning cellmates away. Others pressed themselves into the corners of their cells, trembling as they watched the flames crawl across flesh and clothing.
Yet the strange fire never touched anyone who had not been selected.
Lunara watched without blinking. The screams echoed through the seemingly endless depths, and satisfaction settled openly across her face.
"As instructed, my Lord," Vhalzareth said proudly when the flames vanished. "Every executed prisoner had committed an unforgivable crime. Several were responsible for the deaths of more than fifty thousand people. I trust my judgment met your standards."
"You did well, Vhalzareth," Haruto replied, his gaze cold as he placed one hand inside his pocket. "Thank you for removing the trash that was wasting space."
Vhalzareth's smile widened. "If there is more trash, I would be honored to remove it."
"I'll consider it Later." Haruto turned toward Lunara. "I need four trustworthy subjects. Find people suited for authority work—something similar to police officers."
Lunara's expression softened with curiosity. "Four subjects? What role do you intend to give them?"
"They will enforce the laws I am about to create. They must be disciplined, loyal, and capable of acting without hesitation."
"I can find them," Lunara said. "But I will need time to investigate them properly."
"Do not hide incompetence behind the word 'time,'" Vhalzareth said sharply. "If my Lord gives you an order, you should already be moving."
Lunara's smile disappeared. She turned her eyes toward him, and the air around her seemed to grow colder.
"Be careful, Vhalzareth. You are speaking to the one my Lord placed in charge of this prison."
"And you are speaking to someone who has just carried out his will," Vhalzareth replied, his crimson flame flickering again in his palm. "Do not mistake your title for immunity."
"Enough," Haruto said.
The single word cut through them both.
Vhalzareth immediately lowered his hand. Lunara fell silent, though her eyes remained fixed on him.
Haruto looked from one to the other. "Neither of you will challenge the other's authority again. Lunara, find the four subjects. Vhalzareth, you will assist only when ordered. I will establish the new laws myself so this situation does not happen again."
"Understood," Lunara replied, bowing deeply.
Vhalzareth bowed as well. "As my Lord commands."
Haruto turned away. "Good. Then we are finished here."
He and Vhalzareth vanished from their positions in an instant, leaving behind only the empty space where they had stood.
For several seconds, Lunara remained bowed.
Then she slowly lifted her head and stared at the place Haruto had disappeared.
"And he's gone," she said quietly.
The words held none of her earlier amusement. Her fingers curled against her palm as she looked down the endless staircase, surrounded by prisoners, screams, and the lingering heat of Vhalzareth's flames.
He had come to the prison, changed its laws, ordered executions, and left before she could have even one moment alone with him.
(I wanted him to stay. Just for a little while.)
Her smile returned, but it was thin and fragile.
(I wanted him to ask how I was doing. I wanted him to look at me as something other than the person who manages this place.)
Lunara lowered her gaze.
(But he never even noticed that I was waiting for him.)
Across the lands of the Elarion Skyhold Kingdom, at the highest floor of the royal castle, stood the office where Ronóva handled the kingdom's affairs. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the elegant room and its intricate black design with golden trims.
(Oh, trading is going well.) Ronóva thought softly as she looked down at the papers in her hands, calmly crossing one leg over the other while reviewing the latest reports.
A knock came from outside her office, causing Ronóva to raise her head. She gently placed the papers back onto the table before turning her attention toward the door.
"Come in," Ronóva said, leaning back in her chair.
The door slowly opened, and Sylvera stepped inside before allowing it to close behind her. She walked several steps toward Ronóva's desk before lowering herself onto one knee, her silver armor sparkling beneath the sunlight.
"Your Majesty, your nephew has arrived in your kingdom," Sylvera said respectfully as she looked up toward Ronóva. "They are currently making their way toward the castle."
(Nephew? That's unexpected. What does he want?) Ronóva thought as she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I see. Guide them to the guest room when they arrive."
"Understood," Sylvera replied, lowering her head before activating "Instant Teleportation" and disappearing instantly in a blur.
Ronóva pushed her chair back and rose to her feet before walking around her desk toward the door with elegant steps. Her bangs had grown slightly longer, falling near her eyes as she moved.
Some time later, Ronóva sat in the guest room on a luxurious crimson sofa, her hands neatly folded over her lap and her posture so straight that it appeared almost unnaturally elegant.
Across from her sat her nephew, Johan, whose smooth green hair framed his face while a single strand curved over one of his sharp red eyes. His arms rested casually along the back of the sofa, and his legs were crossed as he looked toward her with a sharp smile.
"It's been a while, dear Ronóva," Johan said. "You still have that nasty expression on your face."
"Well, I can say the same about you, Johan," Ronóva replied with a slight smile. "So why did you suddenly show up? I thought you said you never wanted to see my face again."
"Oh, man. Why did you have to remind me?" Johan said, narrowing his eyes with annoyance. "I just got angry at you for toying around with me."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"But anyway, how have you been? Not that I care."
His words sounded dismissive, but he clearly struggled to hide his concern.
"I heard your ugly adopted father and brother died."
"It's been alright. Their deaths haven't affected me that much," Ronóva said casually as she unfolded her hands and reached for the tea resting on the table.
Johan laughed as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Hahaha. Damn, you're still so cold-hearted. I wouldn't be surprised if you were the one behind it. It's quite a shame you won't find anyone like this."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ronóva asked, tilting her head slightly at his final remark.
"Oh, come on. You know what I mean," Johan said with a slight smile. "You won't find a man if you stay like this. That beauty of yours is being put to waste."
"Hmm..." Ronóva replied softly before taking another sip of tea. "You're wrong about that. I already found myself quite a wonderful man, Johan."
Johan stared at her with a completely blank expression, clearly convinced that she was lying.
"Yeah... who are you kidding? Is this what they call an imaginary boyfriend?"
"Definitely not. If you don't believe me, that's on you," Ronóva replied calmly after taking another sip of tea. "Just so you know, I'm already a mother."
"No way!"
Johan nearly jumped out of his seat, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"Damn, so you really got laid. I guess it's true. You're not the kind of person who would lie about something like this."
Ronóva's eyes narrowed slightly at the term Johan had used, particularly the implication that she had been lied to. She calmly placed her teacup back onto its small saucer before looking toward him again.
"Mostly true, but enough about me. What is it that you want?" Ronóva asked, her voice carrying a slightly more serious edge.
Johan's eyes narrowed as well, though his expression soon softened.
"...Well, I came to ask for your help," Johan said, leaning forward as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck before taking another gulp of tea.
"Help? And what would that entail?" Ronóva asked as she leaned back against the sofa and crossed her legs. "And please, do not start being vague around the matter."
"Fine..." Johan sighed deeply. "The thing is, I'm getting married to a wonderful woman, so I wanted to ask if you could, well... support me financially. Only for the wedding, of course. Nothing beyond that."
"Mmm..." Ronóva murmured as she closed her eyes for a moment, considering his request. "Very well. I shall do so without issue. Consider it a wedding gift, and congratulations."
Johan's eyes widened in shock, and tears of joy began forming in his eyes at her immediate willingness to help. He quickly stood and walked around the tea table before pulling Ronóva into a hug, catching her completely by surprise.
"Thank you so much, Ronóva. You have no idea how much this means to me," Johan said happily, his voice carrying a slight sob as he held her tightly.
"Do not mention it. Of course I shall help. You are a close member of my family, after all," Ronóva replied with a soft smile. "However, you should be mindful of my husband. He is rather jealous, so you would be wise to stop hugging me."
"Oh..." Johan immediately released her, then let out a small laugh at Ronóva's remark. "In that case, please tell him I apologize. And hey, I'm glad you found someone who makes you happy, my friend."
"Yes. I was destined to meat him," Ronóva said softly, a faint pinkness touching her cheeks as she rested one hand against her chest with a small smile.
(Just what kind of person is he to make someone like Ronóva fall in love with him...?) Johan wondered gratefully as he looked at her with a gentle expression, a faint blush still visible across his face. (Still, I'm glad she's beginning to show more emotion.)
"Johan, are you not supposed to be heading back already? You should not keep your future wife waiting," Ronóva said with a slight smile as she looked up at him.
"You're right," Johan replied, quickly making his way toward the door before stopping halfway and turning back. "Oh, Ronóva. Not future wife, just wife. And one more thing. Please come to the ceremony with your husband and child."
"I shall see if I have the time," Ronóva replied as she stood up, resting one hand against her hip with a faint smile. "And yes, go back to your wife. Do not keep her waiting."
Johan smiled slightly and nodded before opening the door and stepping outside, closing it softly behind him. He then continued down the royal palace corridor, his footsteps echoing quietly through the elegant halls.
As he walked, an excited expression remained on his face, his thoughts almost certainly drifting toward his wife without him even realizing it. Further along the corridor, Yomi happened to walk past him with her small, quiet steps.
Yomi continued for several moments before stopping a fair distance away and turning around to look at Johan with a curious expression. She studied the unfamiliar man for a moment, seemingly wondering who he was, before eventually turning away and continuing toward either her bedroom or Ronóva's office.
Ahead of Yomi, the guest room doors opened, and Ronóva stepped into the corridor. The moment Yomi noticed her, her face brightened, and she hurried toward her mother.
"Mommy," Yomi said happily as she hugged Ronóva's legs, catching her slightly off guard with the sudden embrace. "How are you doing?"
"Oh, Yomi. It is you," Ronóva replied softly, a small smile appearing as she looked down at her. "My day has been going well. Thank you for asking."
"Ehehe," Yomi said proudly, beaming as she released Ronóva's legs and reached for her hands, gently taking hold of them.
"Would you like to accompany me while I work in my office?" Ronóva asked, adjusting her hands so Yomi could hold them more comfortably. "It may be good experience for you."
"Yeah, yeah! I want to see how Mommy works," Yomi replied happily.
Ronóva nodded with a faint smile, and the two began walking toward her office hand in hand.
For quite a while, they continued through the castle in comfortable silence. Neither found the quiet awkward or unpleasant; the simple presence of the other was enough to make the walk feel natural.
"Mommy, I've been thinking," Yomi said softly as they descended the elegant staircase. "Around the castle, and even at the mansion, there aren't really many people I feel connected with."
"So I think perhaps I could go explore outside the kingdom and find new people there," Yomi continued, a gentle smile appearing as she looked down.
"Mmm..." Ronóva hummed, glancing toward Yomi before turning her attention forward again as they reached the bottom of the staircase. "I do not object. However, your father and I must discuss that together first... you understand."
"Huh?... Yeah... of course," Yomi replied softly, unable to miss the hesitation in Ronóva's words. "No pressure, Mommy..."
"I know," Ronóva replied with a gentle smile.
They stopped in front of the office door, and Ronóva reached for the handle. After turning it, she opened the door and guided Yomi inside.
Afterward, Yomi sat comfortably on Ronóva's lap while her mother read through various reports, calculated finances, and handled the other matters required of her. The brightly lit office gradually became surrounded by deeper shadows as evening settled over the castle, and night slowly took hold beyond the windows.
"She is sleeping quite peacefully, so be careful," Ronóva said softly as she looked down at Yomi, who was resting on her lap with her head against her chest.
"Yes. I am surprised for Yomi who exist as both a physical and spiritual life-form simultaneously. Things such as fatigue should not normally affect her," Haruto replied softly as he carefully lifted Yomi from Ronóva's lap and into his arms.
"You are correct. However, Yomi has not yet fully transcended into a higher state of existence, so entering a deep sleep accelerates the process while also allowing her body and soul to remain safe," Ronóva explained as she turned her chair around to face Haruto.
"Hm. I did not know that," Haruto said as he carefully adjusted Yomi in his arms. "You certainly possess quite a bit of knowledge. I like that... it makes me want to cuddle you."
"Ah, I see. Thank you," Ronóva replied with a faint smile as she crossed her legs and looked up at him. "You know, we may do that now if you wish. So, put our daughter to bed first."
Without hesitation, Haruto disappeared through "Instant Teleportation" and reappeared inside Yomi's large royal bedroom. He carefully placed her beneath the blankets, making sure she was comfortable before leaning down and placing a soft kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight," Haruto whispered gently.
He pulled away and teleported back to Ronóva's office, where she was resting on the sofa with the curtains open, allowing the quiet night beyond the windows to remain visible.
"That was quite sudden. You seem rather eager to be close to me, darling~," Ronóva said with a faint smile as she turned her eyes toward Haruto, who had settled beside her and casually wrapped his arms around her.
"I simply cannot keep my hands to myself when I have such a gorgeous wife," Haruto replied softly near her ear before gently kissing her neck. He then pulled her onto his lap, causing Ronóva to blush faintly.
"Mm-hm... darling~. It seems Yomi wishes to leave the nest," Ronóva said softly as she shifted her gaze toward Haruto's face. "What are your thoughts on the matter?"
"No," Haruto answered without hesitation, his eyes narrowing slightly as his expression became serious. "There is no way she is going into the world alone. It has not even been a year since the three of us came together. She was only born a few months ago, and now she already wants to leave. Absolutely not."
"Hmm... I thought you would say something like that," Ronóva replied, lowering her eyes as moonlight from the window fell across them. "I am not entirely opposed to the idea, however. She has already matured mentally, and spiritually, she can change her appearance according to her own desires, so I do not believe the matter is quite as dangerous as you think."
"That does not change what matters," Haruto said seriously, a slight edge of frustration entering his voice. "What matters is that she should first come to understand her family and learn what it means to be part of us. She should have the opportunity to understand the people closest to her before leaving to search for an understanding of strangers."
"I understand how you feel, darling, but you must also consider how our daughter feels about this," Ronóva replied, her tone becoming slightly more serious as she looked directly at him. "Yomi may be young by our standards, but she is still capable of forming her own thoughts and desires."
"So you are truly comfortable with us sending our daughter into the world when she is barely a year old?" Haruto asked, his expression remaining serious. "This world is filled with monsters, dangerous beings, and people who would do terrible things without the slightest concern for morality. I cannot simply pretend that none of that matters."
"If that is what you wish, then very well," Ronóva replied softly, her voice remaining calm despite the seriousness of the discussion.
Haruto's eyes widened slightly at her response, and the tension in his expression gradually began to fade as he realized how far he had pushed his own position.
"No. I am sorry. I was wrong," Haruto said quietly, his voice becoming gentler. "Let us think this through properly instead of arguing over it. We should reach a decision that both of us can agree upon."
(Shit... what is wrong with me? I was being such an asshole.)
Ronóva stared up at him for a moment, seemingly surprised that he had reconsidered so quickly. Her expression soon softened into a gentle smile as she nodded, accepting his words without making the matter more complicated than it needed to be.
"Yes. That sounds reasonable," Ronóva said softly.
Haruto smiled faintly before leaning forward and kissing her. Ronóva instinctively returned the kiss for a moment before gently pulling away, her expression becoming slightly playful as she looked at him.
"You know, darling, whenever we become this close, we always seem to end up having sex," Ronóva said with a small, almost embarrassed smile as she rested her face against Haruto's chest and lightly held onto his clothing. "I cannot say that I dislike it, though. I suppose that is simply one of the ways we express our love for one another."
"Ahahaha... that is certainly a unique way of expressing our love," Haruto replied with a genuine smile as he tilted his head slightly before gently brushing Ronóva's bangs aside with his fingers.
"Your hair is beautiful," Haruto said softly, running a hand through Ronóva's loose, silvery-platinum hair. "You would be even more breathtaking with a little styling."
"You think so?" Ronóva asked with a gentle smile, straightening her bangs as she grew slightly self-conscious. "Very well. Do you have something in mind, darling~?"
"A high Shimada updo with blunt bangs and kanzashi hairpins," Haruto replied at once, as though he had been imagining it for some time. "And with a kimono... yes, that would look beautiful on you."
Ronóva gave a soft giggle, clearly amused by how quickly Haruto had envisioned her entire appearance.
"The next time you visit, I shall have your ideal hairstyle done, all right?" Ronóva promised, sliding a finger along his smooth cheek. "Although I confess, I have no idea what such a hairstyle looks like."
"Oh, it is from my world," Haruto said, suddenly realizing the problem. "I can send you images through "Thought Communication"."
"Mmm. There is no need," Ronóva replied, casually adjusting the collar of his clothes. "I have two Subroutines that originated from your universe, though their worlds differ somewhat from yours."
"From my universe?" Haruto asked, mildly surprised. "Then how are their worlds different from mine?"
"Nothing particularly significant," Ronóva answered calmly. "Their universe was simply more technologically advanced."
"That is all?" Haruto asked, leaning back against the sofa with faint disappointment as Ronóva rose from his lap.
"Yes..." Ronóva replied after a brief pause.
The full moon shone through the massive windows, its pale light reflected in Ronóva's luminous golden eyes. The subtle seven-petaled flower patterns within her irises shimmered with quiet brilliance.
For a while, neither of them spoke. Haruto remained seated on the sofa, gazing at Ronóva from behind with soft eyes, seemingly unable to look away.
"Darling, ever since I met you and we became lovers, I have begun to see the world rather differently," Ronóva said, a small smile forming on her lips. "I cannot quite describe the feeling yet, but I know something within me has changed."
Haruto smiled gently from the sofa, having begun to feel the same way. For the two of them, it seemed as though time itself had slowed within that room, while everything beyond those walls continued at its usual pace until the first light of dawn finally appeared between the distant mountains.