Well, at least she didn't hide it on the surface, even if there was no murderous intent.
What Jibril was referring to was precisely Tet story to the human children about the white flowers turning red from spilled blood—the man was a compulsive liar.
If he added or subtracted something every time, what on earth had he been telling people for the last three thousand years?
She didn't want to hear about the events of three millennia ago, but Jibril found it even more unbearable for those events to be distorted... especially by someone who knew the whole truth.
Tet was well aware of Jibril hostility and the reason behind it. He had long since made peace with it.
"A bit of romanticized embellishment is inevitable~," the youthful-looking Tet shrugged, sounding like a weathered old soul. "Compared to simple comedies, people prefer—and are more moved by—tragedies. The sadder it is, the more moving. They project themselves into it, feeling their own souls ascend in the protagonist's wails..."
"I didn't know you'd researched this so deeply. What? Finally realized the One True God's throne is getting uncomfortable and looking for a career change?" Jibril mocked.
"How biting. You're starting to sound like that Elf," Tet said lightly. That one sentence caused a small vein to pulse on Jibril forehead. "Anyway~ all races know how brutal that Great War was. They know there are countless stories even more tragic than that man's... At least he succeeded in the end, didn't he? At least his sacrifice, and the sacrifice of everyone who believed in him, wasn't in vain. He's achieved far more than most."
Jibril remained silent. She knew Tet was right.
"Relentless brutality only makes the audience weary and numb. After all, children always prefer beautiful and romantic stories~," Tet grinned. "So you see, romanticization is inevitable~. Besides, for the record, the cross-racial romance between that man and the Elf is a story many people love~."
"They're deeply moved~. Men and women, young and old, they all sigh with tears in their eyes~ for their love and the hardships they en—"
Whoosh!
Once again, a beam from Jibril fingertip grazed Tet cheek. She had launched a second act of rebellion against the One True God in a single day without hesitation!
If Azril were here, she'd probably be screaming her head off, wouldn't she? Jibril thought to herself expressionlessly.
"You enjoy telling these stories?"
"I just don't like being forgotten."
Jibril no longer knew how to judge the One True God's actions. She merely sighed and asked the question, but Tet answered with absolute candor. On that boyish face, Jibril finally saw the casual smile vanish from the corners of his mouth.
"...Wouldn't it be too sad if no one remembered?" Tet rested a hand on his red hat, the brim casting a shadow over his eyes. Jibril couldn't see what was hidden in his gaze.
"Well~, forget that. On a special day like today, if you aren't happy, you might get struck by divine punishment~." The brief silence lasted only a few breaths. When Tet lowered his hand, the familiar smile was back. "If we can't play games happily, then my painstakingly prepared games will have been for nothing!"
"...Hah, 'playing games happily'... those human hatchlings were crying their eyes out when they lost just now," Jibril sneered after a pause.
While Jibril and Tet were talking, the black-haired Ex-Machina girl had used her glowing fingers to soothe the children, though a few were still wiping away tears.
"Hahahahahaha! Can't be helped. A game is a game; there's no such thing as taking it easy~." Laughing heartily without a shred of guilt, this One True God was truly a piece of work. "And isn't this better? The frustration and anger of losing makes you stronger~. You want to play again, you want to win. By holding onto that competitive spirit, the final victory is all the sweeter~."
"That is the true essence of gaming. That is what makes a real 'gamer'~."
"A game is just a game. There are no complex considerations behind it~. Having fun is what's important~."
Upholding this philosophy, Tet would choose to... give his all even against the weakest opponent!
"...Whatever... as if anyone else could accept that way of thinking..."
She wanted to agree, yet she didn't. Jibril had her reasons for disagreeing, but she suddenly realized something—she had no reason to debate Tet here, just as she didn't care about his opinions.
She was truly a Flügel through and through. Artosh, the God of War, would be proud of her.
She had stayed in this city long enough. The white wings tucked at her waist suddenly snapped open. After scattering a few feathers of pure energy, Jibril soared into the sky.
"...This is exactly why I feel bored..."
"Mhm... I hope they can come back soon..."
Watching Jibril turn into a meteor in the sky, Tet let out a long sigh and murmured to himself.
With a final wave to the Ex-Machina girl and the human children, Tet leaned back and vanished from the street.
Flying at high speed through the sky, Jibril showed no intention of dodging the red petals in her path. She punched right through the crimson "river" without mercy. The scattered petals swirled in her wake like an exploded firework, drawing gasps from the people below.
"How violent~"
Under such speed, the only sound should have been the wind, but Jibril heard that annoying One True God's voice.
Floating lazily with his hands behind his head, Tet appeared to her left, flying at the exact same speed.