Chapter 428. Opposing Yukino: The Candidates' Final Stand
Volcanica provided explanations for two other questions that Hikigaya Hachiman cared about deeply.
The first: Is the library of the Pleiades Watchtower important? If it were destroyed, where would the Books of the Dead for those who die in the future be stored?
Volcanica's answer was simple: if it's gone, it's gone. In that case, the ownership of the Books of the Dead would return to Od Lagna at the center of the world. In fact, that was where they were originally supposed to go; Flugel had essentially intercepted them, which was an unnatural state of affairs.
This solidified Hachiman's determination to burn the library to the ground.
Because of the "future" exposure, the method to enter the Watchtower's library had become common knowledge. Now that Louis was dead, there would undoubtedly be all sorts of people trying to come here to flip through the books. The prospect of people prying into the lives of the deceased and passing judgment on their privacy was something Hachiman found utterly loathsome.
Reinhard couldn't stay here forever to guard it. Furthermore, Volcanica stated that since Reid, Echidna, and Shaula were all going to the Kingdom of Lugunica, he was going too—he had no desire to continue sleeping here in solitude. Since that was the case, it was better to set the library ablaze and completely sever the path for anyone to pry into the dead.
The second question: Hachiman wanted to know what exactly his relationship was with Flugel.
To this, Volcanica replied that he shouldn't overthink it. He and Flugel were two distinct individuals; Hachiman simply possessed the qualities required to become a "New Sage." Shaula had mistaken him for Flugel because they were both Sages and both carried the scent and attention of Satella.
Furthermore, Hachiman and Flugel did have a connection: the massive tree outside the Royal Capital and the Pleiades Watchtower were both gifts left by Flugel for the New Sage.
On the surface, Shaula had no reaction to this explanation, continuing to be as close as ever to the "Master" she had acknowledged.
As for why Satella would fall in love with Hachiman, even Volcanica could not provide an answer. Perhaps it was fate, perhaps love at first sight, perhaps something else entirely. Regardless, the reason didn't matter; what mattered was that Satella truly and deeply loved him.
Hachiman let out a sigh. "I can't exactly handle this inexplicable love."
To get specific answers, he would have to unseal Satella himself. But that would have to wait until he developed his Authority of Vainglory to create an effect that could restrict her
movements and re-seal her. Otherwise, even if Reinhard, Reid, and the Divine Dragon joined forces to defeat a released Satella, the world might not remain intact.
After reducing the library to ashes, the group boarded Volcanica's back and returned to the Royal Capital.
Meanwhile, Roswaal had already secured the forgiveness of the kind-hearted Emilia and was currently sprinting down the path toward a "bright future." Of course, "bright" as it might be, he absolutely did not dare show his face before the general public or people like Priscilla and Crusch.
In total contrast to him, the moment Beatrice and Garfiel entered the Capital, they became the center of attention. They were treated like superstars—huge idols on par with the "Songstress of Pristella"—and were greatly loved and chased by the masses. It wasn't until Volcanica descended and announced his temporary residence in the Capital that the crowds rushed off to frantically catch a glimpse of the Divine Dragon, allowing Beatrice and Garfiel to finally escape their passionate fans and catch their breath.
Hachiman had Ferris, Julius, Beatrice, and Al relay the news of his actions after leaving the Capital and the resulting consequences. He felt he didn't have the face to see Emilia and the others directly.
But...
No matter how much he hid, he couldn't hide forever.
It was the second day after Hachiman's return to the Royal Capital. On the first day, he had been locked in deep conversation with Garfiel, Julius, Beatrice, and Shaula. Feeling like old friends meeting late in life, they had talked for an entire day and nearly stayed up all night together. As a result, when he woke up the next day, he felt a bit groggy.
Sensing his state, someone poured a glass of water and handed it to him. Hachiman drank it all in one go and felt much better. He assumed the person who had entered his room without permission was Beatrice or Shaula. Just as he was about to say "thanks," he caught a glimpse of the person and jumped in startle.
"Don't look at me like you've seen a Mabeast. I shouldn't be that ugly, right?"
Anastasia adopted a mock-aggrieved girlish posture, her left hand over her heart as she sighed. "Or is it that, now that the Prime Minister has decided to distance himself from me, my appearing before you is just that disgusting and repulsive?"
Cornered by her words, Hachiman knew she didn't actually think that, yet he still couldn't stand seeing her look so wronged. He could only say, "...You know it's impossible for me to hate you."
Let alone "disgusting" or "repulsive."
Before the "merchant" who had set the trap could press her advantage, a reddening Hachiman changed the subject: "How did you get in? I specifically instructed Garfiel not to let any of you in if you visited."
"Well~ that's a pit the Prime Minister dug for himself, isn't it?" A smile played on Anastasia's youthful, cute face as she pointed to a chair nearby.
On the chair lay a brand-new Cloak of Recognition Inhibition.
The meaning was self-evident: to win more people's forgiveness, Roswaal had agreed to the candidates' request and crafted this item. But even if such a cloak were made, it should have been given to Emilia or Rem. Why was it her?
Finding blatant confusion on her Prime Minister's face, Anastasia puffed out her chest adorably and said with pride: "Actually, it's thanks to the eloquence I've polished through business since I was a child. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been my turn to snatch this opportunity."
"Even though Miss Crusch and the others were quite frustrated, they had to admit it was safest to leave it to me."
"Eloquence? Does that mean..." Hachiman figured it out instantly. "You've collaborated? You're representing everyone to come and persuade me?"
"Not Miss Priscilla; she's a lone wolf, there's no reasoning with her." Anastasia waved her hand and tilted her head. "So, how about it? Is the Prime Minister willing to have a chat with me?"
"You're asking that after you've already made it inside?"
"I've said it before, haven't I? We all respect the Prime Minister's own wishes. Love isn't that selfish. Even if I used a few little tricks, I don't intend to break that principle."
These words—sharp, poignant, and carrying a heavy hint of "pointing at the mulberry to curse the locust" (directed at those who might be more forceful)—made Hachiman feel both ashamed and moved.
"...They really picked the right person to send. No one else has this ability but you, Anastasia."
Anastasia smiled but didn't respond, knowing when to quit while she was ahead.
She took back her Prime Minister's glass, refilled it with warm water, and drank it herself in one gulp.
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