Chapter 273: Trails of Light



“Well then, I shall take my leave now, Sir Riley. It was a pleasure getting to know you, despite the short time…”

Princess Sophiel’s words lingered with a melodic grace, her poised demeanor unshaken as she stepped back, her movements slow and deliberate.

She offered me a light, polite bow, her purple eyes gleaming with unreadable intent.

I nodded in response, my face betraying none of the tangled thoughts racing in my mind.

As the massive doors to the throne room creaked open, I gulped.

‘I hope he’s not aware of my relationship with Snow…’

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.

The sheer vastness of the room overwhelmed me, and for a moment, my legs hesitated as if they sensed the weight of what lay ahead.

A thousand thoughts swirled in my mind-worry, strategy, the unrelenting awareness of where I stood.

But none of it mattered.

Not when my eyes locked onto the grandeur before me.

The room was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a spectacle of wealth and power.

Gigantic white pillars lined the sides, their sheer size making them feel like the spines of some ancient, divine creature.

The marble flooring was pristine, its intricate patterns forming a perfect symmetry that seemed almost too precise for human craftsmanship.

Above me, gigantic chandeliers hung like celestial constellations, their golden-blue lights shimmering against diamond-like facets.

They cast an ethereal glow across the room, bathing everything in a surreal, almost otherworldly brilliance.

The sheer opulence of the space felt overwhelming. It was as if every corner screamed, Behold the might of the empire.

‘This… feels like walking into the final boss room of a fantasy game’

Which, technically, it probably is.

The thought wasn’t far-fetched.

If this world’s hierarchy and power dynamics were akin to the game’s mechanics, then this throne room was undoubtedly the seat of ultimate authority-a place where decisions that shaped nations and destinies were made.

Yet, standing here now, it felt even more intimidating than any digital recreation.

In the game, this room was depicted solely as the emperor’s domain, with its focus firmly fixed on the throne and the looming figure of the emperor gazing down at you.

The grandeur was implied but never fully realized until now that is… I guess no matter how much I encounter things like this I’ll always be surprised.

I can understand why this place was so grand and beautiful but…

‘It feels a bit unnecessary’

Every detail, from the polished marble to the gilded carvings on the walls, screamed unnecessary extravagance.

‘Normal’

I reminded myself, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all.

For people of such dignity in this world, this level of extravagance is normal.

As my footsteps lightly echoed through the grand room, the tension in the air grew palpable.

Finally, I could feel it-the overwhelming presence of the Emperor and the Duke ahead.

My gaze stayed firmly fixed downward. Meeting the Emperor’s gaze directly could easily be interpreted as insolence, and that was the last thing I needed.

I had expected a larger contingent of knights stationed around the chamber, much like in the game.

Yet, to my surprise, the room was devoid of them. Perhaps with the Duke present, such precautions were deemed unnecessary.

Kneeling at the designated spot, the cold marble pressed against my knee.

I took a steady breath before finally speaking, choosing my words carefully.

“It is a pleasure to be in the presence of the greatest sun of the empire, Emperor Leopold Luvenitia White Germonia Leven. My name is Riley Hell, first son of Count Hell, and a humble subject of the continent’s greatest empire.”

The formality of my tone hung in the air like an offering to the gods.

“Hoh?”

The Emperor’s scoffing response sent a jolt of unease through me. Did I overdo it?

In the game, greeting him with such reverence was an automatic option-one that ensured survival. Had I miscalculated here?

“I didn’t know your son-in-law was so well-versed in proper Central etiquette, Luther,” the Emperor remarked, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and mockery. “Did you make him practice beforehand?”

“… No, not that I’m aware of, Your Majesty,” the Duke replied, his voice steady but faintly tinged with curiosity.

“It must be your lovely little princess’s handiwork, then,” the Emperor mused, a smirk audible in his tone.

“Probably…?” the Duke replied with a slight hesitation.

“Hahaha! I guess even someone as painstakingly overprotective as you doesn’t know

everything about your daughter, huh?”

“You’re one to talk about overprotectiveness. Besides, I respect my lovely Liyana’s privacy.”

“Are you implying I don’t respect my dear Snow’s privacy?”

“Exactly.”

The casual banter between the Emperor and the Duke was almost surreal.

These two…

‘They know I can hear them, right?’

This wasn’t how I envisioned this encounter.

In my mind, the atmosphere would have been heavy, charged with authority and tension befitting two of the most powerful men in the empire.

Yet here they were, exchanging barbs like old friends, their imposing auras from earlier seemingly vanished.

Instead of embodying the grandeur of the Emperor and the Grand Duke of the empire, they came across more like two dads casually bantering over a drink.

Their laid-back exchange continued for a short while, completely undermining the tension

that had initially filled the room.

Eventually, they seemed to remember I existed, and their focus shifted back to me.

“Ah, apologies. You may raise your head now, Riley,” the Emperor said, his tone steady yet

commanding.

Obliging, I slowly lifted my gaze and met his eyes.

They shimmered like sapphire skies, their intensity impossible to ignore.

His cascading white hair resembled the pure snow of winter, a perfect parallel to Snow

herself.

One look was all it took to confirm their relationship-Snow was practically a carbon copy of her father, as though she were a feminine counterpart crafted from his very being.

‘Though Snow is still more beautiful and seemingly much more perfect… she probably

inherited it from her mother’s side’

Though…

Despite his slightly aged features, the Emperor radiated an undeniable youthful vigor, his

presence imposing yet magnetic.

I couldn’t help but notice how absurdly young and handsome he still looked.

‘Compared to mine I probably looked average at best despite being quite handsome

myself…’

And then there was the Duke-broad-shouldered and equally striking, with a certain ruggedness that made him seem both regal and approachable.

…Oh.

So that’s why those rare female players in the game always referred to these two as “daddy”

in the polls.

Seeing them in person, I hated to admit it, but I kind of understood the sentiment.

[Note: User sexuality is being updated.]

Huh? what nonsense is this thing rambling about now?

[Note: Insert Foreign voice!]

What voice? What are you talking about?

[Note: Why are you gay?]

“WTF?” I blurted out instinctively.

The Emperor raised a single brow, his expression a blend of amusement and confusion.

“WTF?” he repeated softly, as if trying to decipher the strange phrase.

Shit.

Did I really just say that out loud?

[PFFT… KuKuKuKu!]

The sound of robotic laughter echoed in my mind, sharp and fragmented, as though the

system itself had decided to mock me.

This damn system… Did it gain a personality after the last update or something? “You seem to be getting ahead of yourself, Riley Hell,” the Emperor remarked, his tone calm

yet laced with a subtle edge. “I realize we’ve been speaking openly, but don’t mistake my

candor for a gesture of camaraderie.”

I immediately bowed my head again, my posture stiff. “Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty. The words slipped out before I realized it.”

“Is that so? I fail to see how such peculiar words could arise from merely seeing my face,” he

said, narrowing his eyes slightly, though there was a faint trace of humor in his voice.

“Nevertheless, we’ve delayed long enough.”

The atmosphere shifted abruptly.

I felt mana ripple through the air, heavy and charged with purpose.

The floor beneath me began to warm as intricate patterns of white light formed a circle

around where I stood.

“There’s no need to be so tense now, Riley,” the Emperor continued, his voice steady and

commanding. “Stand tall.”

Though his words were meant to ease my nerves, the radiating mana only made my anxiety spike. My legs felt like lead, but I forced myself to straighten.

“Although I remain suspicious of you,” he admitted, his sharp gaze meeting mine, “Luther

has vouched for your character.

He believes you to be someone trustworthy, and his judgment is not something I take lightly.

For that reason, I will extend my faith to you as well.”

His words carried the weight of both authority and expectation, leaving no room for missteps.

Despite the apparent acceptance, the undertone was clear-this trust was conditional, and

any betrayal would be met with swift consequences.

-SIZZ!!!

As I slowly stood, meeting the Emperor’s gaze once more, the light surrounding me began to

thicken, condensing into tangible forms.

Moments later, the brilliance solidified into white chains that coiled tightly around my body,

emanating an intense divine energy.

These chains…

I recognized them immediately.

This was [Chains of Heaven], a high-grade divine magic known for its power to bind and

purify.

To think the Emperor would personally cast one of his strongest spells on me…

“You’re not burning,” the Emperor observed, his tone neutral but watchful. “I suppose that’s

to be expected.”

Did he seriously think I was a demon or something?

“Please forgive the sudden action, Riley,” the Emperor continued, his expression softening

slightly but maintaining its authority. “Certain matters must be verified before I can proceed with your request, including this small little charade of ours…”

I see… so his decision was already set in stone with his small talk with the duke yesterday… he

probably trusts him more than he lets on huh,

This grand-meet up probably wasn’t necessary but he still had to please a few of his vassals who disapproved of the situation.

‘I wonder just how much these two shared with them….’ “Judging from your words,” I began carefully, maintaining my composure despite the

oppressive aura of the chains, “it’s safe to assume you’re granting me access to the Trails?”

The Trails of Light—a direct conduit to the goddess herself and the oldest surviving relic of

her divine power.

The emperor was clearly being cautious, ensuring I wasn’t tainted by any malevolent force that might corrupt its sanctity.

[Note: Fragment of divinity is absorbing compatible divine energy!]

Absorbing?

-WIIZZZ!

Before I could even react, my body acted on its own as it began the absorption process…

seeing as the emperor is not reacting, I guess he hasn’t noticed due to how slow it was

absorbing…

This… it feels like my body was getting warmer and brimming with energy.

[Note: Fragment of divinity has leveled up!]

[Note: Divinity + 500]

[Access to Nirvana – 002/100]

[Note: The Light has established contact with your soul….]

[…Meet me…]

[….At the end of the road child….]

‘T-this voice!?’

Is it-

Taking back my attention the emperor’s voice loomed.

“Indeed,” he confirmed, nodding slightly. “As ludicrous as the decision may seem, I have chosen, for now, to believe your words. Your knowledge of my illness cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. There is purpose behind these ‘dreams’ of yours. The Saintess of Dreams

once saved this world from a great calamity, and her legacy serves as a reminder of the power found in the unseen and the unknown.”

His gaze hardened momentarily, the weight of his responsibilities etched into his features.

“This is not a decision I’ve come to lightly, Riley Hell. If your intentions are anything but pure, the consequences will be dire. The goddess’s relic does not forgive deceit.”

The chains pulsed with divine light, and I felt their energy probing me-not maliciously, but

thoroughly, as if searching for any trace of darkness or impurity.

“I understand, Your Majesty,” I replied, my voice steady despite the pressure surrounding

me. “I will prove my intentions are sincere.”

The Emperor studied me for a moment longer before the chains began to dissolve, breaking apart into motes of light that faded into the air.

“Very well,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “You will be allowed to proceed. But remember,

Riley, this is not a privilege-it is a test.”

Slowly the light around me scattered and the warmth I felt was gone.

I guess he stopped the spell.

The warmth I felt from absorbing the divine energy was gone now…

“Now then… with that out of the way,” the Emperor began, his voice calm yet carrying an

unmistakable weight. “Let us discuss something far more important before we conclude this

matter, shall we?”

Hm?

There was still something left?

SWOOSH!!!

Suddenly, a crushing energy descended upon me.

The air grew dense, suffocating, and the once-relaxed atmosphere turned razor-sharp.

My knees buckled slightly under the pressure, and I was reminded-no, forcibly reminded-

of the sheer magnitude of the man standing before me.

This wasn’t just the Emperor of the Germonia Empire; this was the strongest individual alive,

the man hailed as the Sun of the Empire.

Even the Duke, who had stood stoic by his side all this time, slightly widened his eyes at the

unexpected display of power.

“I have received some… peculiar information from my knights,” the Emperor continued, his

tone deceptively calm as his sharp, sapphire eyes locked onto mine. “Tell me, Riley Hell, what exactly is your relationship with my dear Snow?”

The piercing coldness in his gaze froze me in place. It was as if the weight of the entire room

bore down on my shoulders, and my instincts screamed at me to tread carefully.

Shit.

Even the Duke was looking at me now, his curiosity piqued. His previously relaxed demeanor

had vanished as he scrutinized me with a curious gleam in his eyes.

The Emperor’s stare didn’t falter, and I realized something chilling.

‘He’s already aware isn’t he?’

“Did you really think I wouldn’t be informed of how openly you’ve been flirting with her at

the academy?” the Emperor asked, his voice carrying a sharp edge. Flirting? I wasn’t flirting! If anything, Snow was the one openly trying to flirt with me! Wait…

does this mean he doesn’t know about our official relationship yet? “Flirting?” the Duke interjected, his tone low and dangerously calm. His gaze bore into me,

carrying an even heavier weight than the Emperor’s.

“What does His Majesty mean by this, Riley?”

Fuck….

This situation was spiraling completely out of control.

SLAM!!!!!

Before either of them could press me further, the massive doors of the throne room burst

open with a resounding crash.

Cold mana surged into the room, sharp and biting, sending a chill through the air. Every eye

turned to the figure entering, and for a moment, the tension in the room shifted entirely. There she was a perfect female replica of the Emperor himself. Snow stood at the entrance, her expression as cold as a midwinter blizzard, her sharp gaze locked directly on her father. Behind her, another figure emerged a girl clad in loose, baggy gray clothes, her hood

obscuring most of her face. Still, the aura of mischief surrounding her left no doubt. It was Flamme.

She giggled audibly, her gray cloak fluttering lightly as she moved to stand behind Snow.

Her laughter, bright and mocking, echoed in the grand throne room.

“HEEYA, YOUR MAJESTY HELLOOOO, DUKE HEAVENS! KEKEKE-!” Flamme cackled, not even attempting to mask her amusement.

The Emperor’s once imposing demeanor faltered. “S-Snow?” he stammered, his cold

authority melting under the frost of his daughter’s icy glare.

Snow’s voice cut through the room like a blade. “Your Majesty-no, Father-why did you kidnap Riley?”

Her words struck like a thunderclap, silencing everyone.

The Duke’s eyes darted between Snow and me, his expression a mix of shock and

bewilderment.

The Emperor, meanwhile, could only look at me with exasperation, as if cursing my very

existence.

What the fuck did I even do?!

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