I was summoned to Bethenburg early the next morning.
Sylvia and Bettenburg were sitting on the couch staring at me as I walked in through the door during the call.
I meet those two gently before sitting on the couch nearby.
"Well, there's nothing else we need to talk about. It's about an extra request from a messenger from the witch kingdom who came in."
"... additional requests, what?
"Authorization to the establishment of the Land of Witches. And an equality pact. The other thing I've added is the condition that you reveal yourself."
... I see you're finally going to find out about my existence among nations as well.
But that's kind of like giving a hostage to this side in a way. To be honest, all I get is the feeling that you're out big.
"So what do the heads of state say?
"I'm leaning more towards giving it to you. We're in a good position to give our opinion to the King, but changing our opinion is difficult in itself. Find out where it is."
Well, you can't help it because it's like dust to my existence or something to the state.
"By the way, why would I give it to you? I was against the establishment of the Witch Nation. I bet they give in to the demands of the Witch Nation..."
"You'll see that when you see this."
In Sylvia's hands, who tells her so quietly, is a piece of parchment.
As soon as I take it, I black-and-white my eyes.
"... what, this?
"It's a demand for a treaty put out from that side.... Honestly, I just think of this as a trap."
On that paper, a waiver of tariff autonomy. Tolerance of the slave trade. Renunciation of force.
Equally, it was blowing an obviously unequal treaty from over there.
"How can the leaders not doubt such an obvious trap!?
"The clash with the Land of Witches is not in line with popular opinion. If this fits round. It is the decision of the head of state that it is good for the people. And even if it's a lie, it can be a great name to destroy."
"Oh no..."
I hit the parchment on my desk and left my body on the couch after taking a deep breath.
... Stuck. By the will of the state, I will be handed over.
Like holding me hostage, you can't expect anything more than a treaty put out by them anymore, and there's no longer any point in destroying them.
"When is that?
"At this time next week, the messenger said.... Until then, I hope you say hello to them"
Bethenburg lays down his eyes and tells me in a squeezing voice.
I don't feel like blaming them for that.
That's not why I'm convinced.
"... excuse me"
I jumped out of the waiting room like I was rushing, and I opened the front door and ran out.
I was running obsessed.
I just ran, and I also wished I could get away with it.
But somewhere in my heart I knew.
I just kept running through the woods, even though I felt I could run longer than that night when I was six.
There is no reason. But keep running.
But because I have strength, my legs suck my body to the ground.
I try to get up but my breath is up and I can't move properly.
That's when I heard footprints.
"... Long time no see, wise man"
I raise my face and confirm the Lord of my voice.
There, the enemy we should not see now, … Zahr, was staring at this one.
"... you guys have come out with a lot of hard means"
"Oh, now you're ours. So I'm not going to cut you off right now."
"Ha, I wonder. I hope there's no hostility at all."
"Don't tear it up."
I shake my body from the ground I'm sleeping on and I'm forced to wake up and sit on the ground.
Next to him, Zahr sat down to sit down.
"... what imitation?"
"I want to confirm something. Do you remember your last life?
"Oh, I also remember being in a state-run orphanage when I received the sealing technique from the Demon King. What's wrong with that?
As I answered staring at Zahr's side, he opened his mouth after sighing and gently pressing his glasses with his index finger.
"Then why were you called a wise man?
"That's because I was strong, wasn't it?
"Oh, yeah. Then what were you sorted to be strong with?
"Because I survived the war alone, didn't I?
"No. As far as I can remember, you've been called a wise man since before you went to war."
... Speaking of which, since when have I been called a wise man?
The sorting method is...... sure......
No, I can't remember. No, it's not like I can't remember. It's as if... you didn't know.
"... well, you are still..."
"What the fuck?
"No, this is what you realize. You can't say anything from me."
I'm just a little angry at Zahr's unsweetened words.
At the same time I thought so, I kept my mouth open.
"Then now it's our turn. Why, what tries to kill me among you and what tries to keep me alive. Two factions exist?
"... it"
"Tell me. Now it's your turn to answer."
... I stared sideways at Zahr.
But that's when I realized.
To the fact that the eyes visible over his lens showed pure sorrow, not anger or intent to kill.
That attitude worries me as if I were an understander.
"... I can't tell you that. But I'll tell you what it's like back in the day. Never forgive me, Lazareth."
"... Zahr?
An old favor? What the hell are you talking about?
Before I put that question to my mouth, he disappeared somewhere.
I tried to get back to the Western Hall after he left, but at that time I was impressed by the clouds that were blocking me in the sky, where the morning sun was starting to rise.