Facing those golden eyes would be the ultimate answer. That blood was extraordinarily effective in treating the divine disease.

Hana finally understood the meaning behind Calden’s words.

She clenched her fists tightly. She understood what he wanted to say, but a smoldering displeasure surged within her amidst this baseless defamation.

“We were speculating whether the divine disease was caused by that thing.”

Hana did not turn around rashly.

She neither interrupted his speech nor stormed off immediately because of her displeasure. It wasn’t because she was physically unable to move. Hana had said she wanted to learn about the divine disease, and Calden was, in his way, explaining the situation.

However, the more she listened, the more insufferable the insult seemed.

She was aware of Weed’s condition over time, how his emotions crumbled because of what he endured.

He wanted more than anyone to solve the void of this world and eventually found a way. He even willingly took on the backlash of the rituals. He embraced all the guilt and disease that came with the rituals.

Weed had said there was no gain without a price—nothing could be obtained without some form of sacrifice. He mourned as if the sky was falling for summoning a victim from another dimension, not taking it for granted.

When asked if he wanted to heal, he just shook his head. He believed it was natural to receive ample compensation if he enjoyed what was given.

In fact, Hana thought it was pitiful to watch him.

Such words were empty. If the myth was just a tale passed down, upon closer inspection, many aspects might not align.

Even if Calden’s speculation that the void itself was due to Weed was true, Weed’s actions could be seen as an attempt to fulfill his responsibilities. Even if the priests went outside and committed acts deemed evil by human standards, even if humans harbored any ill will towards them, at the very least, such words should not have been directed at Weed.

It was like complaining about a draft when someone had been shielding you from a storm.

Just another idea those comfortably living could entertain, ignorant because everything was shouldered by him, not knowing or understanding what he had done to resolve the void.

“Do you even understand what you’re saying?”

Weed.

The Weed that gained power became the most noble beings and created their paradise. A place where every plant in this world grows. That was what he was labeling Lár de Ligna Initia as—the symbol of arrogance, a trace of an attempt to create a perfect world.

The intent wasn’t likely to be insulting, but she couldn’t help feeling offended. Hana didn’t hide the displeasure in her voice.

“Watch your words. If you’re going to spout nonsense, at least keep it down.”

Calden closed his mouth. He had a light expression, just like when he joked. Looking at that face made Hana’s insides twist uncomfortably.

“Looking at it from the outside, it’s not entirely a far-fetched story.”

“Do you really think so?”

Calden laughed. Following her advice, she lowered his voice to a whisper.

“Honestly, it’s forced. Who really knows the truth?”

A paradise of plants.

Looking at the characteristics of the sanctuary, regarded as the most noble place on earth, it seemed forced into the story. It appeared as nothing more than an attempt to undermine something unattainable.

No, it was more than just undermining. Hana caught her breath. Then, why did Calden come here?

“…How could the people who’ve never faced desperation have the luxury of debating? The needy have to play along, right?”

“So, the reason for coming here was…”

“Yes. It’s as if I was cast out. What else could such nonsense serve as but an excuse? Even if it holds some truth, how could mere humans contend with a being that has the power to create worlds? Even if I went searching for a cure for the divine disease, it’s a risk-free venture for the king.”

“Such an irresponsible king.”

Hana let out a slightly bored face. It felt like she was hearing a story that was too obvious.

It was despicable. Aware of the severity, yet cowardly hiding behind others, delegating the dirty work while hoping to reap the benefits. All this, using the dying princess as leverage while exchanging theories among themselves.

‘They chase after superstitions, threatening those powerless. It seems your kingdom isn’t much to speak of either.’

Hana recalled her sarcastic remark when she first met Calden. It was a comment that she didn’t need to take back. However, she didn’t voice it out loud in the current situation.

He seemed to drift into thought for a moment before nodding.

“But wandering here, I found myself growing weaker. Seeing your eyes here, I thought, maybe…”

He paused, glancing briefly behind Hana before letting out a resigned laugh.

“I guess I should just return. I don’t want to die. Like you said, I want to go back and do what I can.”

“Hmm.”

“You still haven’t got the full explanation, right? But that’s what the divine disease is. We never know its true nature, yet people continue to die ceaselessly—a somewhat lofty reason needed to be found as a place to blame. Now, there are no more cases. It will gradually be forgotten. The tales I told you are the last struggle of those remaining. Clutching at straws, really. Sorry, that’s all I have to say.”

Hana shook her head. She had wanted to know everything, and he had tried his best to share his perspective. Although some of it was unpleasant, she could understand where he was coming from.

She listened to him until the teapot was empty. There were truly absurd bits of information, and amidst them, some stories seemed quite plausible. He seemed to be filtering through them, trying to share what he thought useful, but Hana decided to listen as much as possible.

“…Nevertheless, you’re willing to hear everything, even if some of it displeases you. Do you want to know it all? Some information might only increase your displeasure. Sometimes, it’s better not to know.”

“I prefer knowing to being comfortably ignorant. That way, I can make informed decisions about what I need to do without regrets.”

“Then, being able to shoulder all that is proof that you’re strong enough to handle it.”

It was a neat compliment. Though she was not completely relieved, Hana smiled lightly. Then, for the first time, she turned her head to look at Weed.

From the beginning to the end?

Weed, who had been watching her, met her eyes.

“But there are those who are weak. I wanted to protect them.”

As her smile was directed at Weed, Hana murmured softly to herself.

* * *

Calden excused himself first. He mentioned he’d prefer not to bump into Weed closely and stood up from his seat right after their conversation ended. After offering a light farewell to Hana and Weed, he swiftly exited the room.

[ That man, he shared some interesting stories. ]

Unable to move, Hana waited in her spot for Weed to approach. During the short wait, the voice spoke to her. She whispered back.

This voice claimed to know everything.

“…Is the void really because of Weed?”

[ No. But amusingly, not all he said was nonsense. Some of it was quite sharp. ]

As she fell silent, the voice chattered on rapidly.

[ Do you want to know? Is that what you desire? If I tell you that, would it suffice? If you come to me, you can know everything. Everything you’re curious about. There’s no limit to what I can share. Truly. ]

Then, it became quiet.

[ …See you soon. I don’t like ‘that’ thing, after all. ]

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