Chapter 307: Act of Gods (1/2)
”I will leave.” Dia stood up, and Arthur nodded in understanding. A rune appeared on his hand as he stood up as well. With a frown, Dia backed away warily. ”What is this?”
”I'm not going to hurt you,” Arthur said gently. ”This will allow you to teleport away from here and avoid unnecessary troubles.”
”You didn't tell me what this is.” Dia scowled like a threatened kitten. Arthur laughed lightly and touched the table with his rune. The table disappeared and appeared behind Dia, who turned around in shock.
”This is the first time I showed anyone this,” Arthur admitted.
”Are you trying to convince me to stay?” Dia asked with a cautious expression. ”Otherwise, why show me?”
”I always hid this power because I didn't want the world to know. I feared for my life, but this world is already after my life. Besides, you can't tell a soul about anything related to me. That's an Order.”
His power worked and bound to her core. Dia looked at the rune, that appeared again, with less caution this time.
”Why are you risking your relationship with Solomon just to free me?” She asked, not urging him to send her away. Arthur paused.
”I promised that I would release you one day, and I'm delivering my promise.”
”You also said that I could kill you.”
”That would be foolish. One day, I will release you without being asked.” Arthur walked over. ”Before that, I still have one Order before releasing you.”
”What would it be?” Dia asked, frowning heavily.
”Order you to not participate in this war,” Arthur said, without actually ordering her. ”That's to make sure that you won't interfere directly with my plans.”
”You just want me to leave this place to sit still like before.” Dia was baffled. ”That's not different from locking me away underground.”
”I gave you this power without receiving anything in return. You don't expect me to allow you to destroy my plans? Find a place to live until the war is over; I'll destroy the bond myself at that time.”
”...” Dia glared at him hatefully before sighing. ”Are you okay with this?”
”Are you not?”
”You are willing to throw away my powers that you worked hard to obtain. Even if you are powerful on your own, I...”
”Princess Dia.” Arthur interrupted with a smile. ”Talking in roundabout ways isn't like you.” However, the Princess stayed silent. ”Do you want to follow me?”
”Yes.” She said after a moment, her face resolute. Arthur looked at her silently. He knew that she had something more to say. ”In return, give me Alva.”
”You think I have that sort of capability?” Arthur sat back in his chair. He placed his chin under his arm as he allowed it to rest on the table.
”I think you have more than just that,” Dia said, her fists clenched. ”I saw it when the sky split. That was no act of humans, but of gods.”
”I'm not a god, Princess Dia,” Arthur wanted to raise both hands, but he realized he only had one. Gesture failed. ”If you want some god to help you, I advise finding the nearest temple and start praying.”
”Vessels,” Dia said the word slowly. ”Nothing is called as such other than the incarnations of gods.”
”You mean... there are other vessels?” Arthur frowned. Dia nodded slowly.
”Offer me Alva, and I will follow you. I'll help you find the other vessels if that's what you want.” Dia seemed to realize that he was interested in the other vessels.
”You know that by staying by my side, you'll be fighting against Alva.”
”But in the end, I'll rule it. It's better than sitting in a godforsaken place and wait for the war to end.”
”Alright, you have yourself a deal. I'll give you Alva, but you will follow me forever.”
”As long as I can choose for myself,” Dia added.
”As long as it doesn't interfere with my plans.” Arthur nodded. The two looked at each other, and Arthur offered to shake her hand. Dia looked at it before shaking it. ”To the beginning of a mutual beneficence.” Arthur smiled.
***
Their carriage took them west, directly toward the royal court. Arthur was unfamiliar with Solomon's kingdom, and he didn't have anyone to ask.