143 [2-77] Collapse of Ciel = Taylor (on paper) (1/2)

And the next thing Barthel knew, he was in the birdcage.

”.................. Hmm?　Hmmm?

He was in a huge, human-sized birdcage.

The cage is polished and gilded to a beautiful shine, and apart from its size, it looks like something that would be used in the homes of royalty and nobility to keep beautiful little birds.

Without thinking, Bertil grabbed the cage and looked out.

And there was infinite darkness.

The birdcage was suspended by a chain that hung from nowhere over a faraway abyss of swirling darkness.

Looking around, there were hundreds of thousands of birdcages suspended above the infinite abyss.

There were many, many similar hanging baskets around Bertil, some of which were ............

--Not that you can't see ......, that part's not in my perception.

All Bertil could see was that there were other birdcages besides his own.

There are other birdcages besides his own, and he doesn't know what they are.

This situation was familiar to Bertil.

--Yes, I'm sure I'm asleep. I remember lying in bed.

We're in a dream world. I'm in a dream, a dream magically created by someone. ......

Who would do such a thing?

The question was soon answered.

The question ”Who would do such a thing?” was soon answered as a familiar voice echoed through the air.

I am Rene ”Rosy” Luvia Ciel-Teira.

...... Listen. You who were my people.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

It roared with more tragedy than fear.

--It's Rene's work, isn't it?

As I recall, there's a magic that sends arbitrary images as messages into the dreams of a large number of unspecified, widespread strangers.

It's no longer a fairy tale, but ...... in the days of terror when the Demon King's army defeated the human race, the Demon King often threatened people in this way and made absurd demands.

Perhaps because of this, magic that speaks to dreams is still considered bad luck in human society, and is a magic that is avoided.

--My people. If that's the case, then this dream is reaching everyone sleeping in the country. If we can pull the magic out of the veins of King's Landing, we can at least reach the whole country.

Perhaps one person per birdcage ......, but they are not gathered in the same place, so you can't see what's in the other birdcages .......

Bertil sits down in the hanging basket. He is ready to listen to you.

I'm not sure.

I've already killed the Teiracaines, as some of you may have heard.

The Marquis who was enshrined in the land joined forces with the Kingdom of Noa Curio and even plotted to force those who were related to him to become false kings.

Therefore, I destroyed him.

”Renai!　Can you hear me?　Rene!

Catherine was shouting in the birdcage.

I don't know where I am.

I don't know why I'm here.

I just know that if they can hear me, then they can hear me.

You!　Where do you think you're going?　What are you going to do?

Are you okay with this?　Answer me, Renai!

It was as if her chest was being seared from the inside out.

Catherine's cries reached nowhere, only disappearing into the infinite abyss.

The last king of this land was my father, Elbert, whose lineage ended with my death, and there will be no king after him.

All my sins, all my wrongs, are that I abolished my father, the rightful king, by unjust force.

The unjust monarchy will never forgive this. But ......

I heard a sound that was not a voice.

I wondered if he clenched his hands or bit his teeth.

It was just that, a pretty sound if you ask me, but it was filled with a horrible rage.

”There are some who still don't understand.

Ciel-Teira has already been destroyed. ...... There are some traitors who do not understand that you have destroyed it, and are planning to use its name to pretend to be the king.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

”Renai ......

A young but stern voice.

The majesty of one who conquers, subdues, and destroys.

--You're not supposed to ...... laugh.

Without context, those words popped into Catherine's head.

Honey tea. Hot milk. Night chats.

She didn't know why, but her heart was full and tears welled up in her eyes.

The tears soaked into her cheeks like a potion into a wound.

Therefore, ...... I rename this nation.

Ciel-Teirah the Exiled.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sorry.

--Is that it?