Ars does what he wants to do. It is just that, but what he is about to do must be punished for his crime. If she doesn't want to do that, but lives among people, then Ars must also follow the rules.

'I don't mind. However, if I may make one correction, Cicernia-sama wanted to, and that's why we have Alpha now. I guess it's good that this is the case. I like [Fallen] too, and I've been taken care of. You're too good, I'm constantly losing to you.

　Dazzlingly narrowing his eyes, Ars declared defeat with a soft air. However, his mouth was filled with a carefree smile.

''But just as times change, so do the things we want from our people. It may not be necessary to make the threats known in plain sight. But I didn't like this sky all the way through.

　Chuckling, Ars looks up at the sky. The images that are still flowing are still giving me a sense of discomfort.
　Whether it is the real thing or a fake, something may never change. Even so, this false sky covers the world and separates the real world from it.

　That's why I think, "It's all right now.

'It's all right. You don't have to pretend that you don't see it anymore. You will be able to accept it. You will be able to stand up to the threat you have created a country like that, right?

　It was a casual word, but it pierced deep into Cicernia's heart. It was as if her efforts had been rewarded, as if they had come to fruition.
　Cicernia couldn't be more grateful to him for his praise of her disappointment, and severely regretted that she would have to deal with him more than this. A drop in the corner of her eye, which she noticed a little too late, when she scooped it up with her fingers before it fell away.

'And rightly so. And it's refreshing to know that I won't have to stick to a lot of things now.

　It was because of [Babel] that Cicernia aimed to be the most influential among the seven nations.
　The biggest sin of mankind is her sin at the same time, a curse and hateful fetters that have been in place for generations, and she refuses to remove it herself because she understands that she needs Babel more than anyone else.

'I just do what I want to do. I believe it will ultimately lead the seven nations in a good direction. That's why they sent it to me.
How did you know?

　Without trying to hide it, Cisernia tried to figure out why he had ended up with her. It wasn't that he hadn't tried to hide it in the first place. It was hard to cut it out, but he didn't expect Ars to talk to him about it.
　Therefore, I replied in the form of a question.

'The last time I came to Babel, you gave me the look that you had never been in there before. From there, you naturally expected the internal construction and so on, but as expected, it's not something I would accept even if I expected it to come to the end of that research. At the same time, I was convinced. This is simply a matter of unraveling the history. This Arzecil continent was originally the land where the Arzeit royal family lived. If that's the case, then inevitably some falsification points will emerge in the history books.

　Looking vacantly at the sky and through the main street, in front of the transition gate, Ars turned around and held up a finger.
　All the while, Cicernian was so silent that he didn't even know if he was listening to shut off any response.

It is strange that Babel was built a hundred years ago. The defensive wall should have been deployed as Babel from what was originally built. So when you consider that the seven nations were created before [the Tower of Babel] was built, this solves a lot of problems. It wouldn't have been put into practical use until after the attack of Cronos, though, as per history. If that's the case, why did you change the name of the building that should have existed in the first place to Babel...

　

The most likely explanation is that the demons originated from the south. If that's the case, why is its escape route heading here to the continent of Arzecil without hesitation? Of course, I'm not saying that this theory is correct. However, if they found the chalk tower at the end of their escape, it would be a sign from God. If there is no place on earth to escape to, then escape to the sky, a sublime tower that climbs to the heavens, isn't that what they called Babel?

　It doesn't matter if I'm right or not. It's just speculation. There is no way to verify it in the beginning.
　It's such a vast amount of information, but once you know what's inside, the speculation you make begins to feel real.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what the building called the Tower of Babel was originally a research facility, just as he said it was. It's natural. But before that research could get off the ground, the demon appeared. I'm not sure which came first, though.
Yes. I suspect that the demon outbreak is caused by that research facility.

　Normally, it's certainly a reasonable place to be. But even if that was the case, the discovery of the earliest demons was far from the Arzecil continent in terms of location. No, it's just that that's how it's reported.
　Besides, the speculation that Ars has made only hints at the possibility and does not provide any proof.

　If this is the case, then the human race was under threat from demons much earlier than a hundred years ago. There is no written record of this, either. Or, more correctly, it should be said that it does not exist in the current seven countries.
　Perhaps the clues are in the outside world where demons are leaping over the edge...maybe they are buried in the land where they once were.

　For one thing, there was nothing to support either her concerns or Ars's speculation.

　She took a gamble because she stepped on the fact that Ars would be able to help her solve the problems that Cicernia had been unable to handle.
　That was also the reason why she sent all the information she had about Babel. Cisernia had seen that the moment she stepped into Babel. That those decisions were beyond a person's control... no, no. She felt strongly that those decisions had to be made by those who had shed their blood.

　She was alone the whole time, holed up in her own room in the palace, trying to get access to Babel whenever possible.

'The truth is not certain, and we have no way of ascertaining it. Either way, there is no doubt that the research was to produce demons... yet for the longest time, people have flocked to the seven countries now in search of salvation, and by nature we can assume that the direct back of the continent of Arzecil is the place of origin.

　Cicernia, who is cagey as to what she wants to say.
　But Ars didn't want to wait, so he opened his mouth.

It's time to stop looking back on the past. It's not useful. Rather than that, now........''
I know. I need to wake up from this dream, is that what you're saying?

　As Ars nodded silently, Cicernias let out a thin sigh as if the wind was blowing and smiled after a pause for a breath.
　It was probably a signal that the damp talk was over.


　Riding the transition gate, the scenery and signs switched.
　The air booms like the wind dancing, the voices tickling and bouncing as if they were caressing their eardrums. They were not directed at the two of us, but there was a certain peace there.
　The city is there, as it should be because it doesn't change - the city is there.

　A paved road snaking up a small hill. The middle level, commonly referred to as the civic district. It's the most vast area in Alpha, [Belitsa].

''Let's go, Ars.''

　And ignoring the reiterated warnings, Cicernia pulled Ars's hand and started to run vigorously.
　Fortunately, the second part of falling down didn't happen, but with [Fallen] she only ran her gaze curiously and ended up talking depressingly.
　As if in reaction to that, her attention turned to something soft.

　Quite simply, Cisernia hadn't dressed up just to talk about such things.
　Because it hasn't changed, she came to see the current Alpha with her own eyes - she came to burn it in.

''Wait, as expected, there's time...''
"Shut up and shut your mouth for such nonsense.

　Turning around, Cisernia places a finger on Ars's lips with an innocent smile.

'It is the order of the head of state--the last.'

　With gloom in her eyes, she said the words heavy against her smooth mouth, not as a symbol of this country, but as a single head of state.
　As expected, even Ars, before it was an order from the head of state, could not find the words to refuse if she told him so to his face. It's a good idea to have a look on your face that makes you swallow all the words, no matter how well argued you are.

　Even Ars has uttered the words "as your heart desires" with a mixture of dismay.

"So, Ars--

　Cicernia pulled away from Ars's hand as it reappeared. When the hands unclasped and the overlapping fingertips left her in a regretful manner, she turned gracefully, dancing up the wind with a twirl of wind.
　Is this proof that the hem that flips lustrously is turning better than before?

　With a stunned and satisfied spin, she picked awkwardly at the edge of the hem, "I don't know," she said. Whether it ended in failure or success, I felt there was no difference in the words I would say to her.

'They look good on you, sir.'

　This time he made Ars spit out stagnant words. On the contrary, she was so beautiful - so horrifyingly beautiful that there was no other word to describe her.
　Even the most majestic and fantastical scenery can be altered in front of her transcendent and exquisite beauty.
　This is the second time that Ars has experienced a sensation that seems to drain the soul out of him. The first time was the first time he saw her at the ordination ceremony - and this is the second time.........

　Her appearance was too inhuman, and above all, her very existence was like a goddess. No, she has already become an idol.

However, her sudden and casual questioning barely gives a glimpse of her humanity.

The first time I've ever been in contact with the wind and climate outside, it's a little too hot for me. I know you don't think it's possible, but it's not harmful to me or anything.

　He asked with a serious face, and Ars was beyond dumbfounded, and even thought about saying something sarcastic.

'Not likely. Is that where the army is sending the mages?　Then I'd like to see you work harder.
'Ah!　That's true but who can say how many times do you think you've missed the ceremony?
Well, I don't remember a second time.
Thirteen times. If you include all of the other ceremonies, it's no more than thirty. It's customary for the head of state to personally present these awards.

　Interspersed with these conversations, the two passed through the streets of Belitsa.
　The sound of footsteps bouncing around like women everywhere, coming and going from one place to another. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.

　Of course, every time she took a step, the distant viewers followed her, filling the room with their colorful breaths.

　This is the only time the fake sky, the wind and even the temperature seem to revolve around her.
　As if the passage of time had been forgotten somewhere, Cisernia was absorbed in enjoying herself as if she were a former head of state.

　By the time they arrived at the transition gate after hours, it was well past the time Ars had planned.
　And the transition to Babel, which only the former head can access.
　At once, the chalk tower that fills the view rises majestically.

　While she boarded the welcoming carriage and was rocked, Cisernia closed her eyes and did not utter a single word. I wonder if she's sorting out her mind, her resolve, all that sort of thing. It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

　After a gentle stop, Cisernia opens her eyes thinly as Gosha reverently signals her arrival.
　With one word, she dismounted bravely and slid out of her two-tied hair tie.
　She walks towards Babel, step by step, not bothering to let her hair fly.