novelraw Chapter 215
Chapter 215
Chapter 215
The Smallfolk were originally nothing more than weak intelligent beings living on the surface.
To avoid attacks from giant beasts, they lived in trees or caves. The arboreal Smallfolk eventually settled around the Guardian Tree after many twists and turns, but the stories of the hardships they endured until they settled have been lost to time.
Compared to the tree-dwelling Smallfolk, the cave-dwelling Smallfolk tended to form larger groups. In caves that grew too crowded, they had no choice but to send part of the group outside. One of the destinations for relocation was sometimes the settlements of the arboreal Smallfolk.
Unlike the arboreal Smallfolk, whose culture was often disrupted by the seeding of the Guardian Tree, the cave-dwelling Smallfolk tended to preserve their culture. As a result, records of friendship with the arboreal Smallfolk appear to have been preserved in their documents.
Now then. Some of the cave-dwelling Smallfolk took interest in the relocation methods of the arboreal Smallfolk. When splitting their groups, they began using Guardian Trees that were nearing their seeding period nearby.
The cave-dwelling Smallfolk who moved under the guise of the Guardian Tree's seeding immediately searched for nearby caves and relocated there. Many of these were dens of burrowing beasts, and many Smallfolk lost their lives in the struggle to claim the caves.
"One such group is our ancestors."
Zalt Va, whose inner thoughts had been seen through, moved to the corner of the room but, for some reason, didn't attempt to flee. Apparently, he was deeply anxious about not being able to impart his so-called 'unnecessary wisdom' to Emperor Zelekia La.
Yet Emperor Zelekia La paid no attention to Zalt Va and instead spoke to Rutimi De about the history of the Smallfolk, just as she requested.
"I see. So from the beginning, the places we lived were different."
"Yes. There must have been fellow kin among the Smallfolk who lived atop the Jumoku. But we, who lived in caves all our lives, probably couldn't adapt to life atop the Jumoku. Instead of waiting for the Guardian Tree to grow at the relocation site, we searched for nearby caves."
"I see. Then why did all of you move underground?"
Adie Ze, who pressed the conversation forward, was jabbed in the side by Rutimi De and fell silent. Rushing the conversation was bad manners. Neither Emotion nor Terapolapaneshio offered any support.
However, Emperor Zelekia La was magnanimous. He nodded, showing no signs of anger, as if to say he understood the curiosity.
"Curiously, the caves our ancestors relocated to were avoided by beasts. Judging it the best relocation site, our ancestors marked it in a way only fellow kin would understand. Accepting the newcomers, the group quickly grew in size."
"Wouldn't that mean someone would have to be sent away again?"
"Before that happens, we first try to expand the cave. Only when expansion becomes impossible do we finally send out new migrants."
And so, Emperor Zelekia La explained that their ancestors began digging to expand the cave. It was some time after they started digging that they discovered a strange cavity deep within the cave.
"It was then they understood why beasts avoided the place. Inside the cavity, our ancestors found sacred tools and blueprints unlike anything they had ever seen."
"So they were relics of a foreign civilization..."
"I don't know what this 'Ibummeinoyisan' is, but our ancestors somehow managed to make use of it. Though many were broken during their efforts, they succeeded in getting some to function. That place is now known as the 'Exit to the Heavenly Path'."
"Hmm."
In short, Zalt Va's ancestors pretended one of the still-functional machines was 'broken' and snuck it away.
"After that, our ancestors used the digging sacred tools to create a massive cavity underground. Bringing their kin along, they relocated there—that was the beginning of this nation. However, over time, the sacred tools gradually broke down and became unusable. So our ancestors began taming Kambandi and started a life of continued relocation through digging."
"These broken sacred tools—what are they?"
"Some were kept as mementos, but most were discarded during relocation. In fact, we now officially have no sacred tools left that can still be used."
At that moment, Emperor Zelekia La turned his gaze toward Zalt Va.
"What do you mean, there are still usable sacred tools, Zalt Va? Other than blueprints like those of Bassalem, sacred tools that operate on their own shouldn't be reusable so often."
"Your Majesty! Do you truly believe the words of that person!?"
"Judging by that one's behavior, I have no choice but to believe. Even now, he's keeping his distance to avoid having his mind read, is he not?"
"T-That's not true at all!"
"Then Kadiri Ki. I grant you permission to enter Zalt Va's private quarters. Bring every item whose use is unknown here."
"As you command."
"Your Majesty!?"
This time, Zalt Va finally let out a scream. As everyone's gaze focused on him, he groaned and collapsed to his knees.
"......Yes."
"What was that?"
"It's true. We do possess sacred tools. To be precise, we have the blueprints of the sacred tools."
"Blueprints, you say."
"Yes. Fortunately, our ancestors discovered that the materials produced here allow us to repair the sacred tools. That's why we still have some that function."
Rather than looking at Zalt Va, who said this with a bitter expression, Emperor Zelekia La turned his gaze to Terapolapaneshio. He seemed to want to confirm whether a lie had been told.
'It's not a lie.'
"Hmm. The main reason our Imperial household lost its power was because we no longer had usable sacred tools. It's only natural that prophets who can still divine disasters would gain the people's trust."
Having lost their symbol, they gradually lost their power. The reason Emperor Zelekia La had been driven into his current circumstances began to come into focus.
In short, Kadiri Ki was one of the rare Smallfolk of the underground who remained loyal to Emperor Zelekia La. While he trusted prophecy to a certain extent, he seemed to harbor doubts about Zalt Va.
"So, Zalt Va. What kind of power does that sacred tool possess?"
"T-That is..."
Once again, Zalt Va faltered. Apparently, there was something he absolutely didn't want the others present to know.
Emotion didn't miss the moment his attention shifted toward the exit.
As Zalt Va began to rise, seemingly preparing to flee, she intensified the light to restrain him.
"Uagh!?"
"That won't do. Trying to escape without answering the question? It seems you really do have secrets you don't want revealed."
Perhaps due to their underground environment, the Smallfolk are sensitive to light. Blinded, Zalt Va froze in place.
She smoothly slid to his side and restrained his movements.
Unfortunately, the light Emotion emitted didn't just affect Zalt Va—it also impacted Emperor Zelekia La and Kadiri Ki. They covered their faces and groaned. The effect was stronger than expected.
Even so, Zalt Va was the first among the three to regain his sight. He glared at the nearby Emotion and proposed a deal.
"W-Wait, you round race. Didn't you say your master is currently fighting Dandariol in the Heavenly Prison?"
"Yes."
"I just saw it myself—your master seems to be struggling quite a bit. How about this? I could make Dandariol retreat. Why not join my side?"
"......Is that so?"
Apparently, he was trying to use Kait's life as leverage to draw Emotion to his side.
How insulting. To Kait.
"Then let's check, shall we?"
She reduced the output of the light and projected the footage onto the wall again.
It was a shared feed from Queen Bee's camera near Kait.
"Oh, this is...!?"
Emperor Zelekia La, who had finally regained his sight, let out a voice of awe.
In the aerial view, Kait and something that looked like a giant insect or beast were dancing around each other in a dazzling display.