CH 146

Chapter 146: The Eternal Rest in The Eternal Winter

Clemente laid his weight on the ground beside the dead Renatus.

[What’s your name, wizard human?]

“I am Fiona Heilon.”

Those red eyes blinked at me slowly. 

[That is the name of the person who will soon rule this land.]

The words “Heilon’s Heir” in his mouth were like it was some ancient mysterious prophecy.

“That’s right.”

[You must have known about my dead friend.]

“Yes, the strongest one, Renatus Lev.”

[Yes, correct. It has been a long time since a human said that title….]

Clemente whispered as if reminiscing about the past. 

[Now, what is the identity of you who calls out the title that has been lost?]

I hesitated. Somehow I felt like I shouldn’t lie to this weary dragon.

“Would you promise not to chew me up after I tell you?”

Clemente let out a short breath. That was probably a laugh…?

[I promise.]

Ah, but no matter how look at it, I think he will be angry. Even so, somehow I wanted to tell the truth as deep down, I also felt like this dragon would quietly believe my words.

“I created this world, including you.” I spoke frankly. 

[….]

“And I didn’t give you an end.”

The dragon’s eyes were fixed on me. 

[What about that body?]

“It’s not mine.” 

I smiled awkwardly.

“It’s the body of a girl who was living a sad life, and again, because of me. I’m probably being punished.”

[Is that so?]

“Aren’t you going to get angry?”

It was amazing that he believed me. Was it because he was the dragon that has lived for thousands of years?

[There is no doubt that we have suffered for hundreds of years because of you, and you have caused suffering to other beings.]

The guilty feeling became heavier when I heard it from someone else.

[However.]

I raised my bowed head.

[In those thousands of years, we also have our happiness. Those days were bright like the sunrise, sweet like wine, and dazzling like jewels.]

Clemente continued in a gentle voice.

[When the sun rises, the sun always sets.]

“….”

[Forgetting long-lasting happiness because of a moment of misfortune is a mistake only fools make. There is much more joy in this long life. There are many things I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t been born.]

The dragon poked me with the tip of his nose.

[So you can leave your guilt here, young creator.]

I stroked Clemente carefully.

“Thank you.”

[I am truly grateful.]

Ugh, I was about to cry. I sniffed. 

“So what are you going to do now?”

[I want to go to my only friend, but… I am more tired than I thought.]

Clemente blinked slowly.

[Young Creator, may I ask you a favor.]

“Sure, if it’s anything I could do.”

[Can you bring the hearts of my close friend here? I don’t have the confidence to stay sane and go see my last friend.]

“You want to make this plase your tomb?”

[Yes, I’d rather sleep in the same place.]

This place was deep in the mountains, so it didn’t matter.

“Sure, I’ll do that.”

[I don’t know how to say it in return, but I’ll give you my orb.]

“There’s no need or that—”

Then Clemente drew a thin line around his chest with his claws. Surprisingly, there was no blood at all, and red gemstones fell instead.

[It’s the crystal of my power. Other close friends no longer have this as they lost their sanity. It might be more handy for you than for me.]

When I hesitated, he poke me again with the tip of his nose,

[Take it. May be wisdom be with you.]

How could I refuse him when he said that? I carefully took the red gemstone. 

Clemente squinted his eyes.

[Go now. The voices of the men looking for you ring all over the mountain range.]

Everyone must be worried.

“Are you going to stay here all the time?”

[Yes. Until you come back with the heart of my close friend, I will go into a deep sleep to protect the last remaining piece of my wisdom.]

I see.

I nodded. 

[Young Creator. Don’t be overly concerned about my friends or anything else. You are simply reaping the golden wheat field that you sow.]

“I will try….”

I turned around after accepting his comfort. 

After walking for a while, snowflakes gently fell from the sky. 

I hesitated and turned around. Before I knew it, I was already quite far away from the two dragons. 

Renatus’ corpse and Clemente, who quietly closed his eyes beside it, could be seen dimly. White snow quietly piled up on top of the two.

“….”

I  turned around again, feeling depressed by the sight. 

Srakkk..Srakkk—

As I moved forward, my footprints were engraved in the snow. The cold northern wind hit my cheeks. In the past, I thought Heilon was cold and I hated it. 

Not at all now.

This never-ending eternal winter was where I belong, and this also would be my place to rest.