NoveLight ™
The Kingdom, a Blessed Land Ruled by the Grandiomor Royal Family,
In this land filled with a thousand years of glory, there was one figure who rose above the rest.
He was a symbol of hope for the people. Born as a commoner, he achieved great feats and was knighted as a free knight. With a handsome appearance and a good-natured personality, he formed close ties with renowned individuals, vanquished twenty suitors, and married a beautiful noblewoman. His success story, akin to a dragon emerging from a small pond, enthralled the people, as if it were their own triumph.
With great honor, luxurious balls, wealth, and power—things the common folk could only dream of—he had it all. Parched for such experiences, the commoners found vicarious satisfaction through him. Though somewhat twisted, they loved him.
And when he gave up all his glory to serve alongside the lowly soldiers, he became a hero to all. The commoners felt as if they were united with him...
All according to the royal family's plan.
The hero was nothing more than a poster boy to quell the people's discontent. As public resentment grew, the royal family decided to create a figurehead to attract the people’s attention. The hero, reasonably strong and good-looking, was chosen for the role.
In return for following the commands of the royal family and knightly nobility, he was granted everything: fame, love, and a comfortable mansion.
However, he found it all burdensome. The grandeur felt ill-fitting, like wearing clothes that didn’t suit him. No matter how many times he washed, changed clothes, or waved to the cheering citizens, he couldn’t shake the stifling feeling. Watching over him was the man he had been during his impoverished and desperate days, leaving him unable to find peace anywhere.
Tormented by guilt, he resolved to fulfill his duties, at least.
In the theater of war, where knights played the starring roles, soldiers were little more than laborers. They were porters, carpenters, workers—bait, or a few words to embellish the knight's epic tale.
When a bored knight went on a hunt, soldiers carried pots and blankets, driving the beast into a corner but forbidden from striking back. The glory of spearing the beast was solely the knight’s. When the knight pierced the creature with his spear, the soldiers who perished were merely verses in songs praising the knight's deeds.
Feeling sympathy for the soldiers in such a position, the hero did all he could. He provided food for the hungry, abolished harmful customs, organized units, and supplied resources. Instead of chasing after knights, he built bases, paved roads, and dug canals. He consistently offered aid to the people, winning their support. He trained the soldiers, ensuring that they wouldn’t be easily exploited, should they possess even a minimum of strength.
The knightly nobles, displeased at losing their versatile, unpaid servants to the people, grumbled. Yet, the hero managed to placate them, calling in all his connections, particularly his close friend, the swordmaster Patraksyon. Although the hero was formidable, he was not the strongest; without Patraksyon, he would have faced challenges.
Thus, the hero remained loyal to those who trusted him, both the royal family and the soldiers. Contrary to later interpretations, he harbored no blind hatred for the royal family. His only drive was a sense of responsibility.
One day, however, he found himself too loyal to the soldiers who followed him, unable to refuse their call for rebellion.
Ultimately, the hero led the downfall of the royal family.
In the ashes of the royal castle, everyone cheered. Fallen knights, abandoned and injured, knights loyal to Patraksyon, the oppressed masses, and soldiers—all rejoiced, dreaming of a hopeful future. Amidst their jubilant cries, the hero sank into dark thoughts.
He had acted impulsively, and he knew he lacked the ability to lead a nation. In truth, no one in this world could claim such a skill. What set him apart from the king was his awareness of this fact.
Realizing this quickly, he made a decision. If he couldn’t lead the country, he would borrow the necessary skills.
Fortunately, some individuals ruled without interest in worldly power, guiding people through faith. By seeking their help, he could find a way forward.
After stabilizing the immediate chaos, he entrusted his subordinates with their tasks and set off.
Toward the Holy Papal City, where one could rule without governing, guiding all in the name of faith.
“…He’s on his way.”
In the deepest part of the Holy Papal City, a secret and sacred space accessible only to the prophetess, where light seeped through the cracks in the gray bricks, honoring the first prophetess—there, the Prophetess of Far-Sight withdrew her gaze.
Since the true prophetess, the first of her kind, lost her life on the cross, various prophetesses had appeared in the Celestial Church. Despite their differing backgrounds, ages, appearances, and abilities, they shared two common traits. One, they were female. And two, their powers were related to foresight.
“Judging by the letter he sent to the Holy Papal City, it seems he seeks aid.”
Yuel, the Prophetess of Far-Sight, possessed a simple yet powerful ability: clairvoyance.
The power to see everything from a seated position. The ability to see even futures that had yet to arrive. If this power were known to the world, it could shake the heavens and earth, and yet, such power resided in her small body. Though she was young, she held it all.
Waiting for a response, Yuel turned back from the distant view and looked around, spotting a beautiful garden. Water flowed from the sacred statues, nourishing the earth, with flowers and vines thriving beautifully—a sacred and holy vista.
And there, with hair as dark as ebony, a young girl dozed in a rocking chair.
No painter could capture this scene. The divine radiance was beyond human language and seemed proof of divinity itself. Even an atheist might kneel before such splendor. More than beauty, it was reverence, evoking an ancient and mysterious atmosphere.
Momentarily entranced by the sight, Yuel collected herself and called out to her.
“O Prophetess of the Heavens?”
At her second call, the girl slowly opened her mouth, eyes still closed.
“I declined, Yuel.”
The Prophetess of the Heavens, Maiel, the blessed one, the dreaming prophetess, answered in a gentle voice.
“I’ve shown you many hardships, Yuel, perhaps too many? I apologize for the trouble. I needed your power because of the historical significance. Now that it’s over, there’s no need to concern yourself with him anymore. It’s a beautiful season for auroras. Take a break and gaze upon the frozen sea in the North…”
Confused, Yuel stammered, “The… North Sea? A break?”
“Oh dear, isn’t this the season for auroras?”
Her words felt disconnected from reality, like someone dreaming. Anyone with a normal mindset would assume she was still half-asleep and chuckle. But given she was speaking to the Prophetess of the Heavens, one must doubt one’s own understanding and believe in her blindly.
Because what she saw was not a dream but a future unknown to ordinary humans.
“It’s alright, Yuel. You’ve become accustomed to my words over the months, to the point of scolding me now. Just let it pass.”
“Yes, yes…”
Still a young girl, Yuel answered, flustered by Maiel’s words.
“But what about him?”
When Yuel asked tentatively about the hero, Maiel smiled softly. Her voice was gentle, almost as if she were comforting Yuel.
“I have taken care of him. There is nothing to worry about. Everything proceeds as the first prophetess foresaw.”
She wasn’t expressing her own will, but rather stating what she had seen from the future. Thus, even when speaking in the past tense, it held no discrepancy—because from Maiel’s perspective, it was already past.
In other words, the hero’s request had already been “declined.” Although he would arrive in a week, the answer was already determined.
“Understood, Yuel? For now, focus on purifying yourself with beautiful sights. I regret the burden I placed on you by showing you the downfall of the kingdom and the king’s death. It may have been too harsh for someone as young as you.”
“O, Prophetess of the Heavens…”
“A week? It’ll take him that long to get here? He made me waste a whole week of my precious lifespan. What a shame. So go on, Yuel, go rest now. Thank you for waking me… Oh, that was an early farewell!”
Maiel smiled kindly before resuming her nap. With a gentle yet unmistakable dismissal, Yuel bowed and left. She walked back through the garden to her cozy, warm, and lavish room.
Her room had three sections. The largest was filled with trinkets whose purposes were hard to guess. Normally, such items wouldn’t even be considered toys, but Yuel had discovered them through her clairvoyance and pleaded for them. The Holy Papal City was happy to oblige the prophetess’s request.
The second section was a living room with a desk and chair, stocked with rare books from all over. The limited space forced Yuel to pick and choose only the most precious ones; the rest were kept in the Grand Library of Lakion.
The third room, her favorite, was her bedroom. In this cozy space with a bed large enough to fill the room, Yuel lay down, as always.
For Yuel, that bed was her little world. Using her clairvoyance, she observed the universe while lying there, turning her gaze to places far beyond.
She didn’t look at the North Sea.
Instead, she saw people celebrating in the ruins of the fallen kingdom and the hero racing toward the Holy Papal City. A smile crossed her face.
‘I declined.’
Maiel’s words echoed in Yuel’s mind, and her smile faded.
“Your Honor?”
Ripples broke through my thoughts. It was Lieutenant Abby’s voice. I came to with a sensation similar to waking from a dream.
“You weren’t responding. Are you alright?”
“Ah, seems I nodded off. Have we arrived?”
“Yes, but I was worried because you didn’t respond even after you landed. Was the impact severe?”
“Maybe so.”
“Was it enough to make you faint? Or am I too heavy…”
“Yes. You should exercise more. Staying holed up all day won’t help you keep fit.”
After a harsh, if not exactly constructive, piece of advice for Lieutenant Abby’s health, I looked around.
I can’t see anything. I need light.
“Set, Ri. Lux.”
A faint light glowed from my fingertips, illuminating the dark, narrow passageway, which ended in a stone door.
“Is that it?”
“Yes. I saw this place in the memories of Signaler Yuel. This must be it.”
“Hmm. Doesn’t look like there are any traps.”
Indeed, anyone who could invade headquarters and search this deep would bypass any ordinary traps. Not to mention, traps in a basement could backfire on those who set them.
Regardless, this is checkmate. In a place this deep, there’s no more room to run. For me, or for the State.
I knocked on the stone door.
“Alright, I know you’re in there, so open up.”
No response. I could read the mind inside, but their attention was focused elsewhere, controlling the angel. To read minds accurately, I need their focus on me. If left alone, Historia might be in danger, so I’ll have to break in and give them a wake-up slap.
“Taking action. Lieutenant Abby, step back for a moment.”
Beneath the earth, with a stone door—perfect conditions for earth magic. I spread my hands, placing them near the corner, and activated my power. If it belongs to the earth, I can sink or raise it. My strength is too low for combat, but it’s handy for moving heavy objects.
With a dull rumble, the stone door slowly opened.