Chapter 4
The ceiling above the altar, where the magic stone rested, was open to the sky so light could pour in.
From that space, a brilliant beam of light burst out from the stone, shooting upward — piercing through the clouds, stretching to the heavens.
Everyone outside, even miles away from the Imperial Palace, could see it.
No one in the Empire failed to understand what that light meant.
All across the land, people stopped what they were doing and looked toward the sky.
***
Before long, a line of splendid carriages gathered before the palace gates.
At a glance, it looked like the start of a festival. But the people stepping out of those carriages were not dressed for celebration.
Some still clutched their hats instead of wearing them properly, their faces pale, movements hurried. They rushed toward the great council hall.
Inside, the heads of the Empire’s most powerful noble families were already seated.
From elderly lords with silver hair to young men barely past adolescence, the chamber was filled with a heavy, uneasy tension.
The doors opened.
A broad-shouldered man strode in, his presence commanding the room.
He glanced over the nobles and spoke in a calm, firm tone.
“It has finally come.”
Everyone stood at once.
“We greet His Majesty the Emperor.”
The Emperor smiled faintly and motioned for them to sit.
“No need for formalities. Time is short.”
As the nobles resumed their seats, the Emperor leaned back against his chair and said quietly,
“You’ve all likely heard by now — the prophecy has been fulfilled once more.”
A murmur swept through the hall.
The Emperor glanced at the man seated beside him — a young man with neatly combed blond hair and sharp green eyes, who rose with a soft smile.
“Let us review the prophecy and decide our course of action.”
“Crown Prince Noel,” someone acknowledged respectfully.
Noel surveyed the crowd and began.
“As you all know, when the sacred magic stone glows, it signals the breaking of the Demon King’s seal.”
Several nobles nodded grimly.
Noel continued, his voice calm yet resonant.
“The prophecy says: when the one chosen by fate arrives in the Empire, the stone will respond. From that moment, three moons shall wane and wax again — and then the Demon King shall be reborn.”
One noble, Count Larkin, stood up anxiously.
“Then this time, will the curse finally end? My lands are so overrun with monsters that we can’t even grow crops anymore!”
Noel smiled gently, his tone soothing.
“Indeed, ever since the last Chosen One left before completing the seal, the balance has been unstable. But—”
His voice hardened with resolve.
“This time, the chosen one has appeared sooner than expected. If all goes according to plan, the Empire’s prosperity will be secured.”
“But, Your Highness,” another noble interjected nervously, “isn’t the chosen one the very person who will awaken the Demon King, according to the prophecy?”
Noel fell silent, turning his eyes to the Emperor.
The Emperor, face solemn, gave a single nod.
Noel spoke again, lower this time.
“It’s something we’ve kept secret to avoid unrest… but the truth is — only through the Chosen One’s sacrifice can the Demon King be sealed again.”
Shock rippled through the room.
The nobles had assumed the chosen one would simply defeat evil, not die to contain it.
“Then if that person leaves again, it will be disastrous!”
“Shouldn’t we just imprison them until it’s over?”
Noel shook his head firmly.
“Impossible. The seal only works through willing sacrifice. That’s why this must remain confidential.”
At that, Marquis Tyrion, seated close to the Emperor, furrowed his brow.
“Of course. Someone foolish might try to harm them before the time comes.”
“And what if the Chosen One refuses to sacrifice themselves?” another asked.
Tyrion’s tone turned cold.
“Then we’ll make sure they do. This time, there won’t be a repeat of the past.”
His sharp gaze flicked briefly toward someone sitting in the corner — a man lounging carelessly in his chair, chin resting on one hand.
Everyone followed the glance.
The man’s skin was pale, almost translucent, his black hair messy and falling over his forehead.
Long lashes cast shadows over violet eyes — one of which was covered with a black eyepatch.
He was stunning in an almost unreal way, yet there was an air of indifference about him — as if none of this mattered.
Feeling the stares, the man frowned slightly.
“Are you talking about me?”
Tyrion replied coolly, without changing expression.
“Did it sound that way, Duke Lifrix? I didn’t name anyone.”
A flicker of irritation crossed the Duke’s face. His low, lazy voice filled the hall.
“The stone lit up just like you old men wanted. When that Demon King shows up, I’ll kill him myself. End of story. What else do you need?”
The temperature in the room dropped instantly.
The nobles glanced nervously at the Emperor — but he seemed unfazed.
Everyone in the Empire knew Duke Lifrix’s blunt, unruly nature.
His family had earned their title by sealing the Demon King generations ago — so no one dared scold him.
Then, a foolish voice broke the silence.
“Then… perhaps Your Grace should visit the Chosen One?”
It was Baron Melburn — clearly oblivious to the tension.
The Duke raised an eyebrow.
“Why would I?”
The baron flushed, flustered but determined to continue.
“B-because! As the head of the Lifrix House — the Empire’s protector — if you had gone last time, perhaps the previous Chosen One wouldn’t have left so suddenly…”
The air froze.
Everyone knew the rumor, but no one said it out loud.
Melburn paled and clamped his mouth shut.
The Duke’s lips curled into a smirk as he turned to Tyrion.
“Sounds like something you’d say — groveling suits you.”
“You should be careful with baseless remarks, Duke.”
“Right back at you.”
Tyrion’s forehead vein pulsed. The atmosphere grew dangerously sharp.
Two of the Empire’s pillars, glaring across the table, made the others shrink into silence.
“Noel.”
The Emperor’s voice broke the tension.
The Crown Prince bowed slightly and spoke gently.
“Gentlemen, this is not a battlefield. We’re here to act — not argue.”
His smile was bright, but his eyes were cool.
“This time, we’ll seal the Demon King for good and lead the Empire to true prosperity — together.”
“Agreed.”
Relief swept through the room.
Duke Lifrix stood abruptly, pushing back his chair.
“Then you all can handle your flattery. I’ll deal with whatever comes my way.”
He left without another word.
The nobles murmured quietly once he was gone — but no one dared stop him.
Noel clapped softly, breaking the awkward air.
“The Duke has his own duties. Let’s focus on ours.”
The mood lightened again.
“Where is Count Wedon now?”
“He went to inspect the seal — but was delayed by monsters.”
“And the Chosen One?”
“Currently staying at Count Wedon’s estate in the capital.”
“Good. Make sure nothing is lacking in their accommodations. Are preparations complete?”
“Yes. We’ve sent enough wealth and manpower to support them.”
Noel nodded, glancing around the table.
“You all know the situation. Even if their manners or behavior seem strange, ignore it. Whatever they’re like, we need them.”
Everyone nodded firmly.
“Soon, the Imperial Palace will host a party — under my name. Make sure everything proceeds according to plan. That’s all for today.”
The Emperor rose first, and the nobles began to file out.
When the room was empty, Noel tilted his head slightly. A young noble — the son of Count Heidel — stepped forward.
“Are Lady Kalat and Lady Erileon in the guest quarters?”
“…No, Your Highness. Neither has arrived.”
Noel paused, halfway to standing.
“Why not? Didn’t you send word?”
“I delivered the letters personally, but…”
“But?”
“They said they already knew what you’d say — and went out instead.”
“Both of them?”
“Yes.”
Noel sighed and rubbed his temples.
“Those two only get along when they shouldn’t. Tell them to come immediately — as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Straightening his jacket, Noel stood and left the room.
***
Chirp, chirp…
The sound of birds filled my ears.
I moved my fingers slightly — soft sheets brushed against my skin.
It seemed… I really had possessed the body.
Wait. Possessed… properly?
“What the—? My memory’s still here! They didn’t erase anything!”
Was this even legal?!
Could I sue them for this?!
If they messed up the possession, how was I supposed to get back home?!
“What kind of shady company did I trust my soul to?! ‘Possession Hotel,’ my foot—”
Panicking, I snatched the guidebook lying beside me.
“At least I still have this!”
I opened the first page — scrawled handwriting filled the paper.
‘Surprised your memory wasn’t erased?’
I froze.
Then, heart pounding, I sat straight up.
