“By the way, Lady Saliashe. You seem to visit this place often recently… I do not mean to be intrusive, but does the game not require more of your attention?”
The question came from one corner of the group, and Saliashe snapped out of her wandering thoughts.
“That is why. After all, from here…I will be dealing with…the four pillar gods. That will be the focus.”
“I heard that even Lord Rushava’s Hero, has not reached the level of the continent’s demon general.”
Said the machine god, who had a body made of metal. And while it was said that he was as powerful as the dragon god, or the other four pillars, due to his nature, he was unable to select a Hero.
A Hero had to be similar to your own race and kin.
This rule was a disadvantage to beings like him, and he had often complained about it.
“I heard it during his sparring match with a god the other day, so there’s no mistake… Also, it seems he has taken an interest in your kobold.”
“I see. So, what kind of being is this Hero?”
“Unfortunately, he is not someone who would let that slip.”
“Speaking of people who are tight-lipped, Makumatuna is quite similar.”
Said a goddess who had a hairy, beast-like appearance. A ruler of entertainment and dance. However, she was too low-ranking to participate in the games.
“Recently, we dancers cannot even get close to that god seat. However, I heard the Hero is a girl this time.”
“Speaking of things I don’t understand, I haven’t seen Lord Sialka either.”
Someone said, and then the others all exchanged glances.
“He usually shows up during these games…”
“It is odd… Perhaps something bad happened to his Hero?”
“…Could he be afraid of Lady Saliashe?”
Said the machine god, and the others fell silent.
And then they all turned to her.
Salia showed no signs of being shaken and replied calmly.
“Lord Sialka is wise. There must be a reason behind this silence. And if it happens to be a response to my actions… Well, I will take it as an honor.”
“Indeed, as someone who has been a victor many times, it is only natural to be more cautious.”
“Besides, these Heroes are often made to tread the harshest paths. And he has always enjoyed watching and admiring the journey.”
“Lord Sialka really is amazing!”
The gods praised. He was considered to be special, even amongst the four pillars, and that was not just because of strength.
The air seemed to grow less tense, and the gods started to chatter amongst themselves.
Salia thought it was time to leave.
“By the way…”
Came the cold voice.
“While speaking of the four pillars, how is it that no one has brought up my name?”
Red hair swayed as the pillar approached.
A red uniform without a single wrinkle, and a cold laugh. The other gods moved away to make a path towards Salia.
“Well, the gods that are here are gods of war and love. Those who will do anything to gain favor. How sad.”
“Seer. I did not expect to see you here. What brings you to this humble place?”
“All you did was kill your brother and defeat a hundred gods. And you think you’re my equal now? Godess of Peace?”
“Hardly. Compared to your many achievements, I have nothing to be proud of. However…”
Salia smiled softly at the insult.
“When it comes to the games, all guards are to be seen as equal. Besides, it was you and the others who gave me this title. Otherwise, I would never have reached such heights.”
“How foolish. That being said, when a truly capable person stands up high, the others must look up with admiration or jealousy. Isn’t that a natural thing?”
“That is true. However, if things go that way, then it would put me in a difficult position.”
“…What?”
Furukmuto narrowed his brows suspiciously. Salia smiled back.
“Because, while I am here, I have to distinguish everyone by the shape of their jaws and noses.”
“Saliasha…you…”
“Every time we meet, if all I do is praise the elegant shape of your noble chin and nose, I fear I quickly run out of metaphors. And coming up with new expressions would be quite challenging for someone of my humble talents.”
Quiet laughter spread around them. The Seer sensed it, but remained composed.
“If there is anything to lament, it is the inability to distinguish between jewels and stones. It is precisely because of its indestructible perfection that the diamond is a king among precious stones.”
“In the human world, they say that an emerald’s true value lies in the imperfections it conceals within. If you only find worth in perfectly polished gems, then perhaps the renowned ‘Seer’ of wisdom has a rather narrow view of things.”
“They do say beauty lies in dissonance, after all.”
A black shadow descended, interrupting them. The dragon god’s golden eyes shone mischievously as it sat down and lowered its head to Salia’s level.
“Unfortunately, dragons are not very interesting to look at. And I would not want you to waste your wisdom on such things.”
“I thank you for your consideration. After all, if you hadn’t used that sharp eye of yours to see through my ignorance, who knows what I might have done.”
“…Wanderer of This World and Seer of Eternity.”
Furukamuto turned towards the god without even trying to hide his distaste. And it was a different kind of distaste from what he showed to Salia.
“It seems you have decided to get involved in the games.”
“It could not be helped. Salia and I are allies. If she were to lose, the new land for dragons would be gone as well.”
They stared at each other. The golden eyes and the deep azure pupils. As if they were trying to read the other’s mind.
“I see. That is understandable. However, sending a mere infant and a trivial toy as proof of your alliance… One would think the renowned dragon god has become a little rusty.”
“The true essence of the game is to play your best hand at the perfect moment. It’s not just about giving great power or expensive blessings, you know? Isn’t that right, Seer?”
“…Indeed. After seeing that shallow divine rule woven by the lowly plague god…one has had their fill of such crude schemes.”
As someone who felt indebted, Salia was enraged by the insult. But the dragon god nodded and smiled as if to stop her.
Bonus chapter courtesy of Photo. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome and thank you too.