Canila gazed into the mirror with a feeling of wretchedness. Her heart was completely lifeless, and she felt like she no longer had the ability to form meaningful words.
Even after seeing Keita rocking in the wagon, she could not say anything.
What could she even say?
That there was still hope? Should she apologize and take responsibility? Thank him for everything up until now?
All of it felt empty, and would only hurt him.
She was to blame for all of it. What happened in Lindle, and the pain he felt. And more than anything, what happened to Salia for so long.
All of it had begun because of a foolish goddess.
—
‘This is an important thing that will affect the future of the celestial world.’
Under the moonlight, the decaying stope temple shone with an ethereal glow. Before her, the dark sea was shimmering silver. It was in front of this backdrop that he whispered sweetly.
‘More than anything, it is to relieve my sister of any suspicion. Please help me. Fingers that pluck withered leaves. Canila…”
‘But, such a thing…even if it is your request… I cannot tell…’
‘I see. Indeed…’
The beautiful god lowered his eyes and then sat down next to her. Up until now, he was someone who she only caught glimpses of from the center of a ring of goddesses. But now he was so close that she could touch him.
‘It was a foolish thing to ask. Forget that I said it. I don’t know what came over me.’
‘Yes…’
He said that there were demons in Saliashe’s world. And they were attempting to absorb all of the power of the star.
It was true that there were some weaker monsters there. But it was surely not that dangerous.
The main stars that the gods owned were treated similar to their god seats. There was a powerful barrier around them, and it was difficult to enter when uninvited. And so it was unthinkable to tell someone how to break through it.
‘Still, while I am fine with it. It will be difficult to persuade the other gods. I am her older brother, and so they will not listen to my arguments.’
‘I-I will do my best to support…’
‘I am sorry. But…there is no time. I heard that the demons are on their way already.’
She could feel the pain in his voice. It was not the same voice he used in meetings, or when speaking to the other goddesses. He sounded serious and noble.
‘If we do not kill the monsters and stop the invasion, then Salia may lose her star.’
‘But… With you and the god of war…’
‘Of course, we will win if we fight. However, unleashing our full power would devastate the star.’
Canila was silent at his confession.
She had been invited to Salia’s star a number of times. While it was small, it was a comfortable and lively place. The thought of it being trampled by demons made her sad.
‘But…’
Even now, she looked back on it with regret.
Why had she said such a thing?
‘If I were to tell you how to get in, and you removed the monster threat in advance…’
‘Then Salia’s star will be safe, and there will be no need for battle.’
If it was possible, she would want to do it all over again.
But it could not be.
‘Will you promise me? That you will not tell the other gods about it.’
She said hesitantly. He nodded with an earnest smile.
‘Of course.’
–
Had it been an infatuation? Respect?
Regardless, such feelings were betrayed in the worst way.
As if planned in advance, the gods and demons went to war on Salia’s star. And after the vicious fighting had ended, the gods made a pact.
After that, she went to Zephalis to protest. And this was his answer.
‘Your actions helped us greatly. I will give you a new star as a reward.’
And then Canila understood it.
That she had aided in the betrayal of her friend.
