Volume 8, Chapter 55 – Blessings of the Departed

After Ruth’s sharp rebuke, the hall instantly became so quiet that the sound of a pin dropping could be heard. Whether it was the Thirteen Attendants accusing Afla or those standing by her side speaking in her defense, everyone bowed their heads. Regardless of the reason for their quarrel, it wouldn’t change the fact that they were all subjects of Lucitine, the Queen of Death.

Not only them, but Ruth as well.

Although Ruth fundamentally supported Afla and, like Lucitine, found the undead world too dull and longed for the world of the living, that didn’t mean she would publicly change her stance for her own thoughts.

The side effect was that the difficult problem was left to Lucitine, the person in charge.

What a mess.

Lucitine lamented inwardly. Supporting Afla here would affect the Thirteen Attendants’ and even the entire undead world’s attitude towards the living. The undead discriminated against the living, on the surface due to their endless lifespans and formidable strength, and more deeply, due to the unprecedented sense of exhilaration and ease they experienced during the period right after transitioning from living to undead.

However, the deepest reason, especially for undead who had lived as long as the Thirteen Attendants, was that they discriminated against the living because they longed for the life of the living but couldn’t have it. So they could only maintain their mental stability by belittling the living in their hearts. If they constantly longed for the life of the living and couldn’t accept their identity as undead, their ultimate end would be like the undead wandering outside the Wall of Sighs, gradually forgetting their relatives and friends, and eventually even their own names, degenerating into low-tier skeletons without self-awareness.

They were both honorable beings with glory gathered in one body and pitiful souls who sought but couldn’t obtain. Lucitine understood this deeply. This was the fundamental difference between the Thirteen Attendants and herself and Ruth. She and Ruth had been undead since the moment their consciousness was born; they wouldn’t lose themselves longing for the life of the living.

Seeing Lucitine still sitting sideways on the throne with her right hand supporting her head, a maid among the Thirteen Attendants who stood on Afla’s side opened her mouth. As if gathering courage for herself, she let out a cough, unusual for an undead.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness the Princess, please allow me to speak.”

Only after Lucitine nodded slightly did the maid dare to express her opinion.

“Rather than arguing about Afla’s current state of becoming a living person, shouldn’t we be investigating how Afla actually became a living being? Turning an undead, especially a Sixth-Tier undead like Afla, into a living person is even more exaggerated than resurrection magic that reverses life and death. Who performed such a miracle on Afla? If we could learn the name and ask that person to also turn us Thirteen Attendants into living beings—”

“How dare you! As a member of the Thirteen Attendants, how can you lean towards the living!”

The butler-like man who had guided Fia before reprimanded loudly. He could accept Fia because she had gained Lucitine’s recognition. Now, his own companion was harboring thoughts nearly equivalent to defecting to the enemy; he naturally couldn’t pretend not to see it.

Until Lucitine’s low voice rang out.

“Quiet. Let her continue.”

The butler-like man instantly faltered. The maid-appearing Thirteen Attendant cast a grateful look at Lucitine and continued.

“If we Thirteen Attendants could also become living beings, in the future we could go to the world of the living in Your Majesty’s name, communicating with the various countries of the living world on your behalf. Everyone, don’t forget the purpose of Lady Fia helping us. Lady Fia is helping us deal with the Chaos entrenched underground so that in the future, when we fight the Chaos beneath the abyss, we can join forces with the various countries of the living world. Cooperation is something that will definitely happen in the future.”

“With everyone’s strength, appearing directly in the world of the living would inevitably cause surrounding living beings to gradually turn into undead. Therefore, having a living identity is necessary. More importantly than anything, going from death to life is difficult, but going from life to death is simple. Even if you don’t like the living identity, returning to being an undead is just a matter of a few incantations, isn’t it?”

The Thirteen Attendants standing in opposition to Afla were instantly speechless. Once the banner of righteousness was raised, it was hard to find fault further. First of all, it was indeed easy for living beings to turn into undead. More importantly, if it were the queen’s command, they wouldn’t hesitate even to die.

Very clever.

Rеαⅾ oո КatReаⅾingCafе

This maid’s statement made Lucitine’s eyes light up. Why hadn’t she thought of such a tricky angle herself? Once everyone accepted this plan, her becoming a living person would be perfectly justified—the Queen of Death’s death energy was too thick, making it inconvenient for conversing with living monarchs, so she needed a living body. What a righteous excuse.

However, Lucitine was too naive.

The butler-like man standing opposite Afla slightly raised his chin, looking at Afla with eyes full of contempt and arrogance.

“What you said is correct. If it’s for Your Majesty, becoming a living person is a worthwhile sacrifice. But I have one question: did Afla become a living person for Your Majesty’s sake?”

Of course not.

Anyone with eyes could see that Afla becoming a living person was an accident. Otherwise, Afla would have long proactively stepped forward to explain the facts and silence her accusers.

Seeing no one refute it, the butler-like man continued with cold eyes.

“Ultimately, how can Afla, now a living person, be allowed to serve Your Majesty? Representing Your Majesty in the world of the living for communication is important, but that doesn’t mean she can legitimately continue serving by Your Majesty’s side as a living person. This nauseating aura of life, no matter how well hidden, I can still smell it. Isn’t it true that you all only noticed Afla was a living person because you sensed the life aura on her? How can someone who reeks be allowed to stay in the hall? Either Afla turns back into an undead and earns my recognition, or let her get out of the Wall of Sighs. She is no longer qualified to be here!”

In an instant, everyone’s gaze fell upon Afla, who was tightly clutching her cloak. Those accusing her had eyes full of hostility, while those protecting her on either side gently pushed her shoulders. The implied meaning was clear: they agreed with the butler-like man that Afla, bearing the aura of a living person, was indeed unqualified to serve the Queen of Death. They were urging Afla to quickly return to the ranks of the undead, thereby washing away the shame upon her.

But Afla didn’t want to do that. She understood that obtaining a living body was just Fia’s whim. If she returned to the ranks of the undead here, she would forever lose the chance to experience the wonder of being alive. For this reason, she remained silent. Even as her companions whispered urgings in her ear, she kept her lips tightly shut, not uttering a word. She could give up being a Thirteen Attendant, but there were two things she didn’t want to lose: first, her identity as a living person; second, she was unwilling to leave Lucitine’s side.

She knew that if she voiced these two contradictory demands, the argument would escalate. So she couldn’t utter a single word.

The butler-like man crossed his arms, his gaze even more arrogant.

“It seems you’re unwilling. Afla is no longer qualified to stay by Her Majesty’s side. Out of consideration for our past friendship, I can suppress this matter and not spread it. But Afla, since you crave the life of the living, you should return to the world of the living. There is no place for you here. I am ashamed that you were once my companion. Don’t let us see you again.”

“Get lost!”

“Shameless disgrace.”

Following the butler-like man, the other Thirteen Attendants waved their sleeves and cursed, their intent to expel her overflowing.

Afla could only bite her lip. The man was right in one point: as a living person, she was unqualified to serve Lucitine. She herself thought so too.

As long as she gave up her identity as a living person, she could continue to stay in the kingdom of the dead. Facing the crowd’s voices expelling her, Afla began to waver. But at that moment, the foul odor drifting into her nose reminded her of how wonderful the world of the living was. On one side was a gloomy, colorless, dull world; on the other was the rich, varied, living world full of sensory stimulation. The choice was actually obvious.

She wanted to quietly look up at Lucitine, but was afraid of receiving a merciless expulsion from her, which would shatter her last hope—ultimately, the fact that her Majesty hadn’t spoken yet made her meaning quite clear.

The undead’s loathing for the living, as one of the Thirteen Attendants, she understood very well. Right now, leaving was her only option. She had already been disliked by her Majesty.

Rеаԁ οn ΚatRеαⅾіոgСаfe

Her feet felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Afla’s face was deathly pale. She opened her mouth, but before she could utter the first syllable, a very piercing tapping sound came from the entrance of the gray hall.

“What’s all the commotion?”

The visitor was Fia, dressed in a black evening gown.

The moment Fia appeared, the atmosphere in the entire gray hall shifted. The dark, gloomy atmosphere lightened, replaced by vitality and lightness. She walked quickly with curiosity to the foot of the throne, tilted her head to ask Ruth what had happened, then her expression slightly froze. Resting her chin on her finger, she said awkwardly.

“It was me who turned Afla into a living person. This is her punishment—setting that aside, aren’t I also a living person? Why can you accept me but be so harsh with Afla?”

Fia’s answer caused the expressions of the Thirteen Attendants to change slightly. No one had expected this to be Fia’s doing, and because of Fia’s sensitive identity, no one dared to accuse her. However, this didn’t change the outcome. The butler-like man said respectfully.

“Lady Fia is an honored guest invited by Her Majesty the Queen, someone recognized by Her Majesty. Moreover, your strength is obvious to all. It’s different with Afla. Even if it was you who granted her a living body, now that the punishment is over, she should return to her original state. But she refuses to do so. She is no longer qualified to consider herself one of the Thirteen Attendants.”

I knew it would turn out like this.

Since Afla didn’t want to turn back into an undead, she would use her influence here to safely bring her back to Blossom and let her become the person handling matters for Lucitine in the world of the living. The kingdom of the dead should also have a long-term envoy stationed in the world of the living.

Although it was she who had turned Afla into a living person, Fia felt no guilt. Just as that maid had said at the beginning, Afla could return to the ranks of the undead at any time; she simply didn’t want to.

Fia walked over to Afla and prepared to place a hand on her shoulder.

“I understand. Since Afla has become a living person, and this is a rare opportunity, let Afla stay in the world of the living, acting as Lucitine’s envoy to liaise with us. That should solve the problem, right?”

“I…”

“Wait.”

Lucitine, who had been silent, suddenly sat up straight. Her demeanor was extremely dignified, like a true queen.

Afla, who had been trying to say something, instantly shuddered. It was a sign of fear. She was afraid that Lucitine wouldn’t even give her the chance to be an envoy and would expel her.

But Lucitine’s answer was unexpected.

“Afla will stay in the kingdom of the dead. She’s not going anywhere. That is my command.”

“Mother?”

Ruth raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t that she opposed Lucitine’s command, but she was puzzled by Lucitine’s approach. Even Afla herself thought she was no longer qualified to stay by Lucitine’s side. Lucitine’s statement obviously contradicted everyone’s thoughts.

Rеαd оո KatReαdіոgСαfe

Not only Ruth, but the Thirteen Attendants, including Afla herself, each displayed spectacular expressions. Those who opposed Afla staying looked completely uncomprehending, while those protecting Afla were incredibly surprised.

Lucitine on the throne surveyed everyone below and spoke slowly.

“I said that Fia should be regarded the same as me. Since it was Fia who turned Afla into a living person, it should be considered that I transformed Afla into a living being. Do you want me to explain why I turned Afla into a living person?”

“No… we wouldn’t dare.”

The butler-like man immediately knelt on one knee and bowed.

“Let the matter rest here. I don’t want any more disputes. Moreover, Fia and I have already discovered the Chaos’s main base. Compared to discussing this insignificant matter, how to deal with Chaos on that scale is the top priority. Don’t forget, Chaos is the real enemy.”

“Yes!”

“As for Fia, stay behind after we finish discussing the strategy.”

Fia didn’t answer, just shrugged. Lucitine keeping her behind was probably just said for the Thirteen Attendants to hear, making them mistakenly think she was going to scold Fia alone, thereby soothing their resentment—using her, an outsider, to resolve conflicts. Lucitine wasn’t completely without cunning.

Only Afla looked at Lucitine with an expression of extreme surprise and fear. She never imagined Lucitine would be willing to let her stay. She fell to her knees with a thud, ashamed that she would rather leave Lucitine than turn back into an undead. Her forehead pressed against the floor, she didn’t know how to express her gratitude, even feeling that dying by Lucitine’s hand would be enough to atone.

“Your Majesty—”

“Alright, since Lucitine is willing to let you stay, don’t be so hesitant. Go down now. If there’s anything, we’ll discuss it after the strategy meeting is over.”

Fia helped Afla up and urged her to leave. As Afla’s small figure departed, a strategy meeting on how to deal with the Chaos’s main base began.

◇

By the time the meeting ended, it was already evening.

The kingdom of the dead had no concept of day or night; “evening” here referred to the world outside the Wall of Sighs. By now, the Thirteen Attendants, including Ruth, had left the gray hall. Lucitine was leading Fia through a side door of the gray hall, advancing down an unusually quiet, ornate corridor.

From Lucitine’s not-so-slow pace, Fia could tell she wasn’t strolling but heading somewhere with purpose. She tilted her head slightly and asked.

“Why are you so silent?”

Lucitine’s shoulders stiffened. Her tone gained a hint of girlish resentment.

“It’s all Fia’s fault. I was already troubled about how to tell my people that I’m a living person. Now with this incident, how am I supposed to confess later?”

Rеаԁ оո КаtReаⅾіngCαfе

“Just tell them directly. Didn’t you say they wouldn’t have second thoughts? Besides, they really do obey you. From what I’ve observed, once you tell them I turned you into a living person, they’ll want to follow you and become full of admiration for the living. That’s a good thing for future cooperation.”

“How can you view it so simply? The biggest difference between the undead and the living is the body. Once this line is blurred, many existing rules will be broken. Especially today, Afla’s behavior made me realize one thing.”

Lucitine’s tone suddenly gained a hint of helplessness, like someone who had seen much of the world’s vicissitudes. Fia stepped forward to walk beside Lucitine. At that moment, Lucitine’s elegant, queenly face was full of loneliness.

“What thing?”

“She no longer submits to me as she did before.”

“No, no, she clearly submits to you no matter how you look at it.”

“That’s a long-cultivated habit, not the heartfelt submission of before. You know? To protect her identity as a living person, she chose to leave me. If it were yesterday, she definitely wouldn’t have made that choice. Any undead has a heartfelt urge to submit to me, their queen. Her proactively choosing to leave me shows that this urge dissipated along with her no longer being undead. I won’t say I can’t trust her anymore, but this feeling of a daughter leaving her mother after her wings harden… it’s really not very pleasant.”

“The first Venex probably thought the same when she found out you were contending with her.”

Lucitine was silent for a moment, then turned and gave Fia a wry smile.

“Probably.”

As she spoke, they rounded a corner, and their field of vision suddenly opened up. What appeared before them was no longer the repetitive ornate walls, but a wide, black lake surface.

This was the lake containing the immortal sanctuary. The difference was that today, the lake was different from usual. A large number of undead had gathered at the lakeshore. Among them were ghosts, skeletons, and zombies. Undead in gorgeous clothes stood alongside those in shabby clothes or even naked. Each carried one or more bright lanterns, large or small, decorating the eternally night world, only lit by auroras, exceptionally brightly, as if stars had fallen to the ground.

Fia even spotted the recently departed Thirteen Attendants and Ruth among them. They also carried lanterns emitting a pale yellow light. If not for the overly thick death energy making the air feel cold, Fia would have thought this lively scene was a festival like a lantern fair or celebration.

Since her position was still several hundred meters from the lake, the undead hadn’t noticed her and Lucitine. Fia felt a sense of novelty. She looked at Lucitine, whose profile was illuminated by the festive lights.

“What are they doing? Didn’t you say the undead have no festivals?”

“This isn’t a festival. It’s our undead way of commemorating and praying for the departed, held regularly in the middle of each month. Fia has always been curious about what reincarnation is, right? Today is the day I send the souls of the deceased into reincarnation. Those who cross the Wall of Sighs but are unwilling to stay in the world of the dead will have the reincarnation ceremony performed by me or Ruth. The lanterns everyone holds are blessings for these departing souls.”

“First, I offer blessings to the departed undead. Near the end of the reincarnation ceremony, everyone cuts the stone weight attached to the bottom of their lanterns, allowing them to rise into the sky above the lakeshore. These lanterns eventually, like souls, disappear upon reaching a certain height. We believe this represents those souls successfully entering their next life. That said, in my view, it’s nothing more than a wishful vision. What I do is simply use magic to crush the souls. If that can be called reincarnation, then everyone I’ve killed could enter reincarnation, regardless of good or evil, regardless of race—even Chaos could enter reincarnation.”

Lucitine shrugged and spoke teasingly, but her beautiful profile illuminated by the lantern light was quite bitter. Obviously, she didn’t consider this a meaningful or honorable duty.

Translator Note

ah…