Chapter 38: An Unrequited Love
A black chasm appeared expanding beneath Daichi's feet, threatening to swallow him completely.
His body trembled. Not only because of fear, but because of desperation.
With one last cry of resistance, he raised his head and looked at Death with eyes ablaze with emotion.
"My lady, I—" I love her!
The entire room was frozen.
The common heralds dropped their glasses. Others interrupted their games of chance, with the dice still rolling on the floor. Even the shadows dancing on the throne walls stopped, as if time itself had been suspended in disbelief.
Death blinked once. His face, which had previously exuded mockery and amusement, was deformed into a grimace of absolute disgust.
"Excuse me?"
The murmurs spread like wildfire. Some heralds covered their mouths so as not to laugh, but others could not contain themselves.
Daichi, his face flushed and his eyes shining with fervor, stepped forward, defying the force of the abyss.
"Yes, I've felt it all this time!" You are perfection incarnate! From the moment I saw her, I knew she was destined to be my queen, my goddess... my everything!
Death watched him with the gaze of one who has stepped on something unpleasant.
A herald let out a snort of laughter. Another let out a "For all hell!" before bursting into laughter.
She narrowed her eyes, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"I'd rather Ryuusei's bastard than you, a loser.
The silence lasted barely a second. Then, laughter erupted with deafening violence. A herald doubled over with laughter and fell to the ground. Another spat out his drink. There were those who beat their thighs, unable to contain themselves.
Daichi felt something break inside him. His jaw trembled, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into the skin.
But he did not give up.
"Give me an army!" he roared, his voice heavy with despair. Give me a thousand black heralds and I swear I'll kill Ryuusei and Aiko, whatever the cost! Even if it takes me decades, even if I have to give up my soul, I will annihilate them with my own hands!
The room fell into a tense silence.
The common heralds exchanged expectant glances.
Death folded his arms and looked up and down as if he were evaluating a defective object.
Then she sighed, with obvious annoyance, and leaned slightly towards him.
"No.
Daichi felt his world collapsing.
"W-what?"
She clicked her tongue and turned on her heel, walking back to her throne with utter indifference.
"How annoying... Did you really think I would give you an army just because you asked for it?" He slumped back in his seat, resting his cheek on his hand. Don't waste my time anymore, Daichi. I already told you that you are exiled.
The laughter came back even stronger. A herald writhed on the ground, punching him with his fist as he cried with laughter. Another leaned over his companion, barely managing to utter between gasps:
"I prefer Ryuusei"...! I can't take it anymore!
Daichi felt that rage consumed him.
"You can't do this to me!" I'm your best warrior! I'm the only one who can take them down!
Death did not even look at him.
Yawned.
"Are you still here?"
He made a simple gesture with his hand.
The abyss roared and devoured him mercilessly.
Daichi's scream, heartbreaking and hateful, faded into the darkness.
Silence settled in for a moment, interrupted only by the breathy laughter of a herald still recovering.
One of them approached the throne with a mocking smile.
"My lady, that was brutal.
Death sighed, showing no interest.
"Boring, more than anything.
"And what do we do with 70% of Daichi's loot?"
She smiled with pure malice.
"Send it to Ryuusei and Aiko." Enjoy your victory.
Laughter erupted again.
And so, as Daichi's fate faded into the abyss, Death reclined on his throne, enjoying his entertainment as if nothing had happened.