—A restless boy.
He followed Urd, grumbling. When they entered the white celestial fortress, they crossed seven doors and headed towards the central altar. Following the long marble path, at the end, a collapsed wall and ceiling were revealed, and a young man comfortably seated in front of the stone altar. It was none other than Lord Calepa.
Bernard and Urd swallowed dry saliva and stopped fifteen steps away, kneeling.
—Calepa, Calepa, Cale…
—Are both of you still hesitating?
Under their bowed heads, the men's gazes met briefly. At the end of the prolonged silence, a faint click of the tongue was heard.
—If you want to keep the reputation and lineage of Rogue intact, you must cross the fourth wall as soon as possible. Looking at how you are ready to be scolded, it seems you are still far from that. The Calepas of Rogue, aging... It's the same as 50 years ago.
—The only one in the world who says that about us is Lord Calepa.
When he managed to gather the courage to say a few words, Urd glared at him. It was a defiant look, questioning how he had dared to respond to Lord Calepa's complaints. From afar a weak laugh was heard.
—If you're not happy, leave your post and go on a trip around the world. You'll see better results than if you stay stuck here in this garden, reading books and trying to control your emotions. Like a scholar, you know?
—Wasn't Skuld sent to look for the relics of Dian Cecht?
—Well, that was how it was supposed to be. Right now I am the one in charge of that task.
Lord Calepa was looking for the relics on behalf of Skuld? Both Bernard and Urd were so surprised that they abruptly raised their heads.
—Do you mean you're doing it yourself, Lord Calepa? I'm going to grab that scoundrel by the neck and bring him here immediately! Please wait a moment!
—Forget it. I didn't come here for that, Urd. Both of you come here.
With improved expressions, the two approached Lord Calepa. Even after several years, Calepa returned unchanged, radiating a dazzling presence. His hair seemed to shine with a bluer tone than the sea under the iridescent sunlight filtering through the cracks in the ceiling. Lord Calepa remained as strong and determined as ever. The impact of that fact on the psychological stability of the two men was significant. While they felt deeply relieved, Lord Calepa asked Urd.
—How many Heart Crystals are left in the sanctuary?
—119.
—Bring me the heart of a sinner.
—Yes.
Urd, spiraling out of the room, returned quickly. The heart crystal he handed to Lord Calepa was a very common round crimson crystal.
—Here is the heart of the devotee Fel. Upon crossing the third barrier, he lost his sanity, killed three fellow devotees and then committed suicide. Since he had no family, we kept his heart in the sanctuary.
Lord Calepa didn't ask trivial questions like, "Why do you consider devotee Fel a sinner?"
—From this moment on, you both will closely observe the changes in my soul.
With only a brief statement, he quickly grabbed the heart and placed it in his mouth. Urd couldn't hide his confusion.
—Lord Calepa?
—Hmm. It's a bit bitter.
He even savored the flavor, taking it a step further.
—Well, how is everything going? Has anything changed?
Bernard agonized. "Has Lord Calepa lost his mind for once in his long life?" However, unlike Bernard, who was worried about what was in front of him, Urd was faithfully fulfilling Lord Calepa's order. He parted his lips, as if hoping to ask a question.
—Forgive me for the bold question… but is it possible that consuming someone else's heart alters the balance of the soul?
—For now we are speculating that it might be so.
—After Lord Calepa consumed the heart, he felt a very subtle tremor in his soul. However, it was so small it couldn't be noticed without careful observation, and now even that has disappeared.
Bernard was amazed. Heart crystals were objects created out of pure affection. They were not made for any special benefit but rather to carry the wishes of deceased family or friends, to comfort the souls of those who continue living. Therefore, the heart of a sinner did not turn into crystal. It was only accepted as an exception in cases like that of the devotee Fel, who committed unintended murder. "It's an object that has a very important meaning. No one would have ever thought of swallowing it. But I never imagined it would affect the soul." From Lord Calepa's lukewarm reaction, it seemed he already knew about the matter.
Urd added.
—The soul became a bit confused. If a stronger heart is consumed, the shape of the soul could temporarily collapse.
—Really? Then try bringing me the heart of an even more atrocious sinner this time.
Urd brought the heart of an ex-devotee who had recently turned. This time, Bernard also observed the moment Lord Calepa swallowed the heart without losing a second.
—It trembled more and with greater violence. It seemed to be blurred for a moment. Now it has returned to normal.
—So what do you think would happen if I consumed your hearts?
The Calepa was asking what would happen if he consumed the hearts of the Huwis.
—The soul would fluctuate violently, causing an impact on the physical body. But even if we call it impact, it might be no more than a slight bruise.
—Then let me rephrase the question. What do you think would happen if a Yette devoured the heart of a Calepa?
Bernard and Urd nodded firmly and in a decided tone.
—They would die. Very miserably.
—I suppose both the physical body and the soul would be mercilessly shattered.
—You are innocent idiots! Don't you even think about the opposite?
The opposite? Urd and Bernard's gazes crossed in mid-air. The annihilation of soul and body. If it was the opposite…
—By no means.
Bernard replied with eyes full of incredulity.
—Are you saying we can resurrect the dead using the Heart Crystal?
Instead of answering, Lord Calepa laughed softly. His silence was a confirmation in itself.
—It's a quite plausible hypothesis. Changing the shape of the soul could also mean reconstructing it.
This could be considered a revolutionary discovery of the century. However, Bernard couldn't help but find the results of today's experiment intriguing. "Experiments like this…" They were different from Lord Calepa, different from Rogue. Because they were dangerous.
—You're afraid, aren't you?
Bernard didn't deny the low, rumbling voice.
—…Lord Calepa, who sees through our minds. As we get older, our fears only increase. I apologize. I am ashamed to see him.
All of Rogue's followers bowed before Lord Calepa, showing as much respect as they do to their parents and teachers. He didn't seek to dominate the world through force. He simply existed as the only powerful being, watching his followers like a god and guiding them on the right path. Lord Calepa was a Renegade. At least, that's how it had been in this generation.
—For me it's not very different. That's why I'm worried.
Urd asked cautiously with a perplexed look in his eyes.
—If you say you're worried…
—Do I really have to go to such extremes to save her?
Bernard and Urd's gazes met again in mid-air. "To save her?" "Who?" A sudden question arose in their minds. What kind of experiences had Calepa had in the last four years that would lead to a discussion about saving or not saving someone from his precious lips?
—I'm curious.
They say that as one gets older, one becomes more curious. His lips, which until now were fine, started to tremble and he couldn't stay still.
—Who is that… person?
—What do you mean?
Mmm. After a brief and ambiguous pause, a concise word emerged.
—Cute.
Cute? "Did I hear wrong?" No, that can't be. Lord Calepa clearly said "cute." Judging from Urd's bewildered expression, it was clear he heard correctly.
—By… any chance did you have a child abroad?
Otherwise, there would be no way those words would come out of his mouth. Taking into account Lord Calepa's age, close to 180 years, it's possible he changed his mind...
—A child?
For the first time, the benevolent Lord Calepa formed a terrifying smile.
—Do you want to die?
—Ugh.
To make such a statement, asking him if he wanted to die, with his noble tongue! Sensing the situation, Urd hit his forehead against the floor and rebuked him with all his might.
—You're a pathetic stupid man. How dare you utter those insane words before Lord Calepa? Bury your face in the ground and die.
Although it was a subject that even to him generated curiosity. Bernard swallowed his complaints and concentrated his entire mind on knowing towing.