TSMMT Ch 191

Reaching Out

When the Guiscard of the past life died, Dianna summoned Tarascus. Before she knew it, she was mounted on the dragon's back. As Tarascus soared into the sky, the cavern ceiling collapsed.

She soared into the open air and looked back one last time.

Her former body and Guiscard lay sleeping side by side. A young boy holding flowers stood there, staring at them blankly. Because Guiscard had sacrificed himself first, the child was spared.

He was a gentle boy who had offered blossoms to her corpse.

May your kind heart reach Guiscard as well. May you place flowers around his body, too.

Dianna whispered this silent prayer and bade that world an eternal farewell.

The vivid blue sky transformed into a star-filled night, a strange realm devoid of moon, stars, or earth. The dragon flew through the expanse for a long time until a glowing exit appeared ahead, resembling the mouth of a cave.

[Taras] "Dismount."

Before Dianna could descend, Tarascus shifted his form.

Suddenly, she stood in that strange night sky. Floating effortlessly in midair within a pocket dimension devoid of sky or ground, she looked around.

Is this where Tarascus lives?

Tarascus took her hand. Dianna watched his fingers turn translucent against hers.

[Taras] "Dianna Brienne."

She looked at the dragon in confusion when he abruptly addressed her by name.

Tarascus stared into her face for a long moment, then offered a smile. Seeing a bright smile grace his usually detached face felt strange, peculiar yet breathtaking.

[Taras] "I can't visit the human world unless an event like this occurs. Watching from here or falling asleep is all I can manage."

She observed his desolate world, an expanse filled with stars and glowing screens projecting distant visions.

[Dianna] "Why is that?"

In the past, Tarascus had known the other dragons. Had he not existed in the mortal realm as well?

[Taras] "It is the price I pay for creating humans to soothe a dragon's solitude. Since the world no longer desires a weakened dragon, I am permitted only to watch from here."

A faint sorrow shadowed his face. Something poignant stirred within those previously emotionless eyes.

[Taras] "I watched your life closely."

[Dianna] "..."

[Taras] "I stood beside you and observed you, a creation of mine. I bore witness to your grief, your rage, and your joy."

[Dianna] "..."

[Taras] "I saw how you transformed from a futile existence into the life you reclaimed."

Dianna expected Tarascus to pass judgment on her existence.

How did my life look through the eyes of a creator?

[Taras] "Standing beside you was my fortune."

Yet his words carried no judgment, only his personal feelings. A truth she had refused to acknowledge pressed upon her.

[Dianna] "This is a farewell, isn't it?"

[Taras] "I have fulfilled my duty."

He looked down at his fading, translucent hands.

[Taras] "Transporting a creation to the past and carrying what belongs in the past to the future demands immense power."

Tarascus appeared exhausted. Unlike Fafnir, who rewound time using power forged from human blood, he had turned back time with pure strength to grant this reunion.

Yet despite his exhaustion, a serene satisfaction rested on his features, keeping Dianna from voicing her worry. This was the outcome he had sought.

[Taras] "Thank you for your concern, but don't grieve. I am merely entering a long slumber."

[Dianna] "..."

[Taras] "I will not die. I will simply sleep for a while. You know as well as I that I am a special dragon."

He lifted his translucent hand and caressed Dianna for a long moment. Tenderness radiated from his touch.

No, he had always been gentle. And in that touch lay...

Just as she caught a glimpse of his true feelings, Tarascus shook his head.

[Taras] "No. You have no need to know."

[Dianna] "..."

[Taras] "This is something only I should hold."

Sorrowful eyes met hers.

Before she could speak, he pulled her into his embrace. Pressed against his warm chest, she looked up at her god, the god who had loved her so uniquely.

[Taras] "Walk the right path. As you always have."

Her eyes widened before tears spilled over, and she nodded.

She passed through a tunnel of brilliant light and emerged onto a vibrant green field, where a weeping man stood alone.

---

Dianna Brienne had returned.

People everywhere sang praises for the woman who had eradicated the monsters and undead threatening the Kingdom of Lodbrog. Throughout Lodbrog, indeed across the entire world, her presence was unmatched.

No one looked down on her for her Panborough origins anymore. Respect for her was absolute. She was the queen who sought to save the realm, while the king was the ruler who had deposed and evacuated the queen solely to protect her life.

Though criticism rained upon Guiscard, not a single soul dared slander Dianna Brienne.

After demonstrating such profound sacrifice, the former queen commanded the world's attention. Everyone watched eagerly to see her next move.

In reality, Dianna was doing absolutely nothing.

Tarascus was gone, and Guiscard's threat had dissolved. For the first time, no one demanded anything of her.

Had she remained on the throne, she would be drowning in the chaotic aftermath. But frankly, why should she care?

He's the one who deposed me out of nowhere...

So she lounged at her grandfather's estate, squandering time. She spent money recklessly, like a mindless nouveau riche. It was her grandfather's fortune, but when else would she indulge?

Dianna lazily twirled a newly purchased sapphire necklace around her finger.

Even during her noble days, shopping had never brought her joy. Perhaps that was why buying fresh gowns and fine jewels failed to spark any thrill.

Since I have to live as a commoner now, is this too extravagant?

Alexa burst in, startling her out of her thoughts.

[Alexa] "Are you trying to become a complete slacker?!"

Alexa, set to inherit the merchant guild, had initially welcomed her sister with open arms. But by the fifteenth day, her warm hospitality had worn thin.

Unlike nobility, the merchant class despised idleness, a trait Alexa clearly embodied.

Dianna reclined on the sofa and let out a faint chuckle, prompting Alexa to scold her further.

[Alexa] "What are you planning to do with your life?! Can't you go earn some money or find a job?!"

[Dianna] "I literally saved your life, you know. Do you have any idea how terrifying the undead are? And the monsters—"

[Alexa] "I didn't say you should blow through our entire fortune!"

[Dianna] "..."

[Alexa] "If you're so good with elemental spirits, become a spirit summoner! Or go back to being an Academy librarian! Why waste such immense talent?!"

Alexa grumbled and clicked her tongue at her sister before leaving to review a report from her staff.

[Dianna] "It's not like I want to be like this either."

She muttered sullenly.

Since their reunion on the field, Guiscard had returned to the royal palace and had not come to see her. Not a single letter or message had arrived.

They shared fond memories and deep love, yet she sighed. She could guess his reasons.

Their marriage had always been precarious, making him tread carefully now. They couldn't remain casual lovers either. He was, after all, the king of this nation.

Holding me like that and declaring his love... only to send radio silence? Seriously?

Dianna grumbled herself to sleep. Lately, drowsiness overtook her constantly, likely the release of years spent in perpetual tension and fear.

Can't I just rest a little? I can find a job whenever I want.

A mild resentment toward Alexa stirred inside Dianna.

When Dianna stirred awake later, gentle fingers stroked her hair. She opened her eyes and saw Guiscard looking down at her.

[Dianna] "Guiscard?"

Is this a dream? Am I dreaming of the Guiscard from my past life?

She blinked sleepily.

[Guiscard] "I'm sorry. I'm terribly late."

He scooped her up into his arms and held her close.

[Dianna] "Wait a second. What's wrong?"

[Guiscard] "I want to talk to you. Let's go outside."

Dianna noticed his unusually solemn expression and nodded. He placed her onto a horse, and they rode away together.

Is this really a dream?

The drowsiness of her nap still lingered. When she met his gaze, he averted his eyes nervously.

As she dismounted, Guiscard extended his hand to help her. Judging by the distance, they were nowhere near the royal palace.

It was a quiet riverbank surrounded by fields, a typical countryside landscape. A brilliant full moon hung in the sky, bathing the earth in gentle light.

As Dianna gazed at the scenery, Guiscard hesitated before breaking the silence.

[Guiscard] "Ann."

[Dianna] "..."

[Guiscard] "I spent the last few days wrestling with my thoughts on the way here."

[Dianna] "..."

[Guiscard] "I am... flawed. And my existence inevitably brings you harm."

[Dianna] "..."

[Guiscard] "My actions invite misunderstandings, and I am clumsily inexperienced, just as I once was illiterate. I... am not a good man for you."

[Dianna] "..."

[Guiscard] "I live in constant dread that you might leave me. Always."

His voice trembled. Dianna listened silently to his soul-searching confession, her expression blank.

[Guiscard] "Even so, selfishly..."

[Dianna] "Guiscard, I'm sorry, but could you get to the point?"

Does he need a butler for the palace? I could manage that well...

As that dull thought crossed her mind, Guiscard drew a flower crown from his cloak, its white petals fluttering softly down.

[Guiscard] "Marry me, Ann."