Chapter 22 - The Dragon Eye

Dragons had always been humans’ enemies whether in fairy tales or legends. The Wizard of the Horizon was best known for his fight against a dragon and the myth of the creation of the world also began with the battle between the primal dragon and God. If one that stood against God was called the devil, the dragon was the devil. The reason why the longest and toughest mountains that crossed the continent was named the Backbone Mountain Range originated from the myth that the continent itself was formed with the body of the primal dragon that was defeated by God. To Azriel, the dragon eye sounded similar to a cursed eye. However, Rhema spoke casually as if it was nothing surprising. “Because magic originated from the dragon.”

“What?” When she straightened her upper body in surprise, water splashed. The spirit performed a wonderful feat by moving quickly to contain the water that was being spilled.

“It’s a fact that any decent wizard knows. You knew about it before you lost your memory.”

“Was I a wizard…? Did I learn magic from you when I was younger?”

“…The water’s getting cold, Azriel. You’d better come out now.”

The spirit helped her get up. When she wiped herself and put on a gown, it opened the curtain. Rhema, who was sitting on a chair, approached her. When he put his hand, the tub disappeared. Azriel sat down on the edge of the bed with the spirit’s help. “Uh, so, are there only two, you and I, who have the dragon eye?”

“Yes, that’s true as of now.”

“That means you were alone before you found me.”

“Yes.”

“…For a thousand years?”

“Since it was before Iskam the Great unified calendar, it should be about that long. I haven’t counted the exact number of years.”

The number of a thousand years still did not feel realistic. It was also difficult to accept that she was a being who could see the same things as ‘the Wizard of the Horizon’ yet. Nonetheless, it sounded very lonely to hear that there was no one else who could see the same things as Rhema for a thousand years even though he was candid as if he was not able to feel anything. ‘Is that why he named me, and offered to help me?’ Azriel suddenly asked. “Rhema, if I’m the only one who has the same eyes as you, can I become a wizard like you?”

“It’s possible for you.”

Can I use the magic that pauses time, travels through space, and meddles with memory? It was too enormous that it felt like a lie. It was still hard to believe that the man before her was the Wizard of the Horizon. She looked at Rhema vacantly. Leaning by the window, he was capturing her in his eyes, with a calm face. “…Did you teach me because you wanted me to become a wizard like you?”

His face turned strange. A complex expression of being delighted, yet unwilling was faintly put on. He moved his eyes to a far distance and then gazed at her again. “If you learn magic, I’ll be happy. But…” He stopped talking and hesitated. After closing his eyes for a long time and opening them back, he spoke as if he had made up his mind. “Azriel, you asked if there’s a way for you not to get miserable even if you get intertwined with me.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll explain it to you. Request everything from me. Whatever you want to have or do, anything. There are seldom things that are impossible to me.”

“What? Any, anything?”

“Yes. If you need power, I’ll make the emperor worship you. If you want riches, I’ll turn a rocky mountain into gold. Even if you want a garden where winter never comes, I can make one for you. After receiving everything you want from me, when you think that I’m no longer needed, tell me. Then I’ll make a vow again.”

“…What vow?”

“It’s a vow not to intervene in your life. If I do so, you won’t become miserable.”

It was a tremendous and dumbfounding suggestion that was only beneficial for her, which was hard to believe. Azriel asked again in confusion. “Would you be okay with it, Rhema?”

“You don’t have to worry about my interference. Once I make a vow, I won’t be able to come near you even if I wanted to.”

“No, that’s not what I meant… Is there nothing you want from me, Rhema?” Rhema, again, had a strange expression on his face. “You ask the same question you asked when you were young,” he observed.

“Have I asked the same thing before?”

“Yes.”

“How did you answer me back then?”

“I said it’s my wish to watch you grow up, but it’s different now. I’ll be okay if I don’t know how you grow up.”

“Then, you don’t want anything? You’re saying I should abandon you when you’re no longer needed after taking everything. Are you sure that’s enough for you?”

“Yes. I just want Azriel, you to be happy somewhere I don’t know.” It was an incomprehensible statement. Azriel became confused and pressed her forehead. “Why shouldn’t you know me? Wouldn’t that be lonely? Can’t I be happy somewhere near you?” At an unexpected question, emotions completely disappeared from Rhema’s face. Just like that, he silently looked at Azriel for a long time. His still face was beautiful yet terrifying that she gradually became scared. She recalled that he literally turned the Colte family into dust.

‘Was it a question I’m not supposed to ask? But it’s too strange that he will give me anything without asking for anything in return.’ By the time Azriel started plucking the hem of her gown out of nervousness, he opened his mouth. It was a plain and dry tone like reading a book. “The closer you get to me, the more sorrowful your grief will be.”