[Vol. 9] Chapter 47: A Court of Stars
Moraya was straightforward by nature, so she simply nodded and said,
“I won’t deny it. In this world, maybe there is evil without reason, but there is never kindness without reason. Before receiving benefits from someone, you should always think about what you can give back. Only then can you clearly understand your place.”
“Miss Violet saved my life and even helped me gain such a rare chance. This is such a huge favor that I cannot think of any way to repay equally. So I don’t know what position I should take in front of you… It may sound unpleasant, but I believe it’s better to speak openly than to hide behind secret schemes. Don’t you agree?”
“......”
Violet didn’t answer right away. Instead, she quietly studied the snow girl who spoke so bluntly. Her silver-blue eyes carried no visible power, yet the way she looked made Moraya’s heart uneasy. Even the back she had just dried with magic started to sweat a little.
If she made things so clear, and if the priestess really had bad intentions, then the next moment they might fall out completely. Moraya’s power had grown greatly through the trial, but she had no doubt that this mysterious girl, suspected to be a god, could still kill her with one strike.
But even knowing the risk, she chose to speak. A favor was a favor, and resentment was resentment. Moraya didn’t want her heart to carry hidden doubts. Better to suffer short pain than long pain. Once she chose to trust someone, she would never doubt them again.
That was simply who Moraya Sinong was.
The two women’s eyes met in silence. It felt like a long time, yet also like a single instant. Suddenly, the priestess smiled with genuine amusement, and the crushing invisible pressure quietly faded away.
“You sure make life hard for yourself… If you really want a reason, it can be simple or it can be complicated. For example, the question you just asked, or everything I’ve done before, any of these could be the answer.”
“I’ve never liked playing at schemes. I don’t expect rewards for favors, and I take revenge right away if I’m wronged. To put it bluntly, just as you said yourself, now and in the future, maybe even for your whole life, you may never truly reach my level. We have no past ties, so the only reason for anything I’ve done is this.”
“—I felt like it. Because I think you’re interesting, and because I don’t find you unpleasant to look at. So I just gave you a hand. That’s all. I’ve done this many times, you’re not the first, and of course, probably won’t be the last either~”
“......”
Moraya stared at the priestess’s calm, almost careless face for a long time, as if trying to find even the smallest trace of falsehood. In the end, she simply relaxed a little and gave a bitter smile.
“Maybe it is tiring… but we still have to live, don’t we? You really do seem like a god just playing around in the mortal world.”
After this heartfelt sigh, she seemed to make up her mind. Raising her hand, palm upward, light gathered, and a strange token slowly floated out.
Though called a token, it was more like a beautifully carved work of art. Its whole body was as clear as jade, pure and flawless, with tiny lights inside that shone like countless stars. On its surface, graceful yet powerful strokes carved several mysterious characters.
The moment Violet saw those symbols, her heart trembled. She understood why Moraya had been so cautious.
The craftsmanship and material of the token were impressive, but what truly mattered was the writing carved on it. It was none other than the [Forbidden Words], something even Violet had only seen once before!
“This is…?”
“This was left behind by that one, specially given as a token to those who pass the trial. In the vision, They told me that completing the trial means joining Their organization. This token is not ordinary, it’s not just a treasure, but also the only item that proves one’s identity. Only members of the organization can have and recognize it. They warned me many times never to lose it, and never let outsiders see it by accident.”
“It holds very deep power. From the moment I finished the trial, it completely merged with my body and soul. As long as I don’t want to, no living being can take it from me.”
“I know my own limits well. This event was both a chance and a huge danger. Without Miss Violet’s help, I could never have passed the sudden trial. You’ve given me great kindness, and after thinking it over, maybe only this thing can serve as some form of repayment.”
“......”
Following the snow girl’s pale wrist as she offered it, Violet did not answer right away. She instinctively picked up the token, which was clear like neither metal nor jade, and quietly studied the bold carvings on it for a while.
The token felt smooth like jade, and holding it gave no special reaction. It seemed like nothing more than an ordinary object, at most made of rare material.
But Violet knew very well the truth was not so simple.
[Forbidden Words] cannot be spoken or written. Aside from the small tricks Violet herself had figured out, it can hardly be recorded or passed on in any way. Its very existence is the embodiment of a deep concept. The fact that this token could stably carry it already proved how extraordinary it was.
As for the meaning of the words carved on it. Although Moraya was the current holder, she likely couldn’t understand it right now. Or rather, she wasn’t allowed to yet. Violet, however, was different.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
[Star Palace]
Yes, only these two short words.
Without doubt, this was the name of an organization.
Violet turned the token to the other side. What appeared was a carving of three moons, one large and two small. Countless stars shone brightly, circling them at the center, yet also looking like chains binding something unknown. The scene was so vivid it felt alive, as if the endless stars and three moons of the primal land were carved into this tiny token itself.
Violet stayed silent for a moment, then raised her head to look at Moraya again, her expression calm once more.
“Did Octavier tell you anything else about the organization this token represents?”
The snow girl thought for a moment and said,
“Very little. I only know that this identity doesn’t conflict with my current situation, but it must never be revealed unless absolutely necessary. Also, it’s not just in our world, many other worlds have members of this organization active as well. Joining halfway like me doesn’t seem to be the first case either.”
“The organization seems both strict and very loose. Members don’t seem to know each other’s existence. They said I don’t need to deliberately do anything. When a certain time comes, the leader will naturally send an emissary to find me, and then I’ll just need to use the token to confirm my identity.”