บท 79: Chapter 79

"Where am I?"

Maricata's consciousness gradually coalesced, and under the power of heaven, her memories began to return.

"I remember... I was dead. And then, torn apart at the end... but now..."

As her memory returned, she recalled how she died. She had agreed to the Red King's request to study forbidden knowledge in pursuit of an 'eternal dreamland.' He had described a completely perfect world without hunger, disease, pain, or war. Initially, she did not believe such a world could exist, but the people of her nation all desired it deeply, and their hopeful eyes persuaded her to agree.

Banished to the earth, Maricata wielded the power of her fairy ancestors. She knew where the 'virtual realm power' was sealed by the laws of heaven. This force was the enemy of heavenly law—a taboo. She knew that opening the seal meant a death sentence, and she accepted it willingly, hoping her death would protect her people from heaven's wrath.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed after her death, but eventually, her consciousness had reawakened—a result of the abyss's power. Whether it was to atone for her sins or to save the people of this land, she gathered all the divine power that remained and transformed into a divine bird to lead the survivors to safety.

In the end, she returned to her birthplace, drank the remaining "pure water," and tore apart the divine bird's body, scattering her aura across the land to purify the abyssal power. Her consciousness was torn into countless fragments, and she thought her existence had ended.

Yet here she was—alive again—as if being reborn. Her senses were returning, her body reformed. Slowly, she opened her eyes, confusion evident.

Before her stood a young man radiating an aura of supremacy, with an original power emanating from behind him. The natural connection to her demonic origin made it clear—this man was the embodiment of the heavenly law.

Before she could speak, information flooded her mind: Phanes, the First Throne, had fallen, and now stood this new throne with power surpassing even that of Phanes.

She passively absorbed the torrent of information until the voice of the new Throne brought her back to reality.

"Descendant of the fairy clan, Flower God, Nabu Maricata. You are wise; you should understand my will." His voice resonated.

"However, the fairy clan originally bore the sin of betraying the First Throne twice. You know this, don't you?"

Maricata felt the earth beneath her feet, the sensation a reminder of the beauty of life. She looked down and responded to the new Throne's judgment.

"Yes, I understand, Lord of Heaven," she said, her voice soft like a lark's song. Her waist-length hair, adorned with delicate flowers, and her clothes, transformed by divine power, appeared as if crafted from petals.

Maricata understood clearly what the new Throne meant by 'original sin.'

The fairies had betrayed the First Throne twice—once when the leader of the Four Spirits had joined the March Goddess, an enemy of Phanes, and again when Maricata had opened the gate that sealed the 'virtual realm power.' She knew her wisdom was no less than that of the Great Dendro Archon, and she was very aware of the seriousness of her actions.

Takumi looked at the Flower God, who bowed her head, resigned to whatever he chose to do with her.

"If I lift the curse on the fairy clan, can you guarantee that 'Heavenly Law' will not be betrayed a third time?" Takumi said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of authority. "I hate betrayers even more than Phanes."

Maricata's eyes widened in shock. The curse... lifted? She looked at Takumi, disbelief and hope battling within her, and quickly understood—he was offering a chance. Without hesitation, she fell to her knees, her voice filled with humility.

"Great Heavenly Law, if any among the fairy clan should even harbor thoughts of betrayal, let our entire clan be wiped from existence," she vowed.

Takumi nodded approvingly. "Good. Remember what you have promised. From this moment, should even one fairy betray me, I will eradicate your entire clan."

The 'Original Dharma Ring' glowed behind him, and at that moment, the curse placed on the fairy clan dissolved. The promise Maricata made to the new Throne was imprinted on the minds of every surviving fairy.

Takumi, having fulfilled his task, took Istaru with him, leaving the sea of flowers and nectar for Fontaine.

Not long after Takumi and Yae Miko departed, Flower Spirits began emerging from their hiding places, drawn by Maricata's return. The memory from their birth told them that the resurrected goddess was indeed their "Mistress of Flowers."

"Mistress of Flowers, are you truly back?" asked one of the flower spirits, her small voice trembling.

"I am Zur Yuan," said another, "the original flower spirit, and the grandmother of all flower spirits."

Maricata looked upon them, smiling gently. "Yes, little ones, it is I."

It felt as if time had turned back, and Maricata recalled those first years when she decided to stay with her people. Endless gratitude filled her heart—gratitude for the new Throne.

"Ah... Lord of the New Throne..."

---

In Fontaine.

This was the first stop for Takumi and his companions after crossing the desert. Fontaine stood atop the highest land in Teyvat. Despite its lofty location, it was an inland sea, with its borders surrounded by cascading waterfalls that poured thousands of meters below.

The only way to enter Fontaine was by taking a special lift, a ride that offered breathtaking views of the inland sea.

"Welcome aboard the Clementine to Fontaine cruise ship! I am Aibel, the driver and your part-time commentator," a cheerful voice greeted them. Aibel, a Melusine, was one of the many unique inhabitants of Fontaine.

Takumi eyed Aibel curiously. "No offense... I was just curious about your form," he explained.

Melusines were life forms born from Erinas, the first god-level abyssal alchemical creation. They were artificial beings that combined the power of the abyss and the "power of the light realm" of Teyvat—a marvel that piqued Takumi's interest.

"Guest! If you harm me, you'll have to face the Fontaine Arbitration Court! You better not cause trouble," Aibel warned, her eyes wide.

Takumi ignored her, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He saw the station of the patrol ship in the distance and grinned.

"Looks like I've got quite the welcoming committee. It feels like I'm getting the same treatment as the Traveler," he remarked, amusement in his voice.

Istaru looked over and sighed. "I doubt they're here to greet you, Takumi."

Takumi merely smiled, "I said they are, and that makes it true."

Istaru rolled her eyes. "Of course, whatever you say, Lord of Heaven."