As I walked toward the elevator located beside the Grand Library, a security guard stepped forward and opened the door with a respectful bow.
"My Eternal Lord, please have a pleasant journey," he said, his voice heavy with reverence.
He remained bowed, never daring to raise his head until I had entered the elevator and descended toward the lower levels.
The 'Information Bureau' was located at the very bottom of the castle. Spanning over 12 meters in depth, it was a vast complex divided into 'twelve primary sectors', each branching further into sub-sectors.
Sector 1: Affairs related to the Royal Palace
Sector 2: Behavioral reports concerning the army and internal security
Sector 3: Criminal investigations and citizen-related offenses
Sector 4: Internal political or social conflicts
Sector 5: Cultural heritage preservation and administrative efficiency
Sector 6: (Undisclosed)
Sector 7: (Undisclosed)
Sector 8: (Undisclosed)
Sector 9: Astronomical research and space observation
Sector 10: National health and food safety monitorin.
Sector 11: Border disputes and territorial intelligence
Sector 12: International diplomacy and foreign affairs
Beyond these, there existed one highly classified sector a chamber few even knew existed. Hidden deep within the archives, it was managed by only a handful of trusted individuals. Its purpose: to safeguard 'ancient texts and prophecies' too dangerous or mysterious to reveal to the public.
Even saints and some angels were denied access to these scrolls. It was said that a single line from these ancient writings could shatter global order and plunge nations into chaos.
Some ancient texts are so potent that even a single line could cause worldwide instability and chaos.
This highly confidential section was once overseen by my great-great-great-great-grandfather, Olwen Frozenlight, until his death brought on by the very curse of his divine gift: a frozen heart.
But today, my task lies not in prophecy, but in Sectors 3 and 4.
Though I have ascended to godhood, I haven't fully let go of my mortal nature. With the next full moon approaching the moment when I'll lose one of my human emotions I want to savor whatever humanity remains in me.
My life has always been cold. If not for my elder brother, whose kindness and genuine smile brought rare warmth into my world, I would know only fear and reverence from others. The smiles I see are either exaggerated or carefully crafted masks. They only show sincerity when it concerns their own gain.
At Sector 3, Sub-Sector 8, the heads of Sectors 3 and 4, Nicolas and Inna, were preparing for a presentation. As I entered, they immediately paused their work, bowed in unison, and said:
"Everything is ready, My Eternal Lord."
"Begin the presentation,"
I said calmly, taking my seat upon the Throne of Honour.
.....
(POV: INNA)
As Nicolas began his presentation, I found myself unable to meet the eyes of our god directly.
The very moment he entered the room, the atmosphere changed completely. The already cold air became even more frigid, pressing against my skin like invisible frost. I shivered instinctively, despite my training.
I had met the Lord before his ascension to the throne. He was kind… and achingly lonely. Born with divine blood, he was isolated from a young age and subjected to a harsh and disciplined education. He never knew the joys of childhood. And ever since he reached late adolescence, the cold, eerie aura surrounding him only grew stronger almost unbearable at times.
Yet, despite the fear that presence instilled, his face elegant and unearthly and that piercing gaze still carried a strange warmth. A contradiction only a god could embody.
Humans are peculiar beings. We sometimes feel emotions so ridiculous, so conflicting, that we can't even name them.
I was pulled from my thoughts by Nicolas's steady, professional voice.
"As Your Holiness knows, the Slumber Pit Village lies at the very edge of our kingdom, bordering the Sea of Unity…"
"Over the past week, people from Slumber Pit Village and surrounding settlements have begun to vanish," Nicolas reported, his voice steady as he flipped through a few pages.
"Sectors 3 and 4 have been collaborating on this case. During our investigation, we uncovered several strange elements."
He paused, then continued.
"One villager claimed to have witnessed shadowy figures abducting children and young women, leading them toward the convergence point between Slumber Pit and the Sea of Unity."
Nicolas, ever the seasoned professional, spoke with clarity and precision his breath controlled, his delivery flawless.
"We followed the lead, but all we found were bloodstains on the ground. No bodies. No traces. As if they had vaporized at the point of convergence."
He took a short breath and added, "We then requested assistance from the youngest Saint Samuel. Upon inspection, he detected the faint scent of divine energy specifically demonic in origin."
"He believes it doesn't exceed the Saint Grade, but the divinity used to mask it was unusually refined. Even he struggled to identify it."
"Her divine mother, believes this will serve as valuable experience for our Lord. She has advised us not to interfere too deeply."
Nicolas hesitated, about to mention their contingency plan.
"However, we are preparing to dispatch Grand General Night if it's necessary"
Before he could finish, His Holiness raised a hand, cutting him off with a cold and composed voice.
"Send word to the First Marshal. Have him stationed at the Lily Valley border. Tell him to wait for further orders. I'll handle this matter personally with your lord Raka."
His eyes narrowed. "We have no time to waste.".
"When did the villager report the incident?"
This time, I stepped forward, voice trembling slightly despite my best efforts.
"Yesterday, at 23:00 moon. We deployed an investigation unit at 01:07 sun."
( Moon= 4 pm to 4 am, Sun= 4 am to 4pm)
"Send a message to the Escort Division. Prepare the teleportation gateway. We depart in ten minutes".
His Holiness commanded, rising gracefully from the Seat of Honour. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the exit, his presence lingering like a biting chill in the air.
Nicolas and I bowed low in unison.
As the grand doors closed behind our god, a sudden thud echoed behind me.
Thump.
"Huff!"
I turned sharply Nicolas had collapsed, clutching his chest, his face contorted in pain.
I rushed to his side, supporting him as he struggled for breath.
"Never gaze upon a deity without his permission," he wheezed, a strained chuckle escaping his lips.
"Our Lord… he'll become a full divinity within seven days. I just... I just wanted to see his eyes one last time... Ughh..."
" Those clam and cold eyes..."
His breathing grew heavier, but even through the strain, he managed a weak smile.
"His Holiness's eyes already hold enough divinity to freeze half the kingdom".
Then, in a whisper laced with reverence, he murmured,
"Hail the Lord… Praise the Lord of Ice… May the Lord bless us..."
Almost instinctively, I found myself echoing the sacred words under my breath.
"May the Ice bless you"