Milaris listened quietly as Sol exposed and explained his plan while telling her what he needed her to do.
“You need me for my ability to mass produce.”
“Indeed.”
Milaris's power relied on art. But that art could gain something akin to sentience itself and be used to create even more art.
One could say that this was a very magical version of the A.I Theresa was developing.
Of course, there were other reasons why he wanted her.
"While I doubt anyone in my army will be stupid enough to become a traitor, you never know what can happen."
As surprising as it may sound, in this world, there were rare cases of traitors during the war.
Sol could understand why. After all, each race was so different, and almost all the countries, outside of Lustburg, were pretty xenophobic.
There was simply no interest in switching sides. At least not when it came to war between countries.
'But everything is possible.'
The war this time wasn't just a simple skirmish. It was a war for conquest and the goal was to occupy and control the lands of the other.
"It seems like, despite what you said, the Betrayal of Gerald left a mark."
"Obviously. Once bitten, twice shy."
"But then…Why don't you doubt those close to you? Can you say without the slightest doubt that they won't betray you as Gerald did?"
Arachne closed her mouth shut after those words spilled from her mouth. No matter what kind of discussion they were having, she knew that she had stepped beyond her permission.
She wouldn't be able to complain if Sol chose to take her words as a form of incitement.
She sighed, knowing full well that she would face retaliation soon but surprisingly, all Sol did was show her a boyish smile.
"I trust them with my life."
There was one reality that one needed to keep in mind to form a solid relationship.
Never trust anyone easily. Test them, observe them, and make sure that you know everything you need to know to make sure they will not backstab you.
But — Once you decide to give your trust, you need to do so fully.
A relationship that was filled with doubt was a relationship that would never work in the long run.
"I trust all of them and I know that they would be ready to die for me."
Arachne wanted to scoff but the fact that she knew this was in no way an exaggeration made her a little speechless.
"I guess you do have good women."
"That I do."
Sol smiled and nodded, "Well, I am still waiting for your answer. I think I said everything I needed to but you can think about it later."
"What is the Deadline?"
"Tonight. We are in a race against time and every minute is precious."
"Then you do not need to wait. I will accept."
Milaris was intrigued. There was no way she would not jump on such a ship.
"I already participated in the creation of the Golems so there is no reason to stop here."
"Are you sure? I will need your full attention for this. Once this starts you will not have much contact with the outside world for a while, will your family be alright without you?"
"Do not worry. My Contracted partner will take care of the family in my absence and my successor should start getting her feet wet either way."
Sol raised an eyebrow, "You must be quite confident in her."
Even Athena could only participate in some of the reunions in the absence of Tyr. Most of the time, Tyr would be the one to observe.
"Tyr is just a worrywart who cannot let his dear granddaughter fly on her own without babying her. I have no such compulsion."
Arachne did not particularly care about her successor. She was just a relative and the one who showed the most skill and talent as well as potential to become a Duke rank in her twenties or thirties.
For humans, becoming a Duke even in your eighties was already proof of high talent. Since more than 99% of people in the world would never even come close to this.
Not everyone was a monster who saw Dukes as only a step towards more power.
Sol could see the indifference in Arachne's eyes and couldn't help but ask even though he knew he was also overstepping his ground.
"Do you plan to never marry?"
Arachne looked at him quietly before smiling.
"I am happy as I am."
Sol could see it in her eyes and her expression. She was truly happy as she was.
"I already felt the greatest love possible. No man in the world managed to make me feel the same and there will never be."
Her words were steadfast. Her mind was serene. She knew many people looked at her with pity but in reality, she felt like they were the pitiful ones.
"You should be able to understand this more than anyone. Sometimes love is just a transient feeling. But the love I feel is eternal. Until I draw my last breath, he will always be my muse."
She looked at the painting all around her with warmth in her eyes. But Sol could see it.
A level of Madness that was no different from what women like Nefertiti, Skuld, or Milia felt for him.
"Even though he never reciprocated? Even though he would wish for you to forget him and turn the page?"
Milaris shook her head, "Do you think that if you were to die your woman would settle down with someone else?"
Rather than answering, Milaris asked a simple question. But in a way, this was perhaps the greatest answer.
Sol was speechless and could only give a bitter smile, "I do not know."
He knew.
He was pretty sure that if he were to die, most of his women would simply suicide to follow him in death or never forget him like what was happening with Arachne.
It was scary to think about. After all, most of his women were beings who could live nearly eternally.
Just imagining them never forgetting him for eons made him feel sick
This was one of the reasons why Sol made so many plans lately and wished for even more power.
—His life had ceased to be his own for a very long time.
"I am sorry. I asked questions I have no right to ask."
"Apologies accepted. Let's just say the two of us stepped too much forward. I also apologize for my constant remarks about Gerald."
"I am good."
Silence fell and the two couldn't help but become a little awkward.
They have never truly been friendly with each other and there were too many cracks for them to become close now.
Even then, there was one thing Arachne wanted to say.
"Do you remember? When we visited Camelia during that dinner what I said to you before I left."
Sol had a very good memory so it was easy for him,
"You said that if I did not want to be treated like a child, I should leave the skirt of my aunt and that I wasn't even a hundredth of the man my father was."
Arachne smiled, "For what it's worth. I would like to apologize for those words."
She touched her painting, "No one will either replace Mars as far as I am concerned. But I acted like an immature child and spit my resentment on you."
She closed her eyes, "Your Highness. You will never be Mars and in the first place, you never needed to be. I am sure that, after this war, the world will recognize one thing."
She laughed lightly,
"You are not the Son of the Hero King. You are simply you. You are Sol Luxuria, the King of Luxuria and a powerhouse that will forever change this world."
Her voice was calm even as she voiced this reality.
Slowly, Mars would fade from the memories as the image of Sol will replace it in the minds of everyone.
'It's pretty sad.'
As such, she would continue to remember him.
So that at least one person in this world continues to keep him in their heart.
As for what would happen after she died…
Well, it wouldn't be her problem anymore, would it?
(AN: The events that she is speaking about happened during ch 14: The saint isn't that saintly. We have come a long way since then and we still have much to do.)
