Chapter 44: Understanding and Misunderstanding

Faith is merely an optional thing to the gods.

He had encountered several priests of Fener, the Five-tusked Boar who presided over summer, who had lost its favor in the past. Even then, with the black rune lines still stark upon their bodies, they were, in essence, no different from discarded slaves, forsaken by their master.

The only certainty is that long before the Empire was established, many Ascendants had set foot in this Warren.

Salser frowned as he looked at the doll in front of him.

"Then, let me pose another question," he said, his gaze fixed on the doll's emotionless eyes. "Ms. Doll, or perhaps I should address you as the esteemed favored one of the Moon Goddess. I've been informed by Prinn that the wanderers in the city of Zobeide ceaselessly construct that city in their pursuit of you. Now, could you enlighten me as to our current location?"

"Hmm, perhaps... in my memories?" she tilted her head, seemingly puzzled.

Talking to her was really exhausting.

It wasn't the same kind of exhaustion as talking to Jeanne—the Inquisitor could understand what he was saying, but this doll did not possess an ordinary mind. Although she appeared normal, her way of thinking was completely different from that of a dark wizard. From what he could observe, this doll had indeed read the memories of many people, and perhaps she knew everything that happened outside without ever leaving her place, but that didn't mean she understood those people's memories.

She was merely trying to express herself in a way that humans could understand.

"Might I venture outside for a brief inspection?"

"If you wish, Mr. Dark Wizard."

Salser descended the moss-laden stone steps, illuminated by the moonlight, leading to the garden beyond the wooden house. The surrounding branches and vines were a misty gray-green, reminiscent of ash. Amidst the black spruce, scattered white lilies lay, akin to fireflies upon a lake, yet they appeared pale and dim, as though the flowers had succumbed to withering and fading. The garden lay vacant and silent, the air redolent with the frigid desolation of prolonged neglect.

A thin layer of mist lay beneath his feet, like ghosts.

Beyond the garden fence stretched a starless expanse of night sky, merging seamlessly with an endless dark lake. The lake's surface was as smooth as a mirror, faintly revealing a deep blue. The moon and the garden's reflection shimmered upon the water, blurring the line between where the sky ended and the water began.

The doll seemed to have no sense of leading the way or initiating conversation, simply following him silently.

Salser opened his hand and threw a snake-like flame into the lake. Ripples spread across the water, and the moon's reflection twisted and turned like a golden snake on the gleaming waves.

"Does this place bear any physical connection to the city of Zobeide? Or—might you shed some light on the nature of this world?" After pondering, he posed the question with a deliberate ambiguity.

"What I comprehend is that in the realm of dreams, distance is not an absolute notion. This world is both distant and intertwined, with individuals frequently traversing it in their slumber. Ancient deities sometimes stroll here as well, whimsically stirring the lost souls of wanderers. As an immortal, time holds no significance for me. Only the memories of visitors have the power to touch my soul. Additionally, for reasons unknown, your soul appears to be less susceptible to the influence of the gods."

In other words, there is no physical connection to speak of, Salser thought.

It seems that those wandering in the city can only continue to wander until the end of time.

"Such is the recompense for extensive study of Outer Gods," Salser remarked, offering her a bow. "Your manner of speech closely resembles that of the prophets. I hold them in esteem personally, though their words frequently elude my comprehension."

A dark red demon's bow was hardly a pleasant sight.

However, the doll clapped her hands very kindly, showing no sign of what she intended to express.

"Please allow me to press on with my inquiries," he said, "does every creature that enters this Warren ultimately find themselves here, in your presence?"

"Typically, it is only humans who visit, but occasionally there are other similar species, though not all of them."

"Like the Moranths?" He didn't pay much attention to the details. 

"Hmm, having glimpsed the memories of some guests, I've noticed that they are not particularly endearing creatures, and... the followers of the God typically do not operate in Cloudmist forest."

The Dark wizard didn't want to comment on the doll's tastes, but she seemed to know more than he imagined.

Salser stared at the doll for a while: "How many people's memories have you read so far?"

"Five hundred years after the destruction of your First Empire, I accompanied the God in departing from the hunters' dreams, and to this day, every decade, I witness at least ten outsiders intruding into this realm through the dungeon."

It seems that this doll is a living history book, just like those Ascendants. Perhaps she knows even more than the Ascendants. But some gods seem to have many agreements with her, making it difficult to open this book smoothly. Salser frowned, thinking that if he forcibly opened this book, who knows what fate he would encounter.

This doll had lived through most of human history from the first empire to the present, and perhaps she would continue to live forever. According to the doll's words, it was not just him who has come here—even the gods who had set foot here were not just Hood.

Salser decided to be a bit more respectful.

Just like the other day when he concocted Thales's oil—summoning a night terror only to have Jeanne chop it to death, subsequently grinding the creature's facial tentacles and horns into the potion—it's better not to do such things here.

Thinking of this, Salser paused, as if remembering something particularly important:

"So, Ms. Doll, within your memories, is it a common occurrence for someone to unexpectedly find themselves in this place? I would not wish, upon my next misadventure at sea, to inadvertently lead Jeanne to her drown by drawing me here, thereby consigning myself to a watery grave as well."

"Hmm... typically, it's merely a divine summons the first time. Subsequent visits are simply because I desire to converse with someone, as I do now with you, Mr. Dark Wizard."

"So, this is your own initiative?"

"Indeed, beyond engaging in discourse with various guests, I undertake no other actions, as such is the very reason for my creation."

"And what about being loved?"

"I do not believe I possess that function, yet when loved, I experience a sense of satisfaction. If that is indeed what satisfaction entails."

"Hopefully," Salser said indifferently, shrugging his shoulders, "the crux of the matter is whether you can discern the appropriate moments to summon guests, and if you can determine—when their arrival is fitting, and when it is not?"

"Your thoughts remain somewhat opaque to me, even after perusing your memories," the doll spoke deliberately, her gaze fixed upon him. "However, should the occasion arise—when your beloved faces peril—I shall send you to her side, Mr. Dark Wizard. I am privy to all that transpires within this dream realm."

"Oh, thanks..." Salser said, frowning, "Wait, by what vision of yours did you perceive her as my beloved!?"

The doll tilted her head slightly, puzzled by the disagreement between her and the Dark wizard.

After a moment of silence.

"Amantium irae amoris integratio est (Lovers' quarrels renew their love)," she said in Latin, with an accent similar to Salser's. "I read this from your memory, Mr. Dark Wizard."

"Are you sure you understand what that means?" Salser's eyebrows knitted together.

"Credo ut intellegam (I believe in order to understand)."

"My memories are not your library. Don't just pluck a sentence out and use it to argue with me!"

The doll's expression remained as calm as ever, but her gaze became increasingly confused.

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