Once again, laughter echoed through the resting zone, spreading naturally like ripples on water. It came from every direction—unrestrained, genuine, alive. Wherever humans gathered, there seemed to exist this particular atmosphere: a dense mixture of noise, motion, and warmth. Voices overlapped, merchants bargained loudly, children ran freely between carts, and groups shared simple meals as if scarcity itself could not erase their ability to smile.
Meruem stood among them, silent.
So this was humanity.
Were these truly the same humans Chairman Netero had once spoken of? The ones responsible for immeasurable suffering. Those who delighted in tormenting the lower classes. Those who ruled from palaces of stone and gold while countless others starved in the shadows. Humans who fed on the misery of their own kind, who found pleasure in domination and cruelty.
And yet… they laughed.
How could they smile so openly when their lives were still filled with poverty? How could joy survive amid injustice, hunger, and inequality? The contradiction gnawed at Meruem's mind. The more he observed them, the more humans ceased to be simple creatures of malice or weakness. They became something far more complex—far more troubling.
Intriguing.
The merchant city of Valmeris soon rose before them. It stretched wide beneath the afternoon light, a living crossroads carved from stone and trade. Known throughout the region, Valmeris had flourished through the commerce of crystalline mountain salt, a rare mineral harvested from nearby cliffs and traded across the continent. Its paved roads were perpetually crowded, filled with caravans, traders, and travelers from distant lands.
"Valmeris is one of the most renowned merchant cities in the area," Edrin explained as they approached the gates. "Its prosperity comes almost entirely from salt and mountain spices. Nearly everyone here is a trader in some form. Most belong to the middle class."
He paused, then smiled warmly.
"We're going to restock supplies. If you'd like to come with us, it would truly make us happy."
Komugi, walking quietly beside Meruem, lifted her head. Her face brightened instantly, her expression filled with gentle excitement.
"That would be nice, Sir Meruem… to walk around the city, I mean."
She hesitated, fidgeting slightly.
"I don't know you very well yet, but I've noticed you don't seem very familiar with the outside world…"
She inhaled, steadying herself.
"I'm not saying you know nothing, of course. But… I think accepting their invitation would be good."
Meruem regarded her for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze away.
"Very well. We will accompany them."
Then, more quietly, he added:
"Do not fear speaking to me."
Inside Komugi's mind, everything seemed to explode at once. Her thoughts collided, her heart raced, and warmth rushed to her cheeks.
"Y-yes, Sir Meruem… I'll be more careful…"
She smiled—soft, relieved, and sincere—as though a burden had just been lifted from her chest.
Meruem glanced at her.
"What is it?"
"N-no, nothing…" she replied quickly. "It's just that… you seem different. Compared to when we were at the palace, you're… different."
She hurried to clarify.
"In a good way. I promise."
Edrin approached them, clearly amused.
"You still call him 'Sir' or 'Your Majesty'?" he teased Komugi. "You know, he's more like a prince now."
His expression was curious, almost playful.
"I think I've always called him that," Komugi replied shyly.
Edrin then turned to the rest of the group.
"All right, everyone! Let's move. Remember—we meet back here before nightfall. We camp outside the city, then leave at dawn."
The group nodded and split up, each heading toward their assigned tasks. The city quickly swallowed them in its endless flow.
Edrin, Meruem, and Komugi stayed together. Their mission was clear: retrieve several rare books Edrin needed to deliver to a contact. Their destination lay at the heart of Valmeris.
As they walked through the bustling streets, Edrin pointed out the city's wares—colorful spice stalls, finely crafted weapons, and foods rich with unfamiliar aromas. Edrin and Komugi tasted several local specialties, laughing together. Meruem declined every offer.
He was watching.
Despite the appearance of prosperity, something felt wrong. In the narrower streets, away from the main roads, thin figures lingered. Adults and children alike, their bodies frail, their faces hollow with hunger.
"How can a city be called prosperous when so many suffer?" Meruem murmured.
Edrin followed his gaze and sighed.
"It's tragic… but it's the reality of humanity. There will always be those left behind by the cruelty of life."
He noticed Meruem discreetly wrap his tail around his waist, aware that his appearance could frighten the townsfolk.
Then they stopped.
Before them stood an enormous structure dominating the central plaza. White stone walls towered skyward, carved with ancient symbols. Massive steps led to a grand entrance that seemed to swallow the light itself.
The Astryx Grand Library.
And so, before this edifice whose magnitude matched its reputation.
What awaited them within those walls of knowledge and silence?
The answer lay beyond those doors—hidden among forgotten books and truths long buried.