When the plot-skips players into the game world

"Are you a newly minted journalist?"

After journalist Dimitri had somewhat filled his stomach, Aiwass initiated the conversation with this question.

"Yes, Mr. Moriarty!"

Dimitri replied respectfully and excitedly, "It's all thanks to you!"

He was holding a glass of wine in his hand, and his cheeks were already slightly reddened.

"For someone like me, becoming a journalist was nearly impossible... Journalism is a sacred and highly demanding profession, and I clearly wasn't cut out for it."

As Dimitri spoke, he seemed to deflate a bit. But he quickly regained his spirit, "But it's because I took that photo for you—I mean, I will definitely prove my worth with all my effort!"

"You will be a good journalist."

Aiwass encouraged him in a warm voice, "Because you always have a deep respect for the profession of 'journalist' in your heart. Only if you truly want to be a good journalist, only if you personally embark on this path, will you have the determination and persistence to overcome the various challenges along the way, and only then will you possibly continue, persist to the end, and ultimately reach the summit."

His fingers were interlaced, forming a pyramid in front of him.

And Dimitri became even more invigorated, "I'll work hard, Mr. Moriarty!"

"I have high hopes for you."

As Aiwass spoke, he lowered his voice, "You know, Dimitri..."

Upon hearing this, Dimitri unconsciously shrank his neck and showed a look of rapt attention, "Please tell me."

This was not an act; it was genuine eagerness from within.

From a young age, Dimitri had a talent for "reading the room." Even though he wasn't much educated, he always managed to establish good relationships—because he was exceptionally good at listening. People felt comfortable talking with him.

This was also why, with only a primary school education, he had the opportunity to become a photographer for the Glass Staircase Daily—because while working at another newspaper, he was brought in by another photographer as an assistant, gradually learning and mastering outstanding photographic skills.

"Master Yanis will be leaving Avalon soon."

Aiwass spoke softly, "Who do you think will take over the newspaper after he leaves?"

Upon hearing Aiwass's words, Dimitri felt a tightness in his heart.

He realized the potential significance of his own response.

Perhaps because he had drunk too much, he felt a dreamy illusion in the depths of his cottony brain as if Aiwass would say next, "You could take over the newspaper." But his rational mind was furiously objecting, "That's completely impossible," which brought him back to his senses before he could become too inflated.

What was more likely was that Minister Moriarty expected him to offer a suggestion.

The person he recommended might well become the successor to Master Yanis, the controller of the newspaper.

"...I think Editor-in-Chief Randall is a good choice."

Dimitri spoke in a low voice, almost whispering.

Perhaps it was due to that desire suppressed by rationality, his voice sounded slightly hoarse.

"Is that so?"

Aiwass remained noncommittal.

And Dimitri continued, "He's the most senior editor in the newspaper, and was among the first group of people Master Yanis recruited. Those from that batch have either died or retired... Only Mr. Randall remains, undoubtedly the most qualified person to succeed Master Yanis."

"What about your true feelings?" Aiwass's mouth curved up slightly.

"...And most importantly, he's the one who promoted me to be a journalist,"

Dimitri paused for a moment, then added softly.

"Is that so."

Aiwass propped his chin with one hand, casually remarking, "But I don't think he's a good choice."

Seeing the higher-up who was close to him immediately ruled out by Aiwass, Dimitri couldn't help feeling disappointed, but he swiftly pushed it aside and instead explored quietly, "Then whom do you support?"

"—You."

Aiwass said softly.

As Dimitri's heart skipped a beat at these words, Aiwass continued, "Have you considered yourself?"

"...I have."

Dimitri's excitement settled, and he exhaled truthfully, "Of course, I've had those fantasies, and I was excited for a moment... But that's all they were, fantasies. Because I know that I have too little to offer..."

As he spoke, he became increasingly disheartened, "And at my age... although it's not that great, I don't have the time to learn anew. I need to focus on my job after all."

"How did you learn photography then?"

Aiwass said quietly, his voice seemingly carrying a subtle, persuasive undertone, "You were able to learn photography before, and now you're trying to be a journalist. Why can't you become an editor in the future?"

"Mr. Moriarty, don't joke with me,"

Dimitri complained, his face grim, "It would be troubling if I let myself harbor improper fantasies."

Aiwass chuckled lightly, "Wouldn't that be just right?"

"...What?"

Dimitri was startled inside.

But Aiwass only said this, "I'm not joking, I'm serious. After Master Yanis leaves, I will nominate you to become the editor-in-chief of the Glass Staircase Daily.

"Of course, I won't give you the position of president—the organization experience isn't there for you, and starting from scratch would be too much trouble."

——Editor-in-chief!?

Dimitri's mouth fell open. He wanted to exclaim in surprise but rationality suppressed the tumultuous thoughts in his heart, and he barely managed to control himself.

"I..."

...Can I really do it?

He hadn't spoken this thought aloud when he suddenly bit his tongue hard, even tasting blood.

Suppressing his wildly pounding heart, he said with utmost seriousness, "I will definitely do well! Absolutely will not let down your recognition!"

Dimitri knew this was not the time for modesty or humility—Aiwass Moriarty held a high status, he had plenty of people to choose from, he would never coax someone like him.

So, he must not step back now, must not show any unwillingness!

Once he missed this opportunity, it would never come again!

"You know, Master Yanis is His Majesty's teacher. So while she's here, the Glass Staircase Daily has always protected His Majesty. Now that she's about to leave, it's inevitable to worry what will become of the Glass Staircase Daily after her departure."

Aiwass spoke leisurely, "Do you know what the glass staircase stands for, Dimitri?"

"...It's that step when entering the Round Table Hall."

After a moment's contemplation, Dimitri answered, "It's designed for the knights to walk slower, to be cautious and careful."

"Maybe that's the purpose now."

Aiwass laughed softly, "But it wasn't like that at all in the beginning—how could Lancelot I, who founded the nation on bravery, fear those knights who were even younger than him? As the only surviving veteran from the Giants' War with distinguished service, the ultimate king of the Path of Authority, how could he use such a method to make the knights show humility?"

"It is...?"

Dimitri, the journalist, hesitated.

"—The answer is, the glass staircase of Avalon symbolizes the absolute control and confidence of a monarch."

Aiwass answered, "He had absolute confidence to protect these incredibly fragile and beautiful things, because he was Lancelot I. Just because of that, no one dared to act out of line before him..."

The young man with radiant platinum blonde hair had a profound look in his eyes.

Dimitri lifted his head to look at Aiwass and the night scene behind him.

The twilight was deepening outside the window, the stars barely visible. The semi-translucent crescent moon already rose high in a night sky still touched with twilight.

Despite being much younger, Dimitri felt as if he was speaking to an elder and felt great pressure.

"It's so fragile, it shatters with a touch. Yet, since its founding, no one has dared to touch it. It still exists intact, never once repaired. What does this come from, is it because the Silver-Crowned Dragon made it sturdier?

"No, it's because people are always cautious. Because the 'glass staircase' is the symbol of Avalon's monarchy, an invisible chain that leads the elephant. It's the most important symbol at the beginning of Avalon's foundation—stronger than the scepter, stronger than the sword, and even stronger than the crown."
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Aiwass said softly, "Now you know why Yanis named your paper 'Glass Staircase Daily.'

"You are so fragile, a single blow could shatter you—among you, there are not even a few Transcendents. But no one dares to touch you. Because you represent another 'glass staircase.'

"So you..."

Dimitri's heart lifted.

He vaguely realized something.

—If the symbol of the "glass staircase" was so clear, then why would Aiwass let someone like him who knows nothing and is only passable in loyalty and earnestness become the editor-in-chief?

As expected, Aiwass next spoke words that nearly stopped Dimitri's heart—

"But Isabel doesn't have the inclination toward the Path of Authority. She can't protect the glass staircase because it was never meant to be hers.

"Avalon will no longer be the country of Authority. That fragile and grand, precarious, easily shattered glass staircase... should be smashed."

Aiwass leaned back in his chair, his gaze profound, "What belongs to her, she will receive. But it will not be inherited from Lancelot... that glass staircase which always made her walk on eggshells, fearful and anxious.

"This Avalon is Isabel's. Not Du Lac's Avalon. Do you understand this principle?

"—Mr. Dimitri."

Aiwass's tone was gentle, yet so sharp and heavy that Dimitri dared not utter a word in response.

He gazed in astonishment at Aiwass. But he didn't even know why he felt fear or what Aiwass's actions signified... He only vaguely sensed that Aiwass seemed to be about to change the entirety of Avalon.

Authority of the country, its law unchanged for all eternity—

This too was the glass staircase embedded in his heart.

Even though he had not received much education, nor had he read many books, that concept was still branded in his heart. Just like the knights who had forgotten why the glass staircase existed, yet still always dared not destroy it.

Just then, a sudden scream came from outside the window.

"There's a wolf—"

"It's a Werewolf! Run for your lives!"

Immediately after, cries of alarm, sounds of fighting, and gunshots erupted together, and the clear, distinctive cry of a Gryphon accompanied by Thunder descended promptly. The chaos outside made Aiwass turn to look out the window, and only then did Dimitri manage to take a deep breath of relief.

Only then did he realize he was completely drenched in sweat.