A conversation in the Emerald City (1)

A Golem Guardian stood before the castle's main entrance. The instant Neph saw him, her expression turned strange.

According to Cattleya, the Golem Guardian would test visitors with a question. Only those who answered correctly could enter; otherwise, he would attack.

Neph had initially had little interest in solving riddles, so Cattleya had offered her a second option.

As long as she stood here, Bernadette would notice her and bring her inside.

But, but...

This golem...

Neph tilted her head back to look at him. The golem stood nearly ten meters tall and resembled a lion, except that he had a human face.

Could this be the Sphinx?

Neph stood there blankly. Before long, Pea Vines descended before her, accompanied by Bernadette. The queen wore a collared white shirt with an indigo tie, a matching jacket, a dark gray skirt reaching her calves, and black leather boots.

The unusually modern clothing left Neph visibly surprised. Then she noticed that Bernadette was deliberately avoiding looking at her. After a moment's thought, she said:

"I should be able to rein in the abnormalities surrounding me now. You don't need to worry."

Only then did Bernadette raise her head. Her eyes were the color of the sea, with a deep light flowing through them. Then Neph caught a glimpse of astonishment that she could not conceal.

She's become a demigod? When I saw her four months ago, she should still have been Sequence 6. Even with the Acting Method, advancing this quickly would be impossible... She must be the God of Winter's child!

Bernadette took a deep breath and lowered her head under Neph's curious gaze, saying:

"Please follow me."

Neph followed her. As they approached the golem, the towering guardian showed no leniency even to his mistress. He lowered his head and