Alfred and Byrne got into the car together. They had a great deal to do and could not stay away for too long.
After the car drove out of Allen Manor, Byrne asked:
"Were you nervous just now?"
"There were twists and thrills along the way, but the outcome was as expected."
"I feel rather like I'm dreaming. I witnessed a deity's restoration with my own eyes, and I haven't gone blind."
As he spoke, Byrne even made a point of rubbing his eyes.
"So the outcome was already decided then. If Kevin had really wanted to stage a god's return, he wouldn't have deliberately restrained his divine might and divinity to such an extent;
otherwise, apart from Puer and the young master, everyone present would have gone blind.
A god cannot be looked upon directly.
When he was willing to let us see him, it meant he wasn't treating himself as a god."
"So that's how it was."
"I said he would be an exception. Well, he did indeed become one. For him, becoming a god was only ever a means, never an end."
"That's a novel way of putting it."
"I intend to dedicate a separate volume to him in my 'New Light of Order.'"
"I originally thought that was a privilege you had reserved for yourself."
"Within the bounds of what circumstances allow, I don't mind securing more exposure and presence for myself. But he is, after all, the first deity under the young master's command. He naturally deserves such treatment."
"What about his place in the mural?"
"He has the appearance of a pet, after all. He won't take up an attendant's place or block the people beside him. It's fine."
Byrne switched on the car stereo, and a soothing love song played.
As he listened,