A Transmigrator's Privilege

by Usui Takumii

not mine, wuxia world. Waiting for the translator to update.

11. 101 to 110

[System The connection with the 'The World-building God' has been lost.]

Do-Don't tell me…was I blocked? Ugh, I knew it would be like this. That's why I wanted to go with a moderate plan as much as possible.

['The Creative Business Manager' says that 'The World-building God' seems to be seriously pissed off.]

As I let out a deep sigh, Agnes, who was quick-witted, asked.

Why? Your lord doesn't like you being active in someone else's church?

"Yes…First of all, I need to relieve World God's heart. I wonder if I can get permission…"

It won't be easy.

Then a helping hand came down.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' says that there is a good way to use for that guy.]

"Really? What is it? Please tell me quickly!"

At my request, Libra immediately started talking about how to relieve World God's mood. I listened attentively from beginning to end.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' smiles happily and asks if you can really do it.]

"Absolutely. If it's for World God, anything."

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' looks at you with admiration.]

I jumped up and put the satchel bag on my shoulder.

"Agnes, I have something to do!"

What happened?

"Shopping, I'm going to buy a present."

When the space transfer was over, an alleyway that I had once visited opened in front of me.

I took familiar steps and entered an occult fortuneteller-like shop at the end of the street.

The VIP point shop I visited after a few months was the same as before.

Owner Grandma, who was on the other side of the store, greeted me with a scented candle smoking pipe.

"Welcome. Long time no see."

"Fine. How have you been?"

"Hoho, I'm glad that business is doing well these days. But you don't look that happy. Is your boyfriend too clingy?"

"As I said, I don't have a boyfriend."

After exchanging brief greetings, we started trading right away.

"Do you want to look around or are you looking for something?"

"I want to buy the 'Holy Grail of Ritual'."

"That is expensive. And the price varies widely depending on the options."

"…Are there any types available within 72,000 points?"

I wiped away all the remaining points I had with tears in my eyes.

"Hohohoho, then this would be perfect."

A huge jewel-encrusted golden chalice appeared in front of me.

Oh, Ellet. This is pretty.

Rather than the visuals, I looked at the options.

[Artifact '+6 Holy Grail of Ritual'

It is a holy grail used in sacred ceremonies. Starting from level 5, options are added with each level of success enhancement.

Current options effect:

(+5 Lv.) Toxic purification of drinks

(+6 Lv.) Improving the flavor of alcohol]

It is a pretty solid option and it would be useful in everyday life too.

I was struggling to rationalize my overspending, but God Grandma called for a mind-blowing price.

"72,000 points."

"What kind of price is so unreasonable? Please give me a little discount."

"No."

"You sold the floppy disk at a high price the other day. You gave me a second-hand item that was way more than half used."

"Ku-hum! A deal that has already been completed is not something to negotiate upon."

"…"

After staring at her for a long time without saying a word, the old lady gave way about half a step.

"I can't give you a discount. Instead, I'll give you a fortune as a service."

"A fortune telling?"

It was out of the blue, but not awkward. The store itself looked like a fortuneteller lair.

It sounds fun. Let's see. Let's see.

Agnes, who has a girlish taste, encouraged me, so I sat down, although I was not convinced of the results.

God Grandma took out a purple orb and pretended to rub it with both her hands.

"What do you want to see between money luck, love luck, or job luck? It's definitely love luck, right?"

"Job luck. I will be changing jobs soon."

"Yes, dating is important. If you have pink hair, you're a full-on Rofan."

"It's job luck."

"Let's see. The most handsome, kind, and clingy guy around you…"

"I won't watch it unless it's job luck."

"…In fact, I can only see love luck."

I got up from my seat.

"I'll come back later."

"Wait!"

I stopped at the urgent voice. God Grandma glared at her orb and earnestly said.

"There is an aura of conspiracy hanging over your handsome guy. At this rate, he might end up on a rough ride during the upcoming Harvest Festival!"

I responded calmly.

"I know everything because I'm a Transmigrator."

"…Hohohohoho."

"Why are you smiling like that?"

"There is a man who immediately comes to mind when you hear the word 'handsome'!"

"…I'm really going, goodbye."

"Yes. It doesn't seem like the time yet. Keep up the hard work of destroying the original. I'll check it again then."

"Yes, yes."

After answering half-heartedly, I left the store and came back to reality.

The feeling of floating disappeared and my body settled into a shabby room in the corner of The Vatican. I set the glittering chalice on top of the prayer platform.

Do you want to start right away?

"Yes, I'll take off my necklace for a moment."

It's hard to wear relics from other religions during our religious event.

That's too much.

"If you don't like it, will you convert?"

…

I thought she would talk back the other way around, but only silence returned. Hmm, is there room for conversion?

Anyway, I prepared for the ceremony.

Clugclugclug.

I filled the chalice with the remaining wine from the bottle I had drank before. As soon as it was poured, light flashed for a moment, and the color and scent of the liquor changed.

It seems that the effect of the 6th Lv. enhancement 'Improving the flavor of alcohol' was activated.

[System The 'Holy Grail of the Ritual' is filled with alcohol. Please select a God to whom you will raise your presence by prayer.]

"The World-building God."

Paahhhh!

The inside of the chalice turned pure white and bright as if it contained not alcohol but light.

The ceremony began. I took a deep breath and spoke reverently.

"World God, please unblock me, my Lord."

I was anxiously waiting for another connection failure message to appear.

['The World-building God' says that you were never blocked.]

"My Lord!"

I was so happy that I called out in a loud voice without even realizing it. Uh-hmm, I need to calm down

When I started to think about what to say first. Unexpectedly, World God was the first to open the door to conversation.

['The World-building God' asks if you want to be a Saint of an evil denomination.]

I don't know if it was only my assumption, but I felt his will to listen.

Taking a neat upright position, I opened my mouth instead of using my thoughts, because I wanted to have a real conversation.

"Rather than wanting to do it, I thought I had to. We can't just waste time because of the denomination and let the SS-class world you created perish."

['The World-building God' is solemnly silent.]

"Actually, I am very sorry about this. Now that the tutorial is over, I have to spread the faith of World God to the world, but I'm being cautious because this is an exclusive monotheistic worldview."

['The World-building God' say that he does not wish for you to suffer being accused of heresy.]

Starting with that, World God began to reveal his position.

['The World-building God' admits that he was not serious earlier.]

['The World-building God' confesses that he didn't like the situation because he felt like a precious apostle was being taken away by a God who had left the house.]

['The World-building God' It's enough that you're the only believer in the world and there's no need to spread your faith unreasonably.]

"…"

How can a small church for one person be okay?

I didn't expect to hear such unconventional words. I spoke out a little impulsively.

"No. That's not enough, sir. I think there should be a god like World God in this world."

['The World-building God' eyes shone.]

If I do missionary work, faith increases and divinity increases in proportion, and my privilege and buffs rise due to this pyramid business. This is a definite benefit to me.

In fact, however, there is a much more important significance in spreading faith.

This is a world that God abandoned.

By definition, there are parts that naturally do not function properly and creak, barely maintained by the returns of the main character.

In other words, this world needed a new God to replace the God 'Strict order and Goodwill' that had left the house.

"World God is not an option, it's a necessity."

['The World-building God' asks if you are serious.]

"Yes."

I answered firmly.

['The World-building God' agonizes.]

['The World-building God' makes a decision.]

[System 'The World-building God' gives you a quest.]

[Quest Step 1 of the missionary work of the Leader from the World Order Denomination (difficulty: unknown)

You have a mission to spread the faith of the 'The World-building God' on the continent of Serentra.

However, due to the ostracizing nature of the deep-rooted evil denomination, there is a high probability of being judged as a Heretic if you preach about World God.

First, for safe external activities, let's get a job disguised as a Saint from the deep-rooted evil church.

Success reward: ?

Failure penalty: none]

[System Quest has been forcibly accepted.]

Target designation without penalty. It was virtually unconditional permission to go ahead.

I laughed my head off.

"World God, thank you."

['The World-building God' clears his throat.]

"Don't block me from now on…"

['The World-building God' feels wronged, he never blocked you.]

"Please stay by my side and protect me."

This answer came after a long time.

['The World-building God' says it will overprotect you.]

As expected, this feels so good.

Of course, The Vatican never restricted my diet.

It's been three days since I secretly ate the food from my satchel bag and it's finally time to take the test of divinity.

They are coming, Ellet.

A middle-aged female priest who looked like a teacher opened the door and entered.

Having noticed her presence earlier, I was kneeling on the floor pretending to be praying for meditation.

The aunt priestess adjusted her glasses in surprise.

"Was your name, Miss Ellet? To maintain proper manners even in a place where there are no eyes to see, it's a rare sincerity to see these days."

"I'm flattered."

"At this point, I think you have a clean mind and body, so let's go to the test. Stand up."

"Yes."

I didn't forget the add the detail of purposely slightly stumbling as if my legs were numb.

Being in a state of semi-confinement, I could not hear any outside news. While walking after the priestess, I brought up a sneaky question.

"Well, Sister. I have a question for you."

"What is it, Miss Ellet?"

"How is the trial of Sir Thesilid Argent going?"

"Hmm, come to think of it, Miss Ellet was the girl brought by the owner of the Holy Sword. It's worth wondering."

After thinking for a while, the priestess opened her mouth.

"The trial is in four days, but it won't be a big deal. The Knights of the Pillar of Light confessed all their sins within one day of being interrogated for heresy."

It was mentioned over and over again, but the heresy interrogation is really frightening.

"Then the false accusations against Sir Thesilid will be cleared, right?"

"Yes. Right now he's in custody, but he'll be released after the trial, so he'll be fine."

Based on the presumption of guilt, it seemed that Thesilid was still being treated like a criminal.

The place I arrived was a small chapel. The podium was stocked with injured birds in cages, silver crosses, and bowls of muddy water.

They were preparations for testing healing, consecration, and purification, respectively.

['The World-building God' is dumbfounded by the low level of the test.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' ardently encourages you to start with Descent of Divinity.]

['The World-building God' gets angry and tells 'The Scales that Judges the Soul' not to talk without thinking.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' grumbles about how 'The World-building God' can't do anything about the penalty fever.]

Of course, such a rudimentary test cannot reveal the power I possess. I felt like I had to prepare myself in a different way.

Let's use divine punishment on the initiate.

The former Saint had a radical corner.

Around that time, Helcion O'Drek, who was decided to observe appeared.

"A little late."

He was still unlucky and arrogant.

By the way, it was strange. A person who makes others wait but can't stand waiting for others doesn't say a word about starting the entrance exam.

The Aunt Sister explained the situation.

"It was decided that one more initiate would come. He seems to be a little late because he is busy with construction work."

"I see."

I hoped that he would be someone with a keen eye to recognize the 8th rank of divine power.

Just in time, I could feel signs of someone approaching. It was the heavy and moderate steps of a paladin.

"Miss Ellet is lucky. It is a great honor to take the exams in his presence."

The Aunt Sister was proud, while Helcion had a slightly sullen expression on his face.

At this point, my curiosity was piqued. I watched the entrance to the chapel.

Soon, a handsome man with blond hair, who looked to be in his mid-twenties, appeared.

"Forgive me for being late. I am Clovis Argent, Commander of the Knights Templar."

"…"

Unexpectedly, the best witness appeared.

Look at that, the leader of the search mission for the Saint himself.

Come to think of it, maybe it was.

The Knights of the Temple considered the person who closed the burst dungeon a Saint and have been investigating Greenwall village.

There were many survivors who could tell him how I looked.

Moreover, since I am also the person who came to The Vatican with Thesilid, who he thought was dead, the puzzle fits perfectly.

"Nice to meet you, Sir Clovis. I'm called Ellet Rodellaine."

While bowing politely, the eyes that looked all over me pierced my skin.

There is quite a difference in our levels, but did he notice? Perhaps, Clovis is a person with excellent divinity perception?

"What are you doing? Get on with it."

I stood in front of the test tools at Helcion's request.

I healed birds in cages by using healing, consecrated a silver cross to prove that it was not corroded by acid, and purified muddy water transforming it into drinking water.

"Whoa."

"Hmm."

The problems were so easy that it was not possible to show all the power appropriate for the skill level, but it was enough for the initiates.

"As expected! I saw it right. Miss Ellet, no, Sister Ellet! You must be a born healer. I've never seen such a fast healing speed."

"You did a lot better than I thought with the birds."

It was then.

"Is that all?"

The Aunt Sister and Helcion were taken aback at the cold voice coming from the side.

Clovis' face, as he looked at me, was cold and hard. To the extent that anyone could see that he was angry.

But he was just acting mean to hide his tension and nervousness.

Clovis questioned me again.

"I asked if this was all."

"No."

I slowly raised one hand.

In front of a pair of eyes that even forgot to blink, one pair tinged with a tenacious light, and another that contained doubt, I put up a great performance.

"Mercury's Barrier."

The ultimate barrier.

Pahhhhh!

"…!"

"…!"

"…!"

A brilliantly, sparkling silver citadel, surrounded the area.

Three flabbergasted pairs of eyes looked astounded.

In order to give more proof, I also let my sacred power, which I normally kept quiet, run wild.

"Cough."

Among the three, Helcion's level seemed to be the weakest.

"You, what are you…?!"

"Lord Helcion! Watch your mouth!"

Helcion's shoulders shrank at the stern scolding of the Sister.

I stared at Clovis in silence.

Flop. One of his knees touched the floor.

"Greetings to the Saint."

The priestess also lowered her posture. Only Helcion was dazed.

"You called her…Saint?"

"First."

I laughed and spoke out.

"Others, get up."

"…"

"You, kneel."

"Kugh!"

By concentrating the divine power, I pressed down on Helcion's body.

After leaving it like that for a long time, Helcion, whose lack of power was understood, remained low even after I restrained my sacred power.

Clovis, still in a courtesy, said.

"As of now, the Knights Templar will be escorting Your Grace. First of all, I will convene a council of cardinals to announce the news."

Helcion raised his head even as he gasped in a cold sweat.

"Who says that the Ministry of Prosecution is in charge of escorting the Saint at will? This is an issue that needs to be decided after discussing with the Ministry of Doctrine."

"But I don't think her Grace would want to be escorted by the Knights of Grace."

Helcion flinched at Clovis's sting. I generously sided with Helcion.

"Well, maybe it'll be okay to get a month of volunteer work."

"…!"

– You must again serve the order for one more month before you can be ordained. During this service period, you will be taking care of chores along with the Knights of Grace, to whom I belong.

When I returned what I said, Helcion's face turned white.

"That, that…"

"Just kidding. Smile."

He couldn't laugh. So, unfortunately, I couldn't crave for a follow-up hit, saying, "Are you laughing now?"

"Yes."

A stern voice interrupted. It was Clovis who hadn't risen yet.

"For the past eight years, the mission of the Knights Templar has been to search for your whereabouts. After 8 years of hard work, we found your Grace, so we should serve her at our Order."

Eight years was emphasized twice.

It's pitiful that he suffered through those years. But.

['The Creative Business Manager' says that if you become weak, you become a pushover.]

['The World-building God' ridicules him saying, why are you emphasizing 8 years with pride while you couldn't find her because of your incompetence?]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is laughing at the trick to make you feel guilty.]

"Sir Clovis."

"Y-Yes."

I smiled.

"There is a twist in your words."

"What?"

"The Lord did not find me after eight years of hard work. I showed before you."

"…"

So, you may thank me.

When I smiled with that kind of face, Clovis' rather temperamental-looking mouth quivered.

I nailed it.

"I'll put deciding on my escort on hold."

The joys and sorrows of Clovis and Helcion were mixed. One face was deprived of what was his, and the other face was given a chance.

But those expressions didn't last long.

"And I do not intend to face the Council of Cardinals for the time being. So, I would like the three of you to keep quiet about meeting me today."

"What? I beg your pardon?"

"Are you saying you want to keep it a secret from the Council of Cardinals?"

"Yes."

The three were perplexed and this time, Clovis hurriedly stepped forward.

"This is the middle of The Vatican. Among the cardinals, there must be someone who felt the divine power that was released earlier."

"Pretending not to know about that would be the first thing Lord Clovis should do for me."

"Your Grace."

"I won't ask for a long time. Only until the Harvest Festival."

I thought he would back down, but Clovis was deeply loyal to his superiors.

"Even so, you should at least meet with the Pope."

Where do you dare play tricks?

"The one who is pro-prosecutor." (Ellet)

"…How can you divide the representatives of God into factions?"

"Then, shall I classify the Argent family into the pro-papal faction?"

"…"

"I hope you won't talk about more secular stories than this."

Everyone knows that he was planning of convening the members of the Cardinal Council which hails the Ministry of Prosecution.

Looking at Clovis' trembling eyes, I kindly said.

"I don't want to get involved in the factional fights of the Vatican, and I don't want to be taken advantage of. So stop using me as a tool to suit your taste."

But I got angry while talking. The smile faded from my face and my voice naturally became somber.

"I have already done enough to match your beat. Didn't I eat tasteless bread and sour wine after being stuck in a probationary solitary for three days because of rules that didn't exist? Is that still not enough?"

"…!"

The three widened their eyes, wondering how I knew of such information.

In their eyes, I am an outsider and a naive young child with no knowledge of The Vatican.

It must be shocking that I was well aware of the detailed rules and disciplinary methods, as well as the overall situation of their political confrontation.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is satisfied with the 'Rookie Saint with career experience setting'.]

['The World-building God' is proud.]

On the other hand, there was a person who was stabbed by the mention of tricks done by the Doctrine faction and showed an honest response.

I looked down at restless Helcion, who was exceptionally dripping in a cold sweat.

He can really stimulate sadistic desires.

"Come to think of it, Sir Helcion."

"What? Yes."

"The idea that you have to serve for a month to be ordained is interesting. The prickly advice you gave me that time was also impressive."

"That was because, no, I made a mistake."

"It's all right. Because I sympathize."

"What? Oh n-no, I see."

I approached the confused man, who also worked hard to lower his posture.

"I will give advice as a healer myself. I have great contempt for incompetent dealers. Especially the ones that make a fuss about getting heals while showing off a puny aura that's not even half the ability to back up that claim."

"…!"

My hand grabbed Helcion by the collar and his blue eyes were wide open.

The reason he was surprised was not just because of the sudden situation.

"Puny A-Aura…?!"

I whispered as I lightly tugged at his collar with my white hand.

"How dare you ask for my heals, when you can't even withstand the 8th level of divine power as a mere aura beginner, you son of a gun."

"…!"

I let go of the man who was gaping in vain and stood up. But there was still something to be said.

"Sir Helcion won't be able to follow my orders to keep things quiet today, will he? I think he will rush to the executives in the Ministry of Doctrine and spill everything."

"That's not true…."

"Ah, I just came up with a good idea."

"What?"

"Perform silence."

"Heup?!"

I applied a debuff and sealed the snout of evil.

"I will release it on the day of the festival. If you use a shallow trick like writing it down on paper, you might not have that fixed forever."

"Hub…"

"You seem to have a habit of accumulating karma with your mouth, but I hope you can fix it using this opportunity as chance. Next time, you should use honorifics properly."

"Whoops…"

I turned my head and looked at the Sister.

"Don't worry about me. I will obey your will!"

I thought she looked like she had many years of service and as expected she could read between the lines. I nodded with satisfaction and moved on.

"What kind of Saint threatens…"

Clovis was stunned. He seemed shocked that the Saint he had been searching for eight long years was very different from his stereotype.

"Now then, let's ask a favor for the Commander of the knights of our temple."

"What…is it?"

As revealed in the honorific title of Your Grace, the status of a Saint is usually the same as that of a Cardinal.

A request is practically no better than an order.

"I would like you to introduce me to everyone on the day of the Harvest Festival."

It was not for nothing that Clovis Argent became the head of the search squad for the Saint.

He was a person who was excellent at responding to divine power and perceiving the essence.

Therefore, his acknowledgment in public was, above all else, a sure guarantee of identity.

"…All right."

Realizing that I was not to be taken lightly, Clovis quietly bowed his head without making a fuss.

"And."

I had one more request.

"I'd like to pay a visit."

Thesilid meditated in a small space blocked by bars and stone walls.

Except for the cleanliness usual to Paladins, it was a much worse place than a prisoner's dungeon.

For the past three days, his freedom had been severely restricted.

Except for the time he ate, slept, and was investigated, he had no activities allowed other than to meditate while looking at the wall.

He recalled the fact-finding investigations that had continued incoherently to this day.

In the name of fairness, the investigative team was composed of people close to the Ministers of Doctrine.

The allegations of causing a Dungeon Burst were based solely on the claims of the Knights of The Pillar of Light, so there was virtually no credibility.

Nevertheless, the Pro-Doctrine factions persisted and launched an investigation team.

This decision was just made to legally harass Thesilid, who belonged to a hostile faction, and had no productive purpose.

And the Prosecution Faction complied with it. It was because it was easier to just throw him as a scapegoat than to get in trouble by protecting Thesilid.

In common sense, it was an absurd treatment for a person who was raised as a Sacred Sheep, was the owner of the Holy Sword and was the favorite of God.

The problem was that there were many people with fanatical tendencies among the heads of the Ministry of Prosecution.

While they were serious about the judgment of heresy, they had subtle envy and a masochistic longing for being persecuted.

Therefore, there were many who said bullshit like calling this ordeal a blessing in disguise to the owner of the Holy Sword.

Over the past few days, the investigation team has summoned Thesilid and asked only useless questions. The recurring questions similar to a roundabout song was truly laughable.

'What did you do during the 15 days you traveled with an outsider woman…'

There were no direct insults, but metaphorical and indirect words used in questioning covered all kinds of situations.

It was a truly imaginative investigation team.

Still, this idiotic investigation had its merits. At least it wasn't boring because the subject was Ellet Rodellaine.

Even some of their imaginative interrogations intrigued him.

However, that investigation also ended today. The investigation team seemed to have given up on the boring reaction of the noble and faithful paladin.

Or they were mobilized to scheme other things.

There are four days left until the trial. The face of the handsome man who had to endure such a tedious time was drowsy.

His sea-blue eyes which were focused on an empty space in the middle air were empty.

At that time, a presence came close.

Thesilid, who intuitively knew who the owner of the steps was, regained the light in his eyes.

"Eli?"

I was planning to surprise him, but I was caught right away. Thesilid was sitting back looking at the wall, which was a strange sight.

How did he know? Was it a guess?

While I was asking the same questions as Agnes, he got up and turned around.

Judging by the relaxed smile on his delicate features, he seemed convinced that the visitor was me.

"How did you know it was me?"

"By feeling. How did you come?"

"By the blessings of power."

"Did Cardinal Cattleya help?"

"It was not. But there are ways."

We evaded each other's questions amicably.

The Regressor and the Transmigrator each had their own puzzling corners.

After going through a silent agreement not to ask each other questions, it was Thesilid who changed the subject first.

"Did you do well on your Sacred Power test?"

Looking at the question, it seemed like he didn't know what I did.

Figures, since this was a fantasy world, blockages for the three major power were normally built in as default in confinement facilities such as cells and prisons.

It was only natural that Thesilid did not feel at all that I had unlocked the Saint-Class Holy Power and used an ultimate skill.

I nodded.

"Of course. I'll be appointed as, I mean, I will be ordained soon. On The Harvest Festival."

"That's a relief. I'll be able to get out of here until the holiday."

"Yes, The Harvest Festival is the day after the trial."

"After being ordained?"

"What?"

"Are you leaving?"

"You must be sad. Would you like me to follow you and be your healer?"

Thesilid's eyes swelled slightly and then restored to their original state. Losing expectations in a short time, he said.

"Sooner or later, I will be transferred to another Order of Knights that focuses on the subjugation of A-Class dungeons. There is no chance to drag a newly ordained priest to the front."

"Then Terry, how about you following me around?"

"…"

His eyes widened again. This is fun.

On the other hand, Thesilid's expression became very serious. His questioning voice was sincere.

"To go into the secular world?"

"That would be one way."

"The divine power I use is no different from something the church created. The Vatican will never let me go."

I guessed as much. The stigma on his left arm is similar to a mark of a slave, there are actually some effects like that.

Thesilid continued as he shook his head.

"They'd rather get rid of me than repatriate me. If you don't intend to turn the church into an enemy and be chased for the rest of your life, then you should give up."

['The World-building God' sighs as you listen to the sounds of a Pushover Free Pass.]

Even though he has strong power, he is not treated well and has no choice but to obey an unreasonable group with irrational orders.

Even his personality was conformist to his situation.

"Is the only answer to exile?"

As I muttered, Thesilid laughed.

"If I look at the experiences of past lives, it might be difficult. Both the Kingdom of Vinchester and the Republic of Ragneif were eager to kill me."

The Principality of Hispenril was not even nominated.

My eyes filled with pity as I looked at him through the cage.

"It's unfair to let others go just because they wanted to get married, have children and be faithful to their families."

"It's not to the point of being unfair."

"You are very religious. Even in such a stuffy church life, there is no bad-mouthing."

"My religious beliefs aren't particularly great."

"So you were just born a Puritan? Well, come to think of it, this makes more sense."

I tried to connect his history of being a natural-born soloist for dozens of episodes in the original work with asceticism.

It seemed reasonable.

"…"

He looked like he had something to say, but he didn't say anything for a long time.

The baton of the conversation came to me again. I asked a detailed and important question.

"Anyway, you don't hate going around with me, do you?"

"No way, it's rather enjoyable."

"Really?"

It was a question done without thinking much. However, the answer that came back was heavy.

"You were fresh and new to me. So I wanted to stay together."

"…"

At this moment, he smiled in a way I had never seen before.

The curves of his mouth and eyes, which curved deeply and softly, were very enchanting.

His face, which had only seemed sincere and pious until now, looked a little different.

What. Why is the mood like this?

I suppressed a little embarrassment and pretended nothing was wrong.

"Well, then see you at the festival. Bye."

"All right, bye."

After a simple goodbye, I parted ways with Thesilid.

The trial held four days later served justice brilliantly.

Aside from the fact that the defendants poured out their confessions due to torture, it was thanks to the fact that gold coins, the proof of a contract with the devil, existed as clear evidence above all else.

The Knights of The Pillar of Light couldn't pretend they were innocent. Vice-captain Lecto, who became a disabled person, was no exception.

At the same time, Thesilid's dishonorable charge of 'Believing in the Holy Sword and entering the dungeon alone and causing a burst' was cleared.

However, there was some pain in this process.

The Knights tried to hold on to Thesilid's charges until the end, whether they believed they could not die alone or the Doctrine faction instigated them.

They fanatically insisted even though their bodies were in tatters because of torture.

"The, Thesilid Argent caused a dungeon burst by his own hands!"

"He's right! I swear to God this is the truth!"

The situation in which those who had already been convicted of heresy talked about God was ridiculous.

Tongue clicks and laughter erupted from all over the open courtroom.

"Sir Thesilid, would you object?"

It was when the cardinal who served as the judge gave Thesilid the right to speak with a compassionate feeling, saying, 'You must be madly upset at these crazy people nonsense, so curse as much as you want.'

"…No."

This! Pushover Free Pass! Feeding Sweet Potatoes! To us!

I was dumbfounded as I secretly watched from a secret space resembling a theater box seat.

You're going to be silent here? Misunderstandings are bound to happen.

Unsurprisingly, the tumult created by the agitation of the observers was gradually swelling.

I turned my head back. In the direction my eyes went, Clovis was standing upright.

"What about the witness I asked for?"

"Priest Hestio and Priest Ephael will bring them."

Just in time, the judge, who ordered silence in the hall, brought witnesses to the court.

Three people who seemed to have just arrived from the countryside introduced themselves.

"Kuh-hum. My name is Dennis Brahm, the Chief of Greenwall Village.… Is this how I do it?"

"Yes, chief, you did well. I am Joan Lyle, president of the Women's Association."

"P-president of the Youth Association! Deon Rixter! Greetings!"

They were the residents of Greenwall Village, where the Dungeon Burst took place. The faces of the Knights who recognized them became contemplative.

"Ho-how…!"

"Th-there was a bu-burst, how come, survivors…?"

It wasn't a question of pure curiosity. From the perspective of the Knights of The Pillar of Light, they were the ones who had to die.

The testimony began.

"Yes, yes. Cardinal. I remember everything that happened that day. It was the day I almost died after all. Early in the morning, the Paladins crossed the village and went up the mountain."

"Oh, I'm seeing that incredibly handsome silver-haired knight here again. Because of that silver-haired paladin, the Women's Association was in an uproar since morning."

"What? Did the paladin climb the mountain by himself? No, everyone went inside the dungeon together. I'm sure I saw it while I was picking raspberries for my pregnant wife!"

It turned out that the Knights' claim that Thesilid had entered the dungeon alone was false.

Thesilid was able to recover his honor smoothly.

You did well to bring witnesses from Greenwall just in case.

As expected, thirsty people have to open the lid of the cider by themselves.

The six members of the Knights of The Pillar of Light were sentenced to be burned at the stake, as is customary for heretics.

For a long time, the cries of sinners echoed in the hall.

As I watched Thesilid's handcuffs come undone from a distance, Clovis' voice was heard.

"Your Grace, tomorrow is the Harvest Festival. How are your preparations going?"

"Is there anything to prepare? As long as I get an escort from Sir when I go in, that's enough."

"I mean when you go in. Then, do you have any other plans when you move?"

Clovis' gaze was seen lingering on Thesilid. It was obvious what he was thinking.

Yep, that's not it.

So don't think about being jealous of your younger brother for no reason, please.

"When I move, I'll be someone who doesn't need an escort."

"What do you mean? The protocol for a Saint is the same as that of a princess in terms of the Kingdom. You must have an escort at official events."

"A normal Saint would be like that."

Even Saints have ranks and I'm legendary.

"I will receive not only the ordination of Saint, but I'm also going to be given a post."

"…That means, no way."

Judging by his wavering eyes, it seems that he realized what I was trying to do using the rules of The Vatican.

"How much do you know about The Vatican?"

I just laughed without answering.

I won't tell you.

The next day, the long-awaited Harvest Festival started. By Clovis' authority, I was assigned VIP quarters.

As soon as I woke up early in the morning, I took a bath and worked hard to get ready.

['The World-building God' is very much looking forward to your debut as a Saint.]

World God seemed to be the most excited right now, to the point where his prior opposition to this plan was overshadowed.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' makes fun of the change in attitude of the 'The World-building God'.]

['The World-building God' gives strength to the eyes to be quiet.]

['The Creative Business Manager' says it is true that 'The World-building God' is honestly expecting the event.]

['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' sends a look of agreement.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' gives silent consent.]

We must live up to the expectations of the gods of the Bureau of Transmigration.

I rummaged through my satchel bag and pulled out a large box. It is an important item that is essential for today's work.

Shlahhshhhh..…The sound of rubbing cloth echoed in the room for a while, then stopped.

['The World-building God' enjoys the thrill.]

The Festival of Harvest is one of the holidays in June to appreciate the harvest of wheat and barley, and on that occasion, The Vatican offers a ritual to burn a handful of barley.

The ceremony is held in the courtyard where the torch stand is located.

From the Pope to the cardinals, and then ordinary priests, everyone came to the altar in order of ceremonial protocol and climbed the altar.

It didn't take long since it was just an act of dumping some grains into the fire. However, there was an exception.

The huge holy grail-shaped cauldron always burns a blue flame, but sometimes the size or the color of the flame changes depending on the person performing the ceremony.

In the church, the brighter and bigger the flame, the more auspicious it was considered.

After the bishops' ritual, it was the turn of the paladins and the priests. Thesilid, the owner of the Holy Sword, was the first among them.

"…."

Holding a handful of grains in his hand, he thought.

How many times will this be?

He was a regressor, so he knew what was about to happen.

On the first Harvest Festival after his return, there was always childish bullying arranged for Thesilid.

As soon as he pours a grain of barley into the torch, the giant flame would be reduced to an insignificant bonfire.

Those on the side of the Doctrine faction, who saw this, would be in disbelief and whisper that he might have incurred the wrath of 'Strict order and Goodwill' by violating the doctrine.

They are eager to nitpick at every detail of Thesilid's behavior and attitude, and eventually, the altar is transformed into a hearing hall to humiliate him.

"…."

He was seriously sick of it.

"Brother Thesilid?"

"…."

"Km-hum, brother? You have to perform the ritual."

"…."

The bishop, who was in charge of officiating the ceremony, implicitly urged.

Thesilid stared at his face for a moment in silence, then slowly stepped onto the altar.

He stood in front of a huge cauldron.

Ugly eyes were set on his back, expecting him to fall into the conspiracy soon.

At one time in the past, constant efforts were made to avoid or escape. In each episode, he tried to counter by changing the method every time, and some of them achieved quite significant results.

But now everything bothered him.

Psssalt. Thesilid picked up a handful of grain and tossed it into the flame.

It was the most insincere and defenseless ritual of all his episodes.

At that moment.

Pusshhh.

'…This is something new.'

The blue flames of the cauldron were extinguished entirely.

When he turned his head back, he could see that even the conspirators of this scheme had puzzled looks on their faces.

"T-This is not…what's going on here…"

"What if you turn it off…"

It was the flame of the torch that has been maintained even in heavy rain and heavy snow since a Saint lit it 200 years ago.

No one would have thought of extinguishing it and turning it into an insignificant trail of gray plume-like smoke.

The problem grew.

Now, in order to prevent the truth from being revealed, the heads of the conspiracy had to blame Thesilid even more. Those who came to their senses began to shout at the top of their lungs.

"Unbelievable! The owner of the Holy Sword extinguished the blue torch!"

"God refused to accept Sir Thesilid's offering!"

"Sir Thesilid, how did this happen? You incurred the wrath of 'Strict order and Goodwill'!"

"Why can't you speak? Have you ever committed a shameful sin?"

From here on out it was the same as every other episode. The light in his eyes dried to death.

I'm sick and tired of it, really.

He's been utterly tired of it since a long time ago.

"Haaa…"

His hand dryly covered half of his face and his beautiful features slowly began to distort.

He wanted to end this loathsome life of returning, but this hated soul was not even allowed to rest in death.

He was just a slave to the mission given by 'Strict Order and Goodwill'.

I wish someone could save me from this terrible boredom and emptiness.

Anyone, please. Before I go crazy!

It was then.

"Wouldn't it be enough to light the flame of the torch again?"

"….!"

As soon as they heard the voice, everyone opened their eyes wide and turned their heads.

"Huk!"

"Hu-Huh…"

The focus of attention was accompanied by gasps and huffs. This is because an overwhelming divine power dominated the area.

Paladins and priests of low level trembled.

Personnel above the bishop level endured like old trees, but the emotional shock given by the current situation was different.

"Wh-who…"

In their eyes, who had forgotten to even blink, a woman walking across the courtyard was reflected.

Tak, tak, tak.

Escorted by a paladin she was wearing a pure white dress as graceful as a goddess and a cloak as dignified as a monarch.

Even though it was an ordinary gait, it was strangely attractive and elegant, making the viewer's heart flutter.

Added to an atmosphere that was hard to see in one's lifetime, no one could talk to her even if she passed in front of them.

There was no information that could be obtained from the mysterious and unfamiliar appearance of such a woman.

The gaze of the church members slipped away from her and turned to the tall man escorting her from the side.

"S-Sir Clovis …?"

"The woman brought by the head of the search party for the Saint is…"

"No-No way …!"

Around the time when confused suspicions spread throughout the courtyard.

Roooar!

Due to the dense divine power, spontaneous ignition occurred in the cauldron and the blue flame of the Saint was revived.

"…"

Thesilid watched her as she gradually drew closer.

Ellet stopped at some point and withdrew her hand from Clovis's escort.

Her white hand grasped a handful of grains from the sack of barley.

She stepped onto the podium alone and finally met Thesilid's eyes.

"Sir Thesilid, try again."

"…."

"Here, go on."

"…"

He stared intently at her but didn't react. No, he couldn't react.

Ellet put the grains directly into his hand expressing that he had no choice, and together they sprinkled it into the flames.

Rooarrr!

The largest torch in The Vatican's history soared.

The eyes of the two intertwined in front of the huge blue flame.

Her high heels raised Ellet's eye level a little, and she smiled at him.

"It worked out well. Right?"

"…"

A whisper that only he could hear. At that time, he felt that the warmth that was covering his hands was about to fall.

Tak.

"…"

It was an impulse.

He grabbed her hand which was about to move away and locked it in his own. He asked, looking into her peridot-colored eyes, which widened in surprise.

"Why…do you look like this…?"

He didn't even know why his low-pitched voice trembled.

On behalf of the confused Thesilid, Ellet took the necessary action.

She naturally changed the shape of their grasped hand, making it look like he was escorting her.

And she answered the question with a question.

"Why? Isn't it pretty?"

"…"

He felt his tongue stiff for nothing, and he came to his senses after a few seconds.

That was not the point of his question. He was going to ask her what she was thinking or whether she was going to reveal her true identity.

The denomination will surely weigh her down and bind her with obvious excuses like duties and responsibilities. Thesilid, who had experienced it himself, was convinced.

"It's all right. Believe me."

She gently pulled her hand and turned around.

Even in front of hundreds of churchgoers who had gathered for the Harvest ceremony, her back and shoulders showed no signs of shrinking.

"Sir Clovis."

The opponent standing under the altar understood her request right away.

"I'd like to introduce you the protagonist of Descent of Divinity, Ellet Rodellaine."

"…!"

Everyone's suspicion was confirmed.

A choking sound could be heard from everywhere. Even those who had positively guessed right shuddered with emotion.

"This, this is the one…!"

"I waited 10 years!"

"Sa-Saint!"

Excitement and emotions fervently swept through the air.

Then two of the cardinals who were sitting in the chairs set up behind the altar stood up.

The gazes of the two middle-aged men looking at each other in a bad way were synchronized as if they had promised beforehand.

The first to come was a burly cardinal resembling Clovis.

Vesalius Argent. He was the representative of the pro-prosecution faction now that the Pope was ill.

The arrogant voice unique to a powerful man who had never been an underdog in his life resonated.

The subject was his son.

"Sir Clovis, I congratulate you for completing your mission. But when did you find Her Grace? The Cardinal Council has never heard of it."

"It was five days ago when I joined a Test for verification of Sacred Power."

"Five days? Why didn't you report it?"

"That's…"

"I asked him to do so."

The eyes of the presbytery turned towards Ellet.

"The Saint?"

"Yes."

"…There must have been a motive in delaying the meeting with the Council of Cardinals. However, it would have been better to meet the Pope in advance."

"Sir Clovis seems to resemble the Cardinal."

"…"

Saying that she did not hide that his son had already done such trickery.

Vesalius's stern expression cracked.

The appearance of the Minister of Prosecution, who took a blow, became the joy of the Minister of Doctrine.

Decal Revanice, who stood at the opposite end of Vesalius Argent, did not miss this opportunity.

A middle-aged man with a scholar-like appearance smiled contentedly as he corrected his monocle.

"Let me say hello first, Your Grace. I'm Cardinal Decal Revanice. I rudely ask you a question, but was the 8th class divine power detected five days ago yours?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. I wanted to greet both sides today, so I requested Sir Clovis to stay silent."

Unlike Vesalius, Decal approached with a gentle attitude and behavior.

Perhaps this was the correct answer, but the voice of the Saint was much more friendly.

While people from the Ministry of Doctrine were pleased with this stark result, those from the Ministry of Prosecution raised their guard.

Ellet's subsequent words sparked a war of nerves between the two factions.

"And the honorific title of Your Grace is underserved as I'm not yet ordained."

For a moment, Decal's eyes flashed.

"My oh my, that's not acceptable. Coincidentally, this is also a place for ceremonies, so I can officiate your ordination right away. Would you like to come closer, Saint?"

"Nonsense."

Vesalius groaned in a low tone.

"How dare the Minister of Doctrine try to overstep his bounds in this place? The man who has the right to baptize and ordain the Saint is the Holy Pope."

"Dear me, you speak harsh words. All cardinals have the right to perform sacraments and ceremonies."

"Just because the right is the same doesn't mean the authority will be equal."

"It's an old-fashioned courtesy. This is a matter that only requires the Saint's consent."

They were bent on taking over the glory of placing their hands on the head of the Saint. for it was a good means of elevating their dignity and authority.

"I have something to tell you."

Everyone's attention was focused on Ellet.

The words of one young Saint had more weight than two long-lived powerful men.

Even the content that followed was unconventional.

"I want to use my saintly authority to form an Order of Knights. As an organization that will carry out various missions as well as serve as my personal guard."

"What?!"

Vesalius and Decal reacted in surprise at the same time as if they were salty.

Ellet's words calmly continued.

"First of all, the number of people is two. I'll take Sir Thesilid here with me."

"What are you talking about!"

"It's perfect since Sir Thesilid needs a new affiliation. It's mutually beneficial to me, to Sir Thesilid, and The Vatican because it doesn't require extra administrative processing."

"No, Saint. Wait a minute…"

"It is the right of a Saint to have knights under her command, so I don't think there will be any problem. Oh, of course, I plan to do my duty. I'll go to dungeon subjugations. Above S rank."

"T-The two of you, S rank?"

"We can do it by ourselves. Any problems?"

"…"

Decal was the one who calmed down the fastest.

"It is within the Saint's authority to have Knights Templar under her command. However, even if you are a Saint, you cannot arbitrarily decide the course of a knighthood, including yourself. It's in the realm of governance and management."

"Yes. That's what the Cardinals do. A Saint doesn't have a formal title and as such does not have much authority."

A Saint has no more authority than a bishop added with especially complicated protocols and formalities. Ellet, who was well aware of that, obediently nodded her head, and Decal was delighted.

"We can understand each other. Then, as a member of the church, the Saint…"

However, he looked down on Ellet.

"That's why I want to get a high-ranking position by receiving another ordination. Right now."

Decal and Vesalius, as well as most of the congregation, opened their mouths.

Such a blatant desire for power, there has never been a Saint like this before.

There is usually only one title desired by those who have been ordained bishops. Vesalius looked through Ellet with cunning eyes.

"You mean you want to be a cardinal?"

"No. It's all too common."

Her existence was unusual, so her needs were different.

"Isn't there a position given to Saints who can use 'Descent of Divinity'?"

"…!"

He made a face at how she knew that. Ellet smiled broadly, saying, "That one is enough."

But.

"Wi-With due respect, Saint that's…!"

At the moment that dissatisfaction came out of nowhere. The expression on Ellet's face dimmed.

"Ah, I really can't talk with you guys."

The smile a moment ago was the last squeeze of her patience.

"Saint, refrain from speaking informal…"

"Who will make me?"

The air around her changed completely at Ellet's cold expressionless face and irritated voice.

"Hup."

"Well."

Those who were in good spirits drew in a breath. Even Vesalius, who was about to distance himself, broke into a cold sweat.

"…"

The Saint, reflected in their bewildered eyes, simply glanced at the church members with an emotionless face.

It was a silence without threat.

But at this moment, Vesalius felt tension and nervousness seep through his fingertips.

The saint was about to do something.

At that time, the Saint's fine lips opened slowly. Like everything was seen in slow motion.

And she let out her anger.

"Descent of Divinity."

Everything happened in an instant.

"…"

Her hair, which had been the color of cherry blossoms, turned pure silver, and her eyes, shining like peridots, were colored golden like the sun. Her legs refused to stand in line with the creatures of the ground and floated midair.

As she entered the realm of transcendence, her level of divine power rose one notch. The 9th rank of divine power that exceeded human limits pressed down on the entire Vatican.

"Kug…"

"Cough…"

It was indeed a holy disaster.

The Saint looked down at the humans from an elevated eye level. It was a heartless gaze from which no mercy could be expected from her.

"I warn you, don't even think about using me for your factional strife."

"…"

Only then did Vesalius and Decal realize that they had forgotten their place and made a big mistake.

The opponent was not an ordinary Saint. She was God's representative on earth chosen by the deity itself.

What kind of madness was it to try to tame and use such a person to suit their taste!

Vesalius and Decal thought they might get divine punishment right away.

However, the Saint was more generous than they thought.

"I don't know how long I will have to haggle with you guys. I just made the demands outlined in the rules. The rights and powers I deserve. Is it so hard to admit that?"

"…"

"Tell me, heads of the Ministry of Persecution and Doctrine."

"…"

They couldn't help but know that this was their last chance.

The two cardinals managed to move their stiff tongues.

"The Saint is right."

"Do as you please, Saint."

Only then did the Saint regain her smile a little. The corners of her mouth, which gently curved upward, were enchanting even in the midst of this dizzying moment.

Everyone knew that it was part of the power granted by God's favor. Therefore, they were afraid of her beauty.

The Sain said in midair.

"Let's proceed with the ordination and the oath right away. Now, who would have the honor of touching my head? We will decide on a first-come, first-serve basis."

"…"

"No one?"

There was no way someone would dare to do so.

Who dares to reach that height and touch a divine representative?

"Shame."

It was a soulless pity.

"Then, ordination and appointment are given by myself."

The Saint pretended to put the right hand on her head.

It was not a pious baptism, but rather a gesture as if lifting an invisible crown and crowning herself.

Of course, no one pointed out her rites.

The Saint lowered her hand and turned her gaze to the blonde paladin beneath the altar.

"What do you call me now, Sir Clovis?"

"…"

Clovis took a deep breath.

The Saint request was an introduction. She did use him before, but the moment the Saint really wanted to use him would be now.

Clovis set a curtsy.

"Greetings to her Grace, The Messiah."

Note: The Tittle Messiah in the original is a made up term. So I got the next best thing we have.

Note 2: A Graph to help you guys understand the ranking of the church.

Messiah. The position and title given to a Saint who can perform the 'Descent of Divinity'.

Its authority was only lower than that of the Pope, but above that of the Cardinals.

"Now let's talk about my knights…Oh no, not everyone is in a state to talk."

As if she had just realized it, the Saint released her divine form.

When the pressure was gone, the sound of the devotees catching their breath could be heard from here and there.

The Saint who did not reject the hand that the owner of the Holy Sword held out to her landed lightly on the ground.

She stood straight up to where the cardinals sat.

"Please refrain from convening the Council of Cardinals as we are in the mists of the festival."

"…"

"Will you acknowledge my knights?"

It was a polite order.

"Your Grace, Messiah."

Cardinal Decal was the one who stepped out while everyone was watching. He chose his words carefully while breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Your Grace request is somewhat sudden, so I would like a grace period."

"A grace period, how much do you mean?"

"If your Grace and Sir Thesilid subdue three S-rank or higher dungeons, how about getting official recognition then?"

Vesalius raised an eyebrow. It was quite the statement.

Dungeons were by default destroyed as soon as they were found. This is because the continent could perish if they were left unattended and burst.

Therefore, none of the S-class dungeons found so far had a Boss that was alive. In addition, S-class dungeons don't spawn often. It will take a long time just to search and find one.

Therefore, the grace period would be more than a few years at the least.

"Good."

But they didn't know that their opponent was a Transmigrator.

As soon as Decal and Vesalius felt ominous at her cheerful reply accompanied by a bright smile.

The Sain showed her great drive.

"The first dungeon will be 'A Thousand Year Ice Castle' in the southern part of the Lilcan Peninsula."

"What? Where is that dungeon…"

"I believe in the search capabilities of The Vatican."

The Saint blocked questions and took something out of her arms.

It was a polished stone with letters engraved on it. A space transition stone.

She grabbed Thesilid's hand without a second glance.

"We will prepare and set off right away. You're going to come and watch, right? The search will take some time, so I'll meet you at the gate at this time in three days. Then, bye."

Pusok! The figures of the two disappeared along with the brilliant powder.

"…"

Those who had been stunned for a while let out a sigh as if their tension had eased. And each of them began to say a word.

"What kind of Saint is so strong…?"

"To think that there are Saints like that in the world. It's something you see only living a long life…"

"Anyway, why does she look so close to the owner of the Holy Sword?"

"I know, right? He was taken away as if being kidnapped just now, but there was no resistance. What the hell is their relationship?"

"Co-Come to think of it, there was a woman that Sir Thesilid brought with him when he returned…"

"Ha…!"

"Hi-hiik!"

The people of the Doctrine faction, who were eager to harass the woman Thesilid had brought, became solemn.

The Prosecution faction sarcastically clicked their tongues and the Council of Cardinals was in disarray.

"A Thousand Year Ice Castle? Was there such a dungeon?"

"If it's an undiscovered S-class dungeon… How does The Messiah knows that?"

"No, now is not the time."

The Prosecution and the Doctrine each ordered their camps.

"Search all over the southern part of the Lilcan Peninsula right now! We must find the dungeon within three days and chase after The Messiah and the Owner of the Holy Sword!"

The first thing Thesilid felt after undergoing a spatial transfer with Ellet was the feeling of stepping on the soft grass.

The familiar idyllic surrounding painted a watercolor-like landscape in his field of vision. A small cabin surrounded by the garden yard was covered in a rainy fog.

It was where Thesilid had recuperated, so he could immediately guess her intentions.

Upon their arrival, she raised her gaze to examine him.

"Terry, I know you were very surprised…"

Ellet opened her eyes wide, unable to finish her words. For Thesilid's hand touched her forehead without permission.

It was an unusual contact. However, it was a reasonable situation.

Thesilid's expression hardened as he measured her temperature.

"Eli."

"Oh, I got caught."

At the moment when a bitter smile crossed her face he hurriedly embraced her staggering body, which was about to collapse. His face drew closer to her as he lowered his stance to let Ellet lean against him.

Close to her, he felt her heat.

"My two days, I will leave it to you."

With the last of a dying whisper, she lowered her eyelids.

"…"

He looked down at her in his arms.

It was only a moment, but it seemed like an eternity to him.

He swept her face with the hand that wasn't supporting her back.

His expressionless face was removed, and the exposed face he was making was hard to distinguish whether he was crying or laughing.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

His voice tinged with resentment did not reach her who was already in a deep slumber.

A weak foggy rain was holding them wet.

Thesilid held her dearly and went into the cabin.

At the same time, inside the Pope's residence located in the depths of the Vatican.

Pope Benedict, said to be bedridden, was in her ceremonial robes while receiving an honored guest alone.

The parlor had low lighting for the VIP who hated light.

A black-haired man was sitting across from the Pope, with a table with a chessboard in between them.

When she met this guest, the Pope would be relieved that she had grown old like an old tree and had dull, hazy eyes.

Because few would not be tempted by the manly decadent beauty and blood-red eyes of her guest.

The old woman's hand, like a dry branch, picked up the black bishop.

She opened her mouth in a subtle tone.

"It is as you said. A Saint has appeared."

"Yes."

The honored guest's, who picked up the white knight, reply was dry and indifferent.

Wanting to understand his feelings, the Pope cautiously raised a question.

"Didn't you say that she was a hindrance to you? What are you planning to do?"

"Well."

His red eyes were facing the chessboard but not looking at it. His gaze sank far and deep.

As much as the depth of those eyes, the agony was dark at the bottom the gaze was reaching.

In the end, he recited his troubles without ending them.

"There are so many things I want to do that I'm troubled…"

He was an evil born to bring chaos to the world, and quick and easy destruction was not what he sought. Thinking of fully enjoying the playground God gave him, he raised his mouth.

It was a devilishly beautiful smile.

Chapter 21. When the Snow Queen Kisses

It seems like two days have passed.

"…"

As always, I opened my eyes with a clean mind and body, as if I my high fever was a lie.

Are you awake?

"Yes."

['The World-building God' sighs deeply.]

'The Scales that Judges the Soul' is looking at you with relieved eyes.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' clicks his tongue as if he can't stop it.]

I finished organizing the hierarchy neatly, but I had to suffer from God's fever for two days.

She paid the price for being self-abusive, so of course the mood of those who cared about me was not good.

Everyone wants to nag and give many admonitions, but it was clear that they were holding it in.

Well, in times like this, it's best not to say anything unnecessary on my side.

I only smiled awkwardly.

A wet towel was placed on my forehead, perhaps as a sign of Thesilid's care.

When I put it away and sat with my upper body up.

"Huh?"

I was startled as I tried to pull off the blanket that had flowed down.

…Are my clothes changed?

Looking at the beige nightgown, I couldn't help but wonder.

"Hey, Agnes. My clothes…"

Ku-hum.

['The World-building God' is coughing.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' washes his face dry.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' laughs mischievously.]

"…F-Forget it."

I chose not to complete the question. I opened the Transmigration support system and checked the quest first.

[Quest Accomplished Stage 1 of the missionary work of the Leader from the World Order Denomination (difficulty: unknown)]

[System Would you like to receive the quest success reward '?']

Yep. Sure.

[System You have acquired the 'Picnic Basket for Food'.]

What popped out of the air was a square rattan basket with a wing-like lid.

[Item 'Picnic Basket for Food'

A miraculous picnic basket that multiplies the food you put inside.

Note: The World-Building God has prepared something for you who is busy and doesn't have enough time to cook.]

"Wow."

['The World-building God' asks if you like it.]

"Yes. A lot. Agnes, look at this. It's an item that replicates cooking."

What? Really? Your god gives you really good things.

"Of course."

I was worried that the lunch boxes in the subspace inventory ran out quickly right after the tutorial, but with this, I won't have to worry about meal problems in the future.

Upon receiving the reward, the quest was renewed.

[Quest Step 2 of the missionary work of the Leader from the World Order Denomination (difficulty: unknown)

You successfully got a fake job as a Saint of the deep-rooted evil denomination!

In order to get out of the faction strife, you need to build your own forces. Get your own Knights officially recognized.

Success reward: ?

Failure penalty: none]

This time, the goal setting was very kind.

I turned off the system window and reached for the bedside table. The satchel bag that had been moved here in advance on the morning of the Harvest Festival was caught.

At the same time when I carefully put the cherished picnic basket in it.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a polite knock on the wooden door. It was obvious who it was.

"Ah, hm, come in."

The door opened and a silver-haired handsome man appeared.

He did not enter the room but leaned diagonally against the doorway. The way he crossed his arms was unusual.

"It takes exactly 48 hours to wake up. It's amazing."

"Haha…Terry, hello?"

"Yes, hello."

I was worried because he didn't smile, but he still accepted the greeting. The relief in his inner self was obvious to see.

"I don't mean to say anything. I know it was necessary."

"Ri-right?"

"Still, I hope you don't use it as much as possible. I was worried because the high fever didn't go down. To the extent that I thought dozens of times of going together into an ice lake by teleporting to the north."

"…"

The tone was so calm that it felt refined. However, paradoxically, I could clearly see how much he suffered for these two days because of me.

He must have been worried a lot even though he knew the characteristics of God's Fever.

['The Spoiler Inspector' wonders why he is going to go into the ice water together if he just needs to drop her inside.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' hits the ground in regret that the aftereffects of Descent should have been hypothermia, not high fever.]

['The Creative Business Manager' says that if you purchase the right to change the genre, there is a possibility that the aftereffects will also change.]

Stop it. The atmosphere is serious right now.

Thesilid seemed to be waiting for me to say something. I shyly opened my mouth.

"Thank you for holding back on the bath in ice-cold water."

"…"

His brow narrowed slightly.

It seemed that this wasn't the answer he wanted, so I quickly added follow-up words.

"Sorry for worrying you."

"…Yes."

Only then did his brow unveil and his stiff expression softened.

Thesilid, who stretched his arms and stood upright, strode to me. He hesitated a little, then bowed his back.

"Excuse me."

His large hand gently touched my forehead. It was that kind of contact.

"It's hot. Your hand."(Ellet)

"Right." (Terry)

Now that he finished my health check, I hoped we could move to another place and talk about something else.

"I'm hungry because I've been starving for two days. Terry, did you eat something for lunch?"

"No, not yet."

"What do you want to eat?"

All right, it's time to experiment with the picnic basket.

I excitedly picked up the satchel bag, and Thesilid gently held my hand.

"You don't have to take it out of there."

"What?"

He smiled and said it was nothing.

"There was a cookbook."

"Oh…"

"Come slowly to the table."

After Thesilid shut the door and left, there was a rattling sound from the kitchen.

You'll have to use the basket later.

"I know, right."

After changing my clothes and washing my face in the backyard, I went to the dining table.

Thesilid was scooping the food from the pot with a ladle and transferring it to a plate.

I, the host of the house, couldn't stand still, so I set down the cutlery and took out the condiments.

I made eye contact with Thesilid, who was putting down the bowl right next to me.

"Thanks."

"It's nothing, we should do it together."

I feel friendlier because we're setting the table together.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' rests her chin on her hands and smiles happily.]

The dish Thesilid made was a cream stew with lean meat.

With a high cooking level, I could immediately recognize that the ingredient was a wild turkey.

Where did the meat come from? Did he hunt in the mountain at the back?

Then he would have gutted it himself, but he probably didn't cry like my dad.

With that thought in mind, I took a step forward. The taste was as expected.

"Oh, delicious."

"That's a relief."

['The Spoiler Inspector' wonders if being good at cooking is the main character's default characteristic.]

It's amazing when you think of the original work, where he almost always ate only tasteless things at the level of bare minimum consumption for life preservation.

Thesilid also started eating. Is it because he's smiling softly? Even the trivial act of scooping stew with a spoon was like a painting. A breeze swayed the curtains on the windows and Thesilid, who glanced at me, opened his mouth as if immersed in emotion.

"I don't think this rural life is bad either."

"I knew you would like it."

"Really?"

"It's the 17th episode of your life. When you get older, you tend to be interested in your hometown."

"…"

Oh no, he's not laughing.

At that time, Thesilid's eyes became a little dazed as if he was far away.

"Come to think of it, how old am I?"

"I feel like I have to use honorifics for some reason."

"Don't do that."

His tone was so firm that I silently nodded.

Thesilid said as if he had just remembered.

"On the contrary, I think I should respect you from my side because now you are The Messiah and also my temporary direct superior."

"It's frustrating just thinking about it."

"Shall we not?"

"That would be nice."

"Don't say anything about mutiny later."

"I will not."

The agreement went smoothly. Terry from the 17th episode was quite flexible in this respect, more than I originally thought.

Or maybe he was influenced by me who made a big scene in The Vatican.

After finishing the meal, we drank tea and talked about our upcoming schedule.

"Eli, when are you planning to leave for the Lilcan Peninsula?"

"I think tomorrow morning would be fine, right? There is also a transfer stone that goes all the way nearby."

An undiscovered S-class dungeon located in the southern part of the Lilcan Peninsula. He knew it well, because Thesilid had been there several times in his past lives.

"Eli. About the thousand-year-old ice castle."

"Yes."

"I'm asking just in case, but do you know what kind of dungeon it is?"

"Sure."

I nodded my head vigorously as any Transmigrator of respect should and Thesilid replied as if he knew that.

"Then there will be no need to talk about fairy tale books."

Fairy Tale?

"Should we? Agnes doesn't seem to know."

After asking Thesilid for his understanding, I began to explain.

"There is an old fairy tale related to this dungeon."

Some fairy tales are not simple stories, but also contain meaningful tales and legends. So you can get clues to a dungeon raid.

What kind of fairy tale is this?

"Agnes, do you know the fairy tale called The Snow Queen?"

The Snow Queen…? Oh, isn't that the story of a boy with a piece of mirror embedded in his body and the kidnapper Queen?

"Ooh, that's right. As expected of Agnes. Wide knowledge by reading."

Ahem.

A brief summary of the contents of the fairy tale is as follows.

A very long time ago, a malicious devil accidentally broke a mirror while ascending to heaven to reflect an angel with an 'ugly mirror' that makes all objects ugly.

The shattered mirror shards rained down on the human world, and two of them were stuck in the heart and eye of a boy named Kai.

Under the influence of the fragments, Kai gradually became colder and could not perceive anything as beautiful except for cold snowflakes.

A beautiful Snow Queen appears in front of Kai wearing a dress made of millions of snowflakes.

She kisses Kai's forehead twice and takes him to her ice castle.

Meanwhile, Kai had a childhood friend, Gerda, who grew roses together with him and lived like siblings.

Gerda goes to the ice castle to find Kai, who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen.

In the ice castle, Kai was busy putting a puzzle together, unaware that he was freezing cold.

Right before Kai turns into an ice statue, Gerda's tears falls on his chest and melts the shard in his heart, while Kai's own tears, when he comes to his senses, sheds the shard that was stuck in his eyes.

Thus, Gelda and Kai returned home safely.

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' is happy that the official couple is childhood friends.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is surprised by his unexpectedly plain taste.]

It's a happy ending.

"Not for the lonely Snow Queen."

The story of the dungeon begins at the end of the fairy tale. In other words, this is an after story.

"Originally, the Snow Queen was a divine spirit, but she lost Kai, went mad, and became corrupted because she made a pact with the devil."

Oh dear…

"The devil said he would bring Kai back if she collects all the fragments of the 'The Mirror of the Ugly' a put it back together. So the Queen used her own alter ego to find the shards, and used humans to carry the shards into her castle to mend the broken mirror."

So how did it go?

"After many years, the Snow Queen had almost finished the mirror. However, there was a problem with the only two fragments left. As her territory was completely demonized, there was no human who could move the fragments to the ice castle."

Since the Fallen Queen cannot leave the Ice Castle, she is still waiting for humans to carry the fragments to her.

Ah, I get it. It's a strategy to complete that mirror?

"Yes. So we have to find two mirror fragments outside the castle and safely take them inside. Without this process, going to the boss room would be for nothing."

Hmm, it doesn't look particularly difficult.

It was when I was about to say something. Thesilid opened his mouth to Agnes, who could not be seen by his eyes.

"Nothing to worry about. I will be responsible for moving the fragments."

That's how it went in the original.

I slurped my share of tea.

"Okay. We're leaving tomorrow, so let's get some rest today. Since I haven't been here in a while, I'll look around the garden. I might be able to harvest potatoes and onions."

"Can I help you?"

"It's okay."

She was able to naturally get off the table.

Without reacting to Thesilid's previous statement .

Note: Some readers asked to change Eli's title and a poll was made in Discord to choose the new title, The Holy One is now used in place of Messiah. Thanks for the feedback guys, happy reading!

The next day, as scheduled, we departed for the Lilcan Peninsula, located in the southeastern part of the Vatican.

Undiscovered dungeons were bound to be in places out of human reach. Inevitably we had to climb a steep mountain.

It seemed that we were almost at the destination marked on the map.

Thesilid, who was climbing the mountain a little ahead, raised his head and stared in one direction.

"I can feel a presence. It seems that the people sent by the Vatican are here."

"They are pretty good seeing they found it on time."

"I think Sir Clovis played an active part. Since the Holy One he finally found disappeared right in front of his eyes, he must have become almost obsessed with finding this dungeon."

"Haha."

I thought it was a joke and laughed, but there was no smile on Thesilid's face as he looked at me.

He added, as if he had thought of another thing.

"Well, from the point of view of the Cardinals, they must also be thinking the same."

"It's not like I ran away without saying anything. I made an appointment to meet again, and above all, I took you with me. Is there another companion as trustworthy as the owner of the Holy Sword?"

"That's actually the problem."

"What?"

Thesilid didn't explain, only glossed it over with a bitter smile. It was Agnes who answered the question.

Hm-hum, the church is pretty strict about relationships between men and women. From the point of view of the Council of Cardinals, it must feel like a Saint and the owner of the Holy Sword have fled for love at night.

"…"

Oh, I hate this, it's too conservative here.

"Well, anyway."

Thesilid changed the subject.

"We will run into the Holy Knights soon. It would be better to dress neatly to match the dignity of The Holy One."

"Ok, got it."

I took out the outerwear that I had tucked into my satchel bag because it was inconvenient to use it while climbing.

It was the same white paladin uniform worn by Thesilid.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' likes it and applauds saying it suits you well.]

['The World-building God' says that the only thing that can be saved from the evil cult it's the uniform's costume design.]

Thesilid blankly stared at me for a moment and then increased the level of intimacy by himself.

"It's good because we're wearing the same clothes, so I can feel we are tied the same way to the Vatican."

"I like everything."

We bypassed a large rock and turned the corner. At last, a fluctuating dungeon gate came into our view.

There were about sixty people waiting in front. It far exceeds the size of two orders of knights.

They were resting in peace, still unaware of Thesilid's and my approach.

I stopped walking for a moment and looked at the Holy Knights, seeing a few familiar faces.

First, Clovis. Then there was Hestio with braided black hair and Ephael with free-spirited blonde hair.

There, I also saw Helcion O'Dreck, whom I forgot to release the Silent debuff.

Thanks to that, I was able to identify the Knights.

"The Knights Templar and Knights of Grace were attached as supervisors."

"The Ministry of Prosecution and the Ministry of Doctrine sent one each. It seems that the number of people has been reinforced in line with an S-class dungeon subjugation."

Then, the voices of the members were heard.

"Are they really going to subjugate this one just the two of them?"

"Didn't you hear what The Holy One said? She said that she can do an S-class alone."

"When I saw her using Descent during the Harvest Festival, it seemed like she would be more than enough by herself."

"But the demonic energy measured in this dungeon, from just the gate, is quite high even among S-ranks. It's an S-class on the verge of becoming an SS-class."

"Isn't the owner of the Holy Sword only experienced as an A-class sub-tank? To be honest, he's not trustworthy."

"That's why we brought in elite tankers. If the owner of the Holy Sword doesn't do it right, we'll put them in."

The tone of belittling Terry and putting him down was evident. Thesilid they knew was an aura expert and had bishop-level divine power, but that was the first round of his life.

Thesilid laughed bitterly.

"I guess I was really weak in the first round. Well, I'm weak even now."

"Don't be discouraged. You are the only tanker I approve of."

"That's touching."

"Right? So if a boss attack bounces at me, calmly continued to deal damage to it. Don't let other guys around get the aggro and snatch the boss from you, just tank."

"…Just don't use heels on me. That way, the boss won't be provoked by you."

"Can't do that, I became a healer to heal you."

"…"

Thesilid made a subtle expression without saying anything.

I don't know when he'll start believe.

Thesilid and I got out of the blind spot and walked all the way toward the gate.

"Oh, my! Your Grace the Holy One!"

"Yes, this Grace has come. With Sir Thesilid!"

Each of the two knights called their leaders.

"Welcome Your Grace."

The leader of the Knights Templar, Clovis, greeted me.

"Greetings, Your Grace. I am Rex Easter, the leader of the Knights of Grace."

A man with brown sport-cut-like hair in his early thirties introduced himself. Behind him was Helcion, whose tongue was still sealed.

"Nice to meet you, Sir Rex. And it's been a while, Lord Clovis, Lord Helcion."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Only two voices answered. Pretending not to know Helcion's desperate eyes, I spoke to Clovis and Rex.

"Then I'd like to enter right away."

"I beg your pardon, Your Grace."

The owner of the voice was Clovis.

"Judging from the level of the demonic energy, this dungeon is estimated to have a boss inside the 300th rank."

The S ranks I had so far were in the 500th to 700th place. The gap was obvious.

"Rather than entering right away, why don't we send a scouting party to obtain environmental information before going in?"

"I know the information you need. So don't worry."

He had surprised eyes.

It seems that it was worthwhile to show my real personality at the Vatican three days ago. Because now they didn't bother me by asking how I knew that.

It was decided to enter the dungeon.

"Since I gave you a hint that this place was a Thousand Year Ice Castle, I believe you have thoroughly prepared for the cold."

"Of course."

"Then let's go in."

Clovis and Rex shouted to their respective knights.

"Everyone, prepare to go inside!"

When I glanced back, the two orders of knights were already lined up in unison.

I met eyes with Hestio and Ephael standing between the rows of people.

Well, looks like they have a lot to say. I should say hello first based on the situation later.

"Let's go."

I took a step forward.

[System You have entered the S-Class Dungeon, 'A Thousand Year Ice Castle in Permafrost'.]

Whi-ing!

The sky was low and dark. It was because of heavy dark clouds covering the whole area. The pure white snowy fields beneath it vehemently rejected the intruders.

The violent wind and vicious cold scratched and beat our whole bodies.

"Co-Cold…!"

"Ouggh…"

Everyone hurriedly took out the supplied fur cloaks and caps and put them on. It was the same with Thesilid and me.

"Hey, look over there."

The silhouette of a castle could be seen in the direction Thesilid pointed.

Clovis came to me.

"The blizzard is strong! We'd better hurry to the castle!"

"It's in vain to just go straight in. We have a place to stop first."

I resolutely cut off any more unwanted opinions and turned around while looking at the map.

We must have walked for about 30 minutes through a raging snowstorm before a huge ice sculpture was seen in the distance.

[System The 'Snow Queen's alter ego' wakes up.]

Whi-whirring!

The blizzard became more violent.

"Wh-what…!"

"Argh! I will fly away!"

Due to the strong wind, it was daunting just to stand still.

"Eli, stay behind me."

Thesilid, who seemed relaxed for some reason, acted as a shield right in front of me.

"I-I will become a snowman!"

"No more forced march, Your Grace!"

When the Holy Knights started to complain about pain, a mysterious voice that pierced the sharp winding sound and entered my ears was heard clearly.

Ah, Kai.

"…!"

The embarrassed knights checked each other's faces to see if they were hallucinating or not.

My Kai, you came back.

"Wh-what?"

Then someone raised their head and shouted.

"Hey, look over there! In the sky…!"

"What…?!"

A woman was looking down from high in the sky. Dressed in a pure white dress, she shone beautifully as if replacing the moon.

I waited. I've been waiting so long. My beautiful boy, Kai.

It was an inorganic face like a statue. There wasn't even a slight line of emotion on her lips. Even so, her voice was very desperate and sad.

Kai, you were destined to be by my side forever, not by Gerda's.

"Gerda…? Kai…?"

Around that time, several knights recognized her woman's true identity.

"No way…The Queen of snow…?"

"Queen of snow? What is that?!"

"Well, you know that one, from an old fairy tale…"

Ah, Kai… I will make you happy in this Ice Castle, forgetting the world, forgetting the cold, just like before!

When the voice of the Snow Queen was strangely raised by a pitch.

A vortex of snow and wind slowly began to swirl around her, rising up to where she stood in the air and even higher.

Clovis asked me.

"Are we attacking?"

"Isn't your role to be a supervisor?"

"If you give me an order, I will support you."

I almost laughed for a moment. Support? Such a generous word. If I agree here, interesting things are bound to happen later.

After being reported of the so-called 'support' I received, the Council of Cardinals will get a good excuse to oppose the formation of my Knights Order.

"Stop talking like a fox."

"…"

Clovis averted his eyes as if something had pricked him.

I checked that leader Rex was also approaching nearby and said.

"I will not attack. Look at the Queen's mouth."

Lips that do not move and in between them, there was something sparkling that shone bright enough to pierce the retina.

"See that shiny shard? I need that."

"How do I take it?"

"Sir Rex, you are very proactive. But you don't have to."

"What?"

"The Queen will give us the shard on her own.… Although the method is a bit bad."

[System Warning. 'The alter ego of the Snow Queen' chooses 'Kai'.]

"G-Get ready!"

Just as Clovis and Rex felt something coming and shouted at their knights.

My Kai.

An expression bloomed on the Queen's face, which was stiff like a plaster mask. It was a maddening joy.

I'll put the shards of the Mirror of Ugliness in your eyes and heart again! With my kiss!

Wooosh!

The Queen rushed in.

"Arghh!"

The Holy Knights were white with fear of the beautiful but mad queen that seemed to come to kiss them.

Agnes' shrill voice came from my necklace.

Crazy! The method of moving the shards was a kiss!

At that time, there was a person who calmly took a step forward.

"…"

Thesilid went ahead, undisturbed, even in the fierce wind.

Ah, Kai!

The Queen was thrilled by Thesilid, who obediently came to greet her.

As the blizzard danced more ferociously, the Queen flew towards Thesilid.

Their faces gradually came closer. One side was intoxicated with ecstatic madness, and the other side was expressionless without an ounce of emotion because of repeated experiences.

….

"…"

The moment when the Queen tried to kiss the most beautiful silver-haired creature in the world.

Tok!

Eup?!

"…!"

My hand cut in and blocked the Queen's mouth.

Two pairs of surprised eyes focused on me. Among the two, I said to the pair of blues eyes that had snowflakes in the pupils.

"Your Majesty the Queen, please keep your dignity. This is sexual harassment."

Yo-You dare…!

My right hand, which closed the Queen's mouth, felt pain along with a chill. It wasn't because the Queen bit it. I had a feeling it was one of the shards that were in her mouth moving into my palm.

But I ignored it and with my left hand, I squeezed the Queen's collar. It was easy to control because it was just an alter ego.

Cof!

The Queen could make a more colorful expression than I initially thought. Her pained face was quite human.

Le-let go…! Let me go…!

Of course, there was no pity.

I completely took her away from Thesilid and made her look at me.

"Your Majesty, let me ask you one question. Instead of his eye and heart, you just tried to put the shard in his mouth, right?"

I asked because I was curious about the reason she had for changing the original setting.

Ka, Kai wanted that!

"…This sister is out of her mind."

How can you not kiss those lips! Kai seduced me…!

"I can't hear you anymore. Forget it, just give me the remaining shard."

I grabbed the Queen by the neck and pulled her closer to me.

I-I don't want to! I'm going to kiss Kai…!

"Then I just have to make you give me, what's the big deal?"

Only one shard could be moved for each part of the body, and the remaining shard of glass had to be placed in the eye.

With my right hand I fixed the Queen's chin so she could kiss my left eye.

Kyahhhh!

It sounds like you're pretending to be harassed.

I put aura on my left hand to give it strength.

Purseok!

The body of the alter ego broke like porcelain.

Ah, Gerda…My main body will not forgive you…

"Who said I'm Gerda? Just finish this role play and disappear already."

[System The alter ego of the Snow Queen has disappeared.]

Feeling that the blizzard had subsided a little, I brushed my hands to get rid of the sexual harasser's remaining dust.

"Ah."

A slight foreign sensation was felt in the left eye where the mirror shard had been lodged.

"Eli."

As I was blinking with my hand covering my left eye, a stern voice rang in my ear. When I turned my head, I saw a stiff-faced Thesilid.

"Why did you?"

"You've been through a lot. I think you will get sick and tired of it by now."

I lowered the hand that was covering my eye and smiled lightly, but for some reason, Thesilid's expression seemed to get harder.

"Your Grace, the Holy One!"

"Are you alright, Your Grace?"

"It's okay."

I turned to Clovis and Rex, and their eyes widened in surprise.

"Holy one, one eye is…"

My eye?

It turned blue.

Alas, it must have been the effect of a mirror shard stuck in it.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is very fond of the green and blue odd-eyed look.]

"Never mind. It's nothing."

I was waving my hand, but my wrist was caught.

"Thesilid, how disrespectful are you to her Grace?"

"Yes, Sir Thesilid. How dare you grab the Holy One's wrist?"

Despite Clovis and Rex's stern rebuke, Thesilid only looked at my whitened right hand.

After a while, he opened his mouth.

"These shards freeze the body. It would be too much to keep two of them in your body."

This part was demonstrated more clearly by the system, and right now, I was debuffed by the number of pieces embedded in my body.

[Status 'Ice Frostbite (2 pieces)'

A debuff in which the body freezes over time and turns into ice itself.

If you don't go to the place where the Mirror of Ugliness is and take out the shards quickly, you will turn into an ice statue. Let's hurry!

Note: Frostbite progresses faster in proportion to the number of shards.]

Certainly, the feeling in my right hand seemed to have gone numb. Should I hold the sword with my left hand?

I shrugged my shoulders pretending as if nothing has happened.

"Hm, well, you did it, it's not like I can't do it too, right?"

"In some timelines, I became an ice statue."

"…Scaring me for nothing."

To be honest, I was a little scared.

Since Clovis and Rex were wondering what we were talking about, the meaningful conversation ended there.

Then Thesilid said something I had never thought of.

"We'd better take it out."

"Huh? Is there a way?"

There was nothing like that in the original.

['The Spoiler Inspector' is puzzled.]

"…I'm not sure, but I'll have to try."

As soon as he finished speaking, he went into action, and at that moment.

"Hah!"

"Oh, my!"

"Huh?!"

Starting with Clovis and Rex, gasping sounds were heard here and there.

That's because Thesilid buried his lips in the palm of my hand.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' breaks down the desk in excitement.]

Perhaps because my hand was very cold, the body temperature that touched my palm felt unusually hot.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

I wanted to ask a question calmly, but my voice trembled a little.

At that time, something strange happened to my right hand. The blood started to circulate gradually and the senses returned to normal.

And Terry's lips, which had been hot as if they had been on fire from earlier, felt cold. It was a reversal of temperature.

"Huh?"

"…It works."

He slightly covered his mouth with his hand while speaking and a glimmer of light shone through his fingers. On the other hand, the mirror shard that should have been embedded in the palm of my right hand was nowhere to be seen.

[Status 'Ice Frostbite (1 piece)']

The system notifying me of the missing shard indicates that his attempt was successful.

"How did you do it?"

"It seems that I can move your debuffs since I have the 'Guardian of the Beloved'. I copied the same method of transfer and met the conditions for moving it into my body so the fragment came over to me."

"Oh, um, yes. Copying…"

"Right."

As I looked at his kind smiling face, a small urge suddenly arose and I reached for his face.

"Eli?"

My fingertips stopped just short of touching his lips. The breath I could feel was colder than the permafrost air.

"Let's hurry."

We started walking through the snowstorm again. The destination this time was the Ice Castle.

Finally, we arrived in front of the moat surrounding the castle walls.

The iron gate beyond the bridge was firmly closed, and a strong barrier surrounding the entire castle was felt in the area.

"It's supposed to be open, that's weird."

Looks like she got mad at you for not letting her kiss him.

"Oh, that makes perfect sense. Then…"

Agnes and me said at the same time.

"We have to fight a siege."

You have to do a siege.

And it just happens we had a professional in here.

"Terry."

Understanding the meaning only by calling his name, he immediately stepped on the bridge.

A sword formed at the end of his right arm that stretched out.

As he stopped in the middle of the bridge, the whitest aura in the world began to dwell in the blade of the Holy Sword Libra.

The knights groaned.

"No way, is he going to do the same as when he destroyed the Sky Fortress…"

"Are you talking about the ultimate skill for anti-siege?"

"I heard that half a city was destroyed because of that…!"

They must be referring to the Sky Fortress almost falling on the commercial city of El Torini.

You should be grateful if he turned something that could annihilate everything in the area, into half of the destruction. Anyway, the main character is notorious even after doing good things.

Then Clovis came up to me and shouted urgently.

"Your Grace! Could it be that you ordered Thesilid to use the anti-siege skill?"

"I only called his name, but he got it perfectly. I guess we clicked."

"You must stop. If he uses that skill, Thesilid…!"

Kwakwagwagwang!

The ultimate skill did not wait for Clovis to finish his words.

Colossal destructive power, contrasted with a light swing of the sword, penetrated the castle gate. The heavy iron gate was completely destroyed, and the courtyard beyond the gate was dug up.

"…He will be tired and can't do anything…huh?"

Clovis stopped talking and put on a dumbfounded look.

"Eli."

Thesilid, who had finished a slightly overdone task, came out casually and turned to the knights.

"It's done."

"Yes. You worked hard, Terry."

"Hard work? Not at all."

Indeed, it is his 17th episode. Even after using the ultimate anti-siege skill, he showed no signs of getting tired.

"Let's go, Captain Clovis."

"…Yes, under the command of The Holy One."

After going through a dug-up courtyard filled with frozen pine trees, we entered the main building. A huge grand hall greeted us.

It's pretty.

The whole place glistened in ice blue. The floor and walls, as well as the chandelier on the ceiling, were built with elaborately crafted ice.

The inside was as cold as a freezer, but it made it much more livable just by blocking the snowstorm.

While everyone was taking a breather. From the side, I saw Thesilid narrowing his brows while looking at the three passageways.

I thought that he was attractive and handsome even if he frowned, then, coming to my senses I asked.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

He put his hand near his mouth as if conscious of the mirror shard.

"I can't remember the way to the boss's room."

"Oh, what else am I here for?"

I turned on the system map and checked.

"Was the boss room the Grand Banquet hall? Hm, good, just trust and follow me."

Thesilid, who I thought would be thrilled with my reliability, narrowed his eyes.

"Hmm."

"Excuse me, Sir Thesilid? Do you have to give out gazes like that to your colleagues?"

"Then, I ask you as a colleague, how do you know everything? It's almost at the level of omniscience."

That's because I'm a transmigrator who receives preferential treatment from the system, but Thesilid's suspicions seemed to have gone the wrong way.

"Eli, it's an important question, so I want you to answer honestly. Perhaps your true identity is an alter ego of 'Strict order and Goodwill'…"

['The World-building God' is furious with the remarks that crossed the line.]

"Don't says things that could get us in trouble. Absolutely not."

"Really? That's great."

I was grateful for his neat understanding, but I felt puzzled for a moment.

Looking from his point of view…should he be happy?

As if reading the questions from my gaze, Thesilid gave a smile like a painting.

"You must be a human to stay by my side."

It sounded like an obvious statement, but it also had a strange nuance.

Then Thesilid closed his mouth and swallowed his cough lightly, sweeping away my thoughts.

"It must be because my airway is cold as the shard has cooled me down. Let's go."

The Holy Knights were also notified.

"We are leaving again. Follow me carefully from now on."

"Yes! Your Grace!"

The structure of the Ice Castle was like a maze. Walking along the corridor, we came to a hall that seemed to have no use, and across from it, a forked road awaited my choice.

It was a repeat of the same pattern.

Sometimes enemies were waiting in the rooms or halls. They were snow elementals who guarded the Snow Queen. Have been corrupted just like her, their original ice-blue body turned blue-black.

Those who do not have the shards cannot pass…Kiek!

The only one the Queen allowed to enter was Kai…kyaaak!

As I took the lead, Thesilid and I naturally took charge of the enemy's handling.

Each of the fallen spirits was at a level comparable to that of a B-class boss, but they were nothing more than rubbish mobs in front of my Saint-class divine power and Terry's Top Expert-class aura.

However, there were side effects to handling everything too easily.

"The enemies are weak for an S-class dungeon, right? I was nervous for no reason. Ha, ha, ha."

Those were the words of Rex, the leader of the Knights of Grace, as he removed his hand from the handle of his sword.

What is this person saying? On the subject of an intermediate expert level.

It was too cumbersome to explain every word, so I just laughed and replied.

"Of course. Sir Rex can do it well enough."

It was a sweet voice even to me. Isn't this what a true Saint cosplay is all about?

…However, I forgot the fact that it's common for a Saint character to look like easy prey.

"Yes, of course! We, the Knights of Grace, are always ready to fight for the Holy One. If you need support and cover, just let me know, Your Grace!"

"…Support and cover."

You sound the same as Clovis.

In any case, it seems that there are many people who are looking forward to the situation in which Thesilid and I have failed in our two-player attack plan and become desperately in need of help.

I just pulled the corners of my lips together for a small smile and nodded lowly.

"I can't wait to see who will ask first."

"What?"

"It's nothing."

When you go up to the second floor of the Ice Castle, there are some changes to the interior.

I could see art pieces everywhere as if the owner wanted to imitate any other normal castle.

Various paintings framed in ice frames were hung on the walls of the corridors, and statues were placed like gatekeepers on both sides of the entrance of each room in the corridor.

Of course, since it is a place that has become part of the demon realm, the sensibility of the artwork was not human-like.

There were only extremely obscene or sadistic things befitting a demon's taste.

Protected by the system, I frowned a little, but it seemed quite shocking to others.

"Oh My God! Such an ugly picture!"

"Ah, 'Strict order and Goodwill'. Please cleanse my eyes."

"We beg you to protect us from corruption…"

The sound of desperate prayers coming from the back of my head never stopped.

Glancing at Thesilid, he too was walking with his eyes facing forward, trying not to turn to the paintings.

We quickly walked to the end of the hallway and entered a new room. Inside were works of art that were different from what we had seen before.

"No, that…!"

"A decent piece of art in a place like this?"

Located in the center of the huge hall was a beautiful statue of an angel.

A female angel with her wings drooping down, praying to heaven on her knees. It was so holy that every one of the paladins, moved to the brim, even made the holy sing.

However, Thesilid and I felt a chill in our chests.

"…It's Silevan's work. I didn't think there would be a piece of it here."

The Boss from 'The Atelier of the Sculptor', a dungeon in which Thesilid almost died by 'Newborn Chaos and Evil' hands.

It was clear that this angelic statue, ordered by the owner of this place, was made from a massacred corpse of human material.

"It is very beautiful."

Even Rex, the leader, was seen making the sign of the holy cross. I felt the need to stop this ignorant worship.

"Everyone, stop."

"What?"

Since the long procession was already inside the room, my voice was heard by everyone.

"This angel statue is not a work of art, but a corpse desecrated by the devil."

"What?!"

"Among the tools used by artists in the underworld, there is a glaze that slowly hardens the human body into a statue. Demon sculptors sculpt that way."

"Th-then this angel statue…"

"It must have been made by putting harpy wings on the back of a living person, holding them in place with wires, and then applying a special glaze for 15 days. This person must have died slowly during that time."

"Huh!"

The hands, which had been making the sign of the cross, hurriedly changed to a posture of attention.

Movement resumed. Just as I was about to step out of the room and step into a new hallway, a problem arose.

Ellet.

I sensed an aura at the same time as Agnes called and turned my head around.

Pusssok!

Looking back, what was reflected in my vision was the image of a falling angel statue and a knight with a sword in front of it.

"…They had an accident."

Thesilid's dry murmur summarized the current situation.

"Sir Senail! What are you doing!"

Soon, Clovis' roar rang out.

A dark brown-haired female knight flinched for a moment but soon proudly replied.

"Why is that, Captain? What did I do wrong…?"

"Come again?"

"Didn't Her Grace tell us? It's a corpse desecrated by the devil. I just broke it because I thought returning it to the soil was polite to the dead."

"Ha! Courtesy?"

"Yes."

"Then do you think Her Grace and I left the statue alone because we were not polite?"

"…!"

Only then did the knight Senail flinch in realization, but it was already too late.

Kugugung! Kuuung!

All roads leading to the hallway were blocked and everyone was locked up in the room.

"D-Don't tell me, be-because of me…."

"Yes! Did you understand it now?!"

There are always traps lurking in dungeons, this was especially true in this type of holy-like environment.

Criticism was shot from all sides to Senail, who had touched things complacently, but Rex chose a target with a better hitting score than a simple knight.

"No matter how much the main mission of the temple is scouting for dungeons, it's absurd that a paladin doesn't even know common sense inside said dungeons! How does Captain Clovis train the members?"

"…I have no face."

Koo Goo Goo!

The ominous tremors grew in scale and shook the room again.

"Eli, do you have any traps in mind?"

"That's what I was going to ask you."

Whatever happens, I need to prepare first. I reached out.

"Mercury's Barrier."

A huge silver citadel, big enough to enclose sixty people was built. It soon turned out that this response was a wise choice.

Bang! Kwakwang! Kwaaang!

"Argh!"

"Ugh!"

Countless large icicles, big like pillars of stone, fell from the high ceiling.

Of course, they were not ordinary icicles, as they were made with a freezing magic called Cryo-Mancer. Its power came from a whopping 6th circle spell. If it wasn't for my barrier, those less than Aura Expert would have been seriously injured or killed.

"Yo-Your Grace…!"

As if everyone was aware of their possible bleak future, their eyes of emotion were stuck here and there.

The momentum of the ice hitting the barrier subsided. But I couldn't be relieved.

Intruders!

How dare you touch things in the castle!

Pay for your sins with your life!

Fallen snow elementals appeared from the ceiling. Agnes said at the appearance of the enemy.

The volume of the offensive is no joke.

"I know, right."

After all, this is an S-class dungeon close to SS-class. It was a number that should be called an army. They rushed this way as if they were marching.

I immediately cast a Divine skill.

"Divine Punishment. Divine punishment. Divine Punishment!"

Keeek!

There were so many of them that it was only possible to handle half of their numbers. The survivors clung to the barrier.

Now it was a distance where we had no choice but to engage in close combat.

"I will count to three and release the barrier. One."

"All hands! Ready for battle!"

"Two."

"Ye-yes, Sir!"

"Three!"

Kyahahahaha!

The fallen spirit army rushed at the allies with a horrifying laugh.

"Wh-what! Why are these things so strong!"

"They're stronger than I thought…Ahh!"

It was a situation where enemies, who alone were no different from a B-class boss, drove into the allies in groups. Unable to set formations, individual battles began. Of course, with the exception of a few advanced expert aura users, they struggled.

"S-Set the formation somehow! Protect the Healers!"

"Damn it! Even if it is corrupted, it is an elemental, and it has resistance to divine power…!"

"You have to attack mainly with aura to deal damage!"

"Hey, help me out here!"

A difficult melee war broke out.

They had the power to subdue an S-class boss if united, but each one taking on a matchless enemy was a separate business.

Above all, the inability to build formations was fatal.

"Aaaagh!"

A loud scream rang in the ears.