At the same time, the cold and heavy sound of footsteps echoes across the marble floor.
A handsome man with silver hair, who seemed to have been blessed from head to toe by the grace of God, was walking down the aisle of the Vatican.
As evidenced by his well-fitting uniform, his gait as a trained knight was moderate and dignified.
He was the Thesilid Argent of the '17th round'.
The floor, which had changed from marble to carpet, ate away the pleasant sound of footsteps.
Shortly thereafter, Thesilid reached his destination.
He stood in front of a cardinal's door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Even the tidy sound of knocking seems to resemble his pristine self.
"Ah, Sir Thesilid."
The door opened and an apprentice sister in charge of attending appeared.
Thesilid smiled softly, with perfect courtesy as if he had painted it.
"It's a peaceful night, Sister. I'm sorry for the late hour, but could you tell Cardinal Cattleya that I'd like to see her for a moment?"
"Yes! Ho-hold on!"
The girl's face, which was disappearing in a hurry, was burning red.
He was a knight with good looks and manners that thrilled many women, so it was inevitable.
Furthermore, as the regression continued, the freshness disappeared and a strangely languid and detached atmosphere was added, so it was close to impossible not to feel the charm.
Soon the girl peeped out with a shy face.
"Would you like to come in?"
After expressing his thanks with a silent bow, he took a step forward.
He was guided to a private study. Due to the area being densely packed with theological books, a heavy and pious air seemed to fill in the space.
Cattleya, reviewing the papers, glanced at Thesilid and fixed her glasses.
"Sir Thesilid, please have a seat."
"Thank you for your time, Your Grace The Cardinal."
With the low table between them, Thesilid sat upright on the couch across from Cattleya.
The apprentice sister served tea and tactfully walked away. Cattleya seemed to have said in advance that they would be alone.
Well, she was quick-witted since long ago. Even now, a subtle tension was flowing in the air.
It was obvious that Cattleya Gillette was wary of Thesilid Argent. On the other hand, Thesilid's attitude when he asked for a face-to-face meeting was as usual. He smiled drowsily as he ran his fingertips over the handle of the teacup.
It was Cattleya who opened her mouth first and her words were simple.
"What brings you to see me?"
"I came here because I had a personal curiosity. It's a little embarrassing because it's a trivial thing."
"No trivial thing is truly trivial."
"Is that so?"
"I'm rather worried. You came all this way but I wonder if this is a question I can answer."
"You don't have to worry. It's a question that anyone with the Eyesight of Vitality can easily answer."
Thesilid was still smiling like a still picture in front of the flinching Cattleya.
"Was I too straightforward?"
"A little."
Strictly speaking, it was not surprising.
Just as Cattleya recognized Thesilid as a regressor through the Eyesight of Vitality, there was no law against him recognizing her ability.
Even more so if he was a regressor who has experienced various things on countless timelines.
However, the problem was the time he had accumulated as a regressor. The number that popped above his head aroused suspicions that perhaps he knew more about Cattleya than she did herself.
Overwhelmed, Cattleya couldn't help but be nervous. Enough to swallow dry saliva with tea served right in front of her.
Thesilid opened his mouth. In a tone as calm as the scent of the tea in his mouth.
"If it is the experienced Cardinal you will also understand. As the years go by, it becomes difficult to count the exact age."
"……"
"On top of that, I've reached the point where my sense of time has become dull and paralyzed. That's why."
His point was.
"How old am I?"
"……"
Cattleya drew in a small breath.
When her wrinkled lips did not answer after a long time, Thesilid laughed bitterly in trouble.
"Is that such a surprising number?"
"……"
"Well, it was over four digits long ago."
"……"
"But I think we still have a long way to go to five digits……"
"……"
"Ah, as expected it's hard to calculate because my natural life span got twisted later, so I'd really appreciate it if Cardinal Cattleya, who has the Eyesight of Vitality could at least tell me the first digit."
The old woman's lips trembled.
"You……what kind of life have you been living?"
It was only when Cattleya finally brought it up that the expression on Thesilid's face slowly sank. He stared ahead with a desolate face with nothing left.
Eyes facing the front, but not really containing anything. It was fleeting as if it had seen the end of the world.
"Well. Life……can this be called human life?……"
"……"
"Of course, I have nothing to say because I only paid for my sins."
"……In other lines of time…have you sinned?"
"Yes. I have committed a great sin. At least in the last timeline where I lived like a human being."
"Then after that……"
"Ah, come to think of it."
He had the cardinal in front of him, but he didn't mean to confess. Thesilid's eyes turned to Cattleya, who stopped talking.
"The Eyesight of Vitality made a great contribution to punishing me. Because you, who knew I was a regressor, gave me a very ingenious life sentence."
Every story has an unknown after story.
The being that came from beyond the limits of the original story had distant eyes. Then, realizing that he was about to sink into the abyss, he came to his senses.
"Well, I don't mean to resent you, so don't worry."
Having returned to his usual self, he asked the original question.
"I'm just curious. How long have I been trapped in that abyss?"
After the private meeting with Reed, I strolled alone outside the building for a while.
No, not alone.
Ellet, are you okay?
"I got better after drinking the potion."
Agnes is here too.
['The World-building God' says you are not even a time-limited female lead, so why are you vomiting blood?]
['The Spoiler Inspector' criticizes 'The World-building God' for not being able to properly crack down on believers.]
['The World-building God' asks 'The Spoiler Inspector' to raise his own apostle to see if it will work out the way you want to.]
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' suspects that late puberty has kicked in, saying that she seems to have started to go astray from the time of that one bad God Fever.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is worried that this will lead her to have a relationship like a pushover, remembering that there was always the main character involved when she rebelled.]
There are also Gods who accompany us with warm and nonsense nagging. What a very reliable life.
By the way, since earlier your divine power is……
"It'll be back in a day."
It was a dangerous thing to do in front of Reed.
['The Spoiler Inspector' says you are a first-time offender so he warns you that if your criminal record increases, your sentence will increase exponentially.]
I can't believe I became a civilian even though it's a level of SS difficulty. Let's vow to never do it again.
As I was thinking so.
['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' pupils shake like an earthquake and he urgently calls the Head of Development Headquarters.]
['The World-building God' calls for an emergency meeting with a serious face.]
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' enters the meeting room puzzled.]
['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' enters the meeting room nervously.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' follows with special authority.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' tries to sneak in together, but gets barred at the entrance.]
I think it might be the bug problem that I reported last time.
Maybe it's because it's been quiet since the Gods have left. The garden of The Vatican, where the night fell, felt belatedly elegant.
As I was about to return to my place by going around the road fully appreciating the summer flowers, I bumped into a person coming out of the building across the path.
"Terry?"
"Eli."
The building he just came out of was far from his quarters. I approached him at once and asked.
"Where are you coming from?"
"I had someone to meet."
"Who?"
"Cardinal Cattleya. What about you? Did anything happen with the Pope?"
"……"
Unlike my usual, I hesitated for a moment.
"Have you not met the Pope?"
There was a slight hint of nervousness in him but I did not want to cause concern.
"No, that's right. We met. As you said, nothing happened."
"……Okay."
Before I could erase the remaining doubt in his eyes with a fresh smile my necklace rang.
Ellet, Reed is……
"Agnes."
I stopped the flow with a smile on my face.
"Later."
……Ah yes.
It shouldn't have been awkward.
We started walking side by side. The direction of our accommodations was different, but he followed me as if it was natural.
"Why? Are you coming to my room at this hour?"
If the Cardinals heard these words, they would be shouting warnings of behavior at the top of their lungs.
It was a mischievous prank, but as always, our faithful paladin only showed a plain reaction.
"I want to see you off."
"Yes. Because you have a duty to be kind."
Because of 'The Commandments of the Seven Holy Virtues and the Seven Deadly Sins.'
Oh, it's not fun.
As I quickly lost interest and kicked a stone on the ground.
"Not because of duty."
"Then?"
"Because I want to do it."
"……"
I stopped walking without realizing it.
The night wind passed between us for a long time and for a moment, I felt a bit dazed, as if my mind had been swept away as well.
A low laugh broke the silence.
"Got you."
……Hey."
Oh, that surprised me.
I was surprised to hear something he usually doesn't say. My heart skipped a beat in surprise.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' wonders what happened while she took her eyes off for a moment.]
'No, nothing happened.'
The one who started the prank first was me, so I couldn't blame anyone for this.
I sped up my pace and took the lead.
"Hurry up and take me there."
"Okay."
A refined sound vibrated from his neck as he laughed and followed me calmly like a gentleman.
The time is July.
It was midsummer, so the night air was quite warm.
A week has passed since then.
I had reached a dramatic settlement with the Council of Cardinals on these and other issues and nodded my head in satisfaction after checking the notarized documents.
"I really like the cost of maintenance and travel expenses. Since you have shown so much sincerity, I will also travel around the continent diligently to promote the status of the church."
"Th-thank you. But, Y-Your Eminence……"
Decal asked cautiously, breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Is it possible for you to change the first destination……"
"Not possible. Not a bit of chance, not at all, never."
I cut him short and said it like a declaration.
"Now then, please write a letter of visit to the Principality of Hispenril. As soon as consent is given, we will depart immediately."
Grandpa, your granddaughter is coming soon!
Chapter 26. Visiting Grandpa's House
On the day of departure for the Principality of Hispenril, the mission of goodwill gathered in the courtyard of the Vatican.
At the center was I, The Chosen One, and Thesilid, the only member of my order of paladins and the owner of the Holy Sword.
His paladin uniform was already on the flashy side, but my outfit as the captain was a bit more remarkable.
It wasn't enough that I had to wear much more decorations such as tassels and chains than others, I had to even add a dark blue chlamys cloak over one shoulder.
My impression of this is…….
'Too hot! It's midsummer now!'
Although I'm using aura to lower my body temperature, it's not cool at all because I have to wear several layers of clothes under the scorching sun.
['The World-building God' comforts your mind and body, tired from overtime work, with your upgraded uniform costume set.]
…Well, my God said so, let's put strength in my sweat glands and hang in there.
As I was pretending to be a living holy statue, imitating Thesilid who was next to me, Rex, who had brought the paladins, set an example for me.
"Paladins of Grace, preparations are complete, Your Eminence."
The Vatican had the Order of Grace to accompany me.
The reason was that the status of the Church could be undermined because my Order had only two members, including me, and that was the total number of members reflected in this delegation.
The Templars that were always a set with the Order of Grace, were not with me this time. Apparently, they left on another mission the day before yesterday.
It seemed like it would be the last mission for Ephael and Hestio as members of the Templars, as they were about to switch Orders soon.
"Then we will depart."
I moved space using the Space Transition Stone with Thesilid.
[System You have entered Peronsa, the capital of the Principality of Hispenril. Adjust the current time according to the time difference.]
The place where my body was settled was the vacant lot in front of the main gate of the Prince's Castle in House Raemian.
The iron grate door, so large that one could not tell how wide it was, was wide open.
Inside, a huge marble fountain spouting brilliant water droplets and a courtyard decorated in perfect symmetry could be seen at a glance.
Right when the Paladins of Grace followed suit and arrived in groups of five or six.
Tada! Tada! Tada!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The loud sound of wind instruments, loud firecrackers, and flower petals exploded from left and right.
"We sincerely welcome The Chosen One's visit to the Principality of Hispenril!"
The Prince's vassals, who had lined up earlier, gave a warm welcome and an elderly gentleman walked out from among them.
"Hello, Your Eminence the Chosen One. I'm the Chief Adviser, Count Edgar Walt. Your Excellency the Duke is looking forward to meeting you inside House Raemian."
"Thank you for the warm welcome. I also can't wait to see His Excellency."
Agnes looked around and started to find fault with things.
What is it? Why isn't he coming to pick us up? On the subject of a paltry Duke!
Oh wow, that's harsh.
Although Grandpa does not claim to be a king himself, he is second only to the king in the international protocol. In this case, they usually send their children instead to greet guests, but now my mother is running away from home…No, we should say married.
To be honest, it's strange to ask for formality because now is only about a granddaughter going to her grandfather's house.
Aide Edgar also exchanged greetings with Thesilid.
"Greetings to the owner of the Holy Sword."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
Mmm, it's really dry.
"I'll guide you, Your Eminence."
We started moving through the front door.
Thesilid and I walked with Edgar in the front, following together at some distance, while the vassals were guiding the Paladins of Grace at some distance behind us.
On both sides of the road, statues of handsome half-naked men were lined up. Tight but lean muscles were just to my taste.
"The courtyard is very nice."
The old gentleman replied with pleasure as if being recognized by me.
"It was originally filled with very rugged marble statues, but it all changed recently because His Excellency ordered the Castle to be redecorated, looking forward to the visit of Your Eminence."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. In fact, His Excellency has been very immersed in religion since 10 years ago. Perhaps because of that, he had high expectations for receiving Your Eminence, so he made things happen quickly. At that time, I was thinking that it would be okay to prepare slowly, but now that I see it, His Excellency was right. How could I have known that we would enjoy the honor of serving Your Eminence first in the Principality of Hispenril?"
I covered my mouth and laughed.
"For such a thing to have happened, I can't help but admire His Excellency's great wisdom. Also, thank you to the servants of the Castle who paid a lot of attention to my visit."
"Oh my God, Your Eminence. I can't help but say thank you."
I felt good to see the benevolent face of the old gentleman smiling at me.
This made it clear.
Even the Chief Aide doesn't know that I am the granddaughter of the Duke.
Hey, there will be chaos later.
Even so, I'm so excited right now that my heart flutters.
Come to think of it, not even Thesilid knows right? After realizing it, my expectations grew even higher.
Right now, I was curious about the story of Grandpa coming from other people's mouths so I kept talking to Edgar.
"What kind of person is His Excellency the Duke? He must be a great person, right?"
"Yes. He is great in everything. He is known far and wide as the mighty ruler of the Principality and the best knight on the continent. In addition, he is full of human charms. Since he is a sincere and easy-going person, I can guarantee that Your Eminence will surely feel favor with His Excellency's wonderful personality."
Did Aide Edgar feel like an older brother to Grandpa?
"Please tell me more. What does he usually do?"
"Haha, our Excellency the Duke really likes muscles. He enjoys trimming his muscles while training with a pickaxe in a C-class mine. He spent most of the year with the veteran miners there, and only around Thanksgiving…he goes home to meet his daughter, the Princess."
By the time he finished his last sentence, Edgar's eyes were slightly blurred. Well, everyone on the continent knows that Grandpa and Mother are on bad terms.
To refresh the atmosphere I gave a comment.
"It is customary for priests to offer congratulatory prayers to the places they visit. Later I will put in a lot of wishes for peace in the family."
"Oh, Your Eminence! Would you please?"
Edgar was delighted.
"Our Excellency is someone who believes that finding his daughter 10 years ago was a gift from God. If God's spokesman and agent, Your Eminence The Chosen One, prays for him, he will be very happy."
It was natural to believe that it would be a little more miraculous since it was a prayer from a high-seated Saintess.
Around the time Edgar began to speak in a tone that would bring tears to his eyes.
"As you may have heard rumors, the relationship between His Excellency the Duke and the Princess is a little…dry. There is almost no exchange and the occasional correspondence is all……"
"A letter?"
Unlike Edgar, who was saddened, I was surprised.
I thought they only met on Thanksgiving Day, but both seem to be communicating through letters.
If they are doing this, it seems that a lot of the gaps have been filled.
"He doesn't often get a reply from the Princess. Come to think of it, I'm lucky to say that a letter arrived today just in time for Your Eminence's visit. This is probably the first one in six months. How thrilled His Excellency was when he received it. He even broke the office desk."
"I-Is that so."
"Yes. It was an exceptionally good news story. Let me tell you a little bit……."
Priests are obliged to keep personal secrecy in relation to prayer.
Not to mention, I, a Saint, was a trustworthy bamboo forest, so Edgar whispered information into my ear without hesitation in order to maximize the effect of prayer.
"Your Excellency might see a great-grandchild sooner or later. So be sure to include this in your prayers! Please! Please put it in."
"What? G-Great-grandchild?"
"Yes."
After completing the prayer request, Edgar smiled happily and opened the door to the entrance of the building.
I froze with one foot vaguely stepping on the stairs.
Now, now, now, wait a minute. Hold up.
If it's a great-grandchild, doesn't it mean that my mother will become a grandmother?
'D-Did Frintz have an accident?'
The Scales that Judges the Soul' raises only one corner of her mouth and smiles.]
Ms.Libra's smile was nothing short of a divine revelation, foreshadowing something sinister. I swallowed dryly, feeling tension and fear for some reason.
"Your Eminence? Aren't you coming in?"
"G-Going. I'm right behind you."
As we went inside the building and were about to walk down the long stretched hallway.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
All of a sudden the floor rumbled, the walls rumbled, and the ceiling rumbled.
"Wh-what is this! Is it a dungeon sink!?"
While the Paladins of Grace were making a fuss behind us, I saw a large, beautiful body rapidly approaching on the other side of the hallway.
At this, Edgar and the other vassals shouted in bewilderment.
"What?"
"Yo-Yo-Your Excellency the Duke!"
"You obviously decided to politely wait in your seat……!"
Sure enough, now, Prince Hispenril was running down the hallway, throwing away his social status and dignity!
Thump! Thump! Thump!
"Babyyy! Welcomeeee!"
Grandfather was relentlessly rushing this way with his arms wide open.
"B-Baby? Did he say, Baby?"
"Yo-Your Excellency the Duke?"
The surroundings panicked.
Well, there's nothing you can do about it.
"Grandpaaaaa!"
I also sprinted and in the moment that I jumped and hugged his pectoralis major muscles that were as wide as a plain.
"Oh, my God."
"Huk."
"What."
Gasps of shock seeped through the hallway.
Irk, get away from me, old man, the pendant is touching your muscles!
And Agnes screamed in disgust.
Even a full-grown woman was a baby in front of this towering, bunched-muscled middle-aged man. Grandpa bounced me around for a while before he finally put my feet back on the ground.
"My granddaughter is coming to visit, so this old man was unable to wait! Since I couldn't stand it I just ran out! Ha, ha, ha!"
"I missed you, Grandpa! Thank you for coming to greet me!"
"Let me take a look at you, my baby! After you became a Saint you got even more prettier. Dear me, you're dazzling."
"Ugh, I'm dazzled too. Grandpa's muscles are shining!"
"Hm, this cutie pie! Oh, come to think of it, you caught a big doggie this time, right?"
"Yes!"
"As expected of our family's granddaughter. When I was your age, I ripped bosses' spines with bare hands and your mother split the eyeballs of one with nothing but a hoe and a plow! Bravo! I'm so proud of you!"
"What. I am still a long way off."
After sharing a lot of joy after the reunion, I looked around. Edgar and Rex, who had blank faces, each said a word.
"So now……Our Duke and……"
"Our Eminence the Chosen One……"
Their questions for clarification came at the same time.
"Are you Grandfather and Granddaughter?!"
"Yes."
"That's right."
Me and Grandpa nodded, clinging to each other.
"Oh, my lord."
"The saint that appeared after 500 years……"
"Is the granddaughter of the continent's strongest man……"
"A-A-d-dreadful family, House Hispenril……"
I'm really satisfied with the way they can't even finish the words with jaws dropping to the floor.
Oh, I haven't been able to confirm one person's reaction yet.
Thesilid's face has gone dumb.
Agnes slapped the world's most handsome man again.
In my eyes, Thesilid had become a handsome stone statue.
I felt a little proud because it seems that I gave a fresh shock to his long and boring life of regression.
He asked in a slightly trembling voice.
"……Were you the granddaughter of Prince Hispenril?"
"Uh-hum. His Excellency the Duke of Hispenril here is my Grandfather. My mother, whom you met last time, is a princess."
"……"
"Isn't my grandfather cool?"
"……"
No, what if there is no answer here?
"Grandpa, Terry is a little freaked out right now, so please look favorably upon him."
"I know."
Huh? Do you know?
Suddenly, Grandpa's voice became stern.
"Baby, I heard all the news from your mother in the letter."
"What?"
When I was somewhat taken aback by the word 'letter', Grandpa strode towards Thesilid and then.
"Welcome, Grandson-in-law."
"It's not like that!"
I'm going crazy!
Then, the dumbfounded Thesilid.
"Ah, yes. I wish you well……"
No, don't answer here!
He even shook Grandpa's outstretched hand.
Grandpa tightened his clasped right hand. Then, with his opposite hand, he began to rub Thesilid's arm and shoulder, starting at the wrist.
What are you doing, old man!
"Gran-Grandpa!"
Whether I squealed or not, the look on my Grandfather's face, as he groped Thesilid, was serious.
"Hmm! I see a young man with dignity in his deltoids, intelligence in his trapezius, and grit in his upright erector spinae, all right, you pass!"
"Oh, please stop……"
This is not a romance genre.
I don't have 10 billion in cash.
Covering my face with both hands as if I was about to cry I was thinking that I'll die from the heat of shame because it was summer.
I didn't have the confidence to meet the gazes of the Paladins and the Vassals so I pretended to wipe my forehead and covered my eyes.
"Sigh, let's go somewhere and talk calmly. I have something to tell you."
Grandpa and I sat across from each other on the couch in the parlor. Of course, we weren't alone.
Chief Aide Edgar stood behind my grandfather and Thesilid and Rex stood behind me.
As I drank about three glasses of ice water and my composure seemed to return, I went straight to the point.
"The first reason I came to visit the principality is because I wanted to see my grandfather, but there is another reason as well, and that's……"
"To introduce me to Sir Thesilid?"
"……"
"Okay, okay. Go ahead and tell me, baby."
I drank another glass of water and opened my mouth.
"I have a big request for my grandfather."
"Hm? What would you like to ask?"
"I became a High Saint, but I have no parish. I want to designate Peronsa as my parish and build a church here. I hope you will allow it."
"Hup!"
"Hick!"
Grandpa and Aide Edgar both breathed in at the same time.
A response came soon.
"Did you hear, Your Excellency?! Our Peronsa welcomes a parish under a High Saint!"
"Oohh! My granddaughter is the Head Vicar of the parish in my land!"
It felt good to be welcomed.
Edgar said with a face beaming with happiness.
"Peronsa hadn't been granted a parish designation because of the original small number of believers and the territoriality of the Golden Ivory Tower, but…If the Leader of the parish is a Saint, they won't be able to say anything about it."
"If they harm you, tell this old man!"
"Do not worry. I will take care of them."
I glanced back at Rex, who was standing behind me.
"The Lord's permission has fallen. Sir Rex, I would be grateful if you could report to the Minister of Doctrine so that the parish designation could be expedited as soon as possible."
"Yes. Just leave it to me, Your Eminence."
It was a decision of my own volition, but I doubt Cardinal Decal would object.
From the Church's point of view, increasing the number of parishes means expanding its power, and since I am the granddaughter of the Duke, I am the most suitable person for the parish head.
No, actually, to put it a bit bluntly, it didn't matter even if I didn't have the approval of the Vatican.
In the end, my purpose is to fulfill the quest. It is the system that needs that recognition. Besides my religion is the World Church, and the highest authority of that church was me, the religious leader.
All I had to do was designate it as a parish.
Seeking the permission of the Order Church is merely a formality.
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' comforts you for having a lot of trouble because of heresy.]
Now that the designation of the parish was settled, it was time to talk about the construction of the church.
"Grandpa, since I can't stay in the principality for long, can I ask you to build a church?"
"Of course, I'll build you a nice and fancy one!"
"Thank you. Construction cost is……"
I rummaged in my sleeves with melancholy and pulled things out of my inventory.
Oh, my hands are shaking
"He-here is all my property……I have 30,000 gold…… Is it possible to fill up what is lacking with the materials for transition stones and Rodel's Pills? I haven't cashed these yet……"
"Oh, God! There are so many horns of Unisus!"
"Look at the size!"
While Edgar and Rex exclaimed with their eyes wide open in amazement, Grandpa made a solemn reply.
"Keep them."
"……Grandpa?"
"Do you think this old man can't even do this much for his granddaughter?"
"……!"
"Consider the construction costs as my offering."
"Gr-Grandpa……!"
It was exciting.
['The World-building God' registered 'Aaron Jake Hispenril' as the 1st place in the Believer's Offerings Ranking.]
"Grandpa! Thank you so much."
I was already struggling with money, so my nose got all cold.
I was putting money, materials, and goods back into my inventory, and Edgar asked me a good question.
"Have you thought about where to build the Church?"
"Yes!"
I pulled out a map of Peronsa with thorough preparation. There was a place circled in advance.
"It was put up for sale a few months ago."
"It's a bit out of the way, isn't it lonely here?"
"Here is the right place. Can I buy it quickly? Right now if possible."
"Edgar, did you hear that?"
"Yes, I will buy it right away."
It was truly a lighting out of the blue sky.
When all discussions were over, Grandpa said while stroking his abs.
"I've worked a lot lately, so I think I'm going to lose my muscles."
"Come to think of it, it's lunch. I am hungry too."
"My granddaughter can't go hungry! Come on, let's all move to the banquet hall!"
"Yes!"
As we left the parlor and walked down the hall, Grandpa took an interest in Rex's muscles.
Meanwhile, Thesilid clung close to me.
"Eli."
Looking at his handsome face carved with a soft smile, I couldn't help but smile at him too.
"Huh? What is it?"
"There are a lot of Unisus horns. Where did you get it from?"
"……"
I see. The smile was a mind trick to catch me off guard.
Anyway, I had nothing to say.
You were sloppy, unlike you.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is satisfied with your good strategy to induce his jealousy.]
No, they were just difficult to dispose of. If the volume is large, releasing it all at once will disrupt the market.
Thesilid's eyes narrowed.
"You made it sound like you weren't going to go there. You're mean."
"Haha……"
I hope my attempt to cover it up with laughter works.
"Well, that's okay."
Oh, did it work?
"We go to the mermaid's dungeon instead."
Nope.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' widen her eyes, saying that this is almost like the mindset of trying to get even after seeing an affair.]
Come on, Ms. Libra. It can't be……
"If you're not going with me, I'm going alone."
"……"
She's right.
I was a little confused because Thesilid was behaving unlike his usual self. Then he hit the nail on my head with a smile.
"You were going to go anyway."
"……Sigh."
This regressor is also quick-witted.
I could only meekly nod my head.
On the first day of arriving at the Principality, the only schedule I had was giving blessings and attending the dinner banquet.
From my point of view, this was just like coming to play in my grandfather's house, so I was excited to look around the Castle and chat with my Grandpa.
The wonderful and majestic Castle, an affectionate grandfather, and the kind servants.
Ah, the best.
This actually feels like a vacation, not goodwill diplomacy. But on the other hand, there was a little bit of a regretful heart.
What I want to say is.
'If only the genre were childcare, I would have been treated like a little princess here in my childhood…'
I could have been just as good at baby tongue, being cute and cuddly.
I'm sure it must have been. Sniff.
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' is speechless at your immature mental age.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' since you are already way past that phase, encourages you to thrive in childcare material using your second generation.]
Of course, this is not comforting at all. Rather, it is more like a mental attack.
'My Lord, please say one word for your loyal believer.'
I called to God hoping for healing.
['The World-building God' takes a moment out of his busy schedule to think about it.]
['The World-building God' nails down that your second generation's religion must be the World Church and goes back to work.]
"……"
Even World God, whom I believed in, disappeared after only emphasizing the importance of maternal faith. I suddenly got tired.
The dinner schedule had long since ended, so I went into my assigned guest room and changed my clothes.
It was just around dusk in the Principality time zone, but my biological clock, tuned to Elpenheim, was calling for sleep.
Suddenly, I checked the system date.
The day after tomorrow is July 11th.
"Hmm."
I rested my chin on the back of my hand, thinking to myself. Turning to my surroundings, I said.
"Will you all please stand down? Don't let anyone in or out until I call for you."
"Yes, Your Eminence."
I dismissed the handmaidens and was left alone in the room.
What are you going to do?
"I want to go to the point shop."
I remembered that Grandma, 'The Supreme Merchant of All Things', had told me to drop by the last time.
I also had problems to solve.
'Washing stolen goods……'
Am I stepping into the world of crime? It seems that I'm gradually moving away from the path of a model transmigrator.
To the point shop……?
Agnes's voice caught me as I opened the menu on the system.
Hm, you know, Ellet.
"Yes?"
……No. Let's talk when we get back.
"Agnes?"
Let's go quickly.
"Hm, well, okay."
I was curious, but Agnes' attitude seemed cautious, so asking now didn't seem like a good choice.
If that's the case, we'd better hurry back so I can talk with her.
When I selected the 'VIP Point Shop' menu I arrived at the alley with a sense of floating in the air as always.
This was my third visit.
God Grandma was still the same. Behind the counter, she was smoking on her pipe, exuding a fragrant grassy scent.
"Hum Hum, come on in. I was waiting for you."
"Hello, Grandmother of All Things, I remember you asked me to stop by before."
"Yes, I called because I had something to tell you."
God Grandma gestured to a stool in front of the show window with her pipe.
I sat down, meekly and respectfully.
"What do you mean to tell me?"
"I think you need an exorcism."
"……"
At what point should I be surprised?
That this store sells a variety of intangible goods from divination to fortune telling? Or that I need an exorcism?
I was going to ask about both, but God Grandma opened her mouth first.
"I think you have some sort of stalker attached to you."
"Hik?"
Unbeknownst to me, I made an ugly sound.
I asked in a somber tone.
"As expected, that floppy disk was stolen, right? You sold me stolen property, right?"
"No! As I told you before it's really not a stolen item! And don't worry I will only do it if you want to."
"Of course, I trust you to do it at no extra cost."
"That's right. Just take out the floppy disk."
Since this was also the purpose of my visit, I rummaged through the inventory without a word.
I put a flat diskette smaller than the palm of my hand in front of God Grandma and myself.
Then she waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal.
"Stay farther back. If you don't, your soul friend over there may do a one-ticket-trip to nirvana."
"Yes."
I quickly kicked the floor with both feet and the wheeled stool was pushed all the way to the wall.
Do we have to go this far back?
"Because Agnes is precious."
……Uh, well, thank you.
Just in case, I even wrapped my hands around the pendant. In the meantime, God Grandma held up the pipe she had just taken a puff of.
"Begone! Begone! Begone of this world!"
She dynamically swung the pipe into the air.
Pssscuk! Pssscuk!
A few sacred white sparks flew over the floppy disk and then faded away.
"It's done."
"Already?"
"Yes."
I scooted the stool back to its original position and picked up the floppy disk to look at it. It looked the same, maybe it was a bit cleaner.
Hmm, I'm not sure, it's better to ask.
"Is this all right now? It doesn't have a problem, does it? Can I use it comfortably?"
"Yes, yes, yes."
"Are you sure? I mean, I'll gift this to someone soon."
"Really? Then I'll gift-wrap it for you."
"Oh, thank you."
As expected of the owner of a business, she had excellent skills in distracting customers. God Grandma gave me the artifact in a pretty velvet box with a single white flower.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' regrets that there's no ring to go inside.]
With this, I have answered the call of God Grandma, and done all my business.
"Thank you. Then I will be on my way."
"What, are you going already? Take a look around, a lot of interesting things came in."
"I don't have enough points to buy anything."
"Do you have to buy something to be a customer? I am not such a mean God."
"Really? Then I'll take a look!"
My eyes lit up with excitement.
It seems like God Grandma had something she wanted to show me.
She quickly picked up a large cardboard box and held it in front of my eyes. Inside I saw a bunch of sunglasses.
"Isn't this that? Vitality, Sin, and Passion….Eyesight series."
"That's right."
"You said this was a luxury item, is it okay to hoard and pile them carelessly like this?"
"It's okay because these are replicas."
"A replica?"
It's a counterfeit.
I brought a hand to my mouth.
"Oh, my god. I thought you handled stolen goods but not fake ones. The store's status is, hmm, a little, disappointing……"
"It's an official product!"
The angry God Grandma lifted up a pair of sunglasses and explained.
"The old Eyesight series had a problem of not being able to be removed once applied, so it was quite the fatal downside. We improved it for one-time use and made it into a mass-production type."
"Whoa!"
God Grandma handed me one of the mass-produced sunglasses.
"Would you like to try it? This one is Eyesight of Passion."
"I thought you said they were disposable."
"Well, there are many, so what's the big deal with using a few? Hum hum. Use it here, you can use it for 5 minutes."
"I'm curious to see what the likability gauge looks like, but doesn't this only work on people? I'm the only one here."
"You use it on yourself. Isn't it fun? You can check your level of narcissism!"
"Ooooh!"
A Narcissism test! Interesting indeed.
"I want to try."
"Here, here. Oh wow, that's pretty. It suits you very well. Hum hum."
After putting on the Eyesight of Passion, I looked in the tabletop mirror God Grandma had brought out.
But.
1?
Number one?
"Huh?"
What? Is my self-love only about this much? Am I the type with surprisingly low self-esteem?!
What's wrong, Ellet?
I stuttered.
"E-Excuse me, Grandma. What is the unit behind this number? It's not a percentage, is it? Or is it a 1 out of 10?"
"Hm? What are you talking about?"
"……The number 1 appears?"
"What?!"
A smoke pipe fell from God Grandma's mouth.
Grandmother of all things didn't even think to pick it up and looked at the sunglasses I was wearing.
And.
"Ho…Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, hong, hong ……"
"……Why are you like that? Making ominous sounds."
"I got it wrong. I gave you the Eyesight of Sin, not the Eyesight of Passion!"
"Wait, then this number 1 is……"
The afterword was given by Agnes.
Ellet, did you kill someone?
"……"
Kyaaaaaagh!
I let out an inner scream.
"Th-that's nonsense."
With trembling hands, I gripped the sides of the mirror.
I blinked, rubbed my eyes several times, and tried to look again, but the number 1 above my head did not change.
God Grandma, who belatedly picked up her pipe, opened her mouth.
"Could it be that civilians were unintentionally sacrificed by your wide-area skill?"
"No. I never did."
I am neither sloppy nor short-sighted enough to make such a mistake.
My mind raced with confusion.
There were times when I aided and abetted death. This was the case with the Bandit Guild, The Ducks and Drakes, which were offered as sacrifices to the Harpy Queen, and the Knights of The Pillar of Light, which were enemies of Thesilid.
However, if their deaths were counted as my guilt, the number above my head had to go well over double digits to be correct.
It was clear that the Eyesight of Sin only counted deaths in which I had a much higher contribution other than aiding and abetting.
But I've never been involved in someone's death other than The Ducks and Drakes and The Knights of Grace……
Then, God Grandma spoke.
"Even if it is the same type of indirect murder, karma contribution is calculated differently when using more power or using less power. Power is something that disturbs the peace of the world, so it builds cause and effect in itself."
"There really is no one who died because of my Aura nor Divine power."
"I'm not talking about using the Three Major Powers."
"Then?"
"A demonic power called dungeons is interfering in your world."
"Ah……"
I realized it right away.
My influence in this world through the dungeons.
A slightly muffled voice came out of my mouth.
"It means that there were people who died without being able to get out of the dungeon I closed……"
"Yes."
"Hah, I guess that just goes to show that sins are better left unsaid."
I became solemn by myself.
I went through the dungeons I'd closed myself one by one, excluding those that were stolen by another's last hit or by external forces.
I started in reverse order from most recent to least.
Was it one of the A-class or lower dungeons that were conquered during the vacation period? Or was it the Hellkaion Dungeon where the Burst happened? Maybe the Queen Harpy's extinct volcanic lair? The Sculptor's Atelier?
It was when I was reaching all the way back to the tutorial period.
I suddenly had a question.
"Grandma."
"Hm."
"You know that dungeon where I went to get my save points, what happened to that?"
"Ah, there."
God Grandma puffed out a long smoke that smelled of a scented candle.
"It disappeared as soon as you came out. It's because that dungeon has been neglected for too long without an owner. It was a place that would break with a single blow."
An odd answer.
God Grandma still denies the existence of the being I encountered there, but now, the other side of the question is even more out of place.
'Was I the one who broke it with a single hit…?'
It was a question with no answer, so I came up with all sorts of delusional guesses and speculations.
Ellet, forget it. All adventurers enter the dungeon prepared for that kind of risk.
Agnes kindly comforted me.
Grandma God also added a word.
"Don't feel too guilty. The soul should be reborn and is living well by now, right?"
"Really?"
"I just said something nice to hear."
"……Let's talk about something else."
"Okay."
God Grandma nodded her head and cooperatively began a new topic.
"How's it going with your boyfriend?"
"I don't know why we're having this conversation again."
"Because you have pink hair and Order made the male character, no, I meant to say that the main character's soul design was amazingly well chosen."
"……"
My eyes narrowed slightly.
"Excuse me, Grandma of All Things."
"Why? Do you have any other questions?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"Can a God create a God?"
"Huh……"
God Grandma grinned, she seemed to immediately grasp the deep meaning of my question.
When I listened to the words of the Gods, there were times when I felt uncomfortable. Obviously, this world was built on the basis of the RUSW novel.
And 'Strict order and Goodwill' is definitely a God in the novel. However, when referring to this fictional God, World God said that he was a 'God who left home,' while Grandmother of All Things just evaluated this God as a deity good at creating souls.
As if 'Strict order and Goodwill' actually exist, and are equal to them.
"No, of course not. Do you have any idea how hard it is to attain godhood?"
"That means……"
"Just know that there was a predecessor who abandoned the project. I can't tell you more than that."
Psssut, Pssut.
The sound of sudden static grated on my nerves.
Where I moved my gaze, I saw the right arm of God Grandma, which became more and more transparent.
"Grandma…!"
"Oops, this precious vessel has been damaged. I might have to make it look differently next time."
"Ah, that answer was a heavenly leak. I'm, hm, sorry about that."
"I wish you knew."
The resolute tone I heard for the first time made me nervous.
"Next time, try to be smarter and ask questions that will not get me penalized. Hahaha."
"……"
This may be something I should be apologizing for. I deeply reflected on it.
Flicking her smoking pipe with the other hand, God Grandma said as if it was nothing
"Cute transmigrator, these are but circumstances of the divine world. Anyway, the world you belong to is real. You just have to think about doing your best to survive and see a happy ending."
I wonder if that's possible?
Well, I should make it possible.
"Oh, and."
"Yes?"
"I think your necklace friend is starting to understand our theological terminology, so explain to her well."
"…Ah."
That's right, Agnes.
Come to think of it, didn't we use the word Transmigrated quite casually every time we came to the Point Shop?
A slightly raspy voice rang from the necklace.
We were supposed to talk after coming over here today. Don't forget.
"Yes, of course. I think we have a lot to talk about."
God Grandma turned around first and walked through the main path leading to the back door.
"Come on, go on. It looks like my body will pop out from the hole of this vessel. Man will go blind just by seeing the form of God, and go deaf by hearing its voice."
"Yes. Take care of yourself, see you later. Thank you."
I bowed and turned to leave the store.
Walking down an alley that blinks white as if urging me, I hurried back to reality.
The first time Agnes felt out of place was when she visited the VIP Point Shop.
It was an otherworldly place, with bizarre décor, shelves upon shelves of priceless artifacts, and a grandmother goddess who was clearly a heretic.
'I have lived long enough to see all kinds of things……No, I've been dead long enough to see all kinds of crazy.'
To be honest, she was really surprised but pretended to be looking at things calmly.
Maybe it was because she was very natural and those who forgot her existence finally leaked heavenly secrets.
– ……Shouldn't you be asking if I have a boyfriend first?
– Aren't you a Rofan ? Your hair is pink.
One word in the middle was particularly difficult to hear.
At first, she let it slide.
It was because Agnes couldn't understand even half of the conversation, as they used a lot of nefarious theological terms befitting a heretic god and a heretic.
'Rofan? Sensitivity Gauge? Love Eunuch? Harem? Reverse harem? What are you talking about?'
It was a situation where one word could be buried in other cryptic theological terms.
However, they have been repeatedly mentioning it.
Like this.
-Wow. Is it possible to do a second round in the afterlife choice?
Or again, like this.
-Oh, that's for infinite regressors only. You're a so you don't need it.
Three times she heard a strangely dissonant sound.
Agnes had a hunch that it indicated Ellet's true identity.
She even thought of directly asking Ellet.
However, in a situation where the words were filtered out by an unknown force, it seemed that neither she nor Ellet could say anything.
Besides, the timing was off due to an encounter with a creepy being in the dungeon where they went to retrieve the floppy disk.
And the second visit followed.
It was when Ellet went to buy the chalice for the rite and argued over whether or not the God Grandma could read divination.
-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 know everything because I'm a Transmigrator.
A Transmigrator.
The dissonance was finally translated into language. Although the pronunciation was muffled as if the sound was trapped in an airtight box.
Agnes decided to wait a little longer because she thought that hearing it once was not enough to be certain.
And finally today.
-Cute transmigrator, these are but circumstances of the divine world. Anyway, the world you belong to is real. You just have to think about doing your best to survive and see a happy ending."
Her ears were completely open.
It was time to hear an explanation of Ellet's identity.
Thanks to the big picture drawn by God Grandma, I was sitting with Agnes right now.
"……"
……
Agnes, who I hadn't seen in a long time, had her arms folded and was staring at me with her purple eyes.
"Well, Agnes."
Feeling burdened by the blonde beauty instructor's sharp gaze, I raised my hand and spoke as if swearing an oath.
"You don't have to look at me with such disbelief. I will tell you everything today, honestly."
……Really?
Only then did Agnes loosen her expression and arms. Now it's time to have some conversation.
If you're a transmigration, that's it, right? Entering someone else's body?
"Um, well, yes."
['The Spoiler Inspector' detect signs of a disturbing conversation and rushes out.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' is about to ask if you are pushing your luck to become a second-time offender, but then flinches as he realizes something is off.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' is surprised and wonders how the permissible range of heaven leakage for 'Agnes Azlit' was changed to the final stage.]
Since Agnes was bonded to me and was a soul that had no influence on the real world, I was allowed to leak a little bit of information to her from before and thanks to that, I was able to freely talk about the truth of a regressive world.
And today, with the help of the God Grandma, the ban on Transmigrating into novels was lifted.
['The Spoiler Inspector' finds out the cause and sighs.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' is angry that the 'Supreme Merchant of All Things' used a trick by taking advantage of the lack of surveillance of her private business.]
Presumably, Agnes' constant exposure to the conversations between me and the God Grandma seemed to have an effect.
Please explain in detail.
"Hmm. It must be a very shocking story for Agnes……"
No matter what you say, it's less shocking than the time you threw me away and went to die alone.
"……"
Whoa, after that, there's no need to wait anymore, right?
I straightened my posture and opened my mouth.
So……The origin of this world lies in books, and I……"
I inhale a lungful of air, then exhaled.
"I was transmigrated in a character from the book."
A lengthy explanation began.
About the novel called RUSW, the public project of Mass Transmigration made by the Gods, and the series of events that led me to transmigrate.
I chose my words with the utmost care and tried to sound as refined as possible.
Maybe, because I paid too much attention, my voice, echoing through the room was lower than usual as if it were somehow choked.
……
Agnes listened in silence with an expressionless face for what seemed to be a long time.
The truth that a novel or fictional world forms the basis of reality, for the people of this world, would be considered more than violence or insult, it would be treason against existence.
Especially if you believe in God.
At some point, after the explanation was over, I studied Agnes' expression in silence.
……
Around the time I was thinking that her seemingly calm appearance was somewhat dangerous.
She finally opened her mouth.
Fiction has become reality……
"Yes. Agnes is real, just as I am real."
Then……what about the God I've always believed in?
"……"
You said this was a world where 'Strict Order and Goodwill' has disappeared. So, was my God……never there in the first place? Did I believe in an illusion?
Agnes's eyes were tense as if she was about to be sentenced for some kind of sin.
I shook my head.
"I also found out today, but I don't think that's the case."
Then?
"Grandma of All Things gave the answer. It's impossible for a God to create a God, and there was a predecessor in charge of building this world."
Right.
"I don't know if it was an accident or a change of name, but 'Strict Order and Goodwill' do exist. And they abandoned the world they had created. I don't know if it's to stay true to the original setting…..or something else."
So, strictly speaking, it is not an illusion.
Ha……
Despite the confirmation of God's existence, Agnes did not look very happy.
She spoke as if to organize her thoughts.
So, the current situation is that a world without God is bound to perish because it cannot envision the future, and it is only the regression of a single human being that is preventing that fate……is that right?
"Yes. In the second half of the original story……It was a plot twist revealed in the 99th episode."
And as you explained before, is that all because God irresponsibly ran away?
As she said the word irresponsible, Agne's pronunciation was a bit muffled, probably because she was clenching her teeth.
"Yes. Because God, who acted exactly like the original…."
Wait a minute, Ellet.
Right then, Agnes offered a perspective I had never thought of.
At that point, it's not that God is being faithful to the contents of the novel, it's about the contents of the novel portraying the reality of the Divine World, is it not?
"……Ah."
A groan spontaneously escaped from my mouth.
Are all the settings and God's actions revealed in Part 2 real?
It makes sense.
This really makes sense.
RUSW stopped serialization once and from that point on, it was divided into parts 01 and 02.
The first part is up to the 85th episode, which was a normal world-saving plot, and the second part is from the 86th episode, which is focused on a waste setting where the protagonist is a frustrated victim who can't escape from regression even after saving the world.
And the 1st and 2nd parts were completely different.
So maybe……
'Isn't RUSW Part 2 a story written at the same time as the beginning of this world's dimensionalization by the predecessor?'
I arrived at such an idea based on assumptions.
Originally, the predecessor, 'Strict Order and Goodwill', would have created a world based on Part 1, where the protagonist saves the world and ends the plot neatly.
However, as that God jumped out, an error occurred in the main character and the world, making them flawed.
Thesilid's regression ending condition, 'The world must be saved', which exists in the novel, and the law of dimensionality that exists in the divine world, 'A world without God will perish without being able to envision a future', were cleverly intertwined with each other, and the return of Thesilid was activated again.
'That's why the second part, which didn't originally exist, was born.'
Ah, I guess this is what it feels like to get hit in the head deep enough to have your brain smashed.
"Sigh."
Yes, this was it. This was the answer.
"Wow, really…….oh, my god, I……"
What's wrong? You look like you just got slapped in the face
"Yeah, that's exactly how it feels. What would I have done without Agnes? Even if I get hit later I can't complain, I almost got into trouble without knowing something this big?"
Just look at how the message window is dead quiet.
'Excuse me, Gods?'
['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' rolls his eyes away as much as possible.]
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' only sips his coffee, unaware that his tongue is burning.]
['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' hastily enters the tower saying he will practice closed training.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' pokes the side of the 'The World-building God'.]
['The World-building God' curses at an unidentified deity of unknown whereabouts, asking if he was the son of the president*.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' closes the mouth of the 'World-Building God' and watches the other gods with narrowed eyes.]
Note: World God is probably relating that God to a Son of a Conglomerate that is always messing around.
These guys are shaking carrots as a group.
The level of difficulty, which would have been around S-level if it had been completed with part 1, became an SS-level difficulty when part 2 was written and Reed was born.
I don't know if this was the case of me giving up because it was originally a novel like this, but when I realized that my situation is far from that example, I felt very wronged.
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' coughs in vain, saying that the reality you face does not change, so think positively.]
['The World-building God' says that even though is like this, he gently comforts you saying he was preparing a reward for you these days.]
In a way, World God is also a victim, suffering because of his predecessor. When they comfort me in a situation where I need to be comforted, I have no choice but to soften my heart.
But apart from that, I'm still frustrated.
If the Transmigrator feels this wronged, what kind of feelings will the regressor have?
"Haaa……"
I let out a big sigh towards the sky as if to make it reach the Divine World.
Well, Ellet.
Agnes' call snapped me out of my reverie.
Her voice was filled with a sense of tension and hesitation. I was a little puzzled because it wasn't like her.
"What's wrong, Agnes?"
You know……. It's something I've been thinking about for a while now, and it's something I'm really struggling with bringing it up…….
"Yes."
I want you to take it seriously, and not look at me weirdly.
"All right. Go ahead, Agnes."
Is this a very serious matter? I focused and waited for her next words.
Do you accept souls as believers?
"……"
No……?
After a moment, I opened my arms.
"Welcome, Sister Agnes."
That day Agnes was converted.
To the magnificent and wonderful Church of the World God.
Meanwhile at that time.
'Damn you……'Strict Order and Goodwill'…….'
Thesilid fell to the floor coughing up blood.
It wasn't the first time he'd experienced this organ-crushing force.
It was the same recoil that struck him 'In the Library of All Things' where he had helped the Bible of Truth search for the whereabouts of the sloppy disk.
Only then was he punished because he challenged God, but this time even though he did nothing he had to suffer like.
'They said you left this world behind……who the hell owns the save point……'
Can you really be this cheap?
Oh, they are also very big on unfair favoritism.
"Cough!"
Thesilid vomited another handful of blood and rummaged through his arms with trembling hands.
What came out was a small glass bottle, a potion given to him by Ellet in 'The Bottom of Pandora's' dungeon.
He swallowed every last drop.
Befitting a top-notch healing potion, he felt that his internal wounds were quickly healed.
It was fortunate that he had the potion she gave him. Otherwise, he would have had to use the magic sword to heal his frail body.
Of course, if that were the case, the problem would be bigger……
'Because I can't give up on this episode.'
Wiping the blood from his mouth with his uniform's sleeve, he managed to raise his upper body.
The handsome man sitting against the wall bent his head back.
He prayed for a long time towards a deceitful being that would be somewhere beyond the ceiling, beyond the sky, beyond dimensions.
"I'll be a good boy, so……let me stay longer in this episode……."
The next day, my official schedule as The Chosen One began.
I had to greet the nobles of the Principality of Hispenril who came to the capital, visit the Golden Ivory Tower, a landmark of the capital Peronsa, and ride a parade carriage all the way around the city.
Naturally, I had to be accompanied by Thesilid, the only member of my Order of Paladins and the owner of the Holy Sword, on all schedules.
But he skipped breakfast and never knocked on my door until it was time to leave.
He was the type of person who always showed up well in advance of his appointments and waited.
Let's go get him.
I went directly to Thesilid's room.
He was just leaving out of the door when he found me and greeted me in a weakly voice.
"Hello, Eli……"
"Terry?"
What is it? Why is he so weak?
It really was.
Thesilid staggered his steps and leaned against the wall.
I rushed over and supported his body.
"What is this? Are you sick? What's wrong with your complexion?"
"I'm fine…cough."
"Blood?!"
The palm of his hand that briefly covered his mouth was tainted in blood.
I immediately poured heals on him, and Thesilid's face relaxed.
"What the hell happened?"
"I don't know either."
"If you don't know, who does?"
"I really don't know."
I swallowed hard at what would have been another question. He looked so exhausted.
Don't tell me there's a chronic disease I don't know.
'What's wrong with him all of a sudden?'
['The Spoiler Inspector' says that he will start an investigation soon.]
['The World-building God' gets annoyed, asking what kind of bug is the main character made of.]
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' is deep in thought as she puffs her smoking pipe.]
['The World-building God' asks 'The Supreme Merchant of All Things' what is she doing here.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' replies that he called.]
I anxiously ask his intentions.
"Do you want to rest? I can handle the schedule myself. Sir Rex is there if you want to stay."
"No, I'm coming with you. I can't afford to neglect my responsibilities."
It felt his firm will to go.
I sighed and went through my inventory.
"Then drink all of this."
I pushed about five bottles of energizing potion into Thesilid's stomach.
After making it so that he was full even if he hadn't eaten breakfast, Thesilid seemed to be fine.
Come to think of it, this seems like the second time. I remember he was in a roughly similar state when he came out of the 'Library of All Things' after fighting against Elantia.
While I was thinking so, Thesilid called my attention.
"We're going to be late. Let's go."
From this point on, a hard day began.
I had to greet the nobles of the Principality one by one in the parlor of the manor until lunchtime.
Since it was a one-on-one encounter, I had to pass a few comments back and forth.
Such as.
"May you live long enough to see your great-grandchildren in a strong body."
"Thank you, Your Eminence!"
Say a simple blessing prayer.
"Your Highness, I lost my temper with my mother this morning, and it hurts my heart very much. What can I do?"
"Give your mother a massage filled with filial piety and devotion."
"I will definitely do that!"
Or perform the Sacrament of Confession for those who want it.
"Is it true that Your Eminence is the granddaughter of Prince Hispenril?"
"Yes."
"Km-hmm, with all due respect, do you have a fiancée? I have three well-grown sons!"
"How much dowry can you afford?"
"Excuse me?"
"One million gold……No, I'll need 3 million gold in case another genre is selected……"
"Y-Your Eminence?"
"……Pardon me. I lost my train of thought for a moment, please forget about it."
Well, that's how I socialized, showing my blood relation to my grandfather, Prince Hispenril.
I have since demanded astronomical dowries on several more occasions, causing parents with sons to backtrack.
Rumors will spread sooner or later.
By the time my body ached from sitting for so long, my morning schedule was over.
After lunch, we visited the Golden Ivory Tower.
Karlon, the Chief of the tower, was a person who had the Dark Information Guildleader as his disciple and was quick to learn about things.
He was very wary of the news that sooner or later a church would be built in Peronsa, that is, a church under my- a High Saint- direct supervision.
I drew a line to establish friendly relations.
"Chief of the Ivory Tower, don't worry, I will not be venturing into the medical field. In the first place, I have no intention of stationing any healers from the Vatican in my church."
"Then, Your Eminence, how do you intend to finance the operation of your church? There must be a limit to offerings, I believe?"
"By administering Sacraments."
"What? I understand that sacraments didn't make much money, right?"
"A sacrament is also a cerimony. I'm going to officiate the sacrament of marriage and make a lot of money. You'll understand soon."
Having revealed my business aspirations so enthusiastically, Karlon, let his guard down a bit, even if only half-heartedly.
We will gradually build a relationship of trust and cooperation from here. That's how my visit to the Golden Ivory Tower ended without much friction.
Now, only the final schedule remains.
To parade all the way down Peronza Boulevard in a roofless carriage, waving to people as we go.
This was the most important part of my job, so I even put on my work clothes.
An all-white costume set with a goddess-like, elegant dress and a long flowing cape.
This is the Leader Costume Set of World Order Church. When worn, it has the effect of increasing charm, dignity, grace, and charisma by 200%, so it was very useful for missionary activities.
However, it seemed to have some side effects.
"The Saint……she's so pretty……"
"I feel like she's not from this world……"
The eyes of the people watching the parade standing in the front row were slightly loose.
I didn't care much about it when I was taking the initiative in The Vatican, but now that I take a close look at this, the effect seems a bit fraudulent.
Sure enough, the owner of the Holy Sword, who was riding in the carriage with me, also said something.
"Eli, about those clothes."
"Hm."
"Does it have a special buff or something?"
"Yes."
"……no wonder."
"No wonder what?"
"Nothing……"
Because I was worried about the way he was dry washing his face with his hands, I suggested an alternative.
"Since it's a set of clothes, should I take off the cloak? That might reduce the effect……"
"No. Be sure to wear the cloak."
His voice was stern and his expression even more serious.
I nodded, pressed by his momentum.
In any case, I decided to do what I had to do with sincerity since I was in front of the people in the costume of the Leader of World God's Church.
"My fellow citizens, sooner or later I will be appointed as the new Vicar of the parish in Peronsa. Please come and visit us when the church is completed."
"Yes, Saintess!"
Befitting a scam item, the effect was immediate.
[System You have converted an atheist and made them a believer].
[System You have converted an atheist and made them a believer].
[System You have converted an atheist and made them a believer].
[System You have converted an atheist and made them a believer].
…….
The atheists I preach to are automatically incorporated into the World Church.
I just need to be careful not to call the deity of the object of their faith 'Strict Order and Goodwill.'
I was delighted with the smooth missionary work.
As the number of followers increases, the divinity of World God also increases, and rewards are given to upgrade the 'Privilege' and 'Favorite' buffs I received.
'Good! Let's raise the 'Favorite' buff with this pyramid business and break through the 9th tier of divine power!'
When I was excited while thinking that I would become stronger than Reed.
[System Warning. Some believers are leaving for other religions.]
"……!"
The voices of women were heard from behind the carriage.
"There were rumors that the owner of the Holy Sword was handsome, but really……"
"Oh my gosh, it wasn't called the favorite of 'Strict Order and Goodwill' for nothing."
"That's what a beauty created by God is like……"
A figure whose mere presence exudes harem buffs and has a powerful missionary effect.
The problem was that I had Thesilid Argent next to my side.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' comments that the main character has the perfect impression of a church brother.]
I feel a little betrayed that the person I thought was an ally is the most lethal hindrance.
"Eli? Is there a problem?"
"……Nothing."
Meanwhile, my God has been lenient about the current situation.
['The World-building God' says that if they go to a church directly run by a Saint, they will become a member of the World Church anyway, so you don't have to worry about it.]
I see!
Then, if you just use Thesilid's face as bait to attract people to the church, I'll be successful.
I became tolerant as well.
"Terry, we were on the same side after all."
"……?"
"Come on, hurry up and smile at the sisters over there. Let's help everyone know about your good looks."
"……"
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' says you got big guts for thinking of using a Heretic Inquisitor for heretical missionary work.]
What he doesn't know, won't hurt me.
"Good looks……well, I guess that's true."
Thesilid smiled at me. It was amazing how he could give smiles so sweet and charming.
After completing all my schedules, it was just before dinner time when we returned to the Castle.
"Welcome home. Thank you for your hard work, Your Eminence."
"Yes, I'm back, Chief Aide."
On the way to my room, Edgar held out some papers and told me good news.
"Your Eminence, I have purchased the land on which the church will be built, in your name, of course."
"Already?"
"What's the point of wasting time?"
"Thank you for the quick work, Chief Aide."
Thus, I finally have my own land in the real world. I'm a little thrilled.
Edgar said.
"It seems to be a place with well-maintained townhouses for its age. The garden in the backyard, which the previous owner had decorated to his liking, was quite nice."
"Rather than destroying everything and building a new one, it would be nice to think about remodeling by saving what can be saved."
I handed the checked land documents back to Edgar, then looked back at Thesilid.
"Terry, let's have dinner and go see the church grounds later tonight."
It would be cooler once the sun went down, and it would be easier to move around without attracting attention.
"Okay."
Hearing Thesilid's consent, I turned my head and informed Rex.
"Only Terry and I will go. Let the Knights of Grace rest."
"Your Eminence."
Instead of an answer, a solemn call returned.
I winked at him to continue speaking, wondering what he had to tell me.
"You can't stay out overnight."
"……It's not…I won't."
After a hearty dinner, Thesilid and I went out for the night alone.
We were in a situation where we toured the capital riding a parade wagon in broad daylight.
There might be people who will recognize The Chosen One and the owner of the Holy Sword wandering around the city, so the two of us kept our faces modestly covered with hoods.
Our destination was in the city center, so we had to make several turns through the busy downtown alleyways.
The sun had gone down, but the streets where the pubs and cafes were gathered were in full swing bathing in the light of the night-lighting stones.
This is my second visit to Peronsa, the first visit was 10 years ago, and there was still a lot to see.
"Wow! Agnes, look at that fountain. There are Ducks in it."
Cute!
"Look at the flower beds. They're shaped like cakes."
There are so many pretty things here.
While I was looking around like that and wowing at things with Agnes.
Suddenly, I felt an observational gaze on my cheek.
Turning around, I saw Thesilid looking at me while I looked at the street.
I was the first to ask.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm curious."
"Curious about what?"
"That you're excited as if it's your first time seeing the street while knowing your way around well."