Chapter 103
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 103
"This is Idella, whom I brought with me. Idella, this is Monica, the Apprentice Priestess who assists me."
"Ah, I heard about you from Victoria. I didn't realize you two were together right now."
Monica nodded at my introduction and greeted Idella warmly.
"Hello. I'm Monica Hindel. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Idella. Thank you for having me."
At least their first impressions of each other seemed favorable.
Idella might feel more comfortable with Monica, who was closer to her age and didn't hold such a high position yet.
"Since Idella has agreed to come with us, explain the Sun God Grand Temple to her."
"Oh really? Is she becoming part of our family?"
Monica spun around to face Idella with a bright expression.
"Not yet. She said she wants to see the temple herself before deciding."
"Who wouldn't love our temple! I'm sure Idella will love it too!"
That look in her eyes—like a max-level veteran seeing a newbie for the first time.
Then again, the Sun God Grand Temple was so impoverished and the god's power so weak that new faces were incredibly rare.
Monica, who awakened half a year ago, was the most recent addition, so Idella's arrival would naturally be even more welcome.
"Then explain it well. Idella, if you have any questions about the temple, ask Monica. She knows more than I do and will explain things well."
Having finished the introductions, I stood up.
I'd succeeded in bringing Idella to the Sun God Grand Temple, so my task was complete.
"We'll stay here tonight, and if possible, we'll head to the Western Region tomorrow. Let the others know."
"Already? Lady Flu will be disappointed."
"I've finished everything I needed to do in the Southern Region. Three priestesses left behind should be sufficient."
After Nashas visited last night, I'd informed the priestesses that they should probably stay here.
Though they were initially hesitant, they quickly changed their minds when I mentioned they'd be stationed at the Death God's Temple and I'd provide travel expenses.
Having lived in poverty for so long, they all transform the moment money is mentioned. It's heartbreaking, really.
You children, I'll make sure to look after you properly from now on...
"Understood. I'll pass the message along."
"Then I'm counting on you. Idella, sleep well, and I'll see you tomorrow."
I waved goodbye to the two of them and left the room. I hoped they'd become closer while I was away.
Victoria was standing outside the door—whether she'd come with Monica or was waiting, I wasn't sure.
"Ah, Victoria. Did you finish cleaning up?"
I asked Victoria as I headed toward my bedroom.
About those minions of Evil who'd tried to kidnap Idella.
Whether she'd properly executed them.
"Yes. It was finished cleanly and thoroughly. They were disposed of so completely that even a god couldn't revive them."
What exactly did she do to them?
If I'd been a coroner in my past life, professional curiosity would've made me ask, but since I wasn't, I decided to let it rest.
"Thank you, and well done. Are all the Holy Knights alright?"
"Yes. One sustained minor injuries, but they were fully healed after receiving treatment from the priestesses. There's no need to worry."
"That's a relief. What about the Duke's knights?"
"We treated the lightly wounded with potions, and two priestesses are currently treating the seriously wounded at Cali Duchy. I sent a Holy Knight with them as well."
I nodded at the clean summary.
I'll need to settle all the treatment costs and pay them.
"You've probably heard, but the priestesses will stay in the Southern Region. The Death God's Temple has graciously agreed to provide lodging and meals for our priestesses."
"That works well. The priestesses will likely feel more comfortable here than with the Flu Family."
Even though they serve a different god, this place is also brimming with divine power, so they'll feel far more at ease than anywhere else.
Besides, from the way they bicker, the Sun God and the Spirit Death God seem to get along quite well.
They'll take good care of our people on their own.
【The 'Soul Guide Traveler' declares that you should only trust him, puffing out his chest proudly.】
Right, you'd better do well. Otherwise, Nashas will curse you out.
【The 'Soul Guide Traveler' laments to the 'Sun Crawling from Death' that the High Priestess he chose is far too cold.】
【The 'Sun Crawling from Death' retorts, asking where you'd find anyone with a warmer heart than our girl, jabbing his finger accusingly.】
【The 'Soul Guide Traveler' expresses surprise, asking if he's only cold to him, and whines that he wants to be treated warmly too.】
【The 'Soul Guide Traveler' protests the system's word choice, questioning what "whining" means, and storms off to lodge a complaint.】
Perhaps because they'd been silent for so long before suddenly finding their voices, they really had a lot to say.
Is there an ON/OFF function for the communication skill that I can toggle whenever I want?
【No such function exists.】
Both of them are utterly useless.
"Ask if any of the Holy Knights want to stay here. Make sure to tell them it's not mandatory—it's optional."
If I don't make this clear, they'll all think it's an order and tearfully insist on staying against their will, so I have to attach conditions.
"Of course, the Holy Knights will receive travel allowances."
"In that case, there will likely be volunteers. I'll confirm and report back to you."
"We'll stop by the Flu Family tomorrow before we leave, so keep that in mind."
"Understood."
"Then get some rest."
After bidding them a good night, I entered my room alone.
With so much having happened, a wide yawn escaped me.
How is it that not a single day has passed peacefully since I came to the Southern Region?
"...Ah, that's right."
Just as I was thinking I needed to wash up quickly and get some proper sleep.
Something suddenly came to mind.
"Jeremy, come here."
I sat on the sofa and tapped the table, and Jeremy immediately burst through the window and came inside.
When he removed the mask that had been carefully wrapped around his face and hair, damp violet hair tumbled out, slightly wet with sweat.
I stared blankly at the frizzy hair.
"Jeremy. Is it true you tried to follow Idella into the bathroom when she said she was going to wash?"
"Yes! The High Priestess told me to keep watch. What if she escapes through the bathroom window?"
So it was true. I covered my face with both hands.
"Do you also follow me into the bathroom whenever you're by my side normally?"
"No! I never did! I swear!"
Jeremy shook his head vigorously, his face drained of all color as he answered my probing question.
Seeing his genuine horror, I realized he at least understood that what he'd been doing was wrong.
"B-but the High Priestess is someone I'm supposed to protect. That's different from surveillance. They said I had to follow her even into the bathroom."
What in the world? Those lunatics at the Grand Temple of Sea God actually ordered a child to do something so repulsive?
Were they out of their minds? If they were curious, they should have done it themselves—not dumped it on a kid like this!
"I see. But Jeremy, you don't have to go that far anymore from now on."
I wrapped my arm around Jeremy's shoulders and patted him gently.
I was genuinely glad I'd managed to pull Jeremy away from the Sea God, no matter what it took.
"But what if something happens there..."
"Then we'll do this: if there's ever a case where you absolutely must monitor that far, I'll tell you directly."
Of course, I had no intention of ever actually asking him to do such a thing—not for Jeremy's sake.
So I spent the entire night consoling Jeremy, making sure he'd never have to endure such degrading experiences again.
All the while, I ground my teeth internally against those Sea God bastards who'd sent a child to follow someone into the bathroom.
Just you wait. The day I fill my divine power to 40%, I'm going to strip away every last bit of that remaining half of divine power covering Jeremy.
* * *
Idella observed Monica across from her carefully, making sure not to be rude.
Soft brown hair that shimmered near her shoulders, striking blue eyes, and delicate freckles dotting her nose bridge.
An endearingly lovely appearance that naturally drew the eye.
'Hindel... surely they were nobility, weren't they?'
The Hindel Family was so renowned that even a wandering orphan like her knew of them well.
"Here, try some of this. They say it's a cookie from a famous confectionery in the Southern Region—supposedly delicious."
Yet here was a young lady from such a prestigious house, speaking to her with consistent respect and even preparing tea and cookies with her own hands.
It was almost as surprising as the High Priestess being kind to her.
"There's plenty, so if you want more, I'll get you some. Jeremy will be sad if the cookies run out, but well, that's not my problem."
Monica let out a loud snort of laughter.
Idella, whose fingers had been trembling at the sweet aroma of the cookies, suddenly lifted her head at the familiar name.
"Jeremy..."
Wasn't that the name of that strange masked person who'd clung to her like a leech, supposedly under the High Priestess's orders to surveil her?
"Yeah. An incredibly rude bastard."
Could it be? Such a refreshingly blunt assessment!
In an instant, a sense of camaraderie formed between the two girls.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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