Chapter 104
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 104
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"I fear you're departing rather hastily."
While the servants loaded the carriage, I conversed with Nashas.
When I mentioned my intention to leave the Southern Region today and return to the Western Region, Nashas expressed her reluctance quite openly.
"Now that both temples have come together, wouldn't you consider staying a bit longer to celebrate...?"
"I wish I could, but my schedule has fallen behind, and I have no choice. There are many people waiting for me in the Western Region."
I needed to obtain Rubar Land from Count Kiris quickly for the creation of sacred artifacts, and I was concerned about Airic Dert, who was watching over our temple alone.
Most importantly, I had to leave the Southern Region before Evil sent his subordinates after Idella once more.
I glanced at Idella, who was with Monica.
The girls of the same age had grown close overnight, chattering away merrily together.
Fortunately, their friendship remained unchanged from the original story.
"Then there's no helping it. I shall look forward to our next meeting. When that time comes, please do spare some time for us."
"Of course. I too will await the day we meet again."
As I smiled and offered my farewell, Nashas opened her eyes and gazed at me.
Her clouded sky-blue eyes, bereft of sight, swept across my surroundings as though measuring something.
"...In just one night, a new light has seeped into the High Priestess's soul."
"Really? Is that so?"
"Yes. It's that sparkling, shimmering black light that I adore most."
Ah, was this because I conversed with the Spirit Death God using my communication skill last night?
I hadn't expected her to notice so quickly.
"Indeed, the High Priestess truly is special."
I was just beginning to ponder how to explain this.
But Nashas didn't press further.
When I showed my surprise, she smiled and gently took my hand.
Then she bowed and pressed her forehead to the back of my hand.
"May the High Priestess's nights always be warm and peaceful."
It differed slightly from the customary greeting of the Spirit Death God's priests, but that's precisely what made Nashas's sincerity shine through.
"Thank you. May your future always be as warm as the spring sun, High Priest."
"I'm grateful."
Nashas offered a gentle smile.
The wrinkles covering her face looked remarkably kind.
【The 'Soul Guide Traveler' regards his devoted follower with warmth, thinking what a truly kind and tender child she is.】
I agree. She's far too good for you.
The Spirit Death God didn't deny it, and no message came.
After exchanging final farewells with Nashas, we departed from the Eternal Death God Temple.
Through the carriage window, I watched Nashas standing alongside the Sun God Priesthood and the two volunteer Holy Knights.
Perhaps thanks to the travel allowance, those left behind in this unfamiliar Southern Region looked remarkably cheerful.
"Those two seem to have grown quite close."
Across from me, Monica and Idella sat pressed together like the closest of friends.
For guarded Idella to open her heart so completely in just one night—they really do get along well.
"That's right. Since we're the same age, we decided to drop formalities with each other."
Monica answered with a bright smile instead of the still-cautious Idella.
"Having a common enemy makes you become friends faster!"
...Wait? A common enemy? Was there really someone these two could call a common enemy?
"Well, that's good then."
I was curious, but prying into teenage girls' secrets wouldn't be proper etiquette.
As long as they got along well, that was enough.
Just as it had been in the original story, no matter what happened ahead, those two would lean on each other and stand firm together.
I stopped by the Flu Mansion to exchange final farewells.
I also needed to collect my belongings stored here while I was at it.
"Welcome, High Priestess."
Lady Flu, who greeted us, let out a sigh.
"I heard the news. You're leaving today, I understand."
"That's correct."
"We didn't even get to say a proper goodbye, and you're leaving so soon. We couldn't even hold a farewell party...."
A party. It would be a lie to say I wasn't curious, but not enough to delay my departure for that.
"I apologize. An unexpected matter has arisen that requires me to return to the Western Region urgently. I didn't have the chance to inform you beforehand."
"Then it can't be helped. You'll visit the Southern Region again next time, won't you?"
"Of course. I'll make sure to return."
Once I gave her a definite answer, Lady Flu's expression finally relaxed somewhat.
"I'll have the potions distributed through the Lumen Merchant Guild upon arrival in the Southern Region. Ludmin will remain here until the situation stabilizes, so please contact him if any problems arise."
"The Sub-Guild Master himself? Then we can rest easy!"
Jun's name truly carries weight. In reality, everyone would probably prefer having Jun here over me.
"Oh, and this morning Duke Kali sent a letter addressed to you, High Priestess."
The Duke? Was it because of what happened yesterday?
Lady Flu's maid approached with a silver tray. A letter and a pouch embroidered with gold thread lay upon it.
I first broke the plain seal bearing no insignia and opened the letter.
And I was startled.
This... wasn't from the Duke?
Dear High Priestess of the Sun God,
While it would be proper to convey this in person, my schedule is pressing, so I hope you'll forgive this letter.
This is payment for the treatment you requested. I express my deepest gratitude for your aid to the Empire's people.
Should you ever have occasion to visit the Imperial Palace, please do seek me out.
I look forward to our next meeting.
- Felix Roan Carnus
He must have sent it under Duke Kali's name because using his own would have turned the Flu Family upside down.
I'd been wondering whether to stop by the Duke's House to collect payment from Felix anyway, so having him send it like this was perfect.
Though arranging for Idella and Felix to meet sooner would have been another option....
I caught a glimpse of Idella moving luggage back and forth between the Flu Mansion alongside Monica.
Hmm, that won't do.
She'd only recently endured such perilous circumstances and hadn't yet recovered her composure—if she were to meet the Crown Prince of all people, her heart would surely give out.
Moreover, the current Idella was nothing more than a common orphan, no longer a High Priestess.
There was no reason the Crown Prince would take interest in someone with nothing to her name.
I was far too pragmatic to believe in such things as love transcending social station.
I tucked the letter into my breast pocket and grasped the elegant purse that had been with me.
【The amount contained is 500 gold.】
"...What?"
What? Fifty million won? Why so much?
I'd only requested about thirty million won from the Crown Prince.
Where did an extra twenty million come from?
I hastily unfolded Felix's letter again.
I'd only glanced at the main point about sending money and folded it away, unaware there was a postscript at the very bottom.
Postscript.
I heard you saved an imperial citizen from being abducted.
Had they been dragged into the desert, we would never have found them... I express my gratitude for preventing such a tragedy.
The sum I am sending is a small token of my appreciation for your virtuous deed. Please accept it.
Ha. Well, what can I say? I'll gratefully accept such generosity.
Truly, the Crown Prince understands that nothing expresses sincerity quite like money!
"The letter seems to contain pleasant news," Lady Flu remarked with a smile.
Indeed. I've earned some money. It's truly wonderful.
"By the way, I also have a letter to send to Duke Kali... Would it be terribly presumptuous to ask if you might deliver it for me?"
This was a genuine letter for Kali.
I hadn't expected Felix to send money separately, so I had no letter prepared for him......
But I'd written in Kali's letter asking her to convey my regards to the Crown Prince, so it should be fine.
"My, of course. My husband is currently at the Duke's House anyway. I'll deliver it when I go to greet him."
"Is something the matter?"
"A conference of southern nobility has been convened due to monster problems. My husband also wished to see you off, but unfortunately he couldn't come because of it. I do apologize."
At Lady Flu's apologetic expression, I immediately shook my head.
"Please don't say such things. That matter is far more important than farewells."
"High Priestess. The packing is complete," Monica said, approaching.
But what on earth is all this...?
"What? Why is there so much?"
When I arrived, I'd brought only one cart's worth of luggage, yet now three carts stood fully loaded in a row.
"What? Why is there so much of this?"
When he came, he only had one cartload of luggage, so why are there now three carts lined up completely full?
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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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