Chapter 91
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 91
"High Priestess. What on earth are you thinking about? Your expression suggests you have something in mind again."
We've only known each other for a short while, yet you read me so well.
"Don't worry, Deputy Chief. My plans are proceeding smoothly."
Since Jun needed to know about this anyway, I explained readily.
"However, I should mention upfront that with the Sea God Faction's involvement, I cannot claim there will be no financial losses."
When the Sea God's potions compete directly with ours, naturally ours will sell less.
This aspect is unavoidable and must be accepted.
"But there's no need to worry. As time passes, people will realize our potions are more effective, and this situation will inevitably reverse."
"Ah, so that's why you're planning a direct confrontation in the Southern Region."
"That's part of it. But my ultimate goal isn't that."
"Then what is it?"
"Actually...."
Knock, knock.
Just as I was about to tell Jun, Monica opened the door with a knock.
"Um, High Priestess. There's someone here who wishes to meet you."
Huh? Who could it be that has Monica so flustered?
She seems even more startled than when the Crown Prince first came to see me.
"Who is it?"
"Well, that is.... The High Priest of the Eternal Death God Temple...."
...Who? Who exactly came to see me?
"Who did you say?"
"The, the High Priest of the Eternal Death God Temple."
It's not a misunderstanding—the High Priest of the Eternal Death God actually came to see me?
Even Jun, known for his composure, has his mouth hanging open, so I didn't mishear.
"The High Priest is the highest authority of the Eternal Death God Temple right now. Why would he come looking for me? You're certain it's the High Priest?"
The Eternal Death God currently has neither a Saint nor a High Priestess.
Therefore, the High Priest was the highest-ranking figure in the Eternal Death God Temple.
Yet he lived like a hermit, conducting even his consecration ceremony with only priests present and no outside guests, so his face was never properly known to the public.
So why on earth would such a person come looking for me?
"It's not an impostor. The Holy Knight Commander verified it."
Seth must have met the High Priest during an external mission he undertook for the Eternal Death God Temple.
If Seth vouches for him, I can trust it, but....
"He's waiting outside the door right now. What should we do?"
"What do you mean 'what should we do'? Show him in."
Even if he had summoned me, I would have gone out of curiosity, so there's no reason to turn away someone who came directly.
Besides, having seen the original work in full, I harbor no ill feelings toward the Eternal Death God Temple.
Though they appeared to do nothing, when true danger threatened the world, they acted.
Jingle.
Not long after Monica stepped outside, I heard the gentle chime of bells.
Soon, a figure emerged slowly, their black robe trimmed with gold pulled up over their head, leaning on a staff and supported by a priestess.
The hand gripping the staff was deeply lined with age.
"I'll take my leave."
Jun apparently judged this wasn't a matter for him to witness, bowed respectfully, and departed.
Then Holy Knight Commander Seth Noel entered, his expression somewhat strained.
He too seemed quite startled by this unexpected visit.
The High Priest slowly pulled back the robe that had covered her head.
An elderly woman with long white hair braided down her back was revealed. Her eyes remained closed.
How should I put it? I'd already seen the original work, so I knew her appearance, but...
Knowing something and actually seeing it are truly different experiences.
Perhaps because she was the High Priest of the Eternal Death God Temple, she emanated an otherworldly aura that ordinary people couldn't perceive.
"May you find peace in this night. I am Nashas Dalan, High Priest of the Eternal Death God Temple, and I have come to pay my respects to the noble daughter of the Sun God."
The High Priest bowed so deeply it was almost startling. Even the Apprentice Priestess wouldn't bow like that.
"May the Sun's radiance be with you. I am Ordel Kiris, daughter of the Sun God. There's no need to bow so formally."
"How gracious you are. Thank you."
Nashas smiled warmly.
It was a soft, warm smile—the kind that seemed to ease tension from one's very bones just by witnessing it.
I found myself immediately drawn to her, so I gestured toward the sofa.
Nashas slowly sat down, supported by the priestess.
"I apologize for arriving without notice and intruding so rudely. But when I heard that the Saint was nearby, this old body simply couldn't remain still."
"It sounds as though you were waiting for me. Or am I mistaken?"
Instead of answering, Nashas smiled enigmatically.
With her eyes still closed, she turned her gaze precisely toward Seth standing behind me and spoke.
"Forgive my presumption, but would it be possible for me to speak with the Saint alone? There are matters I must discuss with her in confidence. Of course, I'll send my attendant out as well."
At Nashas's gesture, the priestess from the Eternal Death God Temple who had been supporting her immediately withdrew toward the door.
Ready to leave at a moment's notice.
As I watched them, I turned to Seth.
"Holy Knight Commander, I'm fine with this. Would you please step outside?"
Seth looked between me and Nashas, then let out a long sigh.
"...I am well aware of the High Priest's character, but as one responsible for your safety, I find this difficult to accept."
He fell silent for a moment, then continued.
"Remember this, High Priest. If even the smallest scratch appears on the Saint, I will never forgive you."
Seth gripped the sword at his waist firmly as he spoke with absolute conviction.
Rather than being alarmed by this threatening warning, Nashas simply smiled and nodded.
"Of course. I swear by the name of the Eternal Death God that I will do nothing dangerous."
Seth, who had been watching Nashas carefully, then bowed respectfully to me.
"If anything happens, call for me immediately. I will wait just outside."
How reassuring. I watched Seth's retreating figure as he left with the priestess from the Eternal Death God Temple, feeling a warm sense of trust.
Truly, what a dependable back to rely upon.
"I've observed the Holy Knight Commander for quite some time, but this is the first time they've treated me with such cold precision. A most admirable stance. The Holy Knight Commander should indeed protect the Saint."
The moment the door closed, Nashas Dalan broke into a delighted laugh.
I'm the one being protected, yet somehow she looks utterly satisfied about it.
"One more thing, Saint. It seems we're still not alone."
In that instant, Nashas Dalan's gaze pierced past me toward the window.
For the first time, I felt a chill emanating from her.
"...It appears you sense his presence."
"No. This old body possesses no such talent."
Having spoken thus far, Nashas Dalan slowly opened her eyes.
The irises hidden beneath her eyelids were revealed.
Murky, utterly unfocused—pale blue eyes devoid of any focal point.
She was blind, unable to see the world before her, yet this held little significance.
"But I possess eyes bestowed by the Eternal Death God. These eyes perceive the color of the aura dwelling within a person. The one beyond that window... is shrouded in a terrifyingly deep blue light that envelops half their body."
A look of concern crossed Nashas Dalan's face.
"From the way their body is forcibly bound, it appears the Sea God has enslaved the child... and the light of the Sun and Eternal Death restrain that power."
Wow, that's so accurate it gives me chills.
I knew Nashas Dalan possessed special eyes, but... I never imagined she could perceive divine power itself.
"...Jeremy. Please step back for now. I think the High Priest and I need to speak privately."
Of course, I myself cannot tell whether Jeremy truly left or remained.
Instead, it was Nashas Dalan who informed me.
"The child has departed. From how long they hesitated, it seems that child is quite worried about you as well."
At this point, I'm far too curious about why she sought me out.
"You must have many questions, so I'll dispense with pleasantries and speak plainly."
"Please do."
"I came because the Eternal Death God has a message to convey to you, Saint."
My eyes widened at Nashas Dalan's words.
Yet what followed was far more startling.
"Soul who has crossed dimensions."
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org