Chapter 144
Translator: penny
Chapter: 144
Chapter Title: Arachne - 3
"Nymph scholars say that a nymph's body scent originates from divinity."
"Fascinating."
It was something I could somewhat accept as a Titan. The divinity I'd consumed had all sorts of unique flavors and aromas.
But what the hell kind of perverts were these nymph scholars? It was knowledge no human could easily uncover.
"And I understand that clothes made from Arachne silk mask the scent of divinity."
"How so?"
"I don't know the exact mechanism myself, but I suspect it's the authority of the 'Six Pillars.'"
"The outer god that created the Arachne, right?"
"Yes. And that's why I recommended Ms. Bienne. Her undergarments are renowned among nymphs for their exceptional ability to conceal divinity. They would surely be a great help to your children, Hero."
"Whoa!"
Camilla had a point.
Like the nymphs, my children would be born with some degree of divinity as Titans.
And in this world, there were plenty of people who targeted those with divinity.
'A world full of lunatics.'
Not just vile factions—even the emperor seemed to have his eyes on my kids.
From my perspective as a father who wanted to give them ordinary lives, they were problems that would need to be dealt with eventually.
Camilla had just handed me a partial solution.
"Thank you for the great advice, Teacher Camilla, but why tell me now? You could've mentioned it before we met Bienne."
"If you'd known, you would've dragged her back to the village by any means necessary."
"W-Well, yeah."
"Hero, you love your family dearly, which is admirable, but sometimes you take it too far."
I was at a loss for words at her pointed remark.
She was right—when it came to family, I saw nothing else.
"You haven't already forgotten how you charged at us, have you?"
"I didn't charge."
"Hehe, just teasing. It's precisely that side of you that earned Hestia's favor. I have no intention of criticizing your actions. I just hope you'll lend an ear to those of us supporting you, even if just a little."
"Hmm... Got it."
I nodded at her words.
In fact, thanks to her, I'd luckily secured Bienne.
'But first, I need to find that tricolor spider silk.'
It wasn't a difficult task.
I could wrap it up in two days after finishing business in the Holy Kingdom.
'I want to hit the library and gather info ASAP.'
I needed Helen's help, but she looked swamped as academy head.
She was delivering an inspirational speech from the podium to the few dozen nymph students—thirty or so at most.
"Fewer students than I expected."
"That's why starting next year, nymphs will attend classes at the Divinity Academy like other races."
"There's another academy besides the Nymph Academy?"
"Yes, the Divinity Academy. Most people active in the Holy Kingdom graduate from there. Oh, are you interested in enrolling, Hero? If you wish, I can arrange it."
"No way. I'm too old for that."
"You'll only be twenty-two next year, no?"
I felt a twinge of annoyance at how she treated me like a child.
"At least my mental age seems higher than yours."
"Clinging to that proves how childish you are."
"Captain."
As Camilla and I chatted, Vice-Captain Rachel interrupted, holding a letter.
"Rachel, what is it?"
"Iris has received a summons."
"From the Third Apostle?"
"Probably because she reached the Second Hierarchy realm."
"Sigh... No helping it, then. Hero, I'll step out for a bit."
"What's going on?"
"Nothing major. Just a formality every knight must go through upon reaching Second Hierarchy."
"Doesn't sound like a celebration."
"Right, no coronation like yours, Hero. Just a chat with Iris."
"Ah, I get it. That'll be rough."
That battle otaku probably wanted to document every detail of Camilla's breakthrough to Second Hierarchy knighthood.
"Hero, we've been called by the Fifth Apostle for patrol duty, so we'll take our leave as well."
"Patrol? Want me to come along?"
"No need. We're just covering until Valkyrie restarts. No need for you to step in, Hero."
"Ah... Good luck there too."
As the one who'd shut down Valkyrie, I felt uneasy, but keeping the troublemaker sidelined was the real help.
"Man, Helen's speech is dragging on."
Left alone, I entered Helen's office.
The modest room held only a desk and bookshelves.
"Nothing but academy admin files."
Bored, I rifled through them—only academy documents.
Then, in a desk drawer, I found a thick book carefully stored away.
"Probably shouldn't look."
My conscience said no, but curiosity screamed yes.
I couldn't resist and opened it.
"Photos?"
Had the Holy Kingdom invented cameras? The album-like book was filled with pictures.
A lot of them.
The evolution of photography was evident in the time-stamped shots.
And Helen was in every single one.
"Eight hundred years of life aren't taken lightly, huh."
Academy graduation photos and shots of kids Helen had raised herself.
"This blue-haired girl must be Camilla? She's had that blank face since she was little, pulling pranks."
Flipping through was entertaining.
It gave indirect insight into her life.
Helen had raised so many children successfully.
'Impressive.'
I'd been parenting less than a year, and raising kids wasn't easy—let alone into fine adults.
Helen had done it for over eight hundred years.
As an adult and father, I wanted to emulate her.
"Sian, was I too long? Sorry. What's that?"
"Oh, well..."
I'd been engrossed in the album when Helen returned right on cue.
I scratched my cheek and answered cautiously.
"Got bored and poked around. Sorry if it bothers you."
"It's fine. The album's meant to be shared."
"But it's for reliving memories, right?"
She could've been mad, but she smiled and sat beside me.
"True. But I'm okay now. I've relived all the memories worth reliving."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing deep. Living long just means reminiscing hurts more than it heals."
Her meaningful words left me without a quick reply.
It was hard to relate, and I hadn't lived even a fraction of her life.
"Want a camera? I don't need it anymore."
Helen pulled one from the drawer and offered it.
A bit bulky, but similar to ones I knew.
Probably another invention by reincarnator Alley.
"Press this button for a photo."
"Cool. Let's try it."
I smoothly put my arm around Helen's shoulder and snapped a picture.
Click!
The photo developed instantly.
"Better than I thought."
"You knew?"
"I'm a reincarnator too. If Alley's behind it, I know the basics."
"Impressive. Recalling your past life like Alley should strengthen your soul immensely."
"I don't remember it fully. Lately, even chunks are fuzzy."
"That's still amazing."
Embarrassed by her praise, I handed her the fresh photo.
"Here, your photo."
"Sian?"
She tilted her head and took it.
"I don't know your past pains, but I hope our shared memories aren't agonizing."
"...My words earlier bother you?"
"I'd be lying if they didn't."
"Sorry. I shouldn't have said it."
"No. I'm glad to grow closer to someone precious like you now."
"Me? Precious to you, Sian?"
"Yeah. Someone I admire and want as mine."
I gently stroked her bangs as I spoke.
"Helen, I can't fathom your pain, but know this: even amid a hundred agonies, one joy makes it bearable."
Something from my past life—don't recall who said it.
A woman, probably.
Ah, not important now.
"No joys? Tell me. I'll make some."
"Sian? Is that a confession?"
"Hmm... Yeah."
Helen fell silent at my words, her face flushing suddenly.
"G-Give me a moment to think."
"Sure."
She left the office, leaving me alone.
'Ah, need to hit the library.'
Should've held off on confessing.