Chapter 182: It’s a Familiar Ceiling
Chapter 182: It’s a Familiar Ceiling
It happened right after Iona caught me off guard with that surprise kiss.
My body, which was already far from normal, gave out as the tension bled away, and I reportedly fainted on the spot.
After that, well... there were stories of the reinforcements who arrived late on foot, marveling at the scars left on the battlefield.
Stories of them being struck with horror at the sight of the slaughtered monsters and the corpses of the Archbishops.
Stories of them momentarily dazed by the bewitching charm radiating from Iona, who had revealed her full power.
And stories of them hesitating in the face of the suspicious, overbearing pressure emitted by some people hidden under black robes...
But in the end, someone recognized my face—since my mask had partially slipped off when I fell—and Iona’s as well, so everything supposedly ended on a positive note.
“And that’s how we brought you to the Academy’s intensive care unit, Master.”
“Tsk. Come to think of it, I barely got any use out of that mask this time.”
Usually, if you suddenly radiate an aura of intimidation during battle, the opponent flinches. That’s the norm.
The problem was that the enemies I faced this time were either lost in collective madness, fearless because they’d already died once, out of their minds due to being charmed, or big shots who wouldn't budge an inch against a mediocre level of intimidation.
“Ah, but why did you move me all the way to the Academy? It’s a great place, but it’s not exactly close.”
“Distance is no issue as long as we can use Teleport, Master. More importantly, I thought you might find yourself in a bit of a... difficult spot anywhere other than the Academy, which is completely neutral.”
“True. If I’d received treatment in another country or a specific temple, things might have gotten annoying.”
Thinking back, what I pulled off this time was a pretty massive deal.
Whether they approached me out of calculated interest or pure goodwill, the result would have been the same. They definitely would have clung to me, trying to scout me to their side.
It’s not like I’m lacking in ability or funds, so for now, it’s much more beneficial to move independently and freely rather than belonging to any one faction.
In that sense, the Academy is much better. Not only does it have top-tier medical facilities, but they’re more likely to shower me with Points than demand favors.
I brushed aside the system window that had been flickering in the corner of my vision and turned to Carla.
“So, Carla, is there a specific reason you’re sticking to me like glue like this?”
“Of course. I never know when Master might order me to stay away again, so shouldn't I stay close while I can?”
“...I’m sorry!”
The apology came out as a reflex. No matter how I looked at it, I was the one in the wrong this time.
It was an impulsive decision. Moreover, my attitude had been far too naive, thinking things would just work out somehow.
Carla leaned into me, her eyes slightly welling up.
“Master... do you have any idea how worried I was?”
“I’m sorry. But at the time...”
“I know. If Master hadn't been there, Professor Iona would have been in danger. I understand all of that. But...”
Buried in my chest, Carla’s trembling grew more pronounced.
“It was the same during the last dungeon practice, and again this time... sob. Master is in danger in a place where I can’t do anything, while my body is just running away on its own... hic.”
“......”
I see. So that’s how it felt for Carla.
I pulled her into a tighter embrace. I squeezed her firmly, as if to tell her that I was right here now, so she could put her mind at ease.
How long did we stay like that? The intermittent heaving of Carla’s back eventually subsided, and I no longer felt the dampness against my chest.
Just as I was about to loosen my arms, thinking she had finally calmed down—
Squeeze.
This time, Carla was the one hugging me tight.
Still pressed against me, she slowly lifted her face toward mine.
Reflexively, I puckered my lips slightly, about to kiss her, when—
Swish.
Carla bypassed my face and whispered directly into my ear.
“So? What exactly happened between Master and Professor Iona?”
“...Oh.”
Her voice was colder than ice.
Wait. Wasn't this supposed to be a calm, 'happily ever after' kind of atmosphere? Was this actually a thriller?
I broke into a cold sweat from the tension crawling up my spine. Carla didn't give me a moment's peace, her ruby eyes flashing as she pressed for an answer.
“While I was suffering so much heart-wrenching worry, it seems the two of you got quite close? Naturally offering your blood? Kissing?”
“Uh, well...”
“Answer me, Master.”
“The thing is...”
Something did happen.
Good grief. What on earth was I thinking when I said things like 'Please, drink your fill' or 'Shall we kiss?'
Looking back, I wasn't in my right mind.
Was I really half-crazed from her charm? Having been exposed to a succubus's charm followed by a vampire's, it was certainly a possibility.
Perhaps frustrated by my constant stammering and stalling, Carla’s voice suddenly rose.
“If you can’t tell me what happened...!”
But in the next moment, her voice dropped sharply, like air escaping a balloon.
“...Then one way would be to just... shut my mouth so I can’t ask anymore?”
“......”
Her head was turned slightly as if avoiding my gaze, yet her ruby eyes were peeking at me. Her lips were set with a hint of apology but an even greater amount of stubbornness.
However, her body was still trembling slightly, as if she were holding something back.
It was a rare, firm stance from Carla, who usually followed my lead with a silly grin.
With a wry smile, I climbed on top of her. Fortunately, my body seemed to have recovered enough that moving wasn't uncomfortable.
“Ngh.”
Carla squeezed her eyes shut and pouted her lips, as if saying, 'Go ahead and try.'
I pressed my cheek against hers and whispered.
“I’m sorry. I made you feel so insecure.”
Afterward, I silenced her thoroughly.
*
“Elisha will be coming to visit tomorrow.”
“Right... and after her, it’s Iris and Senior Fay?”
“Yes. You know the schedule well, Master.”
Carla gave a bright smile as she tidied her disheveled clothes.
“What? I thought you were staying the night.”
“I’d love to, but I have some tidying up to do.”
“Tidying up...?”
“It’s nothing major. You didn't just take down one Archbishop this time, but seven, didn't you? Plus, you even subjugated a Cardinal. I need to prepare for things like negotiating the rewards, or the story about the mysterious mages who brought Master here...”
“Aha.”
Since there are currently no Apostles, a Cardinal is a top leader, and the Archbishops are the actual backbone of their military strength.
Naturally, the Union of Good Gods had placed bounties on all the Archbishops, and the heads of those who frequently caused rampages carried additional bounties from the nations that suffered the most.
After all, people aren't moved by simple honor or morality alone.
“I’ll leave that entirely to you, Carla. Iris has a lot of experience in these matters, so it’ll be easier if you consult with each other.”
“Hehe... Lady Iris is already helping a lot. More importantly, Master. Right now, we’re at the stage of assessing the extent of your contribution, so it didn't matter if it was just us... but is there any specific reward you’d like? If there is, I’ll try to frame the negotiations around that.”
“Well... even if you call it a reward, it’s not like I’m lacking in material wealth... For now, please ask for rare items or equipment rather than gold.”
“Physical goods over money? Leave it to me. I’ll have everything ready before you even get out of bed!”
Carla nodded confidently, huffing with determination. But soon, a soft smile returned to her face as she began to stroke my forehead.
“Actually, I wanted to talk about Master’s current level of strength too... but let’s do that once you’re fully healed. You still have internal injuries, right? For now, just focus on getting plenty of rest and recovering, Master.”
“Okay.”
“And this is a book I borrowed from the library, in case you get bored while we’re away.”
“Thanks. I’ll read it later.”
Carla placed a book on the bedside table. With a light kiss on my forehead, she finally left the treatment room.
Left alone in the dim room, I absentmindedly touched my forehead for a moment before focusing my mind on a corner of my vision.
Rewards from the Church or various nations are all well and good, but for me, I’m looking forward to these rewards much more.
“Whew...”
Taking a light breath, I expanded the system window that I had kept minimized until now.
Ding!
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【Cultist Executives Subjugated!】
Holy moly! Guacamole! How on earth did you do it?
You defeated a massive horde of monsters, seven Archbishops from various Evil God Sects, and even a Cardinal of Narrow-minded Usurpation all at once!
Do you have any idea what this means?
Beyond simply delaying or canceling the Evil God Sects' plans, their actual military strength has been drastically slashed!
Of course, it wasn't an achievement you accomplished entirely alone... but it’s also an achievement that would have been impossible without you.
This is a feat that not only the people of the entire continent but even the Good Gods—who were just fidgeting in their seats up there—will not hesitate to praise!
In particular, Righteous Light is going absolutely wild!
There were moments when she was gnashing her teeth in anxiety, fearing you might die, but she’s now literally hopping around her sanctuary in joy at the sight of you surviving and completing the subjugation so brilliantly!
As she pours out her blessings while shedding tears of emotion, the other Good Gods join in.
The Blessing of All Gods dwells within you.
Still, be careful. You have certainly achieved a magnificent feat, but it will bring an equal and opposite reaction.
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Sheeeeeeit.