Chapter 226: Book 17(1)
Chapter 226: Book 17(1)
If you missed the announcement, please check the previous chapter! I’ve made some edits!
*
I find myself constantly thankful that my father’s genes finally kicked in, even if they were a bit late to the party. If they hadn't, my lower back would have been snapped in half a long time ago.
However, a bigger problem remained: the shift in Marie and Cecile’s attitudes. It wasn't that they had become cold or lost interest; if anything, their feelings had grown even deeper.
The problem was that the intensity had become... overwhelming.
Normally, they would take turns and yield to one another, but ever since Adelia joined the fray, it was as if they had discovered a new preference and decided to join forces.
Their logic was that instead of waiting for their turn, it was better to wait by my side and just jump in. Surprisingly, Marie was more proactive than Cecile. Her jealousy seemed to grow by the day, and she was constantly trying to keep me by her side.
She even mentioned wanting to share a dormitory room like a married couple. Thanks to that, I knew exactly how immense her love for me was.
Though the number of women around me increased as the days went by, I intended to keep Marie as my top priority and love her fervently.
She was the first woman to recognize me and the first to confess her love. This was the least I could do.
‘Come to think of it, it’s almost been a year since Marie and I started dating.’
I remembered the exact day we officially began our relationship. Old habits from my previous life died hard, so I was the type to keep track of every anniversary.
In this world, there wasn't much of a culture for celebrating anniversaries, aside from birthdays. Even engagements and weddings were usually one-and-done affairs.
So, I figured she would be touched if I prepared something. Since I’d put Marie through a lot of emotional turmoil, I planned to make it up to her.
Of course, the same went for Cecile. If I only took care of Marie, Cecile might act like she was fine on the outside, but she’d be hurt deep down.
‘But what should I give them as a gift...?’
In my past life, I would have known what to do, but here, I was stumped on what would be appropriate. Cosmetics or expensive perfumes were the safest bets, but it was always best to ask another woman.
I planned to send a letter to my mother soon to ask for her advice. Or perhaps I could subtly probe the girls without them noticing.
This was the best display of goodwill and apology I could offer now that I had officially declared myself a ruffian. Even this wouldn't be enough, so I planned to soothe their hearts by diligently observing every anniversary.
At any rate, since the incident with Adelia, my life had settled back into its usual routine: working as a teaching assistant, writing, and enjoying sweet dates with my lovers. Everything required my attention, but lately, I had been focusing on my writing.
I had grown accustomed to my life as a teaching assistant, so assisting Elena and Cindy was a breeze, and as for the dates... well, let’s just move on.
I was very satisfied, however, to see a bright smile blooming on Adelia’s face over the weekend. It wasn't a smile meant to hide her wounds, but a truly happy one. That alone made the sacrifice of my lower back well worth it.
I’ve digressed a bit, so let’s get back to Volume 17. As you all know, the contents of Volume 17 focus on Jin and Lily and the events that take place in the 'Holy Theocracy'—the Xenon Biography version of the Savior Holy Kingdom.
...Please don't give me grief for the name 'Holy' being too lazy. I just couldn't think of anything else at the time.
Anyway, the plot involves a Cardinal who colludes with demons within the Holy Order and threatens Jin and Lily. Regardless of anything else, this particular story had a very high probability of being real.
I had realized the pollution of the World Tree's roots as soon as I saw my own book, so what were the odds regarding the corruption of the clergy? The Luminous Order, in particular, had a history from the very distant past of becoming fanatics and massacring the Demon Clan.
A long time had passed since then, which meant there was a high chance the interior had rotted once again. I had hesitated while writing it, but I had to proceed because the plot wouldn't connect otherwise.
More importantly, much like the example with the Animus, the book had reached a point where it was practically creating things out of thin air. To exaggerate slightly, if I wrote that dung could turn into gold, people would probably believe it without question.
For this reason, I decided to keep the story as it was, but I wanted to ask Luminous one thing: were there actually corrupt priests within the Holy Theocracy?
Specifically, did a corrupt priest exist who was committing acts similar to the Cardinal in my book who colluded with demons?
[There are.]
‘Holy crap.’
Luminous’s answer was an immediate affirmative. I had my suspicions, but hearing it confirmed by the God who watches over the world was a massive shock.
I had gone in with the mindset that it’s better to face the music sooner rather than later, but it felt less like music and more like a sledgehammer to the head. However, swearing in the middle of a conversation with a God was a clear act of sacrilege, so I apologized immediately.
No matter how much Luminous favored me, a God was still a God. Even a single slip of the tongue was a serious matter.
‘I-I’m sorry. I didn't mean to...’
[It is quite alright. I can understand your feelings. However, it truly is remarkable. Even accounting for the vast cultural differences, I did not expect results of this magnitude.]
Luminous himself seemed a bit dazed. I suppose he hadn't expected his suspicions to be confirmed either.
No, wait. Even if he couldn't interfere directly, he was observing. He likely knew that a cancer had spread within Savior but hadn't been able to find a proper solution.
It was similar to how he couldn't warn people about the demon worshippers scattered across the world.
Since no one had raised the question, the Gods must have been incredibly frustrated. Even when they sent warnings through oracles, people would interpret them incorrectly, which must have been infuriating.
Or perhaps the people receiving and interpreting the oracles were the ones who were corrupt. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility.
[I am always in your debt. Thanks to you, the future of this world is becoming brighter than ever.]
‘...Should I be thanking the demon worshippers who summoned me here?’
[No. Because of them, an innocent soul was brought to a completely different place. From our perspective as Gods, even the smallest life is always precious. Those are my Mother’s words.]
Like mother, like son. It seemed the benevolent natures of Luminous and Mora were inherited from Hirt, the Goddess of Nature.
A world developing under the protection of such kind and gentle Gods. I felt a sense of pride welling up in a corner of my heart, knowing I had helped them.
Conversely, I wondered why the demons were invading this world. Even if they were creatures of destruction and slaughter, there must be a leader giving them 'orders.'
Perhaps that leader’s goal was the total destruction of this world. Since the myths didn't provide a clear explanation, I was slightly curious.
Still, it wasn't something I should ask Luminous directly. Instead, I moved on to another question.
‘Then, can you tell me who in the Savior Holy Order is colluding with the demons?’
[I am sorry, but I cannot. This is a future that could shake the entire world, and even with your current divine power, it would be difficult to bear. For a massive tsunami to occur, a correspondingly massive force must act upon it.]
Just how bad was it that even my divine power wasn't enough? It seemed this would cause a ripple effect just as large as the first "Why Is This Real?" moment—the pollution of the World Tree's roots.
And they would definitely peg me as a Regressor. It would be like slamming a stamp down on that theory over and over again.
I began to fear how severe the fallout would be when I eventually revealed myself as Xenon. I didn't care about myself, but I hoped those around me would be safe. Unfortunately, the world is rarely that kind.
I would find a way to prepare, but I wasn't a protagonist in a novel like Xenon; standing against the massive force of the world was nearly impossible.
Shhh—
As I was sighing deeply over the complicated situation, I felt a hand gently stroking my head.
It was a warmth that felt both kind and holy. It was the first time I had felt such a sensation while talking to Luminous.
Luminous, the God of Light and Hope, was gently patting my head. Simultaneously, a clear divine power flowed into my body, soothing my troubled mind.
I had heard that a God placing a hand on a believer's head—let alone stroking it comfortingly—was something that never happened, except perhaps for the Pope or the Cardinals.
‘...Lord Luminous?’
[Do not worry too much, child. At the very least, no dark clouds will loom over your immediate future. The same goes for the women you love and your family.]
Luminous reassured me in his characteristically gentle voice. I could only stand there, stunned by the sensation of his touch.
I think I understood why people worshipped Luminous and loved the Gods of this world. Who wouldn't worship someone who bestowed a heart as warm as a family member's?
On the other hand, it made the Savior Holy Kingdom, which was founded for such a God yet colluded with demons, seem even more despicable. Specifically, I was referring to the small number of corrupt priests.
While the majority were likely diligent and faithful, Luminous’s name was being tarnished because of that minority.
Just as Luminous had shown me love and grace, I wanted to repay him. At the very least, I felt like I should.
...For a moment, Kate, who had asked for my "seed," flashed through my mind, but I quickly shook the thought away. I did have something else to ask her eventually, anyway.
‘Thank you. I’ll try to release the book as quickly as possible. I should be finished within ten days at the latest. And the story I mentioned isn't in Volume 17, but Volume 18. It’s still a bit far off.’
[Do not push yourself too hard. Work is important, but you must take things slow...]
‘If I don't, I feel like I’ll be joining you by your side very soon, Lord Luminous.’
[...]
Even though I had rudely interrupted him, Luminous remained silent. He likely knew exactly what kind of situation I was facing.
Since the topic had come up, I was curious. I had said it half-jokingly, but what would really happen if I engaged in "nightly activities" without receiving divine power?
If Luminous had said something, it would be one thing, but his silence made me wonder if I really would die of exhaustion in bed.
‘...Is that really a possible future?’
[Under the assumption that you do not receive divine power. But since that future has vanished because you are receiving it, do not worry too much.]
‘Can you tell me what kind of future it was?’
[Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.]
Just how sad and horrific was that future for Luminous to refuse so firmly? I grew more curious, but as he said, there are times when not knowing is better.
Besides, since I was receiving divine power regularly and that future was gone, it wasn't something I needed to worry about. I just had to keep serving my beloved lovers as I always had.
My stamina was also being bolstered by the divine power, so as long as I kept training, there shouldn't be any major issues.
‘I understand. Then, I shall see you next time.’
[Ah. Before that, please ask the child Cecile and visit Helium. Mora has been pestering me incessantly about how much she wants to see you.]
Come to think of it, I hadn't visited Mora since winter break. I had been so focused on my studies and writing that I hadn't even had the chance to visit Helium.
I wanted to see her, but I was holding off for now because I didn't know what kind of prank she might pull.
My hair, which had grown long after winter break, would grow back overnight no matter how many times I cut it, so I had pretty much given up on it. My lovers and family praised it, saying it suited me and that I should keep it that way, but for me, it was incredibly inconvenient.
The weight of the hair alone was no joke, and it got in the way every single day when I washed, making it a nightmare to manage.
It was a good thing I could ask Cecile, whose hair was much longer than mine, for advice; otherwise, I would have struggled on my own.
‘Please tell her I’ll go on the condition that she doesn't pull any pranks like last time.’
[She says she understands. Ah, I am sorry.]
It seemed Mora was right next to Luminous. That meant she had heard our entire conversation.
I didn't know what that tomboyish Goddess would say, but I just hoped she wouldn't pull any weird pranks.
[Hmm... It would be best if you went as soon as possible.]
‘Why?’
Luminous replied. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before relaying Mora’s message in a cautious voice.
[She is badgering me, saying that if you do not, she will turn you into a woman for a month...]
[...]
[She says that even if it is not Cecile, you could just ask the demon named Gartz.]
I definitely needed to go soon. Whatever else happened, I had to avoid being turned into a woman.
I could probably manage daily life, but it was painfully obvious how my lovely girlfriends would react. Just imagining it made my knees weak.
‘...Tell her I’ll be there as soon as possible, so please, not that. If she does that, I really won't go.’
[She says she will give you a week’s grace. For every day that passes after that week, she will add another month...]
‘Haha...’
I let out a hollow laugh. She was a Goddess who was difficult to deal with in many ways.
Still, she was a benevolent and kind being like Luminous, which was why her followers served her faithfully despite being pushed around. Her dedication to the persecuted demons and dark elves spoke volumes about her true character.
The problem was her tendency to play mischievous pranks on those she liked. According to Cecile, Mora had even played a prank on her once.
Apparently, she had made Cecile’s breasts—her pride and joy—completely disappear. While it was physically comfortable, Cecile had become so depressed that Mora had hurriedly restored them to their original state.
‘I’ll go as soon as I can. I’m busy, so I’ll have to squeeze it into my schedule.’
[There is no need to rush too much.]
‘Understood. Then, I shall take my leave.’
[Go then. May the light be upon your path.]
With those final words, Luminous’s voice faded away. I slowly opened my closed eyes and lifted my head.
The stone statue depicting Luminous stood before me. If Luminous were still present, a faint aura would have surrounded the statue, but its absence confirmed he had departed.
I stood up and stretched my stiff body. My legs were a bit numb from kneeling for so long, but it was bearable.
‘I really should head to Helium soon.’
I needed to see Mora after all this time, and more importantly, I had to avoid being turned into a woman. If I asked Cecile this time and Gartz from then on, I’d be able to visit frequently.
I bowed deeply toward the statue of Luminous, who had granted me many favors, and stepped outside. As soon as I exited, I ran into an unexpected person.
"Saint Isaac?"
"Huh?"
"Have you just finished offering your prayers to Lord Luminous?"
It was Kate, the Cardinal and Grand Inquisitor of the Holy Theocracy. Her forest-green eyes seemed indifferent, yet they held a hint of welcome.
I had heard she was staying at this temple, so I wasn't surprised to see her, but her attire was what caught my eye. Instead of her usual, subtly revealing nun’s habit, she was wearing a suit of armor that covered her entire body.
Since she always wore her habit, I couldn't help but wonder.
"Hello, Ms. Kate. I just finished my prayers. But that armor..."
"I am planning to go and purge the demon worshippers who tarnish the name of Lord Luminous."
Just as I expected. Shifting my gaze to her waist, I saw a mace hanging there that looked too heavy to lift with one hand.
The thought of her, with her pure, country-girl face, going around smashing the heads of demon worshippers... It didn't match the way she usually acted around me, giving me a strange feeling.
She was a living testament to the fact that you should never judge a book by its cover. Tilting my head at the mention of demon worshippers in the capital, I asked a question.
"Are there demon worshippers in the capital?"
"There are rumors that they are dwelling underground. It is a fitting place for such vermin. Those sorts must be thoroughly crushed and burned with holy fire so that they cannot even dream of resurrection."
As I talked with Kate, I realized her language was quite foul—but only when it came to demon worshippers.
I suppose that was proof that her faith in Luminous was genuine. She might have a few screws loose when it came to common sense, but she wasn't a bad person.
...Though her faith sometimes went overboard and caused incidents. Recently, through our small conversations, she had been slowly changing.
"I see. Please be careful. Don't push yourself too hard and get hurt."
"Thank you for your concern."
"Hmm..."
I stared at Kate, who had replied with a blunt expression. When I continued to gaze at her, she blinked her green eyes and tilted her head.
"Is there something you wish to say?"
"No. It’s just..."
Kate worshipped Luminous fanatically. Did she feel the same way about Savior, her home and sanctuary?
Having been informed of the truth by Luminous himself, I felt uneasy leaving things as they were. If Volume 18 were released, everything would be laid bare, but by then, it might be too late.
Yet, I couldn't just tell her directly. Doing so might put her in great danger, and she was still quite inexperienced in some ways.
Of course, she was a finished product in terms of martial prowess, which was how she had risen to the rank of Cardinal. But there were things that couldn't be solved by force alone.
After much deliberation, a fitting proverb came to mind, and I shared it with her.
"Ms. Kate, do you happen to know the saying, 'It’s darkest under the lamp'?"
"It is my first time hearing it. Is it an oracle bestowed by Lord Luminous?"
"No, it isn't."
"Hmm..."
Kate lowered her gaze and blinked a few times before answering in her characteristically blunt tone.
"I am sorry, but I do not quite understand."
"Tsk... I see. Never mind then."
"However, since they are words spoken by you, Saint Isaac, I shall engrave them upon my heart."
"Thank you. May the path of hope be with you."
I bowed, using the greeting shared by the clergy of the Luminous Order. Kate also made the sign of the cross and returned the greeting.
"May the path of light be with you."
Exactly fifteen days after the release of Volume 16, Volume 17 made its appearance in the world. And...
"Ms. Kate returned to the Holy Theocracy?"
"Yeah. Apparently, there’s some urgent business."
Exactly two days later, Kate returned to her homeland.