Chapter 192 - 80 Percent
"Mm..."
When I opened my eyes, a cozy wooden ceiling filled my view, exuding a warm atmosphere.
"...Nyaang."
"Ku..."
A cat doll nestled in my pajama pocket, curled up and snoring softly, while Serena's white owl dozed at the windowsill, head bobbing.
I've checked on the sub-heroines for the most part, so maybe I can just meet Aishi and then rest straight through? No, I still need to keep the Church in check... and I have to visit the Western Continent at some point...
I took in the familiar sight I'd grown used to lately, mentally sorting through my vacation to-do list as I rose from bed.
"Kania."
As always, I called for Kania, but...
"Hm?"
She didn't open the door and come in. I tilted my head in puzzlement.
"That's weird. Has she not come home yet?"
Kania always rushed in the moment I uttered the first syllable of her name. For her not to appear even after I'd said it fully meant she wasn't home.
Or something had gone wrong.
"Come to think of it, she wasn't home yesterday either."
Realizing that, I stood with a faintly worried expression.
"Meow..."
But the cat doll in my pajama pocket, which had been curled up, cautiously wrapped its tail around my arm and let out a pitiful mewl.
"What is it?"
Staring at the creature, which seemed especially pitiable today, only made me think of Kania—who had gifted it to me—and deepened my unease.
Nothing's really happened to her, has it?
— Knock knock knock —
While I pondered and let the cat doll cling to my arm, someone knocked.
"Kania?"
I asked with a slight look of relief, but the one who entered wasn't Kania.
"Ah, h-hi...?"
It was Irina, her face flushed bright red.
"I-Irina?"
She looked like she wanted to crawl into a mouse hole.
"What's... that?"
She wore the maid outfit I'd gifted her long ago, reformed into a strikingly bold design.
Well, the clothes themselves weren't that revealing. It was just that Irina, who always hid her figure in baggy robes and cloaks, made it look provocative by wearing it.
"I-I told you, didn't I?"
As I stared blankly, Irina swallowed hard and spoke up.
"That I wouldn't let you act all indifferent anymore."
Hearing that, I quickly pulled the blanket over myself, then peeked out and asked,
"Hey, Irina. What's going on? Why the sudden outfit, and why are you here?"
"...Hold on."
Irina wiggled her fingers cautiously, and the door swung open on its own. A covered plate floated in gently.
"I-I brought breakfast."
She grabbed the plate, brought it to me, and lifted the lid to reveal the breakfast she'd made.
"I-I tried making it... What do you think?"
A appetizing omelet and steaming milk. Not my usual fare, but perfect for breakfast.
"S-Sandwiches... I wasn't confident in those, and they're kinda skimpy anyway. Coffee's not great for you either, right? So I prepared this... D-Do you like it?"
Irina fidgeted, watching my reaction, her face red as she asked.
"...Thanks."
I stared intently at the puppy and heart shapes she'd drawn on the omelet, then smiled faintly and replied.
"Didn't know you could do stuff like this. I thought you only handled meat dishes..."
"I-I'm good at cooking too. As good as that cheeky bitch... I mean, Kania. So, feel free to ask me anytime."
When I voiced my sudden curiosity, Irina bristled and shot back.
"Hahk...!"
"Right, speaking of—where's Kania?"
Remembering Kania again as the cat let out a hiss, I grabbed it and asked. Irina glared silently at the cat before answering.
"Kania's in the Western Continent right now."
"The Western Continent!?"
I yelped in surprise, and Irina quickly continued.
"Don't worry. She's with an Imperial investigation team."
"Imperial investigation team?"
"Yeah, but not the regular one. It's made up of Clana's trusted aides."
What the hell? Why did Clana suddenly send an Imperial team to the Western Continent, and why did Kania go with them?
"Simple reason. To snag the info on relics there before the Demon King or Church gets it."
I asked Irina, and she began explaining.
"We'll use past loop knowledge to find all undiscovered relics first, claim the artifacts and intel, then feed false info to the Church and Demon King when they arrive."
"Hm..."
"For relics the Church already holds... Kania and Clana's aides will handle that."
Her explanation made Kania's trip click. No one was better suited.
But questions lingered.
"Can't we just use the Demon King's forces, who think I'm the Demon King?"
"You can't give them detailed orders. Everything they've brought back so far is worthless junk. Plus, the Demon King's chief of staff still suspects you, right?"
"True."
I nodded at her logical reply, then frowned and pressed further.
"Fine, but why handle something this big without me?"
"...You seriously asking 'cause you don't know?"
Irina sighed shortly and pointed at me.
"If we told you, you'd push yourself to join and head to the Western Continent. Obvious as hell."
"Well..."
"Things get way harder starting second year. You need max rest this break."
She scooted right up beside me and added,
"Don't stress. Serena's personally leading it. Just relax completely."
She scooped up some omelet and whispered as she held it to my mouth.
"...Ahh."
"Tasty?"
"Munch munch..."
I absentmindedly opened wide and ate the omelet she fed me, nodding at Irina, who watched with an odd gaze.
"Hehe."
She ducked her head bashfully, beaming with pride.
"For the time being... I'll be serving you."
She scooped another bite and gazed at me as she said it.
"By the time I join them, Clana will be back from the Western Continent to look after you."
"C-Clana? But the pretext..."
"...She said something about fulfilling her duty to her fiancé candidate by visiting home. Nice excuse."
Irina grumbled coldly, then offered another spoonful.
"Kania comes dead last. For daring to provoke like that... Er, anyway, that's how we decided. We'll rotate serving you in the order I just explained until break ends."
"Meow...!"
"Quiet."
As Irina shoved omelet into my mouth, she shot a cold glare at the cat's cry.
"Frey, that cat's off. Can I examine it?"
"Meow!!"
"See? It has a weird aura. Let me check it out. Won't take long."
Irina really seemed to hate cats. Because she loved dogs?
— Swish...
I gently stroked the cat's head as it burrowed into my clothes and peeked out, smiling faintly.
"Kania made it with black magic. It's cute, so go easy on it."
"...Ah."
Irina stared blankly at the cat sticking out its tongue.
"Don't like dogs?"
"Uh, um..."
"Dogs are as cute as cats. So like them too. Don't just pamper humans and cats."
As I hesitated, Irina—pressed against my side, glaring at the cat curled in my arms—suddenly snatched it up and muttered.
"What's good about this gloomy, ominous cat? A bright, lively dog is a hundred times bett—Ow!"
The cat bit her finger. She hid behind my back with a dazed look.
"Pfft."
Watching her, I couldn't help but laugh.
Just months ago, I never imagined such simple, happy moments.
I thought I'd fight alone to the bitter end.
Of course, penalties had wrecked my body, but still... right now, I was...
"Happy, Frey?"
"Hm?"
Irina's expression turned serious as she asked.
"Straight up. You're feeling happy right now, aren't you?"
I closed my eyes, pondering her question.
"...Yeah, I guess so."
With a faint smile, I leaned my head on Irina's shoulder beside me.
"Even if countless hardships await..."
I whispered softly.
"At least this moment feels happy."
Finishing, I entrusted myself to her, eyes closed, smiling.
"Eek, uek..."
"...?"
Irina suddenly twitched.
"Hey, we had a deal. It's not time yet..."
"Irina?"
"F-Frey."
Concerned, I looked at her as she gently took my hand.
"I-I may not be sure about the others... but I'm confident over the remaining four. You know I'm the best from the start, right?"
"...?"
"S-So... pick me last. I'll make you feel as good as possible..."
She pressed my hand to her chest, eyes glazing over, but...
"Kuuu!!!"
"...Hiiik!"
The owl, dozing at the window, snapped awake, eyes wide, and flew to perch on my shoulder. Irina recoiled in fright.
"O-Okay, okay. I get it."
The owl shook its head firmly. Irina pouted and bowed her head.
"Ku."
The owl glared at her a moment longer, then offered me a letter envelope.
"What's this?"
It's a couple's ring. I'll prepare a better wedding band later.
Put it on whichever finger of whichever hand you like.
Serena's neat handwriting pierced my vision as I read the letter.
And with it came a white ring.
"......"
I read on in silence.
"But this..."
Staring at the glowing white ring in my hand, I muttered shakily.
"...Isn't this the Stone of Purity?"
The first couple's ring Serena ever gave me seemed carved from a Stone of Purity.
Where the hell did she even get one?
Isolet Arham Bywalk
[Conquest Progress: 79%]
Details...
"Close call."
Isolet's Conquest Progress had jumped significantly in just hours.
What the hell's been happening with Isolet these past few days?
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, at that moment.
"I've checked everywhere, but no sorcery!"
"...Is that true?"
"Yes! Perloché guarantees it!"
Perloché, having examined Isolet on the bed, beamed energetically.
"Ahem. Anyway, Professor."
The Sun God Church bishop beside her cleared his throat quietly.
"What do you think of the proposal we made last time...?"
He asked Isolet, who eyed him displeased.
"I distinctly sent a letter to Perloché."
"Even if it's personal, the Church should accompany the Saintess's actions. It's our duty to..."
"Enough of that."
Isolet cut him off firmly as he rambled, then asked softly,
"So, this youngest paladin admires me that much?"
"Indeed. He'd love to train under you right away. If you permit..."
The bishop smiled faintly and explained, but...
"...I'll think on it a bit more."
Isolet replied, and he frowned slightly.
"Why delay? It's not complicated. And given your condition, refusing seems unwise."
Hearing his complaint, Isolet...
"A regular disciple is one thing... but an exclusive one..."
Quietly caressed the cherished sword Frey had gifted her, murmuring,
"...would trouble my heart in many ways."
"I see."
The bishop...
"Meet him yourself; it'll change your mind. I'll bring him soon."
Began persuading with a benevolent smile.
"He'll join the upcoming 'Verification Rite,' and even the hero party... Oh, that's classified. Anyway, bright future ahead."
"......."
"Plus, he's cheerful, lively, pure. Even for a famed lone swordswoman like you, he'd be a great..."
"If you're done, please leave."
But Isolet rolled away, facing the wall.
"...We'll visit again soon."
"Take care~!"
The bishop and Perloché had no choice but to leave.
".........."
Isolet stayed silent long after.
"Bright future, cheerful, lively, pure..."
Then muttered glumly.
"...Sounds familiar."
At that exact moment, her Conquest Progress in Frey's system window hit 80 percent.