Reunion with the Goddess (2)
"…Goddess? Did you really see… Iliana and everything we did…?"
Yes, that's right.
"G-Goddess… Even so, watching us even during our intimate moments is a bit…"
It's the matter of my child, so what choice did I have? I had to watch to ensure no strange girl approached and bewitched my child.
"Iliana… isn't that kind of woman. She's one of the heroes who traveled with me and helped save the mortal realm. At the very least, back then, you didn't need to watch over me…"
That won't do. I shall continue to watch over my child from now on as well. This is one plea I cannot grant you, my child.
"……."
Eunhyeon sensed something off.
Verdandi's attitude felt strangely rigid and unyielding, which struck him as peculiar, but he doubted pressing her would yield answers, so he decided to let it go.
In any case, I have no intention of forcing my child's relationships or emotions. If that bond with the witch girl brings my child happiness and shapes a bright future, it would bring me the greatest joy.
"…Thank you for your permission."
Hehe, I cannot fathom why you thought I would object.
"Well…"
In carrying out his duties as an Apostle, Eunhyeon had always set aside personal feelings, seeking ways to save as many lives as possible while minimizing sacrifices.
Perhaps from a divine perspective, his emotions for Iliana might lead him astray at a critical juncture in his mission. He imagined it might be judged so.
That was what Eunhyeon thought.
He couldn't help picturing bringing home the woman he intended to marry, only for his parents to oppose the union.
My child, worry not so.
Reading the turmoil in Eunhyeon's heart, Verdandi gently cradled his head, stroking his hair soothingly.
Even if my child makes a wrong choice, I shall never blame you for it.
"…Thank you."
Eunhyeon nodded quietly, nestled in Verdandi's warm embrace.
…Are you leaving already?
"Oh… Do you have more to say?"
Did you not long to meet me? I thought you had many words prepared for our reunion—enough to voice even your resentments. Yet my child upon reunion is far calmer than expected. I had so much I wished to share with you…
"……."
Eunhyeon fell silent for a moment, lost in thought, then approached Verdandi and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Oh, my child?! L-Laying hands on a goddess is blasphemous…!
Then what had been her earlier embrace and comforting pats on the back?
Eunhyeon let out a hollow chuckle.
"There were certainly more than a few times I felt hurt."
Eek…?!
Verdandi flinched in surprise, her body trembling once before stiffening rigidly.
"Why wouldn't you answer my calls? Have you abandoned me? Am I no longer useful? Did I do something wrong? Those were the thoughts that plagued me whenever hardship weighed on my mind."
[…….]
Verdandi listened quietly to Eunhyeon's calm voice over her shoulder.
She knew.
It wasn't as if she had ignored him.
She had wanted to answer every call.
Yet direct intervention in the mortal realm was taboo for gods, so Verdandi could not respond to his cries.
"Still, confirming that my apostolic powers never faded gave me reassurance. Even without a reply, I believed you were always watching over me."
Ah…
Just those simple words: you truly suffered all this time.
Knowing she had watched his every deed from the divine realm filled Eunhyeon with immense joy.
How could he not be glad that his trials had been witnessed?
And so, Eunhyeon said,
"If you continue to watch over me, Goddess, I can find the strength to go on."
What believer held firmer faith than this?
Eunhyeon spoke with a serene smile, his words brimming with conviction.
In Verdandi's eyes, she beheld the dazzling, pure light of his soul—vitality restored to a spirit worn by over four centuries of life, now shining brilliantly once more.
The knowledge that she was the source of that renewal brought Verdandi unspeakable joy.
Yet that overwhelming happiness only sowed confusion in the goddess.
T-That is far too cunning, my child…
"Pardon?"
N-No, it's nothing!
Eunhyeon released Verdandi, and their eyes met once more.
Go now. I have confirmed your true heart. Now I too can make my resolve.
"Your resolve?"
Indeed. You shall know soon enough.
"Understood."
With that, Eunhyeon descended the jade throne's steps, returning to the point where he had first arrived.
Back at the starting point, he turned, gaze lifting to Verdandi's jade throne high above the stairs, and bowed reverently.
"It was truly a joy to meet you again like this."
I feel the same, my child.
Verdandi sent him off with a benevolent smile.
As Eunhyeon's consciousness descended to the mortal realm, her sister goddesses appeared beside the now-solitary Verdandi.
Are you truly going through with it?
Of course.
I cannot fathom why you lavish such affection on that child.
Urd frowned at Verdandi's resolve.
From the gods' perspective, a single human was little more than a disposable tool.
This held true even for their Apostles, and Eunhyeon was no exception.
She had merely granted special powers to one unique unit in a war simulation world, affording privileges beyond a mortal's reach. Urd harbored no personal sentiments toward him.
I do not deny the child's merits. He served exceptionally well, suppressing personal feelings to adhere faithfully to our directives. I acknowledge his abilities.
But his heart is breaking as a result.
Is that why you went around convincing the other gods to revive a mere human?
He died due to our circumstances, and we revived him for the same reasons.
Hearing Urd's accusatory tone, Verdandi gripped the armrest of her jade throne, her knuckles whitening.
We bear the responsibility to care for that child.
…I cannot understand.
Sister…
I agree as well.
Skuld, you too? You're taking that child's side as well?
Skuld nodded faintly, her expression impassive.
If things continue like this, that child's mind will reach its limit soon enough.
Immortality beyond human lifespan was not inherently a blessing.
Eunhyeon's edge lay in the vast experiences accumulated over time, yielding superior outcomes, but an ordinary human soul was no vessel to contain eternity unscathed.
His spirit was already fraying at the edges from mental wear.
Even setting aside personal feelings, having invested so much power to revive him, he must serve the mortal realm further. Verdandi's choice may be incomprehensible as a goddess, but the benefits it yields are eminently rational.
Skuld held no special affection for Eunhyeon as Verdandi did.
Rather, the Fate Pioneering she had bestowed sparked only curiosity about the unpredictable paths his future might forge.
…Do as you will. You wouldn't listen even if I tried to stop you.
Thank you, sister.
The conservative Urd, who prized divine authority and heavenly laws above all.
Verdandi, acting on private sentiments for Eunhyeon alone.
Skuld, intrigued by efficiency and unforeseeable futures.
Though sisters bound as one goddess, their personalities and mindsets diverged wildly—yet all had chosen Eunhyeon as their Apostle.
With that farewell, Eunhyeon awoke from his slumber.
Opening his eyes, he stared blankly at the ceiling, lying still.
Though awake, the dream's lingering echoes held him captive.
He had no will to move.
"Hoo… Let's sort things out first."
Eunhyeon rose from bed and headed straight to his desk, pulling out paper and pen to jot down and organize his tasks based on the dream's revelations.
Thinking and planning the moment you awaken?
"Of course. Whenever possible… Huh?"
Eunhyeon whipped around in shock.
There floated the radiant blonde woman from his dream.
In a bodiless spirit form without mass or flesh, the goddess hovered in his room. Eunhyeon gaped at her, speechless.
"G-Goddess…?"
Such a startled face. Hehe.
Verdandi smiled in satisfaction at Eunhyeon's flabbergasted expression, composure still eluding him.
"O-Of course I'm shocked…!"
Eunhyeon shouted unwittingly before catching himself and lowering his voice.
"No, how on earth did you manifest in the mortal realm?!"
Am I not your goddess? The powers I granted you have strengthened our bond. Once enough divine energy gathered, I summoned you to my throne—and followed as you departed.
"……."
Eunhyeon stared at Verdandi in disbelief.
What mad goddess trailed a human into the mortal realm in person?
…My child entertains rather irreverent thoughts.
Reading his mind, Verdandi narrowed her eyes at him.
"No, it's just… that's unusual. What about your duties in the divine realm and all that?"
Worry not. This 'me' manifested here is but an avatar. The 'me' in the divine realm persists fully.
Eunhyeon found the situation utterly absurd.
Was this even permitted?
Would the other gods tolerate her whimsical actions?
His mind swirled with questions.
No need for concern. As I said, the gods who watched your trials have agreed to be cooperative—including my manifestation. Many pooled their divine power to slightly loosen restrictions on mortal interference.
"Whoa…"
What is this rule-breaking plot twist?
Rule bre…? What is that?
"N-Nothing…"
Eunhyeon shook his head in bewilderment.
He didn't notice, but Verdandi, dwelling within his body, smiled at the sight.
She drew near and gently pulled his head to her bosom.
Though massless and incorporeal, her warmth was tangible.
Feeling in reality the coziness once confined to dreams brought joy, mingled with complex emotions.
Never again shall I leave you to face loneliness alone.
Verdandi murmured a quiet vow too soft for Eunhyeon's conflicted expression to hear.