Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: A Deep Connection
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Somewhere in space.
The Observer, now fully reborn as a proper living being, sat there lost in thought.
Asasak!
It posed a question to the Observer while consuming Divine Power.
—What troubles you?
"......The god said to use the remaining 'Divine Power' for Eirene von Ainsberg."
—If that's the will of the god, wouldn't it simply be a matter of doing so?
Right.
Just as she had done with Erin, she could hand over the 'Divine Power' to her.
For an Observer, such an act was no difficult task as long as Divine Power was available.
And yet......
"You know, don't you."
There was no response.
The Observer continued cautiously.
"Those granted Divine Power can, within the bounds it allows, pursue their deepest desires."
What Saintess Erin desired most—spreading the Plain Facts of the Sole God Igugwoden across the world.
As the only woman to bear the truth of the god, she was the sole person who could wield the granted power with such freedom.
And what Eirene, beloved by the god, desired most......
—To be deeply connected with the Sole God Igugwoden.
Ever since facing the avatar of the god, Eirene's sole purpose in life had been one thing.
To meet Lord Igugwoden just one more time.
And to connect with Lord Igugwoden more deeply than anyone else.
"You knew it after all."
—If the will of the god is to let her pursue her desires within the bounds of the power, I fail to see the problem.
"But 'deeply connected' means......"
All gazes in the space converged on the Observer, who couldn't finish her sentence.
A chilling warning from one who failed to become a living being to one who had—
—Surely you're not......
Jealous of Eirene?
"......!!!"
The startled Observer shook her head vigorously without thinking.
"N-No, it's not that! I just......"
She had been reborn as a living being through the chicken infused with the love of God Igugwoden.
Warm blood flowed through her veins, flesh formed around them. Soft skin enveloped the Observer.
She could walk, speak, and think.
To think meant to reason independently.
To reason meant—to dare envy a being loved by the god.
—Saintess Erin, chosen by the god. Eirene, loved by the god. You know these two are the finest fragments for sustaining the god's sponsorship.
"......Yes."
—And you know well the fate of worlds abandoned by the god.
"I do."
—Since your own fall was also by the god's will, I won't dwell on it. Just never forget what we must do.
The Observer placed her hand on her left chest without responding.
Thump, thump. Something pulsed clearly beneath the soft skin.
The beating of her heart, the symbol of life circulating her blood.
The reason it pounded so fiercely was......
Eirene von Ainsberg.
The being God Igugwoden loved and cherished so deeply.
An essential existence, necessary to bind the god's love to this world.
This feeling toward her—was it gratitude? Or, as 'that thing' said—
The Observer couldn't realize it.
That her own face had flushed red.
* * *
A day in Igugwoden Citadel passed in a whirlwind.
Empress Eirene rose early in the morning and immediately offered her prayers.
'May the Plain Facts of the god grace me even a little today......'
After morning prayers, she ate right away.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Good morning."
The breakfast table held rather homey fare for an empress's meal.
A bowl of stew made with meat, rye bread without the butter common among commoners, and a plate of vegetables cut to perfect bites and tossed in a sauce made by the imperial chef.
Lately, all the stews had been chicken. Plenty of preserved chicken from the church remained, so similar dishes would continue for a while.
Even before embracing the Igugwoden Church, Eirene wasn't one for gluttony.
She had only eaten dignified, luxurious ingredients suitable for upholding imperial dignity—enough to evoke 'An empress must eat like that.'
But through her monastery life with Lord Igugwoden, she realized: Food need only warm body and soul.
Thus, she no longer obsessed over lavish ingredients. A woman fixated on ostentation couldn't be truly ripe, after all.
"Thank you for preparing this for me again today, Lur."
"Yes! It's my honor, Your Majesty!"
The chef bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, showing utmost respect.
Lately, Eirene had memorized the names of all who served her.
Her existence as empress wasn't a given from imperial blood—it was part of the god's 'Plain Fact.' She vowed never to take her position for granted.
Hadn't Lord Igugwoden said as much in the Great Igugwoden Chronicle?
「A Dish of Facts: Nothing is ever given for granted. Without gratitude for what is given and humility for what may come, you will surely trip over a pebble one day.」
Great Igugwoden Chronicle, Chapter 14, Verse 5.
She could now recall scripture passages effortlessly.
"What of lunch?"
"Grilled salmon and bagels."
"Today is banquet day. Based on remaining stores, feel free to make it a bit more lavish without strain. I'll allow opening the stored wine."
"As you command."
The empress's meals, especially lunch, weren't just for sustenance.
Political talks and calculations all unfolded over the table.
She excelled at extracting needs from vassals with a smiling face.
After embracing the Igugwoden Church, her methods shifted slightly—but the essence remained.
After breakfast, she headed straight to her office.
Vassals already there bowed deeply in respect.
"Duke Kal Bayern greets Her Majesty the Empress."
"Count Ernest greets Her Majesty the Empress."
"You've both traveled far. Sit."
Kal Bayern territory and Ernest territory.
Both hosted dungeon entrances.
With human-demon cooperation underway, conferring with lords near entrances was among her top duties lately.
"So? Demonic Energy is affecting things positively?"
"Yes. Far from fear or unease, reports show many folk approaching demon borders to bask in it."
"And in your lands, Duke?"
"Not quite to that extent, but...... no complaints. If anything, many now question why we delayed demon exchanges."
The Demon King had most worried about resident complaints from Demonic Energy leaks—
Yet reports uniformly praised: 'Demonic Energy isn't so bad after all.' 'There are even benefits.'
'The Demon King wouldn't lie needlessly.'
That kind, pure-looking Demon King wouldn't fib pointlessly.
Then.
"Perhaps it's the Plain Facts of the god?"
"Count Ernest......?"
The count, a fervent Igugwoden follower since meeting the Saintess, spoke with conviction.
"If the Plain Facts of the god are at work, a sudden shift in Demonic Energy's effects isn't strange. All things in the world form from the love of the Sole God Igugwoden, no?"
Hearing this, Eirene nodded with a benevolent smile.
"Indeed. Truly, the Plain Facts of the god...... That explains everything. With Demonic Energy dissipated, smoother demon cooperation fits perfectly."
"Exactly. Haha."
"I-Is that so......?"
Duke Kal Bayern sweated coldly at the duo suddenly bonding over Igugwoden.
"Naturally. While in the capital, why not pay respects to the Saintess?"
"You'll surely gain enlightenment, Duke."
"I appreciate the invitation, but...... duty calls. I'll formally meet the Saintess next time."
The post-business banquet continued state discussions.
Pre-church days, meals were tense ice—relieved not to choke.
Now, Eirene didn't harass vassals to exhaustion, allowing relaxed major decisions.
After lunch banquet, Eirene boarded her carriage.
Today was cathedral visit for prayers to the god.
With the appointment set days ago, she hurried to Igugwoden Cathedral, heart fluttering.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
Today, Luca of Dish of Holy Knights greeted her.
For some reason, the rabbit usually with Ophelia nestled in Luca's arms.
"Well done, Luca Hevnisian. And Ophelia and Linea?"
"They're out on external duties."
"Igogodon!"
Hop!
Eirene caught the leaping rabbit far more deftly than last time, cradling it.
"Seat-igogodon! Seat-igogodon!"
"Long time, little rabbit. Been well?"
"Missed-igogodon—!"
The rabbit nuzzled in her arms, acting spoiled for a while—
Then hopped atop Luca's head, spun, curled up, and settled.
"The rabbit seems pleased."
"Yes. Ophelia said it heard you were coming today and wanted to meet."
"Really? The messenger of the god seeks this body? I give thanks."
"Shall I fetch the Saintess?"
"No. Can't disturb her in her busy hours. Just here for prayers today."
"Understood. This way."
The front hall, following Luca, was less sparse now, filled with more items.
Eirene knelt at once, praying to her sole master.
These stolen moments praying to Lord Igugwoden freed her from empress burdens, precious respite.
Thus ended her day.
Then came her favorite: bath time.
Eirene sank her enormous, violently voluptuous breasts—threatening to burst—and hips regrettably childless into the tub.
Splash—excess water overflowed.
Inevitable. Overflow matched her mass.
"Haa......"
Her sole indulgence as empress: tub with floating red petals—
She recalled the starry hot spring.
If, as the Saintess said, the god made it—
Bathing there might draw Lord Igugwoden's gaze.
'......'
Lewd thought, face flushing again.
No hiding this heart, however hard.
Ticklish belly, aching longing rising to her toes.
Her love for Igugwoden was true.
Every moment, Eirene intensely craved him—not mere faith, but a woman's longing for a man.
Post-bath, changed—
She lightly greeted her maid.
"Well done today, Evlen."
"W-Well done? Just duty, Your Majesty!"
Back in her room, she read scripture.
Lately, Holy Power Chronicle.
Verses praising Divine Power Pouch stirred peculiar pride.
If only younger, might she, not Erin, have become Saintess?—
'......No.'
Then the god wouldn't call her 'ripe woman.'
Eirene took immense pride in her ripeness. Even sans sainthood, ripe womanhood sufficed.
Reading till bedtime—
In sheer negligee highlighting feminine allure, she lay for sleep: Empress Eirene's routine.
Pre-sleep, she fantasized again.
Would Lord Igugwoden visit tonight?
Prayers reached the god, yet no meetings...... Maybe tonight differs.
Just once.
Once is enough—face Lord Igugwoden again.
If meeting in dreams, stay with him forever unbroken......
Thus, girlish thoughts unfit her age...... she surrendered to slumber.
* * *
"......?"
Regaining senses, she stood in an utterly unfamiliar place.
Wooden room held several wooden desks and chairs.
Fine, but odd items of unknown use littered about.
'Where......?'
Eirene eyed her hands. Near-transparent, floor visible through.
Moved slightly. Didn't respond smoothly to will.
'What......?'
A dream......?
Then—
"What are you doing to a sick kid!"
'This voice......!'
A boy's shout reached her ears.
Youngish timbre, first-time hearing...... yet somehow familiar.
Eirene turned toward the sound.
And there—
'!!!'
The one so longed for.
Grieved since portrait meeting—Lord Igugwoden—
As a young boy, faced off against other boys.