Chapter 22

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Translator: True Detective

Chapter: 22

Chapter Title: Blessing of Courage

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1.

"I really can't eat any more...!"

Sis flopped right onto the sofa. Her tongue must have been through hell from all the experimenting with flavors, starting with the sour ones and moving through every kind of food.

"Good work."

I smiled as I put the seasonings into the storage box. I wasn't sure if I'd use them later, but hey, I'd spent points on them.

"Still, thanks to you, we confirmed that all the flavors are implemented just like in reality. We've got results."

"That's a relief. But it's weird that I feel full, too."

"Yeah."

It was just mana and holy power recreating the tastes, but feeling full was surprising.

"What principle even makes this happen?"

"Who knows? If it's good, it's good. No need to overthink it. We can't research it anyway."

"True."

The Mage Tower Lord who shared knowledge with me could've analyzed it, but unfortunately, that wasn't me. I had no expertise in magic.

"Anyway, let's head out and eat some real food now. The fullness is nice, but it doesn't actually fill your stomach."

"I feel like I could skip eating..."

"No way. Sis, you need to gain a bit more weight. You're too skinny right now."

"But still..."

Sis mumbled softly, glancing at me. I shook my head firmly.

"No. Your brain thinks you're full right now, but it'll fade once we're out."

"...Fine. Oh, hey Hayul. Have you decided what to cook tomorrow?"

I could tell she was forcibly changing the subject, but I played along.

"Not yet. Or rather, I have no intention of planning ahead. I'm thinking of just making whatever they request on the spot. What do you think?"

"Broadcast-wise, that might work better. But are you sure? What if they ask for something you don't know?"

"I'll look up the recipe and try. But I bet I can handle pretty much anything."

I'd already cooked all sorts of ingredients from that other world in every way imaginable. No exact recipes, but I could fake it pretty well.

'And I've got magic and holy power anyway?'

I had magical powder even better than MSG. With that, I could make anything work.

"Alright, with the broadcast direction roughly set, let's actually go eat."

"Okay."

I wondered what would happen in tomorrow's stream. I was a little excited.

This was the Streamer Gallery. Once ablaze with fiery drama, now it lay cold like ashes.

Everyone was still hung up on yesterday's events, wandering the gallery and picking fights for no reason.

Then came the totally unexpected collab announcement out of nowhere.

They didn't believe it at first, but once they checked the communities on each channel, they had no choice.

A collab between the hot sister duo and Elena, who had some connection to them.

The viewers were hyped, but also skeptical. None of the three had ever shown their faces.

They had doubts, but were excited too.

Time passed amid the anticipation of many, and the collab day arrived.

3.

"I-it'll be okay, right? Hayul?"

Sis was trembling. Tense about the collab with Elena starting soon.

"It'll be fine. You've already collabbed with Elena before. Why so nervous?"

"Th-that was a big group collab. This is just the three of us. Elena's from a huge corp, tons of viewers will come. What if I mess up?"

"Lots of viewers came to the explanation stream too."

"True, but that was just reading the script. I barely even looked at chat in case I slipped..."

Yeah, she was so nervous she never even showed the avatar we'd picked.

'What to do...'

If we started like this, she'd freeze up and do nothing. Holy power could help.

'A blessing that doesn't drain too much holy power but banishes her fear.'

There was one perfect for that. The blessing priests cast on soldiers crushed by monster terror.

'Issue is it might make her fearless enough to screw up...'

Still better than total lockdown. I could handle any mishaps.

"Sis, want me to cast a holy blessing on you?"

"B-blessing?"

"Priests use holy power for it. Blessing of Courage. Wipes out fear and anxiety, boosts courage."

There was also 'Calm Mind', but it could knock you out if used while tense.

"Should I cast Blessing of Courage?"

Sis pondered, then nodded.

"Yeah, please. I won't be able to stream like this. I've already burdened Elena; can't cause more trouble."

"Got it. Stay still then."

I slowly circulated the holy power in my body.

Golden energy flowed from my hand into Sis. Her eyes widened, lips curling into a grin.

"Kuhuhu..."

First time seeing her laugh so confidently. It was so unfamiliar, I flinched.

'People really do change impressions with attitude and expressions.'

Same face, totally different person.

"Sis? You okay?"

"Perfect! Too perfect! Can't remember feeling this good! Invite Elena quick! Start the collab! I'm so hyped!!!"

"O-okay..."

Her vibe and tone felt off-putting, so I instinctively canceled the blessing.

"Invite her quick! ...Don't..."

Her sparkling eyes dulled instantly.

"Why cancel... It felt amazing..."

"S-sorry... You seemed too over-the-top... I'll cast it again once we start streaming."

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"Okay..."

"Invite Elena then?"

Sis nodded. I opened my friends list and clicked Elena.

Space tore open into a large portal. A silver-haired woman strode out confidently.

"Hello!"

"Hello."

She bowed with a smile. We greeted back.

"Thanks so much for inviting me!"

"N-no, we're the thankful ones. We caused you trouble, yet you're doing a collab."

Sis smiled awkwardly and continued, but Elena shook her head.

"No need for that. It wasn't much trouble. Viewers increased, actually."

"That's too kind..."

"So we're cooking here?"

Elena looked around. Sis nudged my side, so I answered.

"Yes. We'll make whatever Elena wants right here."

"Exciting. But I read VR taste is possible but way different from reality. You okay with that?"

"You'll see once you try it."

I smiled, and Elena grinned back.

"Sounds confident. No need to drag it out—shall we start?"

"Perfect. Starting the stream now."

'May the Lord strengthen your steps and keep you from averting your eyes before fear.'

I replied as I hit the start button and cast Blessing of Courage on Sis.

Alright, let's do this.