Chapter 267
It was Duke Hispenril, a muscular handsome man who, though elderly, boasted a middle-aged appearance.
“Grandson-in-law, have you sent the maids away again and stood guard yourself? It seems you’re overexerting yourself.”
Of course, Tesillid’s answer was always the same.
“I am fine.”
<Ugh, that answer again. He’ll collapse at this rate.>
“Saying that with such a pale face isn’t convincing. Go get some rest.”
<Go on, old man, pressure him more.>
“…I will, if I feel sleepy. I am still fine.”
<Don’t believe him, old man. If you believe that, you’re certifying that your brain is also muscle!>
“Hmm.”
<Hey, old man. Giving up already?>
Frustrated, Agnes sighed, pressing her forehead.
Meanwhile, Duke Hispenril hadn’t given up. The kind, coaxing expression he’d worn moments before vanished completely.
“Grandson-in-law.”
“Yes.”
What followed was a stern reprimand.
“At this rate, you’ll lose muscle mass.”
“…”
“Surely you won’t say this is fine too. My granddaughter wouldn’t like an anchovy, would she!”
“…”
Agnes let out a snort.
<Hey, old man. There’s no way that kind of talk will convince him…>
“…Understood. I will go rest for a bit.”
<…It worked?>
Thus, Duke Hispenril succeeded in getting the ever-serious Holy Knight to rise.
Tesillid gazed at Aillet for a long time with lingering eyes before leaving the room. ✠During the fierce battle with Reed in my fallen state, the Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World commanded the following to undo my Demonization.
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World says that it will cleanse your demonic energy personally.]
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World conveys that for that to happen, you must open the Gate of the Pantheon and enter.] I activated a transcendent divine skill while in a Demonized state.
The pain of two opposing energies raging wildly within my body was horrific. I barely held onto my reason and embraced the light with Reed.
I have no memory after that, but since I followed the path opened by the Voice-Spirit, I naturally believe the situation was resolved well.
Anyway, at that time, I was overexerting myself beyond my limits.
I absorbed an enormous amount of Holy Stigmata at once, used Divine Descent, fought two life-or-death battles, manifested 9th Divine Power Tier while Demonized, and even ventured into the Gate of the Pantheon, which is daring to approach carelessly.
My body’s functions had been pushed to their limit, and the divine fever was even postponed.
The aftereffects were indeed tremendous.
‘What is this? My mind is back, but my body won’t move at all!’
I couldn’t even blink my eyelids, let alone move my fingers. As I panicked, the system informed me.
[
[
It was then.
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World says that thanks to having slept for a full ten days anyway, you only need to endure two more days.]
‘Ah! Voice-Spirit, hello!’
The fact that I could communicate with a god telepathically was unusually welcome. I greeted them more vigorously than usual.
By the way…
‘So I’ve been lying here for ten days. Everyone must be worried… Oh, by the way, the situation was resolved well, right?’
The system provided the answer to this.
[
I succeeded in completing the quest to prevent the great catastrophe, Doomsday.
I had overcome an L-rank difficulty with a failure penalty of ‘world destruction.’ Naturally, I greatly anticipated the reward, but there was a problem.
[
It seems I’ll only be able to receive it after the penalty period ends.
‘I went through so much; I hope I get a good reward…’
[The Scathing Critic of Balance clicks their tongue, wondering if it isn’t already prepared to be overpowered.]
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World proudly interprets it as a compliment.]
[The Creative Economy Manager predicts it will be difficult to prepare something better than the reward received last time.]
Last reward?
Come to think of it, what did I receive as a reward for the previous Stage 5 Incantation Cult Master’s quest?
‘Was becoming an Aura Master the reward?’
Yes, it was the best. Just as I was about to accept and be satisfied, it happened.
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World feels greatly wronged, saying it wasn’t the only thing given!]
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World asks if you’ve forgotten the artifact given as the final gate reward for the Pilgrim’s Path.]
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World exclaims that it was upset you didn’t even properly check it then and just shoved it into your inventory!]
‘Ah!’
Only then did I remember.
After defeating Agnes, the gatekeeper of the twelfth gate, I was momentarily caught up in the mood and somewhat carelessly skimmed over the reward.
Moreover, immediately after that, Walpurgis Night broke out earlier than scheduled, and I had to hastily return to the human world.
I slowly sifted through my memories. The reward I received back then was probably…
‘It was a cardboard box, colorful on the outside like it was wrapped in gift paper, with a question mark on the lid. I remember it. Oh, and it’s a misunderstanding that I just shoved it away. I carefully kept it…’
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World says the excuse is sufficient.]
‘Yes. I’m sorry.’
It was true that I had postponed looking at the system’s explanation for that artifact because it was too long.
Still, I remembered the name.
Was it the ‘Synthesis Mystery Box’?
Once two days pass and I can get up, I should examine that first. And then I’ll sing a hymn of thanks to the Voice-Spirit.
After making my plans, I suddenly felt depressed.
‘Two days… Two days from now, for everyone else, will be 12 days. Everyone must be incredibly worried about me, right…?’
[The Scales that Judge Souls replies, ‘Of course.’]
[The Scathing Critic of Balance grumbles that they don’t know why she bothers asking such obvious things.]
[The Eye that Oversees All Chaos suggests that this is a good opportunity to see how much those around you care for you.]
[The Voice-Spirit that Constructs the World nods.]
Huh? What are you going to do?
There was no time to ask.
[
“…!”
Immediately after a brief ringing pierced my ears like an arrow, sound entered my silent world.
The gently circulating air, the rustling of small leaves, the cheerful chirping of birds, the slightly noisy gurgling of the fountain.
Small, lovely sounds, as if entering through the window, informed me of the world’s news.
Ah, the world is peaceful.
I did it.
It was then that I felt an overwhelming emotion. The sounds that moved me weren’t over yet.
The voice of someone I loved and respected echoed in my ears.
<Sigh. Aillet, this girl. When on earth is she planning to wake up?>
‘Agnes!’
Although communication was impossible, just being able to hear her voice was truly wonderful.
I fervently called out to her and greeted her inwardly. However, my joy didn’t last long.
<Seriously, if you’re a hero, you know? What, you should be marching in a triumphant parade or something. What, you just collapse weakly and can’t get up for ten days?>
“…”
<Aillet Cadet, this instructor has decided right now. Just you wait until you open your eyes. I’ll rigorously train your stamina and perseverance!>
Hieek!
Ah, this isn’t something that can be solved with training!
My desperate protest couldn’t be conveyed. Then again, Agnes probably wouldn’t have listened even if she could hear it.
Just as I thought I was doomed to hellish training, a knock sounded, and the door opened.
“Aillet, hello. I stopped by to say hi for lunch.”
‘It’s Bia!’
<Bia, welcome.>
My precious friend, Bianca, came to visit me.
“You look better than you did this morning. Are you having a good dream?”
Bia, I’m so sorry for making you worry.
“Your cheeks look rosier too. Maybe you’ll wake up tomorrow or the day after and say hello?”
Yes, just wait a little. Don’t worry too much, just wait. The day after tomorrow, I’ll be the first to greet you.
“Of course, it would be even better if you woke up today…”
…I’m sorry.
“Hmm, maybe I should talk about something else.”
Then, changing her tone, she brought up work.
“Post-war recovery is going well. Victim remembrance and facility restoration are steadily progressing, and the lung disease cure is being distributed to the capitals of various nations without issue.”
“…”
“Come to think of it, did I tell you about this? The Pontifical Palace tried to pull some strings, but it wasn’t a big issue, so we resolved it quickly.”
Huh?
“Before the cure came out, only Saintess Muriel’s divine power could treat patients. It was natural for people to praise Muriel, but subtle public opinion blaming your absence was skillfully inserted. It seemed to be a trick by those supporting Muriel in the Pontifical Palace. So…”
“…”
“I subtly released information about the amount of offerings Muriel received while performing the Anointing of the Sick. She received a lot, it seems. After that, public opinion completely shifted.”
“…”
“Indeed, how dare they mess with her.”
Her elegant yet chilling voice seemed to freeze my ears.
With my sight blocked, I imagined Bianca’s current appearance as I wished and shouted inwardly.
So, so cool, my friend!
I want to keep being protected like this!
Privilege for Possessors