Chapter 694 – Processing and Grudge

000

Just before the festival, Asteris felt more crowded than usual due to people coming from outside the city, but the temple was overflowing with people more than expected.

Normally, there would be a barrier that changes perception, cutting off the inside and outside scenery, but just before the festival, that barrier is lifted, and it is made into a ‘visible temple’ to attract people.

In fact, while people were walking along the road, forming a sea of ​​people, stalls run by shamans and priests were selling masks, amulets, and special sweets using temple fruits, showing what seasonal business is all about. Br〉

The guards who normally keep people from entering freely were focusing more on keeping people lined up, so they wouldn’t get hurt rather than preventing them from passing by.

＂Wow, there are so many people…＂

Looking at the crowd, Diora drooped his shoulders as if he was a little overwhelmed and looked back at the crowds standing in front of and behind them.

＂It’s because the entrance is narrow, so it would be a little better if you go inside… But do you find it difficult when there are a lot of people? ＂

When Cleon asked a question as if he was surprised, Diora shook her head and smiled bitterly.

“No, it’s not like that in particular. What should I say… I heard that the temple of Asteris has a quieter and quieter atmosphere than the great temple of El Querdo.”

Certainly, the temple of El Querdo is a place where people easily come to pray, talk with priests, or receive healing or blessings from nuns, so it is crowded with people of all ages and genders. There were a lot.

In addition, since there were sometimes worship services with choirs singing hymns, you could sometimes hear the sound of singing while passing in front of the temple.

This may be due to the fact that there is no god to worship reverently and that it is a human-centered religion… But compared to that, it was true that the temple of Asteris was quiet as usual.

“Because it’s right before the festival. I guess the temple is also in a festive mood. When I first came to the Eastern Kingdom and stopped by the temple, it had a more mysterious atmosphere.”

“Then this means that the timing was bad…”

Diora shrugged his shoulders, as if acknowledging that the timing of his visit to the temple was not good.

Meanwhile, after passing through the entrance of the temple, caught up in the crowd of people moving forward little by little, the road inside is much wider than at the entrance, so people spread out to the left and right on their own, giving them a little freedom of movement.

Then, after escaping from the stuffy space, Diora stretches out and makes a noise.

“Good. I feel like I can finally survive.”

＂It’s my first time to a temple this crowded… Even if I wanted to guide you, it would be a little difficult because it’s different from usual. ＂

And it was my first time seeing so many shamans and priests standing outside.

“So it’s our first time together. We can have fun while learning from each other☆＂

“It sounds romantic, but the other person is you…”

When Cleon sighs, Diora is too much! He shouted, grabbing Cleon by the shoulder and shaking him.

It was then.

＂Mr. Cleon?＂

When Diora and Cleon’s gaze turned towards the voice heard from behind Cleon, whose shoulders were being held by Diora’s hand, the girl shrine maiden wearing her fox mask stood with her hands folded together, looking in this direction.

Her face is completely covered by a mask, and the clothes she wears are no different from other shrine maidens, so there is no way for her to be referred to as just a ‘shrine maiden’.

In addition, her hairstyle was so different that it was hard to tell, and the only thing that was distinctive was her purple hair, but it wasn’t that special among shrine maidens who mostly had dark hair.

However, she seemed to recognize Cleon

Of course, that may have had something to do with the fact that Cleon was a famous person even within the temple.

Cleon, a shrine maiden from outside who possessed the qualities of a great shrine maiden, was famous for being Kuon’s lover. Thanks to her acquaintance with Tokoyo, her guards also had her face stamped on them, so she was able to enter and exit the temple with ease.

Of course, it wasn’t very often that Cleon visited her temple, but as she talked with Tokoyonakuon, she heard many rumors about him.

＂You…＂

When Cleon looked back at the shaman who called her name and trailed off, the shaman nodded with a wry smile beneath her mask.

“Ah. Sorry. You may not be able to recognize it because it looks like this, but—”

＂Obviously… When she first came to the temple, she was the shaman who gave me the Cheondo Bell, right? The name is… Oh, sorry. Wasn’t it something I shouldn’t have said?”

＂──.＂

When Cleon recognized her and stopped in the middle of her conversation, remembering what she had heard before about the shaman’s rules, her fox mask looked at Cleon, unable to say anything for a moment. 〉

“… What’s the matter? Maybe I did something wrong…?”

“Oh, no. … Because we didn’t expect anyone to remember or recognize us… It’s not ours to say, but everyone… Is wearing the same outfit.”

At her words, Cleon nods his head and then speaks.

“That’s right, she was the first shaman I saw when I came to this country. Her morning glory-colored hair, she remembers.”

At Cleon’s words, she smiled lightly, covering her masked face with her hand.

“Okay. Thank you, Cleon. If there’s anything you’d like to see, please let me know. We will guide you.”

The girl’s answer seemed to have raised her voice somewhat.

I don’t know if Cleon noticed the change, but he was looking back at her diora.

“That’s right, Diora. Even if it’s something you want to see- “

Then, Diora was looking at Cleon with ‘Wow…’ Eyes.

“… Why, what’s wrong?”

When Cleon reacted as if he didn’t know why he was receiving such looks, Diora sighed and shook her head.

“Ugh, no. Indeed, Cleon. I thought that he was seducing the girl by doing something she would like without realizing it. I’m impressed.”

＂…? I don’t know, but should I find a place where I can sit quietly and rest?”

Seeing Cleon answering as if he didn’t understand Diora’s words, Diora felt that he was amazing in a way, and then spoke to the shaman waiting behind her.

“Then, I read in an Asteris tourist brochure that there is a ‘mirror that shows fortunes’ in the temple. I would like you to guide me there…”

“Ah. It’s the Mirror of Destiny, right? ＂

＂Mirror of Destiny?＂

When Cleon spoke as if he was intrigued by the words he heard for the first time, the shaman nodded.

“Yes. In fact, rather than showing your fortune, it is a mirror that shows a scene that will be a major turning point in your destiny in the near future.”

Even after listening to the shaman’s answer, I still can’t get a proper image of her.

“However, the number of people who can operate the mirror is very limited. Since it is an old relic, the exact conditions are unknown… So it is unclear whether the mirror can actually be used…”

When the shrine maiden says that, Diora shrugs her shoulders and nods her head.

“Are you okay. In the first place, divination is something you look at for fun, and you don’t risk your life for it.”

＂In that case, I will ask you a favor.＂

When Cleon answered that way, the shrine maiden quietly bowed and said that she understood, and then she guided the two through the grounds of her temple.

001

The place the two soon arrived at was a place with fewer people compared to the entrance where street vendors were lined up.

However, even so, there were still more people than usual, and in particular, there was a place where people gathered loudly.

＂Could it is that there is a mirror where there are those crowds…?＂

When Diora made a half-hearted expression once again, the shaman smiled slightly and nodded.

“It’s enough to be included in a tourist brochure.”

“… But can that be called a mirror?”

Cleon was just tilting her head while looking in a mirror.

It had an irregular shape, making it difficult to call it a mirror, but rather resembled a rippling puddle of water.

I don’t know what the principle is, but the liquid spread out in a disk shape between two jade pillars the size of a person functions like a mirror and reflects the person.

Cleon couldn’t help but be taken aback because it had a different shape from what Cleon had expected, having imagined a mirror made of metal or glass.

“I think that’s the waiting line. I’m looking forward to what will come out…!”

However, Diora moves forward with great strides, leaving Cleon behind.

It seemed like waiting wasn’t a problem at all.

Cleon looks at her like that and sighs.

Soon, she looked back at the shaman who guided them and smiled.

“I can’t help it… Thank you for guiding me.”

The shaman looked at Cleon’s face and answered hesitantly, as if she was a little nervous.

“Oh, no. Because this is also our duty… And – soon, when I too can be recognized as a shrine maiden… Then, I would like you to call me by my name.”

“Okay. When that time comes, we’ll be able to meet again.”

As Cleon replied, he followed behind Diora and entered the line where she was standing.

However, as she watched him, the young shaman placed her hand on her chest and could not leave the scene, but she was soon called by her senior.

And when Cleon and Diora finally get their turn after waiting for dozens of minutes, an even stranger mirror comes into view when they look closer.

＂Who should start?＂

“It doesn’t matter… Since Diora wanted to do it, she can do it first.”

“Oh. Then…”

Diora smiles and moves in front of the mirror.

The puddle shows no reaction for a moment, but soon Diora’s whole body is captured in the mirror-

The next moment, it started to stir.

＂…!＂

And Diora’s expression changes.

Cleon looked at Diora and the mirror alternately, but the mirror only reflected an ordinary Diora.

“Nothing changes?”

“Well, they say that only you can see the true Yeji reflected in the mirror…”

Diora looks at her mirror for a moment, unable to take her eyes off it, and then looks back at Cleon.

For some reason, her face seems a little red.

＂… Is it true…? No, this is… Um…”

＂Where are you looking…?＂

For a moment, it seemed like her eyes were focused on her lower body…

“Oh, it’s nothing! Next, it’s Cleon’s turn!”

Diora raised her voice in rare embarrassment, and Cleon turned to face the mirror.

Then, just like Diora’s time, the mirror started to reflect Cleon’s image while shaking lightly –

Soon, she could see her own mirror image changing.

Then, she saw herself there, wearing the armor she had received from her Bourbon, pointing an adamantite sword at someone and smiling.

However, since her head was covered in blood, it was an eerie sight that could not be seen normally.

＂…＂

When Cleon looked at the scene and made a slightly strange expression, Diora asked Cleon.

“… How is it? Cleon.”

“Uh, um… I don’t know.”

She didn’t know how to make something like that happen, but to be honest, it wasn’t such an unexpected situation.

However, if you are concerned-

There was someone else standing next to him, not Galatea or Caliburn.

Even though the presence was familiar, it was the first time I had seen him.

“Once you have completed the confirmation, please leave as soon as possible for the sake of the next person.”

When Cleon is worried, such words are heard from the priest who was arranging the procession.

Diora and Cleon quickly get out of front of the mirror, apologizing.

For some reason, the atmosphere was a bit awkward, and Diora was fanning her face.

Was it that hot in here?

For a moment, there was silence.

＂Hey, Cleon─＂

The moment she tried to ask her something.

＂Oh, Mr. Cleon…! Mr. Diora…!”

At that time, as if to interrupt Diora’s words, a girl’s voice was heard panting and coming towards us with heavy breathing sounds.

Then, of course, my eyes turned towards me and what I saw was Sasha running in, wearing a coat I had never seen before.

“Sasha!? Why are you here… More than that, what are those clothes?”

＂Sashaang♡ The coat and bun hat go well with it! Is this a uniform cosplay?!”

In direct contrast to Cleon’s voice, which is embarrassed by Sasha’s sudden appearance, Lolicon – no, Diora – screams happily upon seeing Sasha in an outfit for the first time.

Cleon immediately gives Diora a cold look, but Sasha doesn’t pay attention to what Diora says and talks to Cleon.

＂Oh, Mr. Cleon… There is an elf following Mr. Cleon… I was also following that elf in reverse… ＂

Meanwhile, seeing Sasha somehow continuing her words, Cleon makes eye contact with her and tells her to calm down.

“Calm down a little. We knew the elf was following us… But why is she?”

They entered the temple under the belief that they would not be easily attacked in a place with so many people, but was there something that had changed?

Then, Sasha tells Cleon and Diora the story she heard from Ruben.

＂The transformation of an elf into a ghost… If Ruben said it, it would be correct. If there was something more to say, it could have been done through each person’s telepathy.”

Cleon understood that she was not someone who would lie or give out incorrect information in such matters.

“After entering the temple, telepathy does not work due to the barrier…”

＂Oh, I see…＂

Then, it was Cleon who nodded and said that it was his side that was the problem.

“So that elf is like a walking time bomb…? Plus, it’s tricky that you can’t just kill him… We need to resolve this before the situation escalates. It’s a pity, but the date is over for a while.”

Diora, too, upon hearing what Sasha had told her, shed her previous playful attitude and put on a serious expression as she thought about the woman who had become a real threat to her.

“But Ruben said that there is a way to solve such elves’ transformation into ghosts.”

＂Heh, as expected, an ancient beast god. There’s nothing I don’t know.”

When Diora admires Sasha’s words, the wild nature hidden inside Sasha suddenly comes out and speaks to her.

“You lack manners, young girl.”

Looking at Ruben, who was showing her teeth, Diora spoke with a slightly surprised expression.

“Wow, is this Ruben…? Seeing Sasha get angry feels a little special…☆”

＂…＂

When Cleon looked at Diora with an expression that seemed to indicate that she had become serious for a moment, Diora cleared her throat and spoke.

“So? “What is that method?”

“Joy. Rejoice, because this is something that needs your help.”

When Ruben spreads her finger and points to her Diora while saying that, Diora quietly looks at the finger and speaks.

“I don’t think that’s the attitude of someone who needs help…”

“Of course. I am a goddess.’

＂Is that true too!＂

＂Are you sure you understand from there…＂

Diora has a surprisingly simple way of thinking.

Then, Ruben began to explain the method to the two people.

001.5

‘… What are you doing since a while ago?  That guy─＇

The reason he suspected that the other person had noticed what he was doing was when the two people who entered the temple came out as a group.

However, when they confirmed that the person they had joined was a girl they had seen and was a member of the Dark Demon Clan, who was presumed to be a sensitizer, they waved their hands and parted ways.

Of course, it was fortunate for him, otherwise he would have been lured to a place where there were no people and killed.

She, who calls herself the Dragon Knight, did not think that she would fall into such a trap and die so easily.

However, she slowly began to move towards a place where there were no people.

It would not have been difficult for the elf to feel that she was calling him back.

A place where you can collide head-on without interference on a wide grassy plain.

Once she arrived at a location outside Asteris that was beyond human sight, the elf would draw her bow to fire her arrows at her, just out of sight.

That is, until I saw the dragon knight, looking straight at her, moving her mouth.

＇… I, wow, la… ＇

The elf had mastered lip-reading, so even if he couldn’t hear the sound, he could tell what Diora was saying.

＇…＇

As it was, there was absolutely no reason to respond to her provocation.

If the other person was trying to lure you in, it was natural to think it was a trap.

But – as he followed her around all day, what remained in the dragon slayer’s mind were Diora’s actions towards the young girl.

Anyone who gets involved with a dragon becomes unhappy.

Like herself, and like her own village and people.

It was like that when the Imperials ruled the Wind Dragon.

I thought that as long as dragons with enormous power that no one could resist existed in this world, all other living things had no choice but to live in fear of them.

Therefore, destroying everything related to dragons and erasing them from the world was the mission that the dragon slayer elves gave themselves.

The dragon slayer closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, then lowered the arrow on his bow and shook his head.

＇If the opponent is said to control the power of the dragon, he has much advantage. ＇

Because he had a lot of tools for him.

On earth, what kind of story are you calling me to talk about?

I just wanted to check that out a little bit.

002

“Oh, you really came out.”

As Diora stood on her wide plain without her armor and looked at herself like that, her dragon slayer, her elf, stood silently looking at her.

Her arms were relaxed, and her bow was on her back, but her posture was such that she could draw her weapon and attack Diora at any time if she wanted to.

＂… I gave it to you just the way you wanted. ＂

“I guess she was confident. If it had been me, he wouldn’t have come out.”

When Diora laughs as if in some self-deprecation, the dragon slayer elf responds like this.

“They may have thought that fighting from the front in a wide area would be advantageous… But this side has spent nearly a thousand years solely seeking revenge.”

“I know. Sure… I’m staring at it from the front like this, but I can’t see any gaps at all. When they attacked me at the camp in the morning, it was like they really cared for me.”

Diora nodded and shrugged her shoulders as if what she said was correct.

Of course, winning or losing in a battle was not determined solely by differences in experience, but at least in Diora’s opinion, the fact that the wound on Morning’s arm that was inflicted by the dagger had not yet healed would also have an effect on her winning or losing.

The tools she had with her to slay her dragon were certainly threatening to Diora.

Diora did not reveal that fact to Cleon, but she spoke while hiding the fact that her current mission was to buy a little time.

“We are trying to kill each other so far, so please tell us one thing. Why do you hate dragons so much? At least you need to know the reason, so you won’t feel less unfair if you get hit, right? I would like you to give me an understandable reason so that I don’t end up with a ghost-like obsession like you did…”

At Diora’s words, the elf slowly looked at her.

“Look, I’m a human, and I’m not particularly a sensor. Just by chance – Coincidentally is a bit absurd. Regardless of the dragon’s thoughts or thoughts, I just gained that kind of power. Don’t you think it’s too much to be hated to death just for that?”

Dio says that she only has that power regardless of the dragon, but that alone makes her a perfect candidate for elimination by the dragon slayer elf.

But, nevertheless-

If asked, ‘Why should he die?’ The dragon slayer has never once refused to answer that question.

He thought that just as he blamed them, it wouldn’t matter if the other person felt the blame as long as they couldn’t understand his reasons.

“My tribe was living in a small village under the protection of the Thunder Dragon Letios.”

＂Hehe…＂

Thunder Dragon Letios is one of the five elemental dragons that is currently inactive.

Unlike Promise, it was a dragon that had almost completely severed ties with humans, but has long since disappeared from human history, with only recently being able to be seen to some extent.

“We gave her our tribute, and she made a kind of contract where, in return for her tribute, she guaranteed us her safety from foreign powers. And that contract continued for a long time.”

Every time Letios appears above the village with his huge wings spread, he remembers a time when he felt calm just by being under the shadow of those wings.

When I think about it now, I laugh at myself that it was all just an illusion.

“You were a tribe that lived under the protection of dragons, but now you resent dragons and have spent countless hours hunting them down?”

When Diora asks the elf a question, the elf answers with murderous spirit.

“──The dragon’s protection… Such a thing was a lie that did not exist.”

＂…＂

And she answers, fiddling with the gears rattling in her pocket, containing memories of her only flesh and blood.

“Thunder Dragon Letios betrayed his contract with us at the worst possible time. As a result – our tribe that day—…!”

As if driven by her increasingly intense emotions, the magic power flowing from her body crushes the weeds on the plains.

Her magical power was also transmitted to Diora, but I was waiting for her to continue her story, thinking that this was all a measure to prevent her from becoming her ghost.

For him, enduring such magical pressure was nothing.

“Tell me, Mr. Elf. What happened that day? You are so blinded by hatred, your ‘origin’.”

Diora had no doubt that this would be her first step in saving herself.