11. Just the Goddess Sister’s Task

While Kephiel and Nilu, these two big shots, were still arguing over who the “hero” was in the “hero saving the beauty” scenario, I had already dealt with the crisis that had come my way, even wrapping up the aftermath.

Even if I was reluctant to admit it, I had to acknowledge that Nilu’s presence alleviated many of the inconveniences that Kephiel and I faced in the past. For instance, just her fairy, Jias, could effortlessly compel those minor antagonists to conceal everything that happened at night under the guise of “orders.”

What exactly did these minor characters from the church organization—Order of the Blade—know? How could they accurately determine that I was the one who caused Saint Ikusis to “betray the goddess” as soon as we arrived?

Unfortunately, the script didn’t include what happened next, and according to the “script” prepared for us by the queen, we had to play our parts. After all, Kephiel and I were a couple here to receive the blessing of the Saintess, so how could we not use that as a legitimate reason to formally meet the “Saintess”?

The next day.

According to the schedule we had received from the Great Ying Empire, Kephiel and I would meet the church’s Saintess—Ikusis—in an official setting and agree on a time to receive her blessing.

At this moment, Kephiel and I found ourselves in the church’s Order Temple, a place reserved for the Saintess to meet outsiders very formally. It was somewhat akin to the palace where Her Majesty the Queen of the Great Ying Empire received foreign envoys, but the biggest difference was that the grand throne for the queen was replaced here by a massive stone statue of the goddess that nearly touched the ceiling.

According to the church’s rumors, this beautiful goddess of order was said to listen to everything happening on the continent and occasionally relay messages to the Saintess, which were referred to as “prophecies.”

The scene was impressive, but unfortunately… knowing the true nature of this Saintess made the story seem less credible to me.

After all, despite her posing in front of the statue, surrounded by what appeared to be church guards, I couldn’t help but sense a hint of foolishness on Ikusis’s face, knowing her true situation.

Of course, I still had to play my part well. I took Kephiel’s hand and pretended we were merely strangers meeting the Saintess for the first time as we stepped into the temple. While acting was certainly necessary, since we were already here, we might as well genuinely seek a blessing from Ikusis.

“Saintess of the church, as per our previous agreement, my fiancée Kephiel and I have come to seek your blessing so that our future ceremonies may proceed smoothly.”

I looked at the Saintess Ikusis, who was among the church members, not so much being protected as being “watched.” In such a crowded setting, I couldn’t give any subtle signals, so I could only hope she wouldn’t mess things up at the last moment.

“Please, unveil a prophecy about our future.”

Though she was inherently lazy, Ikusis put on quite a show under the gaze of outsiders. After being dressed up by others, the girl standing before me did indeed possess a somewhat “holy” demeanor befitting a Saintess.

As for making prophecies, Ikusis must have done it countless times, so she smoothly turned toward the goddess statue, gestured dramatically for a moment, and then, adopting a deliberately steadied tone, began to speak.

“In my view, your union seems… somewhat inappropriate.”

However, I thought she would play along with Kephiel and me, but instead, she opened her mouth with a sour note!

[Ikusis is being a sourpuss about the relationship between Oujili and Kephiel.]

When I looked up, I saw that idiot wearing a smug little expression.

Hey, you foolish fairy, you’re not the only one who can “prophesy” in this world! I know very well what the future holds for Kephiel and me. How dare you slip in your own agenda at a time like this?

I no longer need to deal with Ikusis, after all, her recent words have made a certain big shot even less pleased than I am.

“!”

Kefir shot a glare at her, and Ikusis immediately shrank back.

“Ah, ah! But despite some setbacks, you two are definitely a very compatible couple, hahaha… haha…”

After backing down, the saintess cautiously continued, “N-no, but as for blessings, I… I’ve been feeling unwell lately, so I can’t perform them for you right away. Therefore… could we postpone it for a few days? You are guests from the Great Ying Empire, and during this time, the church will ensure that everyone takes good care of you.”

This last sentence was exactly what I hoped Ikusis would say to “buy us some time.”

After all, Kefir and I needed a reasonable excuse to stay at the church a bit longer, and to uncover the traces of the mysterious organization that intended to target Ikusis—an internal church group I had only learned about last night, called the “Blade of Order.”

In this way, using our engagement and blessings as an excuse became essential. I had to thank the jealous Queen Louis IV for the idea she had given us.

I shook my head.

“It’s alright, Your Highness the Saintess, we can wait. Since Kefir has a special status, we ask that your church provide us with the most complete and formal blessing ceremony.”

“Of course, of course~ Hehe, then…”

Having agreed, Ikusis relaxed for a moment. Fool, don’t show us such a strange attitude at a time like this!

Fortunately, it was no longer my place to remind her. Some of the saintess’s reactions were just beginning to surface when they were interrupted by a nun standing beside her, likely guiding the saintess’s actions.

“Your Highness the Saintess, after the prophecy is complete, you should return to rest.”

“Eh? B-but I still want to…”

“Your Highness the Saintess, your demeanor is not suitable for excessive scrutiny from outsiders. As for the two guests from the Great Ying Empire, we, the service nuns, will take good care of them until the blessing ceremony is ready, at the moment you bestow your blessings upon them.”

This nun, who didn’t seem particularly “older or experienced,” and was even small enough to resemble a girl, directly interrupted Ikusis and then turned to us.

For some reason, her cold gaze always made me feel a bit… chilled.

“Mr. Li De, Miss Kefir, you two are also not suited to gaze too much at the church’s saintess. Please allow me to take you to a proper place where you can stay long-term.”

【Li De and Kefir are being arranged by the church!】

A script suddenly appeared. Although I was puzzled as to why such seemingly ordinary content would emerge, the current situation left me no room for further thought.

“Oh, oh, of course, no problem. But who are you?”

As I watched Ikusis leave with the other nuns, I asked.

The girl before me showed no signs of concealment.

“I am a nun responsible for church affairs, and the leader of the ordinary nuns, named Urasiru. You can directly present any requests to me… So, can you set off now?”

From the script’s perspective, this girl had no issues; she hadn’t lied just now.

Phew, it seems I can only hope that the chill I felt earlier was just an illusion.