Ch.207Damn it…(2)

Those who know me know that I rarely curse. At most, I’ll use mild words like “nonsense” or “crazy.” I don’t usually use harsh language.

However, the situation was so absurd, outrageous, and frustrating that I couldn’t help but let out a “fuck.” And to someone I’d just met, no less.

That should give you a vague idea of how shocked and angry I was.

“You have quite a foul mouth, surprisingly.”

When I cursed out loud, Kate’s green eyes widened in surprise. From her perspective, she was suddenly being sworn at, so her shock was understandable.

I want to throw her out right now. It feels like I’m talking to a wall rather than having a meaningful conversation.

Frustrated, I put my hand on my head and sighed.

“Hoo… Cardinal, I mean, Ms. Kate.”

“Yes. Please continue.”

“Does the Church of Luminus… encourage adultery or something?”

I wanted to avoid asking such a question, but after hearing Kate’s outlandish answers, I had no choice.

I needed to find out whether this was Church of Luminus doctrine or Kate’s personal philosophy.

Of course, no sane religious organization would encourage adultery, but I’m asking because I don’t know much about the church.

Kate pondered my question for a moment before opening her mouth with a nightingale-like voice.

“It’s complicated. If it’s mere deviation, divine punishment awaits, but if it’s true love, then Luminus would permit it.”

“…What?”

What is she talking about? Isn’t Luminus the god of light and hope?

Even as I made an incredulous expression, Kate continued with her characteristic benevolent smile.

“Do you know why adultery is so common among nobles? It’s simple. Because they don’t love each other. It’s everyday occurrence for lovers to separate due to differences between their families, and there are many cases where they can’t be together because of class differences.”

“…”

“For these reasons, even if one commits adultery, if there is true love between them, Luminus will support them. Luminus is the god of light and hope. Nothing is more hopeful than truth.”

Somehow, I find myself being persuaded as I listen. As she says, the frequent adultery in noble society is due to the nature of political marriages.

Since marriages are based on obligation, many couples maintain separate lovers despite being married. Of course, if they’re caught, it’s over, but many continue their affairs steadily.

Moreover, as the saying goes about hypocrisy, the “true love” Kate mentioned rarely exists in adulterous relationships. Most are closer to playing with fire, and the endings are not good.

‘But that’s not always the case…’

That’s not to say that political marriages always lead to adultery. While there are many cases, proportionally speaking, it’s relatively rare.

Political marriage is a kind of contract. When one party breaches a contract, they suffer enormous losses. Because of this, couples often treat each other well and frequently fall in love.

While marrying someone you barely know can be awkward, there’s nothing more interesting than getting to know your partner bit by bit.

Adultery most frequently occurs when nobles of higher rank marry those of lower rank. Naturally, as power increases, morality tends to diminish.

“…Does Luminus judge this too?”

“It’s not common. People know it’s shameful. And even if they receive recognition, they still face punishment for their wrongdoing.”

“I see.”

Thanks to her, I’ve gained a new piece of knowledge.

“Still, it’s not acceptable. Forget about seduction or whatever—just give up cleanly.”

But what’s not acceptable is not acceptable. My first impression of her was already ruined, and I already have beauties around me who are no less attractive than her.

Even if Kate tries to seduce me, I have no reason to fall for her, nor do I need to. It’s unpleasant that she’s trying to use me for her own purposes.

“If you truly serve Luminus, you can’t force me either. Isn’t that right?”

“That’s correct. If I were to violate you, Luminus would be angry.”

…It feels strange to hear a woman talk about violating a man. Well, in this world, thanks to the existence of Mana, women assaulting men isn’t uncommon, so it’s not that surprising.

Kate could forcibly take my seed(?) from me right now, but she’s a devotee of the Church of Luminus. Despite her twisted way of thinking, her faith runs deep.

‘Right. I should mention Luminus.’

To converse with someone deeply immersed in religion, one should utilize that religion. Since I’m also somewhat favored by Luminus, perhaps I can persuade her by mentioning his name.

Just as I was happy to have found a breakthrough, Kate’s next words left me speechless again.

“But if it’s the other way around, there’s no problem.”

“…?”

“I’m always ready, so I don’t mind if you violate me. It wouldn’t be violation but consensual, so Luminus would forgive it.”

“Hahaha.”

I can’t help but laugh hollowly at this jaw-dropping twist of logic. I can clearly feel her determination to somehow obtain my seed.

If Luminus saw this, wouldn’t he be astounded? I should visit the temple later and ask him to do something about this person.

Feeling like I was losing my mind, I hung my head. After heaving a deep sigh, I quietly spoke.

“…Ms. Kate.”

“Yes, Holy One.”

“No, that title… No. Never mind.”

I should just give up. Ah, I mean giving up on correcting the “Holy One” title, not giving up my seed.

After much deliberation about what to say, I slowly raised my head to face Kate.

On the surface, she’s a proper lady with a pretty face and desirable figure, but how did she end up like this?

She received Luminus’s blessing, and Kate herself said she was just an ordinary country girl with no prior connections. That’s probably why she fanatically worships Luminus.

Her way of repaying him is by having a child with me. The gods, including Luminus, can foresee the future—did they predict this too?

Anyway, going around in circles again, I once more firmly expressed my refusal.

“Anyway! I have absolutely NO intention of being intimate with you. Whether you try to seduce me or not, it’s meaningless, so please understand that.”

“Then…”

“You can ask Luminus if you want. I’ll also ask Luminus.”

“…”

When I firmly refused, Kate’s expression became peculiar. She pushed her tightly closed lips upward in a pout, showing her dissatisfaction.

“I don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand?”

“It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but I believe I’m quite charming as a woman. Even in the church, I was praised as a flower cultivated by the god himself.”

As she says, Kate is beautiful. From her face to her figure, there’s not a single flaw.

The purity of a country girl, the holiness of a clergy member, and finally the sexiness emanating from her figure—these three elements harmonize to create her unique charm.

If not for Luminus’s protection, dirty hands would surely have touched her. But now, sitting in the position of Grand Inquisitor with formidable power, no one would dare touch Kate.

“Yes, that’s right. Ms. Kate, you are beautiful. That’s an undeniable fact.”

“Then why are you rejecting me? Is there a problem with your sexual function?”

“Oh for…”

She probably asked without malice. But to me, it’s a question that not only touches my pride but scratches it repeatedly.

Once again, I barely restrained myself from bursting out with curses and answered with difficulty.

“Absolutely not. I’d like to prove it to you, but I can’t.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Well, I do. Just to be clear, if you try to ‘confirm’ by taking off your clothes, I’ll throw you out immediately, so keep that in mind.”

“…”

Kate pouted her lips upward again, as if she really had been thinking of doing that. It seems to be her habit when expressing dissatisfaction.

I exhaled deeply through my nose at the seemingly circular topic, then leaned back in my chair. I’m starting to get tired.

“…Ms. Kate.”

“Yes. Please speak.”

“Please give up and go back today. I have absolutely no intention of giving you my seed or anything else.”

When I asked with a tired expression, Kate, having some conscience, hesitated a little. After all, even she must realize her wrongdoing when a clergy member is pressuring her this way.

She then glanced at me furtively before nodding.

“…Alright. I’ll give up for today.”

“That’s a good idea. And I hope you’ll continue to give up in the future as well.”

“I’ll consider that gradually.”

What consideration? I wish she would just give up cleanly. I barely managed to hold onto my fading consciousness.

Even Cecilly didn’t go this far to be intimate with me, but Kate is worse than that.

I’m worried that she might soon start fighting with my lovers.

“…So, Ms. Kate, do you plan to stay in the Empire of Minerva for a while?”

“Yes. Now that I’ve found the Holy One, I plan to engage in relief activities.”

“When do you plan to leave the Empire of Minerva?”

“I have no intention of returning before receiving the Holy One’s seed. That’s the ultimate goal of this pilgrimage.”

“…”

If others heard this, they might be appalled at such a purpose for a pilgrimage. However, from a religious perspective, the story might be slightly different.

There are similar stories in mythology—a man and woman chosen by a god unite to give birth to a hero.

Since she’s moving not out of personal greed but for sincere faith, there’s a high possibility that the church would approve.

‘This is driving me crazy.’

From my perspective, it’s nothing more than gaining another stalker who’s eyeing me.

Cherry’s behavior is already concerning, and now with one more person joining in, my head started to throb.

“…As I’ve said multiple times, I have not even the slightest intention of being with you.”

“No one knows what the future holds.”

“Yes, yes, if you say so. If you have nothing more to say, I’d like you to leave now.”

“Ah, I do have something I want to discuss.”

“If you start talking about seeds again, I’ll plead with Luminus to keep you away.”

“It’s not that.”

Is a different topic finally coming up? I listened attentively, feeling relieved.

Kate looked straight at me with her sparkling emerald eyes. For some reason, her snow-white cheeks turned slightly red, which made me quite uneasy.

Eventually, she placed her hand on her lower abdomen and quietly opened her mouth, as if in anticipation.

“If a child is born, I was thinking of naming a boy Xenon and a girl Lilly. What do you think?”

“Get out.”

There’s no solution to this.

*****

After the storm passed, the next day arrived.

“Hello, Holy One. May I receive your seed today?”

“What kind of seed talk is this?”

Kate did not give up.

‘I should visit the temple soon.’

I need to get a restraining order.