Ch.226Volume 17 (1)

Those who haven’t seen the notice, please read the previous part! I’ve made corrections!

*****

As always, I feel grateful that my father’s genes manifested, even if belatedly. Otherwise, my back would have been broken long ago.

But a bigger problem remained: the changed attitudes of Marie and Cecilly. It’s not that they’ve become cold toward me or that their affection has diminished—rather, it’s deepened even more.

The intensity has become so strong that it’s overwhelming.

Originally, they would take turns yielding to each other, but since the Adelia incident, they seem to have developed a new preference and joined forces.

Apparently, rather than waiting for their turn, they prefer to wait nearby and join in. Surprisingly, Marie was more aggressive than Cecilly, and with her jealousy increasing day by day, she’s trying to keep me by her side at all times.

She even wishes we could share a dormitory like a married couple. Thanks to this, I could tell how great her love for me is.

As days go by, more women gather around me, but I’ll still prioritize Marie and love her passionately.

She was the first to recognize me and the first to confess her love—how could I not do at least this much for her?

‘Come to think of it, it’s almost my one-year anniversary with Marie.’

I remember exactly when Marie and I officially started dating. It’s a habit from my previous life to diligently celebrate anniversaries.

In this world, there’s no culture of celebrating anniversaries except for birthdays. Even with engagements or marriages, that’s the end of it.

So if I celebrate our anniversary, wouldn’t she be touched? I’ve caused Marie emotional distress, so I plan to make it up to her.

Of course, the same goes for Cecilly. If I only celebrate with Marie, Cecilly might pretend it’s fine on the outside, but she’ll feel hurt inside.

‘But I’m not sure what to give as a gift…’

Unlike in my previous life, I’m not sure what would be an appropriate gift here. Cosmetics or expensive perfume would be the safest choice, but asking another woman would be best.

So I plan to send a letter to my mother soon to ask. Or I could subtly ask them without letting them notice.

This is the best goodwill and apology I can offer as someone who’s become a scoundrel. Even this won’t be enough, so I’ll diligently celebrate anniversaries to comfort their hearts.

Anyway, after the Adelia incident, my life was divided as usual between assistant duties, writing, and sweet dates with my lovers. Although everything required attention, I’ve been focusing on writing lately.

I’ve gotten used to my assistant duties, so I just need to support Elena and Cindy, and as for dating… let’s skip that.

However, I was very satisfied to see Adelia’s face bloom with bright smiles over the weekend. Not smiles hiding wounds, but genuine happy smiles. This alone made sacrificing my back worthwhile.

I briefly went off-topic, but let’s return to the issue of Volume 17. As everyone knows, Volume 17 centers on Jin and Lilly, featuring events in the “Holy Nation,” which is the Sabre Papal Kingdom equivalent in the Biography of Xenon.

…Let’s not criticize the name (Holy) for being too generic. I named it that because I couldn’t think of anything else.

Anyway, the plot involves a cardinal who conspires with demons threatening Jin and Lilly in the Holy Church, and this story has a high probability of becoming reality.

I learned about the contamination of the World Tree roots as soon as I read my book, so how much worse must the corruption of clergy be? Especially the Church of Luminus, which has a history of becoming fanatics and massacring demon tribes in the distant past.

A long time has passed since then, so there’s a high probability that the interior has rotted again. I hesitated when writing it, but I had to proceed because the plot wouldn’t continue if I made changes.

Moreover, like the example of Animus, things have changed to the point of creating something from nothing. With slight exaggeration, if I wrote that excrement could turn into gold, they might believe it literally.

For these reasons, I’ll continue the story as is, but let me ask Luminus. Are there really corrupt clergy in the Sabre Papal Kingdom?

I want to know if there are corrupt clergy engaging in similar acts, like the cardinal who will appear later conspiring with demons.

[Yes, there are.]

‘Holy shit.’

And I received an affirmative answer from Luminus. I had my doubts, but hearing confirmation from a god who watches over the world is quite shocking.

I thought it would be better to face the rod first, but it wasn’t a rod but a hammer—my head is reeling. However, cursing during a conversation with a god is clearly blasphemy, so I immediately apologized.

No matter how much Luminus favors me, a god is still a god. Even a slip of the tongue is a serious matter.

‘I-I’m sorry. How could this…’

[I’m fine with it. I can understand your feelings. But it’s truly fascinating. I knew cultural differences could be severe, but I didn’t expect such results.]

Luminus himself seems bewildered now. Well, he probably didn’t expect it to be true when I asked on the off chance.

No, that’s not it. Even if he can’t intervene directly, he observes. He probably knew cancer had spread in Sabre but couldn’t come up with a proper countermeasure.

It’s similar to how he couldn’t tell us about demon worshippers being widespread throughout the world.

The gods must have been very frustrated because no one raised questions. Even when they warned through oracles, people misinterpreted them, which must have been infuriating.

Or perhaps the people who received and interpreted the oracles were corrupted. That’s not impossible.

[I’m always indebted to you. Thanks to you, the future of the world is becoming brighter than ever.]

‘…Are you going to thank the demon worshippers who summoned me here?’

[No. Because of them, an innocent soul came to a completely different place. From our gods’ perspective, life is always precious, no matter how insignificant it may seem. That’s what Mother says.]

Like mother, like child. It seems Luminus and Mora inherited their compassionate nature from Hirt, the goddess of life and nature.

A world developing under the protection of such compassionate and kind gods—somehow, I feel proud to have helped them.

Conversely, I wonder why demons are invading this world. Though demons are known for destruction and slaughter, there must be a leader who gives them “orders.”

Perhaps that leader’s goal is the destruction of this world. Since there was no clear explanation in mythology, I became slightly curious.

Still, I won’t ask Luminus directly. Instead, I moved on to another question.

‘Can you tell me who in the Sabre Church is conspiring with demons?’

[I’m sorry, but I can’t. This involves a future that could shake the entire world, and even with your current divine power, it would be difficult to handle. For a great tsunami to occur, an equally great force must be applied.]

I wonder how severe it must be if even my divine power isn’t enough. It seems it will cause ripples no less significant than the World Tree root contamination, my first “why-jin.”

And they’ll mark me as a returner. Now they’re stamping it firmly so I can’t escape.

I’m afraid of the aftermath when I reveal that I am Xenon in the future. I hope those around me will be safe, even if I’m not, but things in the world aren’t that simple.

I’ll try to prepare countermeasures somehow, but I’m not a protagonist like Xenon in a novel, and it’s almost impossible to confront the enormous power of the world.

Swoosh-

While I was sighing deeply in this complicated situation, I felt a hand gently stroking my head.

A caring and sacred warmth. This is the first time I’ve felt this during my conversations with Luminus.

Luminus, the god of light and hope, is gently caressing my head. At the same time, clear divine power enters my body, soothing my complicated feelings.

I’ve heard that a god placing their hand on a believer’s head, and furthermore, stroking it comfortingly, is reserved only for the Pope and Cardinals.

‘…Luminus?’

[Don’t worry too much, child. At least no dark clouds loom over your near future. The same goes for the women you love and your family.]

Luminus reassured me with his characteristically gentle tone. I could only be stunned as I felt his touch.

I understand why people worship Luminus and love the gods of this world. Who wouldn’t worship them when they bestow warmth as intimate as family?

Conversely, I resent the Sabre Papal Kingdom, which conspires with demons despite being founded for such a god. To be precise, I’m referring to a minority of clergy.

Of course, most clergy are probably diligent, but because of that minority, Luminus’s name is being tarnished.

Just as Luminus has bestowed love and grace upon me, I should repay him. At least, that’s how I feel.

…For a moment, Kate asking for my seed flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Anyway, I do have something else to ask of her.

‘Thank you. I’ll try to publish the book as quickly as possible. The writing will be finished within ten days at the latest. And the story I mentioned is for Volume 18, not 17. That means it’s still far off.’

[Don’t push yourself too hard. Work is good, but you should take it easy…]

‘Otherwise, I might soon join Luminus at his side.’

[… …]

Even though I rudely interrupted him, Luminus maintained silence. He probably knows well what situation I’m facing.

Since the topic came up, I’m curious. I said it half-jokingly, but what would really happen if I engaged in nighttime activities without receiving divine power?

If Luminus had said something, I might not wonder, but since he became quiet without saying anything, I wondered if I would really die an unfortunate death.

‘…Is there really such a future?’

[Assuming you don’t receive divine power. Such a future has disappeared because you received divine power, so don’t worry too much.]

‘Can you tell me what kind of future it was?’

[Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.]

How sad and terrible must that future be for Luminus to firmly refuse? I became more curious, but as he said, sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Moreover, since that future has disappeared because I’ve been consistently receiving divine power, it’s not something I need to worry about. As always, I’ll diligently serve my beloved lovers.

Since I’m consistently receiving divine power for stamina, there shouldn’t be a big problem if I train.

‘I understand. Then I’ll see you next time.’

[Ah, before that, ask Cecilly to visit Helium once. You have no idea how much Mora is urging to see you.]

Come to think of it, I haven’t visited Mora since winter break. I’ve been so focused on studies and writing that I haven’t had a chance to visit Helium.

I’d like to visit Mora, but I’m hesitant because I don’t know what kind of pranks she might play.

My hair, which has grown longer since winter break, grows back overnight no matter how many times I cut it, so I’ve almost given up. My lovers and family praise it, saying it suits me well and I should keep it that way, but I find it uncomfortable.

The weight of the hair alone is no joke, and it gets in the way every time I wash, making it really difficult to manage.

Thankfully, I sought advice from Cecilly, whose hair is much longer than mine; otherwise, I would have struggled alone.

‘Please tell her I’ll go on the condition that she doesn’t play pranks like last time.’

[She says she won’t. Ah, I’m sorry.]

It seems Mora is beside Luminus. That means she heard our entire conversation.

I’m not sure what she’ll say with her mischievous personality, but I hope she doesn’t play any strange pranks.

[Um… It would be best if you came as soon as possible.]

‘Why?’

Luminus replied. He hesitated for a moment, then carefully conveyed Mora’s intention.

[She’s insisting that if you don’t, she’ll turn you into a woman for a month…]

‘… …’

[She says she doesn’t necessarily need to ask Cecilly; she could ask a demon named Gartz.]

I should go quickly. I must avoid being turned into a woman at all costs.

Daily life itself wouldn’t be a problem, but it’s obvious how my lovely lovers would react. Just imagining it makes my knees weak.

‘…Please tell her I’ll go as soon as possible, but that’s not acceptable. Otherwise, I really won’t go.’

[She says she’ll give you a week’s grace. After a week, for each day that passes, it will be a month…]

‘Haha…’

I let out a hollow laugh. She’s a goddess who’s difficult to deal with in many ways.

Still, she’s as compassionate and kind as Luminus, so her followers must follow her faithfully despite their struggles. After all, her character is evident in her dedication to the oppressed demon tribes and dark elves.

The problem is that she plays mischievous pranks on those she likes. I heard from Cecilly that she played pranks on her too.

Apparently, she removed all of Cecilly’s breasts, which had been her pride. It was comfortable, but Cecilly became so depressed that Mora hastily restored them.

‘I’ll go as soon as possible. I’m busy, so I’m trying to make time.’

[There’s no need to rush.]

‘I understand. Then I’ll be going now.’

[Take care. May light be upon your path.]

With those words, Luminus’s voice disappeared completely. I slowly opened my closed eyes and raised my head.

A statue depicting Luminus stands before me. If Luminus were present, a faint energy would envelop the statue, but since there’s none, he’s definitely gone.

Afterward, I got up and stretched my stiff body. My legs were a bit numb from kneeling for too long, but it was bearable.

‘I should go to Helium soon.’

I need to meet Mora after a long time, and more importantly, avoid being turned into a woman. This time I’ll ask Cecilly, and next time I can ask Gartz so I can visit regularly.

I bowed my head sincerely to Luminus, who provides me with many conveniences, and went outside. As soon as I exited, I encountered an unexpected person.

“Believer Issac?”

“Huh?”

“Did you offer prayers to Luminus?”

It was Kate, a cardinal of the Sabre Papal Kingdom and Grand Inquisitor. Her forest-green eyes seemed indifferent but contained traces of pleasure.

I wasn’t concerned that she was staying at this temple, as I had heard about it before, but what stood out most was her attire. Instead of the somewhat revealing nun’s habit, she was wearing armor that covered her entire body.

Since she always wore a nun’s habit normally, I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Hello, Kate. I just finished offering prayers. But that armor…”

“I’m going to eliminate demon worshippers who tarnish Luminus’s name.”

As expected. Looking at her waist, I noticed a mace that seemed too heavy to hold with one hand.

The thought of her smashing demon worshippers’ heads with a face as pure as a country maiden’s made me feel strange, as it didn’t match the behavior she usually showed me.

It clearly demonstrates that one shouldn’t judge people by appearances. I tilted my head at the mention of demon worshippers in the capital and asked:

“Are there demon worshippers in the capital?”

“There are rumors they’re living underground. It’s a fitting place for such vermin. Such creatures must be thoroughly crushed and burned with holy fire so they can’t be revived.”

Through conversations with Kate, I’ve learned that she has quite a harsh tongue—but only regarding demon worshippers.

That must mean her faith in Luminus is genuine. She’s not a bad person, even if her common sense is a bit off.

…Though sometimes her faith goes too far and causes incidents. Recently, through casual conversations, she’s been changing little by little.

“I see. Be careful. Don’t get hurt by pushing yourself too hard.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Hmm…”

I stared at Kate, who had answered with a stoic face. When she noticed me staring, she blinked her green eyes and tilted her head.

“Do you have something to say?”

“No, just…”

Kate fanatically worships Luminus. Does she feel the same way about Sabre, her homeland and sanctuary?

Having received direct confirmation from Luminus, I feel uneasy leaving it as is. If Volume 18 comes out, it will thoroughly expose everything, but by then it might be too late.

However, I can’t tell her directly. It could seriously endanger Kate’s safety, and she’s still quite inexperienced.

Of course, she’s fully developed in terms of combat ability, which helped her reach the position of cardinal. But there are things that can’t be solved by force alone.

After much deliberation, I remembered an appropriate proverb and subtly conveyed it to her.

“Do you know the saying ‘It’s darkest under the lamp’?”

“I’ve never heard it before. Is it an oracle from Luminus?”

“No, it’s not.”

“Hmm…”

Kate lowered her gaze, blinked a few times, and then answered in her characteristically stoic tone.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”

“Tsk… I see. Alright.”

“Still, since it’s a message from Believer Issac, I’ll engrave it in my heart.”

“Thank you. May the path of hope be with you.”

I bowed my head, using the greeting exchanged by Luminus Church clergy. Kate also made the sign of the cross and returned the greeting.

“May the path of light be with you.”

Exactly two weeks after Volume 16 was released, Volume 17 made its appearance in the world. And…

“Kate returned to the Holy Nation?”

“Yes. Seems like there was some urgent matter.”

Kate returned to her homeland exactly two days later.