Ch.309Chapter 309 – Heading to the New Continent

The oracle of demon remnants discovered in the New Continent once again plunged the continent into chaos.

It had been barely two months since the Demon God was defeated, and people thought there would be no more talk of the Demon God or his remnants.

However, contrary to expectations, the demon remnants were living in the land called the New Continent.

In a situation where many people now trembled at the mere mention of demons or the Demon God, demon remnants had appeared?

This promptly led to the formation of an allied force for a large-scale demon extermination.

However, this time, the force wasn’t as massive as what had been called the Holy Alliance Army.

Previously, they had to face a group called the “Demon Cult” consisting of countless people.

But now, they were dealing with demon remnants that remained after the Demon God’s destruction.

Since they weren’t facing an enormous enemy but rather eliminating remaining foes, the force was smaller but composed solely of experts who could guarantee victory even in one-on-one combat with demons.

Needless to say, I was also participating in this demon extermination alliance.

Not only was this about eliminating the remnants of the Demon God’s subordinates, but above all, I felt I needed to finish this with my own hands.

At the very least, I thought I’d feel a bit more at ease if I could lend a hand in completely driving out the demons.

“Patos. Wouldn’t it be better not to go? I don’t see any reason for you to risk yourself by going there.”

“This one thinks the same. Although you’ve mastered the Celestial Demon Divine Technique, it merely enhances your physical abilities, not your combat skills.”

Sister Regina and Cheon Hyeryeong questioned whether I really needed to go there.

“I won’t be able to sleep soundly until I deal with the last demon with my own hands.”

Unlike ordinary monsters, demons are truly troublesome beings.

“Shouldn’t we also request help from the elves who protect the World Tree?”

“Well, I’ve thought about it several times, but the elves won’t come to help you unless you’re in direct danger.”

Hmm, so it’s an awkward situation to get help from the elves who hate demons.

It feels a bit uncomfortable going alone… but I can’t always rely on Cheon Hyeryeong’s help either.

“Then I have no choice. Since Eterna is participating this time, I’ll have to go with her.”

Fortunately, Eterna is participating this time as well. Perhaps it’s only natural, given that she’s the Solar Order’s Saint, Chief Inquisitor, and has experience fighting demons?

“If you’re going with Eterna… that should be fine, right?”

“This one acknowledges the Saint’s skills. She should be able to protect my husband safely.”

The reason these two can’t go with me is obvious without saying.

Sister Regina must protect the academy’s safety as its chancellor.

And Cheon Hyeryeong said she would go to the Eastern Continent to prevent the possibility of demons running wild there.

Since both were protecting the land that would become our home, I understood why they couldn’t come along.

Instead—though it feels odd to put it that way—with Eterna accompanying me, most demons would likely be dealt with by her.

After all, the position of Chief Inquisitor isn’t won through gambling.

Time passed, and a week went by.

Now, with the new semester starting and April just a week away, we were gathered at a port in eastern Gelebrio Empire, boarding a ship bound for the New Continent.

Originally, these ships were prepared by the Explorers Guild to explore the New Continent, but given the circumstances, they were now transporting the demon extermination alliance under imperial orders.

“The two of them aren’t coming this time?”

As I was feeling the sea breeze on deck, Eterna, who was on the same ship, approached and spoke to me.

Now, when no one is watching, she subtly presses her body close to mine, seeming more forward than before.

Perhaps her experience fighting demons had a significant impact?

“One has to protect the Western Continent, and the other the Eastern Continent.”

“So you and I are going to protect the New Continent, right?”

Hmm, is that how it works? Come to think of it, Eterna’s words weren’t wrong.

After all, if the oracle hadn’t come down, the New Continent exploration team would have inevitably encountered demons.

In a way, we were doing what the New Continent exploration team should have done.

“Originally, this is something the New Continent exploration team should do first. But given the circumstances, the demon extermination alliance will be the first to set foot on the New Continent.”

“Ah, is that so? Then we’ll be making history! The Demon Extermination Alliance, first to set foot on the New Continent!”

Eterna seemed delighted, either about going to the New Continent or simply about going with me.

“Are you that happy?”

“Of course! Actually, I’m happy because I’m with you, Patos. Hehe.”

See? I’m telling you, she’s really changed since fighting demons and nearly dying.

Before, she at least tried to maintain a saintly appearance, but now she looked less like a saint and more like someone cosplaying as one.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, that’s not it.”

But, could a saint even get married? I’m not sure if I remember correctly or if I’ve forgotten, but were there such regulations?

“Lady Eterna. I have a question.”

“What is it? What are you curious about?”

“Can saints like you get married?”

Generally, some religions allow marriage, but depending on doctrine, religious figures may not be allowed to marry.

If that’s the case, even if my relationship with Eterna develops, we might become lovers but not spouses, right?

“Ah… that? Didn’t I explain it to you before? Let me explain again.”

Eterna seemed pleased with my question but also somewhat hesitant.

“First of all, in principle, saints cannot marry people who serve gods of equal or lower rank than their own. Naturally, they also can’t marry non-believers.”

Hmm, so marriage with Eterna is impossible after all…

“But~! They can marry someone chosen by a higher god than the one they serve. For example, a saint of a lower god can marry a saint or apostle of a higher god.”

“In that case, what happens to the saint’s affiliation?”

“As far as I know, the saint’s affiliation changes unless they don’t want it to.”

Hmm, so if Eterna marries me, would her affiliation change to the Great Goddess Order?

“Then do you wish to remain in the Solar Order, Lady Eterna?”

“Why do you ask that?”

“You don’t seem to be looking for someone to marry.”

“What are you saying! He’s right here! The only person I can marry!”

…? Wait, did Eterna just refer to me as “the only person I can marry”?

I pondered her words for a moment.

First, I hold the position of a marquis in the Gelebrio Empire and am soon to be the husband of the imperial princess.

But the Great Goddess Order has appointed me as a saint, apostle, and hero.

This means I hold two positions: a noble of the empire and a special cleric of the order.

Therefore, since Eterna is a saint of the Solar Order, to me, an apostle of the Great Goddess Order, she serves a lower god.

Thus, I am indeed the only person Eterna can marry.

‘So… that’s why Eterna has been approaching me.’

In a way, it’s a pitiful life. She’s in a position revered and loved by all as a saint, but she cannot pursue love with anyone except me without violating her order’s doctrine.

From that perspective, to Eterna, I am the only person she can romantically love without breaking her religious rules.

The problem is that this applies not just to Eterna but to saints from other orders as well.

Is that why Eterna is clinging to me more? She’s trying to stake her claim before someone else does.

“I see.”

“Eh, uh, wha-what?”

When I took Eterna’s hand, her face suddenly turned bright red as she uttered incomprehensible sounds.

At times like this, it’s okay to be a bit forward, right?

“How do you feel about me, Lady Eterna?”

I asked Eterna, and her response was…

“I-I’ll tell you later!”

She made a hasty retreat.

What…?

Did I just get rejected?