Ch.33The Five Desires and Seven Emotions (4)

# The Seven Emotions and Five Desires (4)

Something suddenly occurred to me.

A desire creeping up from deep within.

“I’d like to be promoted.”

-…Pardon?

Yes, a promotion.

Come to think of it, despite working with the Hero’s party for three years and making considerable contributions, I was still just a Lieutenant.

Contrary to what the Colonel had said about accumulating achievements, nothing seemed to have changed.

Well, it’s not like I’d be able to collect a salary anywhere right now even if I were promoted.

“Haven’t I been deployed with the Hero’s party for quite some time now? I’ve provided a fair amount of intelligence during that period. Couldn’t something be arranged?”

-Uh… Ah, there’s no reason why not. Of course, Lieutenant Lug. No, I should call you Captain Lug from now on. I’ll speak to Personnel about it.

“Haha! As expected, Commander Lilith is the only one who looks out for me.”

-Ahem, hmm, hmm… Don’t mention it. That’s what our relationship is about, isn’t it?

“Indeed.”

Actually, I’ve noticed something recently.

Commander Lilith treats me unusually well.

I hadn’t realized it before since I only ever saw her cold expression from a distance, but now I see she has quite an affectionate personality.

So I made what might have been a somewhat impertinent request, and sure enough, she readily granted it.

“Ah, we’re currently heading to the Glacies Magic Tower. I hear our objective is to make contact with Millia Asrin, a Mage there.”

-I see. Do you happen to know where your next destination might be?

“This is just my personal opinion, but judging from the Hero’s recent activities, I think we might be going to meet the thief… no, the scholar, Tina next.”

-Indeed, the movement pattern is somewhat different from before. I’ll keep that in mind and direct the operations team accordingly.

“Yes, sir!”

After that exchange,

I was promoted to Captain Lug.

Honestly, I wanted to ask for a promotion to Major, but I do have some conscience.

I know my abilities are slightly lacking for a field-grade officer.

It’s unfortunate. The difference is really small, but that’s what’s keeping me from becoming a field-grade officer.

Well, it won’t be long now.

Just a little more and I’ll reach the position I desire.

“Mr. Lug.”

“Captain Lug… Ah, that’s not it. Yes, Saintess. What can I do for you?”

That was a close call.

I worried she might have overheard, but Eirene’s expression was the same as always, smiling brightly.

That’s right.

To be honest, I’m not sure.

But if she had caught me, she would have immediately planted her morning star in my head.

After all, isn’t she the one who calls demons vermin?

I’m only a half-vermin at best, but there would be no exceptions.

“I’ve been thinking that we might have been burdening you too much lately.”

“Not at all. It was simply my duty.”

I responded humbly as usual. After speaking, I thought that maybe if I complained about how difficult it was, I might be able to quit? The thought crossed my mind for a moment, but that wouldn’t happen. It was obvious that, like before, I’d just end up creating an awkward atmosphere while continuing to carry luggage.

“It must have been very difficult for you. So after much consideration, I…”

Eirene grabbed my hands with both of hers and then paused mid-sentence.

“I…”

Her face grew increasingly red, and a bead of sweat trickled down her forehead. Could that be called holy water too? I would call it that.

“I…”

“Yes, Saintess. Please continue.”

I gave her a little push as she kept getting stuck at “I…”

Was there something difficult for her to say? Could she be trying to confess her feelings?

Looking at the recent atmosphere, I honestly think there’s a possibility.

“I’m going to give you a reward.”

For a moment, Eirene’s choice of words sent lewd thoughts through my mind.

I quickly regained my composure, but…

“So, what do you think?”

An awkward but seductive expression I’d never seen before.

Eirene brought my hand toward her chest, and I reached the conclusion that my thoughts were correct.

There was only one conclusion.

***

During the period when Lug was secretly communicating with Lilith,

Esmeralda and Eirene, who had checked the amount of luggage in Lug’s carriage, were also continuing their own conspiracy.

“So… you’re saying that Lug is currently being controlled by the seven emotions and five desires? That he’s filled with worldly troubles?”

The Five Desires (Oyok):

Referring to the five desires for wealth, fame, food, sleep, and sex.

And the Seven Emotions (Chiljeong):

Joy, anger, sorrow, pleasure, love, hatred, and desire.

These are things one must be cautious of to become a deity, passed down from ancient times.

Many gods worshipped by various religious groups also became deities after shedding such worldly troubles.

Among them, the Heavenly God was most famous for bestowing miracles.

Gods were not unique.

Because they weren’t unique, people believed anyone could become a god.

And it was the previous pope of the Heavenly God’s Order who, obsessed with this arrogance, committed sins while trapped in the seven emotions and five desires.

“The unidentified characteristic the Hero mentioned… that might be the culprit troubling the current Heavenly God, that is, Mr. Lug.”

“Uh, hmm… is that so?”

For Esmeralda, the idea that Lug was the Heavenly God lacked credibility.

He occasionally made chilling remarks and actions, but could those really be considered divine dignity?

“First of all, it’s certain that Mr. Lug has changed because of that characteristic, right?”

“I… guess?”

Or could it be the opposite?

Esmeralda had that thought for a moment but soon shook her head. There was no evidence for it.

If they were both just speculating without evidence, it was easier to avoid unnecessary conflict. Honestly, she didn’t care much either way.

“If the Heavenly God’s foundation is being shaken and he’s trapped in the seven emotions and five desires because of that power, it’s a serious problem.”

“What’s so serious about it?”

“Because it could lower the Heavenly God’s status.”

“I see.”

Honestly, it didn’t matter to her either way.

She didn’t believe in any god.

Esmeralda still had reservations about Lug being the Heavenly God, but she decided to follow Eirene’s opinion.

“We need to free him. Even now, his lust, gluttony, and greed are becoming more prominent.”

“So what do we do?”

“…Maybe give him a little relief?”

“Wow, are you really a saintess?”

“I! I am! …Do you think it’s easy for me to say such things?!”

“But you did say it.”

You lewd woman.

Esmeralda silenced Eirene with just a glance. It was one of the few moments she could assert dominance over Eirene.

“So you’re going to do it?”

“…What?”

“Don’t tell me you were thinking of asking me to do it? He’s your Heavenly God, isn’t he?”

“Uh… well…”

“Let me tell you in advance, I absolutely refuse. Unlike you all, I don’t see Lug that way.”

In fact, Esmeralda couldn’t understand how anyone could be attracted to someone like him.

What a pervert.

Though she only thought this to herself.

“O-Of course! I-I should be the one to do it!”

Eirene declared her bold ambition.

***

With Eirene’s bold ambition, the plan to seduce Lug began.

‘Huh? Huuuh? HUUUUUH??’

Yes, this was her attempt to seduce Lug in her own way.

It was good that she had guided Lug’s hand toward her chest, but…

‘HUUUUUUUUUUH?!’

Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze.

The moment Eirene faced Lug’s unhesitating lust, her mind went blank with terror.

She had expected him to hesitate at first. She had planned to somehow persuade him with words to subdue his lust.

She thought a soft and beautiful, innocent love would begin.

But Lug was a man who lived for today.

A person who had successfully endured three years in the Hero’s party.

He wasn’t a coward who would back away from an opportunity right in front of him.

“Eep! W-wait…”

Eirene was startled and began to back away.

But Lug matched her pace, following closely.

As Eirene retreated and Lug followed as if entranced.

Thud.

Eirene finally reached the wall.

Now there was nowhere left to run.

Lug’s expression was even serious as he eagerly fondled her chest.

He was seriously molesting Eirene’s chest.

“Uh, w-wait a moment? Um, um… uuu…”

Eirene began to whimper, unable to do anything.

Though she was accustomed to all sorts of political machinations and schemes, she was still just an inexperienced girl when it came to first love.

But there was someone who saved her…

WHACK!

It was the Hero of justice.

“Eirene, what do you say?”

“Th-thank you for saving me…”

Esmeralda, who had knocked Lug unconscious with a blow to the back of his head, looked at Eirene with contemptuous eyes and asked.

“What do you mean ‘saving you’? Because of you, I’m the bad guy again. I just hit Lug, who did nothing wrong, on the head.”

Esmeralda clicked her tongue at this ridiculous situation.

‘I didn’t think he’d actually do it. And I never imagined that bastard would act so boldly.’

He was so focused on fondling that he didn’t even notice someone approaching from behind.

Esmeralda clicked her tongue and laid the unconscious Lug down properly.

She still had enough humanity left to not want Lug’s mouth to go crooked from sleeping on the cold floor.

And Esmeralda had an obligation to bring Lug to the Demon Lord while keeping him “single.”

That was the only way this unstable party wouldn’t collapse.