Ch.5151. Removing Curse

“…It’s a misunderstanding.”

I force myself to answer the cold gaze directed at me.

No, really.

I’m being wronged here.

It’s not like I have some weird fetish or am some serious pervert. I just did what Yuria asked me to do.

If I hadn’t done at least that much, she would have been completely consumed by the demon and gone berserk. What else could I do?

“She’s my sister whom I’ve reunited with after several years. My only family.”

But Lucien continued with a cold expression.

“And this only family of mine says she’s fine serving some random man as her master right after our reunion.”

“…”

What master?

I wish she would stop using such uncomfortable titles that make even me feel awkward just hearing them.

All humans are equal in this world.

Even though Serath’s world is modeled after a feudal society, that’s beside the point.

“She said she doesn’t mind as long as that man doesn’t leave her, that she doesn’t care what happens to her. As a declaration of that intent, she put on a collar with her own hands and handed it over to him.”

“…”

“I was curious why she was so obsessed, so I did some investigating. Apparently, Yuria was completely isolated from society and couldn’t meet anyone. He was the only person who cared about her.”

“…”

“Then one day, that person suddenly disappeared without a word, and she cried her eyes out alone. She prayed countless times just to see him once more.”

“…”

“Well, in that situation, I think anyone would become obsessed with that person without needing any other reason.”

“…”

“Is there anything I’m misunderstanding here?”

“…”

As I remained silent, unable to respond, the Holy Maiden narrowed her eyes and asked again.

“Is there?”

“…No, there isn’t.”

When it’s laid out like that, I really am an irredeemable piece of garbage. I admit it.

“Well, let’s put that issue aside for now. Even if you provided the catalyst, it’s clear that Yuria taking things that far isn’t entirely your fault.”

Lucien said with a sigh, and I nodded while breaking out in a cold sweat.

Yes. I’m grateful if you’re willing to let it go like that.

“And I can’t thank you enough.”

Saying that, Lucien bowed her head respectfully.

“I heard you confronted the Pope and made it clear that he should stop interfering with us.”

Unlike before, her voice was extremely respectful.

In a way, it even contained a hint of melancholy.

“My sister and I would never have been able to escape from his grasp on our own. Truly, meeting you was divine providence.”

“…”

[Target ‘Lucien’s’ affection has increased!]

[Affection level has risen to ‘Interest Level 1’!]

[Additional rewards are now available!]

[Rewards are reduced due to the target’s Good alignment!]

I scratch my cheek as I see the notification window appearing before me.

“…There’s no need to be so grateful.”

Well, I was destined to be at odds with the Pope one way or another.

Among the scenario villains, there are a few who might be handled relatively well, but the Pope is definitely not one of them.

“…”

I understand his purpose.

To put it vaguely.

What the Pope is trying to do is build a “paradise.” His idea of utopia on earth.

I suppose one could somehow frame his intentions as noble and lofty if they tried hard enough.

But unlike Valkarsus.

He’s trash. Even if I wanted to cooperate with him, I simply couldn’t.

It becomes increasingly clear as the scenario progresses toward the latter half.

“And well, my disinterest in you will probably be temporary. It wouldn’t be strange if I changed my mind at any time.”

The story of the Greyhaunter sisters continues to run parallel with the Pope’s storyline, forming one of the main axes of the scenario.

Right now, I may have neutralized their interference through negotiation, but ultimately, the Holy Empire and the Pope won’t stop meddling with the homunculi until their plans are completely shattered.

Especially considering what might be possible if these two are allowed to grow to their full potential.

“…Indeed, that’s true.”

Lucien continued in a slightly gloomy tone.

“My sister and I are essential to the Pope’s ‘great work.’ I don’t think he’ll give up, but…”

Then, a bitter smile appeared on the Holy Maiden’s face.

“That doesn’t diminish what you’ve done for us at all. I don’t know how to thank you properly…”

“Ah, then let me make a few requests.”

“…”

Lucien’s expression momentarily went blank.

She seemed taken aback by how quickly I jumped in, as if I’d been waiting for this.

Why are you surprised?

Nothing in this world comes for free.

“…Requests, you say?”

“Yes, requests.”

“Of course I’ll do whatever you ask, but despite my grand title as Holy Maiden, what I can actually do is…”

“Ah, that’s fine. I’m not asking for anything too demanding.”

Really.

It would be unconscionable to ask for something extraordinary. This person was being tortured in the Holy Empire until recently, wasn’t she?

“…”

Lucien’s expression turned slightly dejected.

“I see.”

“…Why are you getting discouraged? Didn’t you just say you can’t do much?”

“Still, hearing it directly like this makes me feel a bit…”

“…”

The sisters are truly alike in their shyness.

Especially Lucien, from her bleached hair to her tough appearance that suggests she might chew gum and spit, but her actions are those of a complete introvert.

“…First.”

Well, anyway.

I have two requests.

“Please help me improve my proficiency with holy protection. There aren’t many people in the church who can match your level, right?”

I plan to entrust my training to increase my holy power capacity, which has barely moved from F to somewhere between E and D, to this person.

Having chosen the priest tech tree, all abilities related to holy power are essential, and she would be a great help in that regard.

“That part isn’t too difficult, but may I ask what your current holy power capacity is…?”

“Insect level. Worm level.”

“…”

“It takes me three minutes to create the simplest healing protection. I imagine you could make about 200 of those at once without any holy artifacts?”

“…What level are you aiming for?”

“My goal is to reach about one-third of your capacity within a month.”

That’s about what I’d need to be genuinely helpful with the immediate problems I’m facing.

Just considering the issues that would be affected by my ‘holy power operation’:

Breaking the curse on Elnore’s family, finding the holy sword with Elia related to Calivan in Chapter 4, smoothly resolving future entanglements with the Inquisition…

None of these are easy tasks. Ordinary growth rates won’t cut it.

On the other hand, if I can actually grow that much, my range of action will expand tremendously. I’ll be able to handle situations smoothly even if things get complicated.

“…”

Lucien’s lips trembled slightly.

“…I’ll try my best.”

As expected of the Holy Maiden.

Instead of cursing me to my face after hearing this, she gives such a kind response.

‘Well, it shouldn’t be completely impossible.’

I know exactly how to rapidly develop such abilities from a ‘system’ perspective.

But I’ll need an excellent instructor like Lucien to master the practical application of those skills.

“And second.”

This is actually the core issue.

It’s more urgent and troublesome right now.

“This concerns your sister.”

Lucien’s expression became serious as well.

“Her condition isn’t good. It’s not immediately critical, but it’s heading in that direction.”

Considering how vicious the curse of the ‘Severed One’ is, she might seem quite normal on the surface for now.

But curses typically corrupt their users over a long period of time. The fact that parts of her body are already affected after just a few years indicates this isn’t a trivial situation.

The evidence is that she can’t even speak unless Lucien is nearby.

“…Still, the situation is somewhat better now that she can stay with me.”

Indeed, as she says, homunculi receive significant ability buffs when they’re together. Their resistance to curses would increase accordingly.

“We’ve bought more time, so if we can find a better solution in the meantime…”

But.

“I don’t like that.”

“…Pardon?”

“I don’t like the idea of dragging this out for so long. You’ve finally reunited after all this time, but you can’t even properly be close to each other. Does that make any sense?”

In reality, because of that cursed curse.

It’s problematic to keep these two together for too long. You never know what accident might happen.

At most, while Lucien was unconscious, it was possible to leave Yuria in a semi-isolated state in the same room, but in a situation where both can move around, that itself becomes too dangerous.

That’s why these two haven’t even had a proper conversation yet.

Does that make any sense?

After not seeing each other for years.

“…”

At my words, Lucien’s eyes widened.

“Let’s go break that curse right now.”

They say strike while the iron is hot.

There are exactly 3 days left until the Valkarsus event. No need to drag this out.

Right now, Yuria’s sword ‘Severed One’ is not only cursed but also contains a fragment of a demon. If we don’t properly resolve at least one of these issues, progressing through Chapter 2 will be impossible.

And breaking the curse is much easier than dealing with the demon fragment.

Moreover, above all else.

‘First I need to break that curse to get rid of this collar…!’

If we can just eliminate the trait that prevents her from getting within three steps of anyone else, I can somehow escape this bizarre accessory situation.

That’s what matters most to me right now…!

“…”

While I was thinking this.

I noticed Lucien glaring at me with a slightly flushed face.

“…? Do you have a fever? If you haven’t fully recovered yet…”

“…Yes, I’m getting the picture now. The type who throws things out thoughtlessly without any self-awareness. Seems completely oblivious too.”

“…”

Why the sudden harsh words?

What did I do wrong?

“…Since you don’t seem like the type who would change through discussion, let’s just hear what you have to say. Do you have a method?”

“Of course I do.”

Of course I do.

Not a perfect solution, but more than adequate as a workaround.

I explain it to the Holy Maiden in terms she can fully understand.

“Are you actually insane?”

“…”

Darwood Campbell, life achievement:

Being cursed at twice in a row by the Holy Maiden.

Why are you like this, seriously?

●

The duties of the delegation sent from the Holy Empire to Elphante are always the same.

Maintenance and repair of religious facilities within the institution. A few simple ceremonies.

So, it’s normally not a very crowded event.

Normally.

That probably would have been the case if not for the presence of the Holy Maiden, a mega-celebrity.

“The Holy Maiden looked this way!”

“She must have been looking at the horizon.”

“No, she definitely looked at me!”

“…”

The sight of crowds swarming together and squealing at every movement was enough to give anyone a headache.

Elia, standing beside me, rubbed her face with a tired expression.

As befitting a hero candidate, she had been summoned to this important event to guard the Holy Maiden, but it seems she hadn’t expected such a massive turnout either.

While the Holy Maiden sits quietly in a fully covered carriage, those guarding outside and pushing back the crowds are having an absolutely miserable time.

“Why did a guard position suddenly open up…”

I smile wryly as Elia mutters like she’s in pain.

That job would normally be done by Valkarsus, who is at least nominally Lucien’s knight.

But as for him, well.

[Main Quest] 〖Chapter 2 – Boy King〗

[3 days remaining until the ‘Academy Raid’ incident!]

He’s probably busy preparing for this.

From what I know, this isn’t usually a large-scale incident.

Valkarsus must be working quite hard to prepare for it.

As I was smiling bitterly, a voice came from beside me.

“…Teacher.”

“Yes?”

“Could you help me out a bit?”

“How?”

“First, could you please stop doing that…?”

She pointed at me holding Yuria’s leash while Yuria grinned broadly, trying to cling to me as I struggled to maintain distance.

Thankfully, the Holy Maiden has granted us a presence-concealing blessing, so at least this unseemly sight isn’t visible to those around us.

“What kind of play is this? Are you desperately trying to start rumors or something?”

“…It’s not like that.”

This girl suffers from extreme anxiety symptoms if I move even slightly away from her. There’s nothing I can do about it.

Doing what she asks is the best option…

“Huh? You were so busy with something that you completely disappeared for two days after the midterms. How did she manage during that time?”

“She didn’t.”

“…Pardon?”

“This morning she broke my dormitory window to get in. I found her curled up asleep right next to my bed.”

“…”

Well, it wasn’t completely without benefit. I gained some good information.

The maximum period Yuria can endure without seeing me is two days.

She probably barely managed to hold out because Lucien was unconscious during that time, but as soon as she heard her sister had regained consciousness and was healthy, this is what she did.

“…So why did you drag such a dangerous person along to the regular delegation ceremony?”

“Because I needed to, kid…”

When have I ever done something like this without thinking?

It’s because there are places that only someone of the Holy Maiden’s stature can get permission to enter.

In fact, the final destination of today’s schedule is exactly that.

“…This place is impressive every time I visit.”

The Heart of the Star.

This dome-shaped building, named as such, visibly pulsates with enormous holy power even when viewed from the outside.

It’s a facility found only within the three academies surrounding the void zone. Its role is to supply power to the barrier surrounding the academy.

This is a place that even someone of the Holy Maiden’s caliber normally couldn’t touch. It’s fortunate just to get permission to enter.

Originally, the entire schedule consists of just going inside, offering a prayer of thanks, and leaving.

Yes.

That would be the normal procedure.

“I heard in class that inside there’s a holy relic left by the Lightbearer. That relic provides semi-permanent power to the barrier. Isn’t that amazing?”

Elia spoke with slightly excited tones.

Well, this person is inherently bound to be interested in ‘heaven’ and ‘angels’ by her very nature.

After all, the person she admires most, Calivan, is a holy knight.

“And they say there are security measures to prevent terrorist activities?”

“Is that so.”

“If anyone touches the holy relic inside, guardians prepared by the Lightbearer will appear! Angels are really thorough in their work!”

“I see.”

“…”

As I responded plainly to her excited chatter, Elia suddenly stopped talking.

She seemed to have finally realized something was off.

Right now, only three people have entered this ‘Heart of the Star.’

Me. Yuria. Elia.

The rest of the personnel are waiting outside.

This is a situation I specially arranged by asking the Holy Maiden.

“…What is this about?”

She said with narrowed eyes, her expression showing she instinctively sensed something ominous.

“What are you plotting now?”

“I’m not plotting anything.”

I look at the massive pulsating mineral before me while yawning.

This is the ‘Heart of the Star,’ which gives the building its name.

It’s also the material that will eventually become the holy sword wielded by Elia.

A perpetual motion machine capable of generating supernatural power on its own.

“…”

The ominous look on Elia’s face intensified.

Meanwhile, I stride purposefully toward the Heart of the Star.

“Teacher. You’re not going to…”

“Going to what?”

“…You’re not going to do that, right?”

I’m not sure what “that” is supposed to be.

But if she means this, then yes, I am.

I draw my sword and strike the Heart of the Star.

“…”

“…”

A frozen silence envelops the area.

“What the hell are you doing, you crazy person?! Are you actually insane?!”

I smile at the sight of Elia screaming frantically.

“It’s fine. This won’t even scratch it.”

“The scratch isn’t the problem…!”

-…

-…

-…!!!!

Immediately, the Heart of the Star, detecting the ‘impact,’ emitted a red light.

It’s clearly not a friendly signal.

The light grows stronger, and the Heart of the Star pulsates faster and faster.

As if trying to ‘summon’ something.

‘That’s right.’

I smile at the sight.

“Hey, but I do agree with one thing. Angels do good work.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?!”

“That’s why I’d like to have a quick meeting with them.”

The Curse of Severance, as I’ve mentioned before, is one of the most vicious curses in the game.

To treat it quickly, ordinary people won’t do.

We need to borrow the hands of angels, who are specialists when it comes to breaking curses.

‘But…’

Someone of the Lightbearer’s stature is quite high among angels. Not someone you can easily meet.

So.

There are two ways to meet a busy person.

First is to make an appointment well in advance.

But I only have 3 days, so that’s not an option.

“…”

And the second method is.

To cause trouble.

A really big one.

Big enough for reports to reach them.

“…Right.”

Suddenly, Elia muttered with an enlightened expression.

“This person was always crazy.”

“…”

As those words escaped her lips.

-!

-!!!

-!!!!!!!!!

The erupting red light began to envelop the interior of the dome with a terrifying force.

●